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Multnomah County, OR Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Multnomah County Code Ch. 29
Coverage area
Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Permits issued by
County Building Official
Codes adopted
Structural, mechanical, 1-2 family dwelling
Before occupancy
Certificate of Occupancy required (§ 29.014)

Summary

Unincorporated Multnomah County adopts the state's structural, mechanical, and one- and two-family dwelling specialty codes as its own Building Code, so construction, alteration, or repair work covered by those codes needs a county permit before starting.

City-specific rules exist: Portland, and Gresham have their own building permits rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Those portions of the state building code constituting the structural specialty code, mechanical specialty code, and the one- and two-family dwelling specialty code, are adopted and by this reference incorporated as part of this subchapter. The provisions of this subchapter shall take precedence over the similar provisions of the state specialty codes.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Multnomah County Code § 29.003 adopts the structural, mechanical, and one- and two-family dwelling specialty codes of the Oregon building code as part of the county's own Building Code, and county provisions take precedence over similar state provisions. This applies only to unincorporated areas of the county under § 29.001. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village enforce their own municipal building codes and permitting, not this chapter. Applicants file a written permit application with the county Building Official, and under § 29.014 most buildings and any occupancy change also need a Certificate of Occupancy before use.

Violations & Fines

Doing work that requires a permit without first obtaining it is a code violation under § 29.206(B), enforceable by the county Building Official in addition to specialty-code penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply if I live in Portland?
No. Portland has its own municipal building code and permitting process. Multnomah County Chapter 29 governs only unincorporated areas outside Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village.
What work needs a county building permit?
Construction, alteration, or repair work covered by the structural, mechanical, or one- and two-family dwelling specialty codes the county adopted as its own Building Code under § 29.003.
What happens if I build without a permit?
Under § 29.206(B), doing permit-required work without first getting the permit is a code violation the county can enforce, on top of any specialty-code penalties.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

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Building Permits in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR