News and notices

David Kuhnhausen appointed interim director of Development Services

The longtime permitting manager will lead the bureau through the next phases of updates to City’s development review processes.

October 30, 2023 10:40 am News article

Rebecca Esau announces retirement

After six and a half years as director of the Bureau of Development Services, and nearly 30 years of service to the City of Portland, Esau leaves in December with a record of accomplishment.

October 10, 2023 3:30 pm News article

A letter from Rebecca Esau, Director of the Bureau of Development Services, regarding customer feedback on the City’s building permit services

Recently a survey was sent to 1088 customers who applied for building permits from January through June 2021, asking about their experiences and seeking ideas for improvement; 282 customers responded. Here is BDS Director Esau’s letter to survey recipients.

September 23, 2021 3:00 pm News article

BDS Announces Search for Volunteers to Serve on the Adjustment Committee

The Bureau of Development Services has announced a search for people interested in filling two vacancies on the City of Portland Adjustment Committee.

Updated January 16, 2020 8:21 am News article

Building Official Determination: Accessory Kitchens in Single Family Dwellings

QUESTION: Can a single-family dwelling have more than one kitchen?

Updated January 9, 2020 2:49 pm Public notice

City Council is Seeking Input on a Draft Resolution for Future Projects on Title 11, Trees, regarding Trees in Development Situations

Earlier this year, Development Services proposed an amendment to Title 11, Trees, to extend the sunset date of certain regulations passed in 2016 that strengthened tree preservation requirements (especially preservation of large sized trees) in development situations on private property.

Updated January 6, 2020 2:10 pm Public notice

Zenith Energy to Receive Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for Oil Terminal Upgrade

Houston-based Zenith Energy is receiving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) from the City of Portland that will allow the company to begin using its newly-built racking system for unloading tank cars on its existing tank farm in Portland’s Northwest Industrial District.

Updated July 18, 2019 1:36 pm Public notice

News for Property Line Adjustment Applicants

News for Property Line Adjustment Applicants Effective immediately, there are changes to the process for Property Line Adjustments (PLAs) for new applications or submitted applications that have not already received a checksheet.

Updated July 17, 2019 4:09 pm Public notice

Electronic Plan Review Available for All Process Managed Permits

Development Services rolled out PDX ePlans (electronic plan review) as an option for all Process Managed projects as of January 2019.

Updated July 11, 2019 4:43 pm Public notice

Holiday Closure: Independence Day 2019

Updated July 8, 2019 3:01 pm Public notice