Application Guide - Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits (Residential)

Research

Below you will find a short list of project types and the Permit Type you will need to apply for. This is not an extensive list, reach out to a Permit Technician if you need assistance selecting the correct Permit Type to apply for.

Which Permit Do I Need to Select?

 

Electrical Permit

You need a residential electrical permit to:

  • Install, change or repair any hard-wired electrical system
  • Run more wiring
  • Put in a new electrical outlet or light fixture
  • Alter circuits
  • Install or change low voltage systems (security alarms, stereo, computer or phone systems)

You do not need an electrical permit to

  • Fix appliance cords
  • Replace an appliance already in place
    • For example, existing garbage disposal or dishwasher.

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permits include permits for all HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning). Mechanical permits also include permits for gas piping, ductwork, furnaces, heat pumps or air conditioning condensing units and mini-split permits. 

You need a mechanical permit to:

  • Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that has duct work or must be vented into any kind of chimney or vent
  • Install, alter or repair gas piping (indoor or outdoor) between the meter and an appliance or a natural gas line
  • Install or replace a woodstove or fireplace insert

Even if a building permit is not needed, the work will need a mechanical permit.

 

Plumbing Permits

You will need a plumbing permit to:

  • Repair, replace, relocate or add to the piping system
  • Install new plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, tubs and dishwashers)
  • Replace water heaters or existing fixtures
  • Cap off fixtures that have been removed
  • Install rain drains, drywells or water lines, 
  • Install sewer lines
  • Replace metallic water service with a non-metallic water service. Replacing a metallic (copper or galvanized steel) system with a non-metallic system (plastic or CVPC) may also need an electric permit. You may need to install a new grounding electrode.

Even if a building permit is not needed, the work will need a plumbing permit. 

Adding a bathroom needs a plumbing and building permit, and may also need an electrical permit and/or mechanical permit. 

Summary of Instructions

Note: No documents are required to be uploaded for these types of permits.

Step 1: Log into your account on the Oregon ePermitting website: Oregon ePermitting Link

Follow instructions located on the webpage here to create an account. You will also need to associate Licenses to your account in order to apply for the permit.

Step 2: Search for your address and then select the Application Type as follows, note that you can select all three or just one of these application types, refer to the list above for assistance or contact a permit technician:

  • Residential Electrical
  • Residential Plumbing
  • Residential Mechanical

Step 3: Fill in any other necessary information such as the Contact information, contractors assigned to the job, site contact, applicant and any required information which will be marked with a red asterisk (*).

Step 4: Pay your fees

Step 5: Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing permits auto issue but can be retracted within one business day if deemed incomplete

Step 6: A Permit Technician will review your application, if they deem the permit incomplete you will be required to provide more information. Be on the lookout for an email from accela-noreply@deschutes.org  or directly from a Permit Technician for further instructions.

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