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Development Services (BDS) News Menu
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Environmental Services proposes revisions to Administrative Rule ENB-4.05 Systems Development Charges for Sewer and Stormwater

Public Notice
Updated
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.

City Council to consider business relief and recovery measures

News Article
Published
An ordinance to address business relief and recovery measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic will come before the Portland City Council on Wednesday, June 16.

Talking with Portland Community College (PCC) Building Inspection Technology Students for Building Safety Month

Blog Post
Published
"Training the Next Generation" was a key theme for the International Code Council (ICC) Building Safety Month in 2021. Joe Disciascio, Inspections Supervisor, met with students from the PCC building inspection technology program to talk about what it's like to be an inspector and work for the City.

City Council waives design review for exterior lighting, security gates in some commercial areas

News Article
Updated
On March 3, the Portland City Council approved an emergency ordinance that temporarily makes it easier for businesses to install exterior lighting and security gates at entrances of buildings in design overlay zones. A second ordinance to further help businesses will come to City Council on June 16.

Seeking experienced engineers to advise on structural engineering issues

News Article
Published
The Bureau of Development Services seeks interested and experienced structural engineers to serve in one of three positions, each for a three-year term, on the Structural Engineering Advisory Committee. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by Monday, June 14.
Two plan reviewers at the Bureau of Development Services review and discuss plans for a new building.

Help guide development review in Portland; apply by June 14

News Article
Published
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. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 14.
August 22, 2018: Project Engineer Haley Rothwell of Colas Construction discusses The Beatrice Morrow apartments on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., with Martin Segura III, LEED AP at Carleton Hart Architecture.

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

News Article
Published
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.

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

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

Fee changes for the Bureau of Development Services, effective July 1, 2021

News Article
Updated
The Bureau of Development Services is implementing fee increases across most of its services, effective July 1, 2021.

Prepare your building for a safe reopening

Press Release
Published
Stagnant water poses health risks. Take these important steps to reduce risks associated with Legionella.
multicolor neon sign that says open.

New features now available in Portland’s electronic plan review system

News Article
Updated
The City of Portland upgraded its ProjectDox platform for electronic review of development plans, providing easier ways for customers to upload documents and respond to comments.
Woman looks at building plans on a computer screen while on the phone.

Code amendments regarding the life of building and other permits effective May 7, 2021

Public Notice
Updated
City Council adopted City Code amendments relating to permit extensions, abandonment, expiration, reactivations and voiding. The amendments apply to building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and sign permits, as well as amendments specific to wireless facility permits.

City Council unanimously adopts Shelter to Housing Continuum Code Package

News Article
Published
Changes expand where homeless shelters are allowed, add a new shelter format (outdoor shelters), and allow group living more broadly as well as occupancy of RVs and tiny houses on wheels.
Two tiny homes with colorful paint and pallets for front porches

Proposed Revisions to Administrative Rule ENB-4.29

Public Notice
Updated
Environmental Services proposes revisions to Administrative Rule ENB-4.29 for Refunds of Development Review, Sewer Connection, and Lateral Repair Permit Fees and Charges. The public comment period is now closed.

City Council to hold public hearing on Portland’s design review process on May 12

News Article
Published
Public is invited to testify on the Design Overlay Zone Amendments (DOZA) proposals virtually via Zoom and online via the Map App.

Have questions about development permits and zoning? Schedule a free 15-minute virtual appointment with an expert

News Article
Published
A new service offered by the Bureau of Development Services and other permitting bureaus provides free 15-minute virtual appointments with planners, reviewers and permit staff to answer basic questions about development projects.
Got Questions? Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with building permit and zoning experts at portland.gov/bds/15-min.

Statement on the latest activities with the Zenith Energy Oil Terminal

News Article
Published
The Bureau of Development Services approved a certificate of occupancy for three railcar access platforms and a Land Use Compatibility Statement for non-fossil fuel infrastructure for Zenith Energy. Learn more about the City of Portland’s commitment to renewable energy and what comes next.

New online tools illustrate the performance of Portland’s building permit system

News Article
Published
The Bureau of Development Services is unveiling a suite of tools to provide real-time information about the City of Portland’s building permit processes, the types of reviews permits go through before they are issued, and the roles of the City and applicant at different stages.
This is a screen shot of the Portland Permit Metric Dashboard that illustrates the performance of the city's building permit system across key metrics.

Customers with residential permits can now look up inspection times on Portland Maps

News Article
Published
Customers with residential (1-2 family) building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits can view their scheduled inspection times on the day of inspection in a new online system that is easier and more accessible.

Amendments to Oregon Residential Specialty Code and Oregon Structural Specialty Code in effect as of April 1

Public Notice
Published
Learn more about how these changes may affect your permit.

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