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Interested in helping improve neighborhood livability while supporting special events? Apply to serve on the Noise Review Board

The City of Portland seeks interested persons to serve in one position for a three-year term on the Noise Review Board. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Wednesday, June 28.

News article


Bureau of Development Services proposes fee changes, effective July 1, 2023

Learn more about the proposed fee changes and how you can share your views.

Updated News article


Follow these requirements to submit a permit application under fees in effect before July 1, 2023

Fees for building permit applications are proposed to change. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.

News article


Design and Historic Landmarks commissions present State of the City Reports to City Council

On March 15, the Design Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission presented their annual reports to City Council. Their reports focused on successes and challenges of the past year as well as goals for the coming year.

News article


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.

News article


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.

News article


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


City of Portland Liquor, Cannabis and Noise programs move to Development Services

This realignment, effective April 1, results from the ongoing restructuring of bureaus and offices following voters’ approval of Ballot Measure 26-228 in November 2022.

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.

News article


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.

News article


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


Portland achieving results through innovations in its solar permitting process

Property owners want to reduce their reliance on the energy grid and promote cleaner and more sustainable sources of electricity. The City of Portland is testing new approaches in the review of permits for solar panel arrays.

Press release


Deadline extended: Interested in promoting new tools to guide Portland's building permit process? Apply to serve on the Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee

This subcommittee of the Development Review Advisory Committee proposes improvements to business processes for issuing building permits in the City of Portland. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Monday, March 20.

Updated News article


Portland city offices remain closed Friday; winter weather resources available

Following a winter weather event that began Feb. 23, 2023, City of Portland offices will remain closed for in-person services Friday, Feb. 24.

News article


Development Services, Fire and Rescue to launch pilot for reviewing solar permit applications

This three-month effort seeks to streamline evaluations of residential solar panel installations requiring engineering reviews.

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Historic Landmarks Commission endorses addition to historic library

Albina Library, a 111-year-old community institution in Northeast Portland, will be updated to meet modern building standards and community needs while honoring historic context.

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Portland Permit Metric Dashboard updated

As part of the City of Portland’s permitting improvement efforts, a new online dashboard provides greater transparency into the development review process by illustrating numbers of permits and average timeframes in different phases of this process.

Updated News article


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.

News article