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

PERMITS – Building Department 

See the Building Page for Permit & Inspection info; https://www.ci.scappoose.or.us/building

All Oregon Codes are on-line; https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/index.aspx

For non-commercial permit exceptions view code for RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES; 2017 ORSC;  Go to “CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION” then “Section R105 Permits” (begins on page 5).

Note: All Electrical permits are handled through Columbia County Land Development in St. Helens; 503-397-1501.

ZONING RULES/REGULATIONS – Planning Department

Know the zoning of your property and the restrictions within that zone.  City of Scappoose zoning maps & floodplain maps can be found on the Planning Dept. page of the city website;  http://www.ci.scappoose.or.us/planning/page/city-maps

Once you find the property zone, go to our Land Use Development Code (see menu bar on the left of the planning page);  http://www.ci.scappoose.or.us/planning

For example, if the property is within the R-4 zone; go to “Chapter 17.50 R-4 Moderate Density Residential”.  The dimensional requirements within that chapter for the R-4 zone can be found on page 2; it will list the minimum setback requirements from property lines, lot coverage restrictions and height restrictions for the house as well as any accessory structures. Also review Chapter 17.96 for Exceptions and Additional Setbacks.

Additional requirements could apply for;

~ properties within sensitive lands Chapter 17.84-86; floodplain, wetlands & steep slope.

~ properties within a subdivision; usually the HOA will have a copy of the Conditions of Approval. Most properties within a subdivision are already built to the setback maximum and/or lot coverage.

~ properties within the Downtown Overlay Zone near NW 1st, NE 1st and E. Columbia Ave., see Chapter 17.80.

REMODELS

Residential Remodels that do NOT change the footprint and/or the height of the home will not require plot plan submittal. Although, depending on the scope of work could require permits for structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical changes.  Contact our office for more details.

ADDITIONS

Residential Additions which change the footprint and/or the height of a structure WILL require plot plan review. 1st; Ensure the placement meets your zoning setbacks, height restrictions and lot coverage. 2nd; Ensure you or your contractor obtain the required Building Dept. permits. Submit 2 sets of plans; one approved set will be returned to you and must be kept on the job site until final inspections are done.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

1st; Ensure the placement meets the property zoning regulations related to setbacks, height restrictions and lot coverage.  2nd; Ensure you obtain the require Building Dept. permits; per the State of Oregon Building Codes Chapter 1, Section R105 Permits #1; NO permit is required if the “non-habitable one-story detached accessory structure does NOT exceed 200 sq. feet AND a wall height of 10’ measured from the finished floor level to the top of the top plate”.  If permits are required, then submit 2 sets of plans; one approved set will be returned to you. 

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU'S)

1st; Ensure the placement meets the property's zoning regulations related to setbacks, height restrictions and lot coverage.  It must also meet the City's ADU code 17.92;  https://www.ci.scappoose.or.us/municipalcode?keys=&field_municipal_code_tid=86&=Apply     2nd; Ensure you or your contractor obtain the required Building Dept. permits. Submit 2 sets of plans; one approved set will be returned to you and must be kept on the job site until final inspections are done.  Must meet the State of Oregon Residential Code with the option of the Reach Code; https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/index.aspx

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

Elizabeth Happala, CDC Office Administrator III  

ehappala@cityofscappoose.org