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Residential Electrical Permits — Intro

← Residential Electrical Permits

Residential Electrical Permits

Source: Residential Electrical Permits ↗

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The form takes 15 minutes to complete. Permits are issued within 24 hours after payment.

When you need an electrical permit

You need a residential electrical permit if you are:

  • Adding a light fixture
  • Adding an electrical outlet
  • Changing a fuse box to circuit breakers
  • Installing an air conditioner (you'll also need a mechanical permit ↗)
  • Installing, changing, or repairing a hard-wired electrical system
  • Installing or modifying low-voltage systems (security alarms, stereo, computer, phone systems)
  • Replacing a service panel
  • Running new wiring

You do NOT need a permit to:

  • Fix appliance cords
  • Replace a fuse
  • Replace an existing appliance (e.g., garbage disposal, dishwasher)

Additional notes

An electrical permit is still required even if a building permit is not.

For new townhouse projects, each unit requires a separate electrical permit.

Not sure if you need a plumbing permit? Call the Residential Inspections at 503-823-7388.

Who can do the work?

Who is doing the work?

What can they do?

Homeowners

The homeowner can do electrical work only if they own and live in the home.

The homeowner must be the recorded property owner by the County and not an LLC.

Cannot do work on their

  • rental property
  • property for rent, sell, lease or exchange
  • accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

Based on Oregon Law, ORS 479.540 ↗ Electrical Safety Law.

Questions? Ask an electrical inspector. Call Residential Inspections (503) 823-7388 823-7388>).

Licensed Contractors

All contractors doing electrical work need a license. They must get this license from both:

  • Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license
  • Building Codes Division (BCD) electrical license

The permit application must list the license numbers.

Need a contractor? Visit the Oregon CCB website ↗ for tips on hiring a licensed professional.

How to apply for a residential electrical permit

Electrical projects you can NOT apply for on DevHub

Only use the Electrical Permit Application (PDF) for

  • Permits that require plans
  • Emailed applications
  • In-person paper applications

Permit fees

The fees are listed on the Fee Schedule ↗. Search for "Electrical permit".

  • If upgrading service or changing a fuse box to breakers, you must provide the panel’s amperage.
  • If wiring is being replaced, include the square footage of the area being worked on.
  • Wiring packages start at 1,000 sq. ft., with additional 500 sq. ft. increments available.
  • A 12% Oregon State surcharge is assessed on all permit fees.
  • Does the scope of work require a residential electrical plan review? If so, an additional 25% of the permit fees will be assessed.

Service reconnect permit (for power off 6+ months)

This is ONLY for when the power has been off, and the power company requires an inspection to turn it back on.