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ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
6/11/2025 8:56:31 PM Member News

HAPO Denies Portland’s Request for Exemption from SB 1537 Housing Standards

The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) has officially denied the City of Portland’s request for exemption from Section 38 of Senate Bill 1537 (2024), which mandates that jurisdictions allow adjustments to local development and design standards to promote more efficient housing production.

Portland submitted its exemption application on February 14, 2025, and the public comment period ran from March 17 to May 1. HAPO received 13 public comments, many challenging the City’s position that its current policies already provide needed flexibility to encourage and support housing. The majority of these comments came from HBA members, following our efforts encouraging members to write in and share their experiences.  HAPO determined that the City had not met the required criteria to qualify for an exemption and issued its final decision denying their exemption request on May 30, 2025.

The denial means Portland will be required to revise its land use codes and remove barriers to housing development in accordance with the mandatory standards set out in SB 1537. These changes are intended to address inefficiencies and excessive regulatory burdens that hinder the timely construction of housing.