FAQs - Building

Find answers to some of the most common questions about residential construction projects.

• Can I submit a permit electronically? 
  • All permits must be submitted electronically on the city Online Portal.
• Contact permits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov or 503-682-4960 Option #1. 

• Where can I find information about my house's construction history?
  • Wilsonville Maps for related documentations to your property, if available.  To request electronic copies of these documents, complete a Public Records Request. If your house is 2 years or older the city may not have construction drawings of your house, however, there will be permitting information in the file. 
  • Where can I find my service lines on my property?  Wilsonville Maps may have the information you are looking for, enter the number of your address only (no street name), then click on the box in the upper right corner, click on documents.   

• When do I need a Building permit?

  • A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. 

  • Do I need a permit for an ADU or Accessory Structure (Shed)?  

    • To add a detached accessory structure  or shed to your property start the conversation with the Planning Division to see if the proposed project meets the City's Development Code.  After confirming with Planning that your proposed project can move forward, contact permits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov to confirm whether or not you need a building permit. Be prepared to provide staff with the dimensions and height of the proposed structure as well as the proposed location on the property. 

    • Per the 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty code “Non habitable one-story detached accessory structures [are exempt from permits], provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and a wall height of 10 feet measured from the finish floor level to the top of the top plate (R105.2.1)” or “framed-covered non habitable accessory buildings not more than 500 square feet in area, one story in height and not closer than 3 feet to a property line, where the structure is composed of a rigid framework that supports a fabric membrane (R105.2.20).” If the structure you are planning on constructing will be an accessory building that meets these size requirements, you would not need a building permit.

       If the shed you are planning on building falls outside of these permit excepts, please apply for a building permit. To apply for a building permit, you will submit using the Online Portal including the building plans and any supplemental calculations, details, and/or engineering. 

       You will need to meet Planning requirements for setbacks, lot coverage, etc. whether or not you need a building permit. Please direct questions about Planning requirements to planningpermit@ci.wilsonville.or.us

       Finally, if you will be building a structure 500 square feet or larger, you will need an Erosion Control permit, which is required anytime a construction project will disturb more than 500 square feet of soil contact apepper@ci.wilsonville.or.us

    • What are my setbacks (how far can I build to my property line, what other restrictions are related to my property)? Planning Division planningpermits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov will help you determine the setbacks and additional requirements to build on your property.  Many of the subdivisions in Wilsonville have standards that are unique to that subdivision and do not necessarily concur with the zoning regulations as described in the Development Code, provide your address so they can verify your specific property's address.

    • Patio Covers for Residential: 

      Permit Not Required
      Enclosed or unenclosed patio covers, as defined in the ORSC AH102, and porch covers do not require a building permit if all of the following conditions are met:

      • The cover is not over 200 square feet in area and not used a habitable room.
      • The floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, measured at any point within 3 feet horizontally of the floor or deck.
      • The covered portion of the porch or patio is at least 3 feet from any property line; and f a proposed deck or patio cover meets some but not all of the above conditions, a building permit is required.

      • Even when a building permit is not required, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits may still be necessary

      • The floor or deck is not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet horizontally of the floor or deck. 

      • Deck is over 120 square feet, and more than 30 inches above grade check setback and other requirements with the Planning Division planningpermits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov

      • Ready built deck plans

• When do I need a plumbing permit? A permit is required to do the following: to add a backflow device for an irrigation system, replace water heaters, alter piping inside a wall or ceiling or beneath a floor, and for plumbing in all new installations; 

• When do I need an electrical permit? Electrical Permits for Wilsonville city limits are issued through Clackamas County or (503) 742-4240. 

• When do I need a mechanical permit?

  • A permit is required for the following: Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that must be vented into any kind of chimney, including un-vented decorative appliances; install a wood stove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or related venting; install, alter, or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors); install bath fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances (water heater) that are required to be vented.  

• Sign permits over 2 square feet require a Building permit. Contact Planning Division for approved signage.  You can contact them at (503) 682-4960,  

• Can I remove a tree on my property? Tree removal permits are issued by the Planning Division.  You can contact them planningpermits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov or (503) 682-4960. 

• Can I build a fence on my property? Start with planningpermits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov, if the fence you are building is over six feet high, you also need to get a building permit from the Building Division.  

• Home security alarm notification system permit? NO, the City does not require a permit for Residential home security alarm notification systems. 

• Working and Living under High Voltage Power Lines Resources: 

  • Living and Working Safely Around High Voltage Power Lines

  • Landowners Guide to Compatible Use of BPA Rights of Way

  • Land and Right of Ways Resources

If you are not sure if you need a permit, email permits@wilsonvilleoregon.gov or 503-682-4960 #1.