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

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

Key Facts

Governing code
State Plumbing Specialty Code, OAR Ch. 814
Applies to
Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Permit required
Before installing, altering, or repairing systems
Fees
Set by Board resolution
Enforced by
County building official

Summary

Multnomah County adopts the state Plumbing Specialty Code by reference and administers it in unincorporated areas only; a permit is required before any plumbing or sewage system work begins. Portland runs its own separate plumbing permitting system.

City-specific rules exist: Gresham, and Portland have their own plumbing 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 Plumbing Specialty Code, as authorized by ORS 477.020 and adopted by the Director of the Department of Commerce, pursuant to ORS 183.310 to 183.550 and identified as OAR Chapter 814, are adopted and incorporated as part of this subchapter. The provisions of this subchapter shall take precedence over any similar provisions of the Plumbing Specialty Code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The county's Plumbing Code (Multnomah County Code §§ 29.200-29.207) applies only to unincorporated Multnomah County, not Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, or Wood Village, each of which enforces plumbing rules under its own municipal code. Under § 29.202, the county adopts by reference those portions of the state Building Code that make up the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OAR Chapter 814), with county subchapter provisions taking precedence over conflicting state text. Section 29.207 requires that fees be collected, set by Board resolution, before any permit is issued for installing, altering, renovating, or repairing a plumbing or sewage disposal system.

Violations & Fines

Doing plumbing or sewage-system work without the required permit, certificate, or authorization violates § 29.206; the building official can also order abatement of unsafe plumbing conditions under § 29.204.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Multnomah County's plumbing code cover Portland?
No. Multnomah County Code § 29.200 limits the Plumbing Code to unincorporated areas; Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village each administer plumbing permits under their own city codes.
What plumbing code does the county enforce?
Multnomah County adopts by reference the state Plumbing Specialty Code (OAR Chapter 814) under § 29.202, and county subchapter provisions control whenever they conflict with the state code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsElectrical 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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Plumbing Permits in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR