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Research
You’ll need to do some research on your property before you apply for permits. These pages will help you get a permit if you’re converting an existing part of your home into a new bathroom.
What permits do you need?
You'll need a building permit and trade permits (for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work).
You may want to consider getting the Residential Combination Permit.
What to include with your permit application and how to apply will depend on your project.
For bathroom projects that change an existing space, you can get your permit through either the Simple Bathroom Program or the standard bathroom permit process.
If your project qualifies, we recommend the Simple Bathroom Program option as a quicker and easier (and more affordable!) way for you to get your bathroom.
Increasing the size of your home to add a new bathroom?
If you're increasing the size of your home to add a new bathroom, follow the permitting requirements for residential additions.
Remodeling an existing bathroom?
When you need a permit
You will likely need one or more permits if you are:
- Moving or adding plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, shower, tub)
- Moving or adding electrical outlets, lights, or fans
- Changing walls or openings (adding/removing walls, changing door or window size)
- Installing or moving heating or ventilation systems
- Making structural changes (load-bearing framing)
When you don’t need a permit
You usually do not need a permit if you are:
- Painting or wallpapering
- Installing new cabinets or countertops without moving plumbing or electrical
- Replacing flooring
- Replacing plumbing fixtures in the same location, without altering plumbing, wiring, or structure
Types of permits you might need
Depending on the scope of work, you may need:
- Residential building permit (for structural or wall changes)
- Plumbing permit
- Electrical permit
- Mechanical permit (for ventilation or heating changes)
Note: If you need a building permit for an existing bathroom remodel, use the standard bathroom permit process. You cannot use the Simple Bathroom Program for this case.
Does your project qualify for the Simple Bathroom Program?
This program is available if all of the following are true of your project:
- It's a new full or half bathroom, or you’re legalizing an existing bathroom.
- You are NOT remodeling an existing bathroom. Get information on bathroom remodels.
- Work is interior only—no exterior alterations.
- No changes to load-bearing framing.
- The property can have no more than three toilets total, including the one in the new bathroom.
- The bathroom is in the primary residence, not a detached accessory structure.
Note: Additional conditions may apply. For example, you may not qualify if your property has an open code violation or a party sewer.
If your project does not qualify for the Simple Bathroom Program, use the standard bathroom permit. With the standard bathroom permit, you will need to provide site plans and structural plans.
This table compares the Simple Bathroom Program with the standard bathroom permit. Use it to decide which permit path fits your project.
| Feature | Simple Bathroom Program | Standard bathroom permit |
|---|---|---|
| Project type | New full or half bathroom, or legalizing an existing bathroom. NO remodels. | Any bathroom project that does not qualify for the Simple Bathroom Program |
| Project location | Interior only; no exterior alterations | May include exterior alterations |
| Structural changes | No changes to load-bearing framing | May include structural changes |
| Plumbing limit | No more than 3 toilets total on the property | No set limit |
| Building type | Primary residence only (not in accessory structures) | Any building type |
| Other restrictions | May not qualify if there’s a party sewer or open code violation | Fewer restrictions |
| Plans required | No plans required | Floor plan and structural plans required |
| How to apply | Combine forms into one PDF, title “Simple Bathroom Program Application,” and email to ppdsbp@portlandoregon.gov | Apply through DevHub and complete full plan review |
| Review process | No formal plan review; City inspectors will check for code compliance. | Full plan review with possible checksheets |
| Permits needed | Building permit plus trade permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical) as needed | Building permit plus trade permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical) as needed |
| Pre-construction meeting | Required. After fees are paid, schedule a 295 - Structural Consultation Inspection. | Not needed |