Updates to streamline the zoning code approved by City Council

On Aug. 6, 2026, Portland City Council adopted a package of updates that makes it easier to understand and implement Portland's zoning code. This project - known as the Regulatory Improvement Code Amendments Package 11, or RICAP 11 - is the most recent in an ongoing series of updates and improvements to Portland's land use regulations. The 56 minor amendments to the Portland Zoning Code will become effective on Nov. 1, 2026.

Read the RICAP 11 As-Adopted Report

Read the ordinance

Watch the City Council final vote

View and download the Portland Zoning Code

What's in RICAP 11?

The RICAP 11 package considered more than 50 items for possible regulatory improvement. These items are bundled to align with three themes: parking and loading, exterior areas, and general regulatory improvement.

Parking and loading

These 10 amendments clarify and update the requirements for vehicle and bicycle parking. These include allowing parking in residential setbacks in some cases and updating the conditions that trigger bike parking upgrades.

Exterior areas

The 16 exterior area amendments modify the regulations of exterior improvements to a site. These include permitted uses of outdoor areas, landscaping requirements and guidance for limited uses.

Regulatory improvement

These 30 amendments cover an array of topics with a focus on eliminating obsolete and unnecessary regulations. These amendments will also clarify rules to make the permitting process easier. The amendments range from changing outdoor shelter allowances to clarifying use category descriptions.

City Council deliberations

City Council made two amendments to the RICAP 11 Recommended Draft that was endorsed by the Planning Commission:

1. The first removed an item that was intended to better define what is considered mechanical equipment under the zoning code. The amendment was intended to clarify when setback and screening requirements apply. Removing the item from RICAP 11 was in response to testimony that the rules for mechanical equipment should be looked at more broadly with a future project.
2. The second amendment allows residential uses in the Campus Institutional 1 zone. The change would help colleges and universities better serve their missions and maximize the use of existing campus land at a time when Portland's housing needs remain pressing.

Ongoing efforts promote housing development and economic recovery

RICAP 11 is one of several efforts that aim to promote housing development and economic recovery through the zoning code. Other ongoing projects include:

• The Design Review Temporary Suspension Project, which proposes to temporarily suspend mandatory design review
• The Code Alignment Project 2, which will resolve conflicts across development codes to reduce permitting barriers faced by housing developers and small businesses
• The Central City Code Amendments Project, which explores creative solutions to promote housing production and economic recovery in Portland's Central City.

Learn more about other long-range planning efforts.