STEP 1 – Public Works Inquiry and Project Scope

Right-of-way Improvements requiring a Public Works Permit can be triggered by one of the processes listed below.

Public Works Early Assistance Guidance

Land Use Requirement

Building Plan Review Requirement

Public Works Permit refers to the permitting of privately funded public improvements from one or more of the three infrastructure bureaus (the Bureau of Environmental Services, the Bureau of Transportation, and the Portland Water Bureau.) to provide water services, storm and sanitary drainage facilities and transportation improvements for the benefit of the public. These projects are generally constructed by a private developer and upon completion and acceptance by the city, these facilities become public assets.

Early Assistance and Public Works Inquiries

A Public Works Inquiry is available for projects with 1-2 housing units and no anticipated Land Use reviews or Property Line Adjustments.

A Public Works Inquiry report evaluates the availability of existing infrastructure in the public right-of-way (ROW), as well as identifies required ROW improvements that could be triggered by the development proposal. 

Early Assistance options that include BDS Planning and Zoning as well as infrastructure bureau staff in the evaluation of onsite development proposals and connections to public infrastructure in the ROW, are available for all projects.

A summary of the Early Assistance and Public Inquiry options and application form, is found at the following link: available for download. More Early Assistance information can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/36648

If you have any questions about Public Works Inquiries please contact Public Works Permitting at 503-823-1987 or for Land Use or other Early Assistance help contact BDS Planning and Zoning at 503-823-7526.

NOTE: If your project is on an Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) state route within the City limits of Portland (click here for map), your project may be subject to additional review and approval through ODOT’s engineering group prior to the issuance of City’s Public Works Permit. ODOT’s review can run concurrently with City review phases.  ODOT’s review needs may add a significant time to your project schedule.  Please ask City of Portland Transportation staff if you have questions about state routes within city limits.