City of Portland announces new bureau to streamline permitting

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – The City of Portland announced the name and structure of its new permitting bureau on Wednesday amid efforts to streamline commercial and residential permitting in the city.

Starting July 1, the Portland Permitting & Development Bureau will issue permits for construction, home improvement, and tree projects, the city announced.

Portland City Council is slated to vote on the proposed reorganization on May 22.

“We have the opportunity to optimize permitting for community members, businesses and city staff,” City Commissioner Carmen Rubio said. “When Portlanders need to get a project done, they’ll know exactly where to go – and over time, as the new team grows in their work together, Portlanders can also expect excellent customer service.”

The announcement comes after Commissioner Rubio introduced a resolution directing city staff to unify permitting in August.

The new bureau will have around 350 employees — bringing together staff from the Bureau of Development Services, which will be phased out, and teams from Parks & Recreation, Transportation, and Water and Environmental Services.

Portland Permitting & Development will be made up of nine teams, including one dedicated to customer support for all permitting, and others specializing in different parts of the development process including public infrastructure and permit review.

“We’re committed to common-sense improvements that make our government effective and efficient, and Portland Permitting & Development is leading the way,” Chief Administrative Officer Michael Jordan said. “Naming this new organization is only the beginning of our work to improve permitting.”

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