FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2009

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) Recognizing our business and community partners reliance on the services and resources we provide, the Bureau of Development Services has outlined its Holiday Closure schedule as follows:

November 26th & 27th: 

The Bureau of Development Services Offices, as well as all City Offices, will be closed November 26th (Thanksgiving Day). The Bureau of Development Services will re-open the day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 27th, but the Development Services Center (1st Floor) and Permitting Services (2nd Floor) will be closed. All other Bureau of Development Services Offices will be open and requested daily inspections will be performed.

December 25th thru January 1st, 2010:

The Bureau of Development Services Offices, as well as all City Offices, will be closed December 25th (Christmas Day) and January 1st 2010 (New Year's Day). In addition, the Development Services Center (1st Floor) will be closed December 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st All other Bureau of Development Services Offices will be open and requested daily inspections will be performed.

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If you are not already aware, the Bureau of Development Services has had to make a substantial reduction to its workforce due to the current economic environment and construction activity slowdown. In order to keep customers up to date, we have developed a communication plan to regularly communicate changes through Service Level Updates. You can access these updates on line at www.portlandonline.com/bds by clicking on "Service Updates".

You can also register at our website using the following link Online Registration or (Printable Version - PDF). If you would like to be added to the mailing list for future classes, please call the Landlord Training voice mail line at (503) 823-7955; leave your name, mailing address, phone number and a message that you would like to be added to the mailing list. Thank you for your interest in the Landlord Training Program.

You may include all, or part of the pre-approved design standards and details in this guide with your building permit plans for decks that are:

• For one- and two-family dwellings
• Single-span
• All on one level
• Not supporting a hot tub or spa
• Not attached to house overhangs, bay windows, brick, stone or concrete block 
• Not more than 10 feet above the ground
• Not bearing on ground with a slope greater than 2 feet horizontal for every 1 foot vertical

For more information to help you design your deck, see Brochure 3a - Deck Design Guide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2009

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) The Bureau of Development Services is acting on its commitment to provide regular and timely information to customers on service level adjustments during this economic downturn.

The downturn has resulted in sustained reduction in workload and permit fee revenues for the bureau over the past year. By the middle of October 2009, the staffing level at BDS will have been reduced by approximately 50% due to the economic crisis.

These staffing reductions have necessitated changes to the current level of service in the permit inspection program. This update focuses on the changes to the permit inspection programs aimed at assisting our inspectors in providing the highest possible level of service to our customers. Following is a brief summary of the most significant changes to Inspections Program during this interim time:

• Suspension of two-hour time certain inspection requests.
• Required “bundling” of related inspection requests.
• Ranked Inspections with the highest priority going to fire and life safety, structural integrity and neighborhood livability. Some lower priority inspections will be suspended, such as “consultation” inspections, until further notice.
• Re-inspection fees, to ensure cost recovery, will be charged as allowed per code and as deemed appropriate.

The following link will take you to a detailed list of the changes: http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?a=264523, or you can visit our website at: http://www.portlandonline.com/bds. These changes will go into effect October 1, 2009.

“I realize that these changes may cause some inconvenience to our customers,” said Paul Scarlett, Bureau Director, “but we will monitor closely and make adjustments where and when necessary to maximize our resources during this challenging time.”

Permit inspections will continue to be performed five days a week. The automated Interactive Voice Request (IVR) procedure remains unchanged. The inspection division recommends walk-in customers call for an appointment if they need to meet with permit inspections staff.

If you have questions about the bureau’s permit inspection services please contact Inspections Manager Jim Nicks at (503) 823-1054.

Please join us on September 24th – 27th at the Oregon Convention Center at Bureau of Development Services Booth #2813.

CLICK HERE to print a $2.00 coupon good towards entry to the Home Improvement Show™.

For more information visit http://www.oregonremodelers.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2009

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) Today, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services released a list of approved leaf blowers that meet noise levels established in the City’s Noise Code Title 18 for use in the City of Portland. All leaf blowers used for personal and/or commercial activities inside the City limits must be on the certified list of approved leaf blowers.

For the past several years, the Noise Control Program has conducted extensive outreach to leaf blower manufacturers to add their products to the approved leaf blower list. To qualify for the list:

• Leaf blowers must not exceed 65 dBA (decibels) at 50 feet from the devise during the summer months (March 1st – October 31st)
• Leaf blowers must not exceed 70 dBA at 50 feet from the devise during the rainy winter months (November 1st – February 28th), when leaves are likely to be heavy and wet
• Each leaf blower must be certified by a third-party testing laboratory, using American National Standards Institute (ANSI) methodology, ANSI B175.2-2000
• Currently, the list includes electric and gas powered leaf blowers, but does not include battery powered devices.

“This code change was adopted by the City Council in response to concerns expressed by the community about leaf blower noise,” said Paul van Orden, Noise Control Officer for the City of Portland. “It is intended to limit noise levels during the summer months when people are likely to open windows or be outdoors.”

Please note that the general operating restrictions for all leaf blowers prohibit use between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM with some limited exceptions.

The Bureau of Development Services will be updating this list annually, or as additional certifications for leaf blowers are received. To view a copy of the approved leaf blower list, visit: http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=45061&a=260377.

If you have questions about the approved leaf blower list, please contact the Noise Control Office at 503-823-7350.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2009

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) The Bureau of Development Services announced today that the Development Services Center (DSC) will be closed on Mondays, effective August 31, 2009. The DSC hours of operation will also be changing to 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM,  Tuesday through Friday, effective August 31, 2009. The DSC is located at 1900 SW 4th Ave, first floor.

These changes are in response to the continued decline of revenue and workload that the Bureau has experienced over the last 12 months and the associated staff reductions. The DSC provides customers with all the expertise and services needed to complete Portland’s permitting and land use processes. It includes building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and land use permit intake, review and issuance, as well as, permit records research for properties within the City of Portland.

“The changes to the DSC hours of operation have been made in an effort to continue to provide the most efficient, effective and predictable service to our DSC customers, while making necessary changes to address the current revenue and workload downturn,” said Paul Scarlett the Bureau Director.

Please note that Document Services located on the 2nd floor, where customers pick up approved plans, update plans and submit checksheet responses, will remain open Monday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Bureau of Development Services and its interagency partners will continue to provide a full range of services in the DSC Tuesday through Friday.

The African American Health Coalition puts on this fundraiser walk to help support free health education clinics and raise health awareness in the African American community. The walk was 1.5 mile or 3.0 mile walk around the delightful northeast Portland starting at Dawson Park. In addition there was a collaboration of lots of music and snacks from different vendors.

As long time participants of the Fix It Fairs our outreach team wanted to make sure that we are reaching all of the different communities to enhance the participation and diversity of the fairs attendance. Staff had on out team Fix It fair shirts and handed out Fix It fair information along the walk. We received a warm reception and a lot of people told us that they had never heard of the Fix It Fairs, which are designed to educate and assist Portland residents and their families save energy and money at home and lead healthier lives.

The upcoming Fix It Fair Dates:

• November 21 | Roosevelt High School | 6941 N Central St
• January 9 | David Douglas High School | 1001 SE 135th Ave
• January 30 | Parkrose High School | 12003 NE Shaver St

For more information on Your Sustainable City Outreach visit www.portlandonline.com/sustainability.

On August 3, 2009, the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) began accepting permit applications for the new Original Art Murals program. The Original Art Murals program allows murals to be permitted separately from sign regulations, and complements the existing Regional Arts and Culture Council’s (RACC) Public Art program. 

An Original Art Mural is defined specifically as a hand-produced work of visual art that is tiled or painted by hand directly upon, or affixed directly to an exterior wall of a building. Murals permitted under this process must stay in place without alterations for a period of at least five years, with the building owner receiving no compensation for the display of the mural.

