Welcome to Citizen Self Service!

Although City Hall is currently closed to the public, the Planning and Urban Development Department continues to process and review applications.  All site plan, zoning map/text amendments, conditional use, and historic preservation applications can still be applied for through the Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal.  Please contact us with questions or comments by e-mail at planning@portlandmaine.gov.

Applying in the Citizen Self Service Portal

Before you apply, it is helpful to have your information prepared. Complete Steps 1 and 2 below before you begin a new application.

STEP 1. Have you confirmed your project address is listed with the Assessing Department?

Check now

[Note: Often applicants find the parcel ID does not match the street address exactly.  It is important to verify with the Assessing database to make sure you are selecting the correct parcel and street address.  When you apply, if the address search turns up zero results, please switch to the parcel search and enter the information from the assessing database.  Please note there are two spaces between the chart and block 123^^A001.  Still having trouble?  Refer to Step 6  of the Instructions on How to apply through Citizen Self Service.]

STEP 2.  Have you prepared a Project Summary and saved it as a PDF? 

A project summary is a written description of the project.  It is a required document and should include the following information:

See Project Summary Example

Once Steps 1 and 2 above are complete, you can begin your application.  You will receive an email after applying through the portal requesting that you upload your drawings and documents.  Review Steps 3 and 4 below to prepare for this step.

STEP 3.  Have you selected the correct application type?  Downloaded the checklist of required documents and drawings?  Checked what the required fees will be? 

Each application type has different submittal requirements and review standards.  Be sure that you are applying under the correct application type.

If an application is missing items from the submittal checklist, it may be deemed incomplete.  Checklists are fillable PDF forms.  Checklists should be downloaded, filled out electronically, and saved for uploading with files in Step 4. 

Development Review Checklists

Historic Preservation Checklist

Fee Schedules

Applications are subject to development review and historic preservation fees.  After review of your application submission, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to view and pay your invoice.  Payments will be made online.  Learn how to pay your invoice by reviewing the Instructions on how to pay your invoice.

[Note: Developments may also be subject to impact fees. For more information, visit the Impact Fee website].

STEP 4.  Are each one of your drawings and renderings saved in individual PDF file format?  Do they have a descriptive PDF file name?  

When preparing your PDF files for uploading, please refer to the Instructions on how to upload documents and drawings to Electronic Plan Review (e-Plan).

You are ready to begin!  

To apply for review, you must register with Citizen Self Service first.  New users can register here:

Existing users login here: