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After waiving system development charges and changing size limits on accessory dwelling units earlier this year, the city of Portland has seen a jump in permits for the units, including additions and second housing units.

Since the measures went into effect in mid April, 36 building permits for accessory dwelling units have been issued or requested. That number is higher than the total number of permits issued in all of 2009 and any of the previous four years, said Bureau of Development Services spokesperson Ross Caron.

The decision to waive SDCs on these projects – which saves a homeowner between $7,000 and $15,000 – was an attempt by the city to help stimulate business while also increasing density, said Riley Whitcomb, manager of the SDC for Portland Parks and Recreation.

“From my viewpoint it’s lost revenue, but considering the times, that isn’t the most important thing right now,” he said. “So far waiving the fees has done its job.”

The city estimated that Parks and Recreation could lose as much as $400,000 in revenues over the three-year period that the fees are waived.