Appeal 34961

Appeal Summary

Status: HOLD for additional information

Appeal ID: 34961

Submission Date: 9/2/25 3:34 PM

Hearing Date: 9/10/25

Case #: B-1

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name:

Appeal Involves: Erection of a new structure

Proposed use: onstruction of a torch-cutting enclosure for Radius Recycling. Includes foundation work, grading, an

Project Address: 12005 N Burgard Way

Appellant Name: Micah Mensing

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 24-102705-CO

Stories: 1 Occupancy: F-2 Construction Type: II-B

Fire Sprinklers: No

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Jason Butler-Brown, Kevin Wells

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]   [File 2]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

24.50.60.F.4.d

Requires

The code section listed above requires that any non-residential construction must have the lowest floor of the building either 1. elevated to the level of the flood protection elevation, or 2. be floodproofed as described in the code.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

To allow the unoccupied rail bays to be below the flood protection elevation.

Proposed Design

To meet all the needs of the emissions capture, material flow and flood plain issues on site,
SMG has designed an elevated building that is above the flood plain, however the rail line and
carts are below the flood plain. It is the intent of SMG’s design to have everything building
related, including the lowest access floor that Radius employees will work on, to be above the
flood plain. However the existing rail line and new carts will be located below the flood plain
buffer zone. The intent of this area is to have a flood proof zone that water can traverse
through the building unimpeded with walls on both sides designed for the water pressure and
to allow water to pass through. No employees will be allowed to work in the flood plain zone,
except for maintenance of the carts as needed.

Reason for alternative

This request for a variance is to allow for the proper elevation and grade necessary to connect the proposed building to the existing rail line, as shown on the site plan. Matching the existing rail's elevation is required for railcar access to the building. This variance will have no impact on the structural integrity, accessibility, energy demand, or fire protection systems of the building. The proposed design includes extra safety measures that will ensure this variance does not negatively impact the life and health safety of the building's occupants.

Appeal Decision

Non-residential construction below the flood protection elevation: Hold for additional information.

Appellant has been sent an email clarifying the additional information requested. For information about how to file a reconsideration go to https://www.portland.gov/ppd/file-appeal/appeal-process or email PPDAppeals@portlandoregon.gov.