News
Displaying 1 - 20 of 55
Portland nears milestone for new permitting bureau, prepares to announce name and structure
Beginning July 1, development permitting will be unified under one bureau within the City of Portland.
News article
City of Portland recognizes International Noise Awareness Day
As the world comes together to observe International Noise Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 24, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services and Noise Program join the global community in raising awareness about the impact of noise pollution on public health and well-being.
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.
News article
News Release: Biking in Portland grows by 5%, as PBOT announces new greenways and retrofits opening this year
Safety, education, greenways to grow more comfortable biking routes
Updated Press release
Community organizations invited to participate in voter education grants program
In November 2024, Portland voters will use ranked-choice voting to elect one mayor, one auditor and three councilors per district (12 councilors total) to pick their candidates. Portland Votes 2024 seeks to ensure that voters understand the new election method with non-partisan education.
Newsletter
News Release: New dining options coming to Portland’s central city through PBOT’s Food Truck Pilot Program
The two-year pilot program provides permits for mobile food trucks to park and vend on city streets.
Press release
Got burst pipes? Apply for a credit on your sewer, stormwater, and water bill.
If you had frozen pipes burst or leak during the January 2024 winter weather event, you can request an adjustment (or credit) to your sewer, stormwater, and water bill so you don’t have to pay for the increased water use.
News article
January 2024 N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy Newsletter
January updates from the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy.
Newsletter
Interested in guiding the development of cannabis policies? Apply to serve on the Cannabis Policy Oversight Team.
The City of Portland seeks eight people to serve a one-year term on the Cannabis Policy Oversight Team. Persons of color are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted through Monday, Jan. 15.
News article
Prevent unwanted water use
You can prevent unwanted water use by securing your outdoor spigots.
News article
October 2023 N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy Newsletter
October updates from the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy.
Newsletter
Audit Update: Momentous move by Council to consolidate permitting as City reforms continue
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, Building Permit Audit: Long-standing inability to meet customers’ needs won’t improve without better management, sustained governance.
News article
Ombudsman recommends Urban Forestry revisit fees and regulations governing certain development permit reviews
After a complaint, the Ombudsman investigated how Urban Forestry reviews some development permits for compliance with street tree planting standards. In December, the Ombudsman sent a memo to Parks Director Adena Long identifying concerns with the review fee and the clarity of City Code provisions.
Report
Resources are available to help set up child care businesses in Portland
Navigating all of the requirements to establish a child care business can be daunting. The City of Portland provides information to understand the building permit and land use review processes involved.
News article
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.”
News article
Audit Update: The Office of Management and Finance has addressed most City credit card risks; purchase of gift cards prohibited until City policy is in place
This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, City credit card use slowed during pandemic but exposes underlying risks.
News article
Commissioner Mapps brings Outdoor Dining Program to City Council with strong business community support
With City Council approval, businesses could start to apply in October for permits for 2024 under the permanent Outdoor Dining Program
Updated Press release
Audit Update: Council’s legislative changes helped the Portland Clean Energy Fund put management systems in place
This is a one-year follow-up to our 2022 report Portland Clean Energy Fund: Additional steps needed to implement voter-approved program.
News article
City of Portland Liquor, Cannabis and Noise programs move to Development Services
This realignment, effective April 1, results from the ongoing restructuring of bureaus and offices following voters’ approval of Ballot Measure 26-228 in November 2022.
News article
Portland City Council Passes Emergency Ordinances to Support Office-to-Housing Conversion
News article
See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.