Portland, ORE. — The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Housing Bureau and the Joint City-County Office of Homeless Services are partnering to retool City regulations to better serve, shelter, and house Portlanders who are either experiencing — or are at risk of experiencing — homelessness.
Through the Shelter to Housing Continuum Project (S2HC), BPS and partners are developing proposals that would expand the range of allowed shelter and group living options in Portland. Some of the solutions being explored will modify current permitting procedures, while others will require new regulations.
The need for these services and facilities is growing particularly acute because the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to increase the number of people displaced from their homes as rent and mortgage moratoria expire. As well, the City's Housing Emergency Declaration, through which this project is possible, expires on April 4 of next year, and City Council must adopt the proposals before then to be effective.
The S2HC Proposed Draft is now available for review
During the months of October and November, Portlanders commented on a preliminary draft of the proposals. Project staff incorporated that feedback into a Proposed Draft for the Planning and Sustainability Commission’s consideration and public hearings.
Review the Proposed Draft
Among other items, the Proposed Draft considers:
- The number of beds that should be allowed in shelters.
- Whether to allow living in a non-motorized recreational vehicle or a tiny house on wheels on a residential lot.
- Whether to continue to use parks and community centers for shelters after the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control.
Submit testimony
Oral testimony
Portlanders will be able to testify “in person” to the Planning and Sustainability Commission via Zoom on:
- December 8 at 12:30 p.m. Register to testify by 5 p.m. on Dec. 7.
- December 15 at 5 p.m. Register to testify by 5 p.m. on Dec. 14.
Written testimony
Written testimony will be accepted until 5 p.m. on December 15 via:
Map App: Click 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 considers public 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 early next year.
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