When it comes to upgrading or repairing your home’s electrical panel, Oregon has specific requirements every homeowner should know before starting. Whether you’re adding a new circuit, replacing your service panel, or tackling small DIY updates, getting the right electrical permit is essential for safety — and for passing inspection.
At Smiley Electric, Inc., we’ve created a simple Homeowner’s Electrical Panel Permit Checklist to help you understand what’s needed before you call an inspector or start your project.
Why You Need a Permit for Panel Work
An electrical permit isn’t just paperwork — it’s your assurance that the work meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and your local Oregon building standards.
Getting a permit protects you by:
Ensuring your work is up to code
Preventing fire and shock hazards
Protecting your homeowner’s insurance coverage
Making your home easier to sell later
Oregon Homeowner’s Electrical Panel Permit Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare before you start:
1. Verify Panel Location & Clearance (NEC 110.26)
Make sure there’s enough working space around your electrical panel:
Depth: Minimum 3 feet (36 inches) in front of the panel
Width: At least 30 inches (or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater)
Height: Minimum 6.5 feet clearance
Keep the area clear of plumbing, gas lines, or obstructions — this ensures safe inspection access.
2. Identify Your Service Type
Determine if your system is:
Overhead or underground service
100-amp, 150-amp, or 200-amp service
Single-phase (typical for homes) or three-phase (for larger properties)
3. Confirm Proper Grounding and Bonding
Grounding and bonding are critical for preventing electrical shock. Your permit application may require:
Ground rods or plates
Properly bonded neutral and ground bars
Grounding to metal water piping if applicable
4. Include a Load Calculation
Inspectors want to ensure your panel can safely handle your home’s electrical demand.
If you’re adding circuits or large appliances (EV charger, hot tub, kiln, etc.), include an updated load calculation.
5. Submit Your Permit Application
You can apply for an electrical permit online through your local city or county building department. Common links include:
Oregon Service Area Coverage
Smiley Electric proudly serves homeowners across:
Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and nearby Oregon cities.
Whether you’re upgrading an old fuse box or installing a new breaker panel, we make the permit process and inspection steps smooth, safe, and code-compliant.
Download the Free Oregon Homeowner’s Electrical Panel Permit Checklist (PDF)
We’ve turned this guide into a downloadable checklist you can print and keep for your next inspection. It includes:
The NEC 110.26 clearance diagram
Panel preparation steps
Permit and safety reminders