Clackamas County, Oregon septic permits and requirements

Permitting authority

Clackamas County Development Services — Septic / Onsite Program, acting under Oregon DEQ onsite rules

Clackamas County septic permitting: 503-742-4740; [email protected]. Applications are submitted through the county Development Direct system.

Oregon county-agent framework

Oregon DEQ states that it may authorize counties as its agents for onsite septic permitting under OAR 340-071-0120. County agents can receive and process applications, issue permits, enforce onsite requirements, and perform required inspections. Property-specific local instructions should be followed because application and land-use procedures vary by county.

County permit process for new systems, repairs, and changes

Clackamas County states that its septic applications cover new installations, repairs, alterations, connections to existing systems, and changes such as adding bedrooms. The county uses different application types depending on the work proposed, so an applicant may need more than one approval.

Authorization Notice for changes affecting an existing system

The county requires an Authorization Notice when a proposed change may affect an existing septic system, including connecting a new or replacement structure, changing the use of a property, or increasing projected daily sewage flow such as by adding a bedroom.

Site evaluation and land-use documentation

For a new system or an alteration, Clackamas County lists a Land Use Compatibility Statement among the permit documents. If a drainfield will be installed or modified, the application also requires the file number or a copy of an approved site evaluation.

Electronic plan submittal and inspections

Clackamas County requires septic drawings and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through Development Direct rather than by paper or email. Approved plans and permits must be available on site, and the applicant must schedule the inspections required for the project.

Official sources

SepticScope summarizes public-agency information for planning purposes. The permitting agency's current instructions control if they differ from this guide.