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BlogPortland, OR Building and Trade Permit Guide
Portland, OR Building and Trade Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Jul 25, 2025
Published:
October 10, 2024
If you're building in Portland, Oregon, you’ll quickly find that permits aren’t just paperwork — they’re the gatekeepers to your project timeline. From high-rise mixed-use buildings to new HVAC installs, almost every construction or trade job requires navigating the city’s permitting maze.
This guide breaks down what permits you need, how much they’ll cost, and the steps to get approved without wasting time or risking delays. Whether you’re a commercial GC, a residential builder, or a home services contractor, we’ve gathered the key information you need to pull Portland permits.
Simplify permitting in Portland with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Portland, OR?
Not every construction job needs a permit, but many do.
Here are some projects you need a Portland OR building permit for:
- New homes, ADUs, garages, sheds, accessory structures
- Demo/build/move any structure > 200 sq ft or > 15 ft tall
- Additions or expansions (rooms, porches, carports, enclosed or open)
- Alterations (e.g., converting spaces, adding bathrooms, moving walls, changing openings)
- Decks or stairs > 30″ above grade
- Retaining walls > 4′ or supporting slopes/drives
- Fences > 7′ tall
- Earth-moving > 10 cubic yards
- Sidewalks, slabs, driveways > 30″ above grade
- Solar panel or solar roof installation
Projects that don’t require a permit in Portland
- Painting, storm windows, insulation
- Window awnings (< 54″ projection)
- Gutters/downspouts (unless connected to storm drains)
- Reroofing with similar materials (no structural change)
- Replacing siding (if not fire-resistive)
- Doors/windows—if no change to openings
- Swings/play equipment
- Fences < 7′ (Zoning-compliant)
- Paving walkways or driveways (without widening)
- Small accessory structures (< 200 sq ft; < 400 sq ft on large lots)
- Small patio/porch covers (< 200 sq ft)
- Temporary fabric structures (< 500 sq ft, one story, setback compliant)
Learn more on the city’s Do you need a permit for your home project? page.
Portland building permit costs
Portland permit fees depend on what type of work you're doing and the value of your project.
Building permit fees:
| Project valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1–$500 |
$153 |
| $501–$2,000 |
$153 for the first $100; $3.29 for each additional $100 up to $2,000 |
| $2,001–$25,000 |
$202.35 for the first $2,000; $12.76 for each additional $1,000 up to $25,000 |
| $25,001–$50,000 |
$495.83 for the first $25,000; $9.41 for each additional $1,000 up to $50,000 |
| $50,001–$100,000 |
$731.08 for the first $50,000; $6.24 for each $1,000 over $50,000 |
| $100,001+ |
$1,043.08 for the first $100,000; $5.16 for each $1,000 |
Miscellaneous fees:
| Type |
Fee |
| Additional plan review fee |
$109 when plan review time is ½ hour or less; $217 per hour when plan review time is greater than ½ hour |
| Address assignment fee |
$140 |
| Appeal fee (per appeal) |
1- and 2-family dwellings: $329
All other occupancies: $686 |
| Approved testing agency certification fee (initial certification) |
$1,775 |
| Emergency Quick Inspection Program (EQUIP) fee |
$210 |
For more information, check out the Portland building permit fee schedule.
Portland trade permits
For most contractors, trade permits are where the rubber meets the road. Whether you're handling plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, these permits are essential for staying compliant and keeping inspections on track. Below, we break down the key requirements and costs for each type of trade permit in Portland.
Plumbing permits
Required for any installation or alteration of potable water, waste, or vent systems. This includes gas piping and water heater installations.
Plumbing permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| In-building water supply lines (first 100 ft) |
$132 |
| Drainage piping (first 100 ft) |
$154 |
| Ejector / sump |
$60 |
| Expansion tank |
$60 |
| Fixture / sewer cap |
$60 |
| Floor drains / sinks / hubs |
$60 |
| Single-family residence (1 bath) |
$308 |
| 2-bath residence |
$109 |
| 3-bath residence |
$217 |
| Each additional bath/kitchen |
$329 each |
Learn more on the Portland plumbing permit fee schedule page.
Electrical permits
Whether you’re adding outlets or upgrading to a 400-amp panel, Portland electrical permits are required. Licensed electricians must submit the application.
