Southeast Portland neighbors fighting an apartment building with no on-site parking on Division Street won a victory this week when the state Land Use Board of Appeals agreed to hear their appeal.

The board denied a motion to dismiss the neighbors’ appeal of a building permit issued for the four-story project that would include 81 apartments, as well as commercial space on the ground floor.

The City of Portland, which issued the permit, joined the developers in their attempt to dismiss the appeal, contending that “the challenged building permit is not a land use decision and is not subject to LUBA review,” according to the ruling, which was issued Wednesday.

“To us this feels like a big win,” said Susan Levine, one of the neighbors. She added, however, that “it’s not the end of the case by any means.”

David Mullens, a representative for the developer -- Urban Development Group -- could not be reached for comment.

Neighbors have opposed the project at 3701 S.E. Division St. since the spring, because it will not include on-site parking.

They formed a group called Richmond Neighbors for Responsible Development and hired an attorney to fight the project.

Urban Development Group is working on similar projects throughout Portland. The lack of on-site parking for these projects and apartment buildings developed by other companies has become a hot-button issue in Portland neighborhoods.

Opponents fear their streets will be clogged with cars owned by residents of apartments with no parking.

Others, however, support the city’s efforts to promote density along high-traffic corridors served by public transportation.

The Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission said last week that it would not consider a temporary moratorium on such projects.

Stephen Beaven: 503-754-4664

Twitter: @SEPDXreporter