Commercial New Construction and Addition Permits & Inspections
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Source: Commercial New Construction and Addition Permits & Inspections ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:00:06 GMT
Step 1: Research the property and what you need for your project
You need a building permit to build a new commercial structure with three or more units.
You also need a permit to add, repair, alter, or change of occupancy of existing structures.
Before you apply for a permit, research the following items:
- the public records available on the property ↗
- the zoning of the property ↗
- the applicable codes ↗
- existing permits on site
- occupancy of the existing building
- the permit cost ↗
- feasibility of the project
- energy code requirements ↗
- time a permit remains active
- system development charges for your project ↗
Codes in effect in Portland include City Codes, such as Titles 24 and 33, as well as State building codes. Please visit Codes and Rules Guides for more information ↗.
Step 2: Get Early Assistance
For projects with complicated building or fire code issues, you may request a preliminary Life Safety meeting ↗.
Land use Early Assistance requests ↗ will help you prepare a complete project proposal, usually a land use review application.
A Land Use Pre-Application Conference ↗ is required for all Type III and IV land use reviews before submitting your application. They are also available but optional for lower-tiered Land use reviews.
Step 3: Gather application requirements
Find application requirements and plan design criteria on the Commercial Permit Application Requirements ↗ page specific to your project.
Step 4: Submit your building permit application
Submit your permit application request online using Development Hub PDX ↗.
Read step-by-step instructions ↗ for submitting a permit application request online or in person.
For most projects, electronic plans are submitted through the Single PDF process ↗. Large projects such as commercial new construction are submitted though PDX E-plans and ProjectDox ↗.
If you need to submit paper plans, you can set up an appointment ↗ to pick up plans or drop off plans in person. Or, please call us and we will work with you.