When you need a site development permit
You need a site development permit for:
- Cutting or removal of vegetation which results in exposing any bare soil
- Earthwork, excavation or filling greater than 10 cubic yards
- Tree cutting on slopes with gradients which are greater than 25% when cutting more than five trees of six-inch diameter. This also applies when you're clearing an area of greater than 2,500 square feet.
- Construction of streets, alleys, common greens and pedestrian connections in a private right-of-way.
Site development permit application and important forms
You need a completed building permit application, plans, and a simple site erosion control requirements form to apply for a site development permit:
You may also need the erosion control manual and the temporary excavation guidelines:
Apply for a site development permit
- Complete the building permit application.
- Include required plans.
- Complete the Simple Site Erosion Control Requirements form. Include the form with your application.
- You can submit your permit application request online using Development Hub PDX.
- In Development Hub PDX, choose Building Permit in the request type dropdown menu. Enter "Site Development Permit" in the Description of Work field.
- Read step-by-step instructions for submitting a permit application request online or in person.
- If you are unable to create electronic plans, please call us at 503-823-7300, and we will help you.
Plan review process for site development permits
Geotechnical, join/or civil engineers, and Planning and Zoning review these permit applications.
Other City of Portland bureaus may also review your application:
- Environmental Services for conformance to the Stormwater Management Manual
- Transportation for public streets
- Parks Urban Forestry for conformance with Urban Forestry requirements
Track the process of your permit review
We'll contact you about how to pick up an approved permit. Check the status of your permit.
Site development inspections
Erosion Control inspectors inspect site development permits. Check out the Erosion Control page for more details.
Still need help? Schedule a 15-minute appointment
If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, we recommend you book a free 15-minute appointment.
This is an optional step. We're here for you if you have questions about the information and materials you need to apply.
If you need help, here are some experts we recommend you meet with for this project*:
- Meet with a Permit Technician
- Schedule this appointment if you have questions about the permit process. Permit technicians will provide you with the information found on this page.
- Get help with permit application requirements.
- Meet with a City Planner
- We recommend you meet with city planner about planning and zoning or tree code requirements before submitting building permits.
- Get information on rules that apply to your property.
- Meet with a Building Code and Engineering Reviewer
- Get help with building code and engineering requirements.
*Not all review groups may be listed. The groups listed above will help get you started.