Clackamas County, OR Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, OAR 918-750
- Permit issuance
- Section 9.02.240
- Application expiration
- 180 days with no permit issued
- Permit expiration
- 180 days idle or uninspected
- Unpermitted work
- Special investigation fee required
- Enforcement
- Compliance Hearings Officer or court
Summary
Clackamas County enforces the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code under County Code 9.02.040(C) for all plumbing work in the unincorporated area. A building permit must be issued before work begins; applications lapse after 180 days with no permit issued, and issued permits expire if work stalls or goes uninspected for 180 days. Unpermitted work triggers a mandatory investigation fee.
The Clackamas County Building Code consists of the following Specialty Codes as adopted by the State of Oregon, and regulations:
A. The Oregon Structural Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 460, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
B. The Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 440, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
C. The Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 750, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
D. The Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 251 except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
E. The Oregon Residential Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 480, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
F. The manufactured dwelling park and mobile home park rules adopted by OAR Chapter 918 Division 600, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
G. The manufactured structure rules adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 500, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
H. The Recreational Park and Organizational Camp Rules adopted by OAR Chapter 918, Division 650, except as modified in this Chapter, shall be enforced as part of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
040(C) as OAR Chapter 918, Division 750. 240 the building official issues the permit only after confirming the work and plans meet the code and the required fees have been paid. 270 sets hard deadlines: an application with no permit issued within 180 days automatically expires, and an issued permit becomes void if work is not commenced within 180 days, is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, or goes without a passed inspection for a 180-day stretch. Written extensions of up to 90 days on a pending application, or up to 180 days on an issued permit, are available if the applicant shows circumstances beyond their control delayed the project.
320, based on the value of the work including all plumbing, heating and other permanent equipment installed. 280 requires a special investigation and an investigation fee based on actual or average investigation cost, charged on top of the permit fee, and paying it does not excuse compliance with the rest of the chapter. 330 makes any violation, including unpermitted plumbing work, a public nuisance that continues each day it exists.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit triggers a special investigation under Section 9.02.280, with an investigation fee added to the permit fee regardless of whether a permit is ultimately issued. Section 9.02.330 treats any plumbing work done contrary to the adopted code as a public nuisance, with each day of the violation counted as a separate offense; the County may pursue abatement, injunction, or a Compliance Hearings Officer case to force compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in unincorporated Clackamas County?
How long is a Clackamas County plumbing permit valid?
What happens if I do plumbing work without a permit first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
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