Stop Work Orders

When you submit your ReOregon Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) application, you must stop all repair, rebuilding, home replacement, or property purchase work right away. This “Stop Work” rule is required by federal law to make sure environmental reviews can be done and to get an accurate damage assessment.

What homeowners need to know for repairs and maintenance

As a homeowner, you can still do routine maintenance on your property when a HARP Stop Work Order is in place. However, you may not do any repairs or alterations to your home or property without first obtaining HARP review and approval.

What types of activities are allowed under a Stop Work Order?

Homeowners are generally allowed to complete everyday tasks that do not alter, eliminate, or add permanent components of (or to) the home or property; see the “Allowed” sections in the accordions below. These types of simple tasks typically do not require HARP review.

If you are unsure if a task for your home or on your property is allowed while a Stop Work Order is in place, ask your case lead for advice. There is a process for requesting maintenance and repair exceptions in limited circumstances, but you must receive approval from HARP prior to any work being done.

What types of activities are not allowed under a Stop Work Order?

Anything that could be considered to be construction, or an activity that would alter the existing structure of your home or the ground on any part of your property, is not allowed when you have been issued a Stop Work Order from HARP.

If you are planning any work on your home or property that falls outside of what’s indicated as “Allowed” below, you must first contact your case lead to schedule a review and to complete an Emergency Repairs form (if needed). If you fail to do so, you risk being disqualified from receiving HARP funding.

Allowed (review not required):

Routine lawn maintenance (cutting grass, weeding, pruning shrubs, watering plants, removing snow and ice)
Cleaning/light pressure washing exterior of the house (for example, windows, gutters, siding)

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Emergency repairs involving imminent threats to public safety

Generally (Not Allowed):

Improvements that increase the value of the property
Repairs to make the house livable for occupants
Improvements that add or remove components of the home or property
Installing new landscaping throughout an area
Building or replacing walkways, driveways, or parking areas
Building or repairing fencing or external structures

Allowed (review not required):

Cleaning and fixing gutters and downspouts
Removing graffiti
Washing windows
Inspecting and servicing elevators or lifts

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Securing an exterior wall temporarily after unexpected damages

Generally (Not Allowed):

Cleaning masonry or stripping painted surfaces by sandblasting, acid wash, or high-pressure washing
Applying new exterior siding
Replacing an elevator
Installing a lift
Installing an access ramp
Rebuilding stairs or building new stairs

Allowed (review not required):

N/A

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Fixing leaks
Applying waterproof coating to a flat roof
Replacing deteriorated flashing
Replacing loose or missing shingles or tiles (in-kind)

Generally (Not Allowed):

Replacing roof completely with new shingles, tiles, roll roofing, membrane, or new metal roof
Installing solar panels
Installing satellite TV dish

Allowed (review not required):

Replacing broken door locks
Switching out storm and screen panels (annually)

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Replacing a vandalized entry door to restore security of a building or unit

Generally (Not Allowed):

Replacing windows
Replacing exterior doors
Adding storm windows or storm doors

Allowed (review not required):

Organizing belongings
Moving furniture
Removing debris

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Patching or mending cracked plaster

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing dropped ceilings
Installing acoustical ceiling
Installing drywall or paneling

Allowed (review not required):

Cleaning floors

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

N/A

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing or repairing flooring

Allowed (review not required):

Routine maintenance of existing appliances

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Replacing appliances

Generally (Not Allowed):

Complete or substantial kitchen remodeling

Allowed (review not required):

Unclogging a sink or toilet

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Replacing non-functioning essential fixtures

Generally (Not Allowed):

Complete or substantial bathroom remodeling

Allowed (review not required):

Servicing and maintenance of mechanical systems
Changing air filters
Cleaning air ducts
Replacing a window air conditioner
Replacing a malfunctioning part of an HVAC system (e.g., thermostat)

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Replacing existing components (e.g., duct work, air return, registers)

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing new furnace or heat distribution system
Installing new central air conditioning

Allowed (review not required):

Replacing lightbulbs
Replacing malfunctioning light fixtures, electrical switches, or outlets

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

N/A

Generally (Not Allowed):

Rewiring of building
Installing new electrical service
Replacing or moving electrical panels

Allowed (review not required):

Fixing minor plumbing leaks

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

N/A

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing new plumbing system
New water or sewer connection

Allowed (review not required):

Repairing existing security alarm systems

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

Installing security devices needed for an individual health facility patient

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing security alarm system and/or components

Allowed (review not required):

Servicing and/or installing detectors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

N/A

Generally (Not Allowed):

Making substantial physical changes to the home or property to comply with fire and safety codes
Installing fire suppression system

Allowed (review not required):

Inspecting/treating the home or property for pests

Review Required (may be allowable if approved by HARP):

N/A

Generally (Not Allowed):

Installing new permanent pest control components

Questions?

If you have any questions about Stop Work Orders or whether a particular task is allowed on your property, contact your case lead, email housingsupport@reoregon.org, or call 877-510-6800 or 541-250-0938.