FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2010

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 and organizational changes.

In order to provide more timely service for customers acquiring simple trade permits, we will be discontinuing the "Fax-Back" service as of Friday July 30, 2010 and transitioning customers to the City of Portland's online permitting system. Trade permits include simple electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits that do not require plan review. Currently, trade permit customers can apply for and have simple trade permits issued immediately by using the City of Portland's online permitting system.

The online system is accessed by visiting the Bureau of Development Services website at

www.portlandoregon.gov/bds. Go to the "Quick Links" section on the left-hand side of the page and click on "Apply for an Online Permit". A step-by-step user's manual has been added to the online permitting webpage to assist new customers. Customers can also mail in trade permit applications or visit the Development Services Center to apply for trade permits over the counter. For more detail on this change, trade permit submittal options or the types of trade permits that can be applied for online, please follow this link http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?c=51292&a=310031 to the Service Level Update Document.

We appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers and the community while we work through these financial and operational challenges. A complete list of the Bureau's Service Level Updates, including the recent adjustments to services provided in the Development Services Center, is available at

www.portlandoregon.gov/bds by clicking on "Services Level Updates".

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ross Caron, BDS Public Information Officer, at

ross.caron@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-4268.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2010

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

Effective July 19, 2010. In an effort to provide the highest level of service, while maximizing limited resources, the Bureau of Development Services has created a pilot project for the summer that allows citizens to submit online complaints accompanied with a digital photograph of tall grass and weed violations at properties within the City of Portland.

Title 29 of Portland City Code requires the owner of any property to cut and remove, and keep cut and removed all weeds, and grass that are located in lawn areas and have a prevailing height of more than 10 inches. In October 2009, BDS was forced to prioritize various enforcement/complaint types in order to effectively process the most critical cases with reduced resources. Unfortunately, limited resources have not allowed BDS to respond to tall grass and weed complaints.

"Even though tall grass and weed conditions have been deemed a lower priority, I do understand the importance of the outdoor maintenance regulations as they relate to increased vandalism, graffiti, and other conditions that can lead to neighborhood deterioration" said Paul Scarlett, Bureau of Development Services Director. "While BDS enforcement resources remain limited at this time, we are very excited to create this opportunity to allow citizens to partner with us to address tall grass and weed violations to improve the livability and safety of our community."

To participate in the pilot project and report a property with grass and weeds in excess of 10 inches high, citizens are encouraged to submit a complaint accompanied by a digital photograph online at

http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/gwcomplaints. Due to limited resources, complaints may only be submitted online and must be accompanied by a digital photograph of the reported violation.

If you have questions or concerns about this press release, please contact Ross Caron, BDS Public Information Officer, at 503-823-4268 or via email at ross.caron@portlandoregon.gov. You can also get more information regarding this pilot program by visiting http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/gwinfo.

Plans Examiner (July/August 2010) - a bi-monthly publication to inform the building-design and construction community about development procedures, policies, procedures and events affecting their work with the City of Portland. Archived Issues.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2010

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

Effective July 1, 2010, enforcement of Containers in the Right of Way (CROW) complaints will be transferred from the Bureau of Development Services to the Solid Waste & Recycling section of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Garbage and recycling containers are not allowed to be stored on public streets and sidewalks. In 2008 the City Council adopted changes to City Code and corresponding Administrative Rules for further regulation and enforcement of these restrictions including:

• Containers currently placed in the public right of way will be enforced on a complaint driven basis
• Businesses and waste hauling companies are prohibited from placing new containers in the public right of way for storage

To file a complaint for garbage and recycling containers being stored on public streets and/or sidewalks, please call the Solid Waste & Recycling Hotline at 503-823-7202 or email wasteinfo@portlandoregon.gov.

If you have questions or concerns about this press release, please contact Ross Caron, BDS Public Information Officer, at 503-823-4268 or via email at ross.caron@portlandoregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2010

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 and organizational changes.

