Customers applying for most types of residential and commercial building permits, as well as electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits (also known as trade permits), can submit their applications and development plans electronically, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing greater flexibility and convenience in starting the permitting process.
Through Development Hub PDX, customers can provide information about their construction projects and upload building permit applications, plans, and other relevant documents electronically. In most cases, customers can pay for their permits on Development Hub PDX, as well.
“This online service allows anyone to apply for a building or trade permit from their home or their office, night or day, without having to take time away from their work or responsibilities at home. We want to make getting a permit as easy and convenient as possible,” said Rebecca Esau, director of the Bureau of Development Services.
“We want you to get a permit for the work you’re doing on your property, so it’s important that we remove barriers. For customers without a computer or the ability to submit plans online, we will continue to accept paper plans,” she continued. “It is all part of our commitment to providing barrier-free access to our services and continuous improvement in making it easier for customers to do business with the City of Portland.”
“This is a huge step forward for our city. BDS is creating agile and streamlined processes to serve more permit customers electronically, which will directly impact development and enhance capital,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan who oversees the Bureau of Development Services.
This expanded offering in Development Hub PDX is one in a series of improvements to the permitting process implemented by the Bureau of Development Services over the past two years. Development Hub PDX was launched in 2019 to allow for online submission of electrical, plumbing and mechanical permit applications that do not require a review of plans before issuing a permit.
Earlier this year the Bureau upgraded its permitting database and rolled out new technologies for completing building inspections in the field with the use of tablets and remote video. In 2021 the Bureau plans to provide an online appointment system so customers can schedule a phone or teleconferenced consultation with a subject matter expert to discuss projects remotely.
Paper applications for building and trade permits can also be submitted in-person, though due to current health restrictions, appointments must be scheduled for the delivery of permit applications and plans to the Development Services Center.
More information on how to apply for a building or trade permit can be found on the Bureau of Development Services website.