Clackamas County, OR Building Permits & Zoning

Unincorporated Clackamas County, Oregon requires a building permit for a new single-family home or duplex and for most additions, though qualifying agricultural, equine and forestry-storage buildings can be exempt¹. The county administers zoning in unincorporated areas, while Oregon law generally sets resource-land minimums of 80 acres for exclusive farm use and forestland and 160 acres for rangeland, subject to statutory exceptions²³. Septic systems go through the county's Septic Program, and only 7.1% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for new homes, duplexes and most additions; some ag/equine/forestry buildings are exempt¹
Zoning: Yes, county-administered in unincorporated areas under its own Zoning and Development Ordinance⁵
Septic authority: Clackamas County Septic Program⁶
Septic soils: Only 7.1% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field⁴
Owner-builder: Allowed under state law, with conditions⁷
RV as a second dwelling: Allowed, one per lot of record, under strict conditions⁸
Farm/forest minimum lot size: 80 acres (160 acres for rangeland), set by the state³
Manufactured home: Allowed as a primary dwelling in most rural residential zoning districts⁹

Who to call

Building permits

Clackamas County Building Permitting

Building permits, plan review and inspections for construction in unincorporated Clackamas County

503-742-4240

[email protected]

150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, OR 97045

Online permits →

Zoning

Clackamas County Planning Division

Zoning determinations, land-use applications and rezoning in unincorporated Clackamas County

503-742-4500

[email protected]

150 Beavercreek Road Room #225, Oregon City, OR 97045

Septic permits

Clackamas County Septic Program

Onsite septic system permitting, repair, maintenance and inspection for properties not served by community sewer in Clackamas County

503-742-4740

[email protected]

150 Beavercreek Road, 2nd Floor, Oregon City, OR 97045

Floodplain permits

Clackamas County Planning Division (Floodplain Management District)

Floodplain development permits and Special Flood Hazard Area determinations in unincorporated Clackamas County

503-742-4500

[email protected]

150 Beavercreek Road Room #225, Oregon City, OR 97045

Roads & driveways

Clackamas County Transportation Engineering

County road right-of-way, road safety and engineering permits for county-maintained roads in unincorporated Clackamas County

503-742-4691

[email protected]

150 Beavercreek Road Room #325, Oregon City, OR 97045

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Clackamas County requires multiple permits for the construction of a new single-family home or duplex, and most additions or modifications to an existing single-family home or duplex also need one¹⁰. Agricultural exemptions can cover qualifying farm-use buildings, equine buildings, marijuana buildings and forestry-related storage buildings, but planning, zoning and septic requirements can still apply on top of any building-permit exemption¹. Oregon's own agricultural exemption only exempts a qualifying building from the structural specialty code: electrical, plumbing and mechanical work in that same building still needs its own permit, and the building can host no more than 10 people at a time if it's used for something other than growing plants¹¹. Clackamas County's version of the exemption requires the property to be zoned for farm or forest use and the building to stay closed to the public¹². Building Permitting reviews plans against the current Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which has been mandatory statewide since 2024, and inspects the completed work before it signs off¹³¹⁴.

Who is the Clackamas County building department, and how do you reach them?

Clackamas County's building department is Building Permitting, based at the Development Services Building, 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City, at 503-742-4240¹⁴. Zoning questions and land-use applications go to the Planning Division in the same building, Room #225, at 503-742-4500; the county requires all permit applications to come in online through Development Direct or in person by appointment¹⁵. The Septic Program, on the 2nd floor of the same building, handles onsite wastewater permits at 503-742-4740¹⁶. Floodplain development permits are also a Planning Division function, reached at the same 503-742-4500 line¹⁷. For anything involving a county road right-of-way, Transportation Engineering is at 503-742-4691, Room #325¹⁸.

Does Clackamas County have zoning?

Clackamas County administers state, regional and local zoning regulations in unincorporated areas through its own Zoning and Development Ordinance⁵. Oregon law is what requires this: every county must adopt a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances covering all of its land, following public hearings with at least 10 days' advance notice¹⁹. If the land is zoned exclusive farm use or designated forestland, state law overrides the county's ordinary minimum lot sizes: at least 80 acres for farm use land, 160 acres if it's designated rangeland, and 80 acres for forestland³. Manufactured homes are allowed as a primary dwelling in most of the county's rural and future-urban residential districts, including RA-1, RA-2, RR, RRFF-5, FF-10 and FU-10, though they're barred outright in several urban districts⁹. An accessory dwelling unit is allowed on a rural lot of at least 2 acres outside an urban growth boundary or unincorporated community, capped at 900 square feet, sited within 100 feet of the primary dwelling, and never rented short-term²⁰.

