Note for Inclusionary Housing projects:
Is the project a residential development with 20 or more new units that may be subject to Inclusionary Housing? If yes, see incentive programs and forms for Inclusionary Housing.
System Development Charge (SDC) Exemption
Visit program page: SDC Exemption for Home Ownership
SDC Administrative Rules Go to apply
| Program | SDC Exemption |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price Cap | Set annually by PHB through City Council** |
| Household Income Restriction | 100% MFI for a 4-person household, adjusted upwards** |
| Term Length | Initial Sale |
| Application Fee | $1,200 |
| Incentive | Exemption of SDC fees for restricted units |
| City Code | PCC 30.01.095 |
**Income limits and sale price cap adjust annually and are based on review of median sale price and HUD income for the Portland Metropolitan area.
Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE)
Visit program page: HOLTE program
HOLTE Interim Administrative Rules Go to apply
| Program | HOLTE |
|---|---|
| Unit Requirements | Must have 3+ Bedrooms (some exceptions for 2 bedroom units apply) |
| Purchase Price Cap (2024) | $455,000 |
| Household Income Restriction | 100% MFI for a 4-person household, adjusted upwards** |
| Term Length | 10 years |
| Application Fee (2024) | Developer: $850 Homebuyer: $1000 |
| Incentive | 10-year Property Tax Exemption on structural improvements |
| City Code | PCC 3.102 |
** Income limits and sale price cap adjust annually and are based on review of median sale price and HUD income for the Portland Metropolitan area.
Deeper Housing Affordability (DHA) Programs
Developers can earn bonus density, which is determined and applied by Bureau of Development Services, Planning and Zoning, by restricting units to be sold at or under the prescribed affordability levels for the DHA Programs outlined below. Applicants should confirm with their Planning and Zoning planner which program is available for their property before applying.
More information: DHA Affordability Requirements
DHA Administrative Rules Builder application
| Program / Dwelling Type / | DHA Single-Dwelling Zones | DHA Single and Multi-Dwelling Zones | Three-Bedroom Bonus Program Multi-Dwelling Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum # of restricted units | 1 unit | 50% of units in Building | 50% of units in Building must be 3‑BR and restricted |
| Purchase Price Cap | 80% MFI for Unit Type* | 80% MFI for Unit Type* | 100% MFI for Unit Type* |
| Household Income Restriction | 80% MFI | 80% MFI | 100% MFI |
| Term Length | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Application Fee | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Incentive | FAR Bonus under PCC 33.110.210 D.1 | FAR Bonus under PCC 33.110.265 F. and PCC 33.120.211 C.2 | FAR Bonus under PCC 33.120.211 C.3 |
| City Code | PCC 30.01.140 | PCC 30.01.140 | PCC 30.01.160 |
*Purchase price caps adjust annually and are based on the MFI development levels and income levels determined using HUD’s annually published Median Family Income and Rent chart for the Portland Metropolitan area. The annual schedule of sale price caps is published by June of each year.