Decks, Porches & Patio Covers

All Decks, Porches & Patio Covers within the City limits of Scappoose must meet the setback requirements in the Scappoose Planning Dept. Land Use Development Code in addition to the State of Oregon Building Codes.

1. All Building Departments in Oregon must follow the current State of Oregon Building Codes. Link to Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC);  Building Codes Division : Adopted codes online : Codes and standards : State of Oregon

• For building permit EXCEPTIONS per the Residential Specialty Code ORSC; R105.2 Work Exempt from Permits, go to Chapter 1 in the above link.
  • Ch. 1  R105.2 # 6; "PATIO COVERS AND PORCH COVERS NOT OVER 200 SQ. FT. AND SUPPORTED BY AN EXTERIOR BUILDING WALL, NOT EXCEEDING 12 FEET IN MEAN ROOF HEIGHT"
  • Ch. 1 R105.2 #12; "PORCHES AND DECKS WHERE THE FLOOR OR DECK IS NOT MORE THAN 30" ABOVE ADJACENT GRADE MEASURED AT ANY POINT WITHIN 3 FEET HORIZONTALLY OF THE FLOOR OR DECK.
  • If your patio cover is over 200 sq. ft. OR if your porch/deck is more than 30" above the adjacent grade, as mentioned above, then a building permit is required;
• Contractors must apply via Oregon e-permitting; Building Codes Division : Using Oregon ePermitting
  • Be sure to upload plans via the e-permitting application process
  • We also require 3 hard sets of plans
• Homeowners must use application packet, below​​​​.
  • We require 3 hard sets of plans

2. Planning Dept. Land Use Development codes for Patio Covers, Decks and Porches must meet current zoning restrictions for set backs, height and lot coverage requirements even if NO BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED.  These restrictions are based on the zoning of the property.  Find the property zoning using our zoning maps, link below;

• https://www.scappoose.gov/planning/page/city-maps​​​
• Then find your zone chapter (R-1, R-4, MH, A-1, C, EC) in city's Land Use Municipal Code; 
  • https://scappoose.municipal.codes/
  • Also review Lot Exceptions and Add'l Setbacks code; 
    • https://scappoose.municipal.codes/Code/17.96

If a permit is required we will require a Plot Plan along with the Construction Plans. 

• The plot plan is only required if a permit is required.  The plan plan is used to ensure your scope of work meets the setback, height & lot coverage requirements of the City's Land Use Development Code.  See plot-plan example in the application packet. 
  • County Assessor Tax maps will show the property's lot dimensions.  This data can be found on the Columbia County Assessor website link below or contact the County Assessor for assistance with their website or maps;  Columbia County Web Map (columbiacountymaps.com)
• Construction Plans -  Plans are only required if a permit is required.  To save you time and money, our jurisdiction WILL accept the State's Ready-Built-Plans.  Please consider using this plans as minor modifications to this plan could be accepted by the Building Official/Plan Reviewer.
  • Link to the Ready-Built-Plans;  Ready Built Plans (free download) | City of Scappoose Oregon
• Inspections - Once your plans are approved a permit will be issued to you.  It is the permit applicants responsibility to request inspections.

All electric and septic permits are handled by COLUMBIA COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT 503-397-1501.

If you have any questions please email, Elizabeth Happala at  ehappala@scappoose.gov