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What to expect in your new Development Services Center

Limited in-person services in the Development Services Center, at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, will be available, mostly by appointment only, beginning the week of July 18. Learn more about the new features, hours of operation, and mandatory appointment scheduling.

Updated News article

Development Services Center at 1900 SW 4th Ave.

Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees before July 1, 2022

Fees for building permit applications will change on July 1, 2022. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.

Updated News article

Set of plans

Fee changes for the Bureau of Development Services, effective July 1, 2022

Learn more about the fee increases.

Updated News article

Findley Commons Building Photo

Environmental Services is moving forward with proposed changes to ENB-4.07 regarding the criteria the bureau will apply when evaluating route of service

Environmental Services proposes revisions to ENB-4.07 to remove obsolete policies and provide guidance and clarity on the decision-making criteria it will apply when evaluating route of service options for properties connecting to the public sewer system. The public comment period is now closed.

Updated News article

Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under current zoning code by June 30, 2022

Changes to the City of Portland's zoning code will take effect soon. Learn more about how to submit a permit application if you wish to have the current zoning code apply to your project.

News article

Two side-by-side attached housing units, 3-stories tall with garage door at street level and living space above

Fees for building code appeals to increase July 1, 2022

To help cover the costs of intake, review and approval of building code appeals, and due to the increased complexity of processing appeals (building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and floating structures), the application fees for appeals were increased by the Portland City Council.

News article

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

Updates to commercial energy efficiency submittal requirements

In response to new energy efficiency requirements within the 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code, the Bureau of Development Services requires additional information as part of each commercial building permit application for new construction or addition to conditioned space.

News article

This is an image of a mechanical inspector inspecting an air conditioning unit on the roof of a commercial building.

Information on commercial building permit application for 12350 NE Sandy Blvd.

There has been much interest expressed in a commercial building permit application for a proposed redevelopment of a former Kmart store at 12350 NE Sandy Blvd.

News article

Q&A with Portland Community College (PCC) Commercial Building Codes Students for Building Safety Month

"Building Safety Careers" is a key theme for the International Code Council (ICC) Building Safety Month in 2022. Joe Disciascio, Inspections Supervisor, met with students from the PCC Building Inspection Technology program to talk about being an inspector and working for the City of Portland.

Blog post

City of Portland inspector wearing high-visibility vest and carrying clipboard and safety glasses

Statement on issuance of building permit for non-fossil fuel infrastructure at Zenith Energy

This permit, applied for in 2020, is to “install rail infrastructure and pumps to handle renewable fuels and non-fossil fuel infrastructure,” with legally binding requirements on their use.

News article

Commissioners Ryan and Mapps and the Permit Improvement Task Force Announce the Permit Timeline Dashboard

The Permit Timeline Dashboard delivers on Commissioners Ryan’s and Mapps’ promise to increase transparency in citywide permitting, use data to guide permit improvement, set measurable goals, and stay accountable to Portlanders.

News article

Permit Timeline Dashboard March 2021 - March 2022

City of Portland, ReBuilding Center partner to provide donated building materials to low-income property owners

“From Excess to Access” program offers construction materials to help property owners meet building codes.

News article

This photo illustrates various types of reclaimed building materials, including windows, doors, wood beams and bricks.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 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 persons to serve in one of two positions, each for a three-year term, on the Development Review Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Sunday, May 1.

Updated News article

This photo illustrates a black woman, wearing a construction hard hat and reflective vest, smiling while holding a clipboard.

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 to serve a four-year term on the Historic Landmarks Commission. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Sunday, May 1.

Updated News article

Fourplex with wraparound porches on first and second levels and gray peaked rooflines on right and left

Environmental Services is moving forward with changes to ENB-4.28 regarding the bureau's financial assistance loan programs

Environmental Services proposes revisions to ENB-4.28 Administrative Rules for Financial Assistance Loan programs, including the income-qualified Safety Net program, to support required connections to the sanitary sewer system and work on private property. The public comment period is now closed.

Updated News article

New historic resources zoning changes take effect March 1

The Historic Resources Code Project, recently adopted by the City Council, sets new rules for changes to buildings in certain historic areas. Learn more about how these changes may affect development projects.

Updated News article

A street of renovated red brick warehouse with modern additions.

Permit applications submitted under the 2014 versions of Oregon Structural Specialty Code or Oregon Residential Specialty Code that have not achieved “Approved to Issue” status expire on Oct. 1, 2022, without further action

Permit applications that normally expire after 180 days of inactivity received automatic extensions due to the pandemic.

Updated News article

The inside of the reservoir. It has the collums to hold up the roof, with no roof yet. There are two workers working on the details of the collums structural integrity.

Updates to residential roof ventilation submittal requirements

As part of a continued effort to provide timely building permit review, the Bureau of Development Services requests certain information be included as part of each residential permit application proposing new enclosed roof area(s).

News article

Updates to residential energy efficiency submittal requirements

In response to new energy efficiency requirements within the 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), the Bureau of Development Services requests additional information as part of each residential permit application proposing new HVAC duct systems, air handling equipment or appliances.

News article

Iconic elk statue will return to downtown Portland

The City of Portland is preparing to bring back the beloved Thompson Elk, which has been safely stored since it was damaged during protests in 2020.

News article

Side-by-side images show the Thompson Elk statue on fire in 2020 and fully restored in 2022. Photos by Nathan Howard, RACC.

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