Building Codes

Online Submittals and Applications

As required by state law, electrical work is not allowed until a permit has been issued. Electrical installation is defined as:

• construction or installation of electrical wiring and the permanent attachment
• installation of electrical products in or on any structure that is not itself an electrical product
• maintenance or repair of installed electrical wiring and permanently attached electrical products.

For specific instances when a permit is not needed, refer to ORS 479.540.

Contractor License Verification

To verify electrical contractor license information with the state, call 503-373-1268.

Contacts

• Electrical Permit Technician/Clerical Support: 503-742-4240
• Plan Review or Code Inquiries: 503-742-4764

Site Inspection

Verifies the following:

• applicable permits have been obtained
• set-backs are maintained
• vegetation removal
• stand (area where dwelling is to be placed) leveled
• site graded and drained
• engineered fill tested and report submitted
• poured-in-place footing and slab forms and reinforcement
• concrete encased grounding electrodes, if applicable

Exception: If there are no poured-in-place footing, slab, or concrete encased grounding electrodes, the site inspection will be done with the Set-Up Inspection.

Set-Up Inspection

Verifies the following:

Structure

• applicable permits obtained
• plot plan information and a soil compaction test or soil investigation report when required
• stand preparation, vegetation removal, placement of gravel pad and gravel compaction when required
• foundation installation
• vapor barrier installation
• pier and footing type, size and spacing
• perimeter foundation or basement construction
• holdowns or earthquake-resistant bracing system if applicable*
• bottom board repair
• fire separation between adjacent structures (e.g., garage)
• temporary steps in place and adequately supported

* Earthquake anchorage is not required in Clackamas County. We do however require wind resistance anchorage in accordance with section 3-2.6 of the OMDISC. (Oregon Manufactured Dwelling Installation Specialty Code). If you are going to install holdowns or an earthquake bracing system, you may add it to your installation permit or take out a separate permit if being added at a later date.

Retrofit installations for existing dwellings will require a separate permit. (Holdowns and earthquake bracing systems shall be approved by the State of Oregon or be an engineered system.)

Marriage Line Connections

• weatherstripping and weather seals at floor, walls and roof connections
• exposed roof and wall marriage line structural connections
• floor marriage line structural connections

Plumbing Connections

• shut-off and pressure-reducing valves
• heat tape or pipe insulation
• pipe size, material, grade and support
• marriage line cross-over pipe connections
• water supply utility connection within 30 feet of unit perimeter
• septic or sewer utility pipe connection within 30 feet of unit perimeter

Mechanical Connections

• under-floor dryer and range exhaust duct rough-in
• duct crossover material, R-value, size, clearance and connection
• flue, chimney and vent material, size, clearance, connections and terminations. (This inspection is for new or after market installations)

Fuel Gas Piping

• pipe type, size, material and support
• pipe fittings, type, size, material and use
• marriage line fuel gas pipe cross-over connection
• fuel gas supply connection

Electrical Connections

• feeder type, size, clearance and installation within 30 feet and in sight of home
• service type, size, clearance, location, support and installation
• fixture type, support and connections
• marriage line electrical cross-over connections
• conduit and fitting type, size, material and support
• wiring type, size, material and securement
• wiring methods and connections

Note: If the permit holder or the permit holders agent fails to call for a setup inspection, or causes the under-floor area to be enclosed prior to the set-up inspection; the permit holder or the permit holders agent shall:

• remove the skirting prior to obtaining an inspection or
• hire a certified inspector to perform the set-up inspection. A copy of the certified inspector’s report shall be provided.

Final Inspection

Includes verification of the following:

• skirting installation
• under-floor and utility connection access
• under-floor ventilation
• temporary step removal
• permanent step or ramp installation
• permanent landing, guardrail and handrail construction
• site grading and drainage
• sidewalks and driveways
• door and window adjustment, seal and securement
• accessory building and structure permits obtained (e.g., deck, awning, cabana, ramada, support and garage)
• under-floor dryer and range exhaust duct through skirting or perimeter foundation and terminated with approved devices
• smoke detector location, installation and test
• ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) test
• installer's certification tag(s) are installed

Note: The permit holder or the permit holder's agent shall request a final inspection within ten working days of the completion of the manufactured dwelling installation.

