Do You Need a Permit for Siding, Windows, Roofing or a Deck? Every City in the Portland Metro and Southwest Washington
Permit rules for exterior work are the question homeowners ask most before a project, and the answer depends on which side of the Columbia River you live on. This page lists what each jurisdiction VResh serves requires for siding replacement, same size window replacement, roof replacement and decks, read from the official page of each building department and linked so you can check it yourself.
- Oregon: one statewide list
- The Oregon Building Codes Division sets what is exempt for every city and county. Siding, same size windows and most reroofing need no building permit; a deck over 30 inches does.
- Washington: it depends on the city
- Clark County, Camas and Longview require permits for siding, windows and roofing. Ridgefield exempts same size windows. Woodland has piece and square thresholds. Vancouver's current page is silent.
- No permit is not no rules
- Code, zoning, historic overlays, HOA approval, trade permits and the federal lead safe rule for pre 1978 homes all still apply.
- Verified September 20, 2026
- Every row links to the official source it was read from. Rows marked not yet verified had no published rule we could confirm.
Permit requirements by city
City or area
Siding replacement
Windows, same size
Roof replacement
Deck
Who to ask
Portland, ORPortland's own guide also exempts reroofing with material of similar weight, including replacing some or all sheathing. Reroofing does need a permit in Wildfire Hazard zones and for townhouses. Homes in historic or design overlay zones may need zoning review even when no building permit is required.
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitReroofing with material of similar weight is exempt, including replacing some or all roof sheathing. A permit is required in Wildfire Hazard zones, for townhouses, and for solar roof coverings.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Portland Permitting & Development, General Inquiries503-823-7300Official page
Beaverton, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Beaverton
Hillsboro, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Hillsboro
Gresham, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Gresham
Lake Oswego, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Lake Oswego
Tigard, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Tigard
West Linn, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in West Linn
Oregon City, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Oregon City
Milwaukie, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Milwaukie
Oak Grove, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Oak Grove
Cedar Mill, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Cedar Mill
King City, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in King City
Happy Valley, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Happy Valley
Clackamas, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Clackamas
Wood Village, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Wood Village
Sherwood, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Sherwood
Newberg, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Newberg
Scappoose, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Scappoose
Sandy, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Sandy
Estacada, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Estacada
Salem, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Salem
Seaside, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Seaside
Lincoln City, OR
No permitRepairing or replacing siding not required to be fire resistant is exempt statewide.
No permitReplacing doors and windows with no structural changes is exempt. Cutting a new opening or changing the size of an existing opening needs a permit.
Usually no permitA permit is needed when all old roofing is removed and all new roof sheathing is installed, or when the new roofing is substantially heavier. Otherwise reroofing is exempt statewide.
Permit over 30 inchesA porch or deck not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point is exempt; higher decks need a permit.
Find your building department in the Oregon Local Building Department DirectoryOfficial pageVResh in Lincoln City
Vancouver, WAVancouver processes home projects through a Residential (RES) permit and handles plans through its ePlans system.
Not statedThe city's current permit page does not list this project type. Confirm with the Permit Center before starting.
Not statedThe city's current permit page does not list this project type. Confirm with the Permit Center before starting.
Not statedThe city's page does not list reroofing itself, but sheathing repair or replacement is on the permit required list. Confirm with the Permit Center.
No permit at 18 inches or lessA deck 18 inches or less above grade needs no permit outside an environmentally sensitive area; adding a deck otherwise requires a RES permit.
City of Vancouver Permit Center (Permit Specialists)360-487-7833Official pageVResh in Vancouver
Unincorporated Clark County (Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Orchards, Felida), WAApplies to addresses outside city limits that use a Vancouver mailing address. Check the county's property lookup to confirm jurisdiction.
Permit requiredA permit is required to replace any windows or siding on a structure.
Permit requiredA permit is required to replace any windows or siding on a structure, including like for like sizes (RSW permit).
Permit requiredReroofing permits are required for all buildings in Clark County. A separate permit may be needed if sheathing is replaced. Generally a maximum of two layers of roofing.
Permit unless small and detachedDecks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling and not serving a required exit door are exempt.
Clark County Community Development, Permit CenterOfficial page
Camas, WA
Permit requiredResidential roof and siding permits are generally issued the same day as long as there are no structural changes.
Permit requiredA like for like replacement needs no plans and is generally issued the same day. A new opening or a change in size needs plans and review.
Permit requiredResidential roof and siding permits are generally issued the same day as long as there are no structural changes; structural repair needs a remodel permit.
Permit if over 30 inches or attachedA permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches from grade and/or is connected to the home.
City of Camas Building Department360-817-1568Official pageVResh in Camas
Washougal, WA
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
City of Washougal Building DivisionVResh in Washougal
Battle Ground, WA
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
City of Battle Ground Building DivisionVResh in Battle Ground
Ridgefield, WA
Permit requiredReroofing and siding are listed under examples of when a permit is required.
