Navigating the Permitting Process in Portland, OR

Whether you’re involved in a residential or commercial construction project, understanding the permitting process in Portland, OR, is critical to keeping your projects on schedule and avoiding costly delays. Like many cities, Portland has specific requirements, procedures, and contacts for obtaining building permits. The more prepared you are, the easier the process will be.

In this post, we’ll guide you through essential permitting details in Portland and provide key information to streamline your submission process.‍

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City Contacts and Department 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

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Key Contacts

• David Tarries, Structural Engineering Plan Reviewer, Portland Permitting & Developmentsome text
  • Email: David.Tarries@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6508
• Gina Messi, Planning Techniciansome text
  • Email: Gina.Messi@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 865-6425
• Kevin Wells, Geotechnical Engineer, Portland Permitting & Developmentsome text
  • Email: kevin.wells@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-5618
• Suzan Poisner, City Plannersome text
  • Email: Suzan.Poisner@portlandoregon.gov | Phone: (503) 823-4000

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Submission Instructions for Portland Permits

To ensure your permit application is approved without delays, follow these specific submission guidelines and requirements.

For Residential Building Permits (e.g., foundation repair), applicants should use the electronic portal available at the DevHub portal. The following guidelines apply:

• All plans must be submitted in black and white (no color).
• Ensure all files are flattened before uploading them.
• Calculations pages and engineer letters should be uploaded separately from drawings.
• Resubmissions must include a red cloud marking changes, and the submittal date should be highlighted in red.

For Single Trade - Mechanical Permits, applicants can use the same DevHub portal, logging in with your credentials. Ensure you check for compliance with Portland’s submission policies to avoid any rejections.

Commercial applications, such as the Comcheck Requirement, can be accessed via this portal.

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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.

Contact Us for Help

Navigating Portland’s complex permitting process can be challenging. If you’re looking for ways to streamline your permit applications and ensure compliance with Portland’s specific regulations, our team at PermitFlow is here to help. With expertise in cities like Portland, we can provide the tools and support to keep your project on track.

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