New Single Family Residence (NSFR) and New Detached ADUs
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Source: New Single Family Residence (NSFR) and New Detached ADUs ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:05:43 GMT
The City of Portland welcomes the opportunity to work with you on your new single-family residence project. Learn more about what's required when building a new home. You can also schedule an appointment to discuss your project.
Who can do the work
Contractors must have a license to work in Oregon. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board ↗ (CCB) issues licenses to contractors. The permit application and their company materials must list the license number. Need help finding a contractor? The CCB website has good tips on how to search for one. Plumbing and electrical contractors have additional license requirements.
If you are a homeowner doing the work yourself, then you can sign the trade permit applications ↗. You can only do the electrical work if you own and occupy the home and are not planning on selling or renting within six months. The State of Oregon has some helpful information for homeowners:
NSFR and New Detached ADU Application Form Library
The following forms may be needed for your application. Because every project is unique, there may be some situations where you will be asked to provide additional information. Read more about what to include in your application and how to apply for permit ↗.
Things you need to apply for this permit may include some or all of the following:
Additional trade permit applications for combination permits (if applicable)
Step 1: Research your property and what you need for new home construction
Code and rules
Permits are reviewed under multiple city and state codes including:
Other codes may apply based on the scope of work. The City and State Codes, Administrative Rules, Code Guides and Program Guides ↗ webpage has the codes, administrative rules, code guides and program guides.
When you need a building permit and trade permits (combination permits)
You can purchase a "Residential Combination" permit package. This allows you to call for all inspections using one Building Permit (RS) IVR number. You can also pay for all the permits at one time. If you choose a combination permit, you will need to submit the trade (mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing ↗) applications with your plans. If you are hiring subcontractors to do the trade work, they must sign their trade permit application ↗.
Excavation guidelines for a new home build
Be careful when digging near the property line for construction. The work should not cause damage to the next door property and buildings. The Temporary Excavation Guidelines has information on requirements.
Planning and Zoning
Before getting started, contact the General Inquiries phone number to find out what is allowed on your property. There are rules about maximum building coverage and required setbacks that could impact your project.