Trystan Casey
In Oregon, electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building. Electrical permits are also necessary for installing, altering, or relocating electrical branch circuits, services, or feeders. Examples of work that requires a permit include running additional wiring, installing new outlets or light fixtures, and changing a fuse box to circuit breakers. Permits can be obtained online or in person, and inspections are required to ensure that work complies with the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When are electrical permits required? | When any electrical work is performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building. |
| Who can purchase these permits? | The property owner or their authorized agent, or a licensed electrical contractor. |
| What are some examples of work that requires a permit? | Running additional wiring, installing an additional outlet or light fixture, changing a fuse box to circuit breakers, installing or altering low-voltage systems such as security alarms, central vacuum systems, low-voltage lighting, or phone systems. |
| What is exempt from requiring a permit? | Replacing light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or approved fuses, or connecting approved portable electrical equipment to permanent and properly wired receptacles. |
| Where can you apply for a permit? | Online at www.corvallispermits.com or in-person at 501 SW Madison Ave. Corvallis, OR 97333 |
| What are the office hours for applying in person? | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| What are the counter hours for public drop-in? | Monday to Friday, 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
| Who must sign the permits? | A signing supervising electrician or limited supervising electrician. |
| When do permits expire? | If work is not started within 180 days from the date of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after being started. |
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What You'll Learn
Permits for residential wiring
In Oregon, electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building. This includes residential properties, for which permits are required for any new wiring, additional outlets or light fixtures, or changes to the fuse box. Permits are also necessary for installing, altering, or relocating electrical branch circuits, services, or feeders, as well as for installing or altering low-voltage systems such as security alarms, central vacuum systems, low-voltage lighting, or phone systems.
The Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) provides detailed information on when permits are required, and it is always advisable to check with local Development Services staff to determine the specific requirements for your project. In Corvallis, Oregon, for example, permits for residential wiring can be applied for online or in person. The application process may require plans, which can be reviewed by Development Services staff.
It is important to note that electrical permits must be signed by a qualified supervisor or electrician to indicate responsibility and aid inspections. Permits are typically valid for 180 days from the date of issuance, during which time the authorised work must commence. If work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, the permit becomes null and void, and corrections must still be made to any electrical installations within 20 calendar days of a notice of deficiency.
In Portland, Oregon, electrical permit services are available both online and in-person at the Development Services Center. Inspections can be scheduled, and results are provided via email. Re-inspections can also be arranged after corrections are made.
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Construction, alteration, repair or conversion of a building
In Oregon, electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building. This includes the installation, alteration, or relocation of an electrical branch circuit, service, or feeder.
Electrical permits are necessary for running additional wiring, installing an additional outlet or light fixture, or changing a fuse box to circuit breakers. Installing or altering low-voltage systems, such as security alarms, central vacuum systems, low-voltage lighting, or phone systems, also requires a permit.
However, it is important to note that an electrical permit is not required for replacing light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or approved fuses, or for connecting approved portable electrical equipment to permanent and properly wired receptacles.
The property owner or a licensed electrical contractor may purchase electrical permits. Oregon contractors must be registered with the Construction Contractors Board and the Building Codes Division. The cost of electrical permits varies and is described in the Development Services Division Fee Schedule, which is included in the Electrical Permit Application Form.
In certain cases, installations can be conducted under the approval of "Minor Electrical Labels." These minor labels can only be purchased by a licensed electrical contractor, and more information can be found in the Development Services Procedure 3003 and the State Building Codes Division.
For projects involving electrical work in conjunction with construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building, it is essential to refer to the specific regulations and guidelines provided by the local jurisdiction in Oregon, as there may be additional requirements or exemptions.
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Installing, altering or relocating electrical branch circuits
In Oregon, electrical permits are required for installing, altering, or relocating electrical branch circuits. The specific requirements and permit types vary depending on the type of residence and the scope of the work.
For residential electrical permits in Oregon, a "circuit" refers to the wire or cable (romex) from the breaker at the panel to all the items fed by that wire. Any new circuits not in the old panel or that are being altered, added to, moved, or extended will require additional branch circuits to be purchased on the permit.
If you are altering, moving, adding to, or replacing lights, switches, or receptacles (plugs) on a circuit, that circuit must be counted in the total number of circuits affected by the work. You can estimate the number of actual circuits that will be affected by turning off the breakers one at a time until all the items you plan to alter or replace are de-energized.
