ARTICLE
In a major move to address Portland’s housing crisis, Mayor Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek have announced a new city initiative that will waive System Development Charges (SDCs) for the next three years or the next 5,000 housing units built—whichever comes first. Details of the proposal are still being finalized, but the current outline under consideration includes: - The cap remains 5,000 units, however, this may not be a hard cap and is potentially subject to adjustments - The exemption period is proposed to last three years. However, for projects that have already received permits, there may be a shorter two-year window in which builders must take advantage of the exemption. - The exemption does not apply to projects that have already been completed, even if they might otherwise qualif - The exemption will apply to single-family, multifamily, duplex, and triplex homes. - Projects must reach cover inspection before receiving the benefit (Potential exemption discussion for multifamily housing projects) - The waiver will be structured so that the exemption is granted at the start of the project and then payed back by the developer that fails to meet the required project deadlines HBA is working closely with city staff and coalition members to ensure that this package has the largest possible beneficial impact on housing access in Portland. A bill is likely to go before City Council this month.
In a major move to address Portland’s housing crisis, Mayor Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek have announced a new city initiative that will waive System Development Charges (SDCs) for the next three years or the next 5,000 housing units built—whichever comes first.
Details of the proposal are still being finalized, but the current outline under consideration includes:
- The cap remains 5,000 units, however, this may not be a hard cap and is potentially subject to adjustments
- The exemption period is proposed to last three years. However, for projects that have already received permits, there may be a shorter two-year window in which builders must take advantage of the exemption.
- The exemption does not apply to projects that have already been completed, even if they might otherwise qualif
- The exemption will apply to single-family, multifamily, duplex, and triplex homes.
- Projects must reach cover inspection before receiving the benefit (Potential exemption discussion for multifamily housing projects)
- The waiver will be structured so that the exemption is granted at the start of the project and then payed back by the developer that fails to meet the required project deadlines
HBA is working closely with city staff and coalition members to ensure that this package has the largest possible beneficial impact on housing access in Portland. A bill is likely to go before City Council this month.