Because new housing development within the City of Portland increases the need for transportation systems, parks and recreation facilities, and water works systems, new housing developments incur System Development Charges (SDCs) to fund a portion of the City's system improvements and capacity increases.
The SDC Exemption Program assists developers by reducing their development costs when building affordable residential housing. Developers are exempt from paying SDCs levied by the City of Portland only when these units meet program requirements. The SDC Exemption Program consists of four types of exemptions, and the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is charged with the administration and monitoring of each: transportation, water, parks and environmental services.
The SDC Exemption Program has different requirements dependent on whether the exempted unit will be sold to home buyers or rented.
Select a type to view specific requirements:
Potential homebuyers may also be interested in properties eligible for the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE).
System Development Charges
Read about SDCs and current rates for new development, additions, and changes of use.
Program Requirements
Eligible Developments
To be eligible for the SDC Exemption Program, the applicant must have site control and the proposed development must meet the following affordability requirements (per Title 30.01 – Affordable Housing Preservation, Chapter 30.01.095).
Select a type to view more about eligibility:
Compliance Requirements
The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) requires the applicant to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in their recorded Regulatory Agreement. The compliance requirements differ dependent on whether the exempted unit will be sold to home buyers or rented.
Select a type to view specific compliance requirements:
How to Apply
Instructions for developers and builders
To apply for the SDC Exemption Program, developers must submit an application and supporting documentation to the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB). Developers must apply for the program after they submit their building permit application to the Bureau of Development Services, Permit Center, but before they pay for their approved building permits and pull the permit to start construction.
See all required documents and application fees.
After receiving an approval letter, the applicant must contact the four SDC Bureaus to request the exemptions be credited to their permit in lieu of paying the SDCs.
Please note: The SDC Bureaus will not refund paid System Development Charges.
Forms and Documents
Be sure to review all of the specific information before applying as it is different dependent on whether the exempted unit will be sold to home buyers or rented.
Select a type to view appropriate materials and helpful information for completing the application:
Please note: For buildings subject to, or opting into Inclusionary Housing, there is a shortened IH SDC Exemption Application for rental units. View IH forms.