Permits issued under this program will be reviewed using regulations contained in Title 4 (Original Art Murals) of the City Code, and the accompanying Administrative Rules. To be considered an Original Art Mural, a permit must have been issued under the Title 4 regulations. Murals that are not approved through Title 4 (or are not part of the RACC Public Art program) will be classified as signs.

For a copy of the Original Art Mural permit application, and for more information on the mural program, go to www.portlandonline.com/bds/muralpermit, or contact Kristin Cooper (503-823-7547) or Jean Hester (503-823-7783).

7/14/09

• Revised Water Tank Elevations provided by Ramsay Signs at 7/13/09 hearing.

For more information, visit the Made in Oregon Sign - Historic Design Review webpage.

This event serves as a great venue to partners with local food vendors which includes many cultures, a KidSpace arts and crafts area for youth to enjoy, ethnic Marketplace to buy various clothing and an Information Village to hand out various information on the available programs and services the city has to offer.

“This is a great opportunity to provide the community with helpful information and enjoy lots of great music, many people and many friends,” says BDS Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson. The partnership between all of the bureaus led by Outreach Coordinator Desiree Rajee-Williams from the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability has proven to be a great way to collectively reach out to communities. We look forward to seeing “Your Sustainable City” at upcoming events around the city.

For more information visit www.portlandonline.com/sustainability.

Originally this building was built in the 1900’s as the YWCA and today is one of the few remaining African American buildings currently owned by the Local lodge membership. This building has for years served as a place for events, weddings, birthday parties and now is a great place to host business meetings and many other events.

Director Paul Scarlett assisted in waiving some of the bureau’s development fees in July 2008 in order to preserve the historic Elks Lodge. The Director felt that this renovation was an undeniable benefit to the community and non-profit organization. “I fully support the mission of the Elks Lodge and I am happy that our bureau contributed to this project along with all of the contractors who donated their time and materials”, says Paul Scarlett.

The Open House Event for the Contractors was held June 23rd and it was a full house of the participating contractors, Elks Members and Community Members. On behalf of the Director, BDS Small Business Liaison Tiffani Penson accepted the acknowledge plaque, t-shirt and Moonstruck chocolates from the NAMCO Vice President Faye Burch. “As a person in the community that has attended many events at the place affectionately called the “old folks home”, I was truly impressed by the partnering of the many organizations and the beautiful work,” says Tiffani.

On behalf of the Bureau of Development Services, thank you NAMCO for giving us the opportunity to be a part of such a great project.

"We are absolutely committed to biodiesel," said Michele Crim, Sustainable Government Policy and Program Manager for the City of Portland. "People who know the facts on biodiesel know science supports that it is cleaner burning and better for the environment compared to petroleum diesel."

Portland uses biodiesel made from canola, a local crop, and waste grease, and has also used soy biodiesel.

"To maximize economic development, we prioritize using regional crops," Crim said. [Read full article]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2009

Contact: Alisa Cour, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4017

(Portland, OR) On June 8, 2009, the Bureau of Development Services launched a Lien Amnesty Program, enabling 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.

"We have received an extremely positive response from the public to the Lien Amnesty Program during the past two weeks," said Ross Caron, Site Services Division Manager. "Customers are excited about this opportunity to erase financial burdens on their properties at significantly discounted payoff amounts and many are taking advantage of the program."

The Lien Amnesty Program is a limited-time program that runs through July 8, 2009. The 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.

Property owners who take advantage of the Lien Amnesty Program can pay off the entire lien balance at the reduced rate, or sign a payment plan with 25% down and the balance of the reduced rate paid in installments over three years.

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 or Auditor's costs. Eligible property owners have been notified by BDS of the program and will receive a reminder this week that the program ends soon.

For more information on the Lien Amnesty Program see the attached FAQ's, visit www.portlandonline.com/bds or call Crystle Cowen, Program Specialist, at 503-823-7324.

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Questions and Answers about the Lien Amnesty Program 

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.

• Final Main Sign Drawings
• Water Tank Sign Drawings
• Final Main Sign Illumination

For more information visit the Made in Oregon Sign - Historic Design Review webpage.

Temporary use has been defined as projects and events intended from the outset to be impermanent. They occupy space during the time between other uses or fill spaces that are otherwise unusuable. The spectrum of uses that can occupy a space ranges from a spontaneous one-time event to permanent occupancy. The No Vacancy Project is directed toward occupying the middle range of the spectrum.

A roundtable comprised of a targeted group of people was assembled to provide critical feedback to shape and refine their recommendations for the use of these spaces in the CEID. Supervising Planner Sterling Bennett, Senior Planner Tom Carter and Small Business Liaison Tiffani Penson participated in this discussion offering information on Title 33 Planning & Zoning Code and Building Permit information.

In June, the No Vacancy Team held an open house event to mark the completion of the draft for the project at a vacant space in the Ford Building located in Southeast Portland. “It was a great way to visualize what you can do with vacant space. There were refreshments, an artist painting portraits of people, a film showing and a piano player warming the room with the sound of music”, said Tiffani Penson.

Thank you to the No Vacancy team for inviting BDS to be apart of this very exciting proposal and event. For more information on utilizing vacant space visit, www.novacancyproject.wordpress.com.

Thomas Payne, Vice Chancellor and Dean at the University of Missouri School of Agriculture, sees biodiesel as playing “a key role in our nation’s future energy and environmental security.” He added, “I am proud to add my voice to the growing chorus of scientists who are singing the praises of biodiesel and advocating for an increased commitment that will ensure that biodiesel reaches its full potential as a vital U.S. energy source.”

Scientists from U.C. Berkeley, Texas Tech, Penn State, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Sandia National Laboratories, to name just a few, recognize both the promise of sustainable biodiesel and the need for increased investment in biodiesel research and development. [Read full article]

Original Art Murals will be defined specifically as a hand produced work of visual art that is tiled or painted by hand directly upon, or affixed directly to an exterior wall of a building. Murals reviewed under this process will need to stay intact and in place for a period of at least five years, with the building owner receiving no compensation for the display of the mural.

This new process will establish a mural permit, with administrative rules, a fee structure and inspections. To be considered an original art mural, the mural must receive a permit under this new process. Murals that are not approved under this process (or are not part of the RACC Public Art program) will still be classified as signs. The mural regulations will be contained in a new City title, Title 4 (Original Art Murals), with minor amendments to City Titles 3 (Administration), 32 (Signs and Related Regulations), and Title 33 (Planning and Zoning).

The Bureau of Development Services will hold a hearing on July 13th (5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, Room 2500B) to hear comments on the proposed Mural Administrative Rules. The anticipated effective date for the Original Art Murals Project is August 1, 2009.

For more information on the Original Art Mural project, go to the Original Art Mural Project website, or contact Phil Nameny (503-823-7709) or Douglas Hardy (503-823-7816).

This year the City of Portland will have the following bureau’s available providing information and answering the questions about services we offer:

• Bureau of Development Services
• Bureau of Environmental Services
• Water Bureau
• Portland Bureau of Transportation
• Park and Recreations
• Bureau of Planning & Sustainability
• Office of Neighborhood Involvement

We will all be located in one location under “Your Sustainable City”, which will make it easier for the customers to find us and do their “One Stop Shopping”. We look forward to seeing you!

Location: Oregon Zoo – 4001 SW Canyon Rd

Date: June 7th

Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Admission: FREE

For more information, contact Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson at (503) 823-1109 or tiffani.penson@ci.portland.or.us.

