The part of new construction that surprises people most.
Homeowners planning a new build often focus their attention on design and materials, and are caught off guard by how much of the early timeline is actually permitting. In Oregon, depending on the jurisdiction, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
What's typically required before breaking ground.
Requirements vary by county and city, but most new construction projects go through a similar set of steps.
- Site plan review and zoning verification
- Building permit application with stamped engineering drawings
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits
- Septic or sewer connection approval, if applicable
- Final inspections at multiple stages of construction
Permitting delays are rarely about paperwork being wrong — they're usually about paperwork being incomplete the first time it's submitted.
How to keep the process moving.
Most delays we see come from avoidable gaps, not complicated approvals.
- Submitting complete, accurate drawings the first time
- Confirming zoning and setback requirements before design is finalized
- Working with a contractor familiar with local jurisdiction requirements
- Scheduling inspections proactively rather than reactively
- Building in buffer time for review cycles in the overall timeline
Permitting is a process, not a formality.
Treating permitting as a real part of the project timeline — instead of a quick formality before the fun part starts — is what keeps new construction projects on schedule. We manage this process directly so you're not left navigating county offices on your own.
If you're considering a new build, we can give you a realistic permitting timeline for your specific property before you finalize any plans.
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