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The Portland City Council on Wednesday gave its final approval to a unique law intended to limit the demolition of old homes.

Last week, the five-member council unanimously supported the ordinance requiring deconstruction (instead of demolition) for all houses and duplexes built in 1916 or earlier, as well as those designated historic.

Mayor Charlie Hales, sponsor of the Deconstruction of Buildings Law, said Portland’s large stock of old wood-framed homes is a crucial element of its unique character. He called passing the law the 鈥渞ight thing to do鈥� while thanking commissioners and staff for their support.

鈥淚 am proud of this and I think it will do a lot of good, street by street and house by house, all over our great, old city,鈥� he said.

The law is intended to increase salvage of valuable materials, while reducing demolition’s adverse effects, like dust and noise. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will have to report back to the council within the first six to 12 months the law is in effect.

The law will go into effect Oct. 31, at which point only certified deconstruction contractors will be allowed to perform the work.

The law has the potential to affect the local economy by creating more work for certified firms. But business interests like the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland have expressed concern that once the law is in effect, there might not be enough capable contractors able to keep up with demand.

The city will begin certification training July 18. Earth Advantage is assisting the city with training. Contractor training will take place at a city-owned house in Southeast Portland; it’s scheduled for demolition due to its location in an environmental zone, according to Shawn Wood, construction waste specialist with the city.

The law is scheduled to be implemented in phases, with oversight likely provided by Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler after he takes office Jan. 1, 2017.

Earth Advantage representative Jordan Jordan can be contacted via email at [email protected].