The Plans Examiner • News from Portland Permitting & Development
May 2026

Portland celebrates Building Safety Month

Each May, building code professionals around the world promote Building Safety Month. Organized by the International Code Council, Building Safety Month seeks to raise awareness about the importance of building safety and of modern and updated building codes.

Permitting & Development proposes fee changes, starting in July

Permitting & Development is proposing changes to several of its fees for the coming fiscal year due to increased costs for labor, materials and other services. Learn more about the proposed fee changes and how you can share your views.

Related: Follow these requirements to submit a permit application under fees in effect before July 10, 2026

Permitting & Development joins Prosper Portland’s Office of Small Business Community Office Hour events

Permitting & Development’s Land Use Services division is pleased to partner with Prosper Portland’s Office of Small Business at its monthly community office hours to offer helpful information about how the City’s zoning rules affect small businesses.

Have a passion for enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage? Consider joining the Historic Landmarks Commission.

The City of Portland is seeking applications for an architect to serve a four-year term on the Historic Landmarks Commission. Applications are due by Wednesday, June 24.

Have a passion for promoting safety in floating buildings? Consider joining the River Community Advisory Committee.

The City of Portland is seeking interested persons who wish to apply to serve a three-year term on the River Community Advisory Committee. Applications are accepted through Sunday, June 21.

Portland Building Official addresses seismic upgrades for commercial buildings

Three Building Official Determinations (BODs) were issued to provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternatives.

Design Review Reform Report outlines options to improve urban design regulations to help spur development

The report responds to a City Council resolution that directed the City Administrator to develop temporary and longer-term recommendations to reform design review processes.

City releases a proposal to update Central City regulations to encourage housing production and economic recovery

The project team released a Proposed Draft for the Central City Code Amendments Project, which will be considered by the Planning Commission during a hearing on Tuesday, May 26. You are invited to submit testimony.

Updates to streamline the zoning code head to City Council

Community members are invited to testify on the technical fixes and minor policy changes included in the RICAP 11 Recommended Draft at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Interim noise control rule on construction activities due to heat now in effect

Effective May 15, construction activities may begin at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday without a noise variance when the temperature predicted by the National Weather Service is expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit by 3 p.m.

Upcoming public meetings and hearings

• Noise Review Board: Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m.
• Development Review Advisory Committee: Thursday, May 21, 8 a.m.
• River Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, May 21, 11:30 a.m.
• Design Commission: Thursday, May 21, 1:30 p.m.
• Planning Commission: Tuesday, May 26, 5 p.m.
• Historic Landmarks Commission: Monday, June 1, 1:30 p.m.
• Design Commission: Thursday, June 4, 1:30 p.m.
• Planning Commission: Tuesday, June 9, 12:30 p.m.
• Historic Landmarks Commission: Monday, June 15, 1:30 p.m.

Permitting & Development quick links

• Development Services Center
• 15-Minute Appointments: Free Building Permit and Zoning Help
• Request an Inspection (Online or by Phone)
• Search for Land Use Review Cases
• Search for Development Projects in Your Area
• Find Public Records
• Check Permit Timelines
• Check the Status of a Building Permit
• Apply or Pay for a Permit Online