Fees for permits are based on the scope of work and the amount of work required to process the permit and inspect the completed work. For a residential project, it is recommended to purchase either a square foot package or individual circuits and service/feeders, but not both, as it would result in redundant costs for the same permit.
In Portland, Oregon, specific rules apply for residential electrical permits. If all the electrical work, except for the breaker and feeder leaving the house, is in a detached building, you will need one permit with a 200A or less service/feeder and the number of new or altered circuits in that building. If any work will be done in the main building, a separate permit is required. Each permit must clearly state which building it covers, even if they share the same address.
Additionally, in Portland, Oregon, homeowners can perform electrical work themselves if the property is their primary residence and is not intended for sale, lease, or rent. However, a licensed electrical contractor performing the work must pull the permit.
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Exemptions from system development charges for new housing units
In Oregon, system development charges (SDCs) are fees that developers are required to pay to build within city limits. These charges are meant to offset the costs that new construction may have on city utilities and services, such as sewers, streets, and parks. However, there are certain cases where exemptions from SDCs are offered for new housing units. These exemptions are typically initiated by the local government to encourage the development of affordable housing and stimulate construction activity.
In Portland, Oregon, the city has proposed temporarily waiving SDCs for new housing developments over three years or 5,000 housing permits, whichever comes first. This waiver is intended to incentivize developers to build more housing in the city and address the need for additional housing units. The specific details of this proposal include exemptions for permits issued from August 15, 2025, through September 30, 2028, under certain conditions. The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) also offers an Affordable Housing SDC Exemption Program, which assists developers by reducing their costs when building affordable residential housing. This program has different requirements depending on whether the exempted unit will be sold or rented.
Additionally, the City of Eugene, Oregon, offers SDC exemptions for affordable housing developments. These exemptions are available for both rental and homeownership opportunities, with income limits set at 60% and 80% of the area median income, respectively. The City accepts applications from public agencies, private/for-profit, and non-profit developers, with a focus on prioritizing proposals that serve the lowest-income households.
It is important to note that the availability of SDC exemptions may vary depending on the specific location within Oregon. While Portland and Eugene have implemented exemption programs, other cities and counties in Oregon may have different policies in place. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the local government's website or relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding SDC exemptions in a particular area.
To apply for SDC exemptions, developers typically need to submit applications and supporting documentation to the relevant authority, such as the Portland Housing Bureau or the City of Eugene. The application process may include providing details about the proposed housing development, demonstrating compliance with affordability requirements, and meeting specific deadlines. It is recommended to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application guidelines before submitting a request for an SDC exemption.
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Requirements for signatures on permits
In the state of Oregon, a permit is required before any electrical work is started. This includes temporary electrical work, which must meet the criteria outlined in the Temporary Electrical Permit Rule (OAR 918-309-0080).
The signature of a supervising electrician or limited supervising electrician is required on each permit. This aids inspections and indicates responsibility under ORS 479.710, which states that electrical installations must meet minimum safety standards. Providing false or incorrect information, or a false or incorrect signature, to obtain a permit may result in compliance action by the board.
In addition to supervising electricians, the following individuals are authorized to sign permits:
- A person with a General Supervising Electrician License, who is considered a "supervisor" under ORS 479.560 and can sign permits for work under a limited maintenance specialty contractor-HVAC/R license.
- A Class "A" or Class "B" limited energy technician can sign permits for 100 volt-ampere or less electrical installations performed by those licensees.
- A "supervisor", as defined in ORS 479.630, who can sign restricted energy permits, including a Class "A" or "B" limited energy technician when the electrical installation is within the scope of their license.
- Any other electrical licensee authorized to sign a permit, provided the work is within the scope of their license.
It is important to note that the requirements for signatures on permits may vary depending on the specific jurisdiction and the type of electrical work being performed. It is always best to refer to the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code and local regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building.
Electrical permits are required for installing or altering low-voltage systems such as security alarms, central vacuum systems, low-voltage lighting, or phone systems. Permits are also required for the installation, alteration, or relocation of an electrical branch circuit, service, or feeder.
You can apply for an electrical permit online at www.corvallispermits.com. You can also find information on the application process and office hours on the website.
