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Publisher: Quantum Steel Design LLC
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Project guide

# Radon Mitigation Permits, Testing and Project Records

Prepare for a radon mitigation project by separating testing, specialist qualifications, building work and local trade approvals.

Published by [Quantum Steel Design LLC](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/about/). [Editorial methods and source-review scope](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/editorial-policy/).

## Do I need a permit?

Permit treatment depends on the system and jurisdiction. Ask about the fan, electrical supply, pipe route and building penetrations; a radon test by itself does not describe the construction scope.

Confirm the answer for your property and exact scope with the building and zoning offices. A product size or a contractor's opinion alone does not establish an exemption.

General planning sources reviewed September 26, 2026. Planning guidance and named examples checked against official sources. This is not a nationwide permit determination or an engineered design. Confirm the adopted rules, applicant eligibility, fees and inspection sequence for the actual property.

## Source-checked guidance for this project

### Use the state radon program to check qualifications

EPA directs homeowners to their state radon program for help finding qualified testing and mitigation professionals. State credentialing and recognized proficiency programs are distinct from a local construction permit.

National EPA consumer guidance; confirm the licensing rules in your state.

- [U.S. EPA: finding a qualified radon professional](https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional) — source checked September 26, 2026

### A local alternative to a full mechanical permit exists

Portland Code 27.03.035 lists installation of a radon mitigation exhaust fan in a one- or two-family dwelling among work that may use a minor mechanical label. The program has conditions and is not a blanket exemption for all radon work.

Portland only. Ask the installer and office whether the exact work qualifies and what electrical approval is needed.

- [Portland: mechanical permit and minor-label provisions, Chapter 27.03](https://www.portland.gov/code/27/03) — source checked September 26, 2026

### Closeout includes measurement, not just installation

EPA recommends testing again after mitigation to confirm the reduction and recommends an independent, qualified tester. Keep that test result with the system records.

EPA guidance; follow the testing protocol supplied by the qualified tester.

- [U.S. EPA: Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, revised March 2024](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf) — source checked September 26, 2026

## Compare project scenarios

These are hypothetical planning comparisons. They are not approvals or reports of completed projects.

| Scenario | Assumed scope | What to do with that information |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activate an existing passive route | A fan and power connection are proposed for installed piping. | Have the professional evaluate the existing route, then identify the mechanical and electrical scope. |
| Mitigation during basement finishing | New finishes would conceal part of the proposed system. | Coordinate mitigation, testing and inspection access with the remodel before closing walls. |

## Example: build a radon project handoff

An owner has test results and is comparing mitigation proposals.

1. Give each qualified bidder the same test information and description of the foundation.

1. Ask each proposal to identify the route, power work, approvals, restoration and follow-up testing.

1. Confirm the selected contractor's qualifications through the appropriate state resources.

1. Store the final system description, approvals, test report and maintenance instructions in the project closeout folder.

Hypothetical preparation example, not a construction design or an approved application. Replace assumptions with measured conditions and the responsible office's instructions.

## Decisions to make before buying materials

- Describe the actual home foundation and existing passive equipment to the professional; do not select a system from an online sketch alone.

- The homeowner's task is to organize the scope, approvals and records. System design and interpretation of measurements belong with qualified providers.

## Common permit triggers

- Adding or replacing powered mitigation equipment

- Installing a circuit or modifying electrical connections

- Routing piping through floors, roofs or exterior walls

- Adding mitigation to a remodel or activating a passive system

## Documents to gather before applying

- Existing test reports, dates and the tested areas supplied directly to the selected professional

- A proposed system route, fan location and discharge location

- Electrical scope and a description of penetrations and restoration work

- The contractor's written scope, applicable qualifications and post-installation testing responsibility

## Inspection sequence and hold points

- Confirm local inspection or minor-label requirements before concealing the installation

- Have the installer identify equipment labels, monitoring indicators and owner instructions

- Arrange the post-mitigation test and keep results separate from the permit sign-off

- Record who to contact if the system indicator changes or equipment stops operating

Before each stage, ask what must remain exposed, who requests the inspection, and what approval is needed to continue. Keep corrections and final inspection results with the approved plans.

## Fees and scheduling

### Build a local fee estimate

Request an itemized estimate covering diagnostic work, the mitigation system, electrical work, permit or label charges and follow-up testing. Identify whether later service is included.

### Plan the review sequence

Coordinate the test protocol with installation and any local inspection. Do not promise a sale closing date based solely on when the fan can be installed.

## Questions for the permit office

- Does this work require a mechanical permit, a minor label, an electrical permit or another approval?

- Who is allowed to obtain each approval?

- What inspections must happen before the pipe route is enclosed?

## Mistakes that create delays

- Treating the building inspection as proof of the resulting radon level

- Hiring based only on a general contractor license without checking radon qualifications

- Accepting a vague quote that omits electrical and restoration work

- Failing to preserve test and maintenance records for future occupants

## State and city variation

Radon professional regulation and local building or trade permit requirements are separate. The Portland label example does not determine the approval route in another city.

## Questions for a contractor

- How will you verify the proposed method suits this foundation?

- Which state-required credentials apply to your work?

- Who performs the follow-up test and what happens if the agreed performance is not achieved?

## Official references and examples

- [U.S. EPA: finding a qualified radon professional](https://www.epa.gov/radon/find-radon-test-kit-or-measurement-and-mitigation-professional)

- [U.S. EPA: Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon, revised March 2024](https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/hmbuygud.pdf)

- [Portland: mechanical permit and minor-label provisions, Chapter 27.03](https://www.portland.gov/code/27/03)

These references explain the planning issues and examples discussed here. A rule in a cited city applies in that jurisdiction; it is not a nationwide requirement.

## Make this guide usable on your project

Create a checklist, track your next steps, and print or download it. No account or email address is needed.

[Plan this project](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/tools/project-planner/#radon-mitigation-permit)[Find local guidance](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/local/)[Explore approvals](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/tools/permit-navigator/)[Prepare an application packet](https://www.homepermitprimer.com/tools/application-packet/)