When is an Electrical Permit Needed?

Electrical permits are required for any electrical work performed in conjunction with the construction, alteration, repair, or conversion of a building. Permits are also required for the installation, alteration or relocation of an electrical branch circuit, service or feeder.

No electrical permit is required to replace light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, or approved fuses or to connect approved portable electrical equipment to permanently installed and properly wired receptacles.

Who May Purchase this Permit?

A property owner or a licensed electrical contractor may purchase these permits.

What is the Cost of the Permit?

Section 8.03.300.040 of the Corvallis Municipal Code describes the cost of electrical permit fees. A permit fee schedule is included as part of the application form located here: Electrical Permit Application Form

What If I Want to Do the Work Myself?

A fact sheet is available for those wishing to do electrical work themselves.

Additional Information

1) No permit is required when qualified individuals choose to utilize minor electrical labels. According to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 918-309-0220, minor electrical labels may be used by qualifying electrical contractors where the installation does not exceed 240 volts for:

• extension of not more than two existing branch electrical circuits limited to 30 amps each and, if relevant, connection of an authorized appliance
• installation of one new electrical circuit limited to 30 amps and, if relevant, connection of an authorized appliance
• repair of existing electrical services not to exceed 200 amps
• single installation of the appliances, repair or replacement activities authorized by sections (2) and (3) below:

2) A limited maintenance specialty contractor or a limited maintenance specialty contractor-HVAC/R where the installation does not exceed 120-240 volts single phase for repair or replacement of a:

• furnace, oil or gas, not to exceed 20 amps
• fan not to exceed 20 amps
• dishwasher or garbage disposal, not to exceed 20 amps
• water heater, which involves an electrical circuit, not to exceed 30 amps
• electrical furnace, air conditioning unit or refrigeration unit
• defective ballast, or up to five ballasts under one label
• item in this section and any related transaction under section (3) of this rule if the contractor employs a licensed general supervising electrician or restricted energy technician, the work is within the person's scope of license and that person does the work allowed.

3) A restricted energy contractor or an electrical contractor using a licensed journeyman or restricted energy technician to make the installation may use a minor installation label for installation, repair and replacement of installations not exceeding 100 volt-amperes in Class 2 or 3 installations in one- and two-family dwellings.

Minor electrical installation labels are sold by the State Building Codes Division to qualified electrical contractors in blocks of 10.

Minor installation labels may not be transferred from one contractor to another. These labels must be attached to the service panel prior to the commencement of electrical work. Additionally, minor installation labels may only be used where no other construction work is planned or performed for which any structural or electrical code permit is required.

Download Permit Application Form

Electrical Permit Form

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