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

The minimum permit fee is See current Portland fee schedule; public summary page does not restate one universal minimum. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Permit, plan review, trade, SDC, and related charges vary by permit type and project scope.. Plan check fee: Applies.

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

1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and whether zoning, public works, tree, or land use review is also required. 2. Create a City of Portland account and submit the permit request through DevHub or, if eligible, use the Development Services Center. 3. Pay application fees after intake. 4. Upload plans and respond to review comments until all required groups approve the project. 5. Pay issuance fees and download the permit, approved plans, and inspection card. 6. Schedule required inspections on DevHub or through the IVR line and obtain final approval.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Portland's "Do you need a permit?" guidance identifies work types that do and do not require permits; common Oregon residential exemptions for small detached structures, some fences, and limited finish work generally apply.; Even if a building permit is exempt, tree, erosion control, public works, or zoning requirements may still apply..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: DevHub or IVR at 503-823-7000.

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 Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies to property inside Portland city limits, including the small portion of Portland in Washington County. Portland review can trigger additional seismic, erosion control, tree, stormwater, and public works requirements.

Department: Portland Permitting & Development
Address: Development Services Center, 1900 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Phone: 503-823-7300
Email: Use Portland's online contact form , inspection support email is PPDinspections@portlandoregon.gov
Website: https://www.portland.gov/ppd

Online Permit Portal

Open Development Hub PDX (DevHub)

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm whether the project needs a permit and whether zoning, public works, tree, or land use review is also required.
Create a City of Portland account and submit the permit request through DevHub or, if eligible, use the Development Services Center.
Pay application fees after intake.
Upload plans and respond to review comments until all required groups approve the project.
Pay issuance fees and download the permit, approved plans, and inspection card.
Schedule required inspections on DevHub or through the IVR line and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: No single citywide permit timeline is promised on the main guidance pages reviewed.

Source: Portland Permitting & Development

General Requirements

Portland's permit guide covers residential building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, and outside-work permit triggers for one- and two-family homes and larger projects.

Required Documents

Application
plans
supporting engineering where required
and project-specific forms. Portland publishes brochures for plans required for building permits.

Permit validity: Portland follows the Oregon code framework; applicants should confirm any permit-specific expiration conditions in issued documents.
Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes plus Portland-administered local code and overlay requirements, including seismic triggers on some existing-building work.
Owner-builder: Owners can create DevHub accounts and apply directly.
Contractor requirements: Oregon contractor and trade licensing rules apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: See current Portland fee schedule; public summary page does not restate one universal minimum
Plan check fee: Applies
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Permit, plan review, trade, SDC, and related charges vary by permit type and project scope.
Reinspection fee: Additional inspections can be purchased through IVR; incomplete or not-ready work can count as an inspection and create added cost
Penalty (no permit): Additional inspections can be purchased through IVR; incomplete or not-ready work can count as an inspection and create added cost
Payment note: Pay online in DevHub, by phone at 503-823-5161 during payment hours, or in person at the cashier

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Portland's "Do you need a permit?" guidance identifies work types that do and do not require permits; common Oregon residential exemptions for small detached structures, some fences, and limited finish work generally apply.
Even if a building permit is exempt, tree, erosion control, public works, or zoning requirements may still apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

DevHub or IVR at 503-823-7000 (other)

Inspection hours: IVR is available 24/7 with limited Saturday downtime; same-day inspections, if available, must be requested before 6:00 a.m.; residential inspection staff phone hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays
Time windows: IVR is available 24/7 with limited Saturday downtime; same-day inspections, if available, must be requested before 6:00 a.m.; residential inspection staff phone hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays

Typical inspection sequence: Pre-construction consultation where helpful, erosion or tree-preservation inspections before disturbance when required, then discipline-specific structural and trade inspections followed by final building or final permit inspection

Additional Resources

Building code: State of Oregon building specialty codes plus Portland-administered local code and overlay requirements, including seismic triggers on some existing-building work.
Verify contractor license: Oregon CCB License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Resource
Resource
Resource
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's permit guide covers residential building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, and outside-work permit triggers for one- and two-family homes and larger projects.
How much does a building permit cost in Portland, OR?: The minimum permit fee is See current Portland fee schedule; public summary page does not restate one universal minimum. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Permit, plan review, trade, SDC, and related charges vary by permit type and project scope.. Plan check fee: Applies.
How do I apply for a building permit in Portland, OR?: 1. Confirm whether the project needs a permit and whether zoning, public works, tree, or land use review is also required. 2. Create a City of Portland account and submit the permit request through DevHub or, if eligible, use the Development Services Center. 3. Pay application fees after intake. 4. Upload plans and respond to review comments until all required groups approve the project. 5. Pay issuance fees and download the permit, approved plans, and inspection card. 6. Schedule required inspections on DevHub or through the IVR line and obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Portland, OR?: Typical processing time is No single citywide permit timeline is promised on the main guidance pages reviewed..
What work is exempt from building permits in Portland, OR?: The following work is generally exempt: Portland's "Do you need a permit?" guidance identifies work types that do and do not require permits; common Oregon residential exemptions for small detached structures, some fences, and limited finish work generally apply.; Even if a building permit is exempt, tree, erosion control, public works, or zoning requirements may still apply..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Portland, OR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: DevHub or IVR at 503-823-7000.

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.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Washington County

Banks Beaverton Cornelius Durham Forest Grove Gaston Hillsboro King North Plains Rivergrove

View all Washington County jurisdictions →