Code Enforcement

Clackamas County Code Enforcement processes requests for noise variances in unincorporated Clackamas County.

• Code Enforcement only reviews variance requests
• It does not respond to noise complaints or enforce violations
• To report active noise issues or violations, call the Sheriff's Office (non-emergency) at 503-655-8211

Do You Need a Noise Variance?

Clackamas County Code Chapter 6.05 governs noise regulations.

• 6.05.030 – General noise prohibitions
• 6.05.040 – Noises specifically prohibited
• 6.05.060 – Exempt noise activities

If your event is listed as exempt, you do not need a variance. 
If it is not exempt, you must apply for a variance.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my variance is denied, can I still hold my event? 
Yes. You must follow the noise limits set in County Code Chapter 6.05.

Do church events require a noise variance? 
No. Religious activities on property normally used for that purpose between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. are exempt.

What time should I stop playing music to avoid issues? 
Noise that is unreasonably loud or disruptive may violate the ordinance. Stricter limits apply between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

How far in advance do I need to apply? 
At least 10 business days before your event. Applications submitted later may not be reviewed in time. A notice of appeal must be delivered to the board of County Commissioners within thirty (30) days of the date of the decision. The Board shall review the application de novo, and within fifteen (15) days, deny the application, approve it or approve subject to conditions.

Do I need a variance for Fourth of July fireworks? 
No. Fireworks are exempt from July 1–July 5 under County Code 6.05.060(L).

How do I know if my music is too loud? 
Noise that disturbs a reasonable person's comfort or peace may violate the ordinance, especially at night. Sound which exceeds 50dBA at any time between 10pm and 7am the following day, or 60 dBA at any time between 7am and 10 pm.

Can I complain about noise from a nearby stadium or racetrack? 
Many sports-related noises are exempt and may not require a variance. See Section 6.05.060 for details.

Noise Variance Application Process 

1. Submit a complete application at least 10 business days before your event.
2. Download and complete the Required Notice of Noise Variance Request.
3. Download and complete the Affidavit indicating the Notices have been delivered to adjacent property owners.
4. Submit the online "Request a Noise Variance" form.
5. Email the completed Notice of Noise Variance Request and the Affidavit to CodeEnforcement@clackamas.us
6. Code Enforcement reviews the application for completeness.
7. You will receive the decision via email.

Appeals may be mailed to the County Administrator at:

Clackamas County Administrator
RE: Noise Variance Appeal
2051 Kaen Rd. Oregon City, OR 97045

Appeals may also be submitted via email to bcc@clackamas.us In the subject line please note Noise Variance Appeal Request. 

Questions?

Contact Code Enforcement at 503-742-4452 or codeenforcement@clackamas.us

The Code Enforcement Hearings Officer is an independent third party contracted by Clackamas County to hear and decide code enforcement cases on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. These hearings address a range of county regulations and are open to the public. 

About the Hearings Officer 

• Acts independently and applies Clackamas County Code and policies 
• Handles cases related to: 
• Zoning and Development Ordinance (ZDO) 
• Building codes 
• Solid waste and waste management 
• Noise control 
• Excavating and grading 
• Road use 
• Dangerous buildings 
• Chronic nuisance and graffiti 
• Decisions in County-filed cases are the County’s final determination 
• Decisions may be appealed to Clackamas County Circuit Court 

Hearing Schedule and Participation 

• Hearings are typically held on: 
• The 2nd Thursday of the month 
• The 4th Tuesday of the month 
• Hearings will not start before the posted time but may begin later 
• Hearings are open to the public, and anyone may attend or provide testimony 

How to Attend 

• Hearings are conducted virtually using Zoom 
• A Zoom link and instructions for attending or testifying will be posted with each case about one week before the hearing. 
• Questions should be directed to the Code Enforcement Specialist listed with the case file 

Accessibility 

• Reasonable accommodations, including translation or interpretation services, are available upon request 
• Please contact 503-742-4452 or codeenforcement@clackamas.us at least three business days before the hearing 

¿Traducción e interpretación? | Требуется ли вам устный или письменный перевод? | 翻译或口译？| Cấn Biên dịch hoặc Phiên dịch? | 번역 또는 통역? 503-742-4452 

File your complaint online

Key Definitions

• Anonymous complaints
  Complaints without a name or contact information.
  Anonymous complaints are not investigated.
• Confidential complaints
  Complaints where the complainant provides contact information but asks that it not be shared, as allowed by state law. 
• Enforceable complaint
  A complaint that falls within the County's Violation Priority Matrix and is eligible for investigation. 
• High-priority issues
  Situations that involve alleged:
• Life, health, or safety hazards, or
• Environmental damage

How Complaints Are Handled

Clackamas County does not investigate anonymous complaints.

When a valid, enforceable complaint is received:

• One complaint is enough if:
• The complainant provides contact information and does not request confidentiality, or
• The issue involves a potential life, health, safety, or environmental hazard, even if confidentiality is requested, or
• The issue is on a property with confirmed criminal activity and confidentiality is requested
• Two separate confidential complaints are required if:
• The issue does not involve a life, health, safety, or environmental hazard, and
• The complainant requests confidentiality

Determining Hazards and Environmental Damage

County staff determine whether a situation poses a life, health, safety, or environmental risk based on the codes being enforced.

If it's unclear, the Building Codes Administrator, in consultation with the appropriate division manager, makes the final determination.

Examples of High-Priority Issues

Life Hazards

• Construction or major remodels without permits
• Unsafe electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installations
• Fuel-based systems (natural gas, propane, oil) installed without permits
• Improper installation of wood-burning appliances

Health Hazards

• Sewage discharging onto the ground
• Overflowing dumpsters
• Accumulated garbage or animal waste
• Residential structures where building systems become inoperable.
• Dead animals

Safety Hazards

• Unsafe conversions of residential buildings to commercial use
• Unpermitted decks, pools, or excavations
• Dangerous or abandoned buildings
• Road visibility obstructions or blocked traffic signs
• Unsafe conversion of accessory buildings to living space.

Environmental Damage

• Fill or excavation in rivers, streams, wetlands, or protected waterways
• Unauthorized tree removal in conservation areas
• Illegal surface mining
• Dumping chemicals or pollutants
• Unsafe grading or excavation activities

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.

Animals

• 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.

Apartments and Rentals

• 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.

Camping and Temporary Living

• 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.

Businesses and Commercial Activity

• 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.

Environmental Concerns

• 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, Trash and Dumping

• 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

Noise and Neighborhood Issues

• 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

Pools, Mosquitoes and Pests

• Swimming pools with green water are not regulated if the are adequately fenced.
• Mosquito concerns: Vector Control 503-655-8394
• Junk tires holding water are a solid waste violation.

Vehicles

• 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.