Oregon, Tillamook County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Tillamook County HVAC Permit Requirements
Tillamook County, Oregon, requires permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and alterations to ensure compliance with the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code. The Tillamook County Building Division is responsible for issuing these permits, which include structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work. They also conduct plan reviews and inspections.
For properties in unincorporated areas of Tillamook County, the County's Community Development Department handles building permits. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department is responsible for permits.
Key Points for HVAC Permits in Tillamook County:
- A mechanical permit is required for HVAC work, even if a building permit is not needed.
- Permits are required for installing or changing any part of a heating or cooling system that requires venting, as well as for gas piping and wood/pellet stoves.
- Permits are generally not required for portable heating or cooling appliances, or for changing furnace filters.
- Contractors performing HVAC work must hold a valid Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license and, for refrigerant systems, an EPA Section 608 certification.
- Permits expire if work is not started within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days. Extensions may be requested in writing.
- School excise taxes may apply at the time of permit submittal, varying by school district.
Resources to Learn More
Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Oregon, including Tillamook 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