TL;DR (generated, confidence: high)

Portland's pre-permit zoning plan check is an optional service where land use planners review proposed projects for Zoning Code compliance before applicants submit building permits, typically within three weeks.

Key points:

Pre-permit zoning plan check is optional but recommended for large and/or complex projects to ensure development standards are met and identify required land use reviews (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)
Required submittal documents: Early Assistance Application, written project description, fee, site plans (1 set to scale; 1 copy 8.5x11"), building elevations if appropriate (1 copy), and finished floor elevation (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)
Applications can be emailed to LandUseIntake@portlandoregon.gov; Land Use Services technician contacts applicant within 3-4 business days with payment instructions for emailed submissions (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)
Land use planner completes review within three weeks and mails summary outlining development standards and any required land use reviews; review limited to Zoning Code compliance only, does not include other bureaus or agencies (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)
For Design 'd' overlay zone sites, review determines whether Community Design Standards can be met (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)
Applicant then applies for pre-application conference (required for Type III or Type IV land use review), land use review, or building permit based on review results (Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗)

Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check

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Source: Pre-Permit Zoning Plan Check ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:02:47 GMT

Review proposed projects or sites for compliance with the Zoning Code before you apply for a building permit. An applicant may have a proposed project and submit a site plan with elevations. Alternatively, an applicant may receive a summary of applicable development standards for a site without a specific development proposal or proposed site plans. For questions about a prep-permit zoning check, please contact Planning and Zoning.

Applications and important forms

- Complete this form to apply for a Design Advice Request.

Is the pre-permit zoning plan check required?

The pre-permit zoning plan check is optional. It's recommended for large and/or complex projects to:

Ensure development standards are met
Identify any possible land use reviews
Determine whether the Community Design Standards can be met for sites in the Design 'd' overlay zone

Pre-permit zoning plan check submittal requirements

Early Assistance Application
Written project description
Fee
Site Plans (1 set to scale; 1 copy 8.5x11")
Building Elevations (if appropriate) (1 copy)
Finished floor elevation

Early assistance applications can be emailed to LandUseIntake@portlandoregon.gov. A Land Use Services technician will contact you within 3-4 business days with instructions for providing payment for emailed applications.

Pre-permit zoning plan check review process

A land use planner reviews plans for Zoning Code compliance. Review does not include any other bureaus or agencies.

Within three weeks of request, a Land Use planner mails a summary outlining development standards. This also identifies any required land use reviews. The applicant then applies for pre-application conference (required for a Type III or Type IV land use review), land use review or building permit (if a land use review is not required).

More ways to get early assistance with your project

Learn more about other early assistance options and set up an early assistance ↗ meeting for a deeper discussion about your project.