Do I Need a Permit?

Some work is exempt from permitting. To see if you qualify, review the categories below. If you are still unsure or have additional questions, please contact us.

Generally, permits are required for any work intended to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, more or change the use or occupancy of a building or structure or the mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems installed therein.

Any owner or contractor who intends to repair an existing fire protection system or life safety system shall first notify the local building official and obtain any necessary building permit.

The creation of new habitable spaces, new toilet rooms, or new bathrooms shall require a building permit.

Residential Work Exempt from Permit:

Exemptions from permit requirements of the 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

ORSC 105.2 Work exempt from permit.

1. Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m²) and does not exceed a height of 15 feet measured from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.
2. Porch covers, deck covers and patio covers as defined in Section AH102, not more than 200 square feet in floor area and not closer than 3 feet to lot lines. 
3. Oil derricks.
4. Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
6. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
7. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
8. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U Occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
9. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
10. Farm or forest use agricultural buildings exempted in ORS 455.315 (see also Appendix C).
11. Equine facilities exempted in ORS 455.315.

Note: Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required for the exempted items listed in this section. Additionally, all new construction and substantial improvements (including the placement of prefabricated buildings and certain building work exempt from permit under Section 105.2) shall be designed and constructed with methods, practices and materials that minimize flood damage in accordance with this code

Commercial Work Exempt from Permit:

Exemptions from permit requirements of the 2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

OSSC 105.2 - Work exempt from permit.

1. One-story detached nonoccupied accessory structures, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11 m²).
2. Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
3. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
4. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
5. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
6. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
7. Farm and forest use agricultural buildings exempted in ORS 455.315 (also see Appendix C).
8. Buildings and facilities exempted in ORS 455.315.

Note: Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required for the exempted items listed in this section. Additionally, all new construction and substantial improvements (including the placement of prefabricated buildings and certain building work exempt from permit under Section 105.2) shall be designed and constructed with methods, practices and materials that minimize flood damage in accordance with this code.

Plumbing Work Exempt from Permit:

Exemptions from permit requirements of the 2023 Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

1. The stopping of leaks or repairing freeze damage in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipe not exceeding five feet of new piping, provided the repair or replacement does not involve any change or alterations to the existing plumbing system.
2. The clearing of stoppages, including the removal and reinstallation of water closets, or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, provided such repairs to not involve or require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

Mechanical Work Exempt from Permit:

Exemptions from permit requirements of the 2022 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

OMSC 106.2 Work exempt from permit.

1.  Portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances and equipment.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot water or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or appliances regulated by this code.
5. The replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.