Save the date! The tenth annual Build It Green! Home Tour is Saturday, September 24th, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  New Info Fair hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come by early!

• $15 admission, on sale starting mid-August.
• $10 honored citizens/students/alternative transportation.
• Info Fair is FREE and open to everyone.
• Children 13 years-old and under are FREE.

Twenty green remodels and new homes open their doors around the Portland metropolitan area for this self-guided tour. Start and stop where and when you choose. Chat with homeowners, designers, do-it-yourselfers and contractors about solar panels, ecoroofs (green roofs), rainwater harvesting, natural landscaping, affordable housing, water and energy conservation, natural building materials, alternative construction techniques and much more! Pick up some great ideas for YOUR current or future home. 

The Info Fair is a prelude to the Tour with green vendors, demonstrations, food, drink and music.

Build It Green! Info Fair at Green Depot | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 819 SE Taylor, Portland, OR | 503-222-3881

• View pictures from the 2010 tour on Flickr

• Want a free Tour ticket? Volunteer for the Tour or Info Fair! 

Contact Valerie Garrett, tour coordinator greenhotline@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-5431 for more information.

The Portland Office of Emergency Management along with the Portland Bureau of Development Services and SE Portland Tool Library are sponsoring a presentation on Tuesday, August 16th to educate residents how to strengthen their homes for an earthquake. This free event is taking place at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church (SE 28th and Harrison) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan is a reminder the Pacific Northwest is also in a seismically active region. The last catastrophic quake was geologically similar to the one in Japan and struck off the West Coast in 1700. Scientists expect it is only a matter of time before the next one occurs locally.

Jim Nicks of the Portland Bureau of Development Service will provide information about the City’s Residential Seismic Strengthening Program, including an overview of the program’s standards and steps residents can take to better prepare their homes and to reduce the likelihood of damage.

Members of the SE Portland Tool Library will be available to explain how residents within the boundaries of the SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition can join the library and gain free access to tools.

Volunteers from Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) will also be on hand to share information about the NET program as an opportunity for Portlanders to get directly involved with community preparedness.

WHAT:         Residential Seismic Strengthening Presentation

WHEN:         Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:       St. David of Wales Church (2800 SE Harrison Street, Portland, OR 97214)

COST:          Free

Plans Examiner (July/August 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

June 23, 2011

Contact: Ross Caron | Bureau of Development Services | 503.823.4268

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

Effective Friday, July 1, 2011, the majority of fees BDS collects to fund its operations will be increased by 5% to 8%. To view a detailed list of the BDS fee schedules please visit the BDS webpage at: www.portlandonline.com/bds/feechanges.

In order to accommodate the increase in permit and land use review submittal activity that historically proceeds an increase in development related fees, all complete applications submitted between 8 AM and 12 PM Wednesday and Thursday, June 29th and 30th, will be processed.

BDS Director Paul Scarlett stated, "The City Council approved fee increases will allow BDS to maintain and increase the level of service we are currently providing our land use, plan review and inspections customers. I am also happy to be able to have the staff on hand to help all customers with complete applications in the Development Services Center (DSC) by noon Wednesday and Thursday, June 29th and 30th".

Please note that other City agencies responsible for reviewing and inspecting development projects have separate fees and charges that may also increase July 1, 2011. Contact information for these bureaus can be found on the webpage link provided above.

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.

Plans Examiner (May/June 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.

 

On Monday night (4/25), more than 75 residents attended a meeting at the St. Johns Community Center to learn how to better prepare their homes for an earthquake. The event was co-sponsored by the Portland Office of Emergency Management, Portland Bureau of Development Services, Multnomah County Emergency Management, Clackamas County Emergency Management and the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.

Jim Nicks of Portland's Bureau of Development Services, presented on the City's Residential Seismic Strengthening Program (click here to learn more about the program). Jay Wilson of Clackamas County's Emergency Management office provided a brief overview of the earthquake threat to the region and shared his personal experience with home retrofitting. Francisco Ianni with the American Red Cross discussed the basics of preparedness and how to assemble a kit for use after an earthquake or any emergency (click here to see what goes into an emergency kit).

Several members from Portland's Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) and a volunteer from the North Portland Tool Library were available to answer questions. Portland Fire & Rescue was also on hand to film the presentations.

The City of Portland Bureau of Development Services sponsored the Easter Seals of Oregon by holding its 5th Annual Tulip Sale in the lobby of the 1900 Building on Thursday, April 21, 2011. A wide variety of fresh tulips in bunches of ten and recyclable vases were available for $5 each.

This fundraiser for Easter Seals will help fund the programs and services that enable people with disabilities to live with equality, dignity and independence. More than 5,000 children and adults living with autism and other disabilities in Oregon and SW Washington receive services each year.

The bureau sold about 12 boxes of 20 bunches per box which raised about $1,500 for the Easter Seals of Oregon.

Special thanks to BDS staff for organizing and volunteering at this event and purchasing the tulips!

The Portland Office of Emergency Management along with the Portland Bureau of Development Services, Multnomah County Emergency Management, Clackamas County Emergency Management and American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter will hold a public meeting on Monday, April 25th to discuss how residents can better prepare their homes for an earthquake.

The recent 9.0 magnitude earthquake in Japan is a reminder the Pacific Northwest is also in a seismically active region. Our last catastrophic quake was geologically similar to the one in Japan and struck off the West Coast on January 26, 1700. Scientists expect it is only a matter of time before pressure builds along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, causing a region-wide quake with significant structural damage to buildings, injuries to thousands and potential loss of life.

Although a major earthquake occurring in the future is a near certainty, there are many steps residents can take to better prepare their homes and businesses and reduce the likelihood of damage. The three speakers at the event will share some of these actions: Jim Nicks of the Portland Bureau of Development Service will discuss the City’s Residential Seismic Strengthening Program; Jay Wilson of Clackamas County will share his personal home retrofitting experience; and Francisco Ianni of American Red Cross will provide general emergency preparedness tips.

Volunteers from Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs) will be available to answer questions about the NET program as an opportunity for Portlanders to get directly involved with community preparedness.

WHAT:         Home Earthquake Preparedness Meeting

WHEN:         Monday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:       St. Johns Community Center (8427 N. Central St., Portland OR 97203)

COST:          Free

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2011

Contact: Jim Nicks, Inspection Manager, 503.823.1054 | Jim.Nicks@portlandoregon.gov 

(Portland Ore.) The Bureau of Development Services is pleased to announce its new Residential Seismic Strengthening Program for one and two family residential buildings. This program is intended to provide homeowners and contractors a simple guide to evaluating existing homes to determine if certain improvements would be beneficial in order to reduce the risk of earthquake damage.

The standards set forth in the program are based on FEMA recommendations and provisions of the 2006 International Existing Building Code and focus on how to anchor the home to its foundation and strengthen cripple walls, if necessary.

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

A Residential Seismic Strengthening Program webpage has been developed and can be found under Quick Links at www.portlandoregon.gov/bds. The Residential Seismic Strengthening Brochure provides information on:

• Why many older homes lack foundation anchors.
• What to look for when evaluating a homes 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.

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 www.portlandoregon.gov/bds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 23, 2011

Contact: Anne Hill, City of Portland 503.823.4807, Anne.Hill@portlandoregon.gov

              Elaina Medina, PGE, 503.464.8790, Elaina.Medina@pgn.com

City of Portland joins Portland General Electric and Habitat for Humanity to celebrate the completion of energy efficient affordable housing completed through City grant program.

(Portland, OR) On Tuesday, March 29, 2011 the City of Portland will join Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR) and the Homebuilders of Metropolitan Portland (HBAMP) at a breakfast open house to celebrate completion of energy-efficient, all-electric row houses built by Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East through the City of Portland's Energy Efficiency Home Pilot (PEEHP).

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at a home completed through the PEEHP program, located at 7610 N. Olin Avenue in Portland. Six affordable and energy efficient row houses, comprising the largest PEEHP funded project, have been completed by grant recipient Habitat for Humanity/ Portland/Metro East.

The affordable homes have been built to be 15 and 30 percent more efficient than the 2008 Oregon Energy Code. The PEEHP is a collaboration of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, Energy Trust of Oregon, the Homebuilders Association of Metropolitan Portland, the National Association of Homebuilders, Northwest Natural Gas, and the City of Portland. In April, Habitat will sell these homes with 1% down and a 0%-interest mortgage to six pre-selected, qualified buyers earning between 30 and 60 percent of the median Portland income, or about $21,000-$43,000 for a family of four.

"PEEHP grant recipients like Habitat for Humanity have paved the way for construction of affordable, energy efficient homes in Portland.", said BDS Director Paul Scarlett. "This outcome is a direct result of the contributions of our private sector partners, who have taken a leadership role in bridging the gap between efficiency and affordability in residential construction."

PGE served several roles in the creation and construction of the homes including acting as a technical adviser in providing design review and technology direction to greatly increase the efficiency and comfort of each home.

"We are happy to partner with the City of Portland and Habitat for Humanity on this important project," said Carol Dillin, PGE's vice president of customers and economic development. "By collaborating on projects like this, where PGE can provide energy expertise and resources, we can help make homes affordable for our customers in terms of overall cost and long-term energy savings."

Rivergate Commons represents the fourth PEEHP grant award. Previous awards have funded natural gas and all-electric powered energy efficiency measures in eight single family homes and row houses. This award is funding innovative electric energy-efficient products in two, triplex row houses. Features include hybrid combination ductless and ducted high efficiency heat pumps, fresh air ventilation, and high efficiency Marathon lifetime water heaters.

