Project Discussion Draft
The Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project Discussion Draft has been released for public review and comment.
The Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project will amend the requirements of the City’s environmental overlay zones, also known as ezones, to facilitate needed improvements to public infrastructure and allow for management of trees, vegetation, and other natural resources in publicly owned and maintained natural areas.
Project Background
Environmental overlay zones, known as ezones, guide development in areas where important natural resources have been identified in the City’s Natural Resources Inventory. Development proposed in ezones can be approved if they meet established criteria, also known as standards. Projects that cannot meet the standards, such as required setbacks from rivers, streams and wetlands, must be approved through Environmental Review. As a part of Environmental Review, applicants must conduct an alternatives analysis to identify options that minimize impacts to natural resources.
Some types of public infrastructure, such as sewer and water pump stations and flood control structures, need to be located in and around natural resources. These facilities provide essential public services related to flood safety, stormwater management, and water availability for households and businesses. There are several of these infrastructure projects located in ezones that will be undertaken in the coming years by City bureaus. Currently, there are no standards for replacement of these facilities and Environmental Review is always required. Alternative locations for development are often limited. As a result, Environmental Review requires additional process and cost without significant benefit in many cases.
The Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project will develop new ezone standards for public infrastructure projects to ensure natural resource protection while also providing needed flexibility for public infrastructure projects and addressing other issues identified in ezone implementation. A variety of minor amendments are also proposed, including updates to site enhancement and noticing requirements, review procedures and other considerations. Amendments are proposed in the following categories:
- Pump Stations and Flood Control Structures Amendments
- Natural Area Management Amendments
- Tree Removal and Replacement Amendments
- Miscellaneous technical amendments
Tell us what you think!
There are three ways you can provide feedback on the Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project Discussion Draft:
- Review the Discussion Draft and submit comments by Friday, May 9, 2025. Submit your comments via email to ezone@portlandoregon.gov.
- Join the conversation - Do you have questions about the Discussion Draft? Want to learn more or talk about it with fellow community members? Attend one of our open houses to hear more from the project team and to ask questions.
- Hybrid Open House on April 21 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
- Virtual Open House on April 23 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
- Sign up for project updates - Enter your email address and check the box next to Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project to receive email updates on the project and notifications of upcoming hearings and project milestones.
Learn more
More information about the project is available on the project website. You can also contact project staff with comments or questions by email at ezone@portlandoregon.gov or by phone at 503-823-4225.