Electrical Permit Information

Do I need an electrical permit?

One-and two-family dwellings

Safety first

This page will not tell you how to do the electrical work. For the safety of you and your family - as well as those who may occupy your home in the future - and to avoid expensive mistakes, do not do any electrical work that is beyond your skill level.

When do I need a permit for electrical work?

A permit is required to:

Install or alter any fixed wiring or electrical device.
Run any additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install a hard wired door opener, or change or alter any electrical panel.
Install or alter low-voltage systems such as security alarms.

A permit is not required to:

Replace electrical devices with a similar device or perform ordinary repairs to an existing electrical system.

If you are not sure you need a permit call the City of Salem Permit Application Center at (503)588-6256.

How do I get a permit for electrical work?

Permits are issued by the City of Salem Permit Application Center, 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 320, Salem, Oregon. See links below to permit application forms.

Drawn plans are not necessary to get a permit to do residential electrical work.

For new homes, the electrical permit will be issued as part of the dwelling permit; the fees are based on the square footage of the structure.
For accessory structures or an existing electrical system, you will need to provide information such as number of circuits and panels, their amperages, and the uses of the areas to be wired. Fees are based on the square footage and/or amperage and the number of circuits affected by the work.
Our staff members can discuss your project with you. If all the necessary information is available, we may be able to issue your permit at that time.
Electrical permit fees are paid when the permit is issued.

How do I get an inspection?

All electrical work that requires a permit must be inspected by a certified Electrical Inspector.

You may call the Permit Application Center at (503) 588-6256 to schedule an inspection or request one online.

Calls received prior to 7:30 a.m. may be inspected the same day. Calls received after 7:30 a.m. will automatically be scheduled the following work day. When you call, you will be asked for the type of inspection requested, address where work was done, permit number, your name and phone number (or alternate contact) and whether the project address is residential or commercial. Be prepared to furnish detailed directions to the job site. A copy of your electrical permit must be displayed on the job site.

Unless all of the work is outside and accessible, an adult needs to be at the site to provide access for the inspector.

When do I need an inspection?

Most electrical permits require three inspections: rough-in, service, and final.

Call for a rough-in inspection when all of the new circuits are wired, grounding wires are in, the raceways and boxes are installed, and any necessary nail plates are put on. Do not cover any work until the inspector has approved it.

Call for a service inspection when the service mast, meter base, panels, and the grounding electrodes have been installed. Wires must be visible without removing any panel cover.

Call for a final inspection upon completion of the electrical work. Be sure that panel boxes are covered and circuits are labeled within the panel. All of the equipment, fixtures, switches, and hard wired appliances must be installed, grounded and energized for the final inspection.

Planning to do electrical work on your one or two family dwelling?

You must be both the owner and the occupant of a dwelling to obtain a permit to do the electrical work yourself. You may not do work on a house or residential unit intended for sale, lease, rent, or exchange. If you do not own and do not intend to live in the unit, a licensed electrical contractor must do the work.

All materials, including wire, conduits, boxes, fixtures, and appliances must be listed and approved for their specific use.

If you have any questions concerning your eligibility to work on a building, call the Building Codes Division, at (503) 378-4133 or (800) 442-7457.

Permit Application Forms