Oregon, Clackamas County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Clackamas County Building & Safety Divisions
In Clackamas County, the Building Codes Division is responsible for managing mechanical permits, which include HVAC installations, replacements, and alterations. The county provides a centralized system for permit applications, plan reviews, and inspections to ensure compliance with the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties located in unincorporated areas of Clackamas County, the County is the primary authority for issuing all building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. Key considerations for these areas include:
- Permit Necessity: Mechanical permits are required for installing or modifying heating, cooling, ventilation, piping, venting, and related equipment.
- Application Process: Licensed contractors are generally required to use the "Development Direct" online portal for permit applications. Homeowners performing work on their own primary residence or home-based business may follow a separate "Basic Homeowner" application process, which typically does not require plan review.
- Documentation: Depending on the scope of the project, applicants may need to submit a mechanical permit application, a project description worksheet, and, if the applicant is not a licensed contractor, a Property Owner’s Statement. A site plan may be required if equipment is being installed outside the building footprint.
- Inspections: All permitted work must pass required inspections to be considered complete and compliant. Inspections should be scheduled through the county's established procedures.
- Jurisdiction Verification: Property owners should verify that their property is indeed in the unincorporated jurisdiction of the county, as requirements can differ within incorporated cities.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Oregon, including Clackamas County.
Oregon Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Oregon HVAC Building Codes and Legislation
Oregon regulates heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems through a series of state-specific specialty codes. These codes are updated periodically to incorporate modern standards, energy efficiency requirements, and safety protocols. As of April 2026, the primary codes governing mechanical systems in the state include the 2025 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC) and the 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC).
The 2025 OMSC, which became mandatory on April 1, 2026, is based on the 2024 editions of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), with specific Oregon amendments. For residential construction, the 2023 ORSC provides the governing standards. Recent legislative and regulatory updates have introduced significant changes, including new requirements for heat pumps in certain new residential construction projects where split-system air conditioning is installed, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing long-term utility costs for homeowners.
Primary Regulatory Agencies
The administration and adoption of these building codes are managed by the following state entities:
- Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD): A division within the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the BCD is the primary agency responsible for adopting, administering, and enforcing the state's specialty codes, including the mechanical and residential codes.
- Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB): This board works with the BCD to review and approve updates to residential building codes, including recent measures regarding energy-efficient HVAC and heat pump mandates.
- Mechanical Board: This board collaborates with the BCD to adopt and administer the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code.
- Construction Contractors Board (CCB): While the BCD sets the technical standards, the CCB is responsible for issuing specialty contracting licenses for HVAC work in the state.
Resources to Learn More