Since the Code Alignment Project was launched 2024, City staff have been working hard to create clearer regulatory paths to permit approval, which will ultimately simplify the permitting process. As part of this work, the first Code Alignment Project proposal, co-sponsored by Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Angelita Morillo, will be discussed at the August 12 Homelessness and Housing Committee meeting. While this is the first amendment proposal to come from this work, the City is working to create a repeatable and scalable process to propose additional policy changes. The City will work to continue improving permitting in the City by breaking down siloes between bureaus and creating policy solutions proposed by those closest to the work.
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Current Proposal: Upgrade requirement suspensions to facilitate housing and economic development
The initial proposal includes four code amendment recommendations focused on temporarily suspending certain rules that apply to projects that add to or alter existing development (not for new developments). The suspensions would last until January 1, 2029, with reporting in 2028 to review the impact and consider permanent adoption. Through these recommendations, the City aims to speed up permitting timelines, encourage economic development, and spur housing production.
The four upgrade requirements subject to this proposal are:
Street Tree Planting (Title 11). This currently applies to all development projects with a value of more than $25,000. The proposed pause will apply to additions and alterations, not new building construction, nor to sites where sidewalk improvements are already required by Transportation. In addition to the street tree planting requirement, Forestry staff have proposed other changes to help reduce permit review costs, as well as facilitate large-scale tree planting initiatives through more flexible tree planting size requirements.
Street Improvements for significant alterations (e.g. sidewalks, curb ramps) (Title 17). This currently applies to all developments with a project value greater than 35% of the assessed improvement value for the site. The proposed ordinance would suspend frontage improvement requirements for most alterations to existing buildings that do not increase occupancy. Note that some uses, like schools and hospitals, will not be exempt. Frontage improvements will continue to be assessed for site improvements that increase the daily trips to a site.
Seismic Evaluation Report (Title 24). This currently applies to additions and alterations with a project value of more than $362,000. The proposal would suspend the requirement of a seismic evaluation report until Jan. 1. 2029.
Site upgrades (Title 33). This currently applies certain types of upgrades (e.g. bike parking, pedestrian connections, and landscaping) to additions and alterations with a project value of more than $356,300. The proposed pause would extend the current pause for non-conforming upgrades on residential projects to all projects until January 1, 2029, and aligns with a similar pause the planning commission recommended for housing projects as part of the Housing Regulatory Relief project last year.
Timeline
Because each item in the proposal applies to a specific City Title (Title 33, Title 24, Title 17, and Title 11), the steps for final passage may look slightly different for each. For example, the Urban Forestry Commission is charged with making recommendations to changes in Title 11, while the Planning Commission is charged with making recommendations to changes to development-related regulations in Title 11, in addition to their purview over Title 33.
The current timeline for this proposal packet is as follows:
May 5, 2025: Draft proposals released
May 15, 2025: The Urban Forestry Commission heard public testimony on Street Tree Planting (Title 11).
June 10, 2025: The Planning Commission heard public testimony on Street Tree Planting (Title 11) and Non-conforming site upgrades (Title 33) and recommended it for passage by the City Council.
June 12, 2025: The Urban Forestry Commission deliberated and made a recommendation to the Portland City Council, recommending most of the proposed amendments for passage by City Council, and abstained a vote on one proposed amendment
August 12, 2025: Homelessness & Housing City Council committee hearing, public testimony
September 2025: Expected City Council hearing and public testimony
Upcoming in Fall 2025: Proposals, if adopted, expected to go into effect
Want to know how these proposals apply to your project?
These proposed code changes have not yet been finalized and are not currently being implemented in the City of Portland. Specific details of the proposals may change between now and the effective date, anticipated to be Fall 2025.
If adopted in their current form, these four city-imposed upgrade requirements are intended to apply to building permits that are currently in the permit or inspection process, but have not received final inspection. Applicants must submit a request to PP&D to revise their building permit if it is currently submitted for permitting. For frontage improvement permits, applicants may apply the adopted regulations to their project if their permit has not been issued or, if no related work has started. Permits will be subject to existing processes and procedures related to permit cancellations and revisions as applicable, including fee reductions and refunds.