Electrical permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| 200A service or less |
$165 |
| 201–400A |
$153 |
| 401–600A |
$153 |
| 601–1,000A or voltage >600A |
$294 or see schedule |
| Residential wiring package (<1,000 sq ft) |
$109 |
| Each additional 500 sq ft |
$217 |
| Manufactured/modular home service/feeder |
$329 |
| Limited energy installation (multi-family) |
$686 |
| Reconnect only |
$167 |
| Additional inspections |
$153 each |
Check more about electricity fees on the electrical permit fee schedule page.
HVAC permits
Mechanical permits are required for installing or replacing any heating, ventilation, or air conditioning units. Ducting, gas piping, and vent systems are included.
HVAC permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| Heat pump (site plan required) |
$217 |
| Air conditioning (site plan required) |
$686 |
| Air-handling unit |
$167 |
| Other vents or equipment (oil tanks, generators) |
$217 |
| Up to 4 outlets (vent/drain) |
$153 |
| Each additional outlet over 4 |
$231 |
| Inspections outside normal hours/administration |
$305/hour |
| Investigation fee (for work without permit) |
$305 |
Learn more about HVAC permit fees on the mechanical permit fee schedule page.
Skip the permit hassle.
Let PermitFlow handle your Portland trade permits so you can stay compliant and keep your project moving. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Portland, OR
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Research using PortlandMaps: verify site address, utilities, flood zone, slope, zoning, and past permits. After that, collect required plans and documents:
- Filled out the Portland building permit application form
- Site, floor, and elevation plans (plus structural, trade, and civil as needed)
- Supporting info: geotech reports, product specs, structural calculations
Step 2: Apply online
Use Development Hub PDX (DevHub) to submit:
- Completed application form
- Digital plan set (via Single PDF) or upload large/complex plans via ProjectDox
For applicants without online access: drop off paper plans by appointment at the Development Services Center (1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201).
Step 3: Plan review
At this stage, intake teams review for completeness; incomplete submissions are returned. Technical reviewers (e.g. zoning, site, structural) issue checksheets if corrections are needed.
Step 4: Pay remaining fees
After final approval, your permit enters the pre-issuance phase. Here you'll receive notification of final permit fees owed, and once payment is made (online, phone, or in person), you are emailed your permit, inspection card, and approved plan set, ready to print.
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
Post the printed permit and inspection card on-site, then begin work. Don't forget to schedule inspections (e.g. footing, framing, final) via DevHub or phone using your IVR number from the inspection card.
City contacts and useful information
When dealing with building permits in Portland, here are the primary contacts and departments you may need to engage with:
Planning department
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-4000
- Website: portland.gov
Portland permitting & development
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-7300
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Residential inspections
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-7388
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am – 3:45 pm
Useful information
Key contacts
- David Tarries, Structural Engineering Plan Reviewer, Portland Permitting & Development
- Email: David.Tarries@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6508
- Gina Messi, Planning Technician
- Email: Gina.Messi@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6425
- Kevin Wells, Geotechnical Engineer, Portland Permitting & Development
- Email: kevin.wells@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-5618
- Suzan Poisner, City Planner
- Email: Suzan.Poisner@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-4000
Tips for a successful submission
- Complete documentation
- Incomplete applications are one of the most common causes of delays. Ensure you’ve filled out all required forms, including project descriptions, detailed plans, and other required documents.
- Visual consistency
- Submitting plans in the wrong format can cause rejections. Ensure all files meet Portland’s requirements, including using only black and white drawings.
- Timely communication
- Maintain consistent communication with city officials, especially if resubmitting documents or addressing feedback.
Simplify permitting in Portland, OR with PermitFlow
Whether your business is new to the area or you’re just tired of the back-and-forth, PermitFlow takes the guesswork out of getting a Portland building permit. From paperwork to approvals, we handle the entire process — so you can stay focused on the work that matters.
PermitFlow is permit software that handles preparing, submitting, and tracking permits in all the cities where you work.
Builders and contractors pick PermitFlow because we offer:
- Local expertise: We know Portland’s permitting rules inside and out
- Easy permit tracking: Manage every permit in one easy-to-use dashboard
- Faster approvals: We submit clean applications from the start to avoid delays
Don’t let permitting bottlenecks derail your schedule. Talk to our team and see how we can support your projects in Portland and beyond.
