News

ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
10/31/2018 Member News

Improving the permitting process in Portland: HBA engages with city and development stakeholders

This fall, the HBA has been engaged on the Mayor’s 30-day assignment to produce recommendations on how to speed up the permit process in the City of Portland. Through the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) and focus groups, the HBA has weighed in on issues affecting efficient and timely permit review and issuance for all types of Portland housing.

The assignment methodology for gathering ideas on issues, recommendations and next steps included two open houses and surveys for Bureau of Development Services (BDS) and Partner Bureau staff; interviews with individual customers as well as focus groups related to customer service; and best practice research via surveys and interviews with other cities. While the research results from customers and other cities is being compiled, some preliminary key recommendations include:

  • Interdisciplinary review teams by project type
  • Mandatory pre-submittal meeting between applicant’s and City’s review teams—for new commercial construction and permits over a certain dollar value
  • Single person in charge of permits
  • Opportunities to better align Public Works (PW) permits with building permits
  • Title 33 Zoning code amendments


Major changes already underway include ePlan review, ‘Review Windows,’ customer service training, public portal for online permit payments and information, digitization of thousands of historic records, and the Design Overlay Zone Assessment (DOZA)- slated for December 2019.

The HBA’s consistent feedback on permitting issues and improvements is critical to the ultimate shared goal of meeting the housing needs within the City of Portland. If you would like more information on DRAC, public forums, or proposed recommendations, please contact Roseann Johnson (roseannj@hbapdx.org).