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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


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


ePlans Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions by ePlans users.

Blog post


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


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


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

"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.

Blog post


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

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.

Updated News article