If you're building in Portland, Oregon, you’ll quickly find that permits aren’t just paperwork — they’re the gatekeepers to your project timeline. From high-rise mixed-use buildings to new HVAC installs, almost every construction or trade job requires navigating the city’s permitting maze.
This guide breaks down what permits you need, how much they’ll cost, and the steps to get approved without wasting time or risking delays. Whether you’re a commercial GC, a residential builder, or a home services contractor, we’ve gathered the key information you need to pull Portland permits.
Simplify permitting in Portland with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Portland, OR?
Not every construction job needs a permit, but many do.
Here are some projects you need a Portland OR building permit for:
- New homes, ADUs, garages, sheds, accessory structures
- Demo/build/move any structure > 200 sq ft or > 15 ft tall
- Additions or expansions (rooms, porches, carports, enclosed or open)
- Alterations (e.g., converting spaces, adding bathrooms, moving walls, changing openings)
- Decks or stairs > 30″ above grade
- Retaining walls > 4′ or supporting slopes/drives
- Fences > 7′ tall
- Earth-moving > 10 cubic yards
- Sidewalks, slabs, driveways > 30″ above grade
- Solar panel or solar roof installation
Projects that don’t require a permit in Portland
- Painting, storm windows, insulation
- Window awnings (< 54″ projection)
- Gutters/downspouts (unless connected to storm drains)
- Reroofing with similar materials (no structural change)
- Replacing siding (if not fire-resistive)
- Doors/windows—if no change to openings
- Swings/play equipment
- Fences < 7′ (Zoning-compliant)
- Paving walkways or driveways (without widening)
- Small accessory structures (< 200 sq ft; < 400 sq ft on large lots)
- Small patio/porch covers (< 200 sq ft)
- Temporary fabric structures (< 500 sq ft, one story, setback compliant)
Learn more on the city’s Do you need a permit for your home project? page.
Portland building permit costs
Portland permit fees depend on what type of work you're doing and the value of your project.
Building permit fees:
| Project valuation |
Permit fee |
| $1–$500 |
$153 |
| $501–$2,000 |
$153 for the first $100; $3.29 for each additional $100 up to $2,000 |
| $2,001–$25,000 |
$202.35 for the first $2,000; $12.76 for each additional $1,000 up to $25,000 |
| $25,001–$50,000 |
$495.83 for the first $25,000; $9.41 for each additional $1,000 up to $50,000 |
| $50,001–$100,000 |
$731.08 for the first $50,000; $6.24 for each $1,000 over $50,000 |
| $100,001+ |
$1,043.08 for the first $100,000; $5.16 for each $1,000 |
Miscellaneous fees:
| Type |
Fee |
| Additional plan review fee |
$109 when plan review time is ½ hour or less; $217 per hour when plan review time is greater than ½ hour |
| Address assignment fee |
$140 |
| Appeal fee (per appeal) |
1- and 2-family dwellings: $329
All other occupancies: $686 |
| Approved testing agency certification fee (initial certification) |
$1,775 |
| Emergency Quick Inspection Program (EQUIP) fee |
$210 |
For more information, check out the Portland building permit fee schedule.
Portland trade permits
For most contractors, trade permits are where the rubber meets the road. Whether you're handling plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, these permits are essential for staying compliant and keeping inspections on track. Below, we break down the key requirements and costs for each type of trade permit in Portland.
Plumbing permits
Required for any installation or alteration of potable water, waste, or vent systems. This includes gas piping and water heater installations.
Plumbing permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| In-building water supply lines (first 100 ft) |
$132 |
| Drainage piping (first 100 ft) |
$154 |
| Ejector / sump |
$60 |
| Expansion tank |
$60 |
| Fixture / sewer cap |
$60 |
| Floor drains / sinks / hubs |
$60 |
| Single-family residence (1 bath) |
$308 |
| 2-bath residence |
$109 |
| 3-bath residence |
$217 |
| Each additional bath/kitchen |
$329 each |
Learn more on the Portland plumbing permit fee schedule page.
Electrical permits
Whether you’re adding outlets or upgrading to a 400-amp panel, Portland electrical permits are required. Licensed electricians must submit the application.
