91ÊÓÆµ

Portland proposal to streamline project permitting OK’d

By: Hilary Dorsey//January 31, 2024//

(Depositphotos)

Portland proposal to streamline project permitting OK’d

Hilary Dorsey//January 31, 2024//

Listen to this article

The Portland City Council on Wednesday voted to adopt the recommended draft of the Housing Regulatory Relief Project, which provides temporary suspensions of development and process standards that apply to building projects – especially those that involve housing.

The project, which aims to facilitate housing production in the city, addresses 15 zoning code requirements. Those for bicycle parking, eco-roofs, design review, and ground-floor active uses are among the ones affected.

The code changes may reduce the amount of time spent by staff reviewing certain permits and land use reviews, as some development standards will no longer apply.

Many of the code changes originated from results of the Housing Production Survey administered by the Bureau of Development Services and will expire Jan. 1, 2029.

The city council held an initial public hearing on the Portland Planning Commission’s recommended draft on Jan. 10. A week later, the council passed three amendments proposed by city Commissioner Carmen Rubio. They were related to inclusionary housing updates, Central City ground-floor window requirements, and design review procedures.

The findings of fact and recommended draft were amended by Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff. The council approved a first reading of the amended documents during a meeting Jan. 24 and followed with a second reading and final vote on Wednesday.

The code changes will take effect March 1.



News

See All News

Commentary

See All Commentary

COMMUNITY CALENDAR