How do septic permits work in Clackamas County?

Clackamas County's own Septic Program regulates installation, repair and maintenance of septic systems for homes and businesses not served by a community sewer, under a contract with Oregon DEQ that covers most of the state's counties⁶²¹. A construction permit is needed to replace, repair, alter or install a septic system, and most types require an approved site evaluation and a Land Use Compatibility Statement before the county will issue it²². Every buildable lot needs either a sanitary sewer connection or an approved onsite sewage disposal system, and a composting toilet does not remove that requirement since it still leaves other household plumbing needing a septic connection²³²⁴. Soils here are tougher than average for a conventional drain field: only 7.1% rate free of severe limits, so plan on a full site evaluation and likely a nonstandard system on most parcels⁴. If your project is an ADU, guest house, RV, bedroom addition or hardship dwelling relying on an existing system, the county requires the whole system be inspected by a qualified septic professional and an Existing System Evaluation Report filed, and a hardship dwelling needs that authorization renewed every 5 years²⁵. If the parcel also needs its own well, a landowner well-construction permit runs $550 plus a $10,000 bond or letter of credit and is valid for 6 months, while ordinary domestic use under 15,000 gallons a day doesn't need a separate water-use permit²⁶²⁷. Reach the Septic Program at 150 Beavercreek Road, 2nd Floor, Oregon City, (503) 742-4740¹⁶.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clackamas County?

A recreational vehicle can be a second dwelling on unincorporated Clackamas County land, but only one per lot of record and only under detailed conditions set by County Zoning and Development Ordinance 847⁸. The lot must already have exactly one single-family dwelling that's an owner's primary residence at least six months a year, the RV must sit 10 to 100 feet from that dwelling, and the approval is good for 4 years before it must be renewed⁸. The RV must connect to sanitary sewer or a county-approved onsite wastewater system, carry potable water at 20 psi or more, and have a working sink and toilet plumbed to that approved system; siting it in the county's Floodplain Management District is prohibited outright²⁸. Oregon's own statute is what lets the county allow this in the first place, and it requires the RV's occupant to hold a written residential rental agreement and bars using the space for vacation or short-term stays²⁹. Clackamas County does not publish a separate occupancy rule for a structure described simply as a "tiny home," so ask the Planning Division whether the proposed unit will be treated as a manufactured home, RV or accessory dwelling before buying it¹⁵.

How do you build a home in Clackamas County, step by step?

Confirm the zoning district, any farm/forest minimum lot size, and whether an agricultural exemption could apply by calling the Planning Division at 503-742-4500¹⁵³.
If the parcel isn't on community sewer, get a septic site evaluation and Land Use Compatibility Statement from the Septic Program before you finalize a floor plan²².
If the parcel needs its own well, apply for a landowner well-construction permit ($550 plus a $10,000 bond) before drilling²⁶.
Determine which permits you need, coordinate with Planning and Septic, and submit your drawings through Development Direct; initial pre-screen review can take up to 10 business days and full plan review runs three to seven weeks³⁰.
Make sure your site plan shows the driveway location and adjacent streets, and if the parcel sits in the Floodplain Management District, get a floodplain development permit (Type I runs $834, Type II runs $1,749) before you start³¹³².
Building it yourself as an owner-builder is allowed, but you must sign the required statement before the permit is issued and, if you don't meet the exempted structural standards, file the permit with the county clerk to keep the exemption valid³³.

What should you check before buying land in Clackamas County?

From the county's center, the nearest city of 100,000 or more people is about 23 miles away, and Clackamas County has a population density of about 226 people per square mile³⁴³⁵. Federal land covers 53.4% of the county, so confirm that any parcel offered for sale is privately owned and legally buildable³⁶. About 83% of the land is wooded and just over half sits at a gentle 15% slope or less, so expect clearing and grading questions on a wooded, sloped parcel³⁷³⁸. The county gets roughly 75 inches of rain a year and has spent about 13% of recent years in severe drought³⁹⁴⁰. Typical home value is $622,537, farmland value averages about $29,522 an acre, and the median property tax bill is $5,051 a year at an effective rate of 0.9%⁴¹⁴²⁴³⁴⁴. Because only 7.1% of Clackamas County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, budget for a site evaluation before closing on land without sewer⁴.

