Portland's Bureau of Development Services is only accepting new healthcare and related building permits for now.

Portland’s Bureau of Development Services is not only going all virtual — no walk-ins — but is only processing new permit applications if they are related to “healthcare, life safety, wireless facilities and essential City services.”

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the BDS, which issues building permits, is attempting to discourage the spread of the virus and, at the same time, accelerate health infrastructure.

The bureau issued a notice on its website Tuesday March 17:

The Bureau of Development Services is adjusting our business operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Development Services Center 1st and 2nd floor customer areas will be closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17 until further notice. Plan review for projects with current permits will continue but no new permit applications will be received except for projects related to healthcare, life safety, wireless facilities and essential City services.

Although most City plan review staff will be performing plan review while teleworking, customers should be prepared for the possibility of a slowdown in review timelines.

Residential Permit Night is also suspended, effective immediately.

The Development Services Center (1st Floor) and Permitting Services (2nd Floor)

Temporarily closed starting Tuesday, March 17.