Boards
The Board of Assessment Review has the power to grant property tax abatements pursuant to state law and to determine the tax exempt status of real and personal property.
The Civilian Police Review Board is a body approved by Portland voters to increase trust and confidence in the Portland Police Department. The Board consists of 10 members, including 3 non-voting members, who are tasked with reviewing the Police Department's internal affairs investigations to ensure that the investigation complied with due process standards, including, but not limited to, issues of fairness, thoroughness, objectivity, and timeliness. The Board may also make policy recommendations and is responsible for preparing and submitting a report each year to the Mayor, City Council, and Chief of Police.
The Historic Preservation Board has jurisdiction to review and approve applications for a certificate of appropriateness for exterior alterations, site improvements, and new construction affecting designated landmarks, building and sites within historic districts, and historic landscape districts.
The Planning Board reviews and decides on all major development proposals in Portland.
The Rent Board was created as part of the Citizen's Initiative Referendum Question regarding Rent Control during the November 2020 election.
The Board of Appeals, also known as the Zoning Board of Appeals, assists in the administration of the city’s zoning ordinance by reviewing decisions of the building authority, approving conditional uses, and granting variances.