Portland, Ore.— A new progress report on middle housing production in Portland indicates that recently adopted regulations, known as the Residential Infill Project (RIP) and the Residential Infill Project Part 2 (RIP2), have accelerated the development of more diverse and affordable homeownership opportunities in single-dwelling residential zones.
The City permitted over 1,400 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and middle-housing units between Aug.1, 2021, and June 30, 2024, in single-dwelling zones. Middle housing is now the most prominent housing type being built in single-dwelling zones, with the majority of production happening in inner east Portland.
These new rules have allowed for more housing production during a time of reduced development activity in commercial and multi-dwelling zones.
“The Residential Infill Project is delivering on its purpose,” said Patricia Diefenderfer, Chief Planner of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. “We are seeing a meaningful expansion of housing options in some of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, making it easier for Portlanders to find homes that meet their needs.”
Middle housing production has also resulted in more affordable homeownership opportunities. The report finds that in 2023-24, the average sales price of a new market-rate middle-housing unit was $250,000 to $300,000 less than that of a new market-rate single detached house.
A complete summary and the full progress report can be found on the City’s website.
About RIP and Middle Housing
RIP, first adopted by Portland City Council in 2021 and then expanded in 2022 as RIP2, was developed as a tool to help address the rising costs of housing in Portland by allowing for multiple smaller homes on individual single-dwelling lots at lower price points. This project created new allowances for middle housing - such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, ADUs and cottage clusters - in most of Portland’s single-dwelling residential zones.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is responsible for the City’s long range planning and sustainability programs, among its broad portfolio. The bureau oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, housing, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is part of the City’s Community and Economic Development service area, which also includes the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Permitting and Development, Prosper Portland, the Enhanced Services Districts Program, and the Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program. The Community and Economic Development service area aligns City programs focused on building prosperity for all Portlanders by creating and delivering efficient, transparent, and equitable solutions for a resilient built environment – and services, resources, and experiences for our community.