When is a permit required?

Building permits are usually required when building safety might be affected. You will need a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one or two family dwelling or related structure.

For example, a building permit is required to:

• add a room
• build, demolish, or move a carport, garage, or shed more than 200 square feet in area or 10 feet high
• finish an attic, garage, or basement to make additional living space
• cut a new window or door openings and enlarging existing openings
• move, remove, or add bearing walls or walls creating habitable rooms
• apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed
• build a stairway
• build a retaining wall more than 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or to build any retaining wall affected by the weight of a nearby driveway, structure, etc.
• build a deck more than 30 inches high from the lowest point of the grade

If you are not sure you need a permit, please contact the City of Redmond, Building Division at (541) 923-7721.

What can I do without a permit?

You do not need a permit to do minor repairs and maintenance on a one or two family dwelling.

A permit is NOT required to:

• paint buildings that are not historical landmarks
• blow insulation into existing homes
• put up storm windows
• install window awnings that are supported by an exterior wall
• add non-bearing walls, except when creating a habitable room
• replace interior wall, floor, or ceiling covering such as wallboard or sheet vinyl
• put up shelving and cabinets
• install gutters and down spouts
• replace or repair roofing where there is no replacement of sheathing (a maximum of 3 layers of roofing is allowed) - residential only
• replace doors or windows where the existing openings are not widened
• pave a walkway or driveway
• build a deck that is not more than 30 inches above grade

Being exempt from a permit does not mean that you can do any work that would violate any law or ordinance. Code standards will need to be met even when a permit is not required.