Installer certificate required

• Upon completion of a manufactured dwelling installation, cabana installation, anchoring system installation, skirting installation or perimeter retaining wall installation and prior to request for inspection, the person who performed the installation shall affix an Installer Certification Tag. Certification tags shall be affixed to the manufactured dwelling, cabana or skirting in a visible location on he exterior of the rear end wall near the insignia or HUD label.
• When more than one installer installs a manufactured dwelling (i.e. one installs the foundation, one installs the tie-downs and another installs the skirting), each installer shall affix a separate Installer Certification Tag on the manufactured dwelling indication the work performed.
• On secondary installations, all previous Installer Certification Tags shall be removed and replaced with new tags for the new installation.
• When plumbing or electrical installations or connections are done by an Oregon licensed plumbing or electrical contractor Manufactured dwelling Installer Certification Tags are not required to be installed.
• Manufactured dwellings Installer Certification Tags are not required for homeowners doing their own installation.

Smoke detectors

All manufactured dwellings shall be equipped with operating smoke detectors or alarms at the time of installation regardless of the age of the manufactured dwelling.

Inspection Requests

(Based on the 2002 Edition of the Oregon Manufactured Dwelling and Park Specialty Code)

Inspection request must be received before 7 a.m. the day of the inspection. Clackamas County does not make appointments. We will attempt to honor requests for morning or afternoon inspections, but no guarantees will be made. If the dwelling is occupied, the applicant or an adult must be present to let the inspector in and remain during the inspection. Call us at 503-353-4720 to request inspections.

Special precautions must be taken with electrical wiring in the above types of buildings because of dust from feed and litter and corrosive agents associated with animal confinement. Buildings constructed under the "Agricultural Exempt" building status (no building permit required) that are used for the above purposes must also comply with the following requirements. Milking parlors and areas where livestock may come in contact with metallic equipment have additional requirements including Equipotential Planes and require electrical plan review prior to construction.

• Barns, Riding Arenas and buildings which provide animal habitat, animal care or feed storage are subject to National Electrical Code Article 547 – Agricultural Buildings. Wiring methods, equipment and light fixtures must be of an approved type for the environment where they are installed. Areas requiring special attention are those where excessive dust and dust with water may accumulate, damp or wet locations and corrosive atmospheres. Generally, this requires a wiring method which is suitable for damp or wet locations. All wiring subject to physical damage shall be protected. Nonmetallic sheathed cable (Romex) is not an approved wiring method for animal habitat, animal care or feed storage areas. NEC 547.5
• Electrical distribution panels should be located in tack room or other area away from animal habitat and feed storage to protect overcurrent devices from dust and moisture or will require a NEMA 3R rated enclosure suitable for wet locations. NEC 547.6
• Separate equipment grounding conductor required. Non-current carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways and other enclosures must be grounded by a copper equipment grounding conductor to equipment. If installed underground, the equipment grounding conductor shall be insulated or covered. NEC 547.5(F)
• In areas separated from animals and feed storage, Nonmetallic sheath cable (Romex) can be used where not subject to physical damage. Exposed nonmetallic sheathed cable shall be protected where it is installed horizontally below 8 feet above the floor. Exposed nonmetallic sheath cable below 8 feet above the floor that enters the top and bottom of a panelboard shall be protected from physical damage by conduit, ½ inch plywood or ½ inch drywall, per Oregon Electrical Specialty Code amendment to NEC 334.15(B).
• Luminaires (lighting fixtures) shall be installed to minimize the entrance of dust, foreign matter, moisture and corrosive material. Generally, luminaires of this type are those suitable for damp or wet locations. Luminaires exposed to physical damage shall be protected by suitable guards. NEC 547.8
• Wiring, luminaires and equipment in a wash area must be approved for wet location. NEC 547.8
• All 120 volt, 15 and 20 amp receptacle outlets installed for personnel require GFCI protection except commercial installations. NEC 210.8(A)(2).

Inspection requests must be received before 6 a.m. the day of the inspection. You may ask for an inspection by calling the Inspection Request Line at 503-742-4720. We do not make appointments, but do attempt to honor requests for morning or afternoon inspections. Because of the uncertainties in the amount of time required, however, we cannot guarantee a specific time of day. If the dwelling is occupied, the applicant or an adult must be present to let in the inspector and remain during the inspection.

Site inspection

To be done with the footing inspection. The inspector will look at excavation and grading, slopes, building setbacks and fill materials. Structural fills will require a fill certification by a geotechnical or civil engineer.

Footings inspection

Performed after trenches or pad openings are excavated and cleared of loose material or mud, forms are erected and secured in place and reinforcing is in place and secured but prior to placing concrete. New construction requires a U-FER ground (electrical ground) to be in place prior to inspection. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed — no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Foundation inspection

(sometimes combined with footing inspections)
Made after forms and reinforcing are erected and secured or braced, but prior to placing concrete. All holdowns and special frame anchor bolts must be mounted in place prior to inspection. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed — no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspection

Includes any plumbing, electrical, mechanical or gas piping work that will be installed under the floor. Inspections are requested after the electrical, plumbing, ductwork and gas piping are in place and secured, but prior to the under-floor framing inspection. The mechanical inspections may be done at the same time as the under-floor framing inspection.

