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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Portland
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.
- Exempt Use Portland's 'Do you need a permit?' tool for project-specific exemptions and thresholds.
- Exempt 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.
- Plans
- Valuation
- Application forms
- Supporting documents as required by the review path
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Residential permits expire if they go more than 180 days without an approved inspection.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: No universal estimate posted on the reviewed pages; timelines vary by permit type and review path.
- 01 Confirm whether the work needs a permit and whether zoning, site development, tree, or other bureau reviews apply.
- 02 Prepare required plans, forms, and supporting documents.
- 03 Submit through DevHub or at the Development Services Center.
- 04 Pay intake or review fees when invoiced.
- 05 Respond to checksheets and plan-review comments until approved.
- 06 Pay issuance balances.
- 07 Receive the issued permit and approved plans, then begin work and schedule inspections.
- 08 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.
Fee schedule
Effective July 1, 2025
DevHub login required for online fee payment; in-person fee payment available at Development Services Center on service days.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1, 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- PP&D tools (online)
- 503-823-7300 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Typical 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Portland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Portland, OR? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Portland, OR? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, OR? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Portland, OR? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, OR? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, OR? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Portland Permitting & Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.