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Oregon, Wasco County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Wasco County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Wasco County is responsible for issuing building permits for all unincorporated areas within the county. If your property is located within an incorporated city, that city's building department will handle permit applications. Generally, a permit is required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, or change in occupancy of a building or structure. This also includes the erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, conversion, or replacement of any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.

For plumbing permit-specific information, you can find the "Plumbing Permit Application" form on the Wasco County Building Codes Services website. Permits are typically issued only to the individual or contractor performing the work.

The Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC), and Oregon Electrical and Plumbing Specialty Codes are the governing building codes.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

Wasco County Building Codes Services (WCBCS) handles building permits for all unincorporated areas of Wasco County. If you are undertaking work that involves structural, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical changes, a permit is generally required.

To apply for a permit, you should contact WCBCS at 541-506-2650 to discuss your project's scope and requirements. You will need to obtain and submit Form 10 (Application for Structural Permit), along with complete construction plans and specifications that comply with the relevant Oregon Specialty Codes.

Permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If work is not started within this period, or if work is suspended for more than 180 days, the permit may expire and a new one may be required.

For properties not connected to a public sewer system, a sanitation permit from the North Central Public Health District may also be required.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Oregon, including Wasco County.

Oregon Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Oregon Plumbing Codes and Legislation

The state of Oregon regulates plumbing installations, repairs, and alterations through the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC). The current edition is the 2023 OPSC, which became effective on October 1, 2023. This code is based on the 2021 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and incorporates specific amendments tailored to Oregon's local needs, climate, and building standards.

Regulatory Agencies and Oversight

The primary state agency responsible for the adoption, administration, and enforcement of plumbing codes in Oregon is the Building Codes Division (BCD), which operates under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). The BCD is authorized by Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 447 and Chapter 693 to establish statewide plumbing standards and manage the licensing program for plumbing professionals. The State Plumbing Board assists the BCD by providing expertise, overseeing licensing, and ensuring that plumbing work meets minimum safety standards through the code adoption and review process.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Wasco County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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