Springfield, Oregon Remodeler Local Permit Ordinances and Codes

Springfield, Oregon Municipal Permit Ordinances for Remodelers and Home Renovations

Springfield, Oregon's Building Department, under the Development & Public Works division, serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for building permits and safety. They are responsible for plan review and inspection services to ensure projects meet state building codes and local requirements. You can reach them at 541-726-3753.

For contractors, permit applications and submissions can be managed online through the Oregon ePermitting Program. Homeowners can also initiate applications and upload documents via a homeowner portal or by emailing [email protected].

Demolition Permits vs. Standard Residential Building Permits

The need for a demolition permit versus a standard residential building permit in Springfield depends on the scope of work. Full building demolition requires a specific demolition permit.

Demolition Permit Required: Full building demolition, or partial demolition involving the removal of structural elements like walls, roof sections, or floors.
Demolition Permit May Not Be Required: Removing small accessory structures (sheds, carports, small outbuildings) built after 1978 and not located in a historic district may be exempt. However, utility disconnection and proper disposal are still necessary.
Pre-1978 Structures: Demolition of structures built before 1978 requires a permit and an asbestos survey due to potential asbestos-containing materials.
Historic Districts: Properties within historic districts may require additional review and approval from a historic review board before demolition.
Documentation for Older Structures: Demolition of structures built before 1940 may require additional documentation by City staff for archival purposes, which involves photographing, measuring, and drawing the building. This process typically adds a few days to the permit timeline but does not impede the demolition process.

Space Alterations: Converting Non-Living Spaces to Habitable Areas

Converting non-living spaces such as basements or garages into habitable areas is permissible in Springfield, often falling under Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations or interior remodel permits. These conversions must comply with specific zoning and building code standards.

Basements: Finishing a basement typically requires a building permit for interior remodels.
Garages: Converting a garage into a habitable space, such as an ADU, is possible. Specific zoning regulations apply, including setback requirements and the need for adequate windows. For instance, a side-entry garage might need a driveway of a minimum length.
General ADU Requirements: Accessory Dwelling Units must be self-contained with a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. They generally cannot exceed 800 square feet or the size of the primary dwelling.
Permitting for Conversions: A Land Use Permit is typically required first for ADUs, followed by a building permit.
Existing Unpermitted Work: If an "existing" finished attic or basement was not permitted, it will need to be legalized through a new permit, requiring compliance with current building codes for living space, including ceiling height, emergency egress, and insulation.

Fee Nuances and Inspection Stages

Springfield utilizes an online ePermitting system for applying for permits, submitting plans, scheduling inspections, and paying fees.

Fee Structure: Building permit fees are generally based on the valuation of the construction, using ICC valuation tables or the contractor's total cost. A 12% state surcharge is applied to building department fees regulated by ORS 455.477. Additionally, a 7.5% administrative fee is assessed on all applications, permits, and fees.
Inspection Requests: All inspection requests must be received by 7:00 a.m. on the day the inspection is needed. Requests received after this time will be scheduled for the next business day. Inspectors are available by phone between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and potentially again from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Plan Review Fees: Using a pre-approved "ready-build" ADU plan may result in a reduced building permit plan review fee.
System Development Charges (SDCs): Through June 30, 2027, the City of Springfield is waiving transportation, stormwater, and local wastewater SDCs for newly permitted ADUs.

Resources to Learn More

Because Springfield is located within Lane, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:

Oregon, Lane Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Oregon, Lane County Remodeling and Renovation Permit Requirements

In Lane County, Oregon, the Building & Safety Division acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for building permits. This division is responsible for ensuring that all construction and remodeling projects comply with state and local building codes for safety and structural integrity.

Unincorporated Areas

Properties located in unincorporated areas of Lane County are subject to the same building permit requirements enforced by the County's Building & Safety Division. These requirements are in place to maintain safety standards across all areas under the county's jurisdiction.

Demolition Work

Demolition work during a remodel in Lane County typically triggers a permit requirement. This is to ensure that demolition is conducted safely, with proper environmental controls (like asbestos abatement if applicable) and structural considerations to prevent damage to adjacent structures or the surrounding area. Specific requirements may vary based on the scope of the demolition.

Converting Non-Living Spaces

Converting non-living spaces such as garages, attics, or unfinished basements into habitable living areas in Lane County requires a building permit. This process involves ensuring that the converted space meets all the necessary building codes for habitable areas, including requirements for:

Egress (emergency exits)
Ventilation
Insulation
Electrical and plumbing systems
Structural modifications
Fire safety standards

The definition of "habitable space" generally refers to any space within a building intended for sleeping, living, cooking, or eating. Therefore, any alteration that changes a non-living area into one of these functional spaces will necessitate a permit and subsequent inspections.

Resources to Learn More

Lane County Building & Safety Division

The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Oregon:

Oregon Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Oregon Building Codes for Remodelers and Residential Renovations

In Oregon, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), through its Building Codes Division, is responsible for adopting, administering, and enforcing a uniform, statewide building code. This code governs construction and ensures minimum safety standards across the state. Many cities and counties administer and enforce these codes locally.

The state building code is comprised of various specialty codes. For existing buildings and renovations, the primary code is the 2021 Oregon Existing Building Code, which is based on the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with Oregon-specific amendments. Other relevant codes include the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) and the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC).

Generally, permits and plan review are required for remodels that involve structural changes, the creation of habitable space, alterations to openings, or modifications to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Cosmetic work, such as painting, replacing cabinets, or installing new flooring, is typically exempt from permits, provided it does not affect the structure or systems. However, even exempt work must comply with local zoning and code requirements.

Converting attics or basements into habitable living spaces is considered a structural alteration and will require permits and inspections.

Demolition guidelines vary by locality, but generally involve specific notification periods for property owners and may require deconstruction for older structures. For instance, some local ordinances may require a 15-day notice before demolition begins and specify procedures for debris removal and site restoration.

Recent legislative changes in 2024 and 2025 aim to streamline permitting processes for renovations. For example, municipalities over 15,000 in population may be prohibited from requiring frontage improvements as a condition for altering existing buildings, provided certain criteria are met regarding square footage, alteration cost, and occupancy classification.

Resources to Learn More

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