Residential Remodels, Additions, Accessory Structures including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's)

All building departments in the Oregon enforce the current/adopted State of Oregon building codes. 

Click link below to view all current/adopted building codes including work EXEMPT FROM A PERMIT (typically found in Chapter 1 of each code book).

https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/adopted-codes.aspx

ALL ELECTRIC AND SEPTIC-SYSTEM PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS ARE HANDLED BY COLUMBIA COUNTY.

For permits & inspection info click link to our building web-page; https://www.scappoose.gov/building

Ensure your project is within the City of Scappoose jurisdiction;  The Scappoose Post Office delivers mail within 3 separate jurisdictions; Columbia County, Multnomah County and City of Scappoose.  Having a "Scappoose" mailing address is not indicative of the jurisdiction, only the NAME of the Post Office responsible for mail delivery to that address. 

To find the property zoning, use this link; https://www.scappoose.gov/planning/page/city-maps

ZONING RULES/REGULATIONS – Planning Department

Ensure your construction project meets the zoning restrictions on property line setbacks, height restrictions and lot coverage.  Additional restrictions for sensitive lands (floodplains, wetlands & steep slopes).

1. Find the property zoning via the city's zoning maps & floodplain maps via this link;  https://www.scappoose.gov/planning/page/city-maps
2. Once you find the property zone, go to our Land Use Development Code;  https://scappoose.municipal.codes/Code/17
   • For example, if the property is within the R-4 zone then go to “Chapter 17.50 R-4 Moderate Density Residential”.  The dimensional requirements an be found on page 2.
   • Also review Chapter 17.96 for Exceptions and Additional Setbacks.

Additional land use development requirements could apply for certain properties;

• properties within sensitive lands Chapter 17.84-86; floodplain, wetlands & steep slope.
• properties within the Downtown Overlay Zone near NW 1st, NE 1st and E. Columbia Ave., see Chapter 17.80.
• Note; properties within a subdivision usually have a Home Owners Association (HOA) with additional requirements/restrictions.

FIRE SEPARATION FIRE-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION; Section R302 (ORSC)

Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of exterior walls of dwellings and accessory structures shall comply with Table R302.1  Where multiple detached dwellings are located on a single lot, each detached dwelling shall comply independently with Table R302.1.  Click building code link above to see full code.

• Less than 3' building wall separation is allowed IF exterior Walls that are fire-resistant rated construction (minimum 1-hr. tested ASTM E119 UL 263) 
• Greater than 3' building wall separation IF exterior Walls are NOT fire-resistance rated.

NOTED EXEMPTIONS;  Individual dwelling units and their accessory structures located on the same lot.  And any non-habitable accessory building exempt from  permits is also exempt from this fire separation code.

REMODELS

Permits are required. Residential Remodels that do NOT change the footprint and/or the height of the home will not require a plot plan with construction plans. 

ADDITIONS

Permits are required.  Residential Additions which change the footprint and/or the height of a structure WILL require plot plan review with construction plans.  Ensure your addition meets the zoning restrictions.

NON-HABITABLE ACCESSORY STRUCTURES 

Per the current Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 1 Scope & Administration, Section R105; (click code link above) could be exempt from a structural permit, although would still need to meet zoning restrictions on setbacks, height & lot coverage.

• NO permit is required if the “non-habitable one-story detached accessory structure does NOT exceed 200 sq. feet AND a wall height of 15’ measured from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface”.

Structures greater than 200 sq. feet and/or was height greater than 15', require a permit and construction plans for review.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU'S)

Permits are required.  First ensure the ADU meets the City's ADU code 17.92;   https://scappoose.municipal.codes/Code/17.92   

For further questions about building permits or planning dept. zoning please contact;

Elizabeth Happala, CDC Office Administrator III  

ehappala@scappoose.gov