Gilkey International School is unique in the fact that their mission is to inspire children to become global citizens by providing a rigorous and comprehensive education within a nurturing, student-centered environment for full immersion in multiple languages and cultures. With that being said the Core Values and Guiding Principles are: Honesty, Respect, Collaboration, Responsibility, Diversity and Passion for Learning.

Mayor Adams’ Education Strategies Coordinator Reese Lord III invited the Bureau of Development Services Customer Service Manager Alisa Cour and Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson to participate in the interview session with the students. We had the pleasure of being asked very intelligent questions about LEED Buildings, Building Permits and Code Enforcement by Matthew Corman.

Matthew has an interest in architecture and buildings. He is learning to speak Spanish and had nothing but great things to say about his school. He was very aware of current events and even held a conversation with us about the advantages of banning plastic shopping bags in Oregon.

After the interview Alisa and Tiffani commented on how advanced and mature Matthew was. Matthew is definitely a student with a bright future and we appreciated the opportunity to be involved in this day of learning, says Tiffani.

For more information on Mayor Adams’ commitment to the Education of youth, contact Reese Lord at (503) 823-4027 or email reese.lord@ci.portland.or.us.

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.

The amendment is in response to difficulties that developers and homeowners are experiencing in regard to the building permit or land-use review phase of their projects.

Currently, if a building permit is not used within three years of a land-use decision, an approved land-use review will expire. Similarly, approved preliminary plans for land divisions expire if a final application isn’t submitted within three years of the decision on the preliminary plan. [Read full article]

By DJC Staff,

DJC Oregon - June 2, 2009

Date & Time:

Location: 1900 SW 4th Avenue Building | Second Floor Conference Room 2500-A

This presentation and discussion session will include:

• An overview of our region's recycling and waste
• What Portland businesses are being asked to do
• The "Five Easy Steps" to recycling success
• How "Recycle to Work" assists businesses
• The role of your service provider team
• Recognition available for your achievements
• Resources, questions and contact information

All are Welcome to attend this free event - Bring your lunch and join us! (NO reservation required)

Lunch & Learn Contact: Tiffani Penson, 503-823-1109

Now that my 10-month-old delights in calling out to the neighbors from our second story bedroom window that is just 24-inches off the floor, I can see how easily it could happen. Nationwide, more than 4,000 children age 5 and younger visit emergency rooms due to falls from windows. At the link below, you'll find tips from the Doernbecher Children's Safety Center on how you can keep your upper story windows safe this summer. Just make sure you are not permanently blocking egress from a window in case of a fire. Enjoy the breeze and stay safe!

Alisa Cour,

Public Information Manager

Currently, an approved land-use review expires if a building permit is not issued within three years of the land use decision, and approved preliminary plans for land divisions expire if a final plat application has not been submitted within three years of the decision on the preliminary plan. Pre-application conferences expire within a year of the date the conference was held. Final plat applications are voided if the applicant has not responded to BDS requests for additional information within 180 days. The proposed Code amendment extends these timelines as follows:

• View the adopted Zoning Code amendments
• Please contact Douglas Hardy at (503) 823-7816 or dhardy@ci.portland.or.us for information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2009

Contact: 

Ty Kovatch, Commissioner Randy Leonard, 503-823-3003, tkovatch@ci.portland.or.us

Anne Hill, BDS, 503-823-4807, hilla@ci.portland.or.us

(Portland, OR) Today, the City of Portland announced two building projects that will receive a combined total of $37,800 in grants from the Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot (PEEHP), a $113,000 grant fund created to offset the costs of constructing two homes by each builder that perform above the energy efficiency level of the 2008 Oregon Energy Code standards. Three of the six total homes to be constructed are to be built 15% above the 2008 Oregon Energy Code and three homes are to be built 30% above the 2008 Oregon Energy Code. The initial period for submission of proposals began February 3, 2009, and closed on March 4, 2009.

The PEEHP is a competitive program that awards grants to generate residential construction in the Portland Area that will provide the industry and public with information on the building methods and materials necessary to build cost effective energy efficient homes. The PEEHP is a collaboration among the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services, Planning and Sustainability, Energy Trust of Oregon, the Homebuilders Association of Metropolitan Portland, National Association of Homebuilders, Northwest Natural Gas, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric.

"These awards support Portland’s commitment to energy efficient homebuilding. Providing incentives for builders to incorporate efficiency measures that contribute to both healthier homes and homes that are more affordable to operate exemplifies the city’s partnership with the development community and it’s citizens,” said Commissioner Randy Leonard.

The PEEHP will also produce resources to help inform future residential construction projects including records of costs associated with constructing energy efficient homes and case studies reflecting those instances of added complexity related to new energy efficiency measures.

The subsequent round of submissions will open on May 26, 2009 and close on October 1, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. The program has been adjusted to accommodate the development community’s need for flexible submission deadlines as a result of financing requirements and tight construction timelines. Proposals will be evaluated and scored as they are received. Grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis through November, 2009. The RFP and application materials can be found at the following online location:

www.portlandonline.com/bds/PEEHP. Please see the attached information for submission requirements. Inquiries should be directed to Program Manager Anne Hill at 503-823-4807 or hilla@ci.portland.or.us.

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Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot Grant Recipients

Fish Construction NW

When complete, Fish Construction NW will construct a 2 unit rowhouse in Southeast Portland. The project, located in the 4700 block of SE 28th Avenue, will feature a 90% efficient gas furnace in the 15% above code house, and a tankless hot water heater and 92% efficient gas furnace in the 30% above code house. Fish Construction NW is a small 4 person company that has been building single family and multifamily homes in the Portland Metro Area for over 35 years.

Terrafirma Building Inc.

Terrafirma Building Inc. is collaborating with affordable housing developer Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc (PCRI), architect firm eM|Zed Design, LLC and Imagine Energy, LLC to construct two two-unit row houses located at 9437 North Exeter Avenue and 5105 North Fessenden Street. The 15% above code home will feature an electric high efficiency heat pump. Both the 15% above code and the 30% above code homes have been designed with the ducts in conditioned –or insulated space. A heat recovery system will be installed in the 30% above code home to use the heat from the exhaust to preheat outdoor air in the winter. Terrafirma Building Inc. has been renovating, building and developing commercial as well as single- and multi-family residential properties for over 30 years.

Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot Submission Requirements

Interested parties will be asked to submit the following information for each of 2 proposed houses, one being built to 15% above the 2008 Oregon Energy Code and the other being built to 30% above the 2008 Oregon energy code;

• Type of home (e.g. rowhouse, detached house, duplex);
• The amount of square footage;
• Two (2) sets of construction plans 24”x36”;
• Site plans for the specific lots and;
• Verification of financing (e.g. Bank Note) for the construction of the two houses.

The City is seeking Builders or experienced teams of professionals, who have at least two pieces of real property to be developed in the City of Portland, and who are interested in exceeding the 2008 Oregon Energy Code standards. Ideally, the teams would construct two houses on two lots that are both comparable in terms of size and layout. One property would be built to 15% above the 2008 Oregon Energy Code while the other would be built to 30% above the 2008 Oregon Energy Code. The grants and in kind services are intended to substantially offset the cost of exceeding the 2008 Oregon Energy Code. Energy Trust of Oregon has agreed to partner with the City to provide builders or teams with assistance to determine what will be needed to achieve this result. Thereafter contractors can obtain bids to determine the cost of the work.

The PEEHP Project intends to award grants through November, 2009. Homes constructed through this program are expected to be completed no later than 6 months from the beginning of construction.

