On Real Estate & More – December 2020/January 2021

Most property owners can understand why they should get a building permit for new construction or maybe even a home addition. But what about smaller remodeling projects? Do you need a permit to reroof your home or build a backyard deck? What if you want to do the work yourself?

The answer is usually yes. Permits are the way cities and counties regulate construction and are designed to ensure that construction is safe; the safety of the building occupants is the primary reason for having construction codes. Many jurisdictions in the Rogue Valley including Jackson County have adopted State codes, among them the State Structural Specialty Code, and the State Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Specialty Codes. In addition, there are federal, state and local laws that govern construction, such as those covering energy conservation.

According to the State of Oregon’s Building Codes Division, a permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction: structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. There are also many exemptions to permit requirements for smaller projects; every jurisdiction allows for different exemptions. Here are some items that can commonly be completed without a permit:

  • Ordinary repairs
  • Cosmetic interior finish work (linoleum, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry, painting)
  • Exterior siding repair and replacement (where not required to be fire-resistive)
  • Existing window and door replacement (where no structural member is changed)
  • Retrofitted insulation (including removal and replacement)
  • Fences seven feet or less in height in Jackson County (the City of Jacksonville requires a permit)
  • Masonry repair
  • Attached patio covers (check with your local building official as Jackson County and the City of Jacksonville have different requirements)
  • Detached accessory buildings that do not contain habitable/ livable space (check with your local building official as Jackson County and the City of Jacksonville have different size/height requirements)
  • Gutters and downspouts

Common examples of work that requires a permit include:

  • Electrical work
  • Plumbing work
  • Removal of any wall, beam, or other load bearing support
  • Removal, rearrangement, or change of the means of egress (doors, egress windows, etc.)
  • Mechanical systems
  • Reconstruction of exterior walls or roof structure

Even if your project does not require a building permit, code standards must still be met. The regulations vary in each jurisdiction, so the bottom line is if you are not sure if you need a permit, contact your local building official. Good luck with your next project!