The City of Portland welcomes the opportunity to work with you on your outside work permit project. Find out if you need permits for your outside work project and what kind of permits you need. Learn more about permits for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. You can also schedule an appointment to discuss your project.
This webpage can help you decide if you need a permit for your outdoor project. If you need a permit, the next step will be to read about permit requirements on the linked web pages. You might also want to read What You Need to Apply for a Permit- Minimum Submittal Requirements.
Concrete patio permits
Add a concrete patio on grade (private property)- contact Planning and Zoning to find out if a zoning permit is needed.
Deck permits
- Building a deck more than 30 inches high- you'll need a building permit.
- No permit required if building a deck not more than 30 inches above grade.
Driveway permits
- Add a driveway with new or replacement curb cut- you will need a zoning permit
- Add paving for driveway with existing, unaltered curb cut- you will need a zoning permit
Fence permits
- Put up a fence more than seven feet high- you'll need a building permit.
- Building a fence less than seven feet high- no permit required.
Outside work permits
- For grading and clearing, you will need a Site Development permit if there is no structure
- To build a private street, you will need a Site Development permit
Learn more about when you need a Site Development permit.
Tree permits
- For tree regulation inquiries, contact Planning and Zoning to find out if a zoning permit is needed.
- Trees may require a Title 11 permit. For more information review ‘Do I Need a Tree Permit?’ or call Urban Forestry.
Retaining walls permits
Retaining walls taller than 4’ or any wall with sloping backfill or surcharged need a building permit and a Site Development permit for walls in a new subdivision.
Sewer connection permits
- Connection on property- plumbing permit
- Connection in right of way- utility connection (UC) permit
- Decommission a septic tank or cesspool- Septic Evaluation permit or included with building permit
- Repair in right of way- utility repair (UR) permit
Water heater permits
- New electric water heater- electrical permit and a plumbing permit
- New gas water heater- mechanical permit and a plumbing permit
- Replace electric to gas- mechanical permit and a plumbing permit
- Replace gas to electric- electrical permit and a plumbing permit
- In kind (ie. gas to gas, etc.)- plumbing permit
Start a new permit application
The related web pages have more information about specific permit types and the permit review process.
In addition, here are the building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and zoning permit applications:
Not sure if you need a permit? Get help
If you have questions about home repair permits for the outside of your home, we recommend you book a free 15-minute appointment with us.
This is an optional step. We're here for you if you have questions about the information and materials you need to apply.