Appeal 35055

Portland Fire Code 311.2.2 Fire Protection

Portland Fire Code 311.2.2 Fire Protection.
Fire alarm, sprinkler and standpipe systems shall be maintained in an operable condition at all
times.
Exceptions:
When the premises have been cleared of all combustible materials and debris and, in the opinion of the ?re code o?cial, the type of construction, ?re separation distance and security of the premise do not create a ?re hazard.
Where approved by the ?re chief, buildings that will not be heated and where ?re protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, ?re alarm and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply) provided the building has no contents or storage, and windows doors and other openings are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.

Exception # 2. Where approved by the ?re chief, buildings that will not be heated and where ?re protection systems will be exposed to freezing temperatures, ?re alarm and sprinkler systems are permitted to be placed out of service and standpipes are permitted to be maintained as dry systems (without an automatic water supply) provided the building has no contents or storage, and windows doors and other openings are secured to prohibit entry by unauthorized persons.

The buildings are vacant and unheated. The owner has shut off water, power and gas utilities in coordination with abatement prior to demolition. The basements (only) of Elizabeth and Weber residential halls have sprinkler systems. In accordance with Portland Fire Code 311.2.2 Fire Protection the sprinklers have remained charged. David Woodhouse, the Fire Inspector, advised filing this appeal as well as building department appeal of 24.15.60 warehousing to allow shut off and drain of sprinklers during abatement prior to approval of demolition permits (currently under review 25-086423-CO). Abatement includes removal of exterior windows increasing risk of freezing. Exhibit 1 includes abatement documents. A building department appeal of 24.15.60 warehousing is under review in 12/17/25 appeals hearing.
The buildings are secured with 6' chain link fencing with limited access provided by gates with locks to limit access to abatement contractors. All contents have been removed and abatement containment is underway. Abatement will continue for at least the next 3 months until February 2026 and demolition is scheduled for April 2026 pending permits and contracts.
University of Oregon Portland has its own Police Department with 24/7 on site security who patrol at regular intervals to mitigate risk of unauthorized entry or vandalism and provide fire watch. Fire extinguishers remain readily accessible through out the buildings.
The buildings have been unoccupied since prior owner, Concordia University, shut down operations in Spring of 2020.
FDCs will remain accessible throughout abatement.

The utilities to these buildings must be shut off for safety during abatement. The window joint sealants contain hazardous materials and require removal. We would like to drain the ?re suppression system to prevent the hazard of sprinkler system failure during the winter. This building is scheduled to be completely demolished this spring.