In an effort to improve the overall development review process and increase efficiencies within the plan review process, we are establishing a limit on the number of "reviews and rechecks" that are included as part of the intake review fee for permit submittals. Rechecks are generated when a staff reviewer needs additional information, a correction is required to be made to the plans submitted to the Bureau, or in response to an applicant-initiated revision to the plans.

For all permits submitted on or after July 1, 2010, plan review fees for reviews performed by BDS staff will cover only the initial review and up to two (2) checksheets and the reviews of the applicant responses to those checksheets. All additional checksheets and reviews of the applicant responses will be subject to a charge of $155 per checksheet. The checksheet limitations and fees apply only to BDS-related reviews and not to reviews provided by other City bureaus. Additional information about the BDS Plan Review Checksheet Limitation & Fee can be found online at: http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=51292&a=306716.

"We know that this new process will generate financial impacts for some applicants," stated Paul Scarlett, BDS Director. "However, it is aimed at creating and encouraging a more equitable plan review process for all of our customers." The Bureau is also working on a permit inspection limitation and fee that will be implemented in the near future.

We appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers and the community while we work through these financial and operational challenges. A complete list of the Bureau's Service Level Updates, including the recent adjustments to services provided in the Development Services Center is available at

www.portlandoregon.gov/bds by clicking on "Services Level Updates".

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ross Caron, BDS Public Information Officer, at

ross.caron@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-4268.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Effective Thursday July 1, 2010

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services. 503.823.4268

(Portland, Oregon) This is an advisory to our customers concerning City Council approval of upcoming increases in the fees the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) charges on building permits, trade permits and land use review applications.

Effective Thursday, July 1, 2010, the fees BDS collects to fund it's operations will be increased by 8%, with the exception of a 12% increase in the Environmental Soils program. To view a detailed list of the BDS fee schedules please visit the BDS webpage at:

www.portlandonline.com/bds/feechanges.

Please note that other City agencies responsible for reviewing and inspecting development projects have separate fees and charges that may also increase July 1.

According to BDS Director Paul Scarlett, "It has become evident that the approved fee increases will be necessary in order to help provide financial stability and maintain the bureau's current level of services. The fees associated with some permit reviews and inspections do not currently cover the cost of performing those functions, and building permit fees have not changed in five years".

BDS remains committed to providing the highest level of service possible with limited resources and continues to provide a wide and valuable array of safety and livability services to the community. These services include: building and trade permit review and inspection; land use review; citizen complaint investigation; and public information on development and land use related regulation and historical records.

However, given staffing reductions, we have had to make some changes and adjustments to the level of service we have been able to provide in the past. You can access these adjustments and changes online at

www.porltandonline.com/bds by clicking on "Service Update".

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Ross Caron, BDS Public Information Officer, at (503) 823-4268 or via email at

ross.caron@portlandoregon.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2010

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 and organizational changes.

Continued budgetary constraints have necessitated further staffing reduction within the Bureau of Development Services. In order to maintain the highest level of service possible with limited resources, a number of temporary changes to the Development Services Center (DSC) and Permitting Services, located at 1900 SW 4th Avenue, 1st & 2nd Floor will be implemented June 1, 2010 until further notice.

These changes focus on sustaining acceptable review timelines with reduced staffing levels for customers visiting the DSC. In general, during the morning hours the DSC will primarily function as a review and intake portal for building permits and land use applications. As staff resources are available, assistance to customers seeking general information will be provided. In the afternoons, the DSC will change its focus – at reduced staffing levels - to assisting customers with general zoning, land use and construction code questions. The Trade Permit & Resource Records counter, as well as services provided by BDS interagency partners (Portland Bureau of Transportation, Bureau of Environmental Services, Water Bureau and Portland Parks and Recreation) will remain available throughout the day.

To assist customers seeking general information, the Bureau will be supply customers visiting the DSC with informational handouts outlining alternate resources for obtaining zoning, land use and construction code information. Resource examples include the BDS website, Portlandmaps and the Bureau's development related information telephone lines. We encouraging customers seeking information about zoning, land use and construction codes and development related processes and regulations to start by visit the Bureau's webpage at: www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.

