Phone: 503-823-7300
Email: bds@portlandoregon.gov
1900 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Boards, Commissions & Advisory Committees
The Bureau of Development Services is responsible for supporting a number of different boards, commissions and advisory committees that you can learn about below. Each webpage contains general information about the board, commission and advisory committees and its membership, as well as other helpful information and links.
If you are interested in becoming a member of any of these groups, please see our How to Apply for Membership webpage.
How to Apply for Membership
To apply for a board/commission that interests you, please complete the interest form (found on the Office of Community & Civic Life web site) and submit it to the Office of Community & Civic Life per the instructions.
Adjustment Committee
The Adjustment Committee, authorized under Portland City Code 33.710.070, reviews adjustment requests to the development standards of Title 33 [Planning and Zoning Regulations].
Alternative Technology Advisory Committee
The committee assists the BDS in reviewing innovate sustainable building technologies and methods for compliance with the Building Code requirements.
Budget Advisory Committee (BAC)
As part of the annual budget process, each City Bureau forms a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that includes management, labor, customers, and internal and external stakeholders.
Building Code Board of Appeals
The Building Code Board of Appeals is authorized under Portland City Code 24.10.080 and the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
Design Commission
The Design Commission, authorized under Portland City Code 33.710.050, provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture and on maintaining and enhancing Portland's historical and architectural heritage.
Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC)
A citizen advisory body representing those with interest in policies, budgets and regulations affecting development review processes. (Vacancy in 1 member category: Large Developers)
Electrical Code Board of Appeals
The Electrical Code Board of Appeals hears appeals where an applicant is aggrieved by the findings of the Director.
Finance Committee
In June 2010, the City Council directed the Office of Management and Finance to convene a committee of economic and commercial experts to review BDS’s financial projections and 5-Year Financial Plan.
Floating Structures Board of Appeal
The Floating Structures Code Board of Appeal will consisting of six members and six alternates who are knowledgeable about construction as regulated by the base building codes and the construction and maintenance of floating structures and moorage facilities.
Historic Landmarks Commission
The Historic Landmarks Commission provides leadership and expertise on maintaining and enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage.
POPS Customer Advisory Committee
The Portland Online Permitting System (POPS) Customer Advisory Committee is a citizen advisory committee, comprised of approximately 12 members who represent a variety of interests.
Mechanical Code Board of Appeals
The Mechanical Board of Appeals determines the suitability of alternate materials and types of construction and provides for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of the Mechanical Code.
Plumbing Code Board of Appeals
The Plumbing Code Board of Appeal consists of three members appointed by the Mayor.
River Community Advisory Committee
The River Community Advisory Committee is a citizen advisory body, comprised of six members who represent a variety of floating structures interests.
Structural Engineering Advisory Committee
The Structural Engineering Advisory Committee is appointed by the Mayor and consists of three members and three alternates licensed in Oregon to practice structural engineering.