FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 13, 2013

Contact: Kareen Perkins, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.3622

Effective May 14^th, the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) will increase the business hours for customers to submit applications for New Single Family Residences, ADUs and other select One and Two Family permit application types. BDS will expand the hours to submit applications from 4 hours a week to 24 hours a week. The new hours for these permit types will be Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Screening requirements to ensure applications are complete will remain unchanged and the new timeframes for submittal will be strictly applied.

BDS Director, Paul L. Scarlett said, “I’m excited to allow for additional hours for New Single Family Residential Application submittals. The additional time will make it more convenient for our customers and reflect that construction and development in Portland is on the rise.”

Before you visit us downtown or to learn more about this increase in service please review the complete details of this change in our New Single Family Dwelling Application Submittal Hours Service Level Update and NSFR Application Packet online.

Customers can also drop off NSFR application at Permitting Services, located on the 2nd Floor of the 1900 SWFourthBuilding. Hours are 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday through Friday.

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To learn more about the Bureau of Development Services please visit us online at www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2013

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

(Portland, OR) Today, the City ofPortland announced that the findings of the Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot (PEEHP) have been published in four project case studies, available on the Bureau of Development Service’s web site. The case studies summarize real cost and feasibility data for constructing energy efficient single and multi-family houses.

The PEEHP, a public/private partnership administrated by the City ofPortland, was a competitive grant program established to support energy efficient home construction. The PEEHP leveraged $113,000 in grant funds to facilitate residential builders to use energy saving measures in 14 new homes.

"The Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot has shown that significant home energy savings can be achieved with construction methods that are not cost prohibitive." said BDS Director Paul Scarlett. "The PEEHP program is a great example of public and private organizations pooling resources to answer the concerns of the customers we share."

The PEEHP is a model of collaboration among City, industry, and utility partners to respond to concerns about proposed green building policy in the City ofPortland. The program was sponsored by the City ofPortland’s Bureau of Development Services, Energy Trust of Oregon, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland, the National Association of Home Builders, as well as utility companies, including NW Natural, Pacific Power, and Portland General Electric.

“The PEEHP program was a great partnership that showed how a City and industry can work together to better understand and encourage desired outcomes, rather than creating mandates that the market might not be able to support.” –Dave Nielsen, CEO, Home Builders Assoc. of MetropolitanPortland

The PEEHP case studies provide a reference to help inform future residential construction projects including records of costs associated with constructing energy efficient homes and those instances of added complexity related to implementing energy efficiency measures. 

For more information about the PEEHP program visit: www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/PEEHP.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 30, 2013

Contact: Tim Heron, Bureau of Development Services, 503.823.7726

On March 6, 2013 Portland’s City Council unanimously voted to adopt Portland Zoning Code amendments that will improve the City’s historic land use review process and create a quicker, easier-to-understand and more predictable review process for minor home improvement projects in historic and conservation districts. These Zoning Code amendments go into effect on May 1, 2013.

In Portland’s nationally recognized historic districts most exterior work on buildings, as well as new construction, is subject to a historic land use review process. Both property owners and historic preservation advocates have expressed concerns that the land use review process for minor exterior changes to homes are time-consuming and costly. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability developed new Zoning Code language to address these issues in collaboration with the Bureau of Development Services (BDS), which will administer and enforce the new regulations.

Paul Scarlett, BDS Director, stated, “This was a great interactive process between the community and the city that resulted in a more streamlined Zoning Code that is a faster and more affordable land use process.  It will allow for BDS to implement the code in a more efficient and effective manner”. 

Community members and representatives of the Historic Landmarks (HLC) and Planning and Sustainability (PSC) Commissions also expressed support for the amendment package.

The new handout, Historic Resource Review Information for the Homeowners gives a summary of the new Zoning Code changes. See additional handouts for Historic Resources.

