TL;DR (generated, confidence: high)

Building permits are always required for stairs work (building, replacing, or modifying) because stairs are a critical safe exit component with strict code requirements. Contractors need Oregon CCB licenses, and homeowners doing the work themselves must complete a specific form.

Key points:

A building permit is always required to build, replace, or make changes to a stairway. (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)
Stairs are considered a key part of safe exit paths from a home, so they have strict code requirements. (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)
When converting a basement, attic, or garage, existing stairs may be kept without rebuilding if they were previously permitted (check permit history). (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)
A permit is still required for both the space conversion and any stairway work, even if existing stairs can be reused. (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)
Contractors must hold an Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license, and the license number must be listed in the permit application. (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)
Homeowners doing the work themselves must fill out and submit a specific form. (Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗)

Entities: organization: Oregon Construction Contractors Board · CCB | document_type: building permit | project_type: basement conversion · attic conversion · garage conversion

Stairs Residential Building Permits

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Source: Stairs Residential Building Permits ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:05:56 GMT

Do I need a permit for stairs?

Yes. You always need a building permit to build, replace, or make changes to a stairway.

Stairs are a key part of a safe exit path from a home. Because of that, there are strict code requirements for how they’re built. A permit ensures your stairs are safe and meet those standards.

What if I’m converting a basement, attic, or garage with existing stairs?

You may be able to keep the existing stairs without rebuilding them, if they were permitted.
- Check your permit history. ↗
But you still need a permit for both the space conversion and any stairway work.
- Find the requirements for converting an attic, basement, or garage. ↗

Who can do the work?

Contractors

Contractors are required to hold a license to work in Oregon. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) ↗ ↗ issues licenses to contractors. The CCB website has good tips on searching for a licensed contractor. The permit application must list the license number.

Homeowner

If you're doing the work yourself, you must fill out and submit this form: