Portland and the federal government
Learn about our sanctuary city status, efforts to block federal overreach: Portland.gov/Federal
Permits
41 permits and applications found
Building and Zoning Permit Application
Popular
Service
A building permit application is required for building permits, site development permits, and zoning permits. Find the electrical permit, mechanical permit, plumbing permit applications, and the simple erosion control requirements form. For Portland and Maywood Park building permits.
Get a free 15-minute appointment to help plan your project. Learn about building codes, zoning rules, and permit requirements before you apply. Meet with staff online, by phone, or in person. Bring your design ideas and property research.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Service
Apply for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit online before you convert a home or garage or build an ADU. Learn about ADU inspections for in-law units, rental units, and adding another dwelling. Get all forms for an ADU permit application and apply online.
Apply for a short-term rental permit or conditional use or renew a short-term rental permit. Learn about accessory short-term rental Type A permits and Type B conditional uses. Get permit information for rental units, mother-in-law apartments, renting out bedrooms and basement rentals.
ADU conversions
Service
Converting an existing part of your home to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) increases housing and boosts your home’s value. These pages explain the permits you'll need for an ADU conversion and how you can apply for them. Use the navigation menu to learn more about each step.
Learn more about what you need to apply for an adult care home permit in City of Portland. Learn about required inspection for Adult Foster Care Homes.
Apply for permits
Service
Gather permit application requirements and apply for a building permit online with Development Hub PDX (DevHub). Apply for building permits, trade permits, sign permits, and zoning permits.
Get information on permits and inspections needed to convert an attic, basement, or garage. Get all forms you need and apply for a permit online. Find the code guide and check your home's permit history before you add a room or bedroom.
A permit is required to document a change of use or change of occupancy classification of a building, even where no alterations are planned or required by the code. Learn more about change of use or change of occupancy. Includes information for small business owners.
Common home projects
Service
What you need for residential building permits and inspections for houses, duplexes and two-unit townhouses. Get links to permit application forms and code guides for residential building projects. Read about setbacks and find information about specific building permits. Homeowners, start here.
Get an estimate for your City of Portland building permit. Find out how much it costs to build a new building. Review building permit fees, other fees, system development charges and trade permit fees.
Apply for a fence permit online. Learn about adding a fence to a residential property in Portland. Get all required application forms and information you need for a complete fence permit application. Get information on fence inspections and setbacks. Find all the steps for getting fence permits.
File building code appeals, electrical code appeals, mechanical code and plumbing code appeals. This is a fee-based service that provides a formal response. You can request an alternative way to meet the intent of a code provision. You can also confirm an interpretation of building code language.
The Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) Program streamlines the permit and inspection process for Oregon-licensed contractors and architects who perform recurring residential alterations, additions, and accessory structures on one or two-family dwellings.
Get the requirements for a permit to build or alter an accessory building on a lot with a 1-2 family home. These buildings, such as garages and sheds, are not heated and not used for living.
Get all the forms you need and apply for a permit online.
Get all the forms you need and apply for a permit online.
Get required forms and helpful information for running a business out of your home. Learn about applying for home-based business permits in Portland. Learn about zoning requirements around running a home business. If you're using your home for your business, find out what rules to follow.
Lien Reduction Review Program
Service
City of Portland property owners with liens on their properties due to code enforcement violations can request a lien reduction review. Find out if you can get a lien balance reduced. Learn more about code enforcement liens and how to apply for lien reduction review.
Learn about major residential alteration and addition (MRAA) permits and apply online. A major alteration removes 50% or more of exterior walls above the foundation. A major addition adds more than 500 square feet of space. MRAA permits have notification and delay requirements.
Apply for a building permit for a new home build in Portland. Get a permit application and all required forms for building a new home. Learn about new house permits and new home inspections. Before you build, learn what you need for a complete application for new construction here.
Permit Extension or Reactivation
Service
Construction, site development, trade, and zoning permits that are expired, voided, or abandoned, request a permit reactivation. For permits about to expire, request a permit extension.
Permit Refunds Online
Service
Apply for a permit refund online. Request a refund for a permit purchased from the City of Portland. If you bought a building permit and no longer need it, apply for a refund. Get all permit refund instructions online. Find out how much you might get from a permit refund.
Permit Revision
Service
If you need to make changes to a project after your permit is issued, apply for a permit revision.
Find out if you are eligible for a fee reduction for a building permit or land use review from Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D). Fee reductions are based on financial hardship. For shelters (short-term, mass, or outdoor shelter projects), fee reductions may also be available.
Residential bathrooms
Service
Do you want to convert part of your home to a bathroom? These pages explain what permits you’ll need and how to get your new bathroom inspected. Some projects may qualify for the faster Simple Bathroom Program. Use the navigation menu to find out more about each step.
Residential decks
Service
Adding a deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and boost your home’s value. These pages explain what permits you need to build a deck at a one- or two-family home, and how to apply. Use the navigation menu to find out more about each step.
See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.