Watch-outs

Clackamas County does not publish a separate occupancy rule for a structure described simply as a "tiny home"; ask the Planning Division which dwelling category applies before buying one¹⁵.
We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size for unincorporated Clackamas County; ask Building Permitting and the Planning Division what applies in the parcel's zoning district¹⁴¹⁵.
The Oregon Structural Specialty Code used for commercial construction became fully mandatory in 2026, replacing the prior edition; confirm with Building Permitting which edition applies to your specific project date⁴⁵.

Sources

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Clackamas County scores

Seclusion21100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency5299% ev.

Admin Boringness42100% ev.

Durability55100% ev.

Property Autonomy72100% ev.

Carry Cost25100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$623kTypical home

0.9%Property tax

$29,522Land / acre

74.9"Annual rain

13.3% of yrsSevere drought

1.2 / yr (+1)Mid-century 100°F days

23.7 daysMid-century dry spell

2.44" (+4.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.31×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,259Home insurance / yr

3.7% / yrInsurance growth

0.54%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

3,251,507People within 2 hr

298,540Radius comparison (15 mi)

226.2People / sq mi

53.4%Federal land

50.7%Land at 15% slope or less

7.1%Septic soil without severe limits

57,757 acWorkable land screen

83.2%Wooded land

123.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac

48.7°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Clackamas County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Clackamas County rules

