About Development Services (BDS)

Information
1900 SW 4th Ave building entrance.
Read about the mission, goals, values and equity commitment of the Bureau of Development Services. Get information about visiting BDS, our operating plan and the Development Services organizational chart. Review Director Rebecca Esau's calendar.
On this page

Mission

The Bureau of Development Services promotes safety, livability and economic vitality through efficient and collaborative application of building and development codes.

Goals

To meet the needs of our community, we pursue the following goals:

  • Support community vitality and protect life, property, and natural resources by promoting compliance with applicable codes and regulations
  • Provide cooperative and responsive internal and external customer service
  • Process all Bureau functions efficiently
  • Create a collaborative workplace that promotes mutual respect through trust, fairness and open communication
  • Support continual professional growth of the workforce and organization through education, technology and diversity

Values

  • Dedication to serving the public
  • Pride in our work
  • Care for the long-term viability of our community
  • Recognition of worth, quality and importance of each employee and member of the community
  • Support of continual learning, education and innovation   

Equity Commitment

The Bureau of Development Services is committed to the elimination of racism and discriminatory practices in our services and in our work place, because we understand the positive value of equitable systems. View our Equity Commitment Statement: 

Contact Us

General inquiries

Need help? Schedule a 15-minute appointment 

You can book a free 15-minute appointment with us. Get help with the permit process, zoning requirements, building codes, and more. Language access is available. Learn more about 15-minute appointments and schedule an appointment online.

Visit Us

Address

1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 5000, Portland, OR 97201

View additional information about this location and the services available in the Development Services Center. 

Get directions via Google Maps

Plan your trip with TriMet

BDS organizational chart

Interim Director David Kuhnhausen

This is a photo of David Kuhnhausen, interim director of the Bureau of Development Services as of December 19, 2023.

David Kuhnhausen was appointed interim director of the Bureau of Development Services as of Dec. 19, 2023.

David has served in various capacities at Development Services since 2008. From January 2018 until his appointment as interim director, he managed the Permitting Services division that receives and processes building and trade permit applications. He helped lead the bureau’s transition from paper-based to online permitting, improve reporting metrics for permit processing and revise its customer service model. Previously, he served as a project coordinator and technician assisting customers and bureau leadership in matters concerning building code application and plan review.

David also served as a right-of-way analyst with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, a project manager with the Columbia River Economic Development Council, and a real estate appraisal analyst.

A Portland native, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in business from the University of Oregon.

In his free time, David enjoys an active lifestyle. A casual runner and bike rider, his happiest place is exploring the various natural areas around town and searching for the perfect puddle for his daughter to jump in, or finding a new restaurant to try with his wife.

Former Director Rebecca Esau's Calendar