The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the development review process for new construction in Portland, affecting development and construction markets. Consequently, land use review and permit applicants are concerned that development applications will expire due to a variety of factors. Applicants note difficulty moving projects forward because of economic uncertainty and slower timelines due to business closures and social distancing guidelines.
To address these concerns, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and Bureau of Development Services staff have been working on code amendments to give some breathing room to applicants concerned that their land use processes will expire.
Read and testify on the Proposed Draft
With the release of these Zoning Code changes in the Expiration Date Extension Project Proposed Draft, Portlanders may submit testimony to the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC).
Community members are invited to review the Proposed Draft and testify until May 26, when the Planning and Sustainability Commission will hold a public hearing on the zoning code amendments.
View the Proposed Draft.
How to participate and testify
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSC hearing will be held virtually. Because of the limitations of a virtual hearing, testifiers are strongly encouraged to submit testimony in writing, either by email or “snail” mail.
Testify at the virtual hearing. You can use a computer, mobile device or phone to testify during the hearing. You must register to testify. The deadline to register to testify is Monday, May 25 at 5 p.m. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the virtual hearing. Oral testimony is limited to 2 minutes per person, unless stated otherwise at the hearing.
Watch the public hearing (live stream and recorded). Access the PSC’s YouTube channel from the PSC website: portland.gov/bps/psc
Submit written testimony. Please consider submitting written testimony, which must be received by the time of the hearing and must include your name and address.
- Email:
PSC@PortlandOregon.gov; include “Extension Project Testimony” in the subject line - U.S. Mail:
Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission
Extension Project Testimony
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 7100
Portland, OR 97201
For more information, contact project staff JP McNeil at jason.mcneil@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-6046.