How to Secure Your Storefront
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Source: How to Secure Your Storefront ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:05:42 GMT
To find out if you have these designations, go to Portland Maps ↗ and enter your street address in the top right field to locate your property. Scroll down to the “Permits and Zoning” section and then select the “Zoning and Districts” button. There are three key designations to look for under “Zoning & Districts”:
- Overlay: If it lists “d – Design,” your property has a design overlay.
- Plan District: If it lists “CC-Central City,” your property is in the Central City Plan District.
- If the Resource Type is noted as “Historic Landmark” or if the District Classification is noted as either “Contributing” or “Non-contributing,” then the regulations listed below under “Sites that are a Historic Resource” apply to your property.
Security Cameras
Outside of Design Overlay Zone ‘D’ and not a Historic Resource
Security Cameras (exterior or interior) are allowed but may require an electrical permit ↗.
Design Overlay Zone ‘d’
- Battery- or solar-operated exterior security cameras are allowed without Design Review and do not require a permit.
- Electric exterior Security Cameras are allowed without Design Review until January 1, 2029, but may require a permit.
In all cases, these require an electrical permit ↗.
- Interior Security Cameras are allowed without Design Review but, depending on the type, may require an electrical permit ↗.
Historic Resource Sites
- Battery- or solar-operated exterior security cameras are allowed, without a permit, if they:
- Are no more than 18 inches in any dimension and are attached to exterior finish material or mounted through mortar joints when on a masonry wall, or
- Will not alter the exterior features of a resource having such features specifically listed in the Historic Landmark documentation or National Register nomination as attributes that contribute to the resource's historic significance.
- All other battery- or solar-operated exterior security cameras require Historic Resource Review ↗.
- Electric exterior security cameras require an electrical permit ↗ and are allowed if they are no more than 18 inches in any dimension and are attached to exterior finish material or mounted through mortar joints when on a masonry wall. All other electric exterior security cameras require Historic Resource Review ↗.
- Interior security cameras are allowed without Historic Resource review, but depending on the type, they may require an electrical permit ↗.