About Development Hub PDX (DevHub)
What is Development Hub PDX?
Development Hub PDX (commonly referred to as DevHub) is the online permitting system for the City of Portland.
When is DevHub available?
DevHub services are typically available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with some occasional maintenance.
When unavailability due to intermitted maintenance, including associated time frames, will be listed on the DevHub landing page as it occurs.
What services can I access in DevHub?
You can use DevHub to access several permitting service options online, including:
- Purchase permits for standard projects not requiring Plan Review
- Submit a permit request for permits requiring Plan Review
- Schedule inspections for trade permits obtained online
- Upload corrections during plan review
- Pay fees for a variety of permit and cases
Which permits can I apply for through DevHub?
Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) provides a comprehensive list of permits you can request through DevHub on the webpage How to Apply for Permits and Pay for Permits by Permit Type.
How long does it take to get a permit using DevHub?
The time frame for receiving your permit can vary based on the type of permit you apply for as well as the size and complexity of your project. Permit requests and applications are processed in the order they are received.
User Accounts & DevHub Access
How do I access DevHub?
Follow the steps outlined in Quick Guide: Create Account & Sign In to Development Hub PDX (DevHub).
What if I forgot my username or password?
You can request account information be sent via email. Instructional steps can be found in Quick Guide: Create Account & Sign In to Development Hub PDX (DevHub).
What if I still can’t log into my DevHub account?
If you have trouble accessing your existing DevHub account, please call the DevHub Help Line at (503) 823-7300.
You can also submit a help request using the Submit Development Hub PDX feedback link at the bottom of the DevHub system landing page.
How can I change the email address for my DevHub account?
To update the email address for your DevHub account, please email DevHubSupport@portlandoregon.gov.
Can I view, upload documents, or transfer permit information from another DevHub account?
DevHub users can only upload/view attachments associated to their own DevHub account/email address. There is no option to transfer permit information to another DevHub account. If you want to see permit requests submitted under another DevHub user’s account, you must log in under that account and look under the DevHub Home page’s My Permits section.
Submittal Requirements & Permitting Assistance
Where can I find more information on minimum requirements for submitting my permit application?
For additional information on permit requirements, please visit the webpage How to Apply for Permits and Pay for Permits by Permit Type.
Residential permit requirements are also detailed on the webpage Do You Need a Permit for Your Home Repair or Home Remodeling Project?
Who can I speak with to ask additional questions before applying for a permit?
If you still have questions after exploring the provided permitting resources, you can schedule a free 15-minute virtual appointment with a City Planner Building Code Specialist, or Permitting Tech:
- City Planners can assist with information about zoning.
- Building Code or Engineering Specialists can provide information about building code requirements.
- Permitting Techs can advise on permit submittal requirements and the permitting process.
Please visit the 15-Minute Question Appointments page for more details or to schedule an appointment.
Process for Submitting an Online Permit Request
How do I apply for a permit online using DevHub?
How you apply for a permit on DevHub will vary based on the type and/or complexity of your project. Some trade and Urban Forestry permits can be applied for directly and purchased through DevHub, while building (and any other permits requiring plan review) can be applied for by submitting a permit request.
For additional information on plan review requirements by permit type, please visit the webpage How to Apply for Permits and Pay for Permits by Permit Type.
Can I submit a new permit application if I’m not sure who’s doing the work?
Yes! Simply select “To Be Determined” from the Party Doing Work dropdown menu in the online permit request form. You can later provide this information to the City once you have selected a contractor.
Do I need to complete my permit application in one sitting?
No, in DevHub you can save incomplete permit applications/requests and finish later! Any time you see the Save For Later button, you can click it and return to your saved work later. Saved permit application and request drafts are listed under My Permits & Requests in DevHub.
Please Note: Incomplete applications for Urban Forestry permits will be deleted nightly. Incomplete and unpaid Trade permit applications and in-progress permit requests may be deleted after two weeks of inactivity.
Why can’t I find my address when I search for it?
Please Note:DevHub does NOT display historical addresses. Additionally, new addresses may not show up if they have not yet been entered on PortlandMaps.
The DevHub system often prefers less – not more – information when searching for a property by address:
- Enter the House Number and select a Direction from the dropdown menu.
- Select the Search button. A maximum of 50 addresses will appear for the search results. If your search returns 50 addresses but you don’t see your specific address listed (most common for buildings with multiple units), try narrowing your search by adding more information.
- To further narrow the search results, enter the Street Name followed by “%” (Example: “Albina%”). Avoid adding extra spaces.
- Once again, select the Search button.
- If you still cannot find your property, verify that the address you are searching for is within the City of Portland’s jurisdiction on Portland Maps.
Why won’t my attachments upload?
Ensure the file name only includes letters and numbers since special characters (ex. / & \ ! : %) can cause your document to not open after upload. All attachments must be in PDF format and no larger than 100MB. If your digital files are too large and fail to upload, you may save plan sets into multiple, smaller files then retry the upload and attach steps.
Where can I see which file attachments for my permit request?
When uploading and attaching files to your permit request, you can view all files you’ve attached. You can also view which files you uploaded for a submitted permit request by selecting the submission from the My Permits & Requests page in DevHub.
My plan set was uploaded and attached but DevHub won’t let me proceed. Did I miss something?
DevHub requires two submissions (a completed application and plan set) which must be attached to continue with the form submission process. Beyond these two required attachments, please ensure you have uploaded and attached all required documents for the permit type you are requesting.
[Trade Permits] How do I add permit fixtures to a simple Trade permit application in DevHub?
