Portland Boards and Commissions
Serving on a City of Portland board or commission is one way members of the public can volunteer and get involved with their city government. The boards and commissions serve mostly in an advisory capacity to various city bureaus and some county agencies. But some also hear appeals, provide expertise, advocate, receive public concerns, or establish, review and enforce policies and regulations. Boards and commission appointments are approved by City Council after recommendations from city bureaus and commissioners-in-charge.
Adjustment Committee
The Adjustment Committee, authorized under Portland City Code 33.710.070, reviews adjustment requests to the development standards of Title 33 [Planning and Zoning Regulations]. The Adjustment Committee consists of seven members, none of whom may hold public elective office. The committee must include three persons representing the public at large, two members in either urban design, architecture, or landscape architecture, and two members experienced in either engineering, financing construction, management of buildings, or land development. The members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The terms shall be a maximum of four years with a maximum of two full terms.
The Adjustment Committee meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Updated 6/09)
Accepting Applications: Yes
Current Vacancies: 0
Upcoming Vacancies: 0
Contact: Susan McKinney-BDS
Tel: 503-823-7809
Building Code Board of Appeals
The Building Code Board of Appeals is authorized under Portland City Code 24.10.080 and the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code. This board consists of three members appointed by the Mayor. The members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building construction. One member must be a builder and one member must be an architect. The Director of BDS is an ex officio member of the board, and is represented by one of the Senior or Chief Plans Examiners on the BDS staff.
The Building Code Board of Appeals hears appeals of building code issues which are appealed beyond the Administrative Appeals Board. The Appeals Board may affirm, annul or modify the action of BDS on the condition that substantially equivalent safety is provided generally conforming to national standards concerning fire prevention, fire safety measures, and building construction requirements for safety.
Accepting Applications: No
Current Vacancies: 0
Upcoming Vacancies: 0
Contact: Terry Whitehill, BDS
Tel: 503-823-7639
Business License Appeals Board
City Code provides that any determination made by the Revenue Bureau, License and Tax Division may be appealed by the licensee. The Business License Appeals Board hears and decides business license, business income tax and transient lodging tax appeals of decisions issued by the Revenue Bureau. Appointments to the Board are made by the Mayor, City Auditor and the Commissioner In Charge of the Revenue Bureau for varying terms, and are drawn from members of the Accounting and Legal professional community who have the requisite level of expertise in accounting methods and tax regulation. No employee or agent of the Bureau may be appointed to or serve on the Business License Appeals Board. Transient Lodging Tax law additionally provides that the Board may also act in an advisory capacity to City legislators on matters pertaining to the transient lodging tax and enforcement problems and make recommendations to Council on legislation. (6/27/07 Update)
Accepting Applications: Yes
Current Vacancies: None
Upcoming Vacancies: 1 vacancy effective 1/1/2010
Contact: Stephen Bouffard, Revenue Bureau, License and Tax Division
Tel: (503) 823-5286 Civil Service Board
The Board hears appeals involving position classification actions taken by the HR Director, the suspension, demotion or discharge of permanent employees in the classified service, and appeals by candidates for appointment or promotion to a position in the classified service. The Board consists of three Commissioners appointed to voluntary positions by the Mayor.(Updated 6/09)
Accepting Applications: Yes
Current Vacancies: Two
Upcoming Vacancies: 0
Contact: Maureen Weber
Tel: 503-823-7894
Design Commission
The Design Commission provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture and on maintaining and enhancing Portland’s historical and architectural heritage. The Design Commission consists of eight members, none of whom may hold public elective office. The Commission must include a member of the Planning Commission, a representative of the Regional Arts and Culture Council, one person representing the public at-large, and five members experienced in either design, engineering, financing, construction or management of buildings, and land development. No more than two members may be appointed from any one of these areas of expertise. The Planning Commission member is chosen by the Planning Commission chair. The Regional Arts and Culture Council member is nominated by the Regional Arts and Culture Council chair and approved by the Mayor. The other members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The term shall be maximum 4 years, limited to a maximum of two full terms.
The Commission meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2500A, 2nd floor of 1900 SW 4th Ave (Updated 6/09)
Accepting Applications: Yes
Current Vacancies: 0
Upcoming Vacancies: 1
Contact: Tim Heron, BDS
Tel: 503-823-7726
Portland Planning Commission
Advises City Council regarding citywide policies and their implementation in relation to land use issues and goals of the Portland Comprehensive Plan; advises Council on amendments to the Zoning Code (Title 33); reviews public projects for conformance with the Portland Comprehensive Plan and statewide planning goals; and advises Council on urban renewal plans, tax abatement, and street vacations, dedications, and name change requests.
Applicants will need to spend 10-12 hours a month to attend an afternoon and evening meeting, participate on subcommittees and training sessions, and review project reports, financial proforma, and detailed Zoning Code language. (updated 1/07/08)
Current Vacancies: One
Upcoming Vacancies: None
Contact Information: Joan Hamilton
Tel: 503-823-5772
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