How to Get a Building Permit in Deschutes County: 2026

Navigating the Community Development Department (CDD) can be daunting, especially when it comes to obtaining a building permit in Deschutes County. Whether you are constructing in La Pine, Bend, or the rural areas of Deschutes County, here's an overview of the current process for securing a residential building permit in 2026, including the latest updates on Oregon ePermitting.

1. The Pre-App Checklist

Before you apply for a building permit in Deschutes County, you must ensure your property is ready for development. This includes: Septic/Sewer: If you aren’t on a city line, you need a septic site evaluation. Land Use: Ensure your project meets setback requirements and zoning codes (e.g., Forest vs. Residential zones). Address: If the lot is vacant, you must apply for a physical address first through Oregon ePermitting.

2. Required Professional Drawings

Deschutes County requires a complete set of digital plans for your building permit application. In 2026, the county transitioned almost entirely to the Oregon ePermitting system. Your submittal must include: Site Plan: Showing all structures, setbacks, and utility lines. Floor Plans: Fully dimensioned for each level. Elevations: Showing the exterior height and finish of all sides. Structural Plans: Detailing the foundation, framing, and roof systems (including snow load calculations).

3. The Submittal Process

Submit your documents through the Oregon ePermitting portal to obtain your building permit. An intake fee will be assessed based on the valuation of your project in Deschutes County.

Current Timeline Tip: For 2026, anticipate a 6–10 week turnaround for residential plan reviews. By submitting 'permit-ready' professional plans from a local drafter, you can significantly minimize 'corrections' and delays.

4. Inspections

Once the building permit is issued in Deschutes County, you must schedule inspections at key milestones: Footings, Under-floor plumbing, Framing, and Final. This process can often be facilitated through Oregon ePermitting.

How We Help:

Oregon Drafting and Design provides the exact code-compliant PDF sets required for building permits in Deschutes County's Oregon ePermitting portal, ensuring your application moves through the system as quickly as possible.