Services, Guides, and Information

Read about the mission, goals, values and equity commitment of the Bureau of Development Services. Get information about visiting BDS, our operating plan and the Development Services organizational chart. Review Director Rebecca Esau's calendar.

This page lists phone numbers for development managers and supervisors at the Bureau of Development Services and other City permitting bureaus.

Sign up for email alerts and newsletters from the Bureau of Development Services. Join our email list today. The Plans Examiner is a monthly digest of news, events and helpful resources. Sign up now!

This step-by-step guide explains how to get a permit in the City of Portland. Learn how to research a property, find out what you can do on a site, what you need to get a permit, when you can get a permit and how to book inspections online. Learn more about permits and how permitting works.

Apply for solar permits online using DevHub. Learn about solar permitting, application types, submittal requirements and fees to install solar panels and solar water heating systems in residential and commercial buildings.

How to find a licensed contractor in the City of Portland. Get information about how to search for a contractor's license. Find out if a contractor has outstanding issues with a license.