The RFP and application materials are online at: www.portlandonline.com/bds/PEEHP

Completed proposals will be due on an ongoing basis beginning May 26, 2009 through 4:30 p.m. on October 1, 2009. Submit proposals to:

Attention: Anne Hill

City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services

1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 5000

Portland, OR 97201

Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot Partners

Bureau of Development Services

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

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) was created in 2009 when Portland City Council merged the Bureau of Planning with the Office of Sustainable Development. This new bureau will ensure that sustainability principles are thoroughly integrated into the core of Portland's planning, urban design and government operations, strengthening Portland's position as the global epicenter of sustainable practices and commerce. www.portlandonline.com/bps

Energy Trust of Oregon

Energy Trust of Oregon’s New Homes Program is offering its technical assistance to help builders determine what actions must be taken to meet the efficiency goals of the PEEHP. The Energy Trust of Oregon will provide support during the design phase to help builders meet the energy efficiency requirements and will provide consultation during construction to verify the performance of each home. Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing how Oregonians use energy by promoting energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. For more information, visit the Energy Trust Web Site. Contact: www.energytrust.org, or call 1-866-368-7878.

Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBA) is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing nearly 1,200 builders, remodelers and industry professionals. Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents. For more information, visit the HBA Web Site. Contact: www.homebuildersportland.org.

National Association of Home Builders

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing more than 200,000 members. Known as “the voice of the housing industry," NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. For more information about NAHB, please visit www.nahb.org.

NW Natural Gas

NW Natural is headquartered in Portland, and serves about 657,000 residential and business customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the nation. For more information about NW Natural, please visit www.nwnatural.com

Pacific Power

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing more than 1.6 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. PacifiCorp consists of three business units, aggregating up to PacifiCorp: One of these three business units is Pacific Power, which delivers electricity to customers in Oregon, Washington and California, is headquartered in Portland. For more information, about please visit www.pacificpower.net.

Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (PGE), headquartered in Portland is a vertically integrated electric utility that serves approximately 810,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. For more information, contact about PGE please visit www.portlandgeneral.com.

The JH III Clinic is one of the Water Bureau’s Lead hazard Reduction Program’s Community Partners, which supports the clinic’s efforts to provide free blood test for lead level testing, lead hazard reduction education and outreach. These efforts are part of the water bureau’s alternative compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule.

During the program, Jimmy Brown not only showed his support through the Water Bureau, but personally donated money to the cause. In doing so he described the Water Bureau’s Lead Education Outreach Manger, Scott Bradway as being the “conscience of the bureau”, which was a wonderful and meaningful compliment.

So here at BDS, our hats go off to the Water Bureau, Jimmy Brown and Scott Bradway for giving back to the community. “Thank you for the invitation, this was a very informative and special event, sharing great stories about the late Mr. Hill and all of his efforts in building a clinic that serves so many children and families,” says Tiffani Penson.

For more information on Lead Education, contact Scott Bradway at (503) 823-1951.

On Thursday about 600 students attended the fair's middle school day, on Friday about 800 high school students attended, and Saturday was an open career fair for the general public. "It was amazing to see all the successful tradeswomen acting as role models and inspiring young girls to think about and pursue careers they may never have considered before," said Alisa Cour, BDS Customer Service Manager and volunteer. "This is a great opportunity for BDS staff to show our support of this important event."

For more information on future fairs, visit www.tradeswomen.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2009

Contact: Alisa Cour, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4017

Portland, OR - On May 19, 2009, the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services will co-host a day long symposium on the topic of good urban design and construction approaches to limit the impact of noise pollution on the health and livability of communities.

"We are reaching out to other government officials, planners, architects, university professors, interested citizens and engineers to commence one of the first multi-discipline dialogs on the topic of noise pollution here in the United States," said Paul van Orden, the city’s Noise Control Officer with the Bureau of Development Services.

The Bureau of Development Services and the ASA are pleased to have this conversation in Portland where one of the first comprehensive Noise Control Programs was developed in the mid-1970’s by Dr. Paul Herman, the city’s former Noise Officer.

Some of the topics this event will cover include:

• Perspective on governmental needs to address noise as a growing health issue
• A discussion on the challenges of writing effective zoning and noise code language with Dr. Paul Herman
• Perspectives on building site and design to address noise impacts
• Exploration into the use of soundscaping to address noise impacts in an urban setting with Professor Brigitte Schulte-Fortkamp from the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Engineering in Berlin, Germany

The symposium will be held on May 19, 2009 from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Portland Building located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, 2nd Floor Auditorium. You can download a registration form and get additional information about this event by visiting: www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=242791.

If you have general questions, please call the Bureau of Development Services Noise Control Office at (503) 823-7350.

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. 

The Links, Incorporated is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to service, leadership, and enhancing the quality of life in our community. They are committed to community service through four main facets: national trends and services, services to youth, international trends and services and the arts.

According to our inspectors, there were thousands of students in attendance asking many questions about our bureau, careers and services we provide. “It was a great opportunity to spend time with the youth and provide ideas and guidance on possible career choices”, says McKenzie James.

Thank you to Links Co-Chair Barbara Leonard and Inspector McKenzie James for bringing this opportunity forward to the bureau for participation.

For more information, contact Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson at (503) 823-1109 or tiffani.penson@ci.portland.or.us

At the conference Debbie Cleek, the green building specialist for the Bureau of Development Services, spoke on a panel about innovative programs government agencies had adopted to advance green building practices. The panel also included a representative from the State of Oregon Building Codes Division and a representative from the City of Vancouver.

Debbie spoke about the Alternative Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC), which is a new review process BDS created to help innovative, sustainable products and construction practices be used in buildings sooner. The optional review process runs parallel to the building codes appeal process, and includes a committee of outside experts in the field of sustainable design and construction to evaluate the proposals and make recommendations to BDS. The City of Portland is the first city in the nation to create such a process! More info about the ATAC process can be found on the BDS website.

The conference used Portland to showcase the latest in green building design, with tours of several local LEED buildings. This included a tour of the East Portland Community Center led by Alisa Kane with the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. This city-owned recreation center was completed last year and is on track to be certified as a LEED platinum facility, due in part to many energy and water efficient measures used in the design.

Some of the big ideas discussed at the conference included:

• Widespread use of the Living Building Challenge instead of LEED as the tool design the next generation of green buildings.
• Biomimicry and looking to nature to help us solve our design problems.
• Resiliency by creating buildings and communities that can provide us with the basics we need to support life.
• The nexus between water and energy and changing our relationship to both potable water and sewage to recognize the value of these resources.

5. Grilling safety – The most current fire safety codes prohibit the use of charcoal and gas grills on combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction. When grilling, cook away from siding, deck railings, eaves, overhead power lines and overhanging branches; periodically remove grease; use proper starter fluid and store it safely; check propane hoses for leaks; do not move hot grills; and dispose of used charcoal properly.

4. Protection from electric shock – Building safety codes for pools and spas require proper electrical grounding, bonding and protection by GFI (ground fault interrupter) circuits. They turn off the power to the outlet before someone can be harmed. All outdoor outlets are required to have GFI circuits.

3. Safe porches, decks and balconies – Porches can collapse if they are improperly constructed or improperly maintained. Building or repairing to code, which usually requires a building permit and inspection, will help increase the likelihood the porch is safe. Hazards to look for include porches nailed to buildings instead of attached with anchors or bolts; split or rotting wood; wobbly handrails or guardrails; loose, missing or rusting hardware; missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking; poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders; swaying or unstable porches.

2. Pool and spa drain covers – Building safety codes require pool and spa drains to have a cover or grate to protect from entrapment or suction. Without the cover, hair or body parts may be trapped, causing serious injury or drowning.

1. Pool fences and alarms – Building safety codes require at least a four-foot-high fence around in-ground and above-ground pools holding more than 24 inches of water. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching and doors with direct access to pools must have alarms.

