Links

Below is a guide for estimating permit fees.

Building Permit

This fee is based on the valuation of the project. This fee should encompass the entire project, including materials and labor. For new structures or adding additional square footage, staff use the ICC tables to figure the value (https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/code-development-p...) An updated table is adopted on April 1 each year.

Construction Excise Taxes (CETs) are state-approved taxes added to permit fees to help fund specific projects

School CET

The tax applies to all new construction and any building permit adding additional square footage to a structure, such as additions, mezzanines, etc. The current rate for fiscal year 2021-2022 is $1.39 per square foot of new square footage for residential use (including apartments and other multi-family uses), and $0.69 per square foot of new square footage for commercial use. These rates are adjusted for inflation each fiscal year.

Inspections are vital to ensuring projects are built correctly and last as long as possible, with the highest safety standards in mind. Inspections can address issues and problems before they start.

Inspection requests made before 7 a.m. are done that same business day. 

When requesting multiple inspections with a note (for example: lock box code), please leave the note on all inspection requests. Inspections are often done by different people and it’s important to make sure each inspector gets the note.

Staff can’t guarantee inspection times, however, you may request a morning or afternoon inspection. Staff will work with the requests as much as possible, within their current schedule. Permits are good for 180 days (6 months), please plan accordingly.

The first step in applying for a short-term rental, or Airbnb, is to work with the planning department, who can check to make sure you’re on the correct path for its intended use. More information can be found at www.milwaukieoregon.gov/planning/short-term-rentals.

The next steps are to apply for a business license at www.milwaukieoregon.gov/finance/business-registration-1 and a building permit.

A true tiny house is defined by the International Residential Code (IRC, adopted by the State of Oregon for tiny houses) as: “A dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor area excluding lofts”. 

Any dwelling structure over 400 square feet is considered a regular dwelling and must meet the current Oregon Residential Specialty Code. The tiny house information/code won’t apply to these projects.

Wondering what needs a permit and what doesn’t? Confused about which permit to apply for?  Check below for answers to those questions and more.

Permits are an important part of construction because they’re essentially a second set of eyes. The process allows for a chance to catch things before construction starts to save you money in the long run, and ensure the person you’ve hired is doing the work correctly. Knowing the job is done right gives you peace of mind. It’s important to do everything possible to ensure the safety of family and friends in your home, or employees and customers in your business. Homes and businesses are an investment, protect it.

The Ledding Library of Milwaukie Foundation was established in 2005 to promote interest in and support for the cultural keystone of the City of Milwaukie, the Ledding Library of Milwaukie. This mission is accomplished through fundraising which is invested, grown, and used to support future and long-term Library enhancements, technology upgrades, and special projects or programs. To make a contribution to the Foundation click here.

When City Council officially adopted the nickname "The Dogwood City of the West" in 1962, Milwaukie had been home to the world’s largest Pacific dogwood tree (cornus nutallii) for many years. That famous tree - the oldest and largest - stood near the corner of 32^nd Avenue and Harrison Street; across from where the city’s Public Safety Building stands today. Unfortunately, the tree was damaged during the infamous Columbus Day storm of 1962 and within ten years had to be removed due to disease.