Announcements

    October 15, 2020
    October 1, 2020
    July 15, 2020
    July 8, 2020
    June 5, 2020
    PPP Forgiveness Changes:
    SENATE PASSES HOUSE BILL AS WRITTEN ON PPP FORGIVENESS RULE CHANGES! This is great news and a HUGE game changer. “That man” still needs to sign it but he will. Four new changes:

    A.) You now have 24 weeks (up from 8) from the date your covered period starts in which to spend the money (unless your 24 week mark ends after 12/31/20 - then you have till 12/31/20)

    B.) You only need to spend at least 60% on p/r (down from 75%). Any not spent on payroll can still be spent on rent, mortgage interest and utilities as before. Important note: unlike before, if you spend less than 60% on payroll you now forfeit ALL forgiveness! The entire amount of PPP must be a loan. But you got 24 weeks! Who can’t make that?!

    C.) This is only for new PPP loans after the act becomes law: any amounts not forgiven, you now have 5 years minimum (up from 2) at 1% interest to pay back before you need to refi.

    D.) You may now defer the employer share of social security payments from your payroll tax deposits during this year if you got PPP. The amount you defer is due as follows: 50% due 12/31/21 and the rest 12/31/22. Now I don’t like debt - even 0% debt, but if you need it - take it!
    May 13, 2020
    ** "Interim Review" Process Name Change to "Single PDF"
    The Bureau of Development Services will now refer to the applicant upload process as “Single PDF” instead of “Interim Review.”

    BDS pivoted quickly after the Mayor’s State of Emergency to start accepting more types of plans via ProjectDox. Currently, applicants can submit Process Managed Permits and projects in Tiers 1- 6 (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804) via ProjectDox for limited plan review processing. This includes New Single Family Residences (NSFR) and demolition permits. For the first few months, we referred to this process as “Interim Review” or “ProjectDox Limited.” We initially thought the “Interim Review” process would be temporary, but we will not be limiting our intake ability as we move forward, only expanding our ability to take in more plans for review.

    What's New for the Week of May 11
    * Permit applications are now accepted for projects in all tiers 1-7.
    * For projects being submitted electronically using ProjectDox software, BDS is accepting two projects per day. Permitting Services staff will work with applicants to determine suitability of their projects via this submittal method. All other projects can still be submitted using the Single PDF (Interim Review) Process (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/80685) .

    Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments - IRS Website

    https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

    April 27, 2020

    For the week of April 27, BDS is accepting permit applications for projects described in Tiers 1 through 6 below:
    * Tier 1 - Hospitals and clinics responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, essential infrastructure and services such as heat, shelters and transitional housing projects, essential facilities such as the PDX terminal upgrades and BES wastewater treatment plant, and fire escape testing.
    * Tier 2 - Projects that are working with BDS Process Management/Major Projects Group, wireless facilities that are subject to Federal Communications Commission timeline requirements, city infrastructure and facilities projects not covered by Tier 1, food supply related projects essential to the COVID-19 pandemic, submittals associated with projects that have an issued building permit and are under construction (this includes revisions, deferred submittals, and HVAC and electrical trade permits). This is to allow active job sites to continue to function and move these construction projects toward completion.
    * Tier 3 - Portland Housing Bureau affordable housing projects (that are not working with BDS Process Management/Major Projects Group), and empowered Community Projects (Small Business Empowerment, Arts Empowerment, Empowered Neighborhoods).
    * Tier 4 - Regulated affordable housing projects with associated grant funding (that are not working with BDS Process Management/Major Projects Group), and Facility Permit Program (FPP) permits (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/757295) .
    * Tier 5 - New single family residential (NSFR) permits and demolition permits that are a requirement of an active Land Use case or are associated with development of a new structure on the same site.
    * Tier 6 - Commercial and residential new construction, alterations, and additions that are not listed in any of the above tiers (the plan sets for these submittals must not exceed 20 pages and must be submitted as a PDF via an intake appointment), and mechanical permits that require plan review.
    * Tier 7 - Permits for all other projects, Zoning Permits, etc. (not currently available)

    If you have questions about which tier your project might belong to, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])  or call 503-823-7300 and leave a message, and a staff member will respond at their earliest opportunity.

    April 16, 2020
    SBA Processed More Than 14 years’ Worth of Loans in Less Than 14 days
    The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs are saving millions of jobs, providing much-needed relief, and helping America’s small businesses make it through this challenging time. 
    Also, the SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the EIDL COVID-19 related assistance program, including EIDL Advances, based on available appropriations funding. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. 
    SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued this joint statement with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to “urge Congress to appropriate additional funds for the Paycheck Protection Program — a critical and overwhelmingly bipartisan program — at which point we will once again be able to process loan applications, issue loan numbers, and protect millions more paychecks."

    Additional Resources for Small BusinessesThe SBA and local partners are committed to help small businesses recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. The following are additional resources for small businesses:

    April 9, 2020

    1. What loans are available to help small businesses during Coronavirus?

    April 1, 2020

    1.  NARi National Webinar Recording:  "The Economy in the Time of Virus and How It Might Impact Remodelers"  Click Here for Recording

    2.  A couple weeks ago congress passed the CARES Act which, among other things, designates $349 billion in forgivable loans to help with payroll and rent. The Program is administered through the SBA so most likely your local bank of approved SBA lender is who to contact.  
    The final Payroll Protection Application is set to be released on Friday however we have the draft version so you will be ready to go on Friday. If you would like a copy of the draft version please email the office. [email protected] If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

     

    March 30, 2020

    1  Prepared by the U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
    CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY PLANS. To apply for funds see attachment.
    Small Business Guide and Checklist Is Click Here.         If you would like to read the entire bill just Click Here.

