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The Portland Bureau of Development Services will discontinue on July 30 the fax-back method of applying for and receiving simple trade permits. Simple trade permits include most electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits that do not require a plan review by the BDS.

Instead, those looking for a simple trade permit will be encouraged to use the city of Portland’s online permitting system. These permits can also be issued through the mail or by visiting the Development Services Center at 1900 S.W. 4^th Ave., on the first floor.

“With staff reductions over the past few years, the paper handling for these simple trade permits has simply become overwhelming,” said Andy Peterson, division manager for plan review and permitting services with the BDS. Moving the process online will make BDS staff more efficient because they handle between 80 and 100 of these faxes a day, he said.

Last week Portland City Council heard a report from the BDS on its attempts to become more efficient after two years of severe revenue cuts and several rounds of staff reductions. While online permitting is available for simple trade permits, the BDS wants to borrow $5.2 million from the general fund to make the entire permitting process electronic.

“Making this transition will be a good starting point to getting contractors and ourselves used to completing the permitting process online,” Peterson said.

To apply for a simple trade permit online, or to see a step-by-step guide for using the system, visit .