News

ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
10/20/2021

Clackamas County Adopts HBA-supported Housing Incentive


As promoted in a recent HBA letter, and reported in a recent Pamplin article, the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners adopted a housing density incentive that allows up to 50% more units -- market rate or affordable -- for the same number of units provided at regulated affordability levels. Previously, the incentive allowed for only an 8% bonus above base density, and was rarely used and ineffective at producing more units. The decision stems from over two years of stakeholder advisory meetings, which included HBA membership on both the Housing Affordability and Homelessness Task Force (2019-2020), and the County’s Land Use Housing Strategies Project Phase I. Next month, the Board will hear two remaining HBA-supported housing strategies, including an HBA proposal approved by the Planning Commission, which would allow flexible siting for mixed use projects.

Following Phase I, the County’s Land Use Housing Strategies Project will segway into Phase II, which incorporates Middle Housing implementation pursuant to HBA-championed House Bill 2001 (2019) and Senate Bill 458 (2021). Phase II also includes a code audit and revisions to comply with SB1051, which requires clear and objective standards for housing. To learn more about HBA involvement in Clackamas County, contact Roseann Johnson, Roseannj@hbapdx.org.