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 an electrical 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)
Additional notes
An electrical permit is still required even if a building permit is not.
For new townhouse projects, each unit requires a separate electrical permit.
Not sure if you need a plumbing permit? Call the Residential Inspections at 503-823-7388.
Who can do the work?
| Who is doing the work? | What can they do? |
|---|---|
| Homeowners | The homeowner can do electrical work only if they own and live in the home. The homeowner 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 | All contractors doing electrical work need a license. They must get this license from both:
The permit application must list the license numbers. 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 | Need to complete the PDF version of the form |
|---|---|---|
| Online (fastest) | Use DevHub to apply for and manage your permit. You can add fixtures to your permit through DevHub. | No, apply on DevHub. You do not need to fill out the PDF version of the form. |
| Send your completed forms to PPDTradePermits@portlandoregon.gov. | Yes, complete the PDF form: | |
| In person | Schedule an appointment to drop off a paper application. We will scan paper forms. Then, we’ll send them to the email above. Finally, we will process them in the order they arrive. | Yes, complete the PDF form: |
Electrical projects you can NOT apply for on DevHub
Only use the Electrical Permit Application (PDF) for
- Permits that require plans
- Emailed applications
- In-person paper applications
Permit fees
The fees are listed on the Fee Schedule. Search for "Electrical permit".
- If upgrading service or changing a fuse box to breakers, you must provide the panel’s amperage.
- If wiring is being replaced, 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? If so, an additional 25% 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 inspections
| Method | How to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online | Schedule an 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 information on schedule an inspection.
Learn how to find inspection times for the current business day online. Visit Today's residential inspections schedule.
Required inspections
Depending on your project, you may need other 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. All permits need the “199 Final Electrical Permit” inspection. Your permit will not be approved and closed until you get this inspection. Without the “199 Final Electrical Permit” inspection, the permit is still “under inspection.” Permits expire if there are more than 180 days between inspections. |
Inspection results
- View real-time inspection results on DevHub.
- You'll get results sent to the email you provided when scheduling your inspection.
- If corrections are needed, the inspector will list them in the inspection report.
- Reasons why the work did not get approved:
- no access - the inspector could not inspect the work
- incomplete work
- code violations
- Reasons why the work did not get approved:
Re-inspections
Schedule re-inspections after corrections are made. You can schedule appointments anytime - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| Type | How to Request |
|---|---|
| Remote Video Re-Inspection (RVR) | Recommended for getting a confirmed appointment time.
Learn more about Remote Video Re-Inspections (RVR). |
| On-site re-inspection | Schedule on DevHub. |
| Schedule over the phone with the IVR system. You will need the same three-digit code you used to schedule your first inspection. |
Contact Inspections
- Questions before an inspection?
- Call Residential Inspections: 503-823-7388
- Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Call Residential Inspections: 503-823-7388
- Questions after an inspection?
- Call the inspector who completed the inspection. The inspector's contact details are on your inspection report.
- The inspection report is available on DevHub.
- Call the inspector who completed the inspection. The inspector's contact details are on your inspection report.