Guide to Requesting Delay Extensions for Proposed Residential Demolitions

In April 2015, the City of Portland adopted new rules governing demolitions in the city’s single-family residential zones. These rules allow the public to request an additional delay period for the purpose of saving significant houses from demolition. Because the process can be confusing, a citizen guide has been created to provide step-by-step instructions for individuals and organizations seeking to save a house from demolition.
The City of Portland requires a 35-day delay and notification period for all applications to significantly alter or demolish residential structures in residential zones. An additional 60-day delay may be granted for demolition proposals. Approval of the 60-day extension requires 1) a “complete” application and 2) a favorable ruling by a Code Hearings Officer. Extension requests can be made by any party for a $1,318 fee. The fee is waived for applications submitted by neighborhood associations or coalitions.

The six page guide is available to any organization or individual interested in extending a demolition delay period. Additional helpful resources are provided below:

• Sample Letter to Developer
• Residential Demolition Appeal Application
• City of Portland Demolition Delay Ordinance

To-date, three applications for demolition delay extensions have been approved by the City’s Code Hearings Officer. Those applications are provided below for reference:

• 3030 SE Rex Street
• 3215 NE 42nd Avenue
• 2405 N Vancouver Avenue

Thanks are owed to the Architectural Heritage Center, United Neighborhoods for Reform, and a working group of citizens who contributed to the creation of the guide.
Visit our Neighborhood Preservation page for more information.