What to expect in your new Development Services Center

For more than 20 years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Development Services Center was the central location for purchasing construction permits in the City of Portland. In the past two years, the City's online permitting systems expanded to allow for the purchase and review of most construction permits.

Limited in-person services return to the Development Services Center the week of July 18. These services are offered to help save time in the permitting process. Here is helpful information about what to expect at the Development Services Center and how to plan ahead.

Services available online:

Free in-person 15-minute appointments for asking general questions

Staff will be available, by appointment only, to answer general permitting and zoning questions in 15-minute sessions on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. These appointments will provide opportunities to ask experts about requirements for permit applications, zoning allowances and building code requirements before applying for a building permit. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time will reduce your wait and make the best use of your time. As of July 5, you may reserve a time for a 15-minute in-person appointment on or after Tuesday, July 19.

Limited 30-minute appointments for basic paper permit application submissions

Customers who have limited access to the internet or need additional help may be offered 30-minute appointments to submit permit application materials and meet with each required review group. These appointments will be offered at the discretion of Permitting Services staff based on a customer's needs. Only permit applications for projects of limited scope and complexity will be accepted in person at the Development Services Center. All other permit applications will need to be submitted online.

Basic assistance for answering questions, uploading documents and scheduling appointments

Staff will be available in the Development Services Center five days a week, without an appointment, to answer basic questions about services, help upload documents into the City's online permitting systems, and schedule in-person appointments if needed. A cashier will be available to accept payments. Self-service kiosks will be available to research permit information, file records requests, enter permit information and drawings into our online systems, schedule appointments with City development review staff, and receive more information about requirements for different types of building permits.

Building permit services available online, 24 hours a day

Customers who have regular access to the internet will be directed to use the City's online permitting system, Development Hub PDX, primarily to apply and pay for permits. Development Hub PDX is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to submit most building permit applications. The City's electronic plan review program, Project Dox, is also available anytime.

Free consultations with experts available by phone or video, five days a week

You may also schedule free 15-minute appointments over phone or video, Monday through Friday, with City building permit experts and land use planners. These virtual appointments provide opportunities to ask questions before applying for a permit.

We appreciate your business and patience as we provide our new services in the Development Services Center.