Notwithstanding ORS 455.610, the Department of Consumer and Business Services, with the approval of the State Plumbing Board, shall adopt rules to create an exemption from permit and inspection requirements for ordinary minor repairs in low-rise residential dwellings and commercial structures when the board finds that the plumbing does not involve any changes or alterations of the existing plumbing system. The exemption from the permit:
(1) May not include new construction or replacement of water heaters or underground plumbing; and
(2) Shall be available only to licensed plumbing contractors or persons described under ORS 693.020.