Combination Inspections
Source: PDF pp. 365-366 ↗ · raw: 365 · 366
Breadcrumb: Service Area Summaries > Community & Economic Development > Portland Permitting & Development > Combination Inspections
City of Portland Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget Community & Economic Development > Portland Permitting & Development > Combination Inspections Combination Inspections Budget Revenues by Fund 2023-24 Actuals 2024-25 Actuals 2025-26 Revised Budget 2026-27 Proposed External Revenues $11,441,176 $12,667,613 $13,910,483 $14,537,614 Development Services $11,441,176 $12,667,613 $13,910,483 $14,537,614 Fund Grand Total $11,441,176 $12,667,613 $13,910,483 $14,537,614 Program Expenses by Major Object Program expenses only include personnel, internal materials and services, external materials and services, and capital. 2023-24 Actuals 2024-25 Actuals 2025-26 Revised Budget 2026-27 Proposed External Materials and $316,637 $355,375 $376,873 $372,092 Services Internal Materials and $317,432 $235,650 $483,626 $394,874 Services Personnel $8,144,332 $7,262,614 $6,653,704 $7,362,234 Grand Total $8,778,402 $7,853,639 $7,514,203 $8,129,200 Program Description and Goals The Combination Inspections Program (referred to as “Residential Inspections” on the PP&D organizational chart) ensures that new and remodeled one-and two-family residences meet building safety codes and requirements. In this program, the goal is for all inspectors to obtain State of Oregon certification in all four specialties: structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical. This approach saves contractors and homeowners time and money in scheduling inspections and allows the City to perform more inspections with fewer staff, while enhancing inspection continuity by providing a largely single point of contact for the customer. Cost savings have been realized through this program, and other jurisdictions have recognized the quality of Portland's training program and are using it as a model. The Combination Inspections Program includes the Field Issuance Remodel subprogram. This subprogram is administered by senior structural Combination Inspectors who perform permit intake, plan review, as well as inspection services for participating 365
City of Portland Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget general contractors and architects. Combination Inspections supports the Citywide goal to protect and enhance the natural and built environment and to protect the life and safety of Portland residents. Services Remote Video Reinspections; New bathroom permits and inspections; Permit refunds; Utility easement facilitation; State trade Minor Label inspections; “On and Off” site project consultations; Inspection record digitization; Courtesy Plumbing plan review; Citizen construction complaints; Monitor right of way encroachment; Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) courtesy consultation; Emergency pre-issuance inspection/consultation; Disaster response inspections; Courtesy Compliance inspections; Project management consultation Equity Impacts Combination Inspections is tasked with administering State building codes and City regulations related to commercial development. These services are generally provided citywide as requested by customers. PP&D has been providing equity training and customer service training to the staff in the Combination Inspections Program, as well as recruiting, promoting, and hiring a more diverse workforce to better reflect the demographics of the community. Combination Inspections is also partnering with the Empowered Communities Program with a focus on reaching equitable outcomes for the previously mentioned communities. More information on the Empowered Communities Program is included in the Development Services Program Offer. Changes to Program All PP&D programs have been impacted by the effects of high interest rates, falling market values for buildings in the downtown core, and perception of Portland as a place to invest and build. Bureau revenues and demand for services have declined considerably from their peak levels and the bureau is expecting low project activity to continue in FY 2026-27. PP&D continues to utilize reserves to fund ongoing operations during this downturn. Due to staffing reductions across the bureau, the Inspections Division has assumed responsibility for digitizing and uploading all inspection documents. Additionally, because of layoffs and attrition within the Division, the Residential Inspections section has been utilizing the Commercial Inspections section to perform selected residential inspections in response to increased demand. This measure has been implemented to reduce residential inspection wait times and to ensure more efficient use of existing resources. 366
Parent: Portland Permitting & Development · PDF: pp. 365-366 ↗