Minor Mechanical Labels: Bring a voided label into compliance

What's a Minor Mechanical Label?

A City of Portland Minor Mechanical Label was a simplified permit that contractors used for small, routine residential mechanical work, such as replacing a furnace or installing a bath fan.

These labels required an inspection, just like full permits.

The City has since ended its Minor Label program, so older labels may now appear as Void in your permit history.

If your label is voided, you still have an opportunity to bring the work into compliance and complete the inspection through a remote virtual inspection.

Why labels get voided

A label can show "Void" when an inspection never happened. Common reasons include:

• The City's Minor Label program ended
• COVID‑19 restrictions prevented in‑home inspections
• Contractors didn't use remote inspection alternatives
• More than one year passed without inspection

A voided label doesn't necessarily mean the installation is unsafe; it usually means the work was never inspected.

This program lets you complete that requirement now.

Check for a voided label

Not sure whether you have a voided Mechanical Minor Label? Find out in under a minute.

1. Go to PortlandMaps' permit search. Enter your property address.
2. Search for Mechanical Minor Labels. Find entries ending in –ML (City-issued mechanical Minor Labels).
3. Check the status. Labels that show a "Void" status can still be brought into compliance through a remote virtual inspection before July 1, 2028.

Note: If the label is state-issued (electrical, plumbing, or mechanical minor labels), contact the State of Oregon instead.

View full size image of PortlandMaps view of a Mechanical Minor Label in Void status.

How to bring it into compliance

Property owners and contractors, you'll have until July 1, 2028, to:

• Schedule remote inspections 
• Complete compliance requirements

Schedule a remote inspection

Inspections are completed through the Remote Video Re-inspections (RVR) program.

To schedule:

Schedule an inspection

• On the booking page:
  • Enter the Minor Label Number
  • Request Inspection Code: 999 MT - Minor Mechanical Label Final

View full size image of Bookings page: Request Inspection Code: 999 MT - Minor Mechanical Label Final selected.

Schedule confirmation

• You will get an email with your appointment details and the Microsoft Teams meeting link.
• To cancel or reschedule, use the link in your confirmation email.

What to expect during your remote inspection

You'll need

• Reliable internet access
• Smartphone or tablet for your MS Teams video call
• Good lighting (a flashlight helps)
• Tools (measuring tape, ladder, etc.)

Learn more: What to expect and how to prepare for your remote inspection

Need assistance?

• Phone: (503) 865-8436 
• Email: RVR@portlandoregon.gov

If the inspection does not pass

If a City of Portland Minor Mechanical Label inspection fails:

• A new full mechanical permit is required 
• A licensed contractor must apply for the mechanical permit
• The contractor must: 
  • Correct all deficiencies
  • Schedule and pass a final inspection

Why compliance matters

Completing the inspection ensures:

• Work is safe 
• Installation is code-compliant 
• The project is properly approved and finalized