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Building Division's Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to buy a permit to build on my own property?
Oregon law requires you to obtain permits -- even if you build on your own property -- to ensure that minimum building standards are met for your own safety and for the safety of future property owners and occupants.
Category: General Building FAQ
Who is responsible for obtaining permits?
The property owner or contractor is responsible for obtaining structural, mechanical, and manufactured dwelling setup permits. For electrical work, Oregon law requires that if an electrical contractor does the work, the contractor must take out the permit. On plumbing work, the property owner, plumbing contractor, or the plumbing contractor's representative may take out the permit for residential projects. For commercial plumbing projects, the plumbing contractor must take out the permit.
Category: General Building FAQ
When am I required to get a permit?
Permits are required for any new construction, alterations and additions to existing buildings, including structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work. However, there are some exceptions to the structural requirements. If you aren't sure you need a permit, call the City of Tualatin Building Division, (503) 691-3044.
Category: General Building FAQ
Where do I get permit applications?
Permits are now available online! Visit the online permit system eTrakit. If you have questions please call (503) 691-3044.
Category: General Building FAQ
What happens if I forget to send all the necessary documents and fees with the permit application?
We will contact you by phone or mail to request additional information or fees for processing your application. This may delay processing your application.
Category: General Building FAQ
How do I determine fees for a permit?
Fee schedules and valuation tables are available to help you determine permit fees. Contact the Building Division at (503) 691-3044.
Category: General Building FAQ
How can my property be inside the City limits but not in the City?
There are several pockets of land that are within the City limits but not yet annexed to the City. Private property owners choose whether to annex to the City or to remain in Washington or Clackamas Counties. This can result in non-annexed "islands" being surrounded by annexed land. It is a common phenomenon and can be found in other cities throughout the region.
Category: General Building FAQ
Can a permit be issued before the plan is reviewed and approved?
No. All plans must be reviewed prior to permits being issued.
Category: General Building FAQ
What technical information do I need to submit with my plans?
You may be required to submit some or all of the following: plot map, foundation plan, floor plans, elevations, structural calculations, specifications, energy documentation, required fire protection equipment, mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical drawings. For further information, contact the Building Division at (503) 691-3044.
Category: General Building FAQ
When do I have to hire an architect or engineer to design my project and prepare the plans?
Commercial or Multi-Family Buildings:
You are required to hire an architect or engineer according to the following State laws. Please call one of our building inspectors or plans examiners if you have any questions.
Click for more specific information related to this topic.
Residential Single-Family Projects:
An architect or engineer is required only when special structural conditions apply, such as seismic bracing requirements and large window expanses, decks and patio covers over ten (10) feet in heights, special soils conditions and sloping sites, and other unusual structural elements like extensive cantilevers.
Category: General Building FAQ
How do I determine if my property is within the floodplain?
Contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035. Please be ready to provide your address or map and tax lot number and they will let you know if you are in the floodplain.
Category: General Building FAQ
Does my development require a special Flood Hazard Area Development Permit?
If it is determined that your project is within the 100-year floodplain, you will need a Flood Hazard Area Development Permit. Please contact Tony Doran at (503) 691-3035 for more information.
Category: General Building FAQ
When are the drawings of plans for review and approval required?
You must submit structural and mechanical plans or drawings for any new building construction, or for addition or alteration to an existing building. You also must submit plans with riser diagrams for commercial plumbing projects. Plans aren't required for nonstructural repairs and work for which a permit isn't required. However, a change in use or occupancy may require plans, even though there are no structural alterations. Check with the Building Division at (503) 691-3044 to determine whether a change in use or occupancy permit is required.
Category: General Building FAQ
When can I start work?
Work can begin as soon as the permit is issued. The permit must be on the job site while work is in progress and when the inspector is present. If you have submitted plans, one set of plans stamped "Approved" will be returned to you. These approved plans, along with the permit, must be on the job site while work is in progress and also when the inspector is present.
Category: General Building FAQ
When is permit required to build a residential deck?
Permits are not required for porches and decks, where the floor or deck is not more than 30" above adjacent grade at any point and where in the case of a covered porch, the covered portion of the porch does not come closer than 3' to property lines. Click here for an example of typical residential deck details.
Category: General Building FAQ
Is a building permit required to rebuild an existing deck that is not enlarged?
Yes, if it involves the replacement of joists, beams, railings, or stairs. A permit is not necessary if only the decking (top) is being replaced. All decking should be a minimum of 5/4" nominal lumber thickness. 3/4" inch lumber is not structurally graded or approved for decks. Stair treads must be a minimum of 2X's material.
Category: General Building FAQ
For a residential deck, what should the site plan show?
The site plan must be to scale. The site plan should show all structures, driveways, graveled areas, patios, or other impervious surfaces. It must also show all easements, property lines and the exact distances from the proposed deck to the property lines.
Category: General Building FAQ
For a residential deck, what should the framing plan show?
A complete and clear description of the deck and all elements is required. Please include all dimensions and materials. Other code requirements may apply to your project. You may wish to consult a licensed contractor, architect, or other design professional. Another option is to use our typical deck details. You will, however, be required to follow the typical plans and details as provided without any deviation.
Category: General Building FAQ
Why are inspections necessary and how do I get one?
City employees inspect the construction site while work is in progress to ensure that the work is progressing according to the approved plans and using methods that will result in a safe building. The property owner or their representative is responsible to call and request inspections required for the given stages of the project. Call our inspection request line at (503) 691-3040 to request an inspection.
Category: General Building FAQ
Why do I need a plumbing permit to replace a water heater?
Oregon law requires plumbing permits for water heaters because of potential safety hazards such as fire, electric shock, or explosion.
Category: General Building FAQ
Who do I call for a final inspection on my residential deck?
Footing and final inspections are required. The footing inspection must be done prior to the installation of the decking material. The final inspection must be done when all work is completed. Inspections can be scheduled by calling (503) 691-3040.
Category: General Building FAQ
When does my permit expire?
Your permit expires if work does not start within 180 days of the date of issue. Once you have begun work, your permit expires if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days or more. If you cannot work within a 180 day period and do not wish to abandon the project, you may submit a written request to extend your permit for an additional 180 day period.
Category: General Building FAQ
How can I contact a plans examiner or inspector?
You may contact a plans examiner or inspector by calling the Building Division at (503) 691-3044.
Category: General Building FAQ
What are the roles of Clean Water Services in development in Tualatin?
Clean Water Services is a governing body responsible for the quality of surface water and sewage treatment within urban Washington County and as such, through its various responsibilities, plays a large role in the development process within the City of Tualatin. As development is proposed, Clean Water Services reviews and assesses the proposed development's impact on the subject and adjacent sites. Clean Water Services also makes determinations on erosion control and wetland buffers.
Category: General Building FAQ
