Design review implements the Design overlay zone, strengthening these areas as places designed for people. Design review supports development that builds on context, contributes to the public realm, and provides high-quality and resilient buildings and public spaces. Design Review offers opportunities for increased flexibility over the design standards within Chapter 33.420.
Design review is required for certain development proposals for development located within the Design Overlay Zone. The Design Overlay Zone is shown on the Official Zoning Maps with a letter ’d’ map symbol. For some proposals, the applicant may choose to meet the objective standards in Section 33.420.050 of Chapter 33.420 instead of going through the Design Review process set out in Chapter 33.825, Design Review. The thresholds and process for using the objective standards can be found on the Design Standards webpage.
As part of the design review application, a modification or adjustment may be required if the proposal does not meet certain development standards.
- Design modifications may be requested as part of the design review for standards that are not met.
- Adjustment reviews may be requested concurrent with the design review for use-related standards that are not met (such as floor area rations, intensity of use, size of the use, number of uses, or concentration of uses).
Please contact Planning and Zoning for more information about applying for a design review.
Design review procedure
Design Reviews are processed through a Type I, Type II, or Type III procedure. For review thresholds, see Portland Zoning Code Section 33.825.025. A Pre-application conference is required before submitting all Type III reviews. A Design Advice Request is an optional request for feedback from the Design Commission before submitting a Design Review. In a few instances, it is required before submitting a Design or other Land Use Review. An optional Early Assistance Appointment may also be requested for less complex projects that do not need a pre-application conference.
Design review approval criteria
Applicable approval criteria depend on the location of the project site within the ‘d’ overlay zone.
- The approval criteria for sites within designated design districts are the design guidelines adopted for that area. View the maps at the end of Chapter 33.420 to see if the site is located within a design district. View the adopted design guidelines.
- The approval criteria for sites not within designated design districts are the Portland Citywide Design Guidelines.
Design review applications and forms
| What it's for | Forms |
|---|---|
| Complete this application form to apply: | |
| Use this checklist to identify submittal requirements: | |
| A pre-application conference is required for all Type III Land Use Reviews: | |
| For Type III reviews, please sign this form within 21 days of application date to allow submittal of new information if a Type III decision is appealed: | |
| Submit with building permit plans to certify the plans are consistent with the Design Review or Historic Review approval: |
To apply follow the instructions on Land Use and Final Plat Applications.
More information about Design Reviews
| What it's for | Resources |
|---|---|
| Find applicable Design Review guidelines | Design Guideline Documents |
| Use this matrix to find the approval criteria for your review | |
| Summaries of all land use procedure types | |
| Type I Procedures timeline | |
| Type II Procedures timeline | |
| Type III Procedures timeline | |
| Type IV Procedures timeline | |
| Neighborhood Contact Overview | |
| Find it in the code, Title 33 | 33.825 Design Review |
Design Review fees
Review the Land Use Services Fees Schedule.
Need help?
If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a city planner or set up an Early Assistance meeting for a deeper discussion.