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Step 1: Gather application materials
You will need to provide application materials or "submittal requirements" with your permit application.
Depending on your project you may need to provide any of the following
- Zoning permit application
- Building permit application
- Trade permit applications (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Design plans (ex. site plans, floor plans, elevation plans)
- Supporting documents (ex. structural calculations, geotechnical reports, product specifications)
Find submittal requirements for
- Residential projects
- Commercial projects
- Or search for your specific project (ex. "solar permits")
Get help
We're here to help you determine the specific requirements for your project.
We recommend scheduling a free 15-minute virtual appointment with permitting staff.
Schedule a free 15-minute virtual appointment now
Step 2: Check if you can apply for your permit online
You can apply for most permits online. Including
- Building permits
- Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Zoning permits
- Solar permits
Some permit types must be submitted by email.
Please review the list of permit types and find out where to apply for each permit type.
Step 3: Apply online or in person
Once you have all the application submittal requirements for your project, you are ready to apply for a permit.
Review our step-by-step guide on how to submit a permit request on DevHub.
Apply for permits online with DevHub
Learn more on how to use online permitting tools and watch the video, Apply for permits online: DevHub Permit Request Training.
Or come to the Development Services Center to apply
Do you have limited internet access? Do you need help setting up a permit application?
You may qualify for a 30-minute appointment to submit your application materials and meet with each required review group.
This in-person meeting is at the Development Services Center, 1900 SW Fourth Avenue.
Find out if you qualify to apply in person.
What to expect after you apply
After you apply, your permit application goes on a daily permit request list.
We process permit requests in chronological order.
This is the list of all permits that are in the first stage of permitting called "intake." This report is updated regularly.
Step 4: Respond to any feedback
We will review your application materials to determine if we have the submittal requirements for your project.
If your application package does not meet the submittal requirements and/or we need further clarification, we will email you.
You'll need to log into DevHub to review the comments and provide any requested information.
This communication process repeats until you meet all requirements.
Step 5: Pay for permits
Once the project meets submittal requirements, you’ll receive an email with instructions to pay your application fees.
Visit the current Fee Schedule for permit costs.
| Pay Options | How |
|---|---|
| Online | DevHub |
| Phone | Call the "Make Payments by Phone" number: 503-823-5161 |
| In-person | Visit the Cashier at the Development Services Center |
After you pay the application fees, we will start our comprehensive plan review.
Step 6: Plan Review Begins
The first review may result in approval or a checksheet.
A checksheet is a list of missing items or additional requirements needed on your plans. We ask for information that we need to complete a specific review.
How long does plan review take?
Our goal is to have a first review completed within the timeframes listed below. Timeframes can be impacted by the current workload.
| . | Commercial Projects | Residential Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Alterations | 10 Days | 7 Days |
| Additions | 20 Days | 15 Days |
| New Construction | 20 Days | 15 Days |
- When we send you a checksheet, we'll also send you instructions on how to respond.
- You must respond to all items on all checksheets so we can complete our review.
- Once your checksheet responses have been received and processed, the goal is to complete re-reviews within 5-7 days for all project types.
- To better understand the correction process, visit How to Prepare and Submit Permit Application Corrections Electronically.
Avoid delays by following this procedure and responding to all checksheet items.
Step 7: Check the status of your permit
Check Permit Status Online during different stages of the permit process:
You can check the status of a permit in review on Portland Maps.
This is the most updated and current information available about the status of all permits in process. It's the same information we use to check the status of a permit.
Building code appeals
File building code appeals, electrical code appeals, mechanical code and plumbing code appeals. This is a fee-based service that provides a formal response.
Learn more about filing an appeal.
Apply for a permit extension or permit reactivation
Make sure to request a permit extension before the permit expiration date.
Additionally, you can request a permit reactivation after the permit has expired, but before the permit is void.