Services, Guides, and Information

Schedule a free 15-minute meeting with a construction, zoning and development expert. Ask questions about building permit submittal requirements and zoning. Get help with the permit process, ask zoning requirements questions, building codes and more. Language access is available.

Read about the mission, goals, values and equity commitment of the Bureau of Development Services. Get information about visiting BDS, our operating plan and the Development Services organizational chart. Review Director Rebecca Esau's calendar.

The Arts & Culture Empowerment Program assists Black, Indigenous, people of color and persons with disabilities with the permit process. The program aims to help preserve the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of our clients.

DEEP and affiliated employee empowerment groups.

(PROGRAM SUSPENDED) You may have leftover and reusable materials from your construction project. These materials may benefit property owners in our community.

Empowered Neighborhood Program assists Black, Indigenous, people of color, and persons with disabilities who receive a violation letter from the City of Portland.

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!

Find records related to development on private property and other records maintained by Development Services. Receive code enforcement records, land use review records, permit records, liquor license and cannabis business records, and more.

Do you have professional architecture, construction, or trades skills and want to give back to community? We are seeking volunteers to assist homeowners and small businesses from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and disability communities to bring their properties up to code.

The Small Business Empowerment Program assists Black, Indigenous, people of color business owners and business owners with disabilities recognized by the ADA who have experienced barriers in the review process.  

Learn more about what is needed to start or expand a child care, day care, preschool, early childhood education, nursery school or related business in a home.

Learn more about what is needed to start or expand a preschool or nursery school in a commercial building.