News
City of Portland Design Review team’s efforts noted in DeMuro Award for Jim Fisher Volvo restoration
Award citation lists City as partner in helping restore iconic West Burnside building
News article

Deadline extended: Help guide development review in Portland; apply by Oct. 29
The City of Portland is seeking interested persons to serve in one of four positions, each for a three-year term, on the Development Review Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Friday, Oct. 29.
Updated News article

Have a passion for floating structures? Consider applying for the City of Portland’s River Community Advisory Committee
The City of Portland is seeking interested persons to serve in one of three positions, each for a three-year term, on the River Community Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Wednesday, Nov. 10.
News article

Help review and advise on building code decisions; apply by Oct. 29
The City of Portland seeks two people to each serve a three-year term on the Building Code Board of Appeals. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due no later than Friday, Oct. 29.
News article

New State Building Codes
The State of Oregon’s Building Codes Division (BCD) released new editions of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Oregon Electrical Specialty Code and the Oregon Plumbing Code. Any permits issued in 2018 must meet the new code requirements, which took effect on January 1, 2018.
Updated Newsletter
A letter from Rebecca Esau, Director of the Bureau of Development Services, regarding customer feedback on the City’s building permit services
Recently a survey was sent to 1088 customers who applied for building permits from January through June 2021, asking about their experiences and seeking ideas for improvement; 282 customers responded. Here is BDS Director Esau’s letter to survey recipients.
News article

Updates to online permitting services and plans for re-entry to the Development Services Center
Learn more about improvements to online permitting services and plans to welcome customers back to the City of Portland’s Development Services Center.
News article

No administrative appeals considered during week after Thanksgiving, Christmas 2021
There will not be a Weekly Administrative Appeals meeting during the weeks of November 29 and December 27, 2021.
News article
Joint City Statement on Hate Crimes
Our core values as a City include anti-racism and equity. Every Portlander and everyone visiting our city deserves to be welcomed and to feel that they belong. They should encounter a Portland free of bias and hate, where they do not fear for their safety and security.
Press release
New 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code replaces 2019 Oregon Zero Energy Ready Commercial Code on Oct. 1
The Oregon Building Codes Division recently adopted the new 2021 Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC).
News article

City Council approves measures to assist businesses in recovery from the pandemic
Businesses, entrepreneurs, and providers of affordable housing and services can take advantage of temporary suspensions of some zoning requirements to assist in improvements to their facilities and enable faster economic recovery.
Updated News article

City of Portland denies Land Use Compatibility Statement for Zenith Energy
The City of Portland, through the Bureau of Development Services, is denying a request from Zenith Energy to issue a Land Use Compatibility Statement necessary for the renewal of its air quality permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
News article
Interim Rule Update for Private Right-of-Ways
Learn more about interim changes to the Administrative Rule for Private Rights-of-Ways (Streets, Alleys, Shared Courts, Common Greens and Pedestrian Connections).
Public notice
New 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) Takes Effect Oct. 1
The Oregon Building Codes Division adopted the new 2021 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC), which took effect April 1. The six-month phase-in period wherein permit applicants have the option to submit for permits using either the current (2017) ORSC or the new (2021) ORSC is coming to an end.
News article

Stay updated on enhancements to ProjectDox
Building permit customers can stay informed on updates and new developments in the City's electronic plan review software.
News article
Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) Update
Sewer Connections: Permits Required for Sewer Connection and Repair
Updated Newsletter
City bureaus work to improve timeliness and efficiency in building permit process
Earlier this year, Commissioner Dan Ryan appointed a Permitting Improvement Task Force which met three times over two months and was charged with identifying solutions to improving the timeliness and efficiency of the building permit process.
Updated News article

Remote Video Re-inspections protect health, keep residential projects moving during COVID-19
This service of the Bureau of Development Services provides video re-inspections for corrections on permitted work, saving time and money for customers and the City.
News article

Major updates to the City’s housing-related zoning rules coming August 1
Changes will increase housing supply and accessibility for low-, moderate- and middle-income Portlanders; addresses houselessness and lack of affordable apartments and homes for community members.
News article

See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.