One- and Two-family Dwelling Construction

Construction of a residential dwelling project is a multi-step process that involves many City departments. Public Works Development Services (PWDS) staff is the primary City representative to the developer regarding municipal water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure. The development process includes speculation, plan review, permitting, inspection, and final occupancy. Each step of the process is described below.

Procedures

Speculation

PWDS dedicates considerable staff resources to provide public information for developer representatives as part of the speculation process. Before a developer can make financial decisions about a project, information regarding infrastructure needs and requirements is essential.

For purposes of requirements and fees, residential dwelling lots are separated into two categories. These categories are: (1) fully served and (2) infill. Fully served lots are generally located in recent subdivisions (since 1990), are fully served with City infrastructure, and have fees that are simple to calculate. Infill lots are generally partitioned parcels or located in older subdivisions and have requirements and fees that are more unpredictable. Many factors can affect the costs associated with infill lots, including but not limited to:

• Availability of water facilities, sewer mains, stormwater facilities, and safe transportation routes.
• Systems development charges.
• Connection fees.

Many options are available for public information from City staff. Click here for more details.

Plan Review

Building plans for residential dwellings are submitted to the Building and Safety Division. PWDS staff reviews the building plans to assess adequacy of water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure available to serve the proposed development. If all existing infrastructure is adequate, then building plans will be approved by PWDS staff based on conformance with applicable building and local codes.

Improvements are occasionally required to public infrastructure to serve the proposed residence on infill lots. PWDS staff will coordinate requirements for infill lots as needed.

Permit Issuance

Permit fees for fully served lots can be calculated by clicking here. System Development Charges are charged in addition to permit fees. Development requirements and permit fees vary for infill lots. PWDS staff will coordinate requirements for infill lots as needed.

Inspections

Building inspections are administered by the Building and Safety Division. Sidewalks, driveways, building sewer and storm, and erosion control are inspected by PWDS staff and can be scheduled by calling PW Dispatch at 503-588-6333.

Final Occupancy

Final occupancy is administered by the Building and Safety Division.