Development Engineering

While there are some basic steps, the details and length of time of the process varies depending on the type of project. Learn more about the permit process.

If you are unsure of what permit you need, visit How to Apply for a Permit. Our fee schedule can help estimate the cost.

You can check the status of permits on any property in unincorporated Clackamas County . If you have applied for a permit, you can check the status of your application on Development Direct.  (Instruction for how to use Development Direct to check your project’s status are available on our user’s guide).

The county has limited jurisdiction over private property drainage issues.

• If you live in the boundaries of a city, the Oak Lodge Water Services or the Clackamas County Water Environment Services District, please contact them.
• If you don't know whether you live in a city or one of these districts or you don't live in one of these districts, contact us at engineering@clackamas.us or 503-742-4691 and we'll help you determine your options.

Construction noise is allowed in unincorporated Clackamas County between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.  Details are in County Code Chapter 6.05.

If your construction project requires working outside those hours, you can apply for a variance by contacting the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office at ccsopermits@clackamas.us or 503-785-5000. 

There are several ways you can learn about easements:

• Contact the County Assessment & Taxation Department at 503-655-8671 or propertytaxinfo@clackamas.us. Ask for a copy of your property’s history card, and be prepared to know the address, tax account #, and parcel # of the property.  You can find your property's parcel number using our CMAP system.
• Contact the County Clerk's Office at 503-655-8698. The Clerk’s Office offers free research facilities and for a fee you can print copies of recorded deeds.
• Order a Preliminary Title Report or a Lot Book Report from a title company. The typical cost is $200–400.
• Review the title policy you purchased with the purchase of your property.
• Hire a private surveyor and/or an attorney to research the information for you.

Without a permit you are allowed to do a number of things as long as the activity does not require traffic control including:

• Perform simple maintenance including driveway (not paving) and driveway culvert maintenance and the cleaning of a sidewalk.
• Gravel road maintenance that does not significantly modify drainage (not paving).
• Plant and maintain vegetation (including street trees). Reduction in the number of street trees from a planter strip are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Division.
• Install fences that don’t block the visibility of driveways or intersections and are not safety hazards.
• Install a mailbox that is compliant with USPS and County standards.

Permits are required for a number of things, including:

• Performing roadway improvements beyond maintenance.
• Installing structures such as walls, bridges or fixed objects that could be a hazard to travelers.
• Installing traffic control devices or signs, flag or otherwise control traffic.
• Installing speed bumps.

These are not exhaustive lists. If in doubt, please the types of permits we offer, or contact us at engineering@clackamas.us or 503-742-4691.

• Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalks and curbs in front of their property, including vertical displacements and cracks. A permit is required for you to make such repairs. 
• Property owners also own, and are responsible for, maintaining vegetation in the right of way — including street trees planted between the curb and sidewalk. Planting or maintenance of this vegetation does not require a permit as long as it doesn't block visibility or create a hazard for travelers or require traffic control.

Please contact engineering@clackamas.us or 503-742-4691 if you have questions.

Make a report at our Road Concerns site.