Mechanical Permits
Polk County processes Mechanical Permits for the following jurisdictions:
- Polk County (outside city limit boundaries)
- City of Falls City
***New Carbon Monoxide Alarm/Detector requirements,
effective April 1, 2011***
View the new code change in the 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code and the new Mechanical Permit Application form. For more information, view our flyer and the State of Oregon's carbon monoxide webpage.
Downloads:
Residential Mechanical Permit process flowchart
Commercial Mechanical Permit process flowchart
You may also visit the Oregon Building Code Division's website for mechanical permit requirements to see if a Mechanical Permit is required for your project.
Ways to Apply for a Mechanical Permit
- Over-the-counter
- Online ePermitting (for licensed contractors)
Licensed Contractors - Purchase Permits Online
If you are a licensed contractor, you are now able to purchase limited Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits online, through the State of Oregon's ePermitting website. To utilize this convenient way to purchase permits online, visit the Polk County ePermitting Information webpage.
New Carbon Monoxide Alarm/Detector Requirements (Effective April 1, 2011)
A carbon monoxide source is a heater, fireplace, furnace, appliance, or cooking source that uses coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels that emit carbon monoxide as a by-product of combustion. Petroleum products include, but are not limited to, kerosene, natural gas, or propane. This would also include any oil burning source.
If you are installing a new carbon monoxide source or changing the location of an existing carbon monoxide source, you will need to install carbon monoxide alarms/detectors in locations described in the 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Section R326.2.
If you are applying for a building permit for an addition or remodel to an existing dwelling, you will need to install carbon monoxide alarms/detectors in locations described in the 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Section R326.2. An addition or remodel does not include work such as the replacement of roofing or siding, addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck.
Carbon monoxide alarms/detectors are required for new dwelling construction as described in the 2008 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Section R326.1.
Structural Residential Projects
The mechanical fixtures will be reviewed during the Building Permit plan review and will have the same permit number as the Building Permit. If additional fixtures, other than those shown on the construction plans for a Building Permit, are to be installed, a separate Mechanical Permit Application would need to be submitted as an over-the-counter permit.
If a building permit is not required, then the Mechanical Permit can be purchased over-the-counter or online through Oregon e-permitting.
Structural Commercial Projects
A Mechanical Permit Application needs to be submitted for any mechanical work being performed and a plan review may be required. A commercial Mechanical Permit will be issued separate from the Building Permit and does not need to be submitted prior to the Building Permit being issued, unless otherwise indicated by the Building Official.
Manufactured Structure Installation Projects
A Manufactured Structure Permit includes the mechanical fixtures and will have the same permit number as the Manufactured Structure Permit. If additional fixtures are being installed that were not factory installed, a separate Mechanical Permit Application would need to be submitted as an over-the-counter permit.
Mechanical Permit Holder Terms and Conditions
The permit holder shall be deemed the person or firm that is authorized to make all decisions regarding the permit, including permit information, notices, cancelation, transfer, extensions or refunds.
Permit Application Expiration
A permit application will expire 180 days after being submitted if the permit is not issued (picked up and paid for). To avoid expiration of an application, an extension request needs to be submitted in writing showing justifiable cause to extend the application prior to 180 days of inactivity, otherwise the application will expire. Residential extensions may be granted for an additional 180 days and commercial extensions may be granted for an additional 90 days.
Permit Expiration
Once a permit is issued, it expires if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if construction or work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days at any time after work is commenced. To avoid permit expiration, a progress report (showing progress toward the permit) needs to be submitted in writing or an extension request needs to be submitted in writing, showing justifiable cause to extend the permit prior to 180 days of inactivity, otherwise the permit will expire. Permit extensions may be granted for an additional 180 days. A commercial permit can only be extended one time.
Permit Transferability
As long as no changes have been made to the original plans, specifications and valuation of the permit, the current permit holder may request to transfer the permit to another permit holder upon submittal of the Permit Transfer Request Form and transfer fee. If there are changes to the plans, specifications or valuation for the work being done on a permit, the applicant will need to apply for a new permit.
Permit Refunds
Refunds may be requested upon written request for permit deposit/fees paid within 180 days of fee payment, less any plan review fees, landuse site review fees, administrative fees and state surcharge fees, for a permit under which no work has commenced. Refunds amounting to less than $10 will not be processed.
Permit Renewals
A commercial or over-the-counter mechanical permit may be renewed within 1 year of expiration of the permit upon submittal of the Permit Renewal Request Form, provided no changes have been made in the original plans and specifications for the work. The renewal fee would be ½ the amount of new permit fees. Mechanical permits that are issued with a building permit can be renewed under the structural permit guidelines. Permits that have been canceled and/or refunded are not eligible for renewal.
