Building Safety in Clackamas County, OR (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Clackamas County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Clackamas County's only codified carbon monoxide detector mandate applies to short-term rentals: Section 8.10.050(J)(1) requires working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and maintained as the Oregon Residential Specialty Code requires, on top of two fire extinguishers.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Clackamas County
Some RestrictionsClackamas County Code § 8.10.050(J)(1)
J. Building and Fire Safety. A short-term rental shall comply with all ordinances that apply to a dwelling, and all structural components shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. In addition: 1. Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed and maintained in locations as required by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. 2. Working fire extinguishers sh...
Building Permits
Clackamas County requires a permit for construction, alteration, demolition, repair or moving of any building or structure in the unincorporated county, plus specific extras like retaining walls, fences, towers and large flagpoles. The Building Official issues the permit only after plans are reviewed and required fees are paid.
When You Need a Building Permit in Clackamas County
Some RestrictionsClackamas County Code §§ 9.02.020 & 9.02.240
This chapter shall apply to the construction, reconstruction, alteration, relocation (i.e. moving), demolition, repair, maintenance and work associated with any building or structure except when such work is located in a public right of public way. ... If the building official or deputy finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data fil...
Electrical Permits
Clackamas County enforces the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code as part of its own Building Code, so any new wiring, service upgrade or electrical alteration in the unincorporated county needs a county electrical permit. Fees run from $112 for a service reconnect to $907 for a permanent service over 1,000 amps.
Electrical Permit Rules in Clackamas County
Some RestrictionsClackamas County Code § 9.02.040(D)
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 ...
Plumbing Permits
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.
Plumbing Permit Rules in Clackamas County
Some RestrictionsClackamas County Code § 9.02.040(C)
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 m...
Building Inspections
Clackamas County puts the duty to schedule inspections on the permit holder, not the county: the permittee must request every required inspection, give inspectors site access, and keep the work exposed until it's approved. Skipping inspections doesn't just risk a stop-work order, it automatically expires the building permit.
Building Inspection Requirements in Clackamas County
Some RestrictionsClackamas County Code § 9.02.310
It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to request all necessary inspections in a timely manner and according to the policies of Clackamas County, provide access to the site, and provide all necessary equipment to make inspections as determined by the building official. The permit holder shall not proceed with construction until authorized by the building official. It shall be ...
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