City of Portland property owners with liens on their properties due to code enforcement violations can request a lien reduction review by the City of Portland’s Bureau of Development Services (BDS). 

The BDS Lien Reduction Review Program applies to all property owners who have had code enforcement liens placed against their properties by the Bureau of Development Services for code violations (building, housing, nuisance, zoning, sign, etc.) The program allows for potential reduction of lien balances on closed enforcement cases based on criteria established by the City.  

• Lien Reductions are only offered once the BDS enforcement case initiating the lien has been closed.
• Not all liens are eligible for reduction. For instance, charges associated with hard costs (contractor abatements, demolitions, code hearings charges, Title Reports, etc.) and Auditor’s Office charges do not qualify for a reduction.
• A lien reduction offer letter is mailed after a request is received and the review is completed. It can take several weeks for the process to be completed.
• Payment plans up to 5 years are available for property owners if they cannot pay a lien in full.