Clackamas County Oregon Solar Permit Guide

Clackamas County photovoltaic projects require both building and electrical permits, with prescriptive and non-prescriptive building permit paths.

Permit takeaway

Clackamas County says solar photovoltaic installations require both building and electrical permits, with electrical permits requiring inspections but not plan review.

Zoning and placement

Solar systems that qualify as an accessory use are allowed in all land-use zones when annual power-generating capacity is limited to power consumed by the property; larger systems may require land-use review.

Building and trade review

Building permits for solar PV systems are divided into prescriptive and non-prescriptive categories, and the checklist determines whether a project qualifies as prescriptive.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the system may exceed accessory-use limits, the project is ground-mounted, the roof structure is uncertain, the system is non-prescriptive, or electrical service changes are included.

Documents to prepare

• Solar prescriptive checklist
• Building permit application
• Electrical permit application
• Solar plans
• Equipment specifications

Inspection planning

• Determine prescriptive eligibility
• Apply for building and electrical permits
• Complete plan review when required
• Schedule electrical inspection
• Schedule final building inspection

Official sources

• Clackamas County Solar Permits
• Clackamas County Building Mechanical Information
• Clackamas County Residential Inspections

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.