Appeal 35062

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered

Appeal ID: 35062

Submission Date: 12/31/25 8:50 AM

Hearing Date: 1/7/26

Case #: P-2

Appeal Type: Plumbing

Project Type: residential

Building/Business Name: Buildings 6, 7, 8, 14, 15

Appeal Involves: Erection of a new structure

Proposed use: Single Family Residential

Project Address: 2401 SW Taylors Ferry Rd

Appellant Name: Leigh Armstrong

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit Multiple - see text

Stories: 2 Occupancy: Standard residential Construction Type: Wood framing

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - In each home

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Paul Klee

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

OPSC Section 710.0

Requires

OPSC Section 710.1 Backflow Protection.
Fixtures installed on a floor level that is lower than the next upstream manhole cover of the public or private sewer shall be protected from backflow of sewage by installing an approved type of backwater valve. Fixtures on such floor level that are not below the next upstream manhole cover shall not be required to be protected by a backwater valve. Fixtures on floor levels above such elevation shall not discharge through the backwater valve. Cleanouts for drains that pass through a backwater valve shall be clearly identified with a permanent label stating "water valve downstream".
OPSC 710.6 Backwater Valves.
Backwater valves, gate valves, fullway ball valves, unions, motors, compressors, air tanks, and other mechanical devices required by this section shall be located where they will be accessible for inspection and repair and, unless continuously exposed, shall be enclosed in a masonry pit fitted with an adequately sized removable cover.
Backwater valves shall comply with ASME A112.14.1, and have bodies of cast-iron, plastic, copper alloy, or other approved materials; shall have noncorrosive bearings, seats, and self-aligning discs; and shall be constructed so as to ensure a positive mechanical seal. Such backwater valves shall remain open during periods of low flows to avoid screening of solids and shall not restrict capacities or cause excessive turbulence during peak loads. Unless otherwise listed, valve access covers shall be bolted type with gasket, and each valve shall bear the manufacturer's name cast into the body and the cover.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

Allow install of single 3’’ clean check backwater valve, connected to floor levels both above and below the upstream manhole elevation, in each of the affected homes:
Permit #s:
Bldg 15 - 22-183121-RS
Bldg 14 - 22-183119-RS
Bldg 8 - 22-183023-RS
Bldg 7 - 22-183005-RS
Bldg 6 - 22-182999-RS

Proposed Design

Excavate for and install single 3’’ clean check backwater valve with cleanout in the crawl space of each of the affected homes. Affected homes are marked orange on attached plans. Approximate location for backwater valve in crawl space marked by red circle on attached plans.

Reason for alternative

Installation of the City-recommended "Mainline Whole Home Backwater" device would require excavation for a vault to install the device. The excavation for the vault would undermine the existing foundation footings for the affected homes. Excavation for 3’’ clean check backwater valve in the crawl spaces of the affected homes will not impact the foundation footings.

Appeal Decision

Allow 3-inch clean check backwater valve in lieu of mainline backwater valve: Granted as proposed.

The Administrative Appeal Board finds that the information submitted by the appellant demonstrates that the approved modifications or alternate methods are consistent with the intent of the code; do not lessen health, safety, accessibility, life, fire safety or structural requirements; and that special conditions unique to this project make strict application of those code sections impractical.

Pursuant to City Code Chapter 25.07, you may appeal this decision to the Plumbing Code Board of Appeal within 90 calendar days of the date this decision is published. For information on the appeals process, how to file a reconsideration, and appealing to the Plumbing Code Board of Appeal, go to https://www.portland.gov/ppd/file-appeal/appeal-process or email PPDAppeals@portlandoregon.gov.