Building permitRequired
New single-family homes and duplexes, and most additions or modifications to single-family homes or duplexes in Clackamas County.
- Multiple permits may be required.
- Agricultural exemptions may apply to qualifying agricultural buildings, farm-use buildings, equine buildings, marijuana buildings, and forestry-related storage buildings.
- Manufactured-dwelling placement is handled under a manufactured-dwelling permit; additions and updates require a building permit.
- Planning, zoning, and septic requirements may also apply.
- The county page directs applicants to confirm the applicable jurisdiction, including partner cities.
“Multiple permits are required for the construction of a new single-family residential home or duplex”
How to Apply for a Permit: Building ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
The Clackamas County Building Code and its specialty codes, including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, residential, manufactured-dwelling, manufactured-structure, recreational-park and organizational-camp, energy-efficiency, solar, and on-site sewage rules.
- The specialty codes are enforced as part of the county building code except as modified in Chapter 9.
- The county code also includes Chapter 9.01, Chapter 9.03, specified ICC provisions, and ASCE 7.16 provisions.
- The Oregon Residential Specialty Code applies to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses under the state code program.
Oregon Structural Specialty Code: OAR Chapter 918, Division 460 (except as modified in Chapter 9) · Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code: OAR Chapter 918, Division 440 (except as modified in Chapter 9) · Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code: OAR Chapter 918, Division 750 (except as modified in Chapter 9) · Oregon Electrical Specialty Code: OAR Chapter 918, Division 251 (except as modified in Chapter 9) · Oregon Residential Specialty Code: OAR Chapter 918, Division 480 (except as modified in Chapter 9)
“The Clackamas County Building Code consists of the following Specialty Codes as adopted by the State of Oregon, and regulations:”
Title 9: Buildings ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Permitted residential construction and related building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-suppression work administered by Clackamas County.
- Final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-suppression inspections are performed after the systems are complete and before occupancy.
- The final building inspection occurs only after all other required inspections have been completed and approved.
- Other inspections may be required for particular jobs and will be identified on approved plans or by the Building Inspector.
- Clackamas County does not perform special inspections; qualified approved special inspectors or agencies must perform them when required.
- The county states that approved agricultural exemptions require no inspections.
“The final building inspection is done only after all other required inspections have been completed and approved.”
Residential Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
New commercial, industrial, and multifamily developments in Clackamas County, including commercial and industrial additions and tenant improvements.
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before the structure is occupied for its intended purpose and opened to the general public.
- Temporary Certificates of Occupancy are effective for 90 days.
- The County Building Official may grant one 30-day TCO extension for a $100 fee.
- The permanent Certificate of Occupancy fee is $170.
- The TCO/CO application should be submitted 2–4 weeks before the occupancy date.
- Approved final inspections for all permits are required; additional sign-offs may be required from WES or another sanitary/storm/erosion jurisdiction, Engineering, Community Environment, Building, Plumbing, Electrical, the applicable Fire District, Soils, Public Health when construction plan review is needed, and Planning.
- For a new shell building without tenants, a Letter of Completion is used to close out permits; the final Certificate of Occupancy is granted under the future tenant-improvement permit.
- Employees, vendors, and suppliers may enter after an approved Fire/Life/Safety inspection, but a TCO is required when the building is opened to the public and put to its intended use.
temporary certificate duration: 90 days · temporary certificate extension: 30 days (one extension; $100 fee) · certificate of occupancy fee: 170 USD
“All new commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings, additions to commercial and industrial buildings, and tenant improvements in Clackamas County.”
Certificates of Occupancy Application Process ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
State, regional, and local land-use and zoning regulations administered by Clackamas County in unincorporated Clackamas County.
- The source expressly limits the county administration statement to unincorporated areas.
- Residential, commercial, and industrial development land-use permits are reviewed.
“Administers state, regional and local land use and zoning regulations in unincorporated areas.”
Planning and Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
One recreational vehicle used as a second dwelling on qualifying land zoned for single-family residential use in unincorporated Clackamas County, outside cities.
- Only one recreational vehicle per lot of record is allowed as a second dwelling.
- The lot must contain exactly one detached single-family dwelling, manufactured dwelling, or prefabricated structure; no other dwelling or guest house may be present.
- The existing primary dwelling must be the primary residence of at least one property owner, meaning an owner resides there at least six months each calendar year, and no portion may be rented as a residential tenancy.
- The recreational vehicle need not be licensed but must be titled with the Department of Transportation and must not have been rendered structurally immobile.
- The recreational vehicle must meet applicable primary-dwelling setbacks, be 10 to 100 feet from the primary dwelling, and comply with applicable overlay districts; siting is prohibited in the Floodplain Management District.
- A written residential rental agreement is required; the vehicle may be owned by the tenant or property owner.
- The owner must provide sewage disposal, water supply, electrical supply, and any legally required drainage system and other habitability services.
- The vehicle must connect to sanitary sewer or County-approved onsite wastewater treatment, have potable water at least 20 psi (138 kPa), required electrical service, and a working sink and toilet connected to the approved sewage system.
