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Clackamas County, OR Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Clackamas County Code § 9.02.020(E)
Covered structures
Fences, retaining walls, towers, tanks, some signs
Permit process
Same review as any building permit, § 9.02.240
Unpermitted work
Investigation fee under § 9.02.280
Fee basis
Set by Board order, § 9.02.320

Summary

Clackamas County treats fences as regulated structures under its Building Code chapter, meaning fence construction on unincorporated land goes through the same application, review and permit process as other building work. The Building Official can require plans, charge fees, and inspect the work before it is approved.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this chapter shall also apply to the following: ... E. Fences.

View official code

Full Breakdown

moving), demolition, repair, maintenance and work associated with any building or structure,' and then lists specific structure types the chapter reaches 'without limiting the generality of the foregoing,' naming fences as item E alongside retaining walls, tanks, telecommunication towers, ground-mounted flagpoles over 25 feet, and unattached signs. 240, the Building Official reviews them for compliance with 'this chapter and other pertinent laws and ordinances,' confirms the fee has been paid, and only then issues the permit. 320, based on the value of the work. 270(G).

Violations & Fines

Constructing a fence covered by this chapter without first obtaining a permit exposes the property owner to an investigation fee under Section 9.02.280, charged in addition to the permit fee whether or not a permit is ultimately issued. The Building Official can also refuse to issue related permits, occupancy or completion certificates under Section 9.02.260 if the property is in violation of any county ordinance, and the county can pursue injunction, abatement or other court action under Section 9.02.330 to force compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clackamas County require a permit for a fence?
Fences are listed in Section 9.02.020(E) as a structure type the county's Building Code chapter applies to, so fence work goes through the same plan review, fee payment and permit issuance process under Section 9.02.240 as any other regulated structure in the unincorporated county.
What other structures does the fence rule sit alongside?
Section 9.02.020 lists fences together with retaining walls, tanks not attached to a building, telecommunication towers, ground-mounted flagpoles over 25 feet, unattached signs, piers and wharves, and structures tied to agricultural processing, all of which fall under the same building permit chapter rather than being exempt.
What if I build a fence without a permit?
The Building Official can order a special investigation under Section 9.02.280 and charge an investigation fee in addition to the normal permit fee, whether or not a permit is ever issued. An unpermitted fence in violation of county ordinance can also block the Building Official from issuing other permits or certificates for the property under Section 9.02.260.
How long is a Clackamas County fence permit good for?
Like any permit issued under Chapter 9.02, a fence permit automatically expires under Section 9.02.270 if work does not commence within 180 days, is suspended for 180 days, or goes 180 days without a passed inspection. Resuming work after expiration may require a new permit and additional fees.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clackamas County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsHeight LimitsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions

All Clackamas County rules

Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon fence regulations overview

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