Portland City Council Repeals URM Placards, Convenes Committee to Reduce Seismic Risks

The Portland City Council voted yesterday 4-0 to repeal the placarding and tenant notification requirements for unreinforced masonry buildings. Mayor Wheeler was not present for the vote because he is visiting Portland's sister city in Japan. The Council also created a new task force that will be charged with finding ways to reduce life safety risks and displacement in the event of an earthquake. The committee will be comprised of two subcommittees, one to study solutions for nonprofits and faith organizations, and the other to find solutions geared toward private owners. The handful of people who testified at the hearing praised the city's decision to repeal the placarding requirement, but expressed concerns over a breakdown in communication between city officials and building owners. Read more.