Commercial Permits
New 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC) effective January 1, 2020.
Applications submitted on or after January 1, 2020 will be reviewed under the 2019 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC).
Types of Commercial Permits
Any building that contains commercial tenants is considered a commercial building. Mixed use buildings with both residential and commercial uses are also treated as commercial buildings. The following are typical projects that require permits:
- New construction/additions
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Multi-family construction
- Site development
- Tenant infill / Change of use (Locating Your Business)
- Demolition
Taking the time to review submittal requirements for your project will not only ensure that your application is accepted for review, but a complete submittal will also save you time during the plan review process. Take the time to review our submittal checklists prior to submitting your application. You can also contact staff by email or by phone at 541-682-5505.
Projects that are submitted in phases or with multiple structures on one development site must attend a Project Consultation meeting. Project Consultation meetings can be scheduled online.
As of March 1, 2017 all commercial projects will be required to be submitted through eBuild. Over the last several years, Building and Permit Services has been working toward creating new and better ways to serve our customers and community - including modernizing our systems and taking advantage of new technology.
Prepare for the Commercial Permit Process
- Zoning Land is zoned for certain types of development and use. Each zone has a set of regulations governing the uses, lot size, building setbacks, height and other development standards. The property’s zone and the use of the property determine the specific requirements that apply.
- Zoning maps are available online.
- The Eugene Code, including Chapter 9 Land Use, is available online.
- Property Research: A record research application can be submitted to determine the permit history on a property. Determining the building type and occupancy of a building can provide a starting point for permit requirements.
- Codes in Effect: Codes are updated on a regular basis, therefore, it is important to have the latest code information.
- Stormwater Management: The City’s Stormwater Management Manual has information about requirements for managing stormwater runoff and provides design options.
- Sidewalk and Driveway/Access: Eugene Code - Chapter 7 Public Improvements addresses requirements related to work in the right-of-way.
- Erosion Prevention: The Erosion Prevention Program monitors construction sites to ensure protection of city stormwater systems and natural resources.
- Floodplain Activity: Floodplain activity within a Special Flood Hazard Area may be subject to special permits and requirements.
- Green Building: The City of Eugene provides green building information and resources with the goal of making green building practices the norm in Eugene.
- Additional Information: Other resources include our FAQs and the Commercial/Multi-family Fee Estimating Guide. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Applying for a Commercial Permit
Permit applications should be submitted through eBuild. Intake staff will review your application for completeness. Depending upon the volume of applications, you should receive notification regarding whether your application has been accepted for review within three business days.
Trade Permits For electrical, plumbing, or residential mechanical permits that do not require plan review can be applied for through eBuild by choosing the Trade Permits option.
Commercial Express Permits Projects that qualify for the commercial express program can be applied for through eBuild. You will be able to choose an appointment time. Intake staff will review your project application and documents for completeness prior to your appointment. Our goal is to review your project and issue your permit the same day as your appointment.
Standard Review All commercial projects must be submitted online through eBuild. Applying online allows you to submit your building permit application documents, pay fees, choose contractors, and schedule inspections. The following information is required at time of plan submittal:
- Application
- Plans
- Supporting documents (as applicable) - engineering calculations, state energy compliance forms, etc., and specifications
- Code Summary and Worksheet - this information can be submitted as a separate attachment or incorporated into the plans
- Plan check fee - A fee based on the value of work (see page 13 of the Commercial/Multi-Family Fee Estimating Guide) will be assessed when your application is accepted for review. Customers often have questions about fees, and, although we do not provide estimates, we offer resources to aid your planning. See our fee estimating guide for a description of fees and tips for calculating your costs.
Review the submittal standards and naming guidelinesbefore preparing your documents for submittal.
Staff will review the application and use a checklist to determine if the plans are complete for intake. Complete plans help make the intake process smoother and faster. If your plans do not contain all required information, you will receive a list of items to bring with you at your next visit.
Project Plan Review
If a project requires our standard plan review, a project coordinator will be assigned to the project. They will perform the plan review, coordinate with other staff (Public Works, Engineering, Land Use, Fire), and act as the primary contact person. When you submit your plans you will receive a log number, which can be used to track your project through the review process. Plan review timeframes vary depending on the scope of the proposed project.
Plans are reviewed for compliance with State and City regulations, and the following are some examples:
| Compliance Examples | |
|---|---|
| Land Use | Use of building, development standards, (height, setbacks, etc.), motor vehicle and bike parking, landscaping |
| Building | Code compliance, structural integrity, fire / life safety, accessibility, mechanical |
| Public Works | Connections to streets and utilities, stormwater quality, floodplain requirements, SDCs, other site related issues |
| Fire | Site and building access, firefighting water supply, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, fire protection systems, etc. |
| Erosion | Construction site management, erosion control measures for anticipated site conditions. |
Additional Information
If additional information is submitted for review a supplemental review fee will be applied. After the review is complete and your plans have been approved, your project coordinator will contact you with the total fees due for your permit. The log number will become your permit number once the permit is issued.
For sensitive sites that require an erosion permit, the plans will not be approved and issued until your Construction Site Management Plan has been approved and after the first erosion inspection has taken place. This is to ensure that the site has been stabilized before construction.
Beginning Construction
When your permit has been approved for issuance, you will receive a link to print out the approved drawings and the permit(s). You will have 360 days from the day the permit is issued to get your first inspection in order to keep your permit active. Each time you request an inspection, your permit expiration date will be extended for another 360 days. You will also be eligible for a one time extension of 180 days at no cost during the life of construction. You can check the status of inspections online with the online permit tracking system.
Contractors and owners often have a need to occupy a building before all inspections have been approved and the final Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. If there are no outstanding life safety issues, you may request a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), which involves requesting final inspections for most outstanding areas. If you have questions regarding obtaining a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, contact Inspection Support staff at 541-682-5283. After all inspections have been approved, a Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy can be printed for your records.