Are you an experienced builder or architect who is interested in ensuring the built environment in Portland is safe? Do you have a passion for learning more about development proposals and advising on creative approaches to meeting building code requirements? If so, the City of Portland could benefit from your talents and passion.
Purpose of the Building Code Board of Appeal
The Building Code Board of Appeal is a three-person advisory body that reviews appeals from architects, builders and developers who disagree with decisions made by city building official or the Administrative Board of Appeals to require changes to construction plans or proposed alternate methods to meet state and local building codes. The Board meets with the appellants and City building official to discuss ideas and concerns with proposed construction plans and issue rulings on whether to uphold the decisions of the Administrative Appeals Board, which provides an initial review of contested building proposals, or allow an initial development proposal to proceed, either as-is or with minor changes.
Eligibility
To be eligible to serve on the Building Code Board of Appeal, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland.
There are three member positions and three alternates on the Board. Members must be a registered architect or builder or a member of the public at-large who is qualified, by experience and training, to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues. Alternates may be called on to serve in the absence of a regular member.
The City of Portland is currently recruiting for up to one member and three alternates.
Applications received from individuals who are not chosen through this recruitment will be retained for consideration for future openings.
Desired attributes
We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful to be specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You have an interest in effective, equitable application of building codes.
- You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
- You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
- You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
- You are a competent architect who has practiced their profession for at least three years.
- You are a competent builder who has engaged in the construction business in the City of Portland for at least two years.
Terms and time commitment
- The Building Code Board of Appeal meets on an as-needed basis as appeals are received. When it meets, it usually meets on the morning of the second Thursday of the month. Individual meetings typically last no longer than two hours.
- Meetings may be held in City offices at 1900 SW 4th Avenue or online via Zoom. All meetings of the Board are open to the public.
- Members serve a term of three years with the possibility of renewing for a second three-year term.
- We provide interpreters who will translate the conversation in your language during the meeting. Please ask for an interpreter at least a week in advance of the meeting so we have enough time to make arrangements.
- You may need to read and write in your language. Verbal and written translations are performed by outside organizations. The dialects may be different than your home region and may be different on each document.
- We try to translate the written materials you ask for, but we may not be able to provide translation on all meeting documents.
- Members are expected to attend and participate in meetings consistently. Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items. Meeting materials for review are typically sent one week in advance.
We remove barriers
Let us know if there are barriers to your participation.
Public Official Conflict of Interest Notice
Those selected to serve on this body will be legally considered public officials for the duration of their service. As such, they will be required to publicly disclose potential conflicts of interest. Having potential conflicts of interest does not preclude you from serving on this body and may not impact your ability to participate fully on this body. Stakeholders often have potential conflicts of interest by the nature of having an interest in construction and development matters. The Conflict of Interest Disclosure is included in the application. Please describe all potential or actual conflicts of interest on your application.
Application
Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 27.
Please apply for appointment to this advisory body here.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the committee’s staff liaison, Natalie Didion, at natalie.didion@portlandoregon.g… or 503-823-8627.
For more information
For more information about the Building Code Board of Appeal, please visit its website.