Fee & Payment Information

Fee changes effective July 1

Payment and feesChanges are being implemented to building permit and development fees effective July 1, 2020. The changes involve phased fee increases and assessment of “convenience fees” charged by major credit card companies for online payments.

Unlike many area jurisdictions, both LUT Building Services and Current Planning operate on a cost-recovery basis – meaning that these work groups’ activities are supported entirely by fees for service. These cost-recovery fee changes are necessary to maintain operations. The Board of County Commissioners opted to phase in the fee increases to help mitigate the financial impact on our customers. For a complete list of LUT fee increases, visit the Washington County-wide Fiscal Year 2020-21 Fee Schedule (pages 13-31). 

Building Services fees
Most Building Services fees will increase 2.5% effective July 1; and an additional 2.5% effective Jan. 1, 2021. 

Current Planning fees
Current Planning fee increases vary. While most are increasing a minimum of 2.5% on July 1 and an additional 2.5% effective Jan. 1, other targeted increases are also being implemented to achieve cost recovery. These increases are also being phased in—half effective July 1 and half on Jan. 1. 
2020 Current Planning Services Fee Schedule (effective 7/1/2020-12/31/2020)

Changes to online payments
Effective July 1, 2020, online payments will include assessment of “convenience fees” charged by major credit card companies, as follows: 

  • Online credit card payments (VISA, MasterCard, Discover): Average 2.45% of costs (minimum $1.50) 
  • Electronic bank checks: Flat service fee of 95¢ (Customer’s bank must allow electronic checks; routing and account numbers must be correct, or a return check charge may be applied by the bank.)
  • Paper checks submitted via U.S. Mail: No fee

Payment options and refunds

  1. Cash
  2. Checks or debit card
  3. MasterCard, VISA or Discover

If you are mailing or faxing in your permit application, please fill out the Bank Card authorization form and include it with your application. Address:

Washington County Land Use & Transportation
Current Planning Division
155 N. First Ave., Suite 350, MS 13
Hillsboro, OR 97124

For refunds, please complete and mail/drop off a refund request form.