Learn more about development or demolition projects in your neighborhood and when we send out notices about projects.
Find out what is being built or torn down in your neighborhood
Learn more about development projects near your home. You can search online maps to learn more about development activity. Use addresses, neighborhood associations or business associations to look up information. You can look up information about building permits, code enforcement cases and land use reviews. Learn how to use Portland Maps.
We also post current public notices for land use decisions. Search for land use decisions by area of the city (like "Northwest decisions"), by neighborhood (for example, "Goose Hollow") and by type ("Adjustment review.").
You can also call the General Inquiries phone number to talk to a planner to learn more about a specific development project in your area. Have the address available when you call.
Learn more about a development project during the land use review process
For projects that need a land use review, the City sends notices to neighborhood associations and to some nearby property owners. Learn more about the land use review process.
Some ways you can learn more about a development project:
- Read the public notice. Learn more about how the City notifies neighbors.
- Look up the code listed in the notice to learn about the rules. See the Zoning Code.
- Review the full land use case file. Please call Land Use Records Management with the application number to set up an appointment.
Review permit applications and drawings for development projects
Most building permits applications include drawings. Applications and drawings become part of public record. Some material may be copyrighted.
Once we issue a permit, you can find plans on Portland Maps. For permits older than 2005, visit How to Request Public Property Records from Development Services.
Review an application and give us comments
A Notice of Proposal is an invitation to review an application, read the approval criteria and give us comments about the proposal. Each notice explains:
- when we accept comments
- what criteria we used to make decisions about the project
- more information about the proposal
- the staff planner’s contact information
Depending on the review, the City may mail a Notice of Proposal to neighbors located within 100, 150 or 400 feet of a site that goes through land use review. We use the mailing address on file with the Multnomah County Assessment and Taxation Office. We also mail notices to the physical address, so renters can review and comment on proposals, too.
We organize all proposals and all public notices by neighborhood coalition. Then, we list them by individual neighborhood. Even if you don’t live close enough to a site to get a notice, you can comment on a proposal.
Sometimes a discretionary review is in process but not on the public notice list. If the notice period hasn’t yet started or has already ended, the review will no longer be on the public notice list. Review land use decisions, sorted by neighborhood and district coalition.
Comment on a proposal
Once you review an application, you can comment on the proposal. Learn more about how to share your feedback.
How the City of Portland and developers get in touch with neighbors
Sometimes the City mails out notices to neighborhoods affected by development. Sometimes the developer must send out notices to neighbors. And sometimes, both the City and the developer send out notices.
Neighborhood contact program
Developers notify residents about projects using the neighborhood contact process.
Demolition notices
Most residential demolitions need both demolition delay and notice to immediate neighbors. The City and the developer send out demolition notices to neighbors. Learn more about residential demolitions and neighborhood notice requirements.
Notice of Proposal
State law or City code requires the City to send or post notices. The notices inform the public and invite comments on some proposed developments.
A Notice of Proposal notifies residents living near a site with proposed development subject to a land use review. Learn more about types of notices, who sends them and when:
When the City requires neighborhood notices
Not all permits require neighborhood notices. Permits with required neighborhood notices include:
- Major alterations/additions
- Proposed removal of trees measuring 36-inches in diameter and greater
- Residential demolitions
- Some home occupation permits (where customers come to the home)
- Some accessory short-term rental (ASTR) permits (1 or 2 bedrooms)
Land use reviews and public notices
Most land use reviews have a public notice requirement, including:
- Adjustment Reviews
- Conditional Use Reviews
- Design Reviews
- Environmental Reviews
- Historic Resource Reviews
- Land Divisions
Get in touch to discuss a notice
We mail notices for many reasons. For example, we send out a public notice for a new marijuana retailer. These notices include:
- a description of the proposal
- contact information
- a zoning map
- a proposed development plan
- information about public hearings and appeals
Notices include contact information for either the applicant, a City employee, or both. You can get in touch with either if you have questions. You can also make an appointment to review the application materials.
Learn more about Portland's Zoning Code and the Oregon State Building Code
Portland’s Zoning Code (Title 33) moves the City’s long-range plans forward in a way that protects our health, safety and general welfare. We use the Zoning Code to regulate land development. The Zoning Code establishes what uses can be located on properties. And, the Zoning Code limits the height and bulk of buildings.
In some cases, the Zoning Code regulates the design of buildings. The Zoning Code is written by Planning and Sustainability, adopted by the City Council into law, and used by Development Services. Zone and district boundaries can be found on Portland Maps.
The Building Code is written and adopted by the State of Oregon. There are 11 specialty codes that make up the Oregon State Building Code. These codes are a set of rules that specify the minimum standards for buildings or other structures, such as retaining walls. The codes protect the public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings.