2026-018

As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following two new appointments and three reappointments to the Building Code Board of Appeal.

The Building Code Board of Appeal is a citizen quasi-judicial body representing building code requirements for safety. The board consists of three members and three alternates appointed by the Mayor as described in Title 24.

The Building Code Board of Appeal hears appeals of building code issues which are appealed beyond the Administrative Appeals Board. The Board may affirm, annul or modify the action of Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) on the condition that substantially equivalent safety is provided generally conforming to national standards concerning fire prevention, fire safety measures, and building construction requirements for safety.

I recommend two candidates for appointment and three candidates for reappointment.

Jennifer Alger - Brief Biography and Statement of Interest
Biography

• Small business owner and a woman who has worked in the construction industry for over 25 years.
• Self-employed since 2010 as a COBID certified WBE/DBE business owner who specializes in construction management, general contracting, and material procurement.
• Specializing in commercial development and construction for diverse industries, including corporate offices, education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, historic renovation, biotech / pharmaceutical, entertainment, multifamily residential and hospitality.

Statement of Interest
"I believe sometimes unique situations require alternate ways of meeting code requirements and this Board allows the flexibility of providing pathways that don't always follow the status quo.  I look forward to the challenge of innovative solutions to prescriptive approaches."

Joseph Pinzone - Brief Biography and Statement of Interest
Biography

• Licensed architect with over 35 years of experience in leading project teams and delivering innovative solutions for both private and public clients.
• Currently works as technical architect and consultant assisting architects with legal claims, business, and project management
• Continuing education on technical aspects of architecture, building codes, and problem solving / communication skills. 

Statement of Interest
"I am excited to bring my common sense / practical experience approach to solving problems.  Working to help the public be safe and enjoy the build environment is paramount to me, and I am committed to ensuring the intent of the code is met."

Eric Bressman - Brief Biography and Statement of Interest
Biography

• Retired architect with over 40 years of educational and professional experience. This includes mentorship of project teams on how to meet building code requirements and the use of the City of Portland appeal process.
• Experience also includes participation in past building code adoption processes at the national and state level.
• Professional work focused on quality control of his firm's construction documents, specifically on code compliance and constructability.

Statement of Interest
"I believe the appeals process in the City of Portland allows designers to explore options that may not otherwise be available. This results in unique designs that meet the standard of public health, safety and welfare. I used the appeals process on many projects during my career and continuing to serve on this Board would allow me to give back service to my community."

Elizabeth Brett - Brief Biography and Statement of Interest
Biography

• Senior Project Manager at a project management firm in Portland and Seattle focused on guiding public and private projects from concept through construction.
• Career has focused on supporting educational institutions, government, and non-profit organizations to strengthen our communities and encourage youth and young adults in their educational endeavors.
• Licensed architect in Oregon and Arizona and has worked in the architecture profession and construction management for over 25 years working on complex public community-based projects.

Statement of Interest
"I have worked with local and regional organizations focusing on equity and inclusion. We need to evaluate what we "know" and develop change in everything we do. It is our responsibility to challenge standards using our unique identities and perspectives to support our entire community."

Sharon Nobbe - Brief Biography and Statement of Interest
Biography

• Senior Project Architect with 30+ years design, building and construction project work that builds, shapes and anchor cities and neighborhoods.
• First-hand experience working with Architecture offices, design-build Construction companies and on the Owner's side as a Construction coordinator.
• Most recent efforts maintain, renovate, and restore existing buildings with a focus on extending the use and value of those buildings central to the community.

Statement of Interest
"I bring practical insight from architecture, construction, and owner-side coordination, with enthusiasm for solving real-world building challenges and contributing to thoughtful, lasting decisions."

Together, these five candidates bring a wide range of experience, professional expertise, and community perspectives. They each demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the public interest in the development of Portland with an opportunity to problem solve to ensure projects meet the intent of building code requirements. 

With these appointments, all the positions on the Board will be filled.