Under-floor or post and beam inspection

Made after all under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical (including gas pipe) systems have been installed and all sill plates and under floor structural components are in place, secured and properly fastened, but prior to the application of flooring or insulation materials. All structural components, which have been improperly cut or notched for plumbing, etc., are to be repaired or replaced as needed.

Concrete floor slabs inspection

(within buildings/structures)
Made after all under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems have been installed and approved, the ground surface is prepared and leveled, forms are in place and secured, reinforcing or woven wire mesh (if required) and under-slab insulation (when required) are in place. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed; no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Roof coverings

The roof covering may be installed over the roof sheathing at any time unless otherwise noted on your plans.

Rough-in, all systems

The rough plumbing, electrical, mechanical and gas piping systems are to be installed and approved prior to obtaining the framing inspection and covering any work. The mechanical inspection may be done at the same time as the framing inspection.

Shear walls

Inspected after the structural frame is in place, all panels are to be nailed per the shear wall schedules, hold-downs and straps are to be installed and any miscellaneous attachments installed. This inspection may be done with the structural frame inspection.

Structural frame inspection

Performed after all of the above systems are approved. All structural components that have been improperly cut, notched or altered for systems installations must be replaced or repaired as indicated. Roof, wall and floor sheathing are to be in place and nailed. Bracing, blocking and fire stops are to be complete. Windows and doors must be installed.

Insulation and vapor barrier inspection

Performed after all insulation and vapor barriers are in place and secured. Includes walls, floors, ground covers, etc. Does not include loose insulation to be supported by ceiling finish materials. Weather protection must be provided prior to insulation. Wet or soaked insulation will be rejected. Substantially wet or soaked wood construction is not to be covered with vapor barriers unless adequate provisions are made for thorough drying of the structure. Under-floor and attic insulation may be done at a later time, but must be in place prior to the final inspection.

Gypsum wallboard (drywall) inspection

To be done on firewalls and gypsum wallboard (drywall) shear walls only. All nailing or other fastening systems must be complete. Tape, plaster or other coverings are not to be applied prior to this inspection. Where multiple layers of gypsum wallboard are required, the nailing for each layer must be inspected.

Public sidewalk and driveway approach inspection

Required for all concrete paving within the street right-of-way; to be done after the excavation is complete, the forms are in place and secured and the subgrade is properly prepared, but prior to the placing of any concrete. The Engineering Division performs the inspection of all driveway aprons and frontage sidewalks, including those within subdivisions. Please call 503-742-4700 to schedule inspections for this portion of your project. The Building Services Division will continue to inspect the flatwork portion of the driveway from the back of the sidewalk to the garage/house. Please call 503-742-4720 to schedule the inspections for this portion of your project. Contact the City of Gladstone at 503-656-7957 for work within the city limits.

Driveways, porches and flat work

Concrete driveways, patios, walkways and porches will be inspected after the ground surface is prepared and leveled and forms are in place and secured. The inspector will verify that the placement of concrete will not be against untreated framing or siding and the rise and run of any steps or stairs. Driveways are inspected in urban areas only. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed; no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Other inspections

Other inspections may be required on particular jobs. These will be indicated on the approved plans and specifications or the Building Inspector will inform the permit holder of the need for them.

Special inspections

When special inspections are required, a qualified and approved special inspector is to be at the job site whenever work requiring special inspections is in progress. Clackamas County does not perform special inspections. The special inspector or approved agency shall submit a report of their findings upon completion of the inspection.

The Oregon Building Officials Association has created a list of approved special inspectors and agencies. For a current list of approved inspectors and agencies, contact the Oregon Building Officials Association by phone at 503-873-1157 or fax at 503-873-9389.

Final inspections

Final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire suppression (when required) inspections will be done after all such systems are complete, but before occupancy of the premises is allowed. The final building inspection is done only after all other required inspections have been completed and approved.

Clackamas County - TITLE 9 SECTION 9.02.310 - INSPECTIONS

Permit required prior to modifying or installing any plumbing

Online Submittals and Applications

Notice

Any contractor performing sanitary building sewer installations, are now required to have a Plumbing Business License issued by Oregon Building Codes Division in addition to their CCB license.

