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Portland and the federal government

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City building, fire officials establish guidelines for new single-stair apartment buildings

This allowance supports the development of new multifamily housing units on smaller lots while not compromising the safety of residents when evacuating a building during a fire.

News article

Staircase with railing

Join the Historic Landmarks Commission for a special guest on Monday, Oct. 27

Nicole Possert, executive director of Restore Oregon, will share information on ongoing historic preservation work.

News article

3-story red brick building on corner with large black pillars and curved glass windows on upper floor.

No administrative appeals to be considered during weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's

This affects building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing code appeals.

News article

Man viewing building code appeal form and open laptop on the file appeal webpage

Experienced with public art? Passionate about urban design and architecture? Join the Design Commission.

The City of Portland is seeking applications for two upcoming openings, starting as early as April 2026, for four-year terms on the Design Commission. Applications are accepted through Thursday, Nov. 20.

News article

This is a drawing of a new building with large windows and people gathering both inside and outside.

Help Portland balance neighborhood livability with special events. Join the Noise Review Board.

The City of Portland seeks interested community members to serve a three-year term on the Noise Review Board. Applications are accepted through Sunday, Nov. 30.

News article

A rendering shows a live concert at Providence Park, with thousands of fans surrounding a stage lit up at night.

Extra erosion control measures are required starting in October

The rainy season is coming. For seven months, greater care must be taken to ensure dirt and sediments don’t leave construction sites that involve ground-disturbing activity.

Updated News article

Erosion control on a development site, notably the presence of hay and plastic sheeting to prevent the loss of dirt and sediment at a site.

Portland's tree code permits and enforcement team joins Permitting & Development

The City of Portland is continuing to evolve to provide residents with effective delivery of services. This transition, directed by city council, is a part of that effort.

News article

Volunteers planting a tree together.

New 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code and Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code editions took effect Oct. 1

Please take note that previous codes from 2022 will be phased out as of April 1, 2026.

Updated News article

Looking up at a construction crane during twilight.

Portland City Council Approves Temporary Code Suspensions to Improve Permitting Process

This first package of changes, going into effect October 24, aligns City teams and breaks down siloes to support development alterations.

Press release

A person measures a section of salvaged wood on a wall.

City of Portland will issue land use violation notice for ICE facility, triggering process to determine next steps at the site

The City of Portland believes the federal government violated detention conditions of its land use approval 25 times in a 10-month period, according to federal records. Next steps could include fines or a land use hearing.

Press release

View of downtown Portland skyline from Washington Park, with trees framing the foreground.

Public Works Permitting to limit permit review meetings

As more public works permits are reviewed through ProjectDox, this provides greater visibility into staff comments during the review phase.

News article

BDS Employee helping a customer at Residential Permit Night

Updates to Floodplain Development Code took effect July 31

Changes approved by the Portland City Council are interim actions to bring Portland into compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures.

News article

Photo shows an open space holding flood water with dry winter grasses and split-rail fencing

Project updates from the Code Alignment Project team

The first amendment proposal from the Code Alignment Project will be heard at the August 12 Homelessness and Housing Committee.

News article

young trees along a road with a fire hydrant

New dashboards provide enhanced insights into City of Portland’s building permit processes

In response to customer feedback, Portland Permitting & Development is unveiling updated dashboards that illustrate the time involved in issuing different types of permits. These dashboards show progress in improving permit review timelines and inform discussions about further progress.

News article

This chart illustrates the average business days taken, by customers and by City of Portland permit review teams, in each of several different types of reviews required for residential building permits over the previous 90 days.

Portland Permitting & Development fees, effective July 1, 2025

Learn more about the fee changes.

Updated News article

This is a photo of the construction of the new Multnomah County Courthouse.

Portland City Council Approves a Temporary SDC Exemption to Jumpstart Housing Development

City Council's unanimous vote paves the way for affordable housing by temporarily eliminating key development fees for three years.

News article

Portland City Council voting on SDC ordinance

City rate increases go into effect on July 1

Rates and fees pay for the vital services Portlanders rely on every day, like water, sewers, streets, parks and garbage pickup. Rate and fee increases support operations, repair and replacement to keep our city safe and sustainable. Here's a summary for fiscal year 2025-26.

News article

City workers fix a massive underground water pipe.

Notice of Permanent Administrative Rule - Transient Lodging Facilities

The purpose of this administrative rule is to guide implementation of Chapter 24.31 of Portland City Code. This chapter governs transient lodging facilities within the City of Portland.

Updated Public notice

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) outside view with cement walkways and two chairs on the patio

New residential decks page simplifies steps for seeking a permit

The new web page design streamlines content, providing step-by-step instructions.

News article

A deck attached to the back of large house.

Exceptional design in new buildings highlighted in annual State of City reports

Design Commission and Historic Landmarks Commission reports feature innovative new structures that complement surrounding neighborhoods and revere historic context.

News article

This photo illustrates a new apartment building built near the Portland waterfront.
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