Phone: 503-823-7300
Email: bds@portlandoregon.gov
1900 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Demolitions and Major Residential Alterations and Additions
BDS has compiled the following information regarding demolition and major alterations and additions. Please use the links below to view information on City Code requirements.
Residential Demolition Inspection Requirements
As of February 10, 2020, new Interim Administrative Rules for the City of Portland Residential Building Demolition program are in effect.
New DEQ Regulations Require Residential Renovation Asbestos Survey
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality adopted new asbestos regulations in fall 2018. DEQ now requires all houses and other residential buildings constructed prior to 2004 to have an asbestos survey conducted by an accredited inspector prior to demolition and renovation activities, with one exception. Owner-occupants doing their own home renovation work are exempt from this rule. This exemption does not apply when the residence is going to be demolished.
Residential Demolitions - Overview and Criteria
When BDS receives a permit application to demolish a one or two family structure, various criteria are applied to determine if a delay is required.
Changes to Requirements Around Residential Demolitions, Major Residential Alterations and Additions
Dust and site control measures are now required for demolitions of structures used for residential purposes with four or fewer dwelling units.
Major Residential Alteration and Addition Permit – Overview and Criteria
Information on the new Major Residential Alteration and Addition permit has been developed and outlines what a Major Residential Alteration and Addition permit is and what notification and delay requirements apply.
Additional Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Information
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulates renovations, repairs and removal of asbestos-containing materials. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) provides information regarding lead-based paint and renovation, repair and painting.
How asbestos abatement and demolition affects Portland's sewer system
Asbestos abatement and structural demolition activities may discharge asbestos and lead paint particulates as well as other pollutants that are prohibited from entering the City stormwater system, but may be authorized to enter the sanitary sewer system.
Residential Demolition Map
The map includes demolition permit activity for single family dwelling and duplex demolitions by year back to 2005.
Where to find information on Issued Permits and Permit Applications in Portland
Both the BDS website and Portland Maps website offer information on current permits issued to a property and permit applications, as well as recent history of BDS permits and BDS enforcement.
Portland Zoning Code, Title 33, requirements for Demolitions
If a one or two family dwelling is a historic or conservation landmark or is located in a historic resource overlay zone, it may be subject to additional notification and delay requirements under the Zoning Code.
How to request a Code Change
To request a change to the City Codes that BDS administers and enforces, send us an email and choose “Code Change Recommendation” in the subject menu.
Comments, Questions, Suggestions and Concerns
The purpose of this website is to gather comments, questions, suggestions and concerns regarding the Residential Demolition and Major Residential Alteration and Addition Ordinance.