Portland Permitting and Development

Portland is located in a seismically active region, and many older homes—built before the area’s earthquake risks were fully understood—may be especially vulnerable. Common issues include homes that are not bolted to their foundations and unbraced cripple walls, both of which can lead to significant damage during an earthquake.

As part of , the City of Portland is sharing simple, effective ways to improve home safety. Strengthening older homes can significantly reduce damage during a seismic event and help protect what matters most. Although Oregon’s residential building codes do not have minimum requirements for seismic strengthening of existing homes, there are proven steps homeowners can take right now to reduce risk.

Learn more about ways to strengthen old homes at Portland.gov/residential-seismic-strengthening.

Plan reviewers are essential to keeping buildings safe. When a home or business owner, or their builder or architect, seeks a permit, plan reviewers study the building plans carefully to ensure they meet requirements for safety. These include adequate exits in case of a fire; structural standards, including those for seismic resilience; and making sure the electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems work safely.

As part of , we recognize the essential service of these plan reviewers in keeping buildings safe for years to come. Thank you! Learn more at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.



Portland Permitting and Development

Building inspectors play a critical role in keeping buildings safe. As construction is underway, they check to see that the approved plans are being followed and that the work is safe.

City of Portland inspectors provide dozens of different types of inspections, from making sure erosion is well managed, to evaluating framing and roofing, to ensuring electrical and plumbing connections are safe, and so much more.

As part of , we want to acknowledge the essential service of these inspectors in keeping our homes and businesses safe for years to come. Thank you!

Learn more at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.

During , we’re highlighting a few of the home projects that require permits to ensure safety for you and your family. More information is available at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.

The City of Portland is celebrating Building Safety Month this May by featuring the professionals who work every day to ensure that Portland’s buildings are safe, and by sharing practical safety tips for your home, workplace, and surroundings.

You can find more information by visiting the City’s website.

Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month

Portland Permitting & Development is proposing changes to several of its fees for the coming fiscal year, starting in July. These fee changes are due to increased costs for labor, materials and other services.

Changes in these fees are subject to review and approval by the Portland City Council. Portland Permitting & Development also provides permitting and land use review services for properties located in some unincorporated areas of Multnomah County, and those fees are subject to review and approval by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.

These fees will be discussed in public meetings in May and June. The Portland City Council is scheduled to consider the proposed fee increases at a public hearing on Wednesday, June 3, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Public testimony on the proposed fee changes will be accepted at that hearing.

Learn more about the proposed fee changes and how you can share your views: Portland.gov/ppd/26-27-fees