Free 15-minute appointments for permit, code, and zoning questions

🛑 Questions about a permit under review?

Do you have a permit number? Questions about checksheets? Contact your assigned reviewers.

Find your assigned reviewers on DevHub under Upload Corrections.

15-minute appointments are for before you apply.

Language access and accommodations

Zoning and land use questions

Meet with a City Planner before applying for building permits or land use reviews.

View specific zones, overlay zones, and other property information on PortlandMaps.

Appointment types:

General zoning questions

Talk to a City Planner about what you can build and where.

• Good for:
  • Figuring out what your zoning allows
  • Understanding setback, height, or size limits
  • Finding out where on your lot you can build (ex: garage, deck, ADU, etc.)
  • Asking about property uses like:
    • Adding an ADU
    • Converting your garage or basement
    • Building a fence, tiny house, or other structure
    • Creating short-term rentals (Airbnb, etc.)
    • Exploring infill options or development potential
  • Starting a land use review
    • Adjustments
    • Conditional use reviews
    • Any other land use review not listed below
• ℹ️ Tip: If your project is outside (like adding a deck, second floor, or detached garage), start here first. You need to know what’s allowed on your lot before looking at permits or building code.

Land division, lot confirmation, and property line adjustments

• Land division: Split a property into new lots, parcels, or tracts.
• Lot confirmation: Check if a lot can be legally developed.
• Middle housing land divisions
• Property line adjustment: Move a property line between two neighboring lots.

Properties in environmental, river, or greenway zones

• Environmental: Questions about projects in “c” or “p” environmental zones.
• Greenway: Questions about projects in the “n”, “r”, “g”, “i”, or “q” greenway overlay zones.
• River Review:Ask about projects in the
  • “e” river environmental zone.
  • “g*” river general zone
  • “r*” river recreational zone

Properties in design and historic zones

• Design overlay: Review for projects in the "d" Design overlay zone.
• Historic landmarks and districts:
  • Review changes to historic properties.
  • Review new developments in historic areas.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments 

Virtual: Meet with a City Planner (online or over the phone)

In person: Meet with a City Planner (general zoning questions only) at 1900 SW 4th Ave.

Need an answer sooner? Call 503-823-7300. Leave a message with Zoning staff. Include your question, address, and details about your project.

Building code, engineering, floodplain, and erosion control questions

Appointment types:

Residential Building Code (one- and two-family dwellings)

• Find out if you need a building permit for your project.
  • We answer the "Do I need a permit?" question.
• Building code requirements for 1 & 2-family dwellings. (Oregon Residential Specialty Code)
  • Additions
  • New constructions
  • Remodels
• Structure types
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
  • Single-family dwellings
  • Two-family dwellings (ex. duplex)
  • Townhouses
  • Accessory structures, such as a garage or shed
• Common projects
  • Adding a second-floor
  • Converting to living space
  • Decks
  • Egress windows
  • Home remodels
  • Seismic anchorage
  • Stairs
• Find:
  • Engineering requirements
  • Fire-rated material requirements
  • If you'll need a licensed architect or engineer for your project
  • Room size and ceiling height requirements
  • Structural requirements

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments 

Virtual: Schedule with a Residential Building Code Reviewer (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Building Code Reviewer (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Commercial Building Code

• Building code requirements for commercial projects. (Oregon Structural Specialty Code)
  • Additions
  • New constructions
  • Remodels
• Structure types
  • Commercial (office, retail, restaurants, transient lodging)
  • Industrial
  • Multi-family buildings (three or more residential units)
• Meet with a commercial building code reviewer if you have questions about:
  • Accessibility requirements
  • Changing the occupancy or use of a building
  • Commercial building code requirements
  • Converting a residential building into a commercial building
  • Energy code
  • Occupancy classifications
  • Tenant improvements

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments 

Virtual: Schedule with a Commercial Building Code Reviewer (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Building Code Reviewer (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Mechanical engineering for commercial projects

• For commercial building plans. Mechanical code help
  • Meet the Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code.
  • Find out what to include on your plans
• Mechanical code questions related to:
  • Commercial HVAC systems
  • All other commercial Mechanical systems 
• No in-person appointments. Online or phone appointments ONLY. 

