Chapter 26.06 Inspections

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)  All electrical installations requiring an electrical permit shall be subject to inspection.  Work shall not be covered prior to inspection.  The Bureau may inspect electrical installations at such times deemed necessary to obtain compliance with the Electrical Code and this Title in accordance with OAR 918-271.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)  In addition to the required inspections specified in Section 26.06.010, the Director may make or require other inspections of any electrical installation to ascertain compliance with the Electrical Code and this Title.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)  Inspectors inspect electrical installations and provide public information on the meanings or applications of Electrical Code provisions, but do not lay out work or act as consultants for electrical contractors, property owners or users.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)  It is the responsibility of the person doing the work authorized by the permit to notify the Bureau when the work is ready for inspection.  A person requesting an inspection shall ensure access and means for the Bureau to perform the required inspection.  Neither the Director nor the City shall be liable for expenses incurred in removing or replacing any material required to conduct any inspection.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)

A.  The Bureau shall provide notice of the inspection results and corrections required to be made to defective electrical installations in accordance with OAR 918-271-0020.  Corrections of defective electrical installations shall be completed and an inspection requested within 20 calendar days of the correction notice being given in accordance with OAR 918-271-0020.  Extensions may be granted by the Bureau for reasonable cause.  Failure to complete corrections and request an inspection within the time provided may result in the Bureau gaining compliance by:

1.  Any of the remedies outlined in Chapter 3.30; or,

2.  Revoking the permit.

B.  If the premises affected become vacant, the premises shall not be occupied for dwelling purposes until necessary permits are obtained, corrections are completed, and the corrections are inspected and approved by the Bureau. 

(Amended by Ordinance No. 187432, effective December 4, 2015.)  Connecting electrical installations to an electrical supply source shall be done only after approval by the Bureau.  Such inspection approval is identified by the City of Portland Electrical Inspection Record initialed by the Director and posted on the panel box or other conspicuous place.

Exceptions: An electrical installation under this Title may be legally energized prior to inspection provided:

A.   A licensed supervising electrician qualified pursuant to ORS 479.630 (2) submits a written Request to Energize form to which the appropriate electrical permit has been attached; or,

B.  The electrical contractor is performing minor electrical work utilizing a valid minor installation label or when the installation is under an Electrical Master Permit (Industrial Plant) Program.

When a building has been vacant and the power has been off for 6 months, the Director shall inspect the building prior to reconnection of power.  A reconnection permit fee shall be paid prior to the inspection.

A reinspection may be required, and a reinspection fee may be assessed, if any of the following conditions exist:

A.  Access to the work to be inspected is unobtainable or denied upon arrival of the Director; or,

B.  Unapproved installation has been covered in a manner which prevents the Director from determining compliance with this Title; or,

C.  Corrections required from a previous inspection have not been completed; or,

D.  Work has not been started or is substantially incomplete.

Electrical products intended for use within the City shall meet the requirements of this Title even when fabricated in another jurisdiction.  The Director may require in-plant or on-site inspection of the fabricating process to ensure acceptability of the finished fabrication for use within the City.

Such in-plant or on-site inspection costs as determined by the Director shall be paid by the product fabricator prior to Bureau authorization for product use within the City.