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Deconstruction permit requirements

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The City of Portland's Deconstruction Ordinance requires some homes to be deconstructed rather than demolished. Find out if these rules apply to you, how to meet the requirements, and the penalties for not complying.
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Policy overview

If you plan to tear down a house or duplex in Portland, you are required to have the structure deconstructed instead of mechanically demolished if:

  • It was built in 1940 or earlier; or
  • It was designated as a historic resource that requires demolition review or is subject to the 120-day delay provisions of Title 33. 

If this applies to your project:

  1. You must hire a Certified Deconstruction Contractor. These professionals are specially trained to take apart buildings by hand and save materials for reuse.
  2. Before getting your demolition permit, your contractor must fill out and submit a Pre-Deconstruction Form. Only certified contractors can access this form, separate from Development Hub.

Permit process

Here’s a step-by-step guide if your house or duplex needs to be deconstructed:

  1. Hire a Certified Deconstruction Contractor.
    Only certified contractors can do this type of work. The deconstruction contractor typically manages the deconstruction of the house down to the foundation and will manage the removal of the materials. Clarify with your contractor if you would like them to act as the project Demolition Manager, or if the General Contractor or another party will serve this role.
  2. Apply for a demolition permit.
    See Residential Demolition permit requirements from Portland Permitting and Development (PPD).
  3. Have your contractor submit a Pre-Deconstruction Form.
    Only certified contractors have access to the required Pre-Deconstruction Form.
  4. Wait for permit approval.
    Once PPD receives your demolition permit application and Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) reviews the Pre-Deconstruction Form, they’ll issue your permit and the Deconstruction Contractor can begin to prepare the site and request a 200 inspection for Pre-Construction Erosion Control.
  5. Track materials during deconstruction.
    Your contractor must document what materials are salvaged, recycled, or disposed and keep receipts. They must also photograph salvaged materials and complete a salvage lumber inventory.
  6. Deconstruction Contractor submits the Post-Deconstruction Form.
    After deconstruction is done, your contractor will send this form to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS).
  7. Get approval from BPS.
    BPS will review and approve your Post-Deconstruction Form and sign off on the deconstruction line in your demolition or building permit.
  8. Schedule your final inspections.
    Once the Deconstruction Documentation line is approved, you can complete any other remaining permit tasks, then schedule final inspection with PPD.  

Exemptions

If it appears more than 50% of the framing (interior and exterior) is not suitable for salvage (reuse) because of fire damage, rot, or mold, or if the structure would be unsafe to work in, then you can request an exemption. The presence of asbestos containing materials or lead-based paint are not conditions that qualify the property for an exemption from deconstruction. Abatement of these materials and proper disposal are required. To discuss a potential exemption for a property, contact us.

Penalties

Property owners who remove residential structures subject to the deconstruction ordinance without using a deconstruction contractor are in violation of the policy and will receive notice from PPD for a code violation and will be subject to fines.

Deconstruction contractors found to be in violation of the code and administrative rules may be fined and removed from the list of Certified Deconstruction Contractors. Fines are set at $500 for the first violation, $1000 for the second, and $1500 for any subsequent violation in the same calendar year.

Report an out-of-compliance property

If demolition work is underway on a site without a posted Erosion Control sign or you find the project without a building permit, use the form on the Report a Code Violation page.

For deconstruction contractor-related issues, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I determine what year the building was built?

A: You can search for the address on Portland Maps to find the year built date. If the property has multiple structures, you may need to research the permitting history to determine the year built of a specific structure.

Q: What kind of permit do I need to take down my house if it is subject to the deconstruction ordinance?

A: You need a demolition permit. No separate permit is required for deconstructing a house.

Q: Is the permit fee more for a deconstruction?

A: No, the fee for a demolition permit is fixed and how the building comes down does not change the price.

Q: This old house doesn’t have anything worth saving, is deconstruction still required?

A: Your house may appear in poor condition (dated fixtures, flaking paint, etc.), however the framing behind the walls is the primary element of value and likely well preserved. If the house appears structurally unsafe or hazardous to human life, it may qualify for an exemption, see the Exemption section above.

Q: My building has both commercial and residential units in it, is deconstruction required?

A: No, commercial buildings and multi-unit buildings of 3 or more residential units are not subject to the Deconstruction Ordinance.

Q: I called for my final inspections, but the inspector won’t sign off because I’m missing something called Deconstruction Documentation on the permit, what’s that?

A: Your deconstruction contractor will submit a Post-Deconstruction Form at the end of the project and will identify all salvaged material and submit receipts for what was salvaged and what was recycled/disposed. Once this form is submitted and approved by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), final inspections can be scheduled.

Q: Why do I have to use a Certified Deconstruction Contractor?

A: Certified Deconstruction Contractors have been trained in safe and effective techniques for dismantling a structure. They are also accountable if they do not meet the deconstruction requirements.

Q: Can I deconstruct my own house?

A: No, only Certified Deconstruction Contractors can deconstruct your house. Only certified contractors have access to the required Pre-Deconstruction Form. You can work with them to identify things you can do to help cut costs. 

Q: What if I don’t have a contractor selected for my demolition permit, can I still apply for my permit?

A: Yes, you can still apply for the demolition permit without a Certified Deconstruction Contractor, however your permit will not be issued until one is selected and they have submitted a Pre-Deconstruction Form for the project.

Learn more

Find more detailed information about this policy in the City's Administrative Rules and City Code Chapter 17.106Contact us with questions.

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