For more information on outdoor projects you may be planning for summer, check out our brochure Guide to Fences, Decks and Outdoor Projects, or call us at (503) 823-7300.

Thank you for celebrating Building Safety Week with the Bureau of Development Services this week!

Alisa Cour

Public Information Manager

Throughout the centuries, builders adapted their techniques to their surroundings. For example, New England colonists used poles, stones and string to help them set posts upright and deep into the ground. During the long, frigid winters, frost heaves would forcibly move posts that were not set deeply enough as the ground froze and thawed.

Gradually, each town learned to set posts to a depth below the frost line, the point below which the ground remained unfrozen. Accrued experience guided construction efforts so successfully that a number of those original houses are still standing today. Much of that expertise became part of the local building code.

Today’s building safety and fire prevention codes used in the City of Portland address all aspects of construction from structural soundness of buildings to the reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems to plumbing and mechanical systems to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Check out the BDS Blog tomorrow for tips on how building codes will make your summer safer!

Alisa Cour,

Public Information Manager

Today’s building safety and fire prevention codes address all aspects of construction from structural soundness of buildings to the reliability of fire prevention and suppression systems to plumbing and mechanical systems to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Please join us tomorrow, May 5th, here at the 1900 SW 4th Avenue Building from 3:00 – 4:30 on the first floor for a Building Safety Week Open House. We’ll have staff on hand to answer questions about projects you may be thinking about to improve your home, tours of the Development Services Center, access to building records of Portland properties which date back to 1905, and refreshments. Hope to see you there!

Check out our blog all week for helpful tips and interesting information on how building safety codes save lives and protect property and the importance of preparing your home and family for emergencies.

Alisa Cour,

Public Information Manager

WHEN: May 19, 2009 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Ave Portland Oregon 97204, 2nd Floor Main Auditorium

REGISTER: Download the registration form from the Acoustical Society of America at http://asa.aip.org/portland/urban_design.pdf

The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) in conjunction with the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services is holding a day long Symposium on the topic of good urban design and construction approaches to limit the impact of noise pollution on the health and livability of communities.

We are reaching out to other government officials, planners, architects, university professors, interstest citizens and engineers. The hope is to commence one of the first multi-discipline dialogs on the topic here in the United States. The Bureau of Development Services and the ASA are pleased to be able have this conversation in Portland where one of the first comprehensive Noise Control programs was developed in the mid 1970's by Dr. Paul Herman.

This day long event will cover a broad range of topics including some of the following:

• A perspective on the political or governmental needs to address noise as a growing health issue in cities;
• A panel of enforcement officials, including Dr. Paul Herman, discussing the challenges in writing effective zoning and noise code language;
• Perspectives on building site and design to address noise impacts;
• An overview of the GIS/ NOISE MAPPING approach for communities to develop long term planning and other solutions to community health concerns regarding noise;
• And finally an afternoon session offering an exploration of a new approach to addressing noise impacts in an urban setting through the use of "SOUNDSCAPING".

The discussion of SOUNDSCAPING, or using other sounds and approaches to create a more pleasant urban auditory environment, will be lead by Professor Brigitte Schulte-Fortkamp from the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Engineering in Berlin, Germany.

The Acoustical Society of America worked with the American Planning Association's AICP professional arm to be able to offer CM's for this symposium. 6.95 CM's will be available to APA members.

Please take a closer look at the attached flyer for additional details.

The ASA is working to keep the cost minimal ( $25.00 ($15.00 for Students) if registered by May 8, 2009 - $30.00 ($20.00 for Students) after May 8, 2009 and at the door) to attend this Symposium. This includes lunch and local coffee from a variety of local roasters throughout the day. Everyone involved in pulling this event together is hopeful that this will be the beginning of a larger dialog among the many disciplines and government agencies that can help the United States to return to an era , such as it was in the 1970's, when our country was a leader in addressing Noise Pollution.

If you have general questions please call the Bureau of Development Services Noise Control Office at the City of Portland at (503) 823-7350.

Thursday, May 7, 2009 • 7:30 –8:45 a.m.

This event is NO CHARGE!

ERIN FLYNN, Economic Development Director, Portland Development Commission

“Portland’s Growth Sectors – Opportunities for our Citizens”

MAYOR TOM POTTER, Mayor, City of Portland

“The benefi t of Industry & Education Partnerships to our City”

DREW PARK, CEO, Columbia Wire & Iron Works

“Industry’s Partnership with Education – Why it’s good for Business”

CAROLE SMITH, Superintendent, Portland Public Schools

“How our Partnerships with Industry benefi t our Students”

Tour of the Expo to begin at 8:45 am |Check-in Registration to begin at 7:15 a.m.

Please call 503.823.3323 or email rundm@pdc.us as soon as possible to reserve your seat.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2009

Contact: Alisa Cour, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4017

(Portland, OR) Today the Bureau of Development Services announced that the Site Services Division will merge the existing five separate enforcement hotlines serving Compliance Services, Neighborhood Inspections, Noise, Erosion Control and Site Development into a single contact number in an effort to streamline enforcement and improve its service for customers. Beginning Friday, May 1st, customers can call the new enforcement hotline at 503-823-CODE (2633) to report a complaint.

The Site Services Division of the Bureau of Development Services administers various city codes and processes different types of enforcement cases for the Bureau. In 2008, the Site Services Division received over 12,000 complaints.

Types of violation complaints the division responds to include:

• Construction codes (work without permit)
• Zoning code
• Dangerous buildings
• Noise control
• Nuisance issues on property and adjacent rights-of-way
• Housing maintenance concerns (including illegal occupancies)
• Non-residential structures exterior maintenance concerns
• Derelict buildings
• Disabled vehicles on private property
• Erosion control issues
• Site issues (grading, filling, clearing, drainage and septic systems)

"By consolidating the five lines into one, there will be less burden or hesitancy on the public to initiate contact or determine the appropriate section to call. Instead, they will have a single point of contact for registering complaints that Site Services can follow up on," said Ross Caron, Site Services Division Manager.

For more detailed information about the types of violation complaints the division can respond to, or to file a complaint online, go to www.portlandonline.com/bds and click on the Enforcement tab. You can also access the enforcement handout Maintaining Portland's Safety and Livability on the BDS website to find out more about the compliance process.

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. 

The goal is to uncover evidence about the safety of higher mid-rise wood structures in seismic areas. The National Science Foundation, which provided a $1.4 million grant for this project, estimates that 75 million Americans live in places at risk from earthquakes. John van der Lindt, a professor of engineering at Colorado State University and the project's director, thinks the tests could prove the feasibility of using wood for buildings as tall as seven stories. [Read full article]

By John Caulfield,

BuilderOnline - April 6, 2009 - Going Up

BDS Engineering Supervisor, Jed Sampson, Commercial Inspection Manager Hank McDonald and Structural Engineer Lisa Buellesbach teamed up to educate and answer many questions on building using wood materials.

The questions from our guest ranged from:

• What type of products that are used the most
• Appropriate engineering calculations used
• Product standards for materials and screws
• Length of time it takes from the building permit application to obtain the permit
• How do we manage quality control
• How inspections are performed

In addition to the information shared by staff, Commercial Inspections Manager Phil Burkart and inspector Jeff Donnolly took our guest on a ride along inspection to show projects that met the criteria of the information and questions they presented to us.

"It is our pleasure to share our bureau's information on effective materials, permitting process and inspections with other countries. It is an honor to be recognized by others for the work the city of Portland does to ensure the safety and sustainability of our projects", says Jed Sampson.

