The Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) program was designed for Oregon licensed contractors who perform recurring residential alterations, additions for one or two-family dwellings and accessory structures (new and existing). Learn more about working with one senior inspector throughout the life of your project.
About the Field Issuance Remodel Program
The FIR program was implemented in 2003 as a pilot permit guide program to serve contractors who perform recurring residential alterations, additions on one or two-family dwellings and accessory structures (new and existing) to streamline the plan review and inspection process. The State of Oregon approved the program in 2006 as a permanent Special Alternative Inspection Program. This is the only residential program adopting this model of specialized permits in the United States at this time.
The FIR program model is based on one Senior Combination Inspector performing process management, plan review and inspections (concept to construction), for the entire life of your project. The FIR model is successful based on the communication and partnership between contractor and the senior FIR Inspector, allowing for flexibility and a solution-based approach for simple or complex residential projects.
The FIR program does not relax code requirements, or provide lower inspection or licensing standards required under State of Oregon Statutes, Administrative Rules or City of Portland Municipal Titles.
Review the FIR Registered Contractor List, that is updated as needed online:
Additional resource to research a FIR contractor on our list: Construction Contractors Board (CCB) website.
How to register to be a FIR contractor
The FIR program is no longer accepting new registrations, effective Aug. 6, 2021, and until further notice. This includes no new additions to the waiting list. This decision was made due to the current workload, staffing limitations, the number of registrations on the waiting list and the length of time we anticipate will be needed to orient new contractors to the program. We are working to provide additional staffing and resources to continue this successful program. Thank you for your patience.
The FIR program currently maintains a waiting list to enter the program. The waiting list is evaluated on a regular basis by the Program Manager with considerations of workload levels and current staffing resources to ensure program expectations can be maintained.
No fees are required to complete the registration and agreement form but will be required upon completion of the orientation process. A one-time registration fee of $350 will be invoiced within 30 days of orientation.
Paper Plan Submittals should include:
Minimum three (3) sets of plans
Plan size minimum 11" x 17"
All plans must be drawn to scale (min. 1 inch = 10 ft)
Typical plans include site plan, floor plan, elevation view, cross section and detailed drawings
Plans may not contain color
Dimensions and notes must be printed to match 12-point font minimum
The completed electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing permit applications from your subcontractors. You will not receive a final permit without these subcontractor forms.
Electronic Plan Submittals should include: (Please consult with your FIR Inspector before submitting your project using Electronic Plan submittal process)
Plans is PDF format and a separate PDF for each submittal element I.e. plans, calculations, geotech, ect.
Plan size minimum 11" x 17"
All plans must be drawn to scale (min. 1 inch = 10 ft)
Typical plans include site plan, floor plan, elevation view, cross section and detailed drawings
Plans may not contain color
Dimensions and notes must be printed to match 12-point font minimum
The completed electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing permit applications from your subcontractors. You will not receive a final permit without these subcontractor forms.
The What Plans Do I Need for a Building Permit? handout includes a Site Plan Checklist and Sample Site Plan. Plans can be submitted by email or at the pre-construction meeting with FIR Inspector.
Revisions - In the FIR program, revisions may be conducted in the field with the FIR Inspector. There are some revision that may need to be routed to other review partners, your FIR Inspector provide further instructions when applicable.
Field Issuance Remodel Program Fees and Billing
All services in the permits concierge program are billed on at an hourly rate, services including but not limited to pre-construction consultations, pre-design meetings, property/records research, plan review and inspections based on the following:
A one-hour minimum charge applies to all site visits.
An additional 12% state surcharge required by the State of Oregon Building Codes
Division is added for INSPECTIONS ONLY.
Time billed includes travel time portal to portal.
However, other bureau review charges and system development charges (SDC) may be applied to your specialized permits project. These fees are not invoiced through the FIR program must be paid in person PRIOR to issuance of permit. Examples: Parks and PBOT SDC fees, Water – Meter Upsizing, BES Cesspool Decommissioning.
Participants in this permits assistance program will receive a monthly itemized billing invoice for each project. The terms of billing are net due upon receipt of the invoice and past due after 30 days.
Pay online or by mail
Pay online
FIR invoices can be paid online using a credit card or electronic check through our online payment portal.
Pay by mail
Mail payment to:
City of Portland
ATTN: General AR
PO Box 5066
Portland, OR 97208-5066
Please include the payment coupon on the bottom of your invoice to ensure payment is correctly applied to your account/invoice.
FIR Applications and Handouts
Check on the status of your FIR application
Your Inspector will update you on the status of your permit guide application. You can also check the status on Portland Maps.
FIR program inspections
Once a permit has been issued, inspections are scheduled directly with the FIR Inspector, not through the IVR system. FIR contractors are the main point of contact for inspections and must also schedule all inspections for their subcontractors.
If you leave an inspection request for a FIR Inspector please provide the following information:
- Permit Number OR Site Address
- Type of Inspection Requested
- Date and Time Requested
- On-Site contact person and phone number
Please provide 24-48 hours notice for inspection requests. Senior inspectors can accommodate most inspection requests but if they are not available another inspector will be assigned. If your FIR inspector is not available contact the FIR Cell Phone at 503.823.6691 and another inspector will be assigned.
Cancellation Policy - Contractors will be subject to a minimum 1/4 hour charge (15 minutes) if the inspection appointment is cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled inspection. If Inspector is en route when an appointment is cancelled, the contractor will be charged a minimum of 1/2 Hour charge or more depending on distance.
You or your customer can check the status of an inspection result on Portland Maps. Please allow for up to 24 hours for results to post.
Contact the FIR team
FIR phone- 503-823-6691 (M-F 7:00-4:00) or email bdsfirpermits@portlandoregon.gov
Diane Parke, FIR Supervisor
503-823-7765 • M-F 6:30-3:30
Biola Cruse, Development Services Technician II
503-823-7600 • M-F 7:00-4:00
Liesl Vorderstrasse, Development Services Technician II
503-823-1865 • M-F 7:45 – 4:15
Bill Pettis, Senior Inspector
503-823-8136 • M-F, 7:30-4:00
David Rolfe, Senior Inspector
503-823-8823 • M-F, 6:00-3:30
Derek Berhow, Senior Inspector
503-823-6648 • M-F, 6:00-3:30
Mark Rauer, Senior Inspector
503-823-8364 • M-F, 6:00-3:30 (Every other Friday off)
Wes Bird, Senior Inspector
503-823-8301 • M-F, 6:00-3:30 (Every other Friday off)
Steve Pierce, Senior Inspector
503-823-6257 • M-F, 6:00-3:30
Leo Hernandez-Solis, Senior Inspector
503-823-8961 • M-F, 6:00-3:30 (Every other Friday off)
Prem Nath, Senior Inspector
503-823-8188 • M-F, 6:00-3:30 (Every other Friday off)