What is an Environmental Review?
A HUD environmental review is the process of reviewing a proposed project and its potential environmental impacts to determine whether it meets federal funding requirements.
The HUD environmental review process is required for proposed projects that wish to apply for specific HUD funding programs, including HOME, CDBG, and project-based Housing Choice Vouchers, to ensure that the proposed project does not negatively impact the surrounding environment and that the property site itself will not have an adverse environmental or health effect on end users, per federal funding environmental review guidelines. Not every proposed project is subject to a full environmental review (i.e., every project's environmental impact must be examined, but the extent of this examination varies), but every proposed project must be in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Consultant services are often needed to complete an environmental review, including but not limited to:
- Archeologist or Cultural Specialist
- Acoustic Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
- Historic Preservation Architect or Specialist
What to expect in an Environmental Review
Request an Environmental Review
Note the required time for each type of review to ensure timely access to grant funding.
- Homebuyer and other Tier 2 programs: 7 days
- Multi-family: 120 days
The following project types can use the online form:
- Homebuyer
- Home repair
- Lead-based paint abatement
- Multi-family projects
Request an Environmental Review (online form)
More help and document checklists
Once submitted, the Certifying Officer will contact you to confirm the review process and timeline.
Certifying Officer
Please reach out with questions to:
Anna Shook
anna.shook@portlandoregon.gov
503-823-2802
The Portland Housing Bureau is the Responsible Entity (RE) for agencies and projects in Multnomah County, City of Portland, and City of Gresham.
Portland Housing Bureau
1900 SW 4th Ave, Ste 7007
Portland, OR 97201
HUD Resources
Resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and HUD Exchange website.
- Environmental Guidance for Region 10 (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska)
- HUD Environmental Review Resources
- Environmental Assessment Factors and Categories eGuide
- 24 CFR Part 58
Legal authority, rules and responsibilities for local governments to certify environmental reviews. - Related federal laws and authorities
- Frequently Asked Questions