News
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.
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New measures provide faster inspections to address erosion and sediment issues on construction sites
Changes are coming to reduce erosion control inspection wait times, and deliver timely enforcement, to ensure soils and sediment remain on-site.
Updated News article
Are you a public works permit customer interested in advising the permitting process in Portland? Apply to serve on the Development Review Advisory Committee
The City of Portland is seeking interested persons to serve in one position for a three-year term on the Development Review Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Sunday, Oct. 15.
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Resources are available to help set up child care businesses in Portland
Navigating all of the requirements to establish a child care business can be daunting. The City of Portland provides information to understand the building permit and land use review processes involved.
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Portland City Council unanimously commits to consolidate city permitting
The Council seeks the creation of “a consolidated single permitting entity… with clear authority, responsibility and accountability.”
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Share your ideas on updates to floodplain development requirements
The City of Portland seeks comments on proposed updates to regulations governing development in floodplains. These changes aim to reduce future flood risks and ensure that homes and businesses located in flood-prone areas continue to qualify for federal flood insurance and disaster relief funds.
Updated News article
Interested in helping guide the permitting process in Portland? Apply to serve on the Development Review Advisory Committee
The City of Portland is seeking interested land use planning professionals to serve in one position for a three-year term on the Development Review Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Sunday, July 30.
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Enhanced dashboard provides greater transparency, predictability for building permit review
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the City of Portland’s permitting processes, the Portland Permit Metric Dashboard is updated to offer information that helps customers understand the average times involved in different phases of the permit review process.
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Follow these requirements to submit a permit application under fees in effect before July 1, 2023
Fees for building permit applications will change. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.
Updated News article
Bureau of Development Services fee changes, effective July 1, 2023
Learn more about the new fees.
Updated News article
No administrative appeals to be considered on Wednesday, July 5
There will not be a weekly Administrative Appeals Board meeting held during the week of July 3, 2023.
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Interim noise control rule on construction activities due to heat
Effective May 15, 2023, construction activities may begin at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday without a noise variance when the temperature predicted by the National Weather Service is expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit by 3 p.m.
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Planning a project? Do this first: Find your zoning using Portland Maps
Thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit? Got an exterior project in mind? It’s important to find out what zoning rules apply to your property. Even if your project does not require a building permit, you will still need to follow zoning requirements.
Updated Blog post
City Council allows deferral of system development charge payments for new housing units
The new temporary policy is one tool to incentivize the development of needed housing.
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Deadline extended: City of Portland seeks experienced heating and cooling professionals to serve on appeals board
The City of Portland seeks four people to each serve a three-year term on the Mechanical Code Board of Appeal. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due no later than Sunday, May 7.
Updated News article
Interested in helping guide the permitting process in Portland? Apply to serve on the Development Review Advisory Committee
The City of Portland is seeking interested land use planning professionals to serve in one position for a three-year term on the Development Review Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Sunday, April 30.
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Portland City Council adopts two ordinances to assist in office-to-residential conversions
On March 15, the Portland City Council adopted two emergency ordinances aimed at making it a little easier to change vacant office space to housing.
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Rubio, Development Services release results of housing production survey
To better understand some of the constraints affecting the building of needed housing units in Portland, the City surveyed development professionals to identify changes that may achieve development more quickly.
Press release
New 2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code and Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code editions took effect Oct. 1
Previous codes from 2019 will be phased out as of April 1, 2023. Please take note.
Updated News article
Portland welcomes its new Building Official
The Bureau of Development Services announces the selection of Matt Rozzell as the City of Portland’s new Building Official, beginning Thursday, Dec. 22.
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