What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Gresham, Oregon (Multnomah County)?
Gresham, Oregon requires contractors to obtain a CCB (Construction Contractors Board) license from the state, a city business license from Gresham, and comply with trade-specific licensing for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Oregon has a narrow $1,000 per-project casual work exemption, but it does NOT apply to anyone who advertises or holds themselves out as a contractor—meaning most handymen operating a business must be licensed. The state does not require a general business license, but Gresham and Multnomah County have their own requirements.
✅ What You Can Do Without a License
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior painting and staining (non-lead-based, residential)
- Basic carpentry repairs (non-structural, such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Replacing light fixtures (fixture changes only, not wiring or panel work)
- Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixtures (fixture replacement only, not new supply lines or drain modifications)
- Replacing door locks and hinges
- Hanging shelves and mirrors (non-structural)
- One-off casual repairs under $1,000 total cost on a single project (ONLY if you do not advertise or hold yourself out as a contractor)
Common Jobs Handymen Take in Gresham
Based on the OR threshold, handymen in Gresham commonly take on:
- Minor drywall repairs and patching (non-structural)
- Interior painting and staining (non-lead-based, residential)
- Basic carpentry repairs (non-structural, such as replacing trim, baseboards, or cabinet hardware)
- Caulking and weatherstripping
- Replacing light fixtures (fixture changes only, not wiring or panel work)
- Replacing faucets and simple plumbing fixtures (fixture replacement only, not new supply lines or drain modifications)
- Hanging shelves and mirrors (non-structural)
- One-off casual repairs under $1,000 total cost on a single project (ONLY if you do not advertise or hold yourself out as a contractor)
⚠️ What Requires a License
- Any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement (wiring, panel work, circuit installation, outlet installation) - requires BCD Electrical License
- Any plumbing work beyond simple fixture replacement (new supply lines, drain modifications, water heater installation, pipe work) - requires CCB Plumbing Business License and BCD Plumbing License
- HVAC system installation, repair, or maintenance - requires CCB HVAC endorsement and BCD Limited Energy Technician certification
- Structural modifications or repairs (framing, load-bearing wall work, foundation work)
- Roofing work (installation, repair, or replacement)
- Window or door replacement affecting structural integrity or weatherproofing
- Any construction work on a second or subsequent project (the $1,000 exemption applies only to one project)
- Any work if you advertise your services as a contractor (even if under $1,000)
- Boiler or elevator work - requires BCD Boiler or Elevator License
- Gas line installation or repair - requires BCD Gas Piping License
What to Tell Clients About Your Scope of Work
In OR, you can take jobs under $1,000 (labor + materials) without a contractor license. When a client asks, be straightforward: for jobs under this threshold, you're operating legally as a handyman. For larger projects, refer them to a licensed contractor or get licensed before bidding that work.
Business License — Gresham
Required. City of Gresham Business License (Commercial Business License, Home-Based Business License Type I or II, or Independent Contractor License)
Setting Up Your Business in OR
To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in OR: $100 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.
Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Gresham
- Step 1: Determine your business structure. Form an LLC with the Oregon Secretary of State ($100 filing fee) or operate as a sole proprietorship. If forming an LLC, file Articles of Organization at https://sos.oregon.gov/business/pages/index.aspx.
- Step 2: Obtain a Federal EIN from the IRS (free) at https://www.irs.gov/ein and register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for a Business Identification Number (BIN) at https://www.oregon.gov/revenue/.
- Step 3: Complete the 16-hour CCB pre-license training course and pass the exam ($60 fee). Designate your Responsible Managing Individual (RMI). Find approved training providers at https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/ccb%20license.aspx.
- Step 4: Apply for your CCB license ($400 application fee). Submit proof of surety bond (amount depends on license type: $10,000-$20,000). Apply at https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/pages/ccb%20license.aspx.
- Step 5: Obtain a City of Gresham business license. Contact the Business Licensing Section at (503) 618-2370 or apply online at https://www.greshamoregon.gov/business-services/business-licenses/. Verify the current fee amount.
- Step 6: Register with the Portland Revenue Division for Multnomah County Business Income Tax at https://www.portland.gov/revenue/business-tax (even if you are exempt due to gross receipts under $100,000, you must register and file a return).
- Step 7: Obtain general liability insurance. Minimum coverage: $500,000 per occurrence for RGC, $300,000 for RSC, $100,000 for RLC.
- Step 8: If performing electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other trade-specific work, apply for the appropriate BCD trade license at https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/licensing/pages/contractor-licenses.aspx.
- Step 9: Ensure your CCB license number appears in all advertising, bids, and written contracts.
- Step 10: Before starting any project, verify whether a city or county permit is required. Contact the City of Gresham Planning & Development Services at (503) 618-2550.
Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.