Oregon, Multnomah County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Multnomah County Plumbing Permit Requirements
Multnomah County enforces the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) in unincorporated areas of the county to protect public health, safety, and general welfare. A permit is generally required for any new plumbing installation, extension, alteration, or replacement of a plumbing system. This includes connecting fixtures, water heaters, backflow prevention assemblies, and gas piping.
For properties in unincorporated areas, Multnomah County handles permitting directly. However, for structural building permits, these are routed to the City of Portland, City of Gresham, or City of Troutdale, depending on the specific service area. Zoning and land use permits, as well as permits for floodplain, geologic hazards, erosion and sediment control, and transportation, are handled by Multnomah County Land Use Planning.
When a Permit is Required:
- New plumbing installations.
- Extension or alteration of existing plumbing systems.
- Replacement of plumbing systems.
- Connection of fixtures, water heaters, backflow prevention assemblies, and gas piping.
- Replacement of a water heater or underground piping.
- Alteration of piping within walls, ceilings, or under floors.
- Installation of a plumbing fixture where none previously existed.
- Emergency repair or alteration of a section of pipe five feet or longer.
- Installation or replacement of rain drains, drywells, water service lines, or backflow devices for lawn sprinkler systems.
- Installation or capping of sewer lines, cesspools, or septic systems.
When a Permit May Not Be Required:
- Repair or replacement of a sink, toilet, or faucet not concealed within a wall.
- Replacement or repair of countertops, shower heads, rain gutters, or downspouts.
- Resurfacing shower walls or regrouting tile.
- Adding to or altering an irrigation system with an existing approved backflow device.
- Installing a water filter.
- Replacing a hose bibb.
- Installing a water feature or exterior hot tub filled by a hose.
- Installing new piping less than five feet in length.
Contractors performing plumbing work must hold a current Oregon Plumbing Contractor License. Journeyman plumbers must also have a current license with the Oregon Building Codes Division.
Permit fees are established by Multnomah County Board resolution and can vary. Fees for unincorporated areas within the Portland Permit Services Area are detailed in Exhibit A of the relevant resolution.