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Public Hearing on Proposed Administrative Rule for Lien Reduction Review Process

The Bureau of Development Services seeks public comment on a proposed administrative rule for its Lien Reduction Review process for properties subject to potential enforcement action under the City's Property Maintenance code. A public hearing will be hosted on December 27, 2021.

Updated Public notice


Give your views on improving erosion control during construction activity

The City of Portland is updating its erosion control requirements to better manage soils and sediments on construction sites and reduce development impacts on the environment. Your ideas and suggestions on an early draft are welcome.

Updated News article


Now available! Development permits and land use reviews research tool

Research building permits and new development projects online. Get information about commercial permits, facility permits, land use reviews and residential permits now. Metro reports are now available in Portland Maps. Search, filter and sort data and quickly create customized permits reports.

News article


Empowered Neighborhood Program offers resources, creativity in addressing building code violations

Staff from across the Bureau of Development Services, working with other city bureaus and students from Portland Community College, come to the aid of a black disabled homeowner in addressing multiple concerns, saving money and reducing fines.

News article


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


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


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


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


Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under current zoning code before July 31, 2021

Changes to the City of Portland's zoning code will go into effect on Aug. 1, 2021. Learn more about how to submit a permit application if you wish to have the current zoning code apply to your project.

Updated News article


Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees before June 30, 2021

Beginning July 1, 2021, fees for building permit applications will increase. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.

Updated News article


Environmental Services proposes revisions to Administrative Rule ENB-4.05 Systems Development Charges for Sewer and Stormwater

Environmental Services is making changes to ENB-4.05 regarding systems development charges for sewer and stormwater. Proposed changes align with citywide initiatives and define new business types for better clarity. The public comment period is now closed.

Updated Public notice