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

Morrow County Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Morrow County, Oregon, plumbing permits are required for most plumbing work in unincorporated areas. This includes new installations, extensions, alterations, or replacements of plumbing systems, as well as the connection of fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping. The City of Boardman handles building permits for Morrow County, including plumbing permits, for properties in unincorporated areas, with the exception of the cities of Boardman and Irrigon themselves.

For properties in unincorporated areas of Morrow County, the following generally applies:

Permit Authority: The City of Boardman Building Department is contracted to handle building permits for unincorporated Morrow County.
Scope of Work Requiring a Permit: A permit is generally required for any plumbing work involving new installation, extension, alteration, or replacement of a plumbing system. This includes connecting fixtures, water heaters, backflow prevention assemblies, and gas piping. Specific examples of work requiring a permit include replacing a water heater or underground piping, altering piping within walls or ceilings, and new fixture installations.
Contractor Licensing: Contractors performing plumbing work must be licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
Application Process: Applications are typically submitted online through the Citizenserve portal. You may need to obtain a Zoning Permit from the County Planning Department and potentially sanitation approval from Umatilla County Public Health for on-site septic systems.
Building Codes: Work must comply with the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) and the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC).

Resources to Learn More

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