Projects That Do Not Require Permits
For single-family homes only (no commercial construction): improvement projects don't require permits if the project doesn't encroach over a drain system, public utility easement or into required setbacks from property lines.
The project must still comply with all applicable construction and zoning codes.
Contact us with any questions at 503-618-2845.
Permits are not required for:
- Non-habitable one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) and a wall height of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured from the finished floor level to the top of the top plate. Exception: Where the structure is located on a parcel of 2.0 acres or greater in area, and the structure is located a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) from all property lines, floor area may be increased to 400 square feet (37.16 m2).
- Except for barriers around swimming pools as required in Appendix G, fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high and typical field fencing not over 8 feet (2438 mm) high where constructed of woven wire or chain link.
- Retaining walls that do not support a regulated building, do not retain material which, if not restrained, could impact a regulated building.
- Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, interior wall, floor or ceiling covering and similar finish work.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy where the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade. Barrier requirements found in Appendix G are not exempt.
- Concrete walkways, slabs, platforms and driveways on the private side that add less than 1,000 square feet of new area. Work in the public right-of-way will require a permit.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
- Patio covers, as defined in AH102, and porch covers not over 200 square feet (11 m2) and supported by an exterior building wall.
- Window awnings 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.
- Non-bearing partitions, except when such partitions create habitable rooms.
- Replacement or repair of siding not required to be fire-resistive.
- Retrofitted insulation.
- Masonry repair.
- Porches and decks, where the floor or deck is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade measured at any point within 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally of the floor or deck, and where in the case of a covered porch, the covered portion of the porch does not come closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to property lines.
- Gutters and downspouts.
- Door and window replacements (where no structural member is changed).
- Re-roofing, where replacement or repair of roofing does not exceed 30 percent of the required live load design capacity and the roof is not required to be fire-resistive.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, interior wall, floor or ceiling covering, and similar finish work.
- Nonbearing partitions (walls) except when such partitions create habitable rooms. (Habitable rooms are used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking.)
- Shelving or cabinets.
- Retrofitted insulation.
Electrical: Exterior and Interior
Permits are not required for:
- Removing and replacing broken or damaged electrical outlets like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes. If a GFCI protected outlet is required by code, a permit is required.
- Removing and replacing broken or damaged light fixtures like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
- Removing and replacing broken or damaged light switches like for like only. However, permits are required to install, upgrade or change outlets for decorative purposes.
- Replacing approved fuses or defective breakers like for like only.
- Replacing an existing garbage disposal, dishwasher, electric tank water heater, or similar appliance of 30 amps or less.
- Installing low-voltage wiring for garage door openers.
- Installing phone outlets or CATV (Community Access TV) however, wire must be listed type wire.
- Adding to or altering an irrigation system with an approved backflow device. (Permits are required for installation of a backflow device.)
- Replacing a hose bib.
- Installing a fountain or other water feature that is filled by a hose.
- Repairing/replacing a shower head.
- Repairing/replacing a faucet if not concealed in a wall.
- Resurfacing/replacing countertops, shower walls or re-grouting tile.
Mechanical: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Changing out furnace filters.
- Portable heating appliances, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
- Portable ventilation appliances, evaporative coolers and cooling units (for plug-in appliances only).
- Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the code.
- Replacing any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
- Portable appliances, such as freezers, washing machines, refrigerators, portable barbecue grill, etc. (For plug-in appliances only.)
- Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
