Hillsboro, Oregon Remodeler Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Hillsboro, Oregon Municipal Permit Ordinances for Remodelers and Home Renovations
The City of Hillsboro's Development Services & Permitting Center is the Authority Having Jurisdiction for building permits and home renovations. They can be reached at (503) 681-6153 or via email at [email protected].
Demolition Permits vs. Standard Residential Building Permits
A demolition permit is required for the complete removal of residential structures over 200 square feet in floor area. For commercial structures, the threshold is over 120 square feet. Any partial demolition that involves removing structural elements, such as walls or roof sections, is considered an alteration and requires a standard building permit. Removing small accessory structures built after 1978 and not in a historic district may be exempt from a demolition permit, but utility disconnection and proper disposal are still necessary. Structures built before 1978 require an asbestos survey before demolition.
Space Alterations: Converting Non-Living Spaces to Habitable Areas
Converting non-living spaces such as basements or garages into habitable areas requires a building permit. This includes adding bedrooms or bathrooms, or installing egress windows. For garage conversions, plans illustrating the proposed work are required, including details on electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, insulation, and energy code compliance. Alternative off-street parking may be required if garage parking is eliminated. Finished basements used as living space may also trigger zoning occupancy requirements, especially if a bedroom is added or a separate dwelling unit is created.
Fee Nuances and Inspection Stages
Permit fees in Hillsboro vary based on the project's value and scope. For example, the minimum permit fee is $64.90 plus a state surcharge. Plan review fees may also apply, typically an additional 25% of the overall permit fee if plan review is required. Fees for development review range from $315 for projects valued up to $5,000, to $5,775 for projects over $5,000,000. Specific fees for basement finishing can range from $120 to $400, with additions like bathrooms or bedrooms incurring higher costs. Demolition permits can range from $300 to $1,500. Inspections are a crucial part of the permitting process, ensuring that construction meets local, state, and federal requirements. Permit fees generally include the first plan review and standard inspections, but subsequent reviews or re-inspections may incur additional charges.
Resources to Learn More
- City of Hillsboro Development Services & Permitting Center
- City of Hillsboro Building Department / Planning & Zoning
- Demolition Permit Requirements in Hillsboro, OR
- Basement Finishing Permit Requirements in Hillsboro, OR
- Building Permit Requirements in Hillsboro, OR
- Calculate a Bathroom Remodeling Project in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon
- Calculate a Kitchen Remodeling Project in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon
- Calculate a Basement Finishing Project in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon
- Calculate a Attic Conversion Project in Hillsboro, Washington County, Oregon
- Find Remodeler Contractors in Hillsboro
- Find Remodeler Contractors in Washington County
- Find Remodeler Contractors in Oregon
Because Hillsboro is located within Washington County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Oregon, Washington County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Washington County Building & Safety Division
Washington County Building Services is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and maintenance of buildings and structures within its jurisdiction, including enforcing the State of Oregon Building Code. They provide permitting, plan review, and inspections for both commercial and residential properties in unincorporated Washington County.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Washington County Building Services specifically handles permitting, plan review, and inspections for properties located in unincorporated Washington County. Their regulations apply to construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and maintenance of buildings and structures, with exceptions for those located in public ways.
Specific Permit Triggers for Demolition Work During a Remodel
A demolition permit is generally required prior to demolishing any structure. If the intent of the demolition is to replace the structure with new construction, the demolition permit must be obtained and completed before a structural building permit can be issued. For residential structures, including detached garages and accessory structures over 200 square feet, a demolition permit is required. In some cases, such as demolishing a one- or two-family dwelling, there may be a mandatory notification period before demolition can commence.
Permit Requirements for Altering or Converting Non-Living Spaces
Converting non-living spaces such as garages, attics, or unfinished basements into habitable living areas typically requires a building permit. Depending on the scope of the work, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may also be necessary. The converted space must meet current building code requirements for living areas, which can include specific standards for ceiling height, emergency egress (windows and stairs), insulation, and ventilation. For example, living spaces generally need a minimum of 70 square feet, with specific ceiling height requirements (often a minimum of 6'8"). Emergency egress windows typically need a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet, with specific height and width dimensions, and a sill height no more than 44 inches from the floor. If the existing space does not meet these requirements, upgrades will be necessary, which can sometimes make conversions expensive or impractical. Some jurisdictions may offer alternative standards for conversion projects.
Resources to Learn More
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