The permit application request form will allow you to add fixtures for a Trade permit application before the final submission confirmation page. Simply enter the quantity/number of fixtures for each type of fixture needed for the project. If you need to edit a submitted Trade permit application to add fixtures, you can view and edit your submission from the My Permits & Requests page in DevHub.
Next Steps After Submitting an Online Permit Request
When will you process my online permit request?
The time frame for receiving your permit will vary depending on the type of permit you apply for, as well as the size and complexity of your project. Your request will be processed in the order it was received. You will receive an initial email confirmation of your permit request submission. Keep in mind, that incomplete submissions can result in processing delays.
What should I expect after submitting a permit request?
- Permitting Services review: Your DevHub submission will be reviewed by a Permit Technician to check that the information you provided meets minimum submittal standards.
- If your submittal package does not meet minimum submittal standards an email will be sent instructing you to address Permitting Services comments through DevHub (after login, scroll down to My Permits and select the Details button for your permit to view comments).
- This communication process may be repeated several times until PP&D has received all required information and submittal requirements have been met.
Please refer to the Daily Permit Request Queue (updated daily) to check your permit request status.
- Planning & Zoning and Life Safety plan reviews: Once Permitting Services has accepted your submittal package, a prescreen review will be done to ensure you have met Planning & Zoning and Life Safety minimum submittal standards. If any questions or concerns about your submittal package arise, you’ll receive an email notification from City staff.
- Pay intake fees: Once your permit request has been deemed complete for intake by Permitting Services, Planning & Zoning, and Life Safety, you will be emailed instructions for paying intake fees.
- The permit will not convert to “under review” status until the permit fees have been paid.
- Once fees have been paid, your project will be taken in for comprehensive plan review.
How will I know if I need to give you more information about my project?
If Permitting or Plan Review City staff need additional information about your permit request, you will be notified by email and instructed to log into your DevHub account for more information. It is the customer’s responsibility to monitor the inbox associated with their DevHub account and provide timely replies to requests for additional information.
Be sure to check your Spam/Junk folder and security settings to make sure that automated replies are visible in your inbox.
I’ve submitted permit requests on DevHub for several projects. How should I keep track of email communications?
Any email correspondence about your DevHub permit request will include the property address for the permit requested in the subject line. Simply filter your email folders by subject line. All emails that start with the same address will be grouped together and easy to find. You may also find it helpful to search by Street Name or House Number to find only emails containing those details.
Please review the Check Permit Status webpage for additional information on permit statuses and how to track your submission.
Can I view my permit status on PortlandMaps?
Permit status from PortlandMaps is only displayed for standard permits and not permits requested with plan review.
Once your simple permit application has been accepted for intake and your intake fees have been paid, it will be possible to track your project on PortlandMaps. In the meantime, you can view the status of your permit submission after logging into DevHub and going to the My Permits & Requests page.
How do I schedule inspections?
Trade permits requested in DevHub should follow the instructions in Quick Guide: Schedule Inspections in Development Hub PDX (DevHub).
All other permit types: Please use the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to schedule inspections via phone. Please review the Inspection Codes and Reference - Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for more information on the IVR system, inspection codes, and more.
Online Fee Payments, Cancellations, & Refunds
How much will my permit cost?
Permit fees vary based on the size and complexity of each individual project. Please visit the How to Apply for Permits and Pay for Permits by Permit Type webpage for more information.
When should I pay my intake fees?
You will be emailed instructions on how to pay intake fees once your request is taken in for plan review.
What online payment options are available?
You may submit a payment through DevHub using credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover) or electronic check/ACH transfers.
Can I cancel a permit request after submitting it online?
If you no longer want or need the permit you have requested, you cannot cancel your permit request via DevHub. You must call 503-823-7300 and work with Portland Permitting & Development staff to cancel your submission.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
If you’ve purchased a permit in error, you’ll need to apply for a refund.
Trade permits: Please refer to the PP&D Refund Policy for Trade permits webpage.
All other permit types: Please contact the associated bureau listed below.
- Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D): (503) 823-7300
- Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau: (503) 823-3770
- Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT): (503) 823-7002
- Parks Urban Forestry: (503) 823-TREE or (503) 823-8733
- Water Bureau: (503) 823-7368
CCB/BCD Licenses
Why can’t I find my CCB#/BCD# when I search for it?
Appropriate licenses are required to obtain Trade Permits. Please confirm that your license is currently active before starting your DevHub permit application.
You may also review the City of Portland’s Contractor License Requirements page for more details on this requirement by trade type.
Please Note: It may take up to a day for licenses to appear in the DevHub database. If you need to verify if your license is active with the state, please contact the appropriate state licensing agency.
- Construction Contractors Board (CCB): (503) 378-4621 or online CCB license search webpage.
- Building Codes Division (BCD): (503) 378-4133 or online BCD license search webpage.
If you believe your license is active or if you have recently applied for a new license or to reinstate your license and it is still not appearing in DevHub, please call the DevHub Help Line at (503) 823-1304.
How do I search for all permits associated with a specific CCB#?
[For CCB license numbers only] To view all permits associated with a specific CCB#:
- Navigate to www.PortlandMaps.com.
- Click Advanced and select Permits.
- Enter the license number into the CCB Number search field and click Search. A list of all associated permits will be displayed.
- Select the Application Number to view details.
Additional Resources
- For general information on the permitting process, please visit the How to Apply for Permits and Pay for Permits by Permit Type webpage.
- To apply for a Trade permit extension, please visit the PP&D Trade Permit Extensions webpage.
- To apply for a Trade permit reactivation, please visit the PP&D Trade Permit Reactivation webpage.
- For information on Residential permitting and inspections, please visit the PP&D Residential Permitting webpage.
- For information on Commercial permitting and inspections, please visit the PP&D Commercial Permitting webpage.