Restaurant permits in Portland, Oregon

Oregon law requires Multnomah County to license and inspect every fixed-location restaurant. The annual fee scales by indoor seat count: $970 for 0 to 15 seats, $1,150 for 16 to 50, $1,290 for 51 to 150, and $1,545 for more than 150 (limited service is $890). These rates took effect January 1, 2026, the county first increase since 2020.

Issued by

Multnomah County Environmental Health

Fee

$970 to $1,545 per year, scaled by seat count

Renewal

Annual (due January 1)

Processing

Plan review response within 15 business days; pre-opening inspection scheduled within 5 business days of completion

Required before opening a new restaurant or remodeling an existing one. You submit plans showing the menu, a scaled floor plan, plumbing fixtures, seating layout with maximum seat count, finishes, ventilation, and hot-water capacity. A plan approval letter must arrive before construction begins; the license application can be submitted at the same time.

Issued by

Multnomah County Environmental Health

Fee

$1,185 (remodel) to $1,265 (new construction), rush available

Renewal

One-time per project (again for any remodel)

Processing

15 business days from a complete application

The county layers a 2% tax on the same net income, filed with the City on one Revenue Division return, so a Portland restaurant carries a combined 4.6%. It is a profit tax with a $100 minimum, so a thin-margin restaurant may owe little, while one grossing under $100,000 is exempt but files regardless.

Issued by

City of Portland Revenue Division (jointly administered)

Fee

2% of net income ($100 minimum per year)

Renewal

Annual return (filed with the City tax)

Processing

Same combined registration as the City tax

Every restaurant operating in Portland opens a Revenue Division tax account within 60 days of its first day, the same registration that carries the county tax. The Business License Tax then takes 2.6% of Portland-sourced net income with a $100 minimum, a profit tax rather than a flat permit fee. The 2026 gross-receipts exemption is $75,000, rising to $100,000 in 2027, and an exempt restaurant still files.

Issued by

City of Portland Revenue Division

Fee

Free to register, then 2.6% of net income ($100 minimum per year)

Renewal

Annual return (due April 15); registration is ongoing

Processing

Real-time online via Portland Revenue Online

Portland Fire and Rescue inspects commercial restaurants every two years for fire code compliance and charges a fee per inspection. Kitchens that produce grease-laden vapors must install a Type 1 hood with a fixed suppression system, which needs a separate PF&R permit. Restaurants seating 50 or more usually require an Assembly occupancy classification, which adds a surcharge.

Issued by

Portland Fire and Rescue, Fire Marshal's Office

Fee

$50 base per occupancy plus area fees; sprinkler and no-hazard discounts apply

Renewal

Biennial inspection cycle; hood suppression permits are one-time at installation

Processing

Pre-opening inspection by appointment; cycle inspections come with advance notice

Any structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical work to build out or remodel a restaurant needs permits from Portland Permitting and Development, and a Certificate of Occupancy is required before you open. Converting a non-restaurant space such as retail or office triggers a Change of Use review that can require upgraded construction, accessible restrooms, or added exits. Fees are valuation-based, so get a project estimate from PP&D.

Issued by

Portland Permitting and Development

Fee

Valuation-based, plus a 12% Oregon state surcharge (separate trade permits apply)

Renewal

One-time per project; Certificate of Occupancy issued at final inspection

Processing

4 to 12 weeks depending on complexity

Under Portland City Code 17.34 and rule ENB-4.26, every food service establishment on a permanent sewer connection that generates fats, oil, or grease must install and maintain a grease interceptor. The requirement triggers at new construction, tenant improvement, change of ownership, or change of occupancy. Restaurants also pay elevated sewer charges that drop when a compliant interceptor is maintained.

Issued by

City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES)

Fee

No standalone permit fee; interceptor install and extra-strength sewer charges vary

Renewal

Ongoing; report each cleaning to BES within 14 days

Processing

Reviewed as part of the building permit process

Only required if you place tables or chairs on the public sidewalk or street. The permit authorizes use of the public right-of-way next to your restaurant for dining, subject to PBOT design rules such as ADA clearances and emergency access lanes. You may also need to extend your OLCC license to cover outdoor service. Not required for dining on private property.

Issued by

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)

Fee

$450 application, $350 per year, $10 per linear foot, plus $54 insurance review

Renewal

Annual (12-month cycle)

Processing

5 to 10 business days for PBOT to respond; a site inspection may apply

Before the OLCC will grant an annual liquor license, the City of Portland must provide a written Local Government Recommendation. You submit the OLCC form plus history and operations details through the City portal; the City routes it to the Portland Police Bureau for a background check and runs a 30-day public comment period. You then upload the recommendation to the OLCC to finish the state application. Only needed if you serve alcohol.

Issued by

City of Portland Liquor Program (Portland Permitting and Development)

Fee

$75 for a new outlet ($100 for some application types)

Renewal

One-time per new license application

Processing

45 days from a complete application