Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Permitting Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts updated building‑permit fee schedule tied to Portland permitting rates
Summary
The board adopted a resolution to set building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permit fees for county permitting to match the City of Portland’s fiscal year 2026 fee schedule (approx. 5% increase in many fees) to maintain cost recovery for permit services.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing building permit fees, including electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits, pursuant to Chapter 29 of the Multnomah County Code. The fee schedule before the board reflects the City of Portland’s fiscal year 2026 fees for permitting services, which the City administers for unincorporated areas of West County and certain urban pockets. County staff said most fees in the Portland permit service area are increasing by roughly 5% to support the city’s objective of full cost recovery for permitting services.
Representatives from the City of Portland’s Permitting and Development bureau explained that the fees are for permitting services; system development charges (SDCs) are separate. Board members asked for performance measures and average review timelines; the city representatives said they maintain performance metrics and will provide them to the board. A public commenter urged consideration of hardship provisions for low‑income homeowners and equity in fee application; city and county staff acknowledged the concern but noted the proposed resolution is an annual fee adoption to match the city’s rates.
The board approved the resolution on a roll call vote. County staff said the resolution implements the city’s FY26 permit fees for the county’s permit service area and that the county will continue work on broader fee‑recovery measures and land‑use cost recovery.
