What is the definition of a Demolition? Why do some homes look like they have been demolished but it doesn’t show up that way when I looked at their permit? What is the definition of a Major Alteration?
We are providing links to the City of Portland’s Bureau of Building Development Services guides on Demolition Permits and Major Alteration Permits below. Please feel free to look at these helpful guides to have a better understanding.
In short these are the definitions by the
Portland’s Bureau of Building Development Services:
DEMOLITIONS:
• Demolition means removal of the entire superstructure down to the subflooring, such that none of the existing superstructure is maintained. Demolition includes removal of all exterior walls. It also includes alteration, abandonment or removal of all of the existing perimeter foundation.
•Subflooring. Subflooring means the bottom-most structural floor laid as a base for a finished floor.
•Superstructure. Superstructure means the part of the building or construction entirely above its
foundation or basement.
MAJOR ALTERATIONS:
The following types of work are defined in the ordinance as major alterations or additions:
• Adding any new story, including a basement or other below-grade structure. Raising a structure to meet the required headroom in a basement is considered the same as creating a basement;
• Increasing or replacing 50 percent or more of the exterior wall area on any floor. If the sub flooring under an exterior wall is removed, it will be treated as if the wall was removed;
• Adding total new floor area to the existing structure that exceeds 800 square feet; or
• Adding an area exceeding 100 percent of the existing foundation footprint area of the structure.
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/526720
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/526721
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