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Building permit plans for residential projects

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Source: Building permit plans for residential projects ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:02:31 GMT

This webpage is about plans you need to accompany a building permit application ↗.

Please talk with one of our plans examiners for help with building plans. You can book a free 15-minute appointment ↗.

For multi-family (3+ units) or commercial projects, please visit the commercial plan requirements ↗.

Preparing your plans and minimum submittal requirements

Apply online: One set of plans is required when you apply for a building permit online.

Apply in person: Four sets are required when dropping off plans in person. One set will be stamped approved and returned to you to keep at the job site. 

A copy of your approved plans will become a permanent record with the City of Portland.

  • Check records for work permitted in the past. You may be able to find drawings on file for work done after 1976.
  • Anyone can draw residential plans. The plans must include straight lines and precise measurements. Plans must be drawn to scale.
  • Get the complete list of minimum submittal requirements ↗ for residential projects (what you must include for a complete application)

Items usually required for a complete building permit application

Typical plans include:

  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • Elevation views
  • Cross sections and detail drawings
  • Your plans must clearly show all the work you intend to do on the building.
  • Clearly defined existing conditions and new construction
  • Information about where the building sits on your property. The plans need to show the building in relation to property lines and other buildings on the site.

Also:

  • The plans must be on substantial paper. Scanned plans must be high-resolution.
  • Drawings may not contain color.
  • Permanent black ink must be used.
  • Clear black and white photocopies are best.
  • Please do not turn in a tracing paper original.
  • Line quality and contrast must be easy to read and strong enough to scan.
  • Photographs cannot be part of the plan.
  • Use a 12-point font for all dimensions and notes.

All plans must be drawn to scale.

  • 1/4 inch = 1 foot is the most common scale used for residential floor plans and section views.
  • 1 inch = 10 feet is the minimum scale accepted for site plans.
  • The scale used must be clearly shown, and the site plan must show the entire lot.
  • Building elevations must be to scale and show the slope of the ground adjacent to the building.

Site plan

A well-prepared site plan is the most important document to include with your application. All major review groups need to approve your site plan. Site plans must be easy to read and copy. A complete and accurate site plan will speed up your permit application reviews. It also means fewer requests for missing information, which can delay an application.

Use the Sample Site Plan to help you prepare complete site plans for your project. Check out the sample site plan here:

Visit the guide to the Sample Site Plan: Drawing a site plan. ↗