News
New State Building Codes
The State of Oregon’s Building Codes Division (BCD) released new editions of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Electrical Specialty Code and the Oregon Plumbing Code. Any permits issued in 2018 must meet the new code requirements, which took effect on January 1, 2018.
Updated Newsletter
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.
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No administrative appeals considered during week after Thanksgiving, Christmas 2021
There will not be a Weekly Administrative Appeals meeting during the weeks of November 29 and December 27, 2021.
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New 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code replaces 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code on Oct. 1
The Oregon Building Codes Division recently adopted the new 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC).
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City Council approves measures to assist businesses in recovery from the pandemic
Businesses, entrepreneurs, and providers of affordable housing and services can take advantage of temporary suspensions of some zoning requirements to assist in improvements to their facilities and enable faster economic recovery.
Updated News article
Stay updated on enhancements to ProjectDox
Building permit customers can stay informed on updates and new developments in the City's electronic plan review software.
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City bureaus work to improve timeliness and efficiency in building permit process
Earlier this year, Commissioner Dan Ryan appointed a Permitting Improvement Task Force which met three times over two months and was charged with identifying solutions to improving the timeliness and efficiency of the building permit process.
Updated News article
Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under current zoning code before July 31, 2021
Changes to the City of Portland's zoning code will go into effect on Aug. 1, 2021. Learn more about how to submit a permit application if you wish to have the current zoning code apply to your project.
Updated News article
Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees before June 30, 2021
Beginning July 1, 2021, fees for building permit applications will increase. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.
Updated News article
New features now available in Portland’s electronic plan review system
The City of Portland upgraded its ProjectDox platform for electronic review of development plans, providing easier ways for customers to upload documents and respond to comments.
Updated News article
Have questions about development permits and zoning? Schedule a free 15-minute virtual appointment with an expert
A new service offered by the Bureau of Development Services and other permitting bureaus provides free 15-minute virtual appointments with planners, reviewers and permit staff to answer basic questions about development projects.
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Bureau of Development Services honored with 2021 Hard Hat Safety Award
This annual prize, awarded by the Daily Journal of Commerce, recognizes best practices in promoting safety in construction activity.
Updated News article
Updated Policies on Permit Extensions, Abandonment and Expiration, and Reactivation Requests and New Online Requests
The program guide for policies on when permits may be extended, when they are abandoned or expire, and when they may be reactivated after expiration has been updated.
Updated Public notice
Apply for building or trade permits anytime through Development Hub PDX
The Bureau of Development Services now offers a faster and easier way to apply for a building or trade permit online through Development Hub PDX.
Updated News article
Learn How to Submit Plans Electronically with the ePlans Team
Watch our training videos to learn how to submit plans electronically
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Development Services Fee Change Update
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Development Services had intended to propose fee changes taking effect July 1, 2020. However, due to COVID-19 and its impact on the local economy, we have decided not to pursue fee changes at this time. The changes will be delayed until further notice.
Updated Public notice
Building Code Appeals
We want you to be aware of the building (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and floating structures) code appeal process.
Updated Public notice
Updated Pedestrian District Boundaries and Classifications Take Effect March 6, 2020
The new pedestrian classifications include changes to Pedestrian District boundaries to align with all designated “Centers” and major Transit Station Areas, as defined by Portland’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan.
Updated Public notice
Updated: Public Comments Requested on City's Proposed Rules Governing Private Capping of a Neighbor's Sewer Line
The proposed rules would govern notification requirements applicable to a property owner who wishes to cap a neighbor’s private sewer that crosses the first property owner’s property without a recorded legal easement.
Updated Public notice
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