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Helpful for larger buildings. Allows building owners to add up to 10% more people in the building before a seismic upgrade is required.
Building Official Determinations (BODs) provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternatives.
Building Official Determinations (BODs) provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternatives.
Portland City Code Section 24.85.040; Table 24.85-A and Table 24.85-B
QUESTION: PCC Title 24.85 requires structural improvements to an existing building when the total occupant load of the building is increased by 150 or more occupants from the legal building occupant load as of October 1, 2004. The cost to seismically retrofit a large multi-story building can be out of proportion to the relatively small addition of 150 occupants. Is there an option for large buildings to increase the additional occupant load threshold for requiring seismic improvements?
RESPONSE: Yes. A building may increase the occupant load up to 149 occupants or 10 percent, whichever is greater, with respect to the legal building occupancy as of October 1, 2004, before the seismic upgrade requirements mandated by Title 24.85.040 are applicable.
Depending on the scope of work and proposed changes, other seismic improvement thresholds may apply. For example, alterations or additions as outlined in OSSC Chapter 34 and changes of occupancy for more than 1/3rd the net floor area as outlined in PCC Tile 24.85 may require seismic evaluation and structural improvements to the building.
HISTORY: Implemented May 4, 2026.
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