From Alberta to the Pearl District, Portland restaurants are cutting gas and going electric to stay ahead of stricter regulations. This guide helps you move confidently through the city’s permitting process.

Electric heating reduces emissions, simplifies compliance with Portland’s Climate Emergency goals, and often lowers long-term costs. This checklist explains what is required and when Focal’s plug-in technology skips permits entirely.

Download the Portland Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)

Outdoor Dining and Street Seats

Portland’s Healthy Businesses Permit Program allows electric patio heaters in outdoor dining areas, provided they meet city fire and electrical codes.
Rules are managed jointly by PBOT, BDS, and Portland Fire & Rescue.

Why It Matters

Gas heaters now face stronger restrictions under Oregon’s decarbonization policies. Moving to electric early helps avoid permit denials and expensive retrofits during renewal.

What Portland Requires

Propane heaters:

• Must be placed at least 5 feet from structures.
• Prohibited in public right-of-way dining areas starting in 2025 under PBOT rules.

Electric heaters:

• No permit needed if plugging into existing outdoor GFCI outlets.
• Electrical permit required if adding circuits, hard-wiring units, or upgrading panel capacity (BDS Electrical Code Chapter 1).

Download the Portland Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)

Common Parklet Permit Questions

Q: Are gas heaters still allowed?
Not in street seating zones. Propane and open-flame heaters violate PBOT energy guidelines for public right-of-way areas.

Q: I only have indoor outlets. Can I extend power outdoors?
Yes, but it requires an electrical permit and a licensed contractor. New circuits must meet NEC and BDS exterior wiring standards.

Q: What is inspected?
Inspectors verify:

• Weatherproof GFCI outlets
• Safe clearances from combustibles
• Secure cord routing
• UL or ETL safety certification

Q: Who handles the permits?
Only Oregon LRT or Master Electricians can pull and complete the work. Focal provides a vetted list of local contractors with fixed-rate quotes.

Portland Electrical Permits for Patio Heaters

If you are adding new circuits, outdoor outlets, or making wiring changes, an electrical permit is required.

When You Need an Electrical Permit

Permit required if:

• Adding new 120 V or 240 V circuits
• Installing or upgrading outdoor GFCI outlets
• Mounting fixed heaters or running conduit

No permit needed if:

• Plugging into existing outdoor outlets
• Using portable UL-certified heaters
• Making no electrical modifications

Safety Requirements

• GFCI protection for all outdoor circuits
• WP-rated outlet boxes and covers
• Proper wire gauge for circuit load and distance
• Compliance with NEC and BDS standards

How Focal Helps

Focal works directly with local electricians to:

• Provide pre-engineered specs and drawings
• Ensure code-compliant installations
• Coordinate inspection scheduling

You focus on hospitality, Focal handles compliance.

Download the Portland Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)

Information current as of October 2025.
This content is for general guidance only and not legal or electrical advice.

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