ORS 196.795 compliance
Oregon DSL
Removal-Fill Permits
Required for any work near tidal areas, wetlands, drainage channels, or waters of the state. We coordinate DSL and Army Corps correspondence in a single engagement.
Most coastal projects trigger DSL review — and most permit holders do not discover this until they are already behind schedule.
Oregon DSL has jurisdiction over removal-fill activities under ORS 196.795. Docks, bulkheads, grading near drainage channels, fill for structures, and any work near tidal wetlands all require a jurisdictional determination before other permits can proceed. On many coastal projects, Army Corps of Engineers Section 10/404 is co-triggered — adding a second agency track that runs parallel to DSL.
Missing this step does not merely delay the project — it stops it entirely. A stop-work order from DSL issued partway through construction is expensive and reputationally damaging. Securing the permit correctly before ground is broken is the only reliable path forward.
One Engagement. Both Agencies Covered.
We coordinate DSL and Army Corps correspondence in a single scope so you are not managing two parallel application tracks. Every engagement begins with a jurisdictional determination — if DSL does not apply, you owe nothing further.
- Jurisdictional determination — does DSL apply, and what permit type is required?
- Wetland delineation review (existing delineation or flagged field review)
- Permit type identification: Individual, Removal-Fill Authorization, or exemption
- Full permit application preparation and exhibits
- DSL correspondence and comment response
- Army Corps Section 10/404 pre-application coordination when triggered
- Agency status tracking through to final determination
Engagement Tiers
Developer / Commercial
- Jurisdiction determination memo only
- Standard removal-fill permit preparation
- Complex project + Army Corps Section 10/404 coordination
Residential / Private Landowner
- Jurisdiction determination memo only
- Residential permit prep (RFA or simple standard permit)
Residential tier applies to owner-occupied properties with project scope limited to: dock/float installation, single driveway crossing, drainage repair, or foundation work near mapped water.
All engagements are scoped in writing before work begins. Contact us with your project description for a same-day scope.
Who Orders This
Developers and general contractors confirming permit requirements before breaking ground. Coastal property owners planning docks, bulkheads, driveway crossings, or drainage work near water. Architects and engineers who need the agency determination in hand before finalizing site plans. Anyone who received a DSL stop-work notice and needs to resolve it.
Scoped per project — clear deliverables, clear cost. View pricing →
How It Works
Four steps from initial inquiry to agency submission.
01
Submit Parcel & Project
Provide the project address, a brief description of proposed work, and any existing delineation. One email is all it takes.
02
Jurisdictional Review
We research ORS 196.795 applicability, determine permit type, and confirm whether Army Corps Section 10/404 is triggered.
03
Application Preparation
We prepare the complete permit application, exhibits, and maps — and handle the DSL ePermitting portal submission.
04
Agency Tracking
We monitor the application through DSL and Army Corps review, respond to requests for additional information, and report status to you.
Need help with your DSL permit?
Scope is defined in writing before we begin. No unanticipated contingencies.