Plumbing Permit

When is a Plumbing Permit Needed?

Plumbing permits are required for the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system or plumbing fixture associated with any building or structure. Sewer, storm drain, and medical gas systems are also defined as plumbing.

The following are some examples of when plumbing permits are required. This information is not all-inclusive, so please check with Development Services staff to discuss the scope of your project.

Projects that require a plumbing permit:

• Repair, replace, relocate or add to the piping system within your home
• Install new plumbing fixtures
• Install or replace a water heater
• Replace existing plumbing fixtures if the replacement involves concealed plumbing connections or alterations to existing piping
• Install rain drains, dry wells, sewer lines, or water lines
• Install or replace a backflow prevention assembly for lawn irrigation

Additional information, including work exempt from permits, can be found in the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC).

Who May Purchase this Permit?

The property owner (or his/her authorized agent) or a licensed plumbing contractor may purchase these permits. Oregon contractors must be registered with the Construction Contractors Board and/or the Building Codes Division, depending on the scope of work to be performed.

What is the Cost of the Permit?

Section 8.03.300.030 of the Development Services Division Fee Schedule describes the cost of plumbing permits. A permit fee schedule is included as part of the Plumbing Permit Application Form.

System Development Charges (SDCs)

System Development Charges (SDCs) are imposed when adding new plumbing fixtures, and in some cases, re-development.  Please click here for more information on SDCs. To obtain a quote, you may also complete an SDC Worksheet and submit it to our office.

Sewer Discharge Forms:

The City of Corvallis has a wastewater pretreatment program that requires industrial users to file a sewer discharge form with the Public Works Department Utilities Division. Sewer discharge forms provide a means of collecting the information needed to maintain an industrial users' database to track changes in industrial users and anticipate wastewater treatment loading. A sewer discharge form is required to be completed for any permit application involving:

1. The construction of a commercial building;

2. The change of occupation of a commercial building; or

3. The addition of new plumbing fixtures in a commercial building.

Completed sewer discharge forms must to be returned to the Development Services Division and approved by the Public Works Department before a building or plumbing permit can be issued. Information about minimizing discharges is available from Public Works' pollution prevention page.

Minor Plumbing Labels:

The code allows certain installations to be conducted under the approval of "Minor Plumbing Labels." Minor labels can only be purchased by a licensed plumbing contractor. Development Services Procedure 3035 and the State Building Codes Division (BCD) provides more information about Minor Plumbing Labels.

Are Plans Required?

Plans may be required based on the scope of the project. Reference the Plumbing Permit Application or contact us for more information.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply for a permit online or in our office. For online submittals, you will be able to submit your application and upload documents at www.corvallispermits.com. If you wish to submit your application in-person, please bring one (1) hard copy of all necessary applications and forms and three (3) copies of plans (if required) to our office. Full details on the submittal process can be found here.