Phone: 503-823-4375
Fax: 503-823-3903
TDD: 503-823-3947
Unreinforced Masonry (URM) Seismic Retrofit Project
MISSION: To protect Portland residents from the danger posed by the city's over 1,650 unreinforced masonry (URMs) buildings in an earthquake.
Want to help? We're accepting applications for the Unreinforced Masonry Building Work Group. Click here to learn more and submit an application. The URM Workgroup is charged with making recommendations to:
- Reduce the life safety risks posed by URM buildings.
- Reduce displacement following an earthquake.
- Avoid displacement caused by seismic retrofit requirements.
The application process is open until filled.
Questions? Email urms@portlandoregon.gov or contact 503-823-4375.
APPLICATION: Unreinforced Masonry Building Work Group
The URM Workgroup is charged with making recommendations to reduce the life safety risks posed by URM buildings and to reduce displacement following a seismic event. The group must also seek to avoid displacement caused by seismic retrofit requirements.
Earthquake warning sign information
Information from the Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS).
Get Involved
Here's how to get involved with the unreinforced masonry building project and provide feedback.
Why Are We Focusing On URMs?
Background on why the City of Portland is working on a mandatory seismic retrofit policy for unreinforced masonry buildings.
URM Reports & Resources
- URM Steering Committee Facilitation Scope of Work
- URM Resolution (June 13, 2018)
- URM Policy Committee Final Report (December 2017)
- Benefit-Cost Analysis Report (November 2016)
- URM Retrofit Support Committee Final Report (December 2015)
- URM Retrofit Standards Committee Final Report (April 2015)
- Searchable map of Portland's unreinforced masonry buildings
URM Building Locator
Click to be redirected to a searchable map and database of Portland URM buildings.
Case Studies From Our Neighbors
- California Statewide Unreinforced Masonry Building Policy
- California Report on Unreinforced Masonry Building Law
- Berkeley, California Seismic Hazard Mitigation Program for Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
- Seattle Unreinforced Masonry Policy Committee Report
- Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frames with Unreinforced Masonry Infill during the 2016 Ecuador Earthquake