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments 

Virtual: Schedule with an Mechanical Engineering Reviewer (meetings are online or over the phone)

Structural engineering for commercial projects

• Get help with structural engineering building code questions. These include:
  • Design to handle gravity or vertical loads (weight of the building, snow, etc.).
  • Design to resist lateral loads (wind, earthquakes, soil pressure, etc.).
  • Seismic design requirements for existing buildings (Portland City Code 24.85).
  • Seismic upgrades for existing buildings (Portland City Code 24.85).
  • Structural elements like beams, columns, walls, and foundations.
  • Structural requirements for solar installations.
• For answers, visit our Structural Engineering web page. If you need more help, book a 15-minute appointment.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments 

Virtual: Schedule with a Structural Engineering Reviewer (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Structural Engineering Reviewer (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Site development - Geotechnical, floodplain, and erosion control

• Building on a steep slope? Do you need a geotechnical (soils) report for your permit? Meet with a geotechnical engineer.
• Questions about code requirements for:
  • Erosion control
  • Floodplain development
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • Grading
  • Landslide hazards
  • Retaining wall design and loading
  • Septic decommissioning (e.g. cesspool)

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule with a Site Development Engineering Reviewer (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Site Development Engineering Reviewer (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Application requirements and permit process questions

Appointment types:

Residential and Sign permits

• 1 & 2 family homes
• Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs  
• Duplexes   
• Garages, decks, and fences on residential property
• Townhouses 
• Sign permits

Revisions or deferred submittals for residential permits. Schedule an appointment with STARS.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule with a Residential Permit Technician (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Residential Permit Technician (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Commercial permits or other permits

• Commercial (office, retail, restaurants)
• Condominiums, apartments, multi-family (three-family units or more)
• Development review: Vending carts and stormwater mitigation systems
• Industrial
• Site development: Grading, groundwork for new subdivisions, landslide repair, and private streets

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule with a Commercial Permit Technician (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a Commercial Permit Technician (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Solar, Trade, Addresses, and Residential revisions and deferred submittals (STARS)

• Solar permits. For non-technical questions regarding solar permit set-up and processing
• Trade permits (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing). For non-technical or non-inspection-related questions about permits that are not expired or void. Ask about permit setup and processing.
• Addresses. For general questions about property address review or assignment. Address reviews and decisions will happen outside of 15-minute appointments.
• Residential revisions and deferred submittals. For general questions about permit revisions and deferred submittals for residential projects.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule with a STARS Permit Technician (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule with a STARS Permit Technician (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Water services questions

For development and construction-related questions about water services.

Water availability

• Information on how to schedule service installation and other water work
• Meter size and service branch size
• Meter upsizing requirements and costs
• Submittal requirements on your site plan for Water review
• Water code requirements in Title 21
• Water main availability, location, and size

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule a meeting to discuss water availability (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule a meeting to discuss water availability (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Water quality backflow

• Dedicated Irrigation Meter size and PI backflow protection
• Dedicated Fire line size and PI backflow protection
• Domestic Meter size and PI backflow protection
• Submittal requirements. Show all utilities on your site plan for Water review.
• Water main availability, location, and size

Visit the legal and installation requirements for backflow protection.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule a meeting to discuss water backflow (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule a meeting to discuss water backflow (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.

Sewer and stormwater questions

Help with sewer and stormwater service needs.

• Connecting to public sewer
• Design of stormwater facilities
• Drainage way and drainage reserve requirements
• Easements granted to the Bureau of Environmental Services
• Public sewer extensions
• Source Control Manual requirements
• Stormwater improvements in the public right-of-way
• Stormwater management triggers and requirements

Helpful links:

• Guide to connecting to City sewer
• Occupied Recreational Vehicles and Tiny Houses on Wheels
• Stormwater Management Manual

Contact Environmental Services staff by phone at 503-823-7761. Leave a message and calls will be returned within approximately one business day.

• Septic and cesspool questions (including decommissioning)
  • Contact PP&D Site Development at 503-823-6892 or septic@portlandoregon.gov
  • Decommissioning of underground injection control (UIC) (ex. dry wells) contactDEQ UIC.

