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4/3/2019 Member News

The HBA Achieves Major Legislative Successes with Clean Water Services


Earlier this week, the Washington County Board of Commissioners, serving in their capacity as the Board of Directors for Clean Water Services (CWS), voted unanimously to adopt updated Design and Construction Standards for new development. The Commission voted to adopt several recommendations proposed by the HBA.

The standards, as initially written, posed a serious threat to new detached housing and would have lead to the loss of buildable lots throughout the County. The HBA responded to these standards and - over the course of several months - worked with CWS staff, builders, developers, engineers, and elected officials to craft a series of reasonable amendments. Through a focused advocacy effort, HBA members and staff publicly communicated the potential harm contained in the standards and demonstrated the effective nature of our proposed amendments. Following two public hearings and several hours of work session briefings, the Commissioners voted to adopt important HBA recommendations including: expansion of the opportunity for in-lieu fee payments, increased maximum detention pond depth, reduced fees for homes on smaller lots, increased on-site hydromodification mitigation options, and expanded fee credits. In addition to these significant amendments, the Commissioners also voted to direct CWS staff to report back on enhanced fee in-lieu options. This analysis is expected to take several months and will likely face strong opposition from environmental activists and slow growth advocates. The HBA thanks the Commissioners for their support on our housing-friendly amendments and looks forward to working with CWS staff during the implantation process for the new regulations. To learn more the updated Construction and Design Standards and how you can support future in-lieu fee options to address regional hydromodification, contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.

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