- Neither the recreational vehicle nor the primary dwelling may be used as a short-term rental.
- Approval is valid for four years from the final decision and must be implemented through maintained County development permits during that period.
minimum distance from primary dwelling: >= 10 feet · maximum distance from primary dwelling: <= 100 feet · potable water pressure: >= 20 psi (138 kPa) · approval implementation period: 4 years (from the final decision; appeal timing rules apply)
“Only one recreational vehicle per lot of record shall be allowed for use as a second dwelling.”
ADUs and RVs as options for secondary dwellings ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy in the County's urban and rural residential zoning districts in unincorporated Clackamas County.
- In urban residential districts, manufactured homes are primary uses in the R-5 through R-30 and VR-4/5 and VR-5/7 districts but are prohibited in the listed R-2.5, VTH, PMD, MR-1, MR-2, HDR, VA, SHD, and RCHDR districts.
- In rural and future urban residential districts RA-1, RA-2, RR, RRFF-5, FF-10, and FU-10, manufactured dwellings are primary uses.
- Permitted uses remain subject to applicable dimensional, development-standard, and development-review provisions.
- Each lot of record is generally limited to one listed dwelling type except as allowed by Sections 839, 843, or 1204.
“Manufactured Homes | P8 | P8 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X”
ZDO 315 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units in unincorporated Clackamas County, including urban, unincorporated-community, and rural areas governed by ZDO Section 839.
- Inside an urban growth boundary or unincorporated community, only one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per detached single-family dwelling or manufactured dwelling; ADUs are not allowed in cottage-cluster developments, manufactured-dwelling parks, or accessory to a temporary dwelling under Section 1204.
- In the R-2.5 and VTH districts, only one ADU is allowed per townhouse.
- Maximum floor area is 500 square feet in R-2.5 and 900 square feet in other listed districts, subject to the district exceptions in Section 839.
- Outside both an urban growth boundary and an unincorporated community, only one ADU is allowed per lot; the lot must be at least two acres, contain exactly one qualifying primary dwelling, contain no other dwelling or guest house, and meet the fire-protection-provider requirement.
- Rural ADUs must be within 100 feet of the primary dwelling, meet primary-dwelling setbacks, and provide documented adequate firefighting and evacuation access before approval of the onsite-wastewater, building, or manufactured-dwelling placement permit.
- Use of a rural ADU as a short-term rental is prohibited, and additional dwellings or a guest house are prohibited on a lot developed with an ADU under Section 839.04.
maximum ADU floor area in R-2.5: <= 500 square feet · maximum ADU floor area in most other listed districts: <= 900 square feet (district-specific exceptions apply) · minimum rural ADU lot size: >= 2 acres (outside both an urban growth boundary and an unincorporated community) · maximum rural ADU separation from primary dwelling: <= 100 feet (measured from closest portion of each structure)
“Accessory dwelling units outside both an urban growth boundary and an unincorporated community shall comply with the following standards:”
ZDO 839: Accessory Dwelling Units ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Who permits septicCounty
Installation, repair, and maintenance of septic systems for homes and businesses in Clackamas County that are not served by community sewer systems.
- The county source limits the stated program to homes and businesses not served by community sewer systems.
“We regulate the installation, repair and maintenance of septic systems”
Septic Program | Clackamas County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Replacing, repairing, altering, or installing a septic system in areas of Clackamas County not served by community sewer systems.
- Septic permits and projects are for homes and businesses in areas of the county not served by community sewer systems.
- An approved site evaluation is required to apply for most types of septic construction permits.
- A Land Use Compatibility Statement is required for new systems or alteration of an existing system.
- An Operation & Maintenance contract is required if the system requires one.
“Construction permits are needed to replace, repair, alter or install a septic system.”
How to Apply for a Permit: Septic | Clackamas County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Septic inspectionLimited
Existing septic systems used for ADU, guest-house, RV, bedroom-addition, hardship-dwelling, and similar projects requiring an existing-system evaluation in Clackamas County.
- For guest house, RV, or bedroom additions, the entire septic system must be inspected by a qualified septic professional and an Existing System Evaluation Report completed.
- For a temporary hardship dwelling, inspection and an Existing System Evaluation Report are required, and Authorization Notice approval is required every five years for the dwelling to remain connected.
- For some accessory structures, an Existing System Verification or Existing System Evaluation Report is required when no complete as-built is on record.
temporary hardship dwelling authorization renewal: per 5 years (Authorization Notice application, review, and approval are required every five years for the dwelling to remain connected to the existing septic system.)
“Have your septic system inspected by a qualified septic professional.”
Septic Program | Clackamas County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater sanitation for a recreational vehicle used as a second dwelling under Clackamas County ZDO 847.
- The onsite wastewater treatment system must be approved by the County.
- The sewage system must be installed and connected according to the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code and Oregon Administrative Rules chapter 340, division 71.
- The RV must also have potable water at a minimum of 20 psi and electrical power meeting the stated code requirements.
- The RV must contain a working sink and toilet connected to the approved sewage system.
- The source applies specifically to recreational vehicles used as second dwellings, not to all off-grid sanitation arrangements.
minimum potable-water pressure: >= 20 psi (138 kPa equivalent)
“Be connected to a sanitary sewer system or to an onsite wastewater treatment system approved by the County.”
ZDO 847: Recreational Vehicles As Second Dwellings | Clackamas County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential development and accessory structures in Clackamas County.
