(Portland, OR) The Bureau of Development Services is the City of Portland agency responsible for performing coordinated damage assessment of buildings that have been damaged during emergency situations, and to coordinate related recovery activities.

In response to the catastrophic landslide that occurred the morning of October 8, 2008, on SW Burlingame Place, Bureau of Development Services inspectors performed geotechnical assessments of site conditions and assessed damage to affected structures. Due to the serious nature of the safety issues present at the site, the Bureau is taking swift action to limit further property damage, as well as to protect the safety and health of the occupants and the public.

“I’m truly saddened that these homeowners have had their lives disrupted by such unexpected devastation and some have lost everything,” said Paul Scarlett, BDS Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Portland. “I have mobilized an internal Customer Assistance Team that stands ready to work with the affected property owners and their representatives toward recovery.” [Read Full Press Release]