From PDX as well! This is my first time raising chickens too! We have four in the brooder at six weeks right now and holding on till week eight with this crappy weather pattern we are in until they go out. 1 Ameracauna, 1 Speckled Sussex, 1 RIR, 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte. Coop and run are in and waiting! I agree about learning a lot from this site - creative watering and feeding ideas abound! You really don't need a permit for more unless you potentially have uptight neighbors. The permit is just a legal way to protect you from a potential lawsuit. If your neighbors are cool just keep them posted and answer to any of their complaints and offer eggs to everyone. My friends neighbor has 15 without a permit and no one cares.
Gonna be an awesome spring and summer!
d