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.