Homeowner Information

You can check online at Oregon.gov or call the Construction Contractors Board at (503) 378-4621.

Contractor License Verification Search

Mechanical work on one- or two-family dwellings includes work on heating, cooling, or ventilation systems, including bath vents and woodstoves. Installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping between the meter and an appliance or other equipment, including all liquefied petroleum gas piping, is also considered mechanical work.

• Paint buildings that are not historic landmarks;
• Blow insulation into existing homes; 
• Replace interior wall, floor or ceiling covering, such as wallboard or sheet vinyl. Removal or alteration of wall(s), regardless of whether they are load-bearing or not, requires a permit with plan submission;
• Put up shelving and cabinets
• Install gutters and downspouts;
• Replace or repair siding on a wall that is three feet or more from a property line;
• Replace roofing on single family or duplex homes where the weight of the replacement or repair does not exceed 30 percent of the roof's designed live load carrying capacity and is not required to be fire resistant;
• Install storm windows and/or replace doors or windows in an existing opening;
• Build a fence up to six feet high;
• Pave a walkway that is not in the public right of way;
• Build a patio or deck that is not more than 30 inches above grade. However, if a patio cover is built, a permit is required.

*All modifications to residential houses or units that are intended for sale, lease, rent, or exchange; or, commercial structures or units, require that the work be done by a contractor licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractor's Board (CCB). 

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, move or demolish any one- or two-family dwelling or related structure. For example: 

• add a room 
• build, demolish, or move a carport, garage, or shed of more than 200 square feet 
• finish an attic, garage, or basement to make additional living space 
• cut a new window or door opening, or widen existing openings # move, remove, or add walls 
• apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed 
• build a stairway 
• build a retaining wall more than four feet high 
• build a deck more than 30 inches above grade 
• put up a fence more than six feet high 
• move more than 50 cubic yards of earth or any amount of cut or fill on sites affected by waterways or slope hazards

A plumbing permit is required to do the following:

• Replace water heaters, alter piping inside a wall or ceiling or beneath a floor, and for plumbing in all new installations.
• Repair, alteration, or replacement of freeze-damaged or leaking concealed piping, if new piping exceeds 3 feet.
• Remodeling or adding on to your one or two family dwelling when existing plumbing is to be relocated. This includes installation of building sewers, water service, and exterior rain drains.

Permits are good for six months from the date of issue or last inspection, whichever is later. If you experience a delay in your project, you may request an extension for an additional six months.