For more information, contact Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson at (503) 823-1109 or email penson_t@ci.portland.or.us

Currently, an approved land-use review expires if a building permit is not issued within three years of the land use decision, and approved preliminary plans for land divisions expire if a final plat application has not been submitted within three years of the decision on the preliminary plan. Pre-application conferences expire within a year of the date the conference was held. The proposed Code amendment would extend for a limited period of time these expiration dates.

On April 14, 2009, the Planning Commission voted to send a favorable recommendation on the amendment to the City Council. The City Council will consider the amendment at a hearing on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at 10:00 am.

• City Council Notice
• Planning Commission Report
• Proposed Code Amendment

For more information, contact Douglas Hardy at (503) 823-7816 or dhardy@ci.portland.or.us.

Cade Lawrence of Hoffman Construction said crews used ground-penetrating radar to locate cables in slabs of concrete for determining where to install new piping and ductwork. The system was required because crews were working with post-tensioned concrete in the building remodel. "We were very successful in being able to penetrate the slab," said Lawrence.

That was just one of the challenges Hoffman faced converting the Toronto National Building at 550 S.W. Oak St. to the Courtyard Marriott - Portland City Center. The building had been unoccupied for many years.

The Marriott, with 16 floors and 256 rooms, was designed by SERA Architects to meet LEED gold standards. The hotel is on course to be the city's first to be certified LEED gold. [Read full article]

By Sam Bennett,

DJC Oregon - Friday, April 17, 2009

Hotel project challenges Hoffman crews

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NECA / IBEW Electrical Training Center

16021 NE Airport Way

Portland, OR 97230

- FREE Admission

- FREE Parking

- FREE onsite childcare

- FREE transportation on Eco-Shuttle from the Gateway transit center

Participate in hands-on workshops, try out tools, meet employers, learn about apprenticeship, meet successful tradeswomen role models including electricians, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and more. No advance registration required.

Contact Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. for more information:

503-335-8200 x21

info@tradeswomen.net
www.tradeswomen.net/fair2009intro.php

Made of an organic corn-based plastic and wood pulp, dirty diapers are aerated for 14 weeks to kill bacteria and pathogens.

According to the company, a child who wears diapers until age 3 creates more than a ton of dirty diapers in his or her lifetime.

The Mercury News reports, Mountain View resident Julie Stanford said her family tries to be environmentally conscious, and she always felt bad about the diapers she threw away.

"You're trying to avoid using plastic bags but then you're throwing diapers in the landfill," she said. "It feels hypocritical."

According to the paper, she thought about using a cloth diaper service, but worried about the chlorine bleach used to wash them. She signed up as one of EarthBaby's test families in September.

Keeping consistent with the brown, err green theme, EarthBaby runs its delivery trucks on biodiesel. The company currently delivers to cities in the Sunshine State's Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.

From The Biodiesel Bulletin April 2009 - A montly publication of the National Biodiesel Board.

According to company press releases, the Carbon E7, produced by Carbon Motors boasts a 300 horsepower engine has been designed as 40 percent more efficiency than comparable engines and can run on biodiesel.

According to Carbon Motors the nation's law enforcement government fleet burns through an estimated 1.5 billion gallons of fuel annually and emits an estimated 14 million tons of CO2. Keeping biodiesel in the front lines of law enforcement is another way to help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The company's vision even includes recycling vehicles at end-of-life. The law enforcement patrol vehicle takes a futuristic fantasy cruiser from concept to reality. It includes cutting edge safety features and specialty engineering designed to meet the needs of emergency response.

The company is wrapping up a nationwide tour to introduce the prototype vehicle to the public and law enforcement communities. More information is available at www.carbonmotors.com. 

From The Biodiesel Bulletin April 2009 - A montly publication of the National Biodiesel Board

The highway would include a series of alternative fueling stations throughout the entire length of the highway to give motorists the change to charge, or swap out, their electric-vehicle batteries or fill their tanks with biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen or compressed natural gas.

Planning for public support and coordination is in the works with plans that could begin to take formation in Washington as early as this summer. The three states' transportation departments have also been discussing ways to bring the green highway to life.

Of the plans discussed biodiesel continues to be the only real alternative fuel option for heavy transportation. And as NBB CEO Joe Jobe says, "It is the heavy duty trucks that move the freight, and the freight that moves the economy."

According to Washington planners, the green highway marks the first time states have collaborated to ensure alternative fuel infrastructure is consistently available along a travel route.

From The Biodiesel Bulletin April 2009 - A montly publication of the National Biodiesel Board

Harold Williams Two, President of CH2A in conjunction with Dr. Preston Pulliams, PCC President and John Jackley, PDC Communications Director teamed up to provide a program model that collaborates with all levels of school, Portland Community Colleges, Unions, Private and Government agencies to work together and take an active role in training and educating today's youth. Visit the website at www.TheDiversityInstitute.com.

Bureau Director Paul Scarlett is very supportive of engaging youth and encourages interested staff to participate in this type of outreach. He feels this is a great way to share the various careers and jobs available at the city.

• March 17th - Mikal Shabazz, Diversity Liaison shared his experience in his current position and provided training information necessary to complete the plumbing trades and become an inspector
• April 8th - Lisa Buellesbach, Structural Engineer gave a presentation on engineering and her experience and educational path in the field
• April 14th - Paul Scarlett will share his experience as bureau Director and the many different life experiences that have prepared him for the postion
• May 14th - Tim Heron, Planning Design Review Supervisor will discuss what is planning and the educational path required to become a planner

If you are interested in participating in this ongoing outreach, contact Outreach Program Coordinator, Tiffani Penson at (503) 823-1109 or email penson_t@ci.portland.or.us.

Tree in a Box is a successful home occupation business located in the Laurelhurst area that provides everything you need to grow a tree from seed. The kit is designed to be "add water only" and grown in a sunny window.

Tree in a Box is an example of a small business that is thriving with minimal overhead cost and producing a sustainable product thus fitting in with the city's mission "Your Sustainable City".

For more information visit www.treeinabox.com.

On January 7, 2009, City Council passed a resolution to consolidate development review permitting functions into the Bureau of Development Services. BDS was tasked with working collaboratively with other City bureaus to develop a proposal to achieve this goal. The BDS Permit Consolidation Report will be heard by the City Council on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 6:00 pm time certain in Council Chambers.

• View the BDS Permit Consolidation Report
• Upcoming City Council Agenda Items

Until the summer light shines until 10:00 each night, the need for artificial light in our homes is a necessity. Using compact fluorescent lights (CFL) to meet your lighting needs is a great way to be green and save money.

Though typically 2 to 4 times more expensive than traditional incandescent lights you will save money in the long run. Generally, it works out to be $30 dollars saved in electricity costs over the lifetime of the light. The average rated life of the CFL is 8 to 15 times that of its counterpart. For the same light output, a CFL uses between one fifth and one third the power of incandescent ones. Additionally, compact fluorescents emit significantly less greenhouse gases.

CFL'c do contain a small amount of mercury which may be released if the bulb is broken. It is best to use the lights in ceiling fixtures or out of reach of children and dogs. When a CFL no longer works, be sure to dispose of it as you would dispose of other toxics in the home by bringing them to a Metro recycling and waste disposal station.

It's of note to mention the life of a CFL is significantly shorter if it is only turned on for a few minutes at a time. The Energy Star program advises leaving them on at least 15 minutes at a time to mitigate the problem. This makes the CFL ideal for outdoor lighting such as the front porch light that is left on overnight. So the next time you're in the shopping aisle to buy lights, consider purchasing a compact fluorescent, you'll save money and do your part to reduce greenhouse gases.

Many people visited the booth and gathered while Mayor Adams interviewed participating staff.