We will give customers some latitude to learn about and obtain the required licensing but will enforce these requirements starting April 1, 2022.

Uniform plumbing code

Administration, sec 918-780-010

1. Permits Required:
   1. No person, firm, or corporation shall do plumbing work in the State of Oregon without first obtaining a plumbing permit and paying the appropriate fees to the authorized permit issuing agency;
   2. Plumbing permit fees shall be doubled if installation is commenced prior to issuance of the permit, except that this prevision will not apply to proven emergency installations, in which case a permit shall be obtained within 5 days of commencing installation.
2. Purpose of Permit:
   The issuance of granting of a plumbing permit is for the purpose of knowing where to make inspections and to defray the cost of inspections. The Permit shall not be construed to be an approval of any violation of any of the provision of the statutes or of OAR Chapter 918, Divisions 750 to 799. The issuance of a permit shall not prevent the Administrator from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in sums due for the permit, in installation or in requiring the work to be done only by those authorized by law.
3. Notice required for inspections:
   1. No plumbing installation shall be covered or concealed without first obtaining the approval of the Division;
   2. The Division shall have at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, after notification that the permittee is ready for an inspection, in which to make the inspection

Other resources

• To verify plumbing contractor license information with the state of Oregon, call 503-742-1268.
• For information about wells, call the Oregon Department of Water Resources at 503-378-8455.
• Rain Drain and Gutter Policy and Procedures

There are now 3 convenient ways to schedule an inspection.

Tips for scheduling by phone

To schedule an inspection, call the Inspection Request Line at 503-742-4720, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Requests must be made before 2 p.m. to be scheduled for the following business day.

When using the inspection line:

• Have your permits ready   
  Make sure to have the permit numbers associated with the inspections you are requesting.
• Inspection codes   
  You will be asked to enter a code for the type of inspection you need. You can access a list of codes below:
  • electrical
  • building or mechanical
  • plumbing
  • grading
  • manufactured home park, RV park, camp
  • septic
  • individual manufactured home
• Contact information   
  Please leave your name and phone number.
• The main contact on the permit should receive an email confirmation once the inspection is scheduled.
• Need to cancel? Call 503-742-4400

Inspection Codes

*Final inspections for mechanical, electrical & plumbing must be approved prior to scheduling building final.

If you’re planning to build a structure for farming, forestry, equine (horse-related), or dog training facility use, your project may qualify for an Agricultural Building Exemption (Ag Exemption) under state law (ORS 455.315).

This exemption allows certain agricultural buildings to be built without a building permit—but it also comes with important limitations. Before deciding, review the key differences below to see which path is right for your project.

Before you start, check your zoning

Ag Exemptions only apply to properties zoned for farm or forest use. If you’re unsure about your zoning, please contact our Planning Department office at zoninginfo@clackamas.us before proceeding.

Option 1: apply for a building permit

A permitted building gives you flexibility and long-term peace of mind.

Benefits:

• You can use the building for public access or events.
• You’re not limited to 10 people in non-growing areas.
• It meets full building code standards, helping with safety and resale value.

Things to know:

• Getting a permit means paying all related fees (building, system development charges, school taxes, etc.).
• It can save time and money later. Converting an Ag Exempt structure to a permitted one can be complex and costly.

Option 2: apply for an Agricultural Building Exemption

An Ag Exemption may be right for you if your building will be used only for agricultural operations and not open to the public.

Benefits:

• No building permit or building-related inspections required.
• No system development charges (SDCs) are assessed.

Things to know:

• You’ll still need land use approval and possibly other permits (erosion control, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing).
• You can’t host public events or allow public access in the building.
• You’re limited to 10 people at a time in non-growing areas.
• If you later decide to make the building permitted, it may require engineering reviews, code upgrades, and inspections.

Still unsure?

If you’re unsure which path suits your project, we can help. Contact our Building Division at bldservice@clackamas.us  to discuss your plans with permit staff or submit a zoning inquiry.

The Oregon Building Codes Agency has adopted rules to create uniformity for Electrical Plan Review requirements.

Time in review

Electrical plan reviews should be approved or denied within 10 working days from the receipt of the complete electrical plans. If denied because of deficiencies, written notification will be given. Upon re-submission, the 10 day review time starts again. When the complexity or size of a project requires more than the 10 working days, we will notify the permit holder of needed time for completion. When plans have been submitted with proper electrical application, Clackamas County will issue a permit number and may allow limited courtesy inspections to prevent construction delays.

