ARTICLE
Oregon Revised Statute 197.307(4) allows local governments to adopt only clear and objective standards, conditions, and procedures for the regulation of housing. These standards must be both clear and objective, meaning they are understood and do not carry any weight of subjectivity in their application. Over the last several years, jurisdictions have made changes to their applicable development codes to comply with state law. As they implement code changes, HBA actively engages with jurisdictions to help them understand best practices and lessons learned from others. This engagement, in the form of letters, presentations and meetings helps our partner jurisdictions better appreciate the impacts their proposed code changes may carry. HBA’s Government Affairs Committee recently hosted a member who is working to advance the implementation of clear and objective standards in the City of Portland. To request a copy of the presentation, or to learn more about HBA’s work on clear and objective development standards at the local level, contact Roseann Johnson at rosennj@hbapdx.org.