Public invited to submit testimony on proposed new shelter and group living regulations

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The Planning and Sustainability Commission has completed its public hearings. Written testimony on the S2HC Proposed Draft is open via the Map App until 5:00 PM on December 21, 2020. Oral testimony is closed.
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Right to Dream Too in Kenton

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Housing Bureau and the Joint City-County Office of Homeless Services are partnering to review and retool City regulations to better address the homelessness crisis. Together, and with community members, we are exploring new approaches to better serve, shelter, and house Portlanders who are either experiencing — or are at risk of experiencing — homelessness.

The need for these services and facilities is growing particularly acute. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to increase the number of people displaced from their homes as rent and mortgage moratoria expire.

Through the Shelter to Housing Continuum Project, BPS and partners are developing proposals to expand the range of allowed shelter and group living options. These changes to City code would address the housing needs of individuals and households with extremely low incomes. Some of the solutions being explored will modify current permitting procedures, while others will require new regulations.

The need to move this proposal through City Council is great because the Housing Emergency Declaration, through which this project is possible, expires on April 4 of next year, and Council must adopt the proposals before then to be effective.

The proposed draft is now available for review

During the months of October and November, Portlanders commented on a preliminary (or “discussion”) draft of the proposals. Now project staff are incorporating that feedback into a proposed draft for the Planning and Sustainability Commission’s consideration and public hearings.

Review the Proposed Draft:

Matters not included within earlier drafts that are included in the proposed draft are:

  • The number of beds allowed in shelters.
  • Allowing people to live in a non-motorized recreational vehicle or a tiny house on wheels on a residential lot.
  • Introductory maps and tables explaining where different types of shelters are allowed.

Submit testimony

Written testimony will be accepted until 5 p.m. on December 21.

  • Map AppClick the "Testify" button and fill in your information and comments.
  • U.S. Mail:
    City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
    Shelter to Housing Continuum Proposed Draft Testimony
    1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 7100
    Portland, OR 97201

After the PSC hears testimony, makes its amendments to and votes on the package, the Commission will recommend the code changes and any of their amendments to City Council, which will also hold public hearings.

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