How much does a building permit cost in Portland, OR?

The minimum permit fee is See current Portland fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Primarily valuation-based for building permit fees, with separate fee tables, intake fees, SDCs, school excise tax, affordable housing CET, and other review fees depending on the project.. Plan check fee: Included in current fee schedule and may vary by permit category..

How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, OR?

1. Research the property in PortlandMaps for zoning, utilities, flood hazards, steep slopes, permits, and prior land use decisions. 2. Prepare the application, valuation, plans, and supporting documents for the permit type. 3. Submit online through DevHub for many permit types, or use the city-directed submission path for permit types that still require email or other intake. 4. Pay intake fees, respond to checksheets during multi-phase review, and clear pre-issuance. 5. Pay issuance fees, print the permit and approved plans, post the inspection card, and complete required pre-construction and progress inspections through final.

What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, OR?

The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions form the baseline for low-risk work, but Portland applicants must separately confirm zoning, environmental, street, tree, and utility permit triggers even when a building permit is not required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, OR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: DevHub portal, 503-823-7300 or IVR at 503-823-7000. Same-day reinspection requests through IVR should wait until after 5:00 p.m..

City Building Permits

Portland, OR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Portland, Oregon. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Oregon Clackamas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Portland is the permit authority for the portions of Portland located in Clackamas County. Portland permit rules are materially different from Clackamas County routes and include Portland-specific zoning, environmental, right-of-way, and utility reviews.

Department: Portland Permitting & Development
Address: Development Services Center, 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: 503-823-7300
Email: 311@portlandoregon.gov
Website: https://www.portland.gov/ppd/get-permit

Online Permit Portal

Open Development Hub PDX (DevHub)

Platform: Development Hub PDX (DevHub) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Research the property in PortlandMaps for zoning, utilities, flood hazards, steep slopes, permits, and prior land use decisions.
Prepare the application, valuation, plans, and supporting documents for the permit type.
Submit online through DevHub for many permit types, or use the city-directed submission path for permit types that still require email or other intake.
Pay intake fees, respond to checksheets during multi-phase review, and clear pre-issuance.
Pay issuance fees, print the permit and approved plans, post the inspection card, and complete required pre-construction and progress inspections through final.

Typical processing time: Portland posts live permit timelines and review timeframes rather than a fixed estimate; timeline page is updated weekly.

Source: Portland Permitting & Development

General Requirements

Permits are required for most new construction and regulated alterations; Portland also warns that additional zoning, demolition, site development, tree, and utility permits may be needed.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Site plan
Floor plans
Elevations
Structural plans
Trade plans where applicable
Project-specific items such as geotechnical reports or surveyed property line information

Permit validity: Portland states permits expire 180 days after the Under Review date if inspection approval is not obtained; extensions or reactivation can be requested.
Building code: State and city codes and rules both apply; Portland administers current Oregon specialty codes plus local zoning and development regulations.
Owner-builder: Owners of single-family homes can submit owner-doing-work forms and may sign trade permit applications when they meet city and state conditions.
Contractor requirements: Portland requires licensed contractors and provides contractor license requirement guidance; Oregon licensing still applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: See current Portland fee schedule
Plan check fee: Included in current fee schedule and may vary by permit category.
Permit fee formula: Primarily valuation-based for building permit fees, with separate fee tables, intake fees, SDCs, school excise tax, affordable housing CET, and other review fees depending on the project.
Reinspection fee: Fee schedule includes investigation fees for work started without permits and additional inspection-related charges.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Oregon residential permit exemptions form the baseline for low-risk work, but Portland applicants must separately confirm zoning, environmental, street, tree, and utility permit triggers even when a building permit is not required

Inspections

How to Schedule

DevHub portal (online)
503-823-7300 or IVR at 503-823-7000 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Same-day reinspection requests through IVR should wait until after 5:00 p.m.
Inspection hours: Walk-in support Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; inquiry line Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Pre-construction items such as tree preservation, erosion control, and demolition as applicable, then structural/trade progress inspections and finals.

Remote Video Re-inspection available for qualifying residential cases.

Additional Resources

Building code: State and city codes and rules both apply; Portland administers current Oregon specialty codes plus local zoning and development regulations.
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
PortlandMaps
Residential Inspections
Permit Extension or Reactivation
License lookup guide: Oregon Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Oregon Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Oregon hub: Oregon Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Portland Permitting & Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Portland, OR?: Permits are required for most new construction and regulated alterations; Portland also warns that additional zoning, demolition, site development, tree, and utility permits may be needed.
How much does a building permit cost in Portland, OR?: The minimum permit fee is See current Portland fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Primarily valuation-based for building permit fees, with separate fee tables, intake fees, SDCs, school excise tax, affordable housing CET, and other review fees depending on the project.. Plan check fee: Included in current fee schedule and may vary by permit category..
How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, OR?: 1. Research the property in PortlandMaps for zoning, utilities, flood hazards, steep slopes, permits, and prior land use decisions. 2. Prepare the application, valuation, plans, and supporting documents for the permit type. 3. Submit online through DevHub for many permit types, or use the city-directed submission path for permit types that still require email or other intake. 4. Pay intake fees, respond to checksheets during multi-phase review, and clear pre-issuance. 5. Pay issuance fees, print the permit and approved plans, post the inspection card, and complete required pre-construction and progress inspections through final.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Portland, OR?: Typical processing time is Portland posts live permit timelines and review timeframes rather than a fixed estimate; timeline page is updated weekly..
What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Oregon residential permit exemptions form the baseline for low-risk work, but Portland applicants must separately confirm zoning, environmental, street, tree, and utility permit triggers even when a building permit is not required.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: DevHub portal, 503-823-7300 or IVR at 503-823-7000. Same-day reinspection requests through IVR should wait until after 5:00 p.m..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Portland can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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