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Multnomah County, OR Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
unincorporated county only
Code adopted
state Electrical Specialty Safety Code
Application signer
licensed electrician or owner
Larger projects
diagrams/load summary required
Fees
set by Board resolution

Summary

Unincorporated Multnomah County enforces Oregon's Electrical Specialty Safety Code for all wiring work, requiring a written permit application with project details before work begins; Portland issues its own permits under a separate city code.

City-specific rules exist: Portland, and Gresham have their own electrical permits rules that differ from Multnomah County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Those portions of the state Building Code constituting the Electrical Specialty Code as authorized by ORS 479.730 and adopted by the Director of the Department of Commerce, pursuant to ORS 183.310 to 183.550, are adopted and by reference incorporated as part of this subchapter. The provisions of this subchapter shall take precedence over any similar provisions of the Electrical Specialty Safety Code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code Chapter 29's Electrical Code subchapter (§§ 29.100-29.106) applies only to unincorporated areas of the county. Section 29.102 adopts the state Electrical Specialty Safety Code by reference, with the county subchapter's own provisions taking precedence over conflicting state text. Section 29.104 requires a written permit application describing the work and land, signed by a general supervisor electrician, limited supervising manufacturing plant electrician, limited supervisor industrial electrician, or the property owner, plus any plans or specifications the building official requires. Section 29.105 adds one-line diagrams and load summaries for larger services and over-600-volt systems. Fees are set by Board resolution under § 29.106.

Violations & Fines

Wiring, appliances, devices or equipment found in a dangerous condition creating shock or fire hazard are declared unsafe under § 29.103(B), and the building official can order abatement under the unsafe-building procedures in §§ 29.007-29.011.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this electrical permit rule apply in Portland?
No. Section 29.100 limits this subchapter to unincorporated county areas; Portland enforces its own electrical code separately.
Who can sign the electrical permit application?
A supervising, manufacturing-plant, or industrial electrician, or the property owner, per § 29.104(D).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Multnomah County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursFew RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesSome Restrictions

All Multnomah County rules

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Electrical Permits in Cities Across Multnomah County

Portland, ORGresham, OR