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

The minimum permit fee is $153.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee for original submittal.

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

1. Confirm whether the work needs a permit and whether zoning, site development, tree, or other bureau reviews apply. 2. Prepare required plans, forms, and supporting documents. 3. Submit through DevHub or at the Development Services Center. 4. Pay intake or review fees when invoiced. 5. Respond to checksheets and plan-review comments until approved. 6. Pay issuance balances. 7. Receive the issued permit and approved plans, then begin work and schedule inspections. 8. Obtain all required inspections, including final permit inspection, to close the permit.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Use Portland's 'Do you need a permit?' tool for project-specific exemptions and thresholds.; Minor work may still require zoning, tree, or site review even where a building permit is not required.. Note: Check permit requirements before beginning any construction project.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: PP&D tools, 503-823-7300.

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 Multnomah County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Issues permits for property inside Portland and, under Multnomah County service arrangements, for specified unincorporated Multnomah County areas and for building permits in Maywood Park.

Department: Portland Permitting & Development
Address: Development Services Center, 1900 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97201
Phone: 503-823-7300
Email: No general permit-center email publicly listed , use contact form at https://www.portland.gov/ppd/contact
Website: https://www.portland.gov/ppd

Online Permit Portal

Open DevHub

Platform: DevHub • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm whether the work needs a permit and whether zoning, site development, tree, or other bureau reviews apply.
Prepare required plans, forms, and supporting documents.
Submit through DevHub or at the Development Services Center.
Pay intake or review fees when invoiced.
Respond to checksheets and plan-review comments until approved.
Pay issuance balances.
Receive the issued permit and approved plans, then begin work and schedule inspections.
Obtain all required inspections, including final permit inspection, to close the permit.

Typical processing time: No universal estimate posted on the reviewed pages; timelines vary by permit type and review path.

Source: Portland Permitting & Development

General Requirements

Portland PP&D directs applicants to check permit requirements before construction; building, trade, zoning, site development, and other permits may be required depending on scope and site conditions.

Required Documents

Plans
Valuation
Application forms
Supporting documents as required by the review path

Permit validity: Residential permits expire if they go more than 180 days without an approved inspection.
Building code: State-adopted Oregon codes. As of March 26, 2026, Portland operates under 2025 OSSC effective October 1, 2025 with mandatory date April 1, 2026; 2023 ORSC mandatory April 1, 2024; 2023 OESC effective October 1, 2023; 2023 OPSC effective October 1, 2023; 2025 OMSC effective October 1, 2025 with phase-in before mandatory April 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: Residential permit materials reference owner or contractor information before issuance; owner-builder projects still must meet permit and inspection requirements.
Contractor requirements: State of Oregon contractor licensing requirements apply; permit-specific trade licensing also applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $153.00
Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee for original submittal
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based for building permits
Trade permit fee: State surcharge applies to building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits
Reinspection fee: $217.00
Payment note: DevHub login required for online fee payment; in-person fee payment available at Development Services Center on service days.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Use Portland's 'Do you need a permit?' tool for project-specific exemptions and thresholds.
Minor work may still require zoning, tree, or site review even where a building permit is not required.

Important: Check permit requirements before beginning any construction project.

Inspections

How to Schedule

PP&D tools (online)
503-823-7300 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Site prep or erosion control if required, underground or rough-in inspections, framing and insulation as applicable, trade finals, and final permit inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: State-adopted Oregon codes. As of March 26, 2026, Portland operates under 2025 OSSC effective October 1, 2025 with mandatory date April 1, 2026; 2023 ORSC mandatory April 1, 2024; 2023 OESC effective October 1, 2023; 2023 OPSC effective October 1, 2023; 2025 OMSC effective October 1, 2025 with phase-in before mandatory April 1, 2026.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Do you need a permit?
Check permit status
Current fee schedules
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?: Portland PP&D directs applicants to check permit requirements before construction; building, trade, zoning, site development, and other permits may be required depending on scope and site conditions.
How much does a building permit cost in Portland, OR?: The minimum permit fee is $153.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee for original submittal.
How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, OR?: 1. Confirm whether the work needs a permit and whether zoning, site development, tree, or other bureau reviews apply. 2. Prepare required plans, forms, and supporting documents. 3. Submit through DevHub or at the Development Services Center. 4. Pay intake or review fees when invoiced. 5. Respond to checksheets and plan-review comments until approved. 6. Pay issuance balances. 7. Receive the issued permit and approved plans, then begin work and schedule inspections. 8. Obtain all required inspections, including final permit inspection, to close the permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Portland, OR?: Typical processing time is No universal estimate posted on the reviewed pages; timelines vary by permit type and review path..
What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Use Portland's 'Do you need a permit?' tool for project-specific exemptions and thresholds.; Minor work may still require zoning, tree, or site review even where a building permit is not required.. Note: Check permit requirements before beginning any construction project.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: PP&D tools, 503-823-7300.

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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