What Permits Do I Need

Wondering what needs a permit and what doesn’t? Confused about which permit to apply for?  Check below for answers to those questions and more.

Each permit type listed is a separate permit and must be applied for separately.  Please call or email the Building Division with questions at building@milwaukieoregon.gov.

Building Permit

This permit is for new structures, structural modifications and signs. For a complete list of projects that do not require building permits, visit the Building Codes Division webpage for adopted codes (links below).

Residential:
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ORRSC2021P1
Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 1, R105.2 Work Exempt From Permit

Commercial: 
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/OSSC2019P1?examId=  (the 2022 version is required for submittals after April 1, 2023)
Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC), Chapter 1, 105.2 Work Exempt From Permit

Wall signs up to 25 lbs. are exempt from a building permit, however, a planning sign permit would still be required.

Mechanical Permit

This permit is used for mechanical systems—furnace, air conditioner, range hood, exhaust fans, heat ducts, return air vents, gas lines, etc. Any time work is done to add, alter or replace parts of this system, a permit is required before work starts. There is a list of items that do not require a permit, visit the Building Codes Division webpage for adopted codes (links below).

Residential:
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ORRSC2021P1
Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), Chapter 1, R105.2 Work Exempt From Permit

Commercial: 
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/OMSC2019P1?examId=
Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC), Chapter 1, 106.2 Work Exempt From Permit

Electrical Permit 

This permit is used for any electrical work to be done.  For a list of projects that do not require a permit, visit the link below.

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors479.html
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 479.540 (6) (About halfway down)

Plumbing Permit

This permit is for any plumbing work you do. Commercial projects may require multiple plumbing permits depending on the project. A complete list of projects that do not require a permit, can be found in the links below codes.

https://epubs.iapmo.org/2021/OPC/
Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC)  Chapter 1, 104.2 Exempt Work

Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarms, Fire Suppression, or Fire Lines

Any work related to fire systems requires a permit.  There are no exemptions.

Erosion Control Permit (Site Development Permit)

This is a site development permit. Any time more than 500 sq. feet of ground or soil is disturbed, an erosion control permit is required to ensure dirt stays on the property and doesn’t end up in the street, streams, rivers, wetland areas, neighbor’s property, etc.  Please see the public works webpage for information about erosion control permits.  

Grading Permit (Site Development Permit)

This is a site development permit. A grading permit is required for grading 50 cubic yards or more.