Garage conversion rules in Clackamas County, OR — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Clackamas County has no separate 'garage conversion' ordinance. Converting a garage into living space is treated as either added dwelling area or an ADU under ZDO Section 839, needs building permits, and must keep required off-street parking. Cities set their own rules.
There is no standalone garage-conversion rule in the unincorporated county. Whether you can turn a garage into habitable space depends on how it is classified. If the new space becomes a second, independent living unit it is an accessory dwelling unit and must satisfy ZDO Section 839 (one ADU per dwelling, 900 sq ft cap in most districts). Either way the conversion requires building permits so the space meets Oregon Residential Specialty Code for egress, ceiling height, insulation, smoke alarms and electrical. Because the county's dimensional standards count enclosed parking, removing a garage can affect required off-street parking. Inside cities such as Oregon City, Lake Oswego or Milwaukie, the city's own code governs.
Converting a garage to living space without permits is a code violation; the county can require permits after the fact, order corrections, or restoration of the space.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Clackamas County's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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