Services, Guides, and Information
194 services and resources found
Design Standards
Information
Learn more about how to apply for non-discretionary design review using objective Design Standards and when development proposals are eligible to use them. Obtain required forms to submit with a development permit application when using objective Design Standards and an early assistance application.
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Get information about banner permits, circus tent permits, flagpole permits, meter hood permits, sign permits and tent permits. Read about permits for your home business and change of occupancy permits. Get the building permit application form and more forms here.
Learn more about what kind of commercial construction needs a permit. Find out if you need a day care center building permit, a seismic upgrade permit and what permits you need for new construction or for alterations. Includes multifamily building permits information.
When is a residential permit needed? When don't you need a permit for a 1 or 2-family home? Learn about residential building permits, electrical permits, mechanical permits, plumbing permits and zoning permits and work that requires a permit for a 1 or 2-family home. Also known as Brochure 2.
Learn about remodeling and home repair permits and if you need a trade permit to add a bathroom, replace plumbing fixtures or add water lines. Read about furnace permits and permits to add an outlet or an air conditioner. Apply for electrical permits, mechanical permits and plumbing permits online.
(PROGRAM SUSPENDED) You may have leftover and reusable materials from your construction project. These materials may benefit property owners in our community.
Get help with a new project proposal in the City of Portland. Find the early assistance application and review a land use fee schedule.
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
External Resource
The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute is the leading non-profit membership organization that connects those dedicated to reducing earthquake risk.
Electrical Permits- Commercial
Service
Apply for a commercial electrical permit. Get the commercial electrical permit and commercial electrical inspection. Find all forms for a commercial electrical permit including the electrical permit application. Any electrical work in a commercial building needs a commercial electrical permit.
After an earthquake, if you're part of EQUIP, you don't have to wait for the City to evaluate your commercial building. EQUIP is a pre-certified building safety evaluation program. Request an invitation to apply.
Erosion Control
Guide
Learn more about erosion control requirements and inspections to make sure dirt, mud, rocks and sediment don't leave a construction site.
Facility Permit Program (FPP)
Information
The FPP program is designed to serve customers that perform on-going interior tenant improvements and where facility maintenance, upgrades and renovations are frequent. The program is available to owners of buildings, building management companies and their tenants.
Facility Permit Program (FPP) FAQ
Information
Frequently asked questions about the Facility Permit Program.
Get information about FCC Shot Clocks. Learn more about how federal shot clocks affect your project and the application process. Read about personal wireless service facilities and shot clocks, early assistance meetings and voluntary tolling agreements for a personal wireless service facility.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
External Resource
The official FEMA website.
Fees for the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) are updated annually, subject to approval by the Portland City Council and the Multnomah County Commission. These include fees for residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, site development, signs and awning permits, and others
FEMA Flood Maps
External Resource
Look up flood maps on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center website.
File building code appeals, electrical code appeals, mechanical code and plumbing code appeals. This is a fee-based service that provides a formal response. You can request an alternative way to meet the intent of a code provision. You can also confirm an interpretation of building code language.
Learn more about what's being built or torn down in your neighborhood. Find out how the City notifies residents about development projects. Review permit applications and drawings for Portland development projects online. You can also review applications and proposals and share your comments.
Look up sewer information using Portland Maps. Find out if a home is connected to a sewer. View maps of public sewer lines and some private sewer connections. Portland sewer information online.
Flood Hazard Regulations and Flood Maps
Information
Find Portland floodplain maps. View Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Portland and the City's Composite February 1996 Flood Inundation Area Map. Find flood hazard regulations and search all of FEMA's current and past map products on its website.
Report a problem to Development Services or to one of the other City bureaus during the development process. Get help with conflict resolution and a path to elevate your concern with the City of Portland. If you need to elevate a problem, start here.
Sign up for email alerts and newsletters from the Bureau of Development Services. Join our email list today. The Plans Examiner is a monthly digest of news, events and helpful resources. Sign up now!
Go to PortlandMaps
External Resource
Look up the status of a City of Portland building permit using PortlandMaps. Look up demolition permits using PortlandMaps. Search for land use review cases on PortlandMaps. Search PortlandMaps for a new or old permit by address, application number or IVR number.
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