For more information on Your Sustainable City visit the website at www.portlandonline.com/sustainability.

What solar organizations are local resources?

The NW Solar Expo is a great place to attend for anyone interested in solar to get all of their questions answered. They also have a multitude of workshops. This year’s conference is from April 29-May 3.

Solar Now! is a collaborative between OSD, the Energy Trust, ODOE and Solar Oregon - who got together and decided to move all solar related info into one place.

Solar Oregon is a non-profi t whose goal is to get people jazzed up about solar, offer tours every year of solar houses in the area and workshops throughout the year.

What tax credits or incentives are available?

Tax credits are available for solar projects on the State and Federal level. DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

State of Oregon http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/RENEW/Solar/PV.shtml

Does Oregon have enough sun for solar energy?

Many are misled to believe that the Pacific Northwest doesn’t have enough sun for effective solar. Germany is the top solar energy producer in the world, and if you’ve ever been to Germany, its NO tropical paradise. Performance Calculator for Grid-Connected PV Systems

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is a great place to keep up with the latest technological innovations in solar and other alternative energy.

What resources/incentives are available at BDS?

• BDS has two program guides for solar ( Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators Installed on Commercial Buildings and Solar Water Heating and Photovoltaic Electric Generators Installed on One or Two Family Dwellings).
• Streamlined permitting, E-permitting

As the recession continues, the Bureau of Development Services is proposing a zoning-code amendment that would extend the expiration dates of land-use reviews and pre-application conferences.

Under the current code, developers who do not obtain a building permit within three years of receiving approval of their land-use reviews must go through the process again. That process can cost $15,000 to $20,000 in city fees and more than $100,000 when added to the cost of hiring consultants and writing studies.

Douglas Hardy, who's spearheading the proposal for the BDS, said the bureau is attempting to help developers whose land-use approvals were issued between April 2006 and December 2008. [Read full article]

Tyler Graf,

DJC Oregon - March 25, 2009

The Better Living Show is the Northwest's largest sustainable lifestyle show that features earth friendly products for your home and garden. They offer information on cutting edge technologies and eco friendly fashion to better energy efficiency and sustainable outdoor living.

The following City of Portland bureaus will be on hand to provide information on:

• BDS - Living Smart
• Planning & Sustainability - Waste Prevention, Recycling, Garbage, Roll Carts
  & Green Building
• Water - Water Sense Toilet Rebate Program
• PBOT - Sunderland Recycling Facility and Transportation Projects
• BES - Brownfield Program and ECO-Roofs
• Parks & Recreation - Park Scan, Climate Action Plan & Conservation Challenge
• ONI - Crime Prevention Disability Program and Diversity & Civic Leadreship

Date:           March 27th - 29th
Time:           Friday noon - 9:00pm
                    Saturday 11:00 am - 9:00pm
                    Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00pm
Location:     Expo Center 2060 N Marine Drive
Cost:            Free / Parking is $7.00

We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, go to

http://www.portlandonline.com/index.cfm?c=43046.

Offsetting Carbon is a recent trend in business and among many individuals committed to counterbalancing the impact their actions or operations have on the environment. The individual carbon footprint of a household or organization is a measurement of the amount of green house gases we emit in pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2). The City of Portland’s Office of Sustainability defines a Carbon Offset as the process of reducing the net carbon emissions of an individual or organization, either by their own actions, or through arrangements with a carbonoffset provider.

Here are two examples of how carbon offsetting can be used:

When one purchases a new car there is an estimated level of carbon dioxide that this car required during its production, and can be anticipated to produce annually or during its lifespan. Automakers may offer options to offset this impact on the global amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide by planting “X” number of trees for the car just purchased.

Professionals fly to meetings or conferences. The amount of carbon dioxide produced from this action may be greater than other actions businesses take on a daily basis. Forward thinking companies (and even Prince Charles of the UK himself) are now carefully selecting which events to have staff and management attend. As a result, organizations have come to exist solely to establish ways for businesses to donate money to efforts that reduce the impact of the carbon dioxide produced. This type of organization or company gives monetary value to and sells Carbon Offsets.

Carbon Offsets might come into play in our operations here at BDS. The BDS Green Team is in the early stages of exploring how to offset some of the carbon produced by our known and relatively easily calculated impact of flying to meetings, trainings and conferences. As we begin an exploration of possible options for BDS, you might wish to learn more about the concept by looking at a few of the following internet based carbon calculators. Many actions we make, like driving a small 2-stoke moped or scooter can actually make more of an impact then driving a big SUV the same distance.

The following calculators are meant to be reference sources:

• http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/
• http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/
• http://www.carboncounter.org/offset-your-emissions/personal-calculator.aspx

The Bureau of Development Services does not recommend any particular resource for purchasing carbon offsets. Please be aware that the media has reported on several Carbon Credit scams. You should do your own research carefully before taking your own actions.

The goal of the SBA e200 initiative is to identify 200 inner-city businesses across the country that show a high potential for growth. This program will provide participants with a network, resources and motivation required to build a sustainable business of size and scale within a designated inner-city geographic location.

The SBA is currently looking for 20 Businesses in the Portland area that meet the following criteria:

• Located in the inner-city specified by their maps
• Visit SBA Website
• Annual revenues of at least $400,000
• In business for 3 years or more

The training investment for Owners/CEO's is:

• 100 hours of time and commitment (April 15th - November 18th)
• 40 hours of class instruction
• 40 hours of prep and homework
• 12 hours of "CEO Mentoring" group work

If you are interested please contact SBA's District Director Harry Dewolf at (503) 326-5221 or BDS Small Business Liaison Tiffani Penson at (503) 823-1109 by March 27th.

BDS Site Services Division operates enforcement programs that ensure compliance with City codes and state construction codes. The Site Services Division has created a two-page handout meant to describe the BDS enforcement programs and processes.

The handout is available online "Maintaining Portland's Safety and Livability" and should be shared with industry groups and community organizations. BDS has a number of enforcement programs ready to assist properties, and gain compliance with adopted codes.

The basalt-sided fortress, based loosely on a 12th-century redoubt in southern England, has towered over the West Hills just east of Washington Park for nearly 80 years.

But the medieval-style structure, equal parts majesty and whimsy, is in disrepair and threatening its Arlington Heights neighbors. One of the city's options is to demolish it - if the current owner doesn't beat them to it. [Read full article]

By Eric Bartels,

The Portland Tribune - March 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2009

Contact: Crystle Cowen, Neighborhood Inspections 503.823.7324

Today, the City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services, announced its spring 2009 Landlord Training Program. The classes work to build on a foundation of partnership between property owners, tenants, and City agencies to create safe communities and residences.

The classes are offered free of charge. At the end of each session, attendees are provided with a certificate that can be used for eight hours of real estate continuing education credit. Attendance also is required for the Enhanced Safety Properties Program through the Portland Police Bureau and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement's Crime Prevention Program.

The Bureau of Development Services partners with the Portland Police Bureau and other City offices to provide current, effective information on property management to ensure safe, crime free rental properties. Presentations are made by Housing Inspectors, Crime Prevention Specialists, and Police Bureau Neighborhood Response Team Officers. These City staff are also available at the training to answer attendee's questions. Useful information from other City bureaus, government agencies, and non-profits with an interest in the rental industry is on hand for attendees in the lobby of the training.

This program has received positive responses from attendees. It has been offered by the City of Portland for over 11 years and is facilitated by Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc., and has had over 13,000 attendees. Landlords who have taken the course say that they feel more confident in their ability to screen applicants, recognize signs of illegal activity, and take action or deal with problem tenant behaviors when they arise.

