Portland Permitting and Development

06/18/2026

What are some things that come to mind when you think of Portland’s Inner Eastside? Ideas might include walkability, close access to everyday needs, and charming neighborhoods. Expensive homes might also come to mind.

What if more people with a broader range of incomes could live in this area?

That’s the question that the Inner Eastside Zoning Project is exploring. A series of past land use decisions has resulted in the predominance of single-dwelling zoning in the Inner Eastside. This plan provides an opportunity to rethink housing patterns in this area and allow for a greater variety of houses to be built. The goal is to make this desirable area more accessible to all.

The project is just kicking off! Learn more on the project’s website and sign up for updates.

Portland.gov/Inner-Eastside

06/15/2026

05/20/2026

Portland is located in a seismically active region, and many older homes—built before the area’s earthquake risks were fully understood—may be especially vulnerable. Common issues include homes that are not bolted to their foundations and unbraced cripple walls, both of which can lead to significant damage during an earthquake.

As part of , the City of Portland is sharing simple, effective ways to improve home safety. Strengthening older homes can significantly reduce damage during a seismic event and help protect what matters most. Although Oregon’s residential building codes do not have minimum requirements for seismic strengthening of existing homes, there are proven steps homeowners can take right now to reduce risk.

Learn more about ways to strengthen old homes at Portland.gov/residential-seismic-strengthening.

05/19/2026

05/15/2026

Plan reviewers are essential to keeping buildings safe. When a home or business owner, or their builder or architect, seeks a permit, plan reviewers study the building plans carefully to ensure they meet requirements for safety. These include adequate exits in case of a fire; structural standards, including those for seismic resilience; and making sure the electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems work safely.

As part of , we recognize the essential service of these plan reviewers in keeping buildings safe for years to come. Thank you! Learn more at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.



Portland Permitting and Development

05/13/2026

Building inspectors play a critical role in keeping buildings safe. As construction is underway, they check to see that the approved plans are being followed and that the work is safe.

City of Portland inspectors provide dozens of different types of inspections, from making sure erosion is well managed, to evaluating framing and roofing, to ensuring electrical and plumbing connections are safe, and so much more.

As part of , we want to acknowledge the essential service of these inspectors in keeping our homes and businesses safe for years to come. Thank you!

Learn more at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.

05/13/2026

As part of , Natalie Didion, the City of Portland’s Building Official, highlights the importance of building safety, the professionals who are dedicated to safe buildings, and the steps we can take to make our homes and surroundings safer.

Visit the city’s website to learn more about building safety.

Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month

05/12/2026

05/07/2026

During , we’re highlighting a few of the home projects that require permits to ensure safety for you and your family. More information is available at Portland.gov/Building-Safety-Month.