Development Services Permits & Plan Review
Do I Need a Permit?
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 (and submit revisions and deferred submittals) online at www.corvallispermits.com.
See our Application Submittal Guide for full instructions on the online application process. A brief summary of the application process is described below.
- Create an Account and Log-in.
- Submit your application and plans (if required) electronically.
More information on plan review and submittal requirements can be found below. - Completeness review
Please allow staff two (2) business days to review your submittal and ensure it is complete. If additional information is required, you will be notified by email. - Pay plan review fees (if applicable)
If your project requires plan review, you will receive an email once plan review fees have been calculated. These fees must be paid before review begins. If your project does not require plan review, go to permit issuance below. - Plan review (if applicable)
Once plan review fees are paid, your project will be routed for review. The initial review cycle is typically two weeks for one- and two-family residential projects; three weeks for multi-family and commercial projects. More information on plan review timelines can be found below. - Permit issuance (and pay additional fees)
You will receive an email with fees due once your permit has finished processing. Once all fees are paid, your permit will issue. All plans, conditions, and other documents will be available through the online portal.
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.
- Residential (one- and two-family) Plan Review Checklist
- Commercial / Multi-Family Plan Review Checklist
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 "Rapid" (2-day) initial review under our Rapid Review program. Please note that if your receive a plan review letter for your Rapid Review project, subsequent reviews will revert back to normal plan review timelines.
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.
