Frequently Asked Questions

Code Enforcement and Permits

Learn more about electrical code, building permits, structural, and plumbing codes.
For other violations, contact the Code Enforcement Specialist listed on your notice.
How complaints are handled is outlined in the Intake of Code Enforcement Complaints policy.
To report a violation: 503-742-4452 or submit an online complaint form.

Chickens/roosters: Allowed in rural areas; restricted in urban and residential zones.
Contact Planning & Zoning: 503-742-4500 | zoninginfo@clackamas.us
Multiple dogs, kennels, or breeding: May require land use approval.
Animal neglect or abuse: Call Sheriff's non-emergency 503-655-8211.
Stray or aggressive dogs: Dog Services 503-655-8628 or 9-1-1 if aggressive.
Barking dogs: Handled through a resolution-based program via Dog Services.
Feral cats: Contact the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon.
Dead animals on county roads: Call 9-1-1 if creating a hazard.

Landlord-tenant disputes are civil matters.
Mediation help: 503-655-8850
Unsure if apartment work needs permits?
Building Codes: 503-742-4739 should be 4240
Overflowing dumpsters: Report to 503-742-4452.

RVs: Allowed up to 30 days per calendar year; longer use requires approval.
Tents used as living space: Not allowed on residential property.
Camping in non-designated areas: Prohibited.
Report violations: 503-742-4452.

Home-based businesses: Allowed if zoning criteria are met; approval may be required. Contact Planning & Zoning: 503-742-4500 | zoninginfo@clackamas.us
Noisy or Public events in residential zones: May be zoning violations. Contact Planning & Zoning: 503-742-4500 | zoninginfo@clackamas.us
Graffiti: Property owners must remove within 15 days.
Report graffiti: 503-742-4452 | Call 9-1-1 if in progress.

Work near most streams, rivers, or wetlands requires permits.
Grading, excavation, tree cutting, or equipment in waterways without permits is prohibited.
Ponds and large excavation projects require county and state approval.
Mold issues: Not regulated by the county; see Oregon.gov or EPA resources.
Water drainage disputes: Civil matters; mediation available at 503-655-8850.

Garbage must be removed at least every 7 days and stored in rodent-proof containers.
Accumulated household trash is a code violation.
Burning garbage: Regulated by DEQ and fire districts.
DEQ: 1-888-997-7888
Illegal dumping:
On county roads: 503-557-6391 | roadconcerns@clackamas.us
Inside the Urban Growth Boundary: METRO 503-234-3000
Dumping on federal land:
U.S. Forest Service 503-622-2009
BLM 503-375-5646

Loud parties, excessive noise, or other possible noise ordinance violations:
Sheriff's non-emergency 503-655-8211
Vegetation in public right-of-way is the property owner's responsibility.
Vegetation blocking stop signs: 503-557-6391 | roadconcerns@clackamas.us
Minor neighborhood conflicts:
Free mediation 503-655-8850

Vehicles must be licensed and operable.
Abandoned or unlicensed vehicles: 503-742-4452
Vehicles left in the road over 72 hours: Sheriff's non-emergency 503-655-8211
Large trucks over 11,000 GVW in residential zones require approval.
No limit on the number of vehicles if they are licensed and operational.