This link (http://tinyurl.com/38xtpbc) will take you to a Service Level Update PDF document detailing the temporary service availability changes occurring in the Development Services Center. In addition, all of the Bureau's Service Level Change documents can be viewed on the our webpage.

We appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers and the community while we work through these financial and operational challenges.

Plans Examiner (May/June 2010) - a bi-monthly publication to inform the building-design and construction community about development procedures, policies, procedures and events affecting their work with the City of Portland. Archived Issues.

This is an update concerning a recently passed City Council resolution and subsequently approved

ordinances regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The ordinances have temporarily suspended

System Development Charges (SDC) for new ADUs. The goal of this action is to create incentives for

the development of ADUs.

The initial resolution directed all affected bureaus (Water, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Services

and Transportation) to implement the resolution by April 15, 2010. Please note that the Bureau of

Development Services is responsible for the development review process, but does not assess a SDC. All

other non-SDC development related fees are due at time of permit issuance. Questions about SDC’s

should be directed to the individual Bureaus (Water, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Services, and

Transportation).

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are defined by the Portland Zoning code as a second dwelling unit

created on a lot with a house, attached house or manufactured home. The second unit is created auxiliary

to, and is smaller than, the house, attached house (rowhouse) or manufactured house.

Here is a link to the resolution:

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?a=295305

Proposals to build detached ADUs are reviewed through the New Single Family Review process. View

the application package and process at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?a=184903

Permits to convert existing living space to an accessory dwelling unit are applied for in the Development

Services Center, Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. View the Minimum Submittal

Requirements for an ADU at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?a=92698

The Bureau of Development Services has a Program Guide available that explains what constitutes an

Accessory Dwelling Unit and how to permit one on your property. View the program guide at

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?a=68689

To review a general summary of System Development Charge information you can visit at

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/index.cfm?a=166412. Please note that SDC fees are typically

revised every July 1.

If you have process related questions or concerns, please contact Kareen Perkins, Permitting Services and

Resource Records Manager, at (503) 823-3622.

«Print this copy in PDF format»

The Bureau of Development Services’ (BDS) administrative rules for private streets are being updated. Known as the Permanent Rule for Private Rights-of-Way, this set of administrative rules regulate the design and construction of private streets (including common greens and pedestrian connections) and alleys in the City. The existing administrative rules were developed in 2002, in conjunction with the adoption of the new land division code.

Why is this rule being updated now?

Several factors have driven the proposed update, including:

• Adoption of the 2008 Stormwater Management Manual, and the implementation of policy mandating the use of vegetated stormwater infiltration facilities where feasible;
• Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's implementation of their Underground Injection Control regulations, which discourages the use of subsurface stormwater facilities (such as drywells);
• The City's adoption of the International Fire Code, which modified allowed roadway widths;
• The City's migration toward referencing Oregon Standard Drawings as a technical resource, rather than developing duplicate standards through the City Engineer;
• The ongoing development of "Green Street" concepts, and the increasing number of proposals using porous concrete paver blocks as a roadway surfacing system; and
• City Council's support of the courtyard housing concept as an infill strategy for medium-density multifamily zones as an alternative to standard rowhouses, and the inclusion of the "Shared Court" street type in the Zoning Code. 

The existing rules focus on the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of private streets. It is the land division review process that determines when and where rights-of-way are created and whether they are public or private. The updated private street rules tie these planning and technical elements together for a more comprehensive assessment of when private street elements are required and how they should be built.

Who should be interested in the updated private street rules?

The revised private street rules will affect anyone involved in the design of private rights-of-way in the City of Portland. This includes engineers, surveyors, and property developers.

