At their December 11 meeting, staff briefed the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) on the revised Residential Infill Project economic analysis prepared by Johnson Economics. The analysis reflects the PSC’s tentative amendments to the Proposed Draft of the Residential Infill Project from last September. That’s when they directed staff to revise the proposal to incrementally increase floor area limits for additional units. This would allow more housing options and expand them to all R2.5, R5 and R7 zones, with some exceptions for natural resources and hazards.
In addition to the revised economic analysis, staff provided a memo to PSC that summarizes the background, methodology and findings of the report. Some key findings include:
- The revised proposals would significantly increase unit production over the next twenty years (+24,000) with a modest increase in demolitions (+117).
- The incremental increase in FAR allowances for additional units provides a bigger incentive to build housing types other than a single house.
- These housing types (duplexes, triplexes and additional ADUs) have smaller unit sizes which are much less expensive than a new single house (about 56% less on average).
- This helps provide housing choices for people across a broader range of the income spectrum, in more areas of the city.
All PSC meetings are livestreamed; you can watch the December 11 briefing here (RIP starts at 2:25:00).
Residential Infill Project back at PSC in February 2019
The PSC briefing on their Revised Proposed Draft is scheduled for February 12, 2019. Confirm the date and time on the agenda one week prior by visiting the PSC calendar.
PSC Briefing: Revised Residential Infill Proposals – Tuesday, February 12, 2019 (12:30 to 3:30 pm).Staff will walk the Commission through their revised proposals to see how their tentative amendments work together as a package. Updated reports, maps and summary will be posted on project website prior to the meeting. This briefing will be followed by PSC work session(s), with a vote on their recommendations to City Council anticipated in March.
When will the public get to weigh in on these amendments?
The PSC’s amendments are based on public testimony they received last spring on the Proposed Draft of the Residential Infill Project. They will not hold another public hearing before sending their recommendation to City Council. The public will be able to testify on the Residential Infill Project recommendations at the City Council public hearings — anticipated in summer 2019.
When will a parcel-specific map be available?
Parcel-specific information will be available through an updated Map App, available online prior to the February 12 PSC briefing. After the PSC makes their recommendation to City Council, the Map App will also be updated to reflect the PSC’s recommended proposals.
Want more information on the PSC’s work sessions and proposed changes?
The dates of the eight PSC work sessions and accompanying materials are posted on the project website under Planning and Sustainability Commission Materials. All PSC meetings are livestreamed and past meetings may be viewed at Portland BPS YouTube channel.
For general information about the project
Visit the website at www.portland.gov/rip.
Or give us a call:
- Morgan Tracy, Project Manager, 503-823-6879
- Julia Gisler, Public Involvement, 503-823-7624
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is committed to providing meaningful access. For accommodations, modifications, translation, interpretation or other services, please call 503-823-7700 or use City TTY 503-823-6868, or Oregon Relay Service 711. 503-823-7700.