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

Information about the PEEHP grant program can be found at: www.portlandonline.com/bds/PEEHP

Information about Habitat for Humanity/ Portland Metro East can be found at: www.habitatportlandmetro.org

###

Portland Energy Efficient Home Pilot Partners

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.

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. For more information, please visit www.portlandonline.com/bps.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 822,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our website at

www.PortlandGeneral.com for more information.

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 website at

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 website at 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

In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to almost 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. �@Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, headquartered in Portland and one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, please visit www.pacificpower.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2011

Contact: Crystle Cowen, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.7324

The City of Portland, Bureau of Development Services is offering its Spring 2011 Landlord Training Program: Keeping Rental Property Safe and Free of Illegal Activity. The spring series offers four classes spread throughout different Portland neighborhood venues in April and May.

These training classes work to build on a foundation of partnership between property owners, tenants, and City agencies to create safe communities and residences. The training classes are being made possible by funding received from Portland Police Bureau, Metro Multifamily Housing Association and the Rental Housing Association of Greater Portland.

The Bureau of Development Services partners with the Portland Police Bureau and other City agencies to provide current, effective information on property management to help ensure safe, crime free rental properties. Presentations are made by Housing Inspectors, Crime Prevention Specialists, and Police Bureau Neighborhood Response Team Officers. They are also available to answer attendee questions. Useful information from other City bureaus, government agencies, and non-profit organizations with an interest in the rental industry will also be available at the classes.

Topics covered in the 8-hour training classes include: property management to prevent crime or loss of investment value, best practices in applicant screening, signs of dishonest applicants, rental agreements, ongoing management and resident relations, crisis resolution/eviction, and partnering with police, crime prevention specialists, and housing inspectors.

The training classes are facilitated by Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc. Over 15,300 landlords have attended the City of Portland's program in the 20 years it has been offered. The City 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, 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 U.S. Department of Justice for its unique benefits.

The classes are offered free of charge. At the end of each session attendees are provided a certificate of completion. Attendance also is required for the Enhanced Safety Properties program through the Portland Police Bureau and the Office of Neighborhood Involvement Crime Prevention.

Advanced registration for these free training classes is recommended and available on our website

www.portlandoregon.gov/bds use the quick link to Landlord Training. Day of class sign-in starts at 8 a.m., class starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. and concludes by 5:00 p.m. Dates and locations for the four Spring 2011 Sessions are as follows:

Interested parties can get more information or register via the BDS website at www.portlandoregon.gov/bds, click on the quick link for Landlord Training. BDS will also send an information mailing targeted at rental property owners via U.S. Mail or email.

Plans Examiner (March/April 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.

The Citywide Tree Project Recommended Draft is posted on the project website. 

www.portlandonline.com/bps/treeproject (click on Documents and Resources). This link takes you directly to the draft documents www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=47008.

The Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on the Citywide Tree Project, Wednesday, February 2nd, 6:00 p.m.

We hope you will share your views with the City Council on February 2nd. You can also submit written testimony, as follows:

Testify at the City Council hearing. The hearing, on February 2nd at 6 p.m., will be in Council Chambers at City Hall (1221 SW Fourth Avenue). Metered and pay parking is available in the vicinity. For transit info call TriMet at 503-238-7433 or check their Internet site at www.trimet.org/schedule for routes and schedules.

Write to City Council. Send written testimony to the Council Clerk at 1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Room 140, Portland, OR 97204, or FAX comments to 503-823-4571. Written testimony must be received by the time of the hearing and must include your name and address.

Additional information about the project is provided after this email. Please call or email the project staff at BPSCTP@portlandoregon.gov if you would like a CD or draft reports, or if you have questions.

(Excerpt from the Plans Examiner - January/February 2011)

In the November/December 2010 issue of The Plans Examiner, we reported on several upcoming significant changes to the Zoning Code. One of these changes involves new zoning regulations for properties along the Willamette River, generally north of the Fremont Bridge. These regulations, adopted by City Council in 2010 as part of the North Reach River Plan, update the 1987 Willamette Greenway Plan, zoning code, and design guidelines. The second zoning package, the Citywide Tree Project, proposes new regulations for tree preservation, tree cutting and pruning, minimum tree density, and tree permits.

Since our last issue, City Council voted to delay the effective date of the North Reach River Plan regulations to July 1, 2011. Also, the public hearing before City Council on the proposed Citywide Tree Project regulationshas been scheduled for February 2, 2011, at 6:00 pm.

• For more information on the North Reach River Plan, go to: www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=42542.
• For more information on the Citywide Tree Project, go to: www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=46921.

(Excerpt from the Plans Examiner - January/February 2011)