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ADU conversion project guide

Service
Share information about your project, and we’ll give you a list of any requirements needed by the City of Portland.

You can complete this form in under 10 minutes.

Property Details

Begin typing to see a list of possible address matches in the Portland metro area, then select one.

Find an address to begin using this guide. It must be in an area that's managed by the Portland Permitting & Development bureau.

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Property ID: 
Base zone 
Site slope%

Address and zoning data provided by PortlandMaps.com  

Who will be doing the construction?
Will this project include any electrical work?
This includes adding, moving, or updating things like wiring, lighting, switches, or outlets.
Will this project include any plumbing work?
This includes adding, moving, or updating things like pipes, sinks, drains, or water lines.
Will this project include any mechanical work?
This includes HVAC work like adding, moving, or updating heating, cooling, or ventilation systems like ducts or fans.
Will your project temporarily disturb more than 500 square feet of the ground?
Using data from Portland Maps, we've determined that the average slope of your property is %. If the slope of the worksite is more or less than that, please enter the new number as a percentage. Learn more about slope.
%
Is there a wetland or body of water near the worksite?
Enter the distance in feet.
 feet
Does this project add more than 500 square feet of indoor space to an existing building?
Does this project remove more than 50% of exterior walls to an existing structure?
Do you want to skip city development fees by agreeing not to use the home as a short-term rental (under 30 days) for 10 years?
Will the project add more than 1,000 square feet of impervious surface?
Impervious surfaces are things like concrete, asphalt, or decks that stop water from soaking into the ground. We use this to understand how your project affects rainwater drainage. This includes the footprint of the ADU and any driveways or decking.
Do you need to prune any trees (branch or root) in the right-of-way?

Disclaimer

This form gives guidance based on your answers. The results are preliminary and are not a permit. The City of Portland may ask for more information at any point in the permitting process. If there is any difference between this form and the City's official publications, the publications control. If you have technical issues or questions about the form, contact us at ppd@portlandoregon.gov.

  1. Research your project requirements

    Before you apply for a permit, you'll need to gather some details about your property. Below are forms, waivers, and other information you'll need to get a permit. You may need additional forms or waivers, depending on the type of project, but this is the starting point.

    Learn

     Building permit application

    Used to get approval to build or change a structure by sharing details about the project and ensuring it meets safety and construction codes.

    Download  

     Detailed plans

    Used to show how a structure will be built and confirm that the design meets building and safety codes.

    Learn

     Erosion control plan

    Shows how you’ll prevent erosion during construction on steep, sensitive, or environmentally protected sites.

    Download  

     Residential meter request form

    Checks if your water meter is large enough to support added demand from your project.

    Download  

     Residential systems development charges (SDC) form

    Helps determine if your project will owe city fees for increased demand on public systems like water, sewer, or parks.

    Download  

     Fire department requirements

    Learn about fire safety rules so you’re ready for your project.

    Learn

  2. Prepare your application materials

    This step covers what you need to prepare the right materials for your application. We have rules for how we can accept these materials, so be sure to read through them before you submit.

    Learn

  3. Apply, pay, and respond to feedback

    You've researched your project and gathered all the information you need to apply for a permit. This step walks you through submitting your materials and paying your fees. You can also find out what happens after that, and get a timeline for next steps.

    Learn

  4. Get your permit and start work

    It's time to get to work! Before you start, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

    Learn

  5. Get inspections

    All permitted projects will need at least one inspection to get approved. Some projects will need inspections before and during the work as well.

    Learn

Project address:
Property ID: 
Base zone 
Worksite slope%
Who is doing the construction
Electrical work
Plumbing work
Mechanical work
Disturb more than 500 sq. ft. of soil
Nearby body of water
Add 500+ sq. ft. interior space
Remove 50%+ of exterior walls
SDC waiver (short-term rental use)
More than 1,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface
Tree pruning in right-of-way

Address and zoning data provided by PortlandMaps.com  

Edit details

Project address:
Property ID: 
Base zone 
Worksite slope%
Who is doing the construction
Electrical work
Plumbing work
Mechanical work
Disturb more than 500 sq. ft. of soil
Nearby body of water
Add 500+ sq. ft. interior space
Remove 50%+ of exterior walls
SDC waiver (short-term rental use)
More than 1,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface
Tree pruning in right-of-way

Address and zoning data provided by PortlandMaps.com  

Edit details

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