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Commercial Permit Application Requirements

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Source: Commercial Permit Application Requirements ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:00:39 GMT

Depending on your project we may need more information or your project may not need all the items on this list.

Please schedule a free 15-minute virtual meeting ↗ to discuss what you'll need for your project.

For an overview of the commercial permit application process, visit Commercial New Construction and Addition Permits & Inspections ↗.

Find requirements by project type

Project types definitions:

  • Alterations that have little* or no exterior changes to the building and no structural work.
  • Alterations with a change of use or occupancy that have little* or no exterior changes to the building and no structural work.
  • New construction, additions, and major exterior changes to the building.

*Little or no exterior changes might include:

  • Alterations that do not add floor area or increase building height.
  • Alterations (other than repair and maintenance) that affect the facade area by less than 1,500 square feet or 50% of the total.
  • Alterations with less than 100 square feet of ground disturbance.

*Separate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits are required.

Additional forms and documents - required for some projects

Depending on the scope of your project, the following forms and documents must be completed and submitted. 

Changing how a space is used

Commercial food establishments

Find requirements for commercial food establishments.

Commissioning compliance checklist

Energy-efficient design forms

Flood hazard area requirements

Rack storage system permits requirements

Seismic strengthening requirements

Portland City Code, Title 24.85 ↗ contains criteria that may trigger requirements for additional seismic strengthening when the work involves an existing building.

Shell Permit Acknowledgement Statement

Required for projects that have indicated “No Occupancy This Permit” for spaces within the building. 

If your project contains space that will not be built out and ready for occupancy when the permit is finalized, a separate Tenant Improvement (TI) permit will be needed to establish first occupancy of the space. Since changes between the first Shell permit and the subsequent TI permit are common, a signed Shell Permit Acknowledgement Statement is required.

Structural calculations

A structural calculation package is required for all New Commercial Projects, Additions to Commercial Projects, and Commercial Projects that propose structural alterations. 

The structural calculation package must be prepared and stamped by the architect or engineer of record for the work proposed.

Calculations must include the following:

  • A design summary
  • Demonstrate that the structural system is capable of supporting all imposed vertical and lateral loads
  • Demonstrate how loads are carried to the foundation

For more information visit Structural Engineering ↗.