Changing a commercial space > Apply > Respond to feedback
← Changing a commercial space > Apply
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Source: Changing a commercial space > Apply > Respond to feedback ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:06:38 GMT
Are you moving into a commercial space, making alterations, or just changing how you'll use it? You'll need a building permit. Depending on your project, you may also need trade permits. Use the navigation menu to find out more about each step.
Get your custom project guide ↗
Respond to feedback
We start reviewing applications in the order we get them. Our goal is to review applications as soon as we can. You’ll get an email when the status of your application changes, or if we need more info. This page includes details on finding average time frames for application approval.
To help you plan your project, we offer updated timelines for permit review and approval ↗. When searching the Permit Review Dashboard ↗, check Commercial Buildings and Alterations.
After you submit your materials, we take the following steps:
Intake
Check the request list ↗ to see your application’s place in the intake queue. This shows you how many projects are ahead of yours.
Review
We’ll review your materials and might need you to make some changes to your application. If that’s the case, we’ll send you a checksheet ↗ and an email with next steps.
Unlike a checksheet, a permit revision ↗ is for a permit we’ve already approved and issued. We cover these in the section on doing the work.
Pre-issuance
We do a final round of looking at your application, called pre-issuance. This is the last step before we approve your permit application, you pay remaining fees, and we issue your permit. After that, you can start your project.
See the pre-issuance list ↗ to find out where your application is in our queue.
How to check the status of your application
You can find information about your permit on DevHub ↗ underneath Upload Corrections. Search by your IVR number ↗.
As we complete reviews, you'll see an updated status.
You can also search your address on PortlandMaps.com ↗ to find the status of your permit.
If your application needs adjustments:
Sometimes an application doesn't meet all the requirements. Sometimes we need more information about your project. If either of these happen, we’ll send you an email with details on how you can change your application and get it approved.
We’ll include instructions on sending us any new plans.
Do you want to appeal frontage improvement requirements?
If your project triggers frontage improvements ↗, you file an appeal that asks the City to change that requirement. We call this appeal a Public Works Alternative Review.
Find out if your project is eligible for this review and how you can apply ↗.