By Don Vedaa · Updated November 2026
Remodeling permits in Portland and Clackamas County: what needs one
Most full remodels need a permit, because most of them touch plumbing, wiring or a wall. This is where the lines are, and we file every one of them.
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Which permits does your job need?
Tick what the job includes. These are the City of Portland's lines for a one or two family house.
Your job needs
Building and Plumbing permits.
- A wall that carries the floor above also needs an engineer and a beam.
- New fixtures and a replaced water heater need a plumbing permit.
We file every one of them and book the inspections.
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Work that needs a permit in Portland.
These are the city's own lines for a one or two family house.
Moving, removing or adding a wall
Portland requires a building permit to move, remove or add a wall. A wall that carries the floor above also needs an engineer and a beam before the permit issues.
Adding a bathroom or new fixtures
Adding a bathroom in an existing space needs a building permit. New toilets, sinks, showers, tubs and dishwashers need a plumbing permit, and so does replacing a water heater.
Wiring
Installing, changing or repairing any hard wired electrical system needs an electrical permit, down to one added outlet or light fixture.
Attics, basements, garages, ADUs and decks
Turning an attic, a basement or a garage into living space needs a permit, and so does an ADU. Outside, the lines are a deck more than 30 inches high, a fence over seven feet, a retaining wall over four feet and a shed over 200 square feet.
Work that does not.
Some repairs and maintenance need no building permit in Portland.
Paint, flooring and cabinets
Painting, replacing wall, floor or ceiling coverings, and installing shelving and cabinets do not need a building permit in Portland. A toilet can come out and go back for a new floor without one.
Windows, doors, siding and roofing
Doors and windows can be replaced without a permit when the openings stay the same size. Reroofing with a material of similar weight does not need one outside the wildfire zones. All of it still has to follow the zoning rules.
They handled all the necessary permits.
“We hired DWV Construction to remove an existing detached (deteriorating) garage and plan/build a new one. The process was easy and painless from start to finish. They helped us decide on the design and placement of the new garage, handled all the necessary permits and guided us through the whole process. Every team that came on-site was functional, professional and left the property in better condition than when they arrived. We were kept informed and in communication throughout, making us feel confident and at ease. We are so happy with our new garage!”
Kelley BarryGoogle reviewCommon questions.
We do. Building, electrical, plumbing and structural permits are all handled by DWV. We file the applications, coordinate the inspections and close the file with the city or county.
It depends on the job. On a whole home remodel, design, engineering and permits together can take two to six months before construction, and Portland's review of an ADU runs eight to sixteen weeks from submission.
The lines are close. The county requires a building permit for additions and updates to a house, and its electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits do not go through plan review. A deck 30 inches or lower is exempt there too, and a deck above that also has to meet the yard setbacks for its zone.
Only if you own the house and live in it. If the house is going up for sale, lease or rent, a licensed electrical contractor has to do the work.
A house built before 2004 needs an asbestos survey by an accredited inspector before it is renovated. That is an Oregon DEQ rule. Under the federal renovation rule, paint applied before 1978 is treated as lead paint. Both come before demolition.
Only for a landmark or a house in a historic district. In a district such as Irvington or Ladd's Addition, Portland reviews changes to the outside of the house unless an exemption applies.
Portland Permitting and Development answers general questions at 503-823-7300 on weekdays and offers a free 15 minute appointment. Or ask Don on the site walk.
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“In the end our project was completed ahead of schedule, on budget and we are completely pleased with the result.”
Craig Cotugno · Google review