Overview
Portland sign permits are issued through the Bureau of Development Services (BDS). Portland uses a complex zoning code with Central City (CC) zones, inner and outer base zones, and numerous overlay districts. The city has particularly strict rules around sign illumination, digital signs, and signs in residential proximity.
Portland prohibits new off-premise signs (billboards) and has strict rules against animated or digital signs in most zones. The city's Central City Sign Plan governs downtown signage with a points-based system. Portland also has a historic resources overlay covering much of inner Portland, adding design review to sign permits in these areas.
What Requires a Permit in Portland
- All permanent wall-mounted signs (illuminated and non-illuminated)
- All freestanding signs — monument, pole, pylon
- All illuminated signs of any size or type
- Window signs exceeding the local coverage threshold
- Temporary banners displayed longer than 14–30 days
- Digital / electronic message center signs
- Projecting, blade, and awning signs
Application Checklist
- ✓Completed permit application (via ePlans Portland)
- ✓Site plan showing property boundary and sign location
- ✓Sign drawings — front elevation with exact dimensions and materials
- ✓Photograph of existing building face where sign will be installed
- ✓Landlord / property owner authorization letter (if tenant)
- ✓Electrical drawings + licensed electrician license # (illuminated signs)
- ✓Structural engineering drawings with PE stamp (freestanding signs)
- ✓Historic resource review approval (if property is in historic overlay)
- ✓ROW encroachment permit (for projecting/blade signs over sidewalk)
- ✓Permit fee payment
Typical Portland Sign Permit Fees
| Sign Type | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wall sign (non-illuminated) | $100–$250 | Higher base fees than average |
| Wall sign (illuminated) | $140–$350 | Electrical permit separate |
| Monument / ground sign | $120–$380 | Engineering required |
| Projecting / blade sign | $120–$320 | ROW encroachment permit also required |
| Temporary banner | $55–$100 | Per permit period |
| Electrical permit | $90–$280 | Separate from sign permit |
Fees are estimates based on current Portland schedules. Verify at portland.gov/bds before submitting.
Review Timeline
| Sign Type | Typical Review Time |
|---|---|
| Standard wall sign | 2–4 weeks |
| Illuminated sign | 3–5 weeks |
| Historic resource overlay | 4–8 weeks (design review) |
| Central City / downtown | 4–8 weeks (Central City Sign Plan review) |
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) |
| Online portal | portland.gov/bds |
| Phone | (503) 823-7300 |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 8:00am–5:00pm |
Applying for a Portland sign permit?
Download our universal checklist and timeline planner before you submit.
Download Checklist → Timeline Planner →Disclaimer: This guide reflects Portland, OR permit procedures as of 2024–2025. Verify current requirements at portland.gov/bds before submitting your application.