MDK Permitting › Permit guides
Do outdoor stairs need a permit?
Usually, if they're more than a few steps or attached to the house. Cities treat them a lot like a small deck.
When do stairs need a permit?
New or rebuilt exterior stairs usually need a building permit when they climb more than about 30 inches, attach to the house, or lead to a deck or upper floor. The permit covers footings, rise and run, handrails and guards.
What about a few porch steps?
A few steps under 30 inches off the ground, not attached to anything that needs a permit, are often exempt. We can check your address for free.
Do I need an engineer?
Usually not for one story. Stairs climbing two stories or more often need engineered plans, which we draw and get stamped.
What do you need from me?
How high the stairs go, whether there's a landing and how big, photos, and your address.
What it costs
Our price, plus city permit fees worked out from each city’s published fee schedule. City fees are paid to the city and the final amount is set at review. Construction isn’t included.
| Example | MDK price | Washington County | Hillsboro | Portland | Clackamas County | Marion County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-story stairs, no landing Building permit | $800 plans, engineering & permits | About $540 | About $60 | About $375 | About $220 | About $120 |
| Two-story stairs with a 36 sq ft landing Building permit | $1,275 plans, engineering & permits + engineer stamp about $200 | About $600 | About $120 | About $485 | About $230 | About $150 |
County columns are for areas outside city limits. Other cities have their own fees. Get your exact numbers with the price builder.
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Pick your project, answer a few questions, and get a free proposal by email. Or just call. Calls are always free.
More permit guides: Decks · Retaining walls · Porch & patio covers · ADUs & garage conversions · Additions · Panels, EV chargers & hot tubs · Load-bearing walls · Sheds & fences
General guidance for Oregon homeowners. Rules vary by city and county, and the building official makes the final call. Prices checked against published fee schedules in November 2026.