Location approvals for DMV applications
This is for customers applying to the State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for an auto-related business license.
We verify the zoning of your site on the relevant page of the state application form.
Car Dealers
This is for DMV applicants (except auto dismantlers) who require signatures on their DMV applications.
Please email the relevant page of the state DMV application form to LocationApproval@portlandoregon.gov (leave the City portion blank).
Please include the following information in your email:
- Name of Applicant
- Address of Applicant
- Phone Number of Applicant
- Description of business. Whether you do car sales, wholesale sales, have a home office, or something else, explain it in your email.
- Description of operation. Explain if you store all vehicles inside of a building, if you store or display vehicles outside, or if there are no vehicles at the site.
- Please give us the return address where you would like the signed application mailed to you.
Fees
There is a fee for the City signature on the application form.
Please refer to the Land Use Services Current Fee Schedule. Search for the Zoning Confirmation Tier 1 fee.
Once we have your application, we'll email you how to pay the fee online or over the phone.
Once the fee is paid, we will complete and approve the DMV Location Approval form electronically and email you the approved document as a PDF document within two business days of payment.
Auto dismantling businesses
DMV licenses (new businesses and renewals) for auto dismantling businesses are processed through a more detailed zoning review process.
These applications require a Tier 2 Zoning Confirmation review and the associated fee.
To apply you'll need the appropriate state DMV application and a completed Zoning Confirmation Request Form.
Please follow the application instructions on Zoning Confirmation Letters and Land Use Compatibility Statements under, Land Use Compatibility Statements (LUCS) for State of Oregon applications.
Zoning verification maps for liquor licenses
If you need a zoning verification map for your liquor license application, please email Location Approvals (LocationApproval@portlandoregon.gov).
Please include the following information in your email:
- Address of business
- Description of business. Explain if you have a restaurant, store, wholesale, warehouse, home business, or something else.
There is no fee for the zoning verification map.
You will receive a PDF of the map within two business days of your request.
Please note:
- Home businesses are subject to restrictions in the Zoning Code. Your home business can't conduct retail sales. All activities associated with the business must take place within fully enclosed structures. You can't have employees unless approved through a Type B Home Occupation permit.
- If your business is in a residential area, you must include documentation of a nonconforming situation. This documentation explains the City approval you have to operate a business in a residential area. Hours of operation may not extend from 11 pm to 6 am. There is a fee for document review. Refer to the Zoning Confirmation Tier 1 fee on the Land Use ServicesCurrent Fee Schedule.