What is Portland’s FIR Program? A Faster Path for Home Remodeling Projects

If you’re planning a residential remodel in the City of Portland, understanding the Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) Program can save you time, streamline your project, and make the permitting process far more manageable. At Edelweiss Construction, we’re proud to be an approved FIR contractor, helping homeowners take advantage of this efficient system while delivering quality results.

What is the FIR Program?

The Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) Program was launched in 2003 and officially approved by the Oregon Building Codes Division in 2006. It was created to streamline the permitting and inspection process for residential remodels by working exclusively with a set of approved contractors, architects, and engineers who consistently perform remodeling, additions, and alterations within the Portland city limits.

Unlike the standard permitting process, FIR connects you with a dedicated Senior Combination Inspector who guides your project from initial consultation through final inspection. This one-on-one relationship helps eliminate communication breakdowns and avoid the typical delays that come with traditional scheduling.

Who Qualifies for FIR?

Only approved professionals can participate in the FIR Program. To gain access, contractors must go through a review and approval process with the Portland Permitting and Development Center (PP&D). While FIR doesn’t relax building codes, it does offer a more efficient path for permit approval, provided that all codes and regulations are met.

FIR Covers:

• Alterations to existing habitable space

• Converting non-habitable areas into livable space

• Additions attached to an existing home

• Detached accessory structures (e.g., garages, studios)

• Demolition of detached accessory structures

FIR Does Not Cover:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Duplex conversions

• Floating structures or manufactured homes

• Fire damage repairs

• Shared garages

• Demolition of main dwellings

If your project falls under these excluded categories, it will still need to go through the standard permitting route. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done—it just requires a different process.

How the FIR Process Works

Once a contractor is approved for the FIR Program, the project moves through a streamlined process. It begins with the submission of project plans, which must meet the requirements outlined in PP&D Brochure 6. The assigned Senior Combination Inspector then reviews the plans and conducts on-site meetings as needed. If all code requirements are met and fees are paid, the permit is approved. From that point on, inspections are scheduled directly with the inspector, rather than through the general Portland scheduling system. This direct communication greatly reduces delays and helps keep the project moving forward on schedule—an advantage that’s especially valuable for homeowners aiming to avoid unnecessary holdups.

FIR Program Fees

Although FIR speeds things up, it doesn’t eliminate fees. There’s a registration fee to join the program, plus hourly billing for services like consultations, plan reviews, and site inspections (with a one-hour minimum and billing to the nearest quarter-hour).

Why Choose Edelweiss Construction?

As a trusted, approved FIR contractor in Portland, Edelweiss Construction offers the expertise and direct access needed to make the FIR system work for you. Our close relationships with city inspectors and thorough understanding of Portland’s building codes ensure your remodeling project stays compliant, on time, and stress-free.

Whether you're looking to remodel your kitchen, add a home office, or build a new detached garage, we’re here to help you navigate the FIR process from start to finish.

Let us handle the red tape—so you can focus on the transformation of your home. Contact Edelweiss Construction today to get started.