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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Clackamas County.

Clackamas County enforces the Oregon State Building Code in county jurisdiction, including the current 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2024 IBC/IFC/IEBC), 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2021 IRC), 2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (2023 NEC), 2023 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, 2025 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, and 2025 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code. The county also enforces its Zoning and Development Ordinance, grading/excavation rules, and other listed county codes. Exact local amendments should be confirmed with Building Codes.

Inspection lane

Schedule inspections through the county inspection-request app, the online Accela inspection system, or by calling 503-742-4720 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone requests must be made before 2:00 PM for the following business day; have the permit number and inspection code ready. Final mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections must be approved before the building final.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Clackamas County identifies agricultural/forestry/equine/marijuana building exemptions when the structure meets the published exemption criteria; an approved exemption requires no building inspections. Basic homeowner electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits on the owner's residence or home-based business that do not require plan review are handled outside Development Direct. Smaller erosion-control projects disturbing less than one-half acre generally need no separate erosion permit, but erosion measures are still required. Additions, updates, structural remodeling, new construction, grading, and most trade work generally require permits; planning or land-use approval may still be needed.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Schedule inspections through the county inspection-request app, the online Accela inspection system, or by calling 503-742-4720 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone requests must be made before 2:00 PM for the following business day; have the permit number and inspection code ready. Final mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections must be approved before the building final.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Clackamas County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Clackamas County Department of Transportation and Development, Building Codes Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 503-742-4240; inspection request line 503-742-4720.

How long might review take?

County guidance states up to 10 business days for initial pre-screen/intake, followed by approximately 3-7 weeks for plan review depending on project complexity. The agricultural exemption route has no inspections after approval; incorporated-city timelines and responsibilities may differ.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule inspections through the county inspection-request app, the online Accela inspection system, or by calling 503-742-4720 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telephone requests must be made before 2:00 PM for the following business day; have the permit number and inspection code ready. Final mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections must be approved before the building final.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Clackamas County enforces the Oregon State Building Code in county jurisdiction, including the current 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (2024 IBC/IFC/IEBC), 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2021 IRC), 2023 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (2023 NEC), 2023 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, 2025 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, and 2025 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code. The county also enforces its Zoning and Development Ordinance, grading/excavation rules, and other listed county codes. Exact local amendments should be confirmed with Building Codes. Clackamas County identifies agricultural/forestry/equine/marijuana building exemptions when the structure meets the published exemption criteria; an approved exemption requires no building inspections. Basic homeowner electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits on the owner's residence or home-based business that do not require plan review are handled outside Development Direct. Smaller erosion-control projects disturbing less than one-half acre generally need no separate erosion permit, but erosion measures are still required. Additions, updates, structural remodeling, new construction, grading, and most trade work generally require permits; planning or land-use approval may still be needed.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.