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The following major amendments were approved to the Portland Zoning Code and will go into effect May 1, 2013: 

1. New Historic Resources Definitions – Clarify terminology related to historic resources regulations, including the terms “repair,” “maintenance” and “replacement.” 
2. Amended Historic Review Triggers/Exemptions – Determine the appropriate level of review in historic and conservation districts for the following:
      a. minor alterations to structures;
      b. alterations on non-street facing facades. 
3. New Faster Review Process with a Lower Fee – A new land use review procedure with a shorter timeline, no local appeal and a lower fee was created.  The new procedure type, called a Type 1 for small scale proposals less than 150 SF in residential zones, carries a substantially lower fee of $250. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2012

Contact: Bureau of Development Services On-Line Permit and Fee Estimator  Questions | 503.823.7420

November 1, 2012. On October 1st the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) was proud to announce a new Online Fee Estimator tool. This tool is in response to requests from customers and employees over the past several years to create a system to estimate permit fees and system development charges (SDC) associated with development projects. The Online Fee Estimator was developed in conjunction with the infrastructure bureaus to assist all customers in this regard.

This new resource allows our customers the ability to generate and review potential fees and charges related to their development in a timely and predictable manner. It is aimed at saving customers time and providing immediate access to this level of information that was not previously available in this way.

To explore this exciting new feature choose "Online Fee Estimator" from the BDS Homepage, www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.

The Portland Zoning Code contains regulations that specify when land use approvals and related actions expire. Because of the condition of the economy, many who have received land use approvals or other land use actions have found it difficult to proceed within the timelines set out in the Zoning Code.

In 2009, City Council extended the expiration dates with the expectation that the economy would recover by this year. Because Oregon's economy is still down, this project proposes to extend the expiration dates to mid-2014. For more information, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/lurextension.

The Bureau of Development Services is holding a free "How to Buy Simple Trade Permits Online"  Lunch & Learn event on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at the 1900 Building. 
 
This Lunch & Learn is designed for both contractors and homeowners and we encourage anyone interested to bring their lunch and join us.
 
Simple trade permits – electrical, plumbing and mechanical – can be applied for and issued immediately 24 hours a day through the City of Portland online permitting system. 
 
This hour long event will provide an overview of how to use the system and provide time for attendee questions.  Staff will also be available to provide hands on computer assistance to attendees in the BDS computer training lab after the presentation.
 
The class will be held at 1900 SW 4th Ave., Portland, 2nd Floor, Room 2500A. [Google Map]
 
Interested, but can’t make this Lunch and Learn?  Visit the Online Permitting webpage where you can find a step-by-step manual on how to apply for simple trade permits online.

Portland’s volunteer Noise Review Board currently has a position the City is looking to fill. One seat is open for a “Citizen at Large” community representative on the board.

The Board is comprised of five members including: three citizen at large positions, a representative from the construction industry, and a professional in the field of acoustics. Appointments to the volunteer Noise Review Board are made for a three-year period.

The Noise Review Board normally meets once a month on the second Wednesday evening of the month. The Board is charged with making decisions on Noise Variances for projects that range from nighttime construction projects to large outdoor concerts. The Board also works to develop long term objectives for achieving reduction of sound levels in the community.

If you have further questions regarding the Noise Review Board, contact the City’s Noise Control Officer, Paul van Orden at (503) 823-5829.

Interested parties are encouraged to file an official application for the City of Portland Noise Review Board and attend a Noise Review Board meeting (next scheduled meeting is February 8th, 2012 at 6 PM). Applications can be acquired from the City’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Completed applications should be filed by no later than Friday February 15, 2012.

For applications please go to:

http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/index.cfm?c=38616

For more information, contact Kathy Couch at (503) 823-3991 or kathy.couch@portlandoregon.gov.

The Bureau of Development Services has announced a search for interested citizens to fill five upcoming vacancies on the City of Portland Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC). The outgoing members’ terms expire on January 25, 2012.

The DRAC is a citizen advisory body representing those with interests in the outcome of policies, budgets, regulations, and procedures that affect development review processes. The purpose of the DRAC is to foster a timely, predictable and accountable development review process that implements the City's goals for land use, transportation, housing, economic development, neighborhood livability and the environment.

The DRAC advocates for and supports consistent and fair application and implementation of regulations.

