Commercial Mechanical Permits

Before you start

Mechanical permits are required for new installations, additions, or changes to mechanical systems in commercial buildings. All work must follow the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code.

You can apply as:

• A property owner
• An owner's representative
• A tenant
• Any Oregon‑licensed general contractor

Note: Oregon CCB licensing is required for contractors.

Does your project need plans?

Not all mechanical installations require plans. Some projects qualify for no drawing permits that you can purchase without waiting for plan review.

If your project meets the criteria for plan‑review exemption, you can:

• Use the Mechanical Permit Application (PDF), and
• Email it to PPDTradePermits@portlandoregon.gov

If your project does not meet the criteria, you must submit plans through DevHub.

Mechanical work that does NOT need drawing plans

These projects qualify as mechanical permits that do NOT require plan review:

• Push/pull (like‑for‑like) commercial equipment under 5 tons
• Gas piping valued under $5,000
• Earthquake or seismic automatic emergency gas shut‑off valves
• Condensing units inside a building, when part of a commercial building permit for a walk‑in freezer/cooler
• Moving or replacing ductwork that does not involve fire dampers or penetrations through fire walls, fire assemblies, or floors
• Moving or replacing grills in ductwork
• NEW: Ductless minisplit installations on existing low-rise residential buildings (effective July 10, 2026)
  • When all of these are true:
    1. The unit is 4 tons or smaller
    2. One minisplit system per dwelling unit
    3. No penetrations through common walls between units or common areas
    4. Outdoor condenser is either:
       1. Set on an existing patio or deck, or
       2. Wall‑mounted on an exterior wall at least 5 ft from the property line and extending no more than 20% beyond the wall
    5. No existing heat sources are being removed

Does your project qualify? Apply for a mechanical permit without plan review.

Important: If inspection finds that the installation does not meet all qualifications, the permit holder will be required to submit for full commercial mechanical plan review.

Apply path 1: Mechanical permits without plan review (no drawing plans needed)

How to apply

1. Download and complete the Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)

   PDF fileMechanical Permit Application866.57 KB
2. In the Description of Work section, include:
   • What you're installing or replacing
   • Where it is located (unit number, interior/exterior, mounting method)
   • Confirmation that the project meets all exemption requirements
   • Acknowledgment that if the installation does not meet the requirements in the field, a full commercial mechanical plan review will be required.
      
3. Email the completed application PDF to:
   PPDTradePermits@portlandoregon.gov

Description of Work

A fully detailed Description of Work helps us confirm your project qualifies for a permit that does not require plans. If the scope of work is not clearly described, you may be asked to provide plans.

View full size image of Mechanical permit application with a fully detailed description of work.

Example 1

Installing a 3‑ton ductless minisplit system for Unit 203 on an existing balcony. I understand that if this project does not meet all plan‑review‑exemption requirements, I will be required to submit for full commercial mechanical plan review.

Example 2

Installing a series of 18 wall-mounted, 2-ton ductless mini-splits. Setback from the property line is 7 feet, and each condenser extends no more than 16 inches. I understand that if this project does not meet all plan‑review‑exemption requirements, I will be required to submit for full commercial mechanical plan review.

Why this path matters

Submitting through email keeps your project from getting stuck in the regular plan review queue. No drawings permit can be issued quickly, so you can start work sooner.

Fees

Fees are listed on the Mechanical Permit Application.

After you apply

You will receive your permit by email once processed. You may then schedule inspections.

Apply path 2: Mechanical permits that require plan review

If your project does not qualify for no drawing permitting, you must submit your application and plans for a standard mechanical plan review.

Plan review application requirements

1. Mechanical permit application

Include a detailed scope of work in the Description of Work section.

2. Plans and documents

All drawing plans

• Be black‑and‑white only (no color or color legends)
• Be drawn to scale
• Be clear (no sketches, photos, or screenshots)
• Use a minimum sheet size of 11" x 17"
• Use minimum text size of 3/32" (12‑point font)
• Clearly show only the scope of work included in this permit
• Use printed, legible text—no cursive handwriting
• Provide permission for the copyright if signed by a licensed architect or engineer

Mechanical plan

• A mechanical plan cover sheet
• Equipment list for all equipment requiring structural support or seismic attachment
• Equipment product data
• Floor plans and roof plans (if relevant to the scope of work)
• Show mechanical work clearly when architectural or engineering drawings are used (non‑mechanical information should be minimal and appear as background)

Site plan

• Buildings on the lot. Clearly indicate the building where the work is taking place.
• All property lines
• Adjacent streets
• A north arrow

Structural calculations and plans

You must include structural engineering information if:

• The added roof load exceeds 400 lbs, or
• The structure requires reinforcement

An Oregon‑licensed structural engineer must prepare structural documents. Engineered drawings or calculations may be included within the plan set or provided separately with cross‑references.

Submit your application

Additional information may be required depending on your project.

Plans only: Apply on DevHub

Fees

Fees for mechanical permits with plan review are based on valuation. Review the Commercial Mechanical Permit Fee on the Mechanical Permit Fee Schedule.

After you apply

Your project will go through mechanical, fire, structural, and zoning review. You can track your permit status on DevHub.

Need help with your application?

Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a Trades (STARS) Permit Technician. We can help you determine if your project needs plans and how to complete a permit application.

Inspections

Once your permit is issued and the work is complete:

• Schedule inspections on DevHub or through our phone system (IVR)
• Inspectors will provide correction notices if needed
• Reinspection fees may apply after the first reinspection

Inspection area maps and contact information:

Expired permits or permits about to expire

Apply for a permit extension or reactivation.