Development Services Permits & Plan Review

In general, permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, see our Do I Need a Permit guide (for residential projects) or contact us.

Permits Processed by Development Services

Development Services issues a wide array of permits such as Structural (building), Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Excavation/Grading. Our department also processes Zoning and Land Use applications including Lot Development Option (LDO) and Plan Compatibility Review (PCR). Additionally, Development Services issues permits for floodplain development, business signs, driveway approaches and sidewalks, and mobile food units. See all available applications on our Forms, Applications, and Fees page.

How to Apply for a Permit

You can apply for Development Services permits (including revisions and deferred submittals) online or in person.

Apply Online

To apply online, go to http://corvallispermits.com to be directed to our online permitting system.

See our Application Submittal Guide for full instructions on the online application process.

1. Create an Account and Log-in
   
2. Submit your application and plans (if required) electronically
   
3. Completeness review (staff will contact you within 2 business days if any additional information is required)
   
4. Pay fees
   
5. Plan review (if applicable)
   
6. Permit issuance (and additional fees, if applicable)

Apply In Person

1. Submit your application and plans (if required) in our office
   See the full list of applications processed by Development Services on our Forms, Fees, and Applications page. Please bring a hard copy of your application (or fill one out in our office), as well as three (3) copies of your plans for in-person submittals.There is no appointment necessary for in-person submittals. Visit us during Counter Hours if you would like to discuss your project with our reviewers before submission.
   
2. Completeness review
   In most cases, staff will review your application for completeness while you are in the office. If additional information is needed, we will request you to obtain the missing items and return to our office to submit a complete package. Partial applications / plans will not be accepted.
   Please note that larger projects may require an intake meeting or longer completeness review. Please contact our office for specific requirements that may apply to your project.
   
3. Pay fees
   Plan review fees will need to be paid to begin the review process. Permit fees will be due at the time of permit issuance.
   
4. Plan review (if applicable)
   The review timeline for residential projects is 2 weeks and commercial / multi-family is 3 weeks. Some projects may qualify for a faster review under our Rapid Review program.
   
5. Permit issuance (and additional fees, if applicable)
   If your permit does not require plan review, your permit will be issued while you are in our office. If your permit requires plan review, you will receive an email after the review is complete or if additional information is needed. Once your permit is approved, you will need to return to our office to pick up your reviewed set of plans, pay fees, and sign your permit(s).

Plan Review

Most building permit applications require the submittal of plans. Upon submittal, plans are reviewed concurrently by multiple disciplines, for compliance with adopted City codes and regulations. Following the initial review cycle (typically two weeks for one- and two-family residential projects; three weeks for multi-family and commercial projects), an applicant will either receive a notice that their permit is ready to be issued, or will receive a plan review letter outlining additional items that must be submitted or resolved before the permit can be issued. It is recommended that prior to submittal, you review your plans to ensure that all of the necessary information is shown clearly and accurately.

For more information on plans required for submittal, reference our checklists below.

Plans for multifamily, commercial, and industrial projects are generally more comprehensive and may require the involvement of a design professional.

Please contact a Building Inspector / Plans Examiner at 541-766-6929 or by e-mail if you have any questions related to plan submittal requirements.

Review Timelines

The initial review cycle is typically two weeks for one- and two-family residential projects; three weeks for multi-family and commercial projects.

Some projects may qualify for a faster review under our Rapid Review program.

Plan review responses and revisions are reviewed in one week for one- and two- family residential projects; two weeks for multi-family and commercial projects.