Building a Home in Coos County-A Homeowner's Guide

Most new construction, any addition, alteration of structure and most repairs require a permit. There are different options for getting permits, but for the homeowner this is a guide will help with getting started.

Step 1-

The first step is to contact the Planning Department for the jurisdiction your property falls within to obtain authorization to build. 

Planning Departments: 

Some offices require appointments for walk in customers, it would be best to call first for walk-in hours.

** The City of Lakeside administers their own planning and building departments. Please contact them if you are within the city limits of Lakeside. City of Lakeside  541-759-3009

Step 2-

Does the property require an onsite septic system? Properties that do not have access to municipal sanitation systems require that an onsite septic system be installed. 

No- Proceed to Step 3

Yes- Contact the Coos County Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 541-269-2721 located at 465 Elrod Street Suite 102 in Coos Bay to inquire about the steps you will need to take to obtain a permit.

Step 3-

The Coos County Building Department issues all building permits within the county, except for structural and mechanical within the city limits of North Bend or Coos Bay.

The Coos County Building Department administers electrical and plumbing for all areas within the county with the exception of the City of Lakeside which has its own building department and permitting process. Please contact the number above for requirements in that area. 

You can bring your plans and documents to our Coos Bay location at 1155 S 5th St. Coos Bay (The DMV building) or you can email them to building@co.coos.or.us

Complete a Structural Permit Application and submit that along with the following:

•     Zoning Compliance Letter from the appropriate planning office
•     Onsite Septic Installation Permit (if applicable)
•     Complete set of building plans (requirements are listed on the checklist) 
•     Checklist with items checked off
•     Completed Structural Application 

Step 4- 

Our office will process the application materials and invoice fees. We will send you an email with a link to make payment.

Your plans will be reviewed for completeness and code compliance. This process may take up to 8 weeks in peak building season.  If there are questions or other needs, our office will email you directly. 

Step 5-
When the plans are approved, our office will email a copy of the approved plans, and the building permit to you and you are ready to build!

Items to consider:

• We cannot accept incomplete applications, we need all application materials at the time of submission
• Read through the building plans checklist to be sure that each item is checked off
• The timeline for moving through the entire process may take several months
• Detailed plot plans are required by our office and the planning departments, please take time when drawing up your plot plan and include all features of the property including measurements and slopes.
• Be sure to verify your contractors by looking up the license at the Construction Contractor's Board at https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/index.aspx
• Permits are valid for 180 days from issue date or date of last inspection on progressive work. 

Step 6- Additional Permits

Are you installing the electrical, mechanical or plumbing yourself as the homeowner? 

• Yes- You will need to apply for each permit separately.  You can use the Oregon ePermitting website or you can contact our office via email or telephone for assistance.
• No, I am hiring professionals- Each contractor will need to apply for their own permits. Plumbing and electrical permits are not transferrable.