No permit for same sizeWindow and door replacement of the same size needs no permit; a different size does.
Permit requiredReroofing and siding are listed under examples of when a permit is required.
Permit if over 30 inches or attachedDecks over 30 inches or attached to a structure need a permit; lower detached decks do not.
City of Ridgefield Building & Permitting Services360-887-3908Official pageVResh in Ridgefield
Woodland, WA
Permit for more than two piecesReplacing or repairing one or two pieces of siding needs no permit; more than that does.
Permit requiredReplacement of windows, with or without frames, needs a permit. Replacing a door in its existing frame does not.
Permit for more than one squareReroofing or repair of more than one square (100 square feet) needs a permit plus a reroof supplemental application. Repair of one square or less per year is exempt.
Permit if attached, over 30 inches or 120 sq ftA deck needs a permit if any one applies: attached to a building, more than 30 inches above grade, or 120 square feet or more.
City of Woodland Building DepartmentOfficial pageVResh in Woodland
Kalama, WA
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
City of Kalama Building DepartmentVResh in Kalama
Longview, WA
Permit requiredThe installation or replacement of a structure's siding or exterior veneer requires a building permit, with a water resistive barrier inspection.
Permit requiredThe installation or replacement of windows requires a building permit, with plans showing window locations, sizes and safety glazing.
Permit requiredThe installation or replacement of roofing requires a building permit, with an underlayment inspection.
Not statedThe city's current permit page does not list this project type. Confirm with the Permit Center before starting.
City of Longview Community Development Department360-442-5086Official pageVResh in Longview
Kelso, WA
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
City of Kelso Building DepartmentVResh in Kelso
Long Beach, WA
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
Not yet verifiedRequirements were not found on an official page during our review. Call the building department before starting work.
City of Long Beach / Pacific County building departmentVResh in Long Beach
Sources: Oregon Building Codes Division, residential permit exemptions (applies to every Oregon city on this page); City of Portland Permitting & Development; Clark County; City of Vancouver; City of Camas; City of Ridgefield; City of Woodland; City of Longview. All read on September 20, 2026. This page is a summary for planning purposes; the building department's answer for your address and project governs. Download the table as CSV.
What the pattern means for a project
In Oregon, the permit question for exterior work is usually easy: siding, same size windows and a standard reroof are exempt everywhere from Portland to Salem, and the work is governed by the building code, the contractor's CCB license and, on a pre 1978 home, the EPA lead safe rule. The exceptions are structural: a new or enlarged window opening, a deck over 30 inches, a full tear off that also replaces all the sheathing, or in Portland a reroof in a Wildfire Hazard zone.
In Southwest Washington the same siding job can need a permit and two inspections in Clark County or Longview, a same day over the counter permit in Camas, no permit at all for a small repair in Woodland, and a call to confirm in Vancouver. The practical effect is that a Washington exterior project should start with a jurisdiction check on the parcel, because a Vancouver mailing address often sits in unincorporated Clark County, where the county's stricter rules apply.
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OUR FAQS
Questions about permits
Why do Oregon and Washington differ so much?
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Oregon adopts one statewide residential code and the Building Codes Division publishes one list of exempt projects that every local building department follows. Washington adopts the state building code but lets each city and county decide which small projects need a permit, so Clark County, Camas and Longview require permits for reroofing, siding and windows while Ridgefield exempts same size window replacement and Vancouver's current page does not list them at all.
Does no building permit mean no rules?
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No. Work that is exempt from a building permit must still meet the building code. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work almost always need their own permits, zoning and setback rules still apply, historic or design overlay zones can require review of exterior changes, and homeowner associations can have their own approval process. In both states the contractor must hold the proper state license (Oregon CCB, Washington L&I), and any home built before 1978 falls under the EPA lead safe renovation rule regardless of permits.
How was this page verified?
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Every yes or no on this page was read from the jurisdiction's own website on the date shown, and the source is linked in each row. Where a city's page does not list a project type, the row says so instead of guessing. Cities marked not yet verified had no clear published rule at the time of review; call them before starting work.
Why are permit fees not listed?
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Fees change every budget year and depend on project valuation, so a fee printed here would be wrong within months. Each row links to the office that quotes fees for a specific project.
Who pulls the permit, the homeowner or the contractor?
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Either can apply, but when a licensed contractor does the work the contractor normally pulls the permit and schedules inspections. VResh handles permits, inspections and documentation on every job that needs them.
Client's Talk
We have a wealth of experience working as main building contractors on all kinds of projects, big and small, from home maintenance and improvements to extensions, refurbishments and new builds.
Planning exterior work in any of these cities?
VResh Construction is licensed in Oregon (CCB #241979) and Washington (#VRESHCL776ND) and EPA Lead Safe Certified. We confirm the permit requirement for your address before the estimate, pull the permit when one is needed, and handle every inspection.