- A buildable lot must have direct access to a sanitary sewer or an approved on-site sewage disposal system.
- The county residential process identifies the sewer district as the entity that approves sewer connections, verifies the house location relative to sewer lines, and calculates sewer connection fees.
- The county source does not establish that every parcel must connect to public sewer.
“direct access to a sanitary sewer or an approved on-site sewage disposal system”
Residential One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Accessory Structures | Clackamas County ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural building exemption for qualifying structures on properties zoned for farm or forest use in Clackamas County.
- The exemption is under state law, ORS 455.315.
- It applies only to properties zoned for farm or forest use.
- The building must be used only for agricultural operations and not be open to the public.
- No building permit or building-related inspections are required, and no system development charges are assessed.
- Land-use approval and possibly erosion-control, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing permits are still required.
- Public events and public access are prohibited, and occupancy is limited to 10 people at a time in non-growing areas.
- The County states that the project may qualify; eligibility depends on the specific project.
building permit requirement for qualifying exempt agricultural building: none (Only when the statutory and County conditions for the Agricultural Building Exemption are satisfied.) · non-growing-area occupancy limit: <= 10 people at a time
“Ag Exemptions only apply to properties zoned for farm or forest use.”
Should My Building Be Ag Exempt? ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway access information for building permit applications under Clackamas County jurisdiction.
- A building permit site plan must show the driveway location and adjacent streets where relevant.
- This source establishes a site-plan documentation requirement; it does not establish that every driveway requires a separate entrance permit.
“As part of your building permit application you must submit a site plan. [...] This plan must show all of the items listed below (where relevant). [...] Driveway location and location of adjacent streets”
How to Apply for a Permit: Building ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development laterally within the County Floodplain Management District, including structures, manufactured dwellings, fill, and other development.
- The permit is required before construction or development begins, except for uses exempted under ZDO 703.06.
- Emergency work necessary to protect existing structures, utility facilities, roadways, driveways, and stream banks may begin before obtaining an FDP if an application is made within 90 days after water recedes; the measures may not be permitted.
- An FDP requires Type II review under Section 1307.
- The application must include a scaled site plan, construction and material specifications, a description of watercourse alteration or relocation, and an elevation certificate or FEMA floodproofing certificate for non-residential structures.
- All necessary federal, state, and local prior permits are required; floodway development must meet ZDO 703.07 standards.
- A final elevation or floodproofing certificate is required before final approval or certificate of occupancy for the structure.
- FDP approval is valid for six years from the final written decision, subject to the ordinance's implementation requirements.
emergency FDP application deadline: <= 90 days after water receding (applies to qualifying emergency protection work) · FDP approval period: 6 years (period begins on final appellate decision if the county decision is appealed)
“Except as provided under Subsection 703.06, a floodplain development permit (FDP) shall be obtained for development laterally within the FMD before construction or development begins. The permit shall be for all structures, including manufactured dwellings, and for all development, including fill and other activities.”
ZDO 703: Floodplain Management District (FMD) ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished
County building, planning, zoning, and floodplain permit fees published by Clackamas County.
- The building fee page identifies the schedule as 2026/2027.
- Building fees vary by permit type, valuation, inspections, plan review, and other listed circumstances.
- The county states that 12% of collected fees are returned to the State.
- The planning fee schedule includes a 3% technology fee on the base fee up to $5; additional footnotes and zoning-district notification surcharges may apply.
building inspection outside normal business hours: per 123 USD per hour (plus overtime; minimum charge is 4 hours) · reinspection fee: 123 USD · residential certificate of occupancy: 43.5 USD (charged at time of permit issuance) · floodplain development permit Type I: 834 USD (planning fee schedule footnote applies) · floodplain development permit Type II: 1749 USD (planning fee schedule footnote applies)
“Service or item | 2026/2027 Fee All Collected Fees | 12% are returned to the State Inspections outside normal business hours (minimum charge 4 hours) | $123 / hr + OT Reinspection fees | $123”
Building Division Fees ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building permit applications and review for projects under Clackamas County jurisdiction, including projects requiring Planning or Septic coordination.
- Applicants must determine required permits, coordinate with Planning and Septic when applicable, prepare drawings and documents, and submit through Development Direct.
- The site plan must include the driveway location and adjacent streets, where relevant.
- Initial pre-screen/intake review may take up to 10 business days; plan review takes three to seven weeks depending on complexity.
- Approved permits and drawings are delivered through Development Direct; approved documents must be kept onsite for inspections.
- The county page states that incorporated partner jurisdictions may have separate land-use requirements and permits.
initial pre-screen/intake review: <= 10 business days maximum stated · plan review: 3-7 weeks (depends on project complexity)
“After you determine what permits you need, connect with Planning and Septic (if needed), and prepare your drawings and documents, you are ready to submit in Development Direct. You will use Development Direct to respond to reviewer comments and monitor the progress of your project.”
How to Apply for a Permit: Building ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026

