Learn when you need a permit, who can perform the work, and how to apply. Schedule an electrical inspection. Find details on service reconnects, re-inspections, and contacting the inspector.
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The form takes 15 minutes to complete. Permits are issued within 24 hours after payment.
When you need a 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)
For new townhouse projects, each unit requires a separate electrical permit.
Who can do the work?
| Who is doing the work? | What can they do? |
|---|---|
| Homeowners | Can do electrical work only if they own and live in the home. That means you must be the recorded property owner by the County and not an LLC. |
Cannot do work on their
Based on Oregon Law, ORS 479.540 Electrical Safety Law. Questions? Ask an electrical inspector. Call Residential Inspections (503) 823-7388. | |
| Licensed Contractors | Must have both
Need a contractor? Visit the Oregon CCB website for tips on hiring a licensed professional. |
How to apply for a residential electrical permit
| Method | Options to apply |
|---|---|
| Online (fastest) | Use DevHub to apply for and manage your permit. |
| Send your completed application to PPDTradePermits@portlandoregon.gov. | |
| In person | Schedule an appointment to drop off a paper application. We will scan paper applications. Then, we’ll send them to the email above. Finally, we will process them in the order they arrive. |
- If you buy the permit online, you can add fixtures to your permit through DevHub.
- If hiring a contractor, they should already be set up in our system to obtain your permit.
Only use the Electrical Permit Application (PDF) for
- Permits that require plans
- Emailed applications
- In-person paper applications
Applying on DevHub? You don't need to fill out the PDF.
Permit fees
Fees are listed on the Electrical Permit Application.
- If upgrading service or changing a fuse box to breakers, you must provide the panel’s amperage.
- If replacing wiring, 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? An additional 25% fee 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.
- When applying for an electrical permit application on DevHub, check "service reconnect only."
- Read more about service reconnect permits.
Electrical inspections
Scheduling
| Method | How to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online | Schedule any electrical permit inspection on DevHub. |
| Phone | Call the automated inspection line at 503-823-7000. Have your IVR or permit number and three-digit inspection code ready. |
Find more ways to schedule an inspection.
Required inspections
| Inspection | When to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Rough-in | After wiring new circuits, including
Do not cover work until approved. No insulation, receptacles or wall switches. |
| Service | After installing
Projects with a service change, panel change, or added sub panel
Residence with power off for 6+ months
|
| Final | Get a final inspection to close the permit. After completing all electrical work, labeling circuits, and installing cover plates. Equipment must be grounded and energized. |
Inspection results
- View real-time inspection results on DevHub.
- You'll get inspection results sent to your email. The same email you provided when scheduling your inspection.
- If corrections are needed, the inspector will list them in the inspection report.
- Reasons why the electrical work did not get approved:
- no access - the inspector could not inspect the work
- incomplete work
- code violations
- Reasons why the electrical work did not get approved:
Re-inspections
| Type | How to Request |
|---|---|
| Remote Video Re-Inspection (RVR) | Recommended for fast scheduling and results.
Learn more about RVR. |
| On-site re-inspection | Schedule on DevHub with the same three-digit code after corrections are made. |
Contact an Electrical Inspector
- Questions before an inspection?
- For technical questions, call the Senior Electrical Inspector: 503-823-8481
- Questions after an inspection?
- Call the inspector who completed the inspection. The inspector's contact details on your inspection report.
Expired permit or permit about to expire
Construction, site development, trade, and zoning permits expire 180 days after the Under Review date.
- If your permit is about to expire, you may apply for an extension.
- Permit already expired or voided? You'll need to apply for reactivation.
Learn more about expired permits or permits about to expire.