Inspectors may wear masks for inspections, maintain social distancing

Inspectors from the Bureau of Development Services may choose to wear masks for in-person inspections. Inspectors will wear masks where required or if requested by a property owner, permit applicant or job site manager.

In-person services at Development Services Center reduced to two days a week, starting in November

Due to staff shortages and limited customer traffic, in-person services at the Development Services Center at 1900 SW 4th Ave. are limited to Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon, for at least six months starting Nov. 1, 2023. Please call 311 or 503-823-7300 for more information.

Residential Development Permitting and Inspections

Program

Residential permitting applications, forms and inspections information for one and two-family homes. Apply for building permits online and check the status of an application. Have home repair or home remodeling projects planned? Find out if you need permits for your home improvement project.

Featured content

Woman on a couch using a laptop to fill out a building application while looking at a web guide on how to fill it out.

Apply or Pay for Building Permits, Trade Permits, Signs and Zoning Permits

Check the Status of a Building Permit Review

Smiling woman on mobile phone

15-Minute Question Appointments: Free Building Permit and Zoning Help

Woman on a couch using a laptop to fill out a building application while looking at a web guide on how to fill it out.

How to Fill Out a Building Permit Application- A Step-by-Step Guide

Deconstruction workers climbing on top of a roof sheathing

Do You Need a Permit for Your Home Repair or Home Remodeling Project?

FIR: Field Issuance Remodel Program

Inspector Working on a Home Under Construction

Residential Building Permits

Inspector working in a home

Residential Permit Inspections

Inspector reading a residential inspection record card

Today's Residential Inspections Schedule

This is a photo of a permit technician reviewing construction plans on a computer screen.

Check Permit Timelines

This photo illustrates measures taken to control erosion on a development site, notably the presence of hay and plastic sheeting to prevent the loss of dirt and sediment at a site.

Erosion Control

A person wearing a hard hat and using a hammer to add a nail to a wooden frame

Construction Noise and Regulations

This photo illustrates various types of reclaimed building materials, including windows, doors, wood beams and bricks.

Donate reusable construction materials (Program Suspended)

Man looking at the BDS newsletter on a cell phone.

Get Updates from BDS: Subscribe to the Plans Examiner

Contact

Permitting General Information

Development Services

503-823-7357Message Line

711Oregon Relay Service

Residential Inspections

Development Services

BDSinspections@portlandoregon.gov

503-823-7388Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

711Oregon Relay Service

503-823-7693

Related offices, programs, advisory groups, and projects

A colorful, multi-story commercial building on the East end of the Burnside Bridge

Commercial Development Permitting and Inspections

City inspector visiting a building site

Development Services (BDS)

Colorful mural depicting people.

Empowered Communities Program

A house with solar panels on the roof and greenery in the yard

Solar Energy Development

SE 50th Avenue construction A

Trees and Development

Multi-story building in St. Johns neighborhood with retail and housing

Zoning and Land Use

News

No administrative appeals to be considered during weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas 2023

This affects building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing code appeals.

Updated November 17, 2023 3:45 pm News article

Man viewing building code appeal form and open laptop on the file appeal webpage

City of Portland seeks experienced electricians passionate about safety to serve on appeals board

The City of Portland seeks two people to each serve a three-year term on the Electrical Code Board of Appeal. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are due no later than Sunday, Dec. 10.

November 2, 2023 2:10 pm News article

Renovation of electrical boxes

New residential, plumbing and electrical codes took effect Oct. 1, 2023

Learn more about phase-in periods and deadlines for submitting permit requests under previous code editions.

Updated October 2, 2023 8:30 am News article

A house under construction with workers on site

Portland City Council unanimously commits to consolidate city permitting

The Council seeks the creation of “a consolidated single permitting entity… with clear authority, responsibility and accountability.”

August 30, 2023 1:00 pm News article

This is a photo of the construction of the new Multnomah County Courthouse.

Past Meetings and Hearings

Lunch and Learn Session: Proposed updates to City floodplain development regulations

July 13, 2023

More meetings and hearings

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