Over 400 cities and counties across the nation have adopted this program, and it has been nationally recognized through the Department of Justice for its unique benefits.

Topics covered in the eight hour training session include: property management to prevent crime or loss of investment, best practices in applicant screening, signs of dishonest applicants, rental agreements, crisis resolution/eviction, and partnering with police, crime prevention specialists, and housing inspectors.

Advanced registration is recommended and is available at www.portlandonline.com/bds/landlordtraining. Registration/sign in on the day of the class starts at 8:00 a.m. and class starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. and is approximately eight hours long.

Dates and locations for the four spring 2009 sessions are:

Friday, April 3

Kaiser Permanente Town Hall - Ballroom
3704 N Interstate Ave. Portland, OR, 97227
Parking: On-site, no cost
Tri-Met: MAX Light Rail - Yellow Line, Bus Lines 85 & 35

Saturday, April 4

Providence Portland Medical Center Cancer Center - Amphitheater
4805 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR, 97213
Parking: On-site, no cost
Tri-Met: Bus Line 19

Tuesday, April 21

Portland Building - Auditorium
2nd floor 1120 SW 5th Ave., Portland OR 97201
Parking: various pay for parking lots nearby
Tri-Met: all Max and Bus lines going downtown

Saturday, April 25

Portland Community College Cascade Campus - Terrell Hall Room 122
705 N. Killingsworth, 97217
Parking: On-site, no cost
Tri-Met: Bus Lines 4 and 72

Interested parties can get more information or register via the BDS website at http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/landlordtraining or by calling the Landlord Training message line (503) 823-7955. The bureau will also perform a mass mailing and notification of neighborhood associations and related businesses.

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.

Date: March 14-15, 2009

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ticket Price: $17.50 (good for both days)

Buy your tickets for the tour by calling (503) 684-1880

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland’s Remodelers Council consists of the area’s top remodelers, subcontractors and suppliers who work together to promote quality and professionalism in the home remodeling industry. In the past 10 years, the council has grown to 260 members and currently is the third largest in the United States.

The Process Management Team has been working, on a number of service improvements for our customers. We realized many customers, both internal and external, were not aware of the work we do and the kind of assistance we can provide to our customers. Realizing this we began developing some marketing tools to better provide development assistance to our customer base and reach a wider audience. We also created materials for a BDS "devTeam Portland" website to assist customers and provide information about our work. We're now ready to implement the improvements. We are acutely aware of how early assistance, clear communication and commitment to project schedule timelines can positively affect development. We're looking forward to implementing the DevTeam changes so that we will be able to provide these improved services to our customers, many of whom have been effected by the current downturn in the economy.

BDS Development Liaisons work to ensure clear, effective, ongoing communication between all the city reviewers and the developer's design and construction team throughout the design, plan review, permitting and construction process. We serve as an essential single point of contact between our customers and city staff. Liaisons assist customers in many ways including providing early building permit fee estimates and guidance about the permit process and submittal requirements, arranging early assistance meetings with customers and plan review staff, and monitoring the review process for continuity and timeliness.

Development Liaison services are currently provided free of charge with the exception of The Major Projects Group Program.

We work with customers whose projects fall into one of the following categories:

• Midsize - $1 to 8 Million - These projects may be either new construction or alterations to an existing building and may include the following: a City land use process or design review, seismic upgrades, transportation issues, stormwater disposal challenges, or a mixture of building types and uses. They may have complex site or design requirements.
• Common Greens and Shared Courtyard Projects - consisting of residential units oriented around a common open space area, or landscaped courtyard, providing an outdoor amenity for residents, landscaping, stormwater management, and often a common area shared by pedestrians and vehicles. The DevTeam is partnering with Development Services Process Managers to provide customer service to both Midsize and Common Green /Courtyard Projects.
• Large - $8 Million and larger - These include complex projects with numerous challenges similar to the mid-size category. Examples of large projects are high rises, condominium or office towers with mixed retail uses, medical facilities, industrial sites and projects with major infrastructure improvement components.
• Special Projects - These may be of any value and may be referred to us from Portland Development Commission, City Council, Development Services Center or other city staff.
• Major Projects Group Program - $40 Million or larger - The Major Projects Group program (MPG) is a fee-based program designed specifically for the largest and most complex projects. It includes expanded facilitation services and early, ongoing review of design documents. There is an application process for this program and it is limited to 5 customers per year. You can read more about Major Projects Group on the devTeam webpage.

Check out the BDS DevTeam website (http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/devteam) for more information about the types of projects we work on and the services we can provide our customers during the various phases of a development project. The webpage also includes our devTeam brochure, the Major Projects Group brochure and some helpful links to information our customers typically need along with our contact information.

The devTeam Development Liaisons are Mary Pat Gardner, Charles Auch, Anna Thorn, Kevin Kilduff and Jeff Gray (who is the devTeam's Tech II). Nora Mullane is the Section Manager. We'd be happy to talk with you about the work that we do and discuss how we may be able to assist you with your project. We look forward to working with you.

New Orleans - As the city continues rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina, there is a new emphasis on renewable energy. Homes are boasting solar panels and organic gardens, and the City has taken note as well. New Orleans' newest buses use biodiesel to carry tourists and community members around the historic city.

Atlanta - Atlanta is working to introduce a Zero Waste Zone. The target area, in the downtown convention district will focus on recycling and reusing all waste products. As an integral part of the initiative restaurants will recycle used grease for the local production of biodiesel.

Savannah, GA - When city officials in Savannah restored a 1930s streetcar, they added a new twist to the old shuttle, a hybrid engine operated on electricity and biodiesel. The streetcar covers 10 blocks along Savannah's historic riverfront.

San Francisco - Though the city by the bay has been on the biodiesel bang wagon for some time, they continue to come up with new and innovative initiatives. A new plant under construction now will convert brown grease collected from restaurants to biodiesel. (The city already collects and recycles yellow grease.) The plant is the first brown grease to biodiesel plant in the nation. As part of the project San Francisco will create a tool kit to make it easy for other communities to adopt similar programs.

From The Biodiesel Bulletin March 2009 - A montly publication of the National Biodiesel Board

"We are extremely pleased to have HYPERFUELS as a partner with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series in 2009," said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager of Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The addition of SynDiesel B5 diesel fuel in the Jetta TDI Cup race cars further demonstrates the feasibility of biodiesel as an alternative fuel source for American consumers, and supports the clean and green racing of the Jetta TDI Cup series."

Several NBB board members were on hand at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA as driver candidates competed for the series positions. Starting next month the series will make stops in Salt Lake City, Lexington, OH, Chicago, Elkhart Lake, WI, Ontario, Milville, NJ and Braselton, GA.

"During the 2009 season, our drivers will compete on some of the most storied and challenging road courses in North America," said Kyle Novak, Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup SCCA Program Manager.

And now those drivers are powered by renewable biodiesel.

The Jetta TDI Cup, touted as the first green racing series, is in its second year celebrating Volkswagen's clean diesel technology.

From The Biodiesel Bulletin March 2009 - A montly publication of the National Biodiesel Board

Currently, an approved land-use review expires if a building permit is not issued within three years, and approved preliminary plans for land divisions expire if a final plat application has not been submitted within three years. The new draft plan, including proposed code amendments, will next week become available online at www.portlandonline.com/planning/index.cfm?c=30609. The Portland Planning Commission will consider the amendments at a hearing on March 24 at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Douglas Hardy at 503-823-7816 or dhardy@ci.portland.or.us.

The engineers all had fun working with the students and the students gained insights into a wide range of tasks that engineers perform.

For more information contact Engineer Lisa Buellesbach (503) 823-3862 or email lisa.buellesbach@ci.portland.or.us.