Determine whether a Portland, Oregon demolition project is subject to the city's deconstruction (rather than mechanical demolition) requirement

Steps

1. Check whether the project is a house or duplex (a 'primary dwelling structure') seeking a demolition permit under Portland City Code Chapter 24.55 — the Deconstruction Ordinance (Chapter 17.106) targets one- and two-family detached/attached structures, not garages, sheds, other accessory structures, or commercial/multi-family buildings of 3+ units.
2. Determine building age and historic status: full deconstruction (hand disassembly by a Certified Deconstruction Contractor, with salvage) is required if the structure was built in 1940 or earlier per Portland Permitting & Development records (or County tax assessor data if no permit record exists), or if it is designated a historic resource subject to demolition review or the 120-day delay provisions of Title 33.
3. If required, confirm the deconstruction contractor performing the work holds Portland's Certified Deconstruction Contractor credential, and have them submit the Pre-Deconstruction Form before the demolition permit application is considered complete.
4. At project close, have the contractor submit the Post-Deconstruction Form to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), documenting salvaged materials, photographs, and disposal/recycling receipts.
5. Do not schedule final inspection until BPS has reviewed and approved the Post-Deconstruction Form and signed off on the Deconstruction Documentation line on the permit.
6. If the structure appears structurally unsafe or more than 50% of its framing is unsuitable for salvage, a written exemption request with supporting evidence can be submitted with the demolition permit application — note that asbestos or lead-based paint alone do NOT qualify a property for exemption.