Portland says ending an ADU or accessory rental unit’s (ARU’s) independent dwelling use requires a building permit documenting that the separate legal unit no longer exists. Removing a tenant, changing a listing or leaving the unit vacant does not by itself establish that the City has recorded the change. This is a Portland-specific permit requirement; ask the City which application and inspections fit the property.
Document the change with the City
Portland’s guidance identifies removal of cooking facilities and permanent disconnection or capping of related exhaust and utility fixtures as part of discontinuance. The work may involve building and trade requirements. The City lists specific fixture and utility changes, but this guide does not reproduce instructions for safety-sensitive gas or electrical work. Have qualified trades determine how to perform any required work, obtain applicable permits, and follow the approved scope and inspector direction.
A permit is needed to document the status change, and the City’s record should be checked for required inspections and final approval. The exact scope depends on the unit, its permits and the changes proposed. Do not assume that removing one appliance changes the official status, or that a permit application alone records a completed discontinuance.
Check the older approval history as well
Portland treats earlier permitted ARUs as ADUs under current zoning, but says regulation changes may mean a former ARU is now out of compliance. That is a separate question from discontinuance. If a unit is to remain as a dwelling, ask a planner to review the original approval and current use. If it is being removed as a separate unit, ask Permitting & Development what work and final record are required.
See Portland’s current ADU guidance for the official discontinuance instructions. For unpermitted construction and former-ARU status, see the Portland existing-unit guide. A property-specific permit file and inspection result are needed to confirm the change.