Building Division

Overview

The Building Division is responsible for administering the building permit and inspection program in accordance with State building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and manufactured dwelling setup specialty codes. Certified inspectors, building plans examiners, and staff technicians perform these tasks.

General services and inquiries are available by email and phone from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  In-person services are available by appointment from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Please call 541-766-6819 or email to permitcheck@co.benton.or.us to schedule appointments or ask questions in advance.

Click here for details about submitting permit applications

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Building Division Staff

• Ron Dettrich, Building Official
• Daryl Long, Plans Examiner/Building Inspector 2
• Lance Richardson, On-call Plans Examiner
• Suzanne Larson, Plans Examiner/ Building Inspector 2
• Becky Peterson, Plans Examiner/Building Inspector 1
• Geoff Tracy, Community Development Technician
• Morgan Driggs, Community Development Technician
• Frank DeWilde, On-call Commercial Electrical Inspector
• Mark Esbenshade, On-call Building Inspector 2

Please visit the Permit Process and Forms page for information on applying for Building, Manufactured Structure, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Agricultural and Demolition Permits at Benton County. We also process the construction permits for the following jurisdictions:

• Adair Village
• City of Monroe​ 

When developing a property, there are many factors to consider

Zoning - Is my proposed use allowed? Are there any overlay zones or natural features on my property?

To determine the zoning and existence of any overlay zones or natural features on your property, please use BentonMaps or call the Community Development Department and ask to speak with the Planner On-Call. 

Setbacks - Is my proposed project far enough away from property lines, roads and adjacent structures?

Once you know the zoning of your property and the type of structure (dwelling or accessory structure) you can navigate to the siting standards of the applicable chapter in the Benton County Development Code. Alternatively you may call the Community Development Department and ask to speak with the Planner On-Call.

Floodplain - Is my proposed project located in the regulated floodplain?

Whether or not your building site is in the regulated floodplain can have a major impact on your project. To find out more about the possible impacts of being in the regulated floodplain on your project please visit our floodplain webpage or call the Community Development Department and ask to speak with our Certified Floodplain Manager. 

Water Supply - Does my property have access to potable water? Will the size of my proposed structure require sprinklers or water storage in case of a fire?

Potable Water: The use of water in Oregon is regulated by the Oregon Department of Water Resources. Sources of drinking water for a property are either provided by a spring, a well or a city water utility. If your property doesn't already have a water source and a city water main is not an option, contact your local water master for more information.

Fire Protection: To determine if the size of your proposed structure will require sprinklers or water storage in case of a fire, contact your local fire department. If there is no local fire department assigned to your property, then you will want to contact the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal at oregon.sfm@state.or.us or 503-373-1540.  

Natural Resources - Does my property contain Fender's Blue Butterfly habitat, wetlands, or riparian areas?

To determine if there are any regulated natural features on your property, please use BentonMaps or call the Community Development Department and ask to speak with the Planner On-Call. 

Natural Hazards - Are the soils on my property prone to landslides, high shrink-swell rates or high erosion?

To determine soils on your property, please use BentonMaps or call the Community Development Department and ask to speak with the Planner On-Call.