Plumbing Backflow/Sprinkler Permit

All irrigation/sprinkler systems supplied by city water shall have a state approved backflow device installed on the property-owner’s side of the water meter.  As required by the following Federal, State and local codes;

FEDERAL SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1986 and 1996;   https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/overview-safe-drinking-water-act

OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY;   https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/DRINKINGWATER/CROSSCONNECTION/Pages/rules.aspx

SCAPPOOSE MUNICIPAL CODE;   https://www.scappoose.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/municipalcode/237/13.04.pdf

Backflow Prevention; Protecting And Eliminating Cross Connections

• What Is Backflow? 

Drinking water flows from the source to your tap in pressurized water pipes. Normally it flows in one direction, although under certain circumstances it can flow in the opposite direction, or "backflow." When backflow occurs, water runs backwards through the water system. The water flowing backwards could contain something that might contaminate the drinking water supply. We strive to maintain positive pressure in the system at all times, but events such as main breaks and fire fighting can contribute to backflow conditions.

• What Is A Cross Connection?

A cross connection is any connection between piping that carries drinking water (also known as potable water) and the piping or fixtures that carry other types of water or substances that are not safe to drink or may impact the taste or odor of water (also known as non-potable water). Common cross connections include hot tubs, sprinkler and irrigation systems and auxiliary water systems (wells).

• Water Heater Thermal Expansion

Please note that you may need to protect your water heater from thermal expansion when you install a backflow prevention assembly at the water meter.  This may be provided by the installation of a thermal expansion tank and a temperature and pressure relief valve.  For more information, ask your licensed & bonded plumber. 

PERMITS REQUIRED FOR BOTH THE *INSTALLATION* AND THE *REMOVAL* OF BACKFLOW DEVICES:

PERMITS;  Per the current Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, all Backflow Devices Require a Plumbing Permit  including REMOVALS, as backflow devices are considered an alteration of the plumbing system.

• PROPERTY OWNERS
  • Property owners can apply for their own permits, see documents below for the Homeowner applications. 
• CONTRACTORS
  • Contractors MUST APPLY FOR THEIR PERMITS VIA THE STATE E-PERMITTING PROGRAM;   https://aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon/Default.aspx

PERMIT INSPECTIONS: All plumbing permits require an inspection by the Scappoose Building Official or assigned inspector. See scheduling instructions on your plumbing permit.

STATE TEST; All backflow devices ALSO require an independent test performed by a state licensed backflow tester once at install, then once yearly.  The testing at install must be done *prior* to the city plumbing inspection. 

• Click link to find a certified tester (there are several local ones);   https://yourwater.oregon.gov/backflow.php?county=COLUMBIA

CONTRACTOR LICENSES REQUIRED; 

All Contractors receiving compensation are required to have a valid State of Oregon Construction Contractor's Board License (CCB). If you have any questions or issues with your contractor, contact the CCB; https://www.oregon.gov/CCB/licensing/Pages/licensing.aspx

To search for required contractor licenses;

• Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) with backflow approval per ORS 671-615 and ORS 701.010(8)(e) https://www.oregon.gov/lcb/Pages/FAQS-Maintenance.aspx 
• Construction Contractors Board (CCB) per ORS 701.005(5)(a);  https://www.oregon.gov/CCB/licensing/Pages/whoneedslicense.aspx

SCAPPOOSE BUSINESS LICENSE;

• In addition to a valid CCB and/or LCB License, all contractors and their sub-contractors are required to have a City of Scappoose Business License (we are not within the Portland Metro area).  Email your business license questions to our City Recorder at; sreeves@scappoose.gov Applications can be found at; https://www.ci.scappoose.or.us/cityhall/page/outside-city-limits-busines...

CONSTRUCTION WORK HOURS FOR CONTRACTORS WORKING WITHIN THE CITY OF SCAPPOOSE;

MONDAY - FRIDAY   7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

SATURDAY                 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SUNDAY                      NO WORK ALLOWED

Per the Scappoose Municipal Code 9.12.040; This includes construction, excavation, demolition, exterior alteration or repair of a building, or exterior use of heavy construction equipment, other than between the hours of seven a.m. to seven p.m. Monday through Friday and nine a.m. to four p.m. on Saturdays, except upon special permit granted by the City Manager. Work, as described in the preceding sentence, is prohibited on Sundays, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.

REMINDER;     CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG  https://digsafelyoregon.com/