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The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is currently taking public comment on proposed amendments to Portland’s Deconstruction Ordinance. Importantly, the Bureau proposes raising the year-built threshold from 1916 to 1940, which would greatly increase the number of homes subject to deconstruction regulations. While the HBA recognizes the City’s goals to reduce dust and increase recycled wood, approving the proposal will have the direct effect of increasing rents citywide. The deconstruction regulations that currently exist add thousands of dollars to the cost of new homes in Portland and the proposed ordinance would add thousands more due to expanded construction timelines. Given Portland’s unabating need for more housing, the HBA calls on the City Council to carefully considers the implications of expanding the Ordinance. To share your thoughts on the proposed changes, please email Shawn Wood (Shawn.Wood@portlandoregon.gov) at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The public comment period ends at 4:00 on August 15, 2019. A public hearing at the Portland City Council will be held early this fall. To discuss the proposed changes, contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org. Next Article Previous Article