Oregon rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Owner-built single-family residences and adjacent auxiliary structures in Oregon where the structural components are constructed entirely by the owner intending to occupy the structures, or by the owner with unpaid assistance from friends and relatives.
- The owner must be the recorded title owner or contract purchaser shown on the last available complete assessment roll.
- The owner must not have used the subsection (2) exemptions during the five years before applying again.
- The exemption applies only to structural-code requirements for ceiling heights, room sizes, and maintenance of specific temperature levels.
- It applies to new construction, renovation, remodeling, or alteration of an owner-built dwelling or outbuilding.
- A building permit must be issued and must note whether the owner-built dwelling or outbuilding complies with the exempted requirements.
- If the structure does not comply with those requirements, the owner-builder must file a copy of the building permit with the county clerk for permanent deed records and provide a legally sufficient property description.
- Noncompliance with the filing requirement does not affect conveyance of an interest in the property.
prior use lookback: 5 years (The owner must not have previously taken advantage of the subsection (2) exemptions during that period.)
“Owner-built dwellings and outbuildings shall be exempt from any requirements of the structural code for ceiling heights, room sizes”
2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code - ORS 455.320 reprinted ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Residential construction permit applicants who own the property and are not licensed with the Construction Contractors Board, including applicants in Clackamas County.
  “property owners and are not licensed with the Construction Contractors Board to sign the following statement before a building permit can be issued.”
  Information Notice to Owners About Construction Responsibilities (ORS 701.325(3)) ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Conditional — Owner-built single-family dwellings and adjacent auxiliary structures in Clackamas County when the owner intends to occupy them and constructs the structural components personally or with unpaid friends or relatives.
  “Owner-built dwellings and outbuildings shall be exempt from any requirements of the structural code for ceiling heights, room sizes”
  2023 ORSC - Chapter 1 ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Statewide Oregon zoning data published by the Department of Land Conservation and Development; the data represents local zoning and does not itself replace local zoning ordinances or maps.
- The source identifies the dataset as Statewide Zoning - 2023.
- The source provides downloads through GEOHub and a GIS service.
- Local governments remain the relevant authorities for parcel-level zoning determinations and ordinance administration.
dataset year: 2023
“Statewide Zoning - 2023 Downloads available from GEOHub Service”
Maps, Data and Tools ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots or parcels in Oregon resource-land zones covered by ORS 215.780: exclusive farm use land and designated forestland.
- The stated standards apply except as provided in ORS 215.780(2).
- A county may adopt a lower minimum lot or parcel size in specified circumstances if it demonstrates compliance to the Land Conservation and Development Commission or satisfies one of the statutory exceptions.
- The statute states that a county with an acknowledged smaller minimum lot or parcel size described in ORS 215.780(5) need not comply with subsection (2).
minimum lot or parcel size for exclusive farm use land not designated rangeland: >= 80 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).) · minimum lot or parcel size for exclusive farm use land designated rangeland: >= 160 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).) · minimum lot or parcel size for designated forestland: >= 80 acres (Subject to ORS 215.780(2) and (5).)
“Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the following minimum lot or parcel sizes apply to all counties: (a) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and not designated rangeland, at least 80 acres; (b) For land zoned for exclusive farm use and designated rangeland, at least 160 acres; and (c) For land designated forestland, at least 80 acres.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 215 ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water-supply well construction, alteration, conversion, or abandonment by a landowner in Oregon, including Clackamas County.
- A landowner permit, permit fee, and bond or irrevocable letter of credit must be obtained before work begins unless the landowner is a licensed and bonded Water Supply Well Constructor.
- Only the owner of record, an immediate family member, or a qualifying full-time employee may operate the drilling machine under a landowner permit.
- The permit expires six months after issuance.
- A water-well report is due within 30 days of permit expiration or within 30 days of well completion, whichever occurs first.
- The Department may deny a permit for health threats, hazards, contamination, or waste of groundwater.
landowner bond or irrevocable letter of credit: 10000 USD · landowner permit fee: 550 USD · permit duration: 6 months · water-well report deadline: 30 days (after permit expiration or well completion, whichever occurs first)
“The landowner permit and bond shall be obtained prior to beginning work on a well.”
Landowner Constructed Wells | Oregon Water Resources Department ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Groundwater-use permits for domestic use in Oregon, including Clackamas County.
  “Single or group domestic purposes: for no more than 15,000 gallons per day.”
  State water related permits user guide ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions and partitions in Oregon subject to review under ORS 92.044.
- Before a plat may be made and recorded, the applicant must submit a written application to the city or county having jurisdiction under ORS 92.042.
- The application must include a tentative plan showing the general design.
- The tentative plan must be approved before the plat may be considered for approval.
- Cities and counties must adopt standards and procedures governing submission and approval, including requirements addressing utilities, streets, minimum lot sizes, safety, light and air, overcrowding, transportation, water, sewerage, drainage, education, recreation and other needs.
- Applicable local zoning ordinances and regulations remain part of plat approval criteria.
tentative-plan approval before plat consideration: true (Applies to subdivisions or partitions subject to review under ORS 92.044.) · local standards and procedures: required by city or county ordinance or regulation (Jurisdiction is determined under ORS 92.042.)
“Before a plat of any subdivision or partition subject to review under ORS 92.044 may be made and recorded, the person proposing the subdivision or partition or authorized agent or representative of the person shall make an application in writing to the county or city having jurisdiction under ORS 92.042 for approval of the proposed subdivision or partition in accordance with procedures established by the applicable ordinance or regulation adopted under ORS 92.044.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 92 — Subdivisions and Partitions ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Oregon counties adopting and revising comprehensive plans, zoning, subdivision, and other land-use ordinances applicable to county land, including unincorporated areas.
- The statutory text states an exception for ORS 527.722.
- Plans and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.
- Zoning, subdivision, and other ordinances or regulations must be designed to implement the adopted county comprehensive plan.
- Before a county zoning ordinance has legal effect, the governing body or planning commission must conduct one or more public hearings and publish 10 days' advance public notice; additional notice requirements apply to certain zone changes under ORS 215.223.
“Except as provided in ORS 527.722, the county governing body shall adopt and may from time to time revise a comprehensive plan and zoning, subdivision and other ordinances applicable to all of the land in the county. The plan and related ordinances may be adopted and revised part by part or by geographic area.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 215 — County Planning; Zoning; Housing Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Oregon counties administering and enforcing building inspection programs, including issuance and enforcement of building permits for residential construction in areas outside incorporated cities.
- A county building inspection program is subject to the state building code and the statutory building-inspection-program framework.
- If a county does not notify the director, or notifies the director that it will not administer and enforce a building inspection program, the director must arrange administration and enforcement through a municipality, other person, state employees, or state agencies; permit and other fees arising therefrom are paid into the Consumer and Business Services Fund.
- A building inspection program is administered for four-year periods under ORS 455.150; the governing body must provide required notices to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.
- The program must specify cooperation with the State Fire Marshal or designee and how a uniform fire code will be considered in design and construction review.
- The cited archive is the 2015 Oregon Revised Statutes edition; the current official ORS 455 page was identified but returned a 403 error during retrieval.
“If a city does not notify the director, or notifies the director that it will not administer the building inspection program, the county or counties in which the city is located shall administer and enforce the county program within the city in the same manner as the program is administered and enforced outside the city, except as provided by subsection (6) of this section.”
Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 455 — Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Clackamas County.
Tiny homes — Occupancy of structures described as tiny homes on private land in unincorporated Clackamas County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Clackamas County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Oregon’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Single or group domestic groundwater use up to 15,000 gpd is exempt from permitting, but the exemption can be limited inside designated Critical Groundwater Areas.

