Learn when you need a permit, who can perform the work, and how to apply. Schedule a plumbing 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 plumbing permit
Work on pipes or fixtures
- Repair, replace, or move any plumbing pipes
- Add new piping to your plumbing system
- Cap pipes where a fixture was removed
- Install or replace plumbing fixtures (like toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, or dishwashers)
- Replace a water heater
Install outdoor plumbing systems
- Install rain drains or drywells
- Install or replace water service lines
- Install a backflow device for a lawn sprinkler system
- Replace a metal water line (copper or galvanized steel) with a plastic line
- ⚠️ This may also need an electrical permit and a new grounding electrode.
Handle sewage or waste systems
- Install or cap a sewer line
- Install a cesspool or septic system
Broken sewer and drain lines
- The sewer and drain lines have been in place since the house was built. When a line breaks, sewage leaks into the yard. This sewage can spread disease and may have harmful chemicals. It also creates a path for rats.
- Learn more: Broken Sewer and Drain Lines - Guide to Repairs, Permits and Inspections.
Adding a new bathroom? You'll also need a building permit. Visit the residential bathroom page for more information.
You do NOT need a permit to:
- Fix or maintain existing plumbing fixtures or parts
- Replace plumbing-related items that don’t use water (like a toilet seat)
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 | Homeowners can do their own plumbing work. The homeowner must be the recorded property owner by the County and not an LLC. |
| Licensed Contractors | All contractors doing plumbing work need a license. They must get this license from one of the following:
Need a contractor? Visit the Oregon CCB website for tips on hiring a licensed professional. |
How to apply for a residential plumbing 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: |
Plumbing projects you can NOT apply for on DevHub
You'll need to fill out the Plumbing Permit Application (PDF) for
- If you need to provide plans with your plumbing permit, you can not use DevHub to apply. Projects that need plans include:
- Sewer permits
- Rainwater harvesting
- 5 bathrooms or more
- Adult foster care home
- Sewage ejection
- Fire Sprinklers
- Grey water system
- Emailed applications
- In-person paper applications
Additional reviews
Backflow prevention assembly
- You may have to install a backflow prevention assembly if the Water Bureau requires it.
- It should be at the property line or on your property, along the City water service center line.
- You will need a site plan.
- Get more information by calling the Water Bureau at 503-823-7480.
- You may have to install a backflow prevention assembly if the Water Bureau requires it.
Septic tank installations
- Before proceeding, Environmental Services must approve:
- Connections to public sanitary sewers.
- Storm sewers will connect to:
- a public sewer
- a natural drainage way
- a curb
- a public right-of-way
- Private stormwater treatment systems require separate inspections.
- When you add new plumbing fixtures, System Development Charges (SDCs) apply.
- Before proceeding, Environmental Services must approve:
Residential plumbing permit fees
The fees are listed on the Fee Schedule. Search for "Plumbing permit".
They are based on the fixtures and the work being done.
Plumbing inspections
Scheduling
| Method | How to Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online | Schedule any plumbing 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 | Call for an inspection before covering any piping with floor, wall, or ceiling. Piping includes
The inspector will check that your plumbing is installed to code and doesn’t leak. Do not cover work until approved. |
| Final | After completing all plumbing work, you must get a final inspection to close the permit. All permits need the “399 Final Plumbing Permit” inspection. Your permit will not be approved and closed until you get this inspection. Without the “399 Final Plumbing 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 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 information is on your inspection report.
- The inspection report is available on DevHub.