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8/7/2019 Member News

HBA Works with PBOT on New Transparent Rulemaking Processes


As home builders in Portland are painfully aware, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is not the most user-friendly Bureau to work with. PBOT is renowned for promulgating new administrative rules without any formal engagement or notification process. They have even rolled out regulations that directly conflict with state law requirements that local governments adopt and apply clear and objective standards, conditions, and procedures regulating the development of critically needed housing. In our March newsletter, we discussed PBOT’s recognition of its flawed processes and desire to engage with the development community in a more transparent manner. Thanks to new PBOT Director Chris Warner, PBOT recently adopted a rulemaking process that includes public engagement and an opportunity for comment. PBOT also added a Development and Permitting tab to their website in order to publicly publish new administrative rules. These efforts are part of an overall strategy that the Bureau is implementing to promote transparency and predictability in the development process. This strategy includes updates to sample plans, revisions to general notes, and the use of electronic payment and signatures. HBA applauds the Bureau’s efforts to improve the development permitting process and thanks Director Warner for pursuing meaningful reform. To learn more about the new PBOT rulemaking process and our work with the City of Portland, please contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.

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