Environmental Review
Breadcrumb: Home > Permitting & Development > Environmental Review
Source: Environmental Review ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:06:58 GMT
Environmental Review is required if your project cannot meet the environmental development standards found in Sections 33.430.140 through 33.430.190 of the Zoning Code. Most properties with environmental zoning are subject to the regulations of Chapter 33.430 ↗.
Find out if a review or plan check will be required:
Submittal requirements for environmental plan check:
Projects in environmental zones in the Columbia South Shore Plan District are subject to the environmental regulations in Chapter 33.515 ↗ (Sections 33.515.265 through 33.515.280).
Projects in environmental zones in the Cascade Station/Portland International Center Plan District are subject to the environmental regulations in Chapter 33.508 ↗ (Sections 33.508.300 through 33.508.500).
Process for an Environmental Review
Most environmental reviews, including most environmental violation reviews, are processed through the Type II Procedure. Property Line Adjustments and resource enhancement activities in environmental zones are processed through the Type Ix procedure. Some uses and development in resource areas of the Environmental Protection zones and corrections to some violations are processed through the Type III Procedure.
Outline of timeline for Type Ix Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type II Procedures:
Outline of timeline for Type III Procedures:
Type III Environmental Reviews will always require a Pre-Application Conference ↗. Optional Early Assistance Appointments ↗ are available to discuss your development plans with an environmental planner before submitting a proposal for review.
Approval Criteria for Environmental Reviews
Information found in Portland Zoning Code Chapter 33.430 ↗ will identify the specific environmental regulations that may apply to your proposal.
How to apply
Submit a land use review application form, fee, narrative addressing the approval criteria, and other materials listed in the land use review application checklist.
Complete this application form to apply:
A pre-application conference is required for all Type III Land Use Reviews. An optional Early Assistance appointment may be requested to identify and discuss any major issues that may impact the Environmental Review or Environmental Plancheck process:
If a Type III decision is appealed, sign this form within 21 days of the application date to allow the submittal of new information:
Application submittal requirements with sample site plans and recommendations on how to prepare a written response to approval criteria:
Use this checklist to prepare Environmental Review applications:
Review the Land Use Services Fees Schedule ↗ and the Unincorporated Multnomah County Land Use Fees Schedule. ↗
When your application materials are ready, submit your application. Follow the submittal instructions on the Land Use Reviews and Final Plat Applications webpage. ↗