Land, lots and permits for a custom home in Oregon and Washington
Finding land and getting a custom home permitted in Oregon is where many projects stall. J Roderick Young Custom Homes helps with every part of it: we track lots and land in Oregon and Washington for our clients as a no-cost service, look at a lot with you before you buy, plan its development, and steer the permit process through the city or county.
Public permit records list J Roderick Young Custom Homes on projects in Happy Valley, Damascus, Gresham, Oregon City, Sandy and Beaverton.
Help finding land, at no cost
We track lots and land in Oregon and Washington for clients who want to build, and we share the leads we come across with the people we're building for. Tell us the area, the size of lot and the budget, and we'll keep you posted.
When you find a lot you like, call before you sign. A builder can see in one walk what a listing won't tell you: whether the slope means a costly foundation, how far the sewer or water is, and where the house can realistically sit.
A lot checklist before you buy
The questions we look at on a site walk. Each one can change the cost of the house by more than the finishes do.
| Check | What we look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Slope and soil | How steep the lot is and how the ground behaves | Steep or unstable ground may need geotechnical review, more excavation and retaining walls |
| Sewer or septic | Whether public sewer reaches the lot, or a septic system is needed | Septic needs a suitable site and its own permit; sewer connections carry fees |
| Water and power | Distance to water (or a well) and power | Long runs add trenching and cost |
| Access | Driveway length, grade and turning room for construction trucks | A long or steep drive is a major site cost |
| Zoning and rules | Setbacks, height limits, tree rules, overlays | They decide what size and shape of house the lot can take |
| Fees | Permit fees and system development or impact charges | They are paid before construction and belong in the budget from day one |
Every lot is different. This is what we review with you; the city or county makes the final determinations.
Lot development and permits, handled
Situating the house
Placing the home on your property with attention to geological factors and utility connections, so you avoid the costly mistakes that happen at this stage.
Survey and design
We guide you from survey to design, coordinating the people who draw and check the site plan.
Permits in Oregon
Licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board since 1991 (CCB #78423). We work with the city or county your lot is in.
Permits in Washington
Registered as a general contractor with Washington L&I (JRODERY881BC) for homes in Clark County and beyond.
Loans
Construction starts once your loan and permits are in place; we provide the detailed estimate lenders ask for.
Inspections
We schedule and meet the inspections required as the house goes up, through to the building final.
Where we've pulled permits
Public building permit records show J Roderick Young Custom Homes on new homes and other permitted work across the east and south Portland area: Happy Valley (new homes in 2017, 2021 and 2022), Damascus (2005 and 2024), Gresham (2023 and 2024), Oregon City (2014), Sandy (2020) and Beaverton (2014). In Washington, our Houzz profile shows homes in Vancouver and Woodland.
That's the practical value of a local builder: we've been through these permit offices, and we know what each one asks for. See the areas we build in.
Questions people ask before they call
Can you help me find land to build on?
Yes. We track lots and land in Oregon and Washington for our clients as a no-cost service. Tell us the area, lot size and budget you have in mind and we'll keep you in the loop.
Should I talk to a builder before buying a lot?
Yes. A builder can spot site costs before you're committed: slope and soil, how far sewer, water and power have to run, driveway access and the rules that limit what you can build. We'll walk a lot with you as part of the free consultation.
Do you handle the building permits?
Yes. We prepare and steer the permit process with the city or county your lot is in, in Oregon or Washington, and we meet the required inspections through to the building final.
Can you build on a lot without sewer?
Often, yes, with a septic system, but that depends on the soil and on a septic permit from the county. It's one of the first things we check on a rural lot because it can decide where the house goes.
Where to go next
- Custom homes on your land
What happens once the land is right.
- Happy Valley
Hillside lots and where we've built nearby.
- Clackamas
Unincorporated and rural lots in Clackamas County.
Ready to talk about your house?
Bring your lot, your plans or just an idea. Jeremy Young meets you, walks the land and prices the house in detail, with option pricing. The consultation costs nothing.