The DRAC meets on the third Tuesday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the 1900 Building, 1900 SW 4th Avenue. DRAC members serve 3-year terms and may be re-appointed. The DRAC consists of seventeen members representing a wide variety of stakeholder groups, including (but not limited to) development, planning, construction contracting, public works, design professions, neighborhood interests, business interests, historic preservation, environmental organizations, and institutional properties.

The upcoming five vacant positions need to be filled by individuals representing the following categories:

• Large Construction Contractors
• Citywide Neighborhood Interests
• Large Developers
• Major Facilities Landowners
• Small Businesses

Applications should be submitted to the Office of Neighborhood Involvement with a cover letter describing the applicant's interest, background and experience, or a resume. Applications should be submitted by Friday, January 13, 2012.

We are looking to have the positions filled in the month of February. For more information about the DRAC, you may contact Mark Fetters, Bureau of Development Services at 503-823-1028 or mark.fetters@portlandoregon.gov. Interested citizens should contact the Office of Neighborhood Involvement at 503-823-4519 for the application form or access it through the ONI website at www.portlandonline.com/oni.

Plans Examiner (November/December 2011) - 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

October 27, 2011

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 is providing advance notice of its Holiday closure schedule. As we draw closer to some of these closure dates, additional notification will be provided.

Friday, November 11, 2011 (Veterans'Day Holiday)
             The Bureau of Development Services will be closed November 11, 2011

             for Veterans' Day.

Thursday, November 24, 2011 (Thanksgiving Day Holiday)
             The Bureau of Development Services will be closed November 24, 2011
             in celebration of Thanksgiving Day.

Friday, November 25, 2011 (Day after Thanksgiving Day Holiday)
             The Bureau of Development Services will be closed November 25, 2011.

Monday, December 26, 2011 (Christmas Day Holiday, Observed)
             The Bureau of Development Services will be closed December 26, 2011
             in observation of Christmas Day.

December 27 thru 30, 2011 (Week between Christmas and New Year's Day Holidays)
             The Development Services Center (1st Floor) and Permitting Services (2nd Floor) will be closed
             December 27th through 30th. All other Bureau of Development Services Offices will be open
             during this period of time and requested daily inspections will be performed.

             Portland Bureau of Transportation parking permits (Temporary Use of the Public
             Right-of-Way) may be obtained from the Development Services Center (Tuesday through
             Friday, 8:00AM to 3:00PM) during this period of time by calling 503.823.7365 for assistance.

Monday, January 2, 2012 (New Year's Day Holiday, Observed)
             The Bureau of Development Services will be closed January 2, 2012
             in observation of New Year's Day 2012.

Parking
Access to the Portland State University Underground Parking Garage located below the Development Services Center will be limited to monthly parking pass holders only during the observed holidays listed above and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day Holidays. There are three commercial surface parking lots within a block of the 1900 Building - one directly across SW 4th Ave. and two at the intersection of SW 4th Ave. & SW Harrison St. - as well as metered on-street parking.

To keep City of Portland building permit customers up to date on State of Oregon Building Code application submittal requirements, the Bureau is providing the following advance summary and notice of training opportunities for applicants submitting residential building permits for new structures and additions designed using prescriptive wall bracing.

On October 1, 2011, all applications for new residential structures and additions designed using prescriptive wall bracing will be required to meet the new application requirements of the 2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). The additional information required by the 2011 ORSC will include separate Wall Bracing Floor Plans, a Building Construction Narrative, and Braced Wall Calculations.

The prescriptive wall bracing requirements of the 2011 ORSC have been completely rewritten and expanded from six (6) pages in the 2008 ORSC to thirty (30) pages of text, figures and tables. While the final design of a residential structure may turn out to be very similar, the code terminology and methods to determine minimum wall bracing requirements are entirely new.

The Bureau of Development Services (BDS) Handout, Applying for a New Single Family Residential Project will be updated to reflect the new submittal requirements.

Note: The 2011 ORSC was effective on July 1, 2011 with a three month grace period where the applicant may choose to comply with either the 2008 ORSC or the 2011 ORSC.

