Mechanical Permit Information

Do I need a mechanical permit?

One-and two-family dwellings

Permit Application Forms

Safety First

This brochure will not tell you how to do the mechanical 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 mechanical work that is beyond your skill level.

Mechanical work on a one- or two-family dwelling includes work on the heating, cooling, or ventilation systems. Installation, alteration, or repair of gas piping between the meter and an appliance or other equipment, including all liquid petroleum gas piping, is also considered mechanical work.

When do I need a permit for mechanical work?

A permit is required to:

• Install or change any part of a heating or cooling system that must be vented into any kind of chimney, including unvented decorative appliances.
• Install heat pumps or resistance heating.
• Install a wood stove, fireplace insert, pellet stove, or related venting.
• Install, alter, or repair gas piping between the meter and an appliance (indoors or outdoors).
• Install bath fans, dryer exhausts, kitchen range exhausts, and appliances that are required to be vented.

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 mechanical work?

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

What information do I need?

Plans are generally not necessary to get a mechanical permit for residential work. You will be expected to briefly describe the work proposed. For example: what sort of appliance you intend to install, whether you will be installing a new vent, new ductwork, etc. If you are installing new gas piping, you should know how many outlets (future gas appliances) you plan to install.

If applying for a permit to install or replace a wood stove or fireplace insert, you will be asked whether the appliance is certified to meet emission standards. The inspector will check the label on the stove or stove insert at the time of inspection. If you are not sure whether the appliance is certified to meet emission standards, ask the dealer or a mechanical inspector.

A mechanical inspector or office staff member can discuss the general aspects of your project with you. Inspectors are generally available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mechanical permit fees are based on the number of appliances, chimneys, vents or gas piping outlets that will be installed.

How do I get an inspection?

Any work done under a permit must be inspected by a certified mechanical inspector.

You may call the City of Salem Permit Application Center at (503) 588-6256 to request an inspection. 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. You may also request inspections online.

When you call you will be asked for the type of inspection requested, the address where the work was performed, the permit number, your name and phone number (or alternate contact), and whether the property is residential or commercial. Be prepared to furnish detailed directions to the job site. A copy of your mechanical permit must be displayed.

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

Planning to do mechanical work on your house or duplex?

As the owner of a one- or two-family dwelling, you can hire a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) registered building or mechanical contractor to do the work, or you or an immediate family member can do it yourself. A friend, neighbor, tenant, or any other relative cannot legally do any work unless he or she is a CCB-registered building or mechanical contractor. A licensed plumbing contractor may legally install natural gas piping.

Permit Application Forms

If you have questions regarding a contractor’s eligibility to perform work on your property, you may call the Construction Contractors Board at (503) 378-4621 or go to the CCB State Website.