(Added by Ordinance No. 188802; amended by Ordinance Nos. 189012, 190126 and 190274, effective February 26, 2021.)
A. Scope. The provisions of this Section 24.55.205 apply to the following, regardless of zoning or Comprehensive Plan Map designation:
1. Demolition of structures used for residential purposes with four or fewer dwelling units, including mixed use structures. “Mixed use” for purposes of this Section 24.55.205 means the combination on a site of residential uses with commercial or industrial uses.
2. Any detached accessory structures with a floor area over 200 square feet on a site with a structure covered by Subsection 1. above.
3. Major residential alterations, as that term is defined in Section 24.55.150. Except for this Subsection A., whenever the term “demolition” is used in this Section 24.55.205, it includes major residential alterations.
B. Documentation Required. A permit to demolish a structure within the scope of this Section as defined in Subsection A. above will not be issued until the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) has received all of the following:
1. A copy of the asbestos survey required under Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.757 and Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 340, Division 248, Section 0270, as each of these is amended from time-to-time.
2. If asbestos is identified in the asbestos survey: A close-out letter from the licensed asbestos abatement contractor verifying all of the asbestos identified in the asbestos survey has been abated and all required DEQ notification forms and the asbestos waste shipment form.
3. A Demolition Plan as described in Section 24.55.150.
4. The applicant must provide a lead-based paint inspection report in order to seek an exemption from the lead-hazard reduction requirements in Subsection C.1. of this section. The requirements for the inspection report will be contained in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
5. Verification of all required certifications as described in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
C. Requirements for Demolitions
1. Lead hazard reduction. Prior to commencing mechanical demolition activities, all painted exterior non-structural surfaces, including, but not limited to, doors, windows, railings, soffits, trim, exterior porches (except for concrete or masonry materials), and all layers of siding (unless such surfaces have been tested as set forth in Section B.4. above and found not to contain lead-containing paint) must be removed, and all such materials must be placed in 6 mil plastic and deposited in a covered container. During the removal of these exterior painted materials, 6-mil plastic sheeting or equivalent must be placed at the base of the exterior shear wall and extend at least 10 feet beyond the perimeter of the structure or work area, whichever is greater. If a property line prevents 10 feet of ground covering, vertical containment must be erected to protect neighboring properties.
All lead hazard reduction work must be completed and inspected by BDS as outlined in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
2. Dust suppression. During mechanical demolition activities, including transfer and loading of materials, the structure, mechanical equipment parts that come in direct contact with building materials, and debris must be continuously wetted with a water spray sufficient in volume and force to prohibit airborne emission of dust and particulates from leaving the site. In addition, all debris piles must be wetted down each day prior to commencing mechanical demolition activities and at the end of each day during which mechanical demolition activities have occurred.
3. Wind speed. Mechanical demolition activities must be suspended when winds exceed 25 MPH, verified regularly during mechanical demolition activities by using a hand-held anemometer prior to commencing mechanical demolition activities each day and any time wind speeds noticeably increase. Only deconstruction or other activities that do not generate dust may be conducted on the site when winds exceed 25 MPH.
4. Debris containment/management: All demolition debris must be contained on site per the requirements set forth in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
5. Runoff. All stormwater or any other water generated on the site that pools or is collected on the site must comply with all City requirements for water discharge.
6. Exemption for Unsafe or Hazardous Structures. An applicant may request an exemption from the lead hazard reduction requirements in Subsection 2. above if the structure is structurally unsafe or otherwise hazardous to human life to the extent that the activities described in Subsection 2. above could not be safely executed. The request must accompany the application for the demolition permit, unless the unsafe or hazardous condition is not discovered until after the permit application has been submitted. Reasons for exemption consideration could include, but are not limited to, extensive fire damage, drug manufacturing, or severe structural issues that cannot be mitigated without complete mechanical demolition. Request for an unsafe or hazardous structure exemption must be submitted to the Bureau of Development Services and include all of the following:
a. A letter on company or organization letterhead from one of the following professionals stating that performing the lead hazard reduction requirements would not be safe:
(1) Structural Engineer licensed in the State of Oregon.
(2) Hazardous material professional with credentials to perform work in the State of Oregon.
b. A statement by a professional listed in Subsection a. above who provides a letter indicating that neither the professional, a relative of the professional, nor a business entity with which the professional is associated has a financial or other interest in the property or project. “Relative” means the spouse, parent, stepparent, child, sibling, step-sibling, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law of the professional.
c. Supporting evidence documenting the condition of the structure and reasons why the lead hazard reduction activities are not recommended due to safety concerns.
7. Notification and Posting.
a. All demolitions that are subject to the provisions of this Section 24.55.205 must comply with the notification requirements in Subsection 24.55.200 D.2.
b. All such sites must also be posted with a sign during demolition activities that meets the requirements set forth in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
D. Demolition-Related Inspections
2. BDS will conduct inspections during demolition activities to confirm the Demolition Plan is being properly implemented and maintained during the demolition process. BDS will verify that exterior painted surfaces are removed, as required, prior to beginning mechanical demolition and required wetting for dust suppression is operational during the start of mechanical demolition.
3. BDS will conduct a post-demolition inspection to verify that the structure(s) and all demolition-related debris has been removed as detailed in the Demolition Plan and that the site is free of debris and Title 10 erosion and sediment control requirements are met.
E. Enforcement and Fines
1. Enforcement. Enforcement of this Section 24.55.205 is set forth in the BDS Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
2. Fines. Fines are established for violations of this Section 24.55.205 as set forth in the Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule as adopted by the City Council. These fines will be assessed as a result of an issued citation for violations of this Section 24.55.205 and are in addition to any other fines authorized by law. See Administrative Rule Related to Chapter 24.55 – Demolitions.
3. Administrative Review and Appeals. If a responsible party has received a stop work order or written citation and the responsible party believes the order or citation was issued in error, the responsible party may request that the order or citation be reviewed by the Director or designee. The responsible party must submit a written request for an Administrative Review within 15 calendar days of the date of the order or citation, along with the Administrative Review appeal fee. (See current BDS Enforcement Fee Schedule). The appeal fee is due when the written request for an Administrative Review is submitted to BDS. This fee will only be refunded if it is determined that all of the contested violations were cited in error. A written Administrative Review determination will be served on the responsible party by regular mail.
Additionally, the party that sought the Administrative Review may appeal the written Administrative Review determination to the City Code Hearings Office in accordance with Chapter 22.10 of the Portland City Code.
F. Demolition Permit Compliance Prerequisite for New Building Permit. No building permit for a new structure on the site that is subject to the demolition permit (including all lots in a land division or lot confirmation) will be issued until the final inspection for the demolition permit has been completed and approved.