Lane County, OR Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Lane Code § LC 11.015
- Adopted code
- 2014 OSSC and 2017 Oregon Residential Specialty Code
- Key exemption
- Approved agricultural buildings and equine facilities
- Fee authority
- ORS 455.210 and 479.845
- Enforcement
- Stop-work order under LC 11.990
- Continuing violation
- Separate occurrence per day after 10 days
Summary
Lane County requires an approved building permit for all work covered under the county's Building Codes before construction unless the code specifically exempts it. Lane Code § LC 11.015 sets the requirement, and the Land Management Division's Building Program in the unincorporated county issues the permit, collects fees set under ORS 455.210 and 479.845, and enforces against unpermitted work.
11.015 Permits, Fees and Refunds.
(1) Permits. Permits are required for all work covered by the Building Codes of Lane County except where specifically designated as exempt pursuant to Lane County adopted code. A structure approved by the Planning Department as an "agricultural building" or "equine facility" is exempt from the structural permit requirement.
(2) Fees. Building code permit fees are those established by the Board in accordance with ORS 455.210 and 479.845.
Full Breakdown
Lane Code Chapter 11 governs building permits in unincorporated Lane County under authority from the county's Home Rule Charter and ORS Chapters 215, 455 and 479. 2 and R105 of the ORSC. 015(1) then states the operative rule: permits are required for all work covered by those Building Codes except where the adopted code specifically designates it exempt, and a structure the Planning Department has approved as an agricultural building or equine facility is exempt from the structural permit requirement. 015(3) all or part of an application fee can be refunded if the applicant withdraws before substantial staff review such as the initial plan review, with the refund amount set by the Building Official based on staff time already spent. 025). 016).
Violations & Fines
Building without the required permit is enforced under LC 11.990: the Division Manager can order the work stopped by written notice posted on the project or served on anyone doing the work, who must cease immediately until authorized to resume. Working without a permit also carries the added fees required by LC 11.015. If a failure to comply continues 10 or more days after notice, each additional day is a separate violation, and the District Attorney or County Counsel can seek injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in unincorporated Lane County?
What building code does Lane County use?
What happens if I build without a permit?
Can I get my building permit fee back if I cancel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lane County
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