Service Level Update Document:

Sign Code Permitting Process and Contact Information

February 2, 2012. A year ago BDS updated City of Portland Sign Code program implementation responsibilities, since then staff has continued to evolve and improve the process for submittal, review and issuance of sign related permits and implementation of the Sign Code. Listed below are the major changes that have helped streamline the permitting system:

Dedicated Sign Code Email Address and Telephone Number

Applicants now have a dedicated sign code inquiry email address and phone number to ensure that your questions are received by the correct staff and responded to in a timely manner. Currently, BDS is able to respond to emails and voicemails within 48 hours.

Time Certain Appointments for Sign Code General Questions

Applicants are now able to schedule time certain appoints with a BDS sign code specialist. To learn more or apply for an appointment visit our DSC Appointments Webpage or contact the Sign Code Program by phone or email. Time Certain Appointments are 30 minutes in length and require a fee of $75.

Simplified Standard Applications for Sign Permits

Minimum submittal requirements for Sign Permit Application are established in Title 32 and allow for efficient permit review. The primary submittal requirements are listed below, and when provided at the time of application, allow for timely permit review. To obtain additional information regarding the sign permit process, or to access the Sign Code, please visit www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=36686.

• Site Plans. All sign permit applications are required to include a scaled site plan. The standard required submittal should be 11x17, and the minimum scale is 1” = 10 feet. We no longer accept Google Maps as a site plan.
  
  
• Sign Elevation Drawings. Elevations need to be drawn to scale. The minimum scale is ¼”=1’. Google Maps is not acceptable.
  
  
• Fees. Sign permit fee or plan review fee must be paid at time of submittal. Reviews will start only after fees are paid. Any additional fees are required to be paid prior to the permit being issued. See the Sign Permit Fee Schedule here.

Outdoor Advertising Sign Permit Applications

Typically, all changes to existing signs that are on or visible from State Highways require both City of Portland and State of Oregon review and approval. Regulations adopted by the Oregon Department of Transportation require a State of Oregon Outdoor Advertising Sign Permit Application to be completed by the applicant and then the local jurisdiction prior to submittal to the State. BDS will process these forms within 30 working days of submittal and a fee for research and staff time will be charged (see Land Use Compatibility Statement [LUCS]). This fee will be effective on 02/01/12.