OREGON · hvac
Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR)
Oregon Building Codes Division — Contractor Licensing (with Oregon CCB prerequisite) →Scope of Work
A Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR) may maintain, service, repair, or replace commercial and industrial electrical products that use fuel or other forms of energy to produce heat, power, refrigeration, or air conditioning. The scope covers equipment service and component replacement on existing systems; new installation of wiring and significant system additions typically require a General Supervising Electrician (S) or other appropriate Oregon electrical credential. Source: Limited Maintenance Specialty Contractor HVAC/R (LHR) Business Xpress directory (https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/640). Detailed scope statement: Oregon BCD LHR Scope (https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/minlab/Documents/ml-lhr-scope.pdf).
Experience and Training
2 years (4,000 hours) of HVAC/R installation, set-up, and testing experience, plus approved specialized training from a manufacturer, distributor, school, registered apprenticeship program, or lawful on-the-job training. Acceptable activities include electrical repair, service, maintenance, installation, or replacement of existing built-in or permanently connected residential, commercial, or industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, dehumidifying, filtering, or refrigeration equipment. Experience is verified on the BCD experience verification form. The business must hold an active Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license and must employ a full-time signing supervisor responsible for the LHR work.
Military Crosswalk
BCD credits verified military HVAC/R experience under ORS 670.280. Relevant MOS examples include Army Utilities Equipment Repairer (91C), Navy Utilitiesman (UT), Air Force HVAC (3E1X1), and Marine HVAC Mechanic (1161). Applicants submit DD-214 and training transcripts with the BCD application.
Exam
The LHR license does not require a BCD trade exam. Federal EPA Section 608 refrigerant-handling certification is required for any technician who opens refrigerant circuits; EPA 608 is separate from the LHR license and is issued by an EPA-approved certifying organization. The BCD application fee is $75. Source: LHR Business Xpress directory (https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/640).
Reciprocity
The LHR is Oregon-specific. No written reciprocity agreement exists. Out-of-state HVAC contractors apply through the standard BCD application process and demonstrate equivalent Oregon experience and training.
Renewal and CE
3-year renewal cycle, renewed on July 1. Continuing education is not required for the LHR license. CCB contractor license renewal runs on a separate 2-year cycle and does include a CCB continuing-education requirement that is tracked separately. Source: LHR Business Xpress directory (https://apps.oregon.gov/SOS/LicenseDirectory/LicenseDetail/640).
Scope Limitations
The LHR is a limited license scoped to maintenance, service, repair, and replacement of existing equipment. New-system electrical wiring and significant system additions require a general electrical credential through an Oregon-licensed electrical contractor. Plumbing work beyond condensate drains and fuel-gas piping directly serving HVAC equipment requires a BCD plumbing credential. Refrigerant handling is governed by EPA Section 608.