Permits for a Brewery in Portland, Oregon

Authorizes the manufacture of malt beverages and sale for on-premises consumption at a brewpub. Includes retail sales privileges. Breweries producing under 5,000 barrels per year qualify for reduced fees.

Authorizes the sale of beer and wine only for on-premises consumption. Does not include distilled spirits. Suitable for restaurants and cafes that do not wish to serve cocktails.

Required for anyone who serves, sells, or manages alcohol service at an on-premises licensed establishment. As of March 2025, every on-premises licensee must hold or designate someone with a valid OLCC Service Permit.

Required before opening or occupying a commercial space in Oregon. Confirms the building meets building codes, fire codes, and zoning requirements for the intended use.

Most Oregon cities require a business license or business tax registration. Portland requires a business license for all businesses with Portland-sourced income. Other cities have similar requirements with varying fee structures.

Any Oregon business that plays copyrighted music publicly — background music, live bands, DJs, jukeboxes, or streaming — must obtain public performance licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Employers in Oregon must register for unemployment insurance with the state workforce agency. Required once the business has employees.

Oregon requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier or through SAIF Corporation (state-owned insurer). Self-insurance available for qualifying large employers. Regulated by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Required for commercial establishments with assembly occupancy, cooking operations, or fire suppression systems. Covers fire alarm, sprinkler, and commercial cooking hood compliance. Issued by local fire departments under the Oregon Fire Code.

Required for any establishment preparing or serving food in Oregon. Issued by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) or the local health authority. Covers food safety, sanitation, and facility standards under OAR 603-025.

All food workers in Oregon must obtain a food handler card within 30 days of hire. Requires completing an approved food safety training program and passing an exam. Valid for 3 years. Available online through approved providers.

Required for installing, replacing, or modifying permanent exterior business signage in Oregon. Must comply with local sign ordinances.

All businesses must register with the Oregon Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue. Oregon has no sales tax but imposes a Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) of 0.57% on commercial activity exceeding $1 million. Registration is also required for state income tax withholding.

Employers in Oregon must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

Verification from the city or county planning department that the proposed business use is permitted in the zoning district. Required before issuing a business license in Oregon.