FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2009

Contact: Alisa Cour, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4017

(Portland, OR) Portland property owners with liens on their properties due to code enforcement violations can receive relief through a progressive new program initiated by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services.

The Lien Amnesty Program will be effective June 8, 2009 through July 8, 2009 and will enable property owners to voluntarily pay off outstanding code enforcement liens on their properties at 50% off the total amount of the principal, penalty, and interest that has accrued on the lien.

"The Lien Amnesty Program benefits the public and the City of Portland," said Paul Scarlett, Development Services Director. "The program helps owners erase financial burdens on their properties by offering significantly discounted payoff amounts on outstanding liens, and the City will collect a portion of the revenue it is owed."

This limited-time program applies to all property owners who have had code enforcement liens placed against their properties by the Bureau of Development Services for building, property maintenance and zoning code violations that did not correct the cited violation(s) in the allotted time given. There can be no active code enforcement cases on the property to qualify for the 50% discount. The discount does not apply to the principal on liens assessed for abatement charges, Hearings Office charges, or Auditor’s costs. The Bureau of Development Services will notify eligible property owners of the program by mail during the second week of June.

For more information on the Lien Amnesty Program visit www.portlandonline.com/bds or call Crystal Cowen, Program Specialist, at (503) 823-7324.

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Fast Facts About Code Enforcement Liens

• A code enforcement lien represents the cost of a fine or other assessment against a property associated with an enforcement action.
• Property owners receive multiple notifications, deadlines and waiver options before a lien is imposed.
• If a property has a lien on it, it may be difficult to sell, refinance or borrow against it.
• Liens do not expire; they are recorded on the property’s title and accrue interest until paid.
• To remove a lien from a property, the fine must be paid in full before a Notice of Satisfaction is recorded with the Multnomah County Recorder’s Office.
• If a lien is not paid within 365 days it goes on the City of Portland's pre-foreclosure list.

About the Bureau of Development Services (BDS):
The City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) promotes safety, livability and economic vitality through the efficient and collaborative application of building and development codes. In 2008, BDS staff issued 10,000 development permits, performed 193,000 permit inspections and processed 977 land use reviews for residential and commercial properties. For more information, visit our website at www.portlandonline.com/bds or call Alisa Cour at (503) 823-4017.