News

ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
2/5/2020 Member News

HBA Discusses the Residential Infill Project and Better Housing By Design with Portland


At our monthly Portland Building and Urban Development (PBUD) Council, HBA members saw presentations from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability on two projects that will reshape the pattern of residential development in the city. First, Morgan Tracy reviewed current and potential amendments to the Residential Infill Project, which seeks to address issues around our growing population by taking a fresh look at the rules that govern the types of housing permitted in low density neighborhoods. The project, which has been in the works for five years, would allow more housing options including duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, in single-family zoned neighborhoods. HBA is currently working with elected leaders and community stakeholders to advance several pro-housing amendments that would increase flexibility for builders. The project will come back before the City Council in March and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is targeting an implementation date in October.

Next, members heard from Bill Cunningham who discussed the recently adopted Better Housing By Design which will go into effect next month. The project greatly increases housing options in multifamily zones and permits significantly greater residential density while reducing parking requirements. Additionally, the project reduces onerous side-yard setback requirements that artificially constrict new housing. HBA thanks city staff for their time presentations. To learn more about these impactful projects, to join future PBUD meetings, or to learn about or work with the City of Portland, contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.

Next Article
Previous Article