The Code Alignment Project intends to reduce permitting delays, costly project redesigns, and additional reviews, starting with an evaluation of changes to upgrade requirements for certain project sites. Upgrades are currently required when a site has substandard or lacking street trees, street improvements, on-site bike parking, pedestrian circulation, landscaping, or older buildings needing seismic evaluation. The CAP is proposing changes to Title 11 (Street trees) for the Urban Forestry Commission's consideration, and both Title 11 and Title 33 (Non-conforming upgrades) for the Planning Commission’s consideration.
Read the project proposals and code amendments:
Changes to the Tree Code (Title 11)
Currently, street trees must be planted for all development projects (new construction, additions, and alterations) when the value of a project meets or exceeds $25,000, and there is available room within the right of way to plant additional street trees.
The proposal will suspend the street tree planting requirements for building additions and other alterations to the building or site until January 1, 2029. Street tree planting for new construction and when street improvements are built will continue to be required. Also, the proposal will remove the tree plan application submittal requirement when trees are not being planted or otherwise impacted by a proposed building alteration.
Changes to the Zoning Code (Title 33)
City Code section 33.258.070 requires that building addition and alteration projects with a value greater than $356,300 must upgrade certain elements of their sites as needed to comply with minimum landscaping, tree planting, on-site pedestrian pathway connections, short and long-term bicycle parking, screening, and paving of parking and storage areas.
These requirements were previously suspended for projects that included a residential use until January 1, 2029. This proposal will extend that same suspension to all addition and alteration projects. New construction will continue to be required to meet current zoning code rules.
Tell the commissions what you think
Urban Forestry Commission
Verbal testimony
The Urban Forestry Commission will receive public testimony on the proposed Title 11 changes at their regular meeting on Thursday, May 15, at 9:30 a.m. Participation over Zoom is also available. Check the Urban Forestry Commission’s website for instructions on how to connect via Zoom. To offer your comments either in person or on Zoom, sign up by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14.
The Urban Forestry Commission meeting will be held primarily in person at the following location:
Portland Building, Room 216 (2nd floor)
1120 SW 5th Ave.
Portland, OR
Written testimony
Written testimony must be received by the time of the hearing and must include your name and address.
Send an email
Send email to urbanforestrycommission@portlandoregon.gov with "Code Alignment Project Title 11 Amendments" in the subject line.
U.S. Mail
Urban Forestry Commission
Code Alignment Project
1120 SW 5th Ave., Suite 858
Portland, OR 97204
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will take public testimony on the Title 33 changes as well as the Title 11 changes at a public hearing on Tuesday, June 10, at 12:30 p.m. The hearing will be a hybrid format, with options to participate either in person or virtually using a computer, mobile device or telephone.
You must register to testify in advance. Registration will open 7 days before the hearing. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the hearing. The deadline to register for the hearing is Monday, June 9, at 5 p.m. Individuals have three minutes to testify, unless stated otherwise at the hearing.
The Planning Commission meeting will be held in hybrid format at the following location:
Development Services Building
1900 SW Fourth Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Written testimony
We strongly encourage electronic written testimony. Written testimony must be received by the end of the hearing on June 10 and must include your name and address.
Use the Map App
Submit testimony through the Map App
U.S. Mail
Portland Planning Commission
Code Alignment Project
1810 SW 5th Ave, Suite 710
Portland, OR 97201
What happens next?
After the Commissions have heard the proposals and considered public comment and testimony, they will take a vote on a recommendation that will then be forwarded to City Council for additional consideration. At that time, City Council will also be considering suspending similar upgrade requirements for Title 17 (Street improvements), and Title 24 (Seismic evaluations). A City Council hearing date is yet to be scheduled.
Stay informed
You can hear about future City Council hearings on these proposals. Subscribe to project emails for updates.