Portland City Code Title 24.10.080 specifies that members of the Building Code Board of Appeal may serve up to two 3-year terms. Board members may serve a third term if their board has not convened during the board member's first two terms, or the City Administrator recommends approval of a longer term, and the Mayor and City Council approve the extended appointment. All members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues.
Official proposal and impact statementShould Portland appoint and reappoint members to the Building Code Board of Appeal for terms to expire February 3, 2029?
Portland City Code Title 24.10.080 specifies that members of the Building Code Board of Appeal may serve up to two 3-year terms. Board members may serve a third term if their board has not convened during the board member's first two terms, or the City Administrator recommends approval of a longer term, and the Mayor and City Council approve the extended appointment. All members must be qualified by experience and training to make decisions on matters pertaining to building code issues.
Official impact statementSee the official legal title
Appoint and reappoint members to the Building Code Board of Appeal for terms to expire February 3, 2029
What this proposal would actually do.
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The reviewed sources do not clearly identify every existing policy, service, contract, or obligation that would remain unchanged.
Official matter recordThis proposal concerns land use & permitting and requires action through Portland’s public legislative process.
Official matter classification and recordThis legislation will benefit the development process and the community by supporting the continued effective functioning of the Board.
Official community impact statementWhat the record establishes and what it does not.
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Passed · 12–0
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Final action on 2026-018: Appoint and reappoint members to the Building Code Board of Appeal for terms to expire February 3, 2029
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The Building Code Board of Appeal appointments and reappointments are citizen-volunteer positions, so no revenue or expenses are incurred by this legislation.
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Official documents1 sources
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Open at Portland.govRead the full official text
As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following two new appointments and three reappointments to the Building Code Board of Appeal.The Building Code Board of Appeal is a citizen quasi-judicial body representing building code requirements for safety. The board consists of three members and three alternates appointed by the Mayor as described in Title 24.The Building Code Board of Appeal hears appeals of building code issues which are appealed beyond the Administrative Appeals Board. The Board may affirm, annul or modify the action of Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) 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.I recommend two candidates for appointment and three candidates for reappointment.AppointmentMembership CategoryTermTerm DurationJennifer AlgerBuilder1st2/4/26 - 2/3/29Joseph PinzoneArchitect1st2/4/26 - 2/3/29Eric BressmanPublic at Large3rd2/4/26 - 2/3/29Elizabeth BrettBuilder2nd2/4/26 - 2/3/29Sharon NobbeArchitect2nd2/4/26 - 2/3/29Jennifer Alger - Brief Biography and Statement of InterestBiographySmall business owner and a woman who has worked in the construction industry for over 25 years.Self-employed since 2010 as a COBID certified WBE/DBE business owner who specializes in construction management, general contracting, and material procurement.Specializing in commercial development and construction for diverse industries, including corporate offices, education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, historic renovation, biotech / pharmaceutical, entertainment, multifamily residential and hospitality.Statement of Interest"I believe sometimes unique situations require alternate ways of meeting code requirements and this Board allows the flexibility of providing pathways that don't always follow the status quo. I look forward to the challenge of innovative solutions to prescriptive approaches."Joseph Pinzone - Brief Biography and Statement of InterestBiographyLicensed architect with over 35 years of experience in leading project teams and delivering innovative solutions for both private and public clients.Currently works as technical architect and consultant assisting architects with legal claims, business, and project managementContinuing education on technical aspects of architecture, building codes, and problem solving / communication skills. Statement of Interest"I am excited to bring my common sense / practical experience approach to solving problems. Working to help the public be safe and enjoy the build environment is paramount to me, and I am committed to ensuring the intent of the code is met."Eric Bressman - Brief Biography and Statement of InterestBiographyRetired architect with over 40 years of educational and professional experience. This includes mentorship of project teams on how to meet building code requirements and the use of the City of Portland appeal process.Experience also includes participation in past building code adoption processes at the national and state level.Professional work focused on quality control of his firm's construction documents, specifically on code compliance and constructability.Statement of Interest"I believe the appeals process in the City of Portland allows designers to explore options that may not otherwise be available. This results in unique designs that meet the standard of public health, safety and welfare. I used the appeals process on many projects during my career and continuing to serve on this Board would allow me to give back service to my community."Elizabeth Brett - Brief Biography and Statement of InterestBiographySenior Project Manager at a project management firm in Portland and Seattle focused on guiding public and private projects from concept through construction.Career has focused on supporting educational institutions, government, and non-profit organizations to strengthen our communities and encourage youth and young adults in their educational endeavors.Licensed architect in Oregon and Arizona and has worked in the architecture profession and construction management for over 25 years working on complex public community-based projects.Statement of Interest"I have worked with local and regional organizations focusing on equity and inclusion. We need to evaluate what we "know" and develop change in everything we do. It is our responsibility to challenge standards using our unique identities and perspectives to support our entire community."Sharon Nobbe - Brief Biography and Statement of InterestBiographySenior Project Architect with 30+ years design, building and construction project work that builds, shapes and anchor cities and neighborhoods.First-hand experience working with Architecture offices, design-build Construction companies and on the Owner's side as a Construction coordinator.Most recent efforts maintain, renovate, and restore existing buildings with a focus on extending the use and value of those buildings central to the community.Statement of Interest"I bring practical insight from architecture, construction, and owner-side coordination, with enthusiasm for solving real-world building challenges and contributing to thoughtful, lasting decisions."Together, these five candidates bring a wide range of experience, professional expertise, and community perspectives. They each demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the public interest in the development of Portland with an opportunity to problem solve to ensure projects meet the intent of building code requirements. With these appointments, all the positions on the Board will be filled.
Meetings, motions, amendments, and votes2 meetings · 2 votes
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Motion to accept the report: Moved by Avalos and seconded by Pirtle-Guiney.
Motion to refer the report, Document Number 2026-018, to the full Council with the recommendation it be accepted: Moved by Ryan and seconded by Dunphy. (Aye (4): Dunphy, Ryan, Morillo, Avalos; Absent (1): Zimmerman).
Final Council action · Feb 4, 202612 yes · 0 no
Final action on 2026-018: Appoint and reappoint members to the Building Code Board of Appeal for terms to expire February 3, 2029
Meeting-level motion or recommendation · Jan 13, 20264 yes · 1 absent
Motion to refer the report, Document Number 2026-018, to the full Council with the recommendation it be accepted: Moved by Ryan and seconded by Dunphy. (Aye (4): Dunphy, Ryan, Morillo, Avalos; Absent (1): Zimmerman).
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- First discovered
- Aug 13, 2026, 1:07 PM PDT
- Last checked
- Sep 13, 2026, 2:26 AM PDT
- Evidence hash
- f3d0da43429a9464
- Guide status
- Deterministic baseline
- SOURCE UPDATED
Accepted
- DOCUMENT PUBLISHED
Observed in the official source.
- Council Action
Confirmed
- Council Action
Referred to City Council