Building Division FAQ's - Permit Questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about residential construction projects.

• Can I submit a permit electronically? 
• Yes, you will need to register to use the Online Portal. 
• Our team will process and send you information about payment, and our plans examiner will review everything digitally. Once approved and issued, we can issue to you digitally and then you’ll just be responsible for printing a copy of the approved plans to have onsite for all inspections. Residential plan reviews can take up to 10 buiness days, commercial/industrial plan reviews will be reviewed within 15 business days for first review. 
• Contact permits@ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-4960 Option #1. 

• Where can I find information about my house's construction history?
  • Wilsonville Maps for related documentations to your property, if available.  To request electronic copies of these documents, complete a Public Records Request. If your house is 2 years or older the city may not have construction drawings of your house, however, there will be information in the file. 

• When do I need a Building permit?

  • A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. 

  • Do I need a permit for an ADU?

    • To add a detached accessory structure to your property start the conversation with the Planning Division to see if the proposed project meets the City's Development Code.  After confirming with Planning that your proposed project can move forward, contact permits@ci.wilsonville.or.us to confirm whether or not you need a building permit. Be prepared to provide staff with the dimensions and height of the proposed structure as well as the proposed location on the property. 

    • What are my setbacks? Planning Division planningpermits@ci.wilsonville.or.us will help you determine the setbacks on your property.  Many of the subdivisions in Wilsonville have standards that are unique to that subdivision and do not necessarily concur with the zoning regulations as described in the Development Code, provide your address so they can verify your specific property's address.

    • Patio Covers for Residential: 

      • Enclosed or unenclosed patio covers, and porch covers meeting all of the following conditions are exempt from a building permit:

        • Not over 200 square feet;

        • The floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet horizontally of the floor or deck;

        • The covered portion of the porch or patio does not come closer than 3 feet to property lines; and

        • Supported by an exterior building wall.

      • If a proposed deck or patio cover meets some, but not all, of the above conditions, a permit is required. If a proposed deck or patio cover meets all of the above conditions a permit is not required. Covered decks and patios not requiring a building permit may still require mechanical, plumbing and electrical (through Clackamas County) permit. Planning requirements must still be met even if a Building permit is not required. 

• When do I need a Deck permit?  

  • The floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet horizontally of the floor or deck. 

  • Deck is over 120 square feet, and more than 30 inches above grade check setback requirements with the Planning Division planningpermits@ci.wilsonville.or.us 

• When do I need a plumbing permit? A permit is required to do the following: to add a backflow device for an irrigation system, replace water heaters, alter piping inside a wall or ceiling or beneath a floor, and for plumbing in all new installations; 

• When do I need an electrical permit? Electrical Permits for Wilsonville city limits are issued through Clackamas County or (503) 742-4240. 

• When do I need a mechanical permit?

  • A permit is required for the following: Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that must be vented into any kind of chimney, including un-vented decorative appliances; install a woodstove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or related venting; install, alter, or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors); install bath fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances (water heater) that are required to be vented.  

• Sign permits over 2 square feet require a Building permit. Contact Planning Division for approved signage.  You can contact them at (503) 682-4960,  

• Can I remove a tree on my property? Tree removal permits are issued by the Planning Division.  You can contact them planningpermits@ci.wilsonville.or.us or (503) 682-4960. 

• Can I build a fence on my property? Start with planningpermits@ci.wilsonville.or.us, if the fence you are building is over six feet high, you also need to get a building permit from the Building Division.  

• Are there certain hours I can work on construction projects? Yes, there are construction work hours.  If contractors are working outside the set hours contact the non-emergency police at 503-655-8211.

• Home security alarm notification system permit? NO, the City does not require a permit for Residential home security alarm notification systems. 

If you are not sure if you need a permit, email permits@ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-4960.