Despite being burnt to the ground in 2021, these properties on SE 28th & Powell still have not been rebuilt, or even demolished. It would be fair enough if the construction project had hit some delays due to supply chain issues, but work has not yet begun, which has led to many local residents asking why?

It’s not secret that buildings being set on fire is a huge issue in Portland. In other cities across the USA, arson is not too uncommon, but here there is a real copycat problem with fires raging at least 3-4 times per week, and often more frequently than this.

As you may have guessed, the problem lies with bureaucracy and paperwork. Even if you are the home/landowner, its not as simple as calling up a construction company to come and raze the burnt ashes. Everything in Portland must go through a legal process (which makes sense in most cases), but does this really need to happen for a building which has been burnt to the ground?

Obviously having a burnt out mess in the middle of aresidential area is not good for anyone. Businesses and homes become less attractive for people to buy, as well as the fact that you now have an empty plot of land in a good area, which is producing absolutely nothing.

Looking at local permits, it seems one property only had a demolition approved 5 months ago, but still has a septic tank underneath the remains which needs to be decomissioned. However, the property next door to this still does not have a demolition permit, despite being burnt to the ground in 2021!

This is just 2 out of many other properties within the city. Anyone who regularly drives or rides around the city will know of at least 3-4 other areas with piles of rubble that were once family homes.

Do you think Portland needs to loosen laws surrounding burnt out buildings?