Work in the public right of way
Any work in the public right-of-way requires a permit. Or, this work may be allowed by code if the conditions are met under the authority of Transportation. Please contact Transportation ("PBOT") for more information.
Change of occupancy
A change of occupancy requires a building permit.
Flagpoles
Flagpoles require a building permit.
Home business permits
- Home Occupation - Type A. Doesn't require a permit. Allows residents to use their home as place of work, but no customers or employees come to the house.
- Home Occupation - Type B. Requires a Home Occupation Permit. Allows either one employee who does not live in the home or up to eight customers per day to come to the dwelling.
Meter hoods
Transportation issues these permits. Please contact Transportation for more information.
Noise: Make noise beyond allowed standards
A noise permit is required if you plan to make noise above the allowed decibels and/or during non-construction hours/day. Read more about allowed construction hours.
Parking permits
Transportation issues these permits. Please contact Transportation for more information.
Sidewalk cafes and street pole banners
- Sidewalk café seating. Transportation issues these permits. Please contact Transportation ("PBOT") for more information.
- Banners hung from street poles. Transportation issues these permits. Please contact Transportation ("PBOT") for more information.
Signs, A-boards and banners
- Sign Permit required for signs on private property and A-Boards.
- Contact Transportation ("PBOT") for banners in the public right of way.
Tents and building permits
- Circus tents require a building permit.
- For other tents, contact Portland Fire & Rescue for permit information.
- Contact the Zoning information Line phone number to find out if a zoning permit is needed.
Start a new permit application
The related web pages have more information about specific permit types and the permit review process (the steps to getting a permit).
In addition, here are the building permit application, the home occupation permit application and the sign permit application:
Projects that require Development Services permits
Learn more about projects that need Development Services permits:
- Commercial permits for commercial construction sites (including multi-family dwellings)
- Outside work permits include concrete patio permits, decommission permits, driveway permits, sewer connection permits and more
- Residential permits are for home repair work done on one and two-family homes. This webpage also has information about projects that don't need a permit.
- Trade permits for adding a bathroom, replacing plumbing fixtures or adding water lines
Still not sure if you need a permit? Schedule a 15-minute appointment
If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, we recommend you book a free 15-minute appointment with us.
This is an optional step. We're here for you if you have questions about the information and materials you need to apply.