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How to fill out a building permit application form

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Breadcrumb: How to fill out a building permit application form

Source: How to fill out a building permit application form ↗ Last modified: Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:56:30 GMT

Did you know we return building permit applications to applicants if there's missing information? Use this guide to make sure you fill out all the required fields.

Get the building permit application form

Let's learn what each section is asking for. You'll find notes and yellow highlights for any required sections or fields.

Type of work

This section is required. Select one that applies to the project: 

  • New construction: Are you building something that does not exist now? Are you getting a permit for a structure that does not have any permit records? If yes, select this option.
  • Demolition: Are you tearing down or removing an entire structure? If yes, select this option.
  • Addition: Are you adding to an existing structure? Are you creating new space as part of an existing structure? If yes, select this option.
  • Alteration: Are you altering the interior walls of an existing structure? If yes, select this option.
  • Other: Are trees are being removed or grading taking place? Or, something else not covered by the other selections? If yes, select this option.

Example: 

You want to build an addition to make your home bigger. As part of this project, you’ll need to tear down a weight-bearing wall. Although you’re removing walls, you’ll want to select addition. This is because you’re not removing the entire house, you're adding on to it.

Category of construction

The Category of construction section has five options. This section is required. Select the category that applies to your project: 

  • Residential: 1 and 2 Family Dwelling
  • Residential: Other
  • Commercial: Apartments/Condos/Multifamily
  • Commercial: Business/Industrial
  • Commercial: Other

Job site information and location

Fill out the required fields (highlighted in yellow): 

  • Job address: The address of job site. Where will the work be performed?
  • City/State/Zip: The city, state and zip code.

  

You can leave Suite/bldg./apt. no. blank, if they don't apply. You can also leave Project name and Tax map/parcel no. R# blank unless you are building on an empty lot or a property that has never had an address or doesn't have an address- then this needs to be completed. If you put an address in Portland Maps and the address comes up in search results, we will have information about that address.

For "Provide Land Use or associated Permit number (if applicable)" only enter if applicable to your project. For example, if you have a deferred submittal.

Description of work

Here are some guiding questions to help you write the description of work. This section is required. 

For this project:

  • What are you planning to do?
  • Are you creating a livable space? This can be a bedroom, living room, office space, dining area, entertainment, or playroom.
  • What is the square footage?
  • Will there be a bathroom?
  • Will there be a kitchen?
    • If yes, will there be a....
      • Sink?
      • Stove?
      • Refrigerator?
      • Permanently installed microwave in a cabinet (not on the countertop)?

Example: 

You want to convert an existing backyard shed that is 150 square feet into a guest house ↗. It will be a studio with a sleeping area. There will be a bathroom and a kitchen with a sink and a refrigerator, but no stove.