New zoning code proposals aim to provide more housing and shelter for people experiencing houselessness

The Shelter to Housing Continuum (S2HC) project aims to further fair housing laws, expand the range of shelter and housing options, and improve how the regulatory environment affects for-profit, nonprofit, and public-sector shelter and housing providers.

Partnering with the Portland Housing Bureau and the Joint City-County Office of Homeless Services, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has been reviewing and retooling City regulations to:

• Adjust City regulations to expand the range of allowed shelter and group living options.
• Amend City Code to facilitate needed emergency shelters, day storage and hygiene facilities, transitional living facilities, and stable housing for individuals and households with extremely low incomes. 
• Improve how the regulatory environment affects for-profit, nonprofit, and public-sector-shelter and housing providers.

Now BPS has released a Discussion Draft of proposals to share with the community for their consideration and comments. The Shelter to Housing Continuum Discussion Draft is in three volumes:

• Vol 1, Introduction
• Vol 2, Changes to the Zoning Code
• Vol 3, Changes to Other City Codes

Comment on the draft proposals

The homeless crisis affects the entire community, so we encourage you to review the project website and the proposals. Then share your thoughts with us:

• Via the Map App
• Email s2hc@portlandoregon.gov or Al Burns, S2HC Project Manager

Comments on the S2HC Discussion Draft are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2020.

Your comments will inform the development of a revised Proposed Draft of the zoning code that is scheduled to be released in November 2020. The Proposed Draft will be reviewed by the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) at one or more public hearings. Following any amendments to the proposal, the PSC may forward a Recommended Draft to City Council. Additional public hearings will be held before Council prior to the adoption of changes to the City Code.

Informational Sessions

Want to learn more? BPS is hosting three webinars in October to share details of the proposed City code changes, answer questions, and gather feedback on the Discussion Draft.

• Tuesday, October 13, 2020, 3-4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 22, 2020, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 6-7:30 p.m.

Can’t make an info session? No problem. We recorded the first one, which you can watch on the event page or below.