So, what you're saying, then, is business as usual at the city of Portland.

I know a land owner who has wanted to fix a dilapidated building for years and years.  However, a sign company has a long-term lease on the side of the building where they have a billboard.  If the building owner fixes up the building as is, the city arborist will require them to put trees in front of the billboard, violating the lease.  And if they tear down the building and put something in its place, the city won't let them replace the billboards.

So what happens? The building sits there for decades looking like shit. Thanks, city that works (at not working).