ARTICLE
In an effort to speed up the permitting process in the City of Portland, Mayor Wheeler is asking the directors of four construction-related bureaus to recommend reforms to the process by next month. Lengthy permitting processes and timelines have been identified as one of the biggest hurdles for HBA members, and the Mayor’s acknowledgement of the issue is a positive step for the industry. Representatives from the Bureau of Development Services, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Portland Housing Bureau and Prosper Portland (formerly Portland Development Commission) joined Mayor Wheeler at a press conference where he addressed the need for permit process reforms. The Bureau of Development Services noted that commercial projects have begun using the Portland Online Permitting system as a way to speed up the process. This online system will eventually replace the paper permits the city processes now for both commercial and residential construction. HBA will continue to work with the City of Portland to find creative and efficient solutions to permit process timing. Read more here: https://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/405560-303525-mayor-gives-deadline-for-permit-reform-recommendations