What is the Small Project Permit Program?
The primary benefit of the Small Project Permit Program is that review cycles are much quicker, usually completed within two business days. Not all projects are suitable for review in the Small Project Permits program.
The Small Project Permit Program helps ensure that the set-up and review of smaller-scale and less complex projects are processed quickly and efficiently.
Small project permits are identified when an application is processed using a combination of established criteria, site conditions, and staff knowledge and expertise. We are committed to maintaining an efficient review process for all projects, regardless of size.
Criteria for eligibility
Several factors are considered when deciding whether a project falls under the Small Project Permit Program. In addition to the standard commercial and residential permit intake request questions that applicants must answer for all projects, the following is a list of some of the criteria that City staff consider in deciding whether to process a permit as a Small Project Permit:
For commercial projects
- There is no change to how a building is used or who uses it.
- The project includes only interior improvements for existing tenants, minor structural changes, or repairs due to water or fire damage.
- There is to be limited remodeling within certain types of multifamily housing buildings or the installation of small signs that do not require approval through a land use review
For residential projects
- There are minor alterations to one-and-two-family dwellings on properties that are not in special zoning districts, without adding new dwelling units.
- The work involves voluntary earthquake strengthening, new fences, or minor interior renovations.
- Basement conversions, alterations that do not affect the building's structural support, and non-structural repairs due to water or fire damage may qualify.
- Some types of patio covers and enclosures, decks and detached carports on properties that are not in special zoning districts may also be considered as Small Project Permits.
Final decision-making
City staff decide whether a project qualifies as a Small Project Permit. This determination follows a detailed review by Permit Services technicians along with Planning and Life Safety reviewers during the pre-screening of a permit application. In addition, if staff in other review groups determine that a project does not meet the program's criteria at any stage of the review, it will be moved to the standard permitting process.
Program history
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the City of Portland’s building permit application and review processes moved almost completely online. About 99 percent of all permit applications received by Portland Permitting & Development are submitted through Development Hub PDX, the City’s online permit application portal. This process is more efficient and accessible for customers who can apply for permits from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As a result, smaller, less complex projects, with a few exceptions related to accessibility, can no longer be applied for, reviewed and issued over the counter in the Development Services Center. To create a faster permitting option for appropriately scaled projects, the Small Project Permit Program was created.
Questions?
If you are planning to submit an application for a construction permit and have further questions about whether it might qualify as a Small Project Permit, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a permit technician to discuss your project. The permit technician cannot guarantee that your project will be processed as a Small Project Permit but may be able to offer guidance to help inform your application.
If you already submitted a permit application and have questions about whether your permit qualifies as a Small Project Permit, please contact your assigned reviewer(s). You can use PortlandMaps to identify your project’s reviewer.