Development Services Takes Action to Assist Homeowners

Contact: Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503-823-4268

The Bureau of Development Services is the City of Portland agency responsible for performing coordinated damage assessment of buildings that have been damaged during emergency situations, and to coordinate related recovery activities.

In response to the catastrophic landslide that occurred the morning of October 8, 2008, on SW Burlingame Place, Bureau of Development Services inspectors performed geotechnical assessments of site conditions and assessed damage to affected structures. Due to the serious nature of the safety issues present at the site, the Bureau is taking swift action to limit further property damage, as well as to protect the safety
and health of the occupants and the public.

“I’m truly saddened that these homeowners have had their lives disrupted by such unexpected devastation and some have lost everything,” said Paul Scarlett, BDS Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Portland. “I have mobilized an internal Customer Assistance Team that stands ready to work with the affected property owners and their representatives toward recovery.”

On October 8, 2008, Bureau staff conducted rapid damage assessments and posted several properties impacted by the landslide with “red tags” or “yellow tags” depending on the extent of the damage. A “red tag” posting indicates that a structure has been seriously damaged, is unsafe, and entry to the structure is prohibited by the occupants or the general public. A “yellow tag” posting indicates that the structure has been damaged or conditions are present which make safety questionable and limited entry is allowed.

On October 10, 2008, Bureau staff provided notification letters to property owners describing the necessary temporary and permanent steps to return the site to a safe condition. The Bureau understands that qualified representatives for the property owners (engineers, architects, contractors, insurance agents, etc.) will need to visit the site to make their own assessments to assist in resolving the immediate dangers.

While the possibility of incurring charges or penalties exists if the properties are not made safe in a timely manner, the property owners have not incurred any fines or penalties as a result of this catastrophe at this time.

If conditions are not stabilized and the structures not repaired or demolished quickly, the City may take action to make the properties safe for the sake of the public and adjacent homeowners. We are urging the property owners and their representatives to make temporary and permanent repairs at the site as quickly as possible.

“Damage assessment and recovery work performed by BDS engineers and building inspectors often happens at times when property owners are still in shock and disbelief,” said Ross Caron, BDS Site Services Division Manager. “We want to be as helpful as possible during this difficult time and will do as much as we can to assist victims in the in the recovery efforts”.

Ross Caron has been designated by the Bureau as the single point of contact for inquiries from the media, the public and affected homeowners. Ross can be reached at
503-823-4268.