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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.

March 17, 2023 8:15 am News article

This photo illustrates a brick commercial building.

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.

March 15, 2023 9:00 am 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.

March 14, 2023 8:00 am 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 March 2, 2023 9:15 am News article

This is a photo of a permit technician reviewing construction plans on a computer screen.

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.

February 23, 2023 7:30 pm News article

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 Tuesday, April 4.

February 22, 2023 2:50 pm News article

This photo illustrates inspectors inspecting a building's heating and cooling system.

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.

February 15, 2023 4:15 pm News article

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.

February 14, 2023 4:00 pm News article

This is a drawing of the front of the Albina Library on Northeast Knott Street and proposed changes.

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 January 9, 2023 3:30 pm News article

This photo shows a construction worker at a commercial building under construction.

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 January 1, 2023 5:00 pm News article

Inspector wearing a hard hat and reflective vest crouching down to inspect a HVAC system on top of a commercial roof.

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.

December 8, 2022 8:00 am News article

Deadline extended: Have a passion for enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage? Consider joining the Historic Landmarks Commission

The City of Portland is seeking applications for a public-at-large member to serve a four-year term on the Historic Landmarks Commission. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Updated November 8, 2022 9:50 am News article

Red brick building with restaurant at ground level on street corner

Customer survey indicates improvements in many areas of City’s building permit system

The City of Portland released the results of a second survey, conducted online between July 26 and Aug. 9, to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to assist customers in preparing and submitting a building permit application.

October 26, 2022 1:00 pm News article

This photo shows a new foundation for a house and another house under construction in the background.

Statement of the Bureau of Development Services on approval of a Land Use Compatibility Statement for non-fossil fuel operations at Zenith Energy

The Bureau of Development Services approved a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) for Zenith Energy Terminal Holdings, LLC. Zenith’s LUCS application includes several proposed changes as it phases out crude oil at its Northwest Portland terminal and transitions to renewable fuels.

October 3, 2022 12:30 pm News article

An aerial photo of fossil fuel infrastructure in NW Portland

Improvements coming to solar permit application process in Development Hub PDX

Beginning the evening of Oct. 12, customers will experience a more streamlined process to enable faster processing of solar permit applications.

September 22, 2022 4:45 pm News article

Provide your ideas on final draft of rules to address enforcement of erosion control during construction activity

The City of Portland is adopting a new Erosion and Sediment Control Enforcement Administrative Rule to accompany the adoption of the new Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and is requesting public comment on the proposed final draft of the rule.

Updated September 20, 2022 11:00 am Public notice

Have a passion for architecture, development and public spaces? Consider joining the Portland Design Commission

The City of Portland is seeking applications for an interested person to serve a four-year term on the Portland Design Commission. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 19.

September 19, 2022 2:20 pm News article

This photo illustrates a member of Portland's Design Commission engaged in a discussion about a proposed development project.

No administrative appeals considered during week after Thanksgiving, Christmas 2022

There will not be a weekly Administrative Appeals Board meeting held during the weeks of November 28 and December 26, 2022.

September 19, 2022 9:00 am News article

Man viewing building code appeal form and open laptop on the file appeal webpage

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 September 9, 2022 8:33 am Blog post

Provide your ideas on final draft of rules to improve erosion control during construction activity

The City of Portland is updating its Erosion and Sediment Control Manual and is requesting public comment on the proposed final draft of the Manual.

Updated September 6, 2022 5:00 pm Public notice

This photo illustrates measures taken to control erosion on a development site, notably the presence of hay and plastic sheeting to prevent the loss of dirt and sediment at a site.

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