A building permit is required to convert attics, basements or garages to living space. Depending on the scope of work, your project may also require electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits.
The Bureau of Development Services sells a "Residential Combination" permit package. This allows you to call for ALL inspections using just the Building Permit (RS) IVR number and pay for all the permits at once time. Read "Subcontractor Permit Information Process".
Your permit will be reviewed under provisions in the Residential Specialty Code (formerly the One and Two Family Dwelling Specialty Code) based on the 2003 IRC. View more information on building codes.
In general, when changing the use of a space, such as converting unfinished storage or utility areas to finished living space, the building code requires that the remodeled area conform to current code. The Bureau of Development Services has established alternative standards specifically for conversion projects. [Coverting Attics, Basements and Garages to Living Space]
How to Check your House’s History
Depending on the age of your house, we may have inspection cards or microfilmed plans that will show the history of permit activity for your house. It is important to verify that the “existing” finished attic or basement was permitted as such in the permit records, and not just through the county assessor’s office. Information found on http://www.portlandmaps.com/ is reported from the county's assessor's office, and may not match the building permit history. There is no ”grandfathering-in” of these spaces, and to be considered living space, they would need to be legalized through the permit process.
| Things to consider: |
|
The Bureau of Development Services has set up the following special standards for existing situations:
|
| Site Plan (Scale site plans to most appropriate scale, e.g. 1”=10’ or 1/4”=1’) |
|
| Architectural Plans (Scale of plans to be ¼”=1’ and details scaled to ½”=1’. Single line drawings are not acceptable – plans must be drawn to show wall thickness) |
|
| Structural Plans (Scale of plans to be ¼”=1’, details to be ½”=1’) |
If you are hiring sub-contractors to do work on your project, and know who they are when applying, they will be listed on your permit at that time. If you don't know when you apply for your permit, they can be added after issuance. Sub-contractors you hire must be registered with the State of Oregon and carry a current CCB license.
|
| (1) Evaluating Existing Space |
| In unfinished areas, existing features such as ceiling heights, windows, stairs and insulation may not meet current building code requirements for finished space. These conditions could make it expensive, difficult or even impossible for you to change your attic, basement or garage into living space.
|
| (2) Garage Conversions |
|
You will need to show how you will provide the required parking space since parking in your driveway alone may not meet this requirement.
If your garage is detached and you want to convert it to living space, it may not meet setback requirements since the zoning code may not allow living space to be placed in the setback areas, even if it allows the garage to be in that location.
A detached garage may have structural deficiencies that would need to be upgraded in order to meet building code standards.
If your project requires construction in the public right-of-way, then the Portland Department of Transportation will review the project, and issue a separate transportation permit for this work as well. For more information about right-of-way requirements, contact the Portland Department of Transportation at (503) 823-7002.
|
| 3) Attic & Dormer Additions |
|
If converting attic space to living space would mean raising the roof, the zoning code height regulations may affect your project. See information on Dormer Additions. |
| (4) Second Sink Covenant |
|
If your project will add a kitchen, such as a bar kitchen in an entertainment area, you may need a Second Kitchen Covenant. This document is a statement of understanding that the addition of this facility does not create another dwelling unit, and that the structure is still a single-family dwelling. If you are unsure if your project will trigger this requirement, please contact Planning and Zoning staff for additional information. If required, this document must be recorded with Multnomah County before your permit can be issued.
|
| (5) Engineering Calculations |
|
When the scope of work will change the structural load in the house, it is important that you submit engineering calculations that show the continuity of the load path from floors or other affected members all the way to the foundation of the house.
You must determine if the existing attic floor structure is strong enough to carry the additional weight of people and furniture. It is very common that when tracing floor loads from the converted attic, it is the beam in the basement that will be overstressed. Situations like this are required to be resolved as part of the permit application.
|
| (6) Adding a Bathroom to an Unfinished Basement |
|
If you are adding a bathroom in the basement but intend to leave the remainder of the basement unfinished, the entire basement does not have to comply with these conversion standards. However, the ceiling height in the bathroom must comply. In addition, the stair to the basement and a three foot wide path through the basement from the stair must meet the headroom and other dimensional requirements noted in the conversion brochure. The other requirements listed (including exterior wall insulation, storm windows and egress windows) are not required if no other habitable space is proposed in the basement. |
| (7) Floodplains |
| If your house is located in a floodplain, there are restrictions that may limit your ability to add or to significantly improve your house without retrofitting it to be fold resistant. Please contact Site Development staff at (503) 823-6892 to discuss your project. |