    2  The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are now available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the loss of revenue due to the Coronavirus.

    SBA Office of Disaster Assistance Contacts for the Public
    For More Information about SBA disaster
    assistance programs, go to: www.sba.gov/disaster or contact SBA's
    Customer Service Center at: 1-800-659-2955 / 1-800-877-8339 (TTY) Or by email at: [email protected]gov

    3  Small business and COVID-19 Employer Requirements presentation. If you would like a copy emailed to you please email [email protected]

    We will also be highlighting these topics on our Zoom meeting on Wednesday April 1, 2020. Register and I will send you the meeting link.  Click Here

    City of Portland - Bureau of Development Services

    Many of our services are available to you from your home. Using Development Hub PDX (https://devhub.portlandoregon.gov/permits/sfjsp?interviewID=Landing&workspace=portland⟨=en) , you can apply online for electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits that do not require plan review (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/337489) . You can also schedule inspections for trade permits obtained online (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/735600) , update contact information (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/735599) , pay a variety of fees (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/735892) and download billing statements all from a computer or mobile device. BDS also offers a Remote Video Re-inspection (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/730010) service for simple on-site inspections involving minor corrections.

    For the latest information on our service availability (for the week of March 30), please click on the links below according to your interest.
    1. New Permit Intakes (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#new-permit-intakes)
    2. Plan Review for Current Permits (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#plan-review)
    3. Corrections to Plans (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#corrections)
    4. Inspections (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#inspections)
    5. Land Use Services (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#land-use)
    6. FIR and FPP Programs (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#fir-fpp)
    7. Questions about Property, Projects and Records (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#questions)
    8. Trade Permits (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#trade-permits)
    9. Payments (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#payments)
    10. Property Compliance - Enforcement and Liens (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#compliance)
    11. Permitting and Inspections Services from Other Bureaus (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/756804#other)

    March 27, 2020

    What financial assistance is available for me and/or my business?
    A: The most common source of funding comes in the form of loans, but this may change with federal legislation. Even if loans aren’t desirable, there are many different types of loans out there which can be used to pay rent, utilities, payroll, and more. The US Small Business Administration offers disaster assistance in the form of SBA loans to designated states. Information about these loans is available at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index.
    Additional financial resources for businesses can be found at Business Oregon, which is Oregon’s economic development agency. Their website created for businesses experiencing problems due to COVID-19 is https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/.
    The Department of Human Services offers programs to assist those in need through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/About-SNAP.aspx) as well as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program (https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ASSISTANCE/CASH/Pages/index.aspx).
    The latest information on resources for workers and business owners is available at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/coronavirus2020.aspx.

     

    1. Clackamas County Small Business Grants  To avoid lyoffs and/or closure,  Grants up to $5000.  For more Information email [email protected] or call the office, 503-788-2274

    2.  WorkSource Oregon We want to make sure you are aware of all the programs and resources that could provide support for your immediate needs during the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

    Here are some key resources/information:

    • Workers can initiate filing an Unemployment Insurance claim by applying online or by calling 877-345-3484. Our video resources can help explain Unemployment Insurance.
    • WorkShare Oregon is a key program that helps you keep skilled employees during slow times by providing partial Unemployment Insurance benefits to supplement employees' reduced hours.
    • Another resource for small businesses and employers planning and responding to the impacts of COVID-19 is the National Business Emergency Operations Center.
    • The Employment Department is committed to the health and safety of our customers and the public and has created a COVID-19 Resource Guide.
    • The State of Oregon offers COVID-19 information.
    • If your business or employees have questions related to COVID-19, please email us.

     

    3.  Video “Keep Your Business Growing during Coronavirus”
    Discussion on immediate and longer term strategies that will help you sustain and even continue to grow your business. Click on the link View the 12pm webinar recording
    4.  Online NARI Webinars
    I want to remind you of one of our key benefits that may be of more value today – our on-demand webinars with topics ranging from leading your team to managing business financials.

    Click here to view a full list of upcoming NARI webinars.
    Click here to view previously recorded on-demand webinars.

    5.  COVID-19 Update: Families First Coronovirus Response Act
    Learn about the key provisions related to your obligations as an employer in our online summary at:  H.R.6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
    6.  Does anyone have any N95 masks you would like to donate?
    If you do Jenn Mahoney from Tom Miller Remodeling is happy to pick them up and take them to the hospital.
    [email protected]                          (503) 777-9080
    Also:   Places to drop off any spare N95 masks:
                Salem PPE Coordinator

    7.  Link to IRS Update on tax filing     Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020 - Updated Statement

    8.  Articles: Coronavirus – Leading and Working Through a Pandemic, Harvard Business Review

    9.  COVID-19 Suggestions for Consumer Interaction
    Whether it is a first conversation or a project currently in progress, setting some new procedures for you and your team for COVID-19 will only help your business reputation today and in the future. NARI has compiled helpful suggestions for interaction with consumers.  I have attached it here or you can

     

    10.  Complimentary COVID-19 Action Plan
    Get a complimentary COVID-19 action plan for business owners, courtesy of T/C Risk Management. This document is a sample for you to use when communicating with employees about the virus. I have attached it here or you can

    11.  March 23, 2020    CCB Update: Governor's Executive Order, COVID-19 Heath and Safety Resources     https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORCCB/bulletins/282c7ad

     

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