On Nov. 14, after receiving considerable public testimony on the Housing Regulatory Relief package and deliberating about proposed zoning code amendments over the course of two work sessions, the Portland Planning Commission voted to forward their recommendation of approval with amendments to City Council.
The Recommended Draft of the Housing Regulatory Relief project is now available for review. A staff memo about potential amendments to the Recommended Draft is also available. City Council will hold a public hearing on the Recommended Draft, which incorporated the Planning Commission's changes, on Wed., Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. Members of City Council will attend virtually due to renovations at City Hall.
Testify in writing
Community members are encouraged to testify in writing on the Recommended Draft via the Map App. Submitting testimony through the Map App is as easy as sending an email.
Testify verbally
Verbal testimony is welcome both in person or virtually. Advance registration is required. Registration opens on Fri, Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. via the Council agenda. Space is available for community members to watch council meetings and provide public testimony in the Lizzie Weeks Room at the Portland Building at 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Room 100, Portland, OR 97204. Read more about testifying and registration at the City Council hearing on the project website.
About the project
The Housing Regulatory Relief project creates temporary waivers and makes permanent changes to zoning regulations to provide regulatory relief in the building of housing projects. The project addresses several issues identified in the housing production survey conducted by the Bureau of Development Services. There are now 15 issues being addressed, including bike parking, ground floor active use/height, non-conforming upgrades, ecoroof standards, design review, neighborhood contact, and more. The temporary waivers and reductions would last five years. The temporary waivers and reductions apply to development that includes residential units, unless otherwise stated. Read more about the Housing Regulatory Relief project.