Permitting Process

Building Permits Ensure Safety and Protect Your Investment

Building permits are essential for ensuring that construction projects in Sherwood meet local, state, and federal requirements. By reviewing plans and inspecting construction, we help safeguard the health, wellness, and safety of our community. Obtaining a permit also provides crucial protection for your investment and project.

The Sherwood Building Department operates entirely paperless, utilizing the State of Oregon’s ePermitting Program. To submit for a permit, log on to the State of Oregon’s ePermitting Program

Homeowner Application Instructions

The Oregon ePermitting website simplifies the process for homeowners to submit building permit applications online. ePermitting is not set up for combination permits for additions and remodels so more than one permit may be required depending on the work. You may need a structural, plumbing, or mechanical permit or a combination. If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit Please call the City of Sherwood Building Department at (503) 625-4226.

To submit for a permit, please follow these steps:

Begin by setting up your personal account on the Oregon ePermitting portal at BuildingPermits.oregon.gov.

Locate and download the required Homeowner Acknowledgement Form.

Search for and select the address where the work will be performed. Hint: Be sure to use only the first 3 letters of your street name.

Provide your contact information as the property owner and upload the completed Homeowner Acknowledgement Form.

Carefully describe the scope of the work you intend to undertake. For example: Kitchen remodel, add one wall and move dishwasher to the other side of the sink. The project name should be your last name with a brief description such as remodel, addition, or porch cover. Upload the plans including a site plan and any other supplemental materials.

Sherwood Building Department staff will contact you via email once permit fees are ready for payment and again, after your permit is ready to be issued. Note: ePermitting is not set up for combination permits for additions and remodels, more than one permit may be required depending on the work. You may need a structural, plumbing, or mechanical permit or a combination.

Contractor Application Instructions

The Oregon ePermitting website allows licensed contractors to apply for building permits 24/7 and to access online permit applications, inspections scheduling, with real-time status updates.

Contractors must set up an account and log in to the ePermitting system for each transaction. The State’s online permitting system requires a professional license for new permit applications. You will only be able to purchase services relevant to the type of license associated with your account, be sure to add all licenses to your account.

The ePermitting system maintains a comprehensive history of all authorizations purchased by a contractor.

Search for and select the address where the work will be performed. Hint: Be sure to use only the first 3 letters of your street name. Fill out the online application. The project name should be the name of the tenant or project with a brief description such as tenant improvement, mechanical, or fire alarm. Upload the plans including a site plan and any other supplemental materials. For comprehensive guidance on using the State of Oregon online permitting system, please visit the State of Oregon website.

If you are applying as a homeowner, please refer to the specific homeowner instructions provided in the tab above for submission.

For assistance with the ePermitting program, contact the State’s help desk at (503) 373-7396.

Once a permit is entered into the system, the online portal can be used by anyone to track and manage the permit. Sherwood Building Department staff will contact you via email once permit fees are ready for payment, next steps, and again, after your permit is ready to be issued. Note: ePermitting is not set up for combination permits. Commercial tenant improvements may require a plumbing permit application prior to issuing the structural permit.


Need Assistance with Your Project or Permit Application?

If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit or are experiencing difficulties with the online application process, our dedicated staff is ready to assist you. We’re available Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, and can answer your questions by email, phone, or in person. You don’t need an appointment, and walk-ins are always welcome. Please call the Building Department at (503) 625-4226.


Prescriptive Solar Installation Permit Applications

For solar installation permits that meet prescriptive solar requirements, please ensure your submission includes the Prescriptive Solar Permit Checklist filled out and submitted along with all other required permit documents.

  • Application Process: Apply for prescriptive solar permits using the same online ePermitting system and process outlined for other permits.
  • Checklist Requirement: If the Prescriptive Solar Permit Checklist is not provided with your application, a plan review fee may be charged in addition to the standard prescriptive solar fee on the permit.

Need to Inquire About Tree Removal?

Though the city does not encourage removal of trees, sometimes it is necessary. This is especially true when trees are considered hazardous or in poor condition. If you are unsure of the condition of your tree, we recommend that you have a certified arborist take a look at it. If it is determined that a tree must be replaced please read more about the removal process.

Please note that a root barrier is required for all new and replaced street trees. This will add to the cost of replacement and is intended to prevent or slow down root damage and help protect infrastructure and homeowners in the long run.

Interested in a Special Event Permit?

The City of Sherwood values events which bring people together through the celebration of the arts, sports, history, commerce, health and more. As a means of encouraging these gatherings, the City makes its streets and public right-of-way available to civic, private, and community groups to organize and sponsor activities that enhance Sherwood. Learn more and apply for a special event permit.

Electrical Permits

Please note that Electrical Permits for projects within Sherwood need to be obtained through Washington County. For assistance with electrical permits, please contact Washington County directly at (503) 846-3470.