Construction & Development Permits
Building permits, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, ADU, and more.
Apply Online
These forms are available to fill out and submit directly.
Apply for an Accessory Dwelling Unit permit. ADUs are permanently exempt from SDCs.
Apply for a variance to exceed Portland's noise limits (Title 18).
New construction, additions, and major alterations to residential structures.
New construction, additions, and alterations to commercial/mixed-use structures.
Residential and commercial electrical work. Often issued same-day via DevHub.
HVAC, furnace, heat pump, ductwork, and gas piping installations.
Plumbing fixtures, water heaters, sewer connections, and backflow preventers.
Demolish a residential or commercial structure. 35-day delay for residential.
Install, replace, or modify commercial signage.
Interior commercial build-out for a new tenant space.
Same-day permit for qualifying simple residential remodels.
Permit for rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV systems.
Required for fences over 6 feet (residential) or in required setback areas.
Required for retaining walls over 4 feet in height.
Adjustments, conditional uses, design review, zone changes, and land divisions.
Remove or prune regulated trees on private property (Title 11).
Required for ground-disturbing activity over 500 sq ft.
Permits for hazardous materials, assembly occupancies, and fire systems.
Meet with PP&D staff before submitting a complex application.
Grading, retaining walls, and site improvements.
Convert an attic, basement, or garage into habitable living space.
Build a new deck or modify an existing deck structure.
Construct new interior or exterior stairs requiring a building permit.
Major additions, second-story additions, and substantial alterations to residential structures.
Expedited permit for emergency repairs due to wind, flood, fire, or storm damage.
Replace or repair roofing on residential or commercial buildings.
Change the use or occupancy classification of an existing building.
Work on designated Heritage Trees in Portland (Title 11).
Apply chemical treatments to regulated trees in Portland.
Attach structures, signs, or equipment to trees.
Prune regulated trees on private property (Title 11).
Prune city-owned street trees in Portland's right-of-way.
Root pruning near regulated trees for sidewalk repair, utilities, or construction.
Install decorative or seasonal lights on city street trees.
Pre-application consultation with Urban Forestry for development projects.
Blanket Title 11 permit for eligible utilities and government agencies.
Appeal a tree permit, programmatic permit, or related Title 11 decision.
Submit a Title 11 tree plan for a related development permit.
Certify required 45-day notice for development removal of 36-inch trees.
Request waiver of replacement planting under Title 11.
Permit for ceremonial or recreational bonfires in Portland.
Permit for fire art performances (poi, fire breathing, etc.).
Fire safety permit for public assemblies and special events.
Permit for temporary tents and membrane structures over 400 sq ft.
Permit for laser equipment use in entertainment or commercial settings.
Permit for pyrotechnics, fireworks, and theatrical special effects.
Install a new fire sprinkler system (wet, dry, deluge, or pre-action).
Add, relocate, or replace 10 or fewer fire sprinkler heads.
Install a new fire alarm or detection system.
Minor modifications to an existing fire alarm system.
Permit for portable propane heaters and devices in commercial settings.
Establish posted occupant load for assembly spaces and venues.
Install a fire department Knox Box for emergency building access.
Permit for welding, cutting, brazing, and other hot work operations.
Install a permanent commercial sign (wall, freestanding, projecting, or awning).
Install a fabric awning over a storefront or sidewalk.
Register an A-board or portable sidewalk sign for your business.
Permit for temporary banners, flags, and promotional signs.
Install a new on-site septic system on your property.
Repair or alter an existing on-site septic system.
Electrical work for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
HVAC, kitchen hoods, boilers, and refrigeration for commercial buildings.