Limit: 15,000 gpd domestic (plus stockwater and ≤0.5 acre lawn/garden) under ORS 537.545

Oregon Water Resources Department — Exempt Water Uses ↗

Northern Willamette Valley Groundwater-Limited Areaslocalized of county
Twelve restrictively-classified groundwater-limited areas (Sandy-Boring, Stayton-Sublimity, Eola Hills, etc.); new groundwater appropriations limited to protect declining supplies.
Oregon Water Resources Department — Groundwater Administrative Areas ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Oregon state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Clackamas County, Oregon

Is Clackamas County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Clackamas County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 298,540 people within 15 miles and higher long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Clackamas County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clackamas County Septic Program (implementing Oregon DEQ Onsite Wastewater rules). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clackamas County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Clackamas County is limited to specific cases: One recreational vehicle used as a second dwelling on qualifying land zoned for single-family residential use in unincorporated Clackamas County, outside cities. Only one recreational vehicle per lot of record is allowed as a second dwelling. The lot must contain exactly one detached single-family dwelling, manufactured dwelling, or prefabricated structure; no other dwelling or guest house may be present. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Land in Clackamas County runs about $29,522 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clackamas County?

Clackamas County gets about 74.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.3% of years. On water rights, Clackamas County lies in the Northern Willamette Valley Groundwater-Limited Areas — Twelve restrictively-classified groundwater-limited areas (Sandy-Boring, Stayton-Sublimity, Eola Hills, etc.); new groundwater appropriations limited to protect declining supplies..

How remote is Clackamas County?

A typical private-land location has about 298,540 people within 15 miles and 3,860,037 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Clackamas County, Oregon

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Who is the Clackamas County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Clackamas County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Clackamas County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clackamas County?

How do you build a home in Clackamas County, step by step?

What should you check before buying land in Clackamas County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Clackamas County in Oregon

How Clackamas County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Clackamas County

Clackamas County rules

Oregon rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Clackamas County

Living off-grid in Clackamas County, Oregon

Is Clackamas County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Clackamas County, Oregon?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clackamas County?

How much does land cost in Clackamas County, Oregon?

What is the water situation in Clackamas County?

How remote is Clackamas County?

How Clackamas compares in Oregon