Portland and the federal government

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Middle Housing Land Divisions

A middle housing land division (MHLD) allows you to divide a property into separate lots when developing certain housing types. This process is faster and has fewer approval requirements than a standard land division.

Two houses, a red one on the left and a black one on the right, with a walkway in betweenView full size image

Preliminary Plan for MHLD

Show how you plan to divide your land in the Preliminary Plan. Your project must meet the approval standards for the Middle Housing Land Division (MHLD).

Complete the Land Use Review application

Select "Yes" for the question: Middle Housing Land Divisions - Do you request the Expedited Land Division Procedure?

Land Use Review Application456.67 KB

Written narrative

Include a narrative that explains:

  • The full proposal, including:
    • Site layout
    • Circulation
    • Natural features
    • Existing and proposed development and uses
    • Changes to the site or existing buildings
  • How all approval standards are met
  • Any additional information needed to understand the proposal
  • Names and addresses of the land division designer or engineer and the surveyor

Need help preparing the written narrative?

Use the MHLD Approval Standards as a guide. You may also choose to complete and submit it as your written narrative with your application.  

Middle Housing Land Division Approval Standards (fillable form)202.01 KB

Required plans (Preliminary Plan Map)

Submit plans in PDF format. All plans must:

  • Be drawn to scale
  • Include a north arrow

The Preliminary Plan Map must include:

  • Name the plan, "Preliminary Plan Map"
  • Site boundary lines with dimensions and total area
  • Proposed lot layout (sizes, dimensions, lot numbers)
  • Proposed tracts (size, purpose, name)
  • Rights-of-way, including roadway (layout, width, dedications)
  • Required easements (location, dimensions, purpose)
  • Surveyor's stamp
  • Existing development (with distances to property lines)
    • Remaining structures and facilities must be identified
  • Existing and proposed utilities
  • Existing driveways, curb cuts, and sidewalks
  • Public works concept approval (if required)
  • Any other information to show that the approval standards are met

If more than three lots are proposed, include the proposed land division name.

If building permits are under review or issued, site and utility plans must match those submitted with the building permit application.

Pay fees

Refer to the Land Use Fee Schedule.

For questions about land use fees, email: landuseintake@portlandoregon.gov

City code

Refer to Portland City Code 33.671.030 for details on application requirements.

Next

Make sure your preliminary plan includes information on City utilities and easements for MHLD.

Learn about the final application to complete your MHLD project: Final Plat for MHLD.

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