Learn when you need a permit, who can perform the work, and how to apply. Schedule a mechanical inspection. Find details on re-inspections and contacting the inspector.
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The application takes 15 minutes to complete. Permits are issued within 24 hours after payment.
When you need a mechanical permit
You need a residential mechanical permit to:
- Work on heating or cooling systems
- Install or modify any system that includes ductwork
- Install or change any system that vents into a chimney or other exhaust vent
- Work with fuel or gas
- Install, repair, or alter gas piping (indoor or outdoor)
- Between the gas meter and appliances
- Between the gas line and appliances
- Install a wood stove or fireplace insert
- Install a fuel oil tank
- Install, repair, or alter gas piping (indoor or outdoor)
Common projects that require a mechanical permit:
- HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning)
- Gas piping
- Ductwork
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Air conditioning condensing units
- Mini-split systems
Additional notes
A mechanical permit is still required even if a building permit is not.
For new townhouse projects, each unit requires a separate mechanical permit.
You will need to apply for an electrical permit for most mechanical equipment projects.
Not sure if you need a mechanical permit? Call the Residential Inspections at 503-823-7388.
Project planning
Zoning setbacks
Outdoor mechanical equipment
- Not allowed to be in the required front zoning setback.
- Allowed within a side or rear setback, in most residential zones.
- If the outdoor mechanical equipment is within a setback:
- It cannot be more than five feet high
- You must hide it from neighbors using walls, fences, or vegetation.
- If the outdoor mechanical equipment is within a setback:
Before starting work on your site, you are responsible for verifying and complying with Zoning Code regulations.
Outdoor mechanical equipment includes:
- Outdoor air conditioner units
- Generators
- Kilns
- Heat pumps
- Pool heaters
Find out more about your setback or requirements for historic resources. Call General Inquiries at 503-823-7300.
Decommissioning an underground oil tank
Contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at 503-229-5263 to find a DEQ-licensed provider to decommission an underground oil tank.
Removing asbestos
Contact the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality at 503-229-5982 to find a DEQ-licensed contractor to remove asbestos.
Who can do the work?
| Who is doing the work? | What can they do? |
|---|---|
| Homeowners | Homeowners can do their own mechanical work. The homeowner must be the recorded property owner by the County and not an LLC. |
| Licensed Contractors | All contractors doing mechanical work need a license. They must get this license from:
The permit application must list the CCB license number. Need a contractor? Visit the Oregon CCB website for tips on hiring a licensed professional. |
How to apply for a residential mechanical 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: |
Permit fees
The fees are listed on the Fee Schedule. Search for "Mechanical permit".
Fees are based on fixtures and the work being done.
Mechanical inspections
Scheduling inspections
| Method | How to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online | Schedule any mechanical 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 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 installing new ductwork and gas piping but before the walls are finished. Do not cover work until approved. |
| Final | Get a final inspection to close the permit. The mechanical system must be fully installed, connected, and operational. All permits need the “699 Final Mechanical Permit” inspection. Your permit will not be approved and closed until you get this inspection. Without the “699 Final Mechanical 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 plumbing work did not get approved:
- no access - the inspector could not inspect the work
- incomplete work
- code violations
- Reasons why the plumbing 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.