Building Safety in Washington County, OR (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Washington County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
Childcare Center Rules
Opening a day-care facility in unincorporated Washington County means meeting a dedicated zoning standard: CDC § 430-53.1 sets a 20-foot front and rear yard, a 10-foot side yard, a 40% maximum lot coverage, and a 20,000-square-foot minimum lot size when the site sits in or next to a residential district.
Washington County Day-Care Facility Standards
Some RestrictionsWashington County Community Development Code § 430-53.1
A.The minimum front and rear yards shall be 20 feet;B.The minimum side yard shall be 10 feet;C.All state and county licensing and Department of Health & Human Services requirements must be met;D.There shall be a maximum lot coverage of 40%;E.The maximum sign area shall be 20 square feet; except as provided otherwise in the Institutional District (Section 330-9).F.The minimum lot area for day-ca...
Building Permits
Any construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair or maintenance work on a building or structure in unincorporated Washington County is covered by the county's Uniform Building Code and must be reviewed and permitted by the building official before work begins.
Washington County Building Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code §§ 14.04.030 and 14.04.170.A
This code shall apply to the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, maintenance, and work associated with any building or structure except those located in a public way... If the building official finds that the work described in application for a permit and the plans, specifications, and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws...
Electrical Permits
Washington County enforces the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code as its wiring standard for the unincorporated area "under the jurisdiction and authority of Washington County," and Building Services reviews plans and confirms fees before any permit issues. The same Chapter 14.04 permit clock applies: work must start within 180 days, and the permit voids after 24 months regardless.
Washington County Electrical Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code § 14.04.290
14.04.290 - Electrical code. The Oregon Electrical Specialty Code, as adopted by OAR 918-305-0100, except as modified in this code, is enforced as part of this code under the jurisdiction and authority of Washington County.
Plumbing Permits
Washington County enforces the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code as its plumbing standard for the unincorporated area, and Building Services must review and approve plans before issuing a permit. The permit lapses if work isn't started within 180 days or sits abandoned that long, and starting work first triggers a separate investigation fee under Chapter 14.04.
Washington County Plumbing Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsWashington County Code §§ 14.04.280, 14.04.020(B)
14.04.280 - Plumbing code. The Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, as adopted by 918-750-0010, except as modified in this code, is enforced as part of this code. ... This chapter is to also provide a uniform complaint and citation for violation of the provisions of this chapter in order to facilitate enforcement of violations occurring within the unincorporated areas of the county.
Building Safety by City in Washington County
2 cities in Washington County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Washington County ordinances
See every category we cover for Washington County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Washington County Ordinance Hub →