PORTLAND, Ore. – Demolition will once again be the topic of discussion at City Hall Thursday afternoon, as a hearing from December continues over to allow the rest of the public testimony that was cut short at the last hearing and to consider new revisions proposed since that meeting.
Photo credit: Portland Chronicle
The new amendments would clarify a number of points in the city’s demolition code, such as adding the term “residential” to reflect that the delay provisions in question apply only to residential demolitions, and would also make some substantial changes to the demolition procedure.
The possible 120-day demolition delay extension would be reduced to a potential 60-day extension. While it is a 50 percent reduction from the current allowed extension, the 60-day period is an increase from the 30-day extension proposed in December.
Another notable change is that the extension would be available for any interested party to request rather than requiring a neighborhood association to request the delay. However, a fee would be charged to the “interested party,” while “recognized organizations whose boundaries include the site” (neighborhood organizations) would be able to request a fee waiver.
Photo credit: Portland Chronicle
Requests for demolition delay extension would also become more involved, as the requesting party must show that it is “actively pursuing an alternative to demolition.” Among other things, the requesting party must show evidence not only of a plan for an alternative to demolition, but of the means to effect that plan within 95 days. Presenting a budget and “evidence of funds on hand” must be part of that demonstration.
The hearing will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers at City Hall.
The Portland Chronicle has counted 40 single-family home demolition permits that have been issued since the last hearing, which took place less than two months ago.