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The Plans Examiner • News from Portland Permitting & Development
November 2025
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City building, fire officials establish guidelines for new single-stair apartment buildings
This allowance supports the development of new multifamily housing units on smaller lots while not compromising the safety of residents when evacuating a building during a fire.
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Portland City Council approves temporary code suspensions to improve permitting process
This first package of changes, which took effect Oct. 24, aligns City teams and breaks down siloes to support development alterations.
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Experienced with public art? Passionate about urban design and architecture? Join the Design Commission.
The City of Portland is seeking applications for two upcoming openings, starting as early as April 2026, for four-year terms on the Design Commission. Applications are accepted through Thursday, Nov. 20.
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Help Portland balance neighborhood livability with special events. Join the Noise Review Board.
The City of Portland seeks interested community members to serve a three-year term on the Noise Review Board. Applications are accepted through Sunday, Nov. 30.
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In-person services at Development Services Center affected by holidays; virtual appointments available daily
In-person services in the Development Services Center at 1900 SW 4th Ave. will be limited due to some closures during the holidays. Pre-scheduled appointments are needed for most in-person services. Many building permit services are available online 24 hours a day.
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Learn more about Commercial Deconstruction Pilot Grants
The City of Portland is offering funding to support commercial building deconstruction in Portland. Property owners and contractors can earn incentives for salvaging materials instead of demolishing.
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Public comment period open for Commercial Building Energy Performance administrative rules
The public comment period on proposed administrative rules for the updated Commercial Building Energy Reporting is open through Sunday, Dec. 14.
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Give testimony on proposed amendments to reduce fuel storage capacity at bulk fuel facilities in Northwest Portland
The proposed amendments will further limit capacity expansion at the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub. You are invited to submit testimony for a Planning Commission hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
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Learn more about Transportation System Development Charge 2027 Program Update
Every ten years, Portland Bureau of Transportation updates the Transportation System Development Charge methodology, rates, and project list to reflect Portland’s current needs and future growth patterns. Sign up for the mailing list to stay informed.
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Learn more about the Water Leak Repair Program
Home water leaks can be plenty scary. The Portland Water Bureau’s Home Water Leak Repair Program can help Portland homeowners fix leaks for free.
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No administrative appeals to be considered during weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s
This affects building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing code appeals.
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Extra erosion control measures are now required
From Oct. 1 through April 30, greater care must be taken to ensure dirt and sediments don’t leave construction sites that involve ground-disturbing activity.
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New 2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code and Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code editions took effect Oct. 1
Please take note that previous codes from 2022 will be phased out as of April 1, 2026.
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Upcoming public meetings and hearings
- Noise Review Board: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
- Development Review Advisory Committee: Thursday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m.
- Design Commission: Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m.
- Planning Commission: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m.
- River Community Advisory Committee: Thursday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.
- Design Commission: Thursday, Dec. 4, 1:30 p.m.
- Historic Landmarks Commission (with speaker series): Monday, Dec. 8, 1:30 p.m.
- Historic Landmarks Commission: Monday, Dec. 15, 1:30 p.m.
- Planning Commission: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m.
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Permitting & Development quick links
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