You can apply for permits and pay for permits online, using DevHub. You can also pay by phone or pay for permits in person. Learn more about how to apply for permits and pay for permits.
Before applying for permits online, please:
Read about the basic requirements for permit applications.
Review our step-by-step guide for completing the building permit application.
Review our step-by-step guide on how to submit a permit request on DevHub.
Learn more about the permit review process or schedule a free appointment with an expert.
Step 1: Apply online or in person
Find out where to apply for permits.
Most permits can be processed online. Please review the list of permit types and find out where to apply for each permit type.
Apply and pay for permits online
Online: Login/register to Development Hub PDX (DevHub) to apply for permits online
New users need to create a free account with DevHub. Select the Login / Register tab to register for a new account. Then submit your permit application request.
Check out training materials and a video for how to use DevHub.
In Person: Review the criteria for submitting a permit application at the Development Services Center
Customers who have limited access to the internet or need additional help setting up a permit application may be offered 30-minute appointments to submit permit application materials at the Development Services Center (located at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue) and meet with each required review group.
Only permit applications for projects that meet a limited set of criteria may be submitted in-person at the Development Services Center. Please review the criteria carefully to see if your project qualifies for an in-person permit submittal.
Watch this training and demo on how to submit a permit request on DevHub.
Step 2: We review your permit application and may ask for additional information
After you submit your permit request through Development Hub PDX (DevHub), your application package will be reviewed to determine if minimal submittal standards have been met.
If your application package meets the minimum standards, we will determine if your project qualifies for Single PDF Process review or full ProjectDox review.
If your application package does not meet minimum submittal standards and/or requires further clarification, we will email you. You'll need to log into DevHub to review the comments and to provide any requested information. This communication process repeats until you meet all requirements.
To check the status of your request:
Check permit status online. Review daily reports showing the current status of all permit requests in process today. 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.
Step 3: Pay online, by phone, or in person
Once the project meets minimal submittal standards, you’ll receive an email with instructions for how to pay your application fees online, by phone, or in person. After you pay the application fees, your project will be taken in for comprehensive plan review.
If you need help, check out the “How to Pay Fees” customer quick step guide:
Pay for permits by phone: You can pay for permits by calling the Make Payments by Phone number listed on this page.
Pay for permits in person: A cashier is available at the Development Services Center. Visit the Development Services Center web page for more information.
Step 4: Plan Review Begins
Our goal is to have a first review completed within the time frames listed below. This first review may result in approval or a checksheet. A checksheet is a document that identifies deficiencies or additional requirements needed on your plans for the completion of that specific review. Review timeframes can be impacted by current workload.
| - | Commercial Projects | Residential Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Alterations | 10 Days | 7 Days |
| Additions | 20 Days | 15 Days |
| New Construction | 20 Days | 15 Days |
- The procedure for turning in corrections will be included with your checksheet. Checksheets must be responded to in order for the review and approval process to proceed. Once the response/corrections have been received and processed, the goal is for re-reviews to occur within 5-7 days for all project types. Avoid delays by following this procedure and responding to all checksheet items.
- To better understand the correction process, visit How to Prepare and Submit Permit Application Corrections Electronically.
- After payment has been made, check the status of your permit review on PortlandMaps.com or by calling the Inspection Request Line at 503-823-7000 for a fax report. Learn how to use Portland Maps to check the status of your permit review.
- Read more about the permit review process.
Step 5: Check the status of your permit
Check Permit Status Online during different stages of the permit process:
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.
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.
Need help? Schedule a 15-minute appointment
If you still need help, we are here for you if you have questions about the information and materials you need to apply. Schedule a free 15-minute appointment.