Plan review standards

Review is required for any of the following:

1. Ampacity:
   1. A service or feeder beginning at 400 Amps where the available fault current exceeds 10,000 Amps at 150 Volts or less to ground or exceeds 14,000 Amps for all other installations.
   2. Installation of a 150 KVA or larger separately derived system
   3. Addition of a new motor load of 100 HP or more
   4. Fire pump installations as defined in Article 695 of the NEC
   5. Emergency systems installations as defined in Article 700 of the NEC
   6. A service or feeder rated 600 Amps or over.
2. Voltage. More than 600 supply volts nominal.
3. Height. More than three stories.
4. Occupancy.
   1. Six or more residential units in one structure
   2. An "A" (Assembly) occupancy, "E" (Educational) occupancy, or "I-2" or "I-3" (Institutional) occupancy as defined in the adopted Oregon Structural Specialty Code
   3. Any of the following special occupancies as described in Chapter 5 of the NEC adopted by the board in OAR 918-305-0100:
      1. Hazardous (Classified) locations as defined in Articles 500 to 516
      2. Installations in patient care areas of health care facilities as defined in Article 517
      3. Agricultural buildings used for commercial purposes, as defined in Article 547
      4. Floating buildings as defined in Article 553
      5. Marinas and boat yards as defined in Article 555
5. Recreational Vehicle Park. A new recreational vehicle park, or any addition or alteration to an existing park.

Required information and format

Submittals shall include:

1. Two sets of electrical floor plans, including the building and site plans where applicable;
2. Plans must be drawn to scale, clear enough to indicate the location, nature and extent of work proposed.
3. Plans Shall contain the following minimum requirements:
   1. Service / Feeder riser diagram showing panel location and circuit schedules
   2. One line riser diagram showing bonding and grounding and conductor sizes
   3. Available fault current on line side of service disconnect
   4. Complete load calculations for new work or provide applicable load records, for all new installations and for additions to existing installation
   5. Fixture schedule, showing type, location and layout of all fixtures
   6. Address of installation, and name and address of owner
   7. Identification of the employer, identification and signature of person who prepared the plan, license number if the person is an Electrical Supervisor or professional registration number if the person is an Architect or Registered Professional Electrical Engineer.
   8. Location of emergency systems identifying the power source and the system on plan.

Our fee schedule and tools are meant to assist you in estimating building fees.

Actual building fees vary from project to project. Final project fees may include items we collect on behalf of other agencies, e.g. 12% of all fees collected are returned to the State.

Additionally, projects within the City of Canby use their adopted fee schedule.

We will discuss specific fees with you when you submit your plans or application.

Fee schedules

• General Inspections
• Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Manufactured Dwellings, Park Trailers, Cabanas
• Electrical
• Commercial/Industrial Structural Code
• 1- and 2-Family Structural
• Plumbing

New commercial, industrial and multi-family developments in Clackamas County — including commercial and industrial building additions and tenant improvements — are required to have a Certificate of Occupancy in order for the structure to be occupied for its intended purpose and open to the general public.

Clackamas County issues both Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) and Permanent Certificates of Occupancy (CO). The following information reviews what these certificates mean and outlines the process to apply for and obtain a TCO and CO for your project.

Temporary (TCO) vs. Permanent Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

TCO/CO submittal checklist

Obtain sign-offs from following divisions/agencies as necessary:

• Submit TCO/CO application 2–4 weeks prior to the occupancy date
• Pay $170 fee
• Obtain approved final inspections for all permits
  • WES or other jurisdiction for sanitary, storm sewers, erosion control; as-builts must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to occupancy date
    Storm & Sanitary Inspectors
  • Engineering Division
    Construction & Development Inspector
  • Community Environment
    Development Review Contact
  • Building Division
    Building Inspector for the project
  • Plumbing Division
    Plumbing Inspector for the project
  • Electrical Division
    Electrical Inspector for the project
  • Fire District
    Deputy Fire Marshal for the district where development is located
  • Soils Division (WES)
    Soils Inspector for the project
  • Public Health
    Environmental Health Inspector assigned to the Plan Review (only necessary if we need to conduct a plan review on the construction)
  • Planning Division
    County Planner who issued the staff decision for the land use approval
• Apply for a CO when TCO is issued and repeat process above.

The building permit specialist will update the status of your TCO application each time a division or agency signs off.

You are responsible for following up on the various required sign-offs. The permit specialist will not send you updates on your TCO as sign-offs occur.

When the last division or agency signs off on the TCO, the Building official will sign the TCO certificate and you will be contacted to let you know the TCO has been approved and issued.

The process for a CO is the same as for a TCO. The same agencies that signed off on the TCO must sign off on the CO once they are satisfied that their corrections or improvements have been completed.