Plans Examiner (September/October 2011) - 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.

Volunteers are needed for the tenth annual Build It Green! Home Tour on Saturday, September 24, 2011.

Check out solar panels, green roofs, natural building techniques, healthy spaces, water-efficient landscapes and chat to home-owners, contractors and designers. It's a pretty fun time really.

In return for working a three hour shift at a home, receive a FREE tour ticket ($15 value) good for the rest of the self-guided tour.

Tour shifts are 10:45am – 2:00pm and 1:45pm – 5:00pm.

Contact our volunteer coordinator, Marius Ibuye with any questions: 

marius.ibuye@portlandoregon.gov 

503-823-1174

Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

The Bureau of Development Services is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the Structural Engineering Advisory Committee.

The Structural Engineering Advisory Committee advises the Director and/or the Appeals Board in structural matters relative to reasonable interpretation and to alternate materials, design and methods of construction. The committee meets on an as needed basis during normal business hours. In past there have been about 2 to 4 meetings a year.

Committee members serve 3-year terms and may be re-appointed. The Committee consists of six members, three regular members and three alternate members.

There are currently six positions to be filled. Two of these positions will be filled by re-appointment of existing members and the remaining four positions will be filled by structural engineers interested in serving on the committee.

BDS is seeking applications from structural engineers with 10 + years of experience. The applicants must demonstrate experience with existing buildings, seismic retrofits of existing buildings, alternative materials, design and methods of construction. Applicants must be registered Professional Engineers(P.E). Registration as Structural Engineer (S.E) is preferred.

Interested persons can download the application (Interest Form for City Board & Commission Appointments) through the ONI website at www.portlandonline.com/oni/index.cfm?c=38616. Applications should be submitted to the Office of Neighborhood Involvement at the address listed on the form with a letter of interest and a resume listing the applicant's background and experience. Applications should be submitted by September 30th, 2011.

For more information about the Structural Advisory Committee, you may contact Amit Kumar at the Bureau of Development Services at 503-823-7561 or amit.kumar@portlandoregon.gov.

Earthquakes are inevitable, but the damage from earthquakes is not. Many people think the destruction caused by earthquakes is unavoidable, and that our only option is to pick up the pieces after the shaking stops. Actually, almost all earthquake damages and losses can be reduced by steps you take before, during, and after.

In April 2011, the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services announced its new Residential Seismic Strengthening Program directed towards one and two family residential buildings.  The goal of the program is to provide homeowners and contractors a user-friendly guide to evaluating existing homes and determine if certain improvements would be beneficial in order to reduce the risk of earthquake damage. 

In a press release, the Bureau of Development Services Director Paul Scarlett stated, “Providing homeowners streamlined and simple programs to improve the safety of their home is something that we strive to do. This program is a great way to do just that, especially in light of the recent earthquakes happening around the world.”

Portland Fire & Rescue’s Assistant Fire Marshal Nate Takara applauds and supports this new program.

“By strengthening your home for a natural disaster, you not only enhance you and your family’s safety, but you also improve the overall safety and aid for emergency responders,” Assistant Fire Marshal Nate Takara recently stated. “Seismic resistive construction is an important piece of the public safety puzzle.” 

A Residential Seismic Strengthening Program webpage has been developed and can be assessed by clicking here. The Residential Seismic Strengthening Brochure provides information on:

• Why many older homes lack foundation anchors.
• What to look for when evaluating a home’s need for seismic strengthening.
• How to obtain a permit to perform seismic strengthening and why permitting is important.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the work. 
• Limitations that apply to the Residential Seismic Strengthening Program. 

EARTHQUAKE NOTIFICATION SERVICE

The Earthquake Notification Service (ENS) is a free service provided by the U.S. Geological Survey that sends you automated notification emails when earthquakes happen in your area. Learn more and sign up at https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For more information on how to prepare for earthquakes or other disasters, please visit the Portland Office of Emergency Management website at http://www.portlandonline.com/oem.

For more information about the Bureau of Development Services and the program and services it provides to the City of Portland, please visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.