How to obtain a copy of the proposed revisions and provide comments:

View the Private Street Administrative Rule Review Draft

The Bureau of Development Service is accepting comments until 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2010. You may provide comments at the hearing or send written comments. The hearing for revisions to the rule is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on May 18th, 2010 on the 7th floor of the 1900 SW 4th Ave building. Written comments can be sent to Kimberly Tallant at 1900 SW 4th Ave Suite 5000, Portland OR 97201. Comments may also be sent by FAX to 503-823-5630 or by email to kimberly.tallant@portlandoregon.gov.

Adoption of an interim rule is anticipated in late June. Once the updated rules are adopted, BDS will provide customer training on the use of the new rules.

For further information, contact Kimberly Tallant in BDS at 503-823-0977.

What: The EcoVative Building Conference and Expo, a two-day, industry-only conference & tradeshow focused exclusively on residential green building.

When: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22 and 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2010.

Where: Hilton Portland & Executive Tower, 921 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR, 97204.

Keynote speaker: Jerry Yudelson, renowned green building consultant and author

Cost: $250 for HBA members; $325 for nonmembers; $30 for lunch and keynote address only

(scholarships/volunteering opportunities available upon request)

Title Sponsors: Energy Trust of Oregon and EnviroMedia

Bonus: The EcoVative Building Conference offers 100 percent of elective CCB continuing education requirements

More information: Contact the HBA’s green building coordinator Shaina Sullivan at 503-684-1880 or shainas@hbapdx.org. Also visit www.EcoVativeConference.com.

The Spring 2010 Landlord Training sessions have been scheduled. This program is proudly sponsored by the City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services and Portland Police Bureau, in association with Crime Prevention and other City Offices. These classes offer a valuable outreach opportunity to income property owners making them aware of the City’s expectations, owners responsibilities, and tenants responsibilities, combined with best business practices to create safe communities and residences. This year’s Spring program is being jointly funded and sponsored by Portland Police Bureau, Metro Multifamily Housing Council and the Rental Housing Association of Greater Portland.

The classes are offered free of charge. At the end of each session attendees are provided a certificate that can be used for 8 hours credit for real estate continuing education. Attendance also is required for the Enhanced Safety Properties program through the Portland Police Bureau and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention.

This program has received overwhelming positive responses from attendees. Landlords who have taken the course state they feel more confident in their ability to screen applicants, recognize signs of illegal activity, work with City offices, and take action or deal with problem tenant behaviors when they arise.

Over 550 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 8-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/housing inspectors.

Advanced registration for this free class is recommended and is available on our website at http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=31887. BDS will also notify rental property owners, neighborhood associations and related businesses via U.S. mail.

We hope to see you all there! Sincerely, Crystle Cowen Neighborhood Inspections

DON'T MISS OUT! The Public Works Permitting group is offering a final presentation of: An Introduction to the Public Works Permitting Process on March 16. The Lunch and Learn style training will present:

• changes and improvements to the public works permit process;
• how to navigate the new permit review process; and
• an outline of the new appeals procedures.

Check out the Lunch and Learn Flyer for details regarding date, time and location of the training. This training is important for all public works permit applicants -- all public works permits submitted after January 1, 2010 will be reviewed using the updated process. Additional information, as well as applications and checklists, for the revised process can be found on the Public Works website.

This is your LAST CHANCE for the general introduction to the new Public Works Permitting Process. In depth trainings for user groups will be scheduled in the near future.

Thank you once again for your assistance. Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information.

Plans Examiner (March/April 2010) - a bi-monthly publication to inform the building-design and construction community about development procedures, policies, procedures and events affecting their work with the City of Portland. Archived Issues.

If you weren't able to make the inaugural training earlier this month, the Public Works Permitting group is offering An Introduction to the Public Works Permitting Process again on February 23rd. The Lunch and Learn style training will present:

• changes and improvements to the public works permit process;
• how to navigate the new permit review process; and
• an outline of the new appeals procedures.

Check out the Lunch and Learn Flyer for details regarding date, time, and location of the training. This training is important for all public works permit applicants - all public works permits submitted after January 1, 2010 will be reviewed using the updated process.

Additional information, as well as applications and checklists, for the revised process can be found on the Public Works website.