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedulea meeting to discuss sewer or stormwater questions (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule a meeting to discuss sewer or stormwater questions (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Fire safety questions

General fire safety questions for development and construction.

• Access and water supply
• Fire sprinklers – where required only
• Fire alarms – where required only
• Hazardous tanks
• Occupant load certificates/signs
• Solar PV installations

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule a meeting to discuss fire safety (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule a meeting to discuss fire safety (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Street and right-of-way questions

Residential projects

• Discuss general transportation requirements for:
  • ADA improvements
  • Adjacent right-of-way improvements and property dedication due to development
  • Alley improvements
  • Driveways (new or existing)
  • Encroachments in the right-of-way
  • Local Transportation Infrastructure Charge (LTIC)
  • Right-of-way improvements due to
    • Major residential renovations
    • New residential construction
  • Separate right-of-way permitting due to residential permits
  • Sidewalks
  • Site access

Commercial projects

• Discuss general transportation requirements for:
  • ADA improvements
  • Alley improvements
  • Changes in building use or occupancy
  • Commercial alterations
  • Demolition work next to or in the right-of-way
  • Driveways
  • Encroachment in the right-of-way (shoring, basements, overhead projections, etc.)
  • New commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, industrial, or tenant improvement development
  • Site access
  • Transportation conditions adjacent to a State Highway (ODOT)

Questions about a permit under review? Contact your assigned reviewer(s).

• ✅ Checksheet questions? Find the reviewer assigned to your permit on DevHubunder Upload Corrections.
  • Contact information is on the first page of your checksheet.

⏱ 15-minute question appointments

Virtual: Schedule a meeting to discuss transportation requirements (meetings are online or over the phone)

In person: Schedule a meeting to discuss transportation requirements (meetings are at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

Tree questions

Definitions

• Development: Any work that changes the land or adds structures. Development can include building a house, adding a garage, grading, or paving.
• Street trees: Trees between the sidewalk and the street.

We offer three types of tree appointments:

• 🌳🛠️🏡 Trees on private property with a development permit

  • Ask about trees on your property during a construction project.
  • Ask about:
    • Tree plan requirements
    • Tree preservation and removal options
    • Tree planting rules.

  • Get help with tree rules for home additions, new buildings, or other major changes.

    Virtual: Meet about trees on private property during development (meetings are online or over the phone)

    In person: Meet about trees on private property during development (meet at 1900 SW 4th Ave.)

    Need an answer sooner? Call 503-823-7300. Leave a message for zoning staff. Include your question, address, and details about your project.

• 🌳🛠️🛣️ Street trees with a development permit

  • Ask about street trees, City-owned trees, and Heritage Trees during a construction project.

  • Ask about:

    • Tree protection, removal, and mitigation requirements
    • Street tree planting rules
    • Pruning and root pruning requirements

    In person: Meet about street trees during development (1900 SW 4th Ave.)

    Need an answer sooner? Call 503-823-7300. Leave a message for PP&D Urban Forestry staff. Include your question, address, and details about your project.

• 🌳 Trees not related to development

  • No development or construction? Ask about trees on private or public property when you're not doing a development project.

    In person: Meet about non-development related trees (1900 SW 4th Ave.)

    Need an answer sooner? Contact Urban Forestry.

    • By email: trees@portlandoregon.gov
    • By phone: 503-823-TREE (8733)
      • Please leave a message, and we will return your call.

Online video meeting

We use Microsoft Teams for virtual appointments. Teams is a video-conferencing application and is free to download.

Phone or tablets

Please download Teams from your mobile device's app store before your appointment.

Desktop or laptops

You can join your meeting with your preferred web browser. You don't need to download any apps.

Learn more about using Microsoft Teams.

Phone call

You can find the dial-in phone number in your meeting invitation.

With a phone meeting, you won't be able to share your screen for us to review documents.

In-person at the Development Services Center, 1900 SW 4th Ave.

• Bring documents and plans
  • On a flash drive, or
  • Printed or hand-drawn materials

Prepare for your appointment

Additional help and contact information

More ways to get early assistance with your project

Explore Early Assistance options before applying for a building permit.