Fee and Wage Changes for Portland Businesses
As we settle into the summer, please keep in mind that with the start of a new fiscal year, certain permitting and licensing fees are increasing effective on July 1, 2025. Please see the list of changes below:
Portland Permitting & Development fees
The Portland City Council approved increases in service fees for Portland Permitting & Development for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2025. These fee increases are due to increased labor, materials, and service costs. Most fees will increase by 5%. See the updated fee schedule here.
Cannabis license fee increase
Included in the Portland Permitting & Development fee increase is a 5% increase to Marijuana Regulatory License Application fees and Deferred Payment Program fees. See the new Marijuana Regulatory License Fee schedule here.
Free or reduced tree permit fees
One notable exception is tree permit fees. Starting July 1, 2025, most Urban Forestry tree permit fees will be eliminated or significantly reduced. Permits are still required, but in most cases, there will no longer be a cost to apply. See more information here.
This change is made possible by funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) and is part of a larger effort to reduce barriers and support a healthy, accessible urban forest.
Portland Metro minimum wage increased to $16.30 per hour
Oregon’s minimum wage increases annually on July 1, and for 2025, the increase for Portland-area businesses is 35 cents an hour. See more information here.
Multnomah County health inspection fee to increase on Jan 1, 2026
For the first time in 5 years, Multnomah County health license fees will increase starting January 1, 2026. See more information here.
The license fees were frozen in 2020 to help support community and businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was made possible by pandemic relief funds and the funding from the county’s General Fund. Because relief funds have ended, an increase is needed to pay for the full cost of providing health inspections and licenses, which is required by state law.
