News

Notice of Proposed Amendments to Lien Reduction Review Administrative Rule

The purpose of the Lien Reduction Review Administrative Rule is to provide guidance for processing requests to reduce existing liens on properties, resulting from an enforcement action taken pursuant to Portland City Code Section 3.30.040 and Chapter 29.70.

April 17, 2024 2:00 pm News article

Follow these requirements to submit a permit application under fees in effect before July 1, 2024

Fees for permits are proposed to change. Follow these guidelines to submit a permit application under the current fees.

April 11, 2024 12:30 pm News article

Bureau of Development Services proposes fee changes, effective July 1, 2024

Learn more about the proposed fee changes and how you can share your views.

April 10, 2024 10:00 am News article

New online application system now available for accessory short-term rental (ASTR) permits

Applicants for new and renewing Type A ASTR permits are encouraged to use Civic Portal to submit information and achieve faster decisions on their permit applications.

April 4, 2024 10:30 am News article

Development Services resumes collection of intake fees on small project permits

The COVID-era practice of delaying payment of intake fees until the issuance of a permit is ending.

March 27, 2024 2:25 pm News article

Design, Historic Landmarks commissions highlight exceptional projects and successes in annual reports

Innovative designs and notable achievements in historic preservation were highlighted in State of the City presentations to the City Council on March 13.

March 15, 2024 10:30 am News article

Learn more about recent policy changes to promote new housing

With the recent adoption of the Housing Regulatory Relief and Inclusionary Housing Calibration projects, changes were made to the City of Portland’s Zoning Code and MULTE code to support the construction of needed housing units. These changes may affect development projects currently underway.

March 14, 2024 4:45 pm News article

New residential codes took effect Oct. 1, 2023

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

Updated February 21, 2024 8:50 am News article

Reverse pay dirt: Avoid erosion control fines

Learn how you can ensure your ground-disturbing construction project complies with erosion control requirements and avoids penalties.

February 12, 2024 3:15 pm News article

Online tool now available for property owners and tenants to report damage from recent storms

The self-assessment tool supports efforts to understand the scope of property damage citywide and pursue state and federal disaster assistance.

January 30, 2024 2:15 pm News article

Repairing property damage from January 2024 storms

Recent snow and ice storms caused damage to many structures throughout Portland. Here is information to help speed up the permitting process for these repairs.

Updated January 26, 2024 2:40 pm News article

Damage and safety assessments following recent storms are underway by Development Services inspectors

These assessments will help the City access resources for recovery efforts throughout our community. It will also help the bureau understand the scope of damage.

January 24, 2024 3:00 pm Press release

Rebecca Esau offers insights, advice as retirement nears

The outgoing director of the Bureau of Development Services offers her perspectives on the achievements of, and opportunities for, Portland’s permitting and zoning review processes.

December 15, 2023 11:45 am News article

Improvements made to online permitting portal, Development Hub PDX

Upgrades are now available: It’s easier than ever to provide necessary information as well as get construction and trade (electrical, mechanical and plumbing) permits on their way to approval.

December 14, 2023 4:30 pm News article

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

Three local design and historic review experts share insights at prominent national conference

The sold-out National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) annual conference, held in Portland Oct. 11 to 15, featured sessions highlighting innovative building designs and successes in cultural preservation.

October 18, 2023 4:45 pm News article

City of Portland’s DevHub Permitting Portal is Getting Refreshed

Updated graphics, expandable menus and other features will be rolled out later this fall.

October 18, 2023 4:30 pm News article

Statement of Commissioner Rubio and Development Services director Rebecca Esau in response to two-year follow-up on 2021 permitting audit

October 13, 2023 11:15 am News article

Rebecca Esau announces retirement

After six and a half years as director of the Bureau of Development Services, and nearly 30 years of service to the City of Portland, Esau leaves in December with a record of accomplishment.

October 10, 2023 3:30 pm News article

New measures provide faster inspections to address erosion and sediment issues on construction sites

Changes are coming to reduce erosion control inspection wait times, and deliver timely enforcement, to ensure soils and sediment remain on-site.

Updated September 15, 2023 9:30 am News article