Washington County Building Services

I built a 1100 square foot shop on my property and I found the staff very friendly and helpful. I did almost all the construction myself and was unfamiliar with the permitting process. The online information was not very helpful, but the staff clarified everything and helped me along the process. There were hiccups because my property is on a flood plain and there are additional requirements, which was a nuisance but they guided me through the process. I am currently planning a ground-mounted solar system, and they are again very helpful in clarifying the requirements.

I don't know why the rating is so low. The staff is amazing and extremely helpful. Thank you guys

THE PERMIT CENTER IS VERY HELPFUL.
THE ONLINE PERMIT CENTER IS ALSO AWESOME.

Except for a single incident with an unprofessional electircal inspector 12 years ago, I (home owner) had many permits and inspections for work I or contractors in my name performed for structural, electrical, pluming, and more. My experience was always great. The team there always took the time to walk me through what the code said, and what the most cost effective but compliant path would be for what I was trying to achieve. I have no complaints. In 12 years working with them, I am glad they are as supportive as they are. Thanks.

Permits take long.

We were scheduled to have two county land use public servants come to our property and help us resolve a grading/permit issue left over from the previous owner. What I thought was going to be a collaborative experience turned in to one of them berating me about the previous owners expired geotech engineering document and how they wouldn't approve ANYTHING until a new one was made. They told us this over the phone and email prior, but then made it sound like they wanted to work with us on finding a solution by coming out. This was not the case at all and I recommend that anyone who lives in WACO to VOTE NO on any resolution that funds land use, permitting, or any other service this inept county offers. The only way to change the county is to defund their system.

Planning staff have absolutely no idea how construction actually works, and are not helpful in the least bit. They take longer than any other municipality to reply, online permit system is intentionally convoluted and confusing. They will deny permits for reasons that have nothing to do with the actual building or addition you are attempting. Plans for a small shed were drawn by licensed experienced architect, using a licensed contractor. They won't return phone calls. Build anywhere but in Washington County. Avoid dealing with this incompetent department if at all possible.

A friend was trying to install a manufactured home on his property. Between the delays in approval for the flood plain (which cost him a bloody fortune), and other permits, it took nearly a year to get the house installed. He had begun to think the inspectors disliked him (he is a very nice fellow!) and purposefully delayed the permits. Perhaps the county departments are under-staffed, but that was never mentioned to us. Rather, my friend was forced to make dozens of trips to the county office just in order to get anything done. We are therefore warning everyone we know that it is not worth their time to build in this benighted county. Washington County is a blight on the landscape--overcrowded and getting worse, full of hideous urban sprawl, and not at all charming as it once was. My advice would be to stay away, don't do business there, and CERTAINLY do not try to build anything there. Unless you're a big developer, in which case the county will bend over backwards for you. I had to click on one star or the system wouldn't post my comment. They deserve NO STARS!

People were incredibly rude and did not care about my well-being. They are benighted.

This department (at least building services/permits) is so underfunded and poorly managed you could make an argument they are the worst of the 3 counties here in Portland. Something has to give here. I hope things improve for everyone’s sake.

Scarred with this place.
Too many unproductive hours spent.

The "Karen" at the planning division is a real piece of work, man hater...

Card machine "has been down a while, no idea when it'll be fixed".