Design review is required for certain proposals for development located within the Design Overlay Zone. The Design Overlay Zone is shown on the Official Zoning Maps with a letter ’d’ map symbol. For some proposals, the applicant may choose to meet the objective standards of Zoning Code Chapter 33.420.050 and Table 420-2, Design Standards, instead of going through the discretionary Design Review (land use review) process set out in Chapter 33.825, Design Review.
For some development proposals that are located within both the Design Overlay Zone and a Conservation District or a Conservation Landmark, the applicant may choose to meet the objective standards of Zoning Code Chapter 33.218, Community Design Standards, instead of going through the discretionary Historic Resource Review (land use review) process set out in Chapter 33.846, Historic Resource Reviews.
Please contact Planning and Zoning for more information about applying for a development permit using the Design Standards or the Community Design Standards. You can set up a 15-minute appointment with a city planner or call the Zoning Information Line phone number at 503-823-7625 to discuss your questions. You may also set up an Early Assistance meeting for a deeper discussion of your proposal.
Development proposals eligible to use objective Design Standards
The objective Design Standards provide an alternative process to Design Review for some proposals. See Zoning Code Chapter 33.420.050 and Table 420-1 to determine if your proposal is eligible to use the objective Design Standards.
Applications for development proposals in the Design Overlay Zone that are within a Conservation District or a Conservation Landmark are not eligible to use the objective Design Standards in Table 420-2. Proposals within a Conservation District or a Conservation Landmark must instead meet the objective standards of Zoning Code Chapter 33.218, Community Design Standards.
Design Standards procedure
Applicants must submit their development permit application to include adequate information and design details on their permit plans to demonstrate the objective standards are met. The Design Standards Scorecard form for the proposal type must be completed by the applicant and submitted to PP&D as part of the permit application.
The objective Design Standards include required standards that must be met. Proposals for new development and major alterations must also meet optional standards. The optional standards are reviewed using a point system. The size of the site determines the number of points required since larger sites can often incorporate more design features. In addition, buildings over 55 feet in height must meet a higher number of optional standards.
Design Standards applications and forms
Complete the form to submit with your development permit application:
These forms are being developed by Portland Permitting & Development. Please check back for links to these forms or consult the Land Use Services plans reviewer assigned to your permit.
For optional assistance with your proposal before submittal of a development permit, please review:
Design Standards fees
See the Land Use Services Fee Schedule below and look for "Community Design Standards or Design Standards Plan Check" under "Other Land Use Services."