Electrical permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| 200A service or less |
$165 |
| 201–400A |
$153 |
| 401–600A |
$153 |
| 601–1,000A or voltage >600A |
$294 or see schedule |
| Residential wiring package (<1,000 sq ft) |
$109 |
| Each additional 500 sq ft |
$217 |
| Manufactured/modular home service/feeder |
$329 |
| Limited energy installation (multi-family) |
$686 |
| Reconnect only |
$167 |
| Additional inspections |
$153 each |
Check more about electricity fees on the electrical permit fee schedule page.
HVAC permits
Mechanical permits are required for installing or replacing any heating, ventilation, or air conditioning units. Ducting, gas piping, and vent systems are included.
HVAC permit costs
| Work type |
Fee |
| Heat pump (site plan required) |
$217 |
| Air conditioning (site plan required) |
$686 |
| Air-handling unit |
$167 |
| Other vents or equipment (oil tanks, generators) |
$217 |
| Up to 4 outlets (vent/drain) |
$153 |
| Each additional outlet over 4 |
$231 |
| Inspections outside normal hours/administration |
$305/hour |
| Investigation fee (for work without permit) |
$305 |
Learn more about HVAC permit fees on the mechanical permit fee schedule page.
Skip the permit hassle.
Let PermitFlow handle your Portland trade permits so you can stay compliant and keep your project moving. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Portland, OR
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Research using PortlandMaps: verify site address, utilities, flood zone, slope, zoning, and past permits. After that, collect required plans and documents:
- Filled out the Portland building permit application form
- Site, floor, and elevation plans (plus structural, trade, and civil as needed)
- Supporting info: geotech reports, product specs, structural calculations
Step 2: Apply online
Use Development Hub PDX (DevHub) to submit:
- Completed application form
- Digital plan set (via Single PDF) or upload large/complex plans via ProjectDox
For applicants without online access: drop off paper plans by appointment at the Development Services Center (1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201).
Step 3: Plan review
At this stage, intake teams review for completeness; incomplete submissions are returned. Technical reviewers (e.g. zoning, site, structural) issue checksheets if corrections are needed.
Step 4: Pay remaining fees
After final approval, your permit enters the pre-issuance phase. Here you'll receive notification of final permit fees owed, and once payment is made (online, phone, or in person), you are emailed your permit, inspection card, and approved plan set, ready to print.
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
Post the printed permit and inspection card on-site, then begin work. Don't forget to schedule inspections (e.g. footing, framing, final) via DevHub or phone using your IVR number from the inspection card.
City contacts and useful information
When dealing with building permits in Portland, here are the primary contacts and departments you may need to engage with:
Planning department
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-4000
- Website: portland.gov
Portland permitting & development
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-7300
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Residential inspections
- Address: 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, First floor lobby, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (503) 823-7388
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am – 3:45 pm
Useful information
Key contacts
- David Tarries, Structural Engineering Plan Reviewer, Portland Permitting & Development
- Email: David.Tarries@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6508
- Gina Messi, Planning Technician
- Email: Gina.Messi@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6425
- Kevin Wells, Geotechnical Engineer, Portland Permitting & Development
- Email: kevin.wells@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-5618
- Suzan Poisner, City Planner
- Email: Suzan.Poisner@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-4000
Tips for a successful submission
- Complete documentation
- Incomplete applications are one of the most common causes of delays. Ensure you’ve filled out all required forms, including project descriptions, detailed plans, and other required documents.
- Visual consistency
- Submitting plans in the wrong format can cause rejections. Ensure all files meet Portland’s requirements, including using only black and white drawings.
- Timely communication
- Maintain consistent communication with city officials, especially if resubmitting documents or addressing feedback.
Simplify permitting in Portland, OR with PermitFlow
Whether your business is new to the area or you’re just tired of the back-and-forth, PermitFlow takes the guesswork out of getting a Portland building permit. From paperwork to approvals, we handle the entire process — so you can stay focused on the work that matters.
PermitFlow is permit software that handles preparing, submitting, and tracking permits in all the cities where you work.
Builders and contractors pick PermitFlow because we offer:
- Local expertise: We know Portland’s permitting rules inside and out
- Easy permit tracking: Manage every permit in one easy-to-use dashboard
- Faster approvals: We submit clean applications from the start to avoid delays
Don’t let permitting bottlenecks derail your schedule. Talk to our team and see how we can support your projects in Portland and beyond.
