Pay Permit Fees and View Fee Schedules - Portland
In Portland, Oregon, property owners, contractors, and developers must consult the City’s official fee schedules and pay required permit fees before starting regulated work. This guide explains where to find Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) fee schedules, how to calculate and pay permit fees, and which offices enforce payment and permit compliance. Follow the steps below to locate fee tables, submit applications, and use official online payment channels so your project meets local permit requirements.
Where to find official fee schedules
Portland publishes permit fee schedules and payment instructions through the Bureau of Development Services. The fee tables list base fees and may include formulae for valuation-based or square-foot-based fees; consult the official fee schedule to calculate the exact charge for your permit. For online fee details and the official schedule see the City’s permit fee page City fee schedule[1] and the City payment information page Pay permit fees[2].
Paying permits: methods and tips
Common payment methods include online card or ACH payment where supported, in-person payment at the permitting counter, and payment by mail following instructions on the permit invoice. The City’s payment page describes accepted methods and any required account or permit numbers for electronic payment; see the official payment page for current options and instructions Pay permit fees[2].
- Check the fee schedule first to estimate costs and prepare payment.
- Include the permit number and project address on payments to ensure correct posting.
- Contact the BDS permitting counter if the online portal does not accept your payment method.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of unpaid permit fees, work without a permit, or failure to comply with permit conditions is administered by the Bureau of Development Services and related code enforcement units. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties are identified in City code or enforcement notices; where the cited City pages do not list exact fine amounts, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page" and points to the enforcing office for details. For the City’s compliance and enforcement information see BDS code compliance resources BDS code compliance[3].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the enforcement page for precise penalties.[3]
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; specific cases may incur daily fines or additional compliance costs.[3]
- Non-monetary remedies: stop-work orders, compliance timelines, permit revocation, or court action are used as enforcement tools.
- Enforcer: Bureau of Development Services (BDS) and City code compliance units; complaints and inspections are initiated through BDS channels.
- Appeals/review: appeal routes commonly go to the City’s review or hearings officer; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with BDS or the Code Hearings Officer.[3]
- Defences/discretion: permitted variances, late-permit procedures, or showing a reasonable excuse may be considered depending on facts.
Applications & Forms
The primary application forms and submission portals are published by BDS. Common items include building permit application forms, trade permits, and online submittal instructions. Names, form numbers, fees, and online submission links are listed on the official permit pages; if a specific numeric form or deadline is required, consult the BDS permit pages for the current document and fee schedule City fee schedule[1] and the payment page Pay permit fees[2]. If no form is required for a particular administrative fee, that detail is stated on the relevant City page.
How-To
- Locate the official fee schedule on the BDS fee-schedule page and download the current table.
- Identify the permit type and apply the correct fee formula (valuation, flat fee, or unit fee) as shown in the schedule.
- Prepare required forms and documents listed for your permit type on the BDS permit pages.
- Use the City’s online payment instructions or visit the permitting counter to submit payment with the permit application.
- Track permit status and respond to inspection or correction requests to avoid enforcement actions.
FAQ
- How do I find the current permit fee schedule?
- Search the Bureau of Development Services fee schedule page and download the latest table; the City posts official fee tables and any updates there.[1]
- Can I pay permit fees online?
- Yes; the City provides online payment instructions and options on its permit payment page. If the payment method you need is not listed, contact the permitting counter for alternatives.[2]
- What happens if I start work without paying a permit fee?
- You may be subject to stop-work orders, required retroactive permitting, and enforcement measures; specific fines are listed on enforcement pages or may be provided in enforcement notices.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Always check the official BDS fee schedule before applying.
- Use the City payment page to confirm accepted payment methods and reference numbers.
- Contact BDS early if a fee or appeal deadline is unclear.