Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position--Mechanical Code Board of Appeal (Ongoing)

The Mechanical Code Board of Appeal consists of three members and three alternate positions appointed by the Mayor. The members must be qualified to decide matters concerning the safety of installations and devices regulated by Portland City Code Title 27 (Heating and Ventilating Regulations). This code regulates “the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation, and maintenance of heating, ventilating, comfort cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other miscellaneous heat producing appliances.”

The Mechanical Code Board of Appeal hears appeals of Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code (OMSC) issues that are appealed beyond the Administrative Appeals Board. The Mechanical Code Board of Appeal may affirm, overturn, or modify the action of the Administrative Appeals Board on the condition that a substantially equivalent modification to a proposed heating or ventilation system does not lessen health, accessibility, life and fire safety or structural requirements of a building. The Mechanical Code Board of Appeal may allow an alternative material, design or method of construction and equipment that complies with the intent of the OMSC so long as the material, method or work proposed is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, accessibility, and safety.

Total number of advisory seats: three member seats and three alternate seats

Number of seats available: three member seats and one alternate seat

To be eligible to serve on the Mechanical Code Board of Appeal, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland.

Members and alternates must be qualified by experience and training to evaluate and ensure the safety of installations and devices regulated by Portland City Code Title 27, Heating and Ventilation Regulations, and subject to the requirements of OMSC. Alternates may be called on to serve in the absence of a regular member.

The City of Portland is currently recruiting for three member positions and one alternate.

We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this board, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.

• You believe government is better when community is involved.
• You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
• You have a perspective on navigating the community as a person with a disability.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions
• You have an interest in effective, equitable application of building codes.
• You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
• You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
• You are a competent heating and cooling professional who has practiced their profession for at least three years.

• The Mechanical Code Board of Appeal meets on an as-needed basis not more than once a month.
• Meetings are traditionally held in City offices at 1900 SW 4th Avenue. However, due to recent public health restrictions, meetings are currently held online via Zoom. All meetings of the Board are open to the public.
• Members serve a term of three years with the possibility of renewing for a second three-year term.
• Members are expected to attend and participate in meetings consistently. Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items. Meeting materials for review are typically sent one week in advance.
• We provide interpreters who will translate the conversation in your language during the meeting. Please ask for an interpreter at least a week in advance of the meeting so we have enough time to make arrangements.
• You may need to read and write in your language. Verbal and written translations are performed by outside organizations. The dialects may be different than your home region and may be different on each document.
• We try to translate the written materials you ask for, but we may not be able to provide translation on all meeting documents.
• Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as forty-eight hours (or two days) in advance.

We Remove Barriers

Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. When we return to in-person meetings, dinner will be provided if the meeting is expected to exceed 4 hours. Also, parking validation will be available if you park in the City’s parking garage.

Applications can be submitted in an ongoing manner and will be reviewed in an ongoing basis.

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at Matthew.Rozzell@portlandoregon.gov or 971-438-9005.

Do you have questions or need more information? Email Matthew.Rozzell@portlandoregon.gov or 971-438-9005.

Meeting Location

Currently, many advisory bodies are meeting remotely due to COVID-19. In the future, meetings could: 1) be conducted fully remotely, or 2) be conducted remotely and in person (hybrid model). As the situation evolves, the exact meeting location may change based upon leadership direction and approval.