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6/16/2021 Member News

Portland City Council Hears DOZA Amendments, Declines to Lower Design Review Threshold for Multi-Story Residential Projects


Last Thursday, Portland City Council held a hearing on a set of amendments to the recommended changes to the Design Overlay Zone Amendments (DOZA) proposals.These changes would update the process and regulations that apply in the design overlay zone, including many of the city’s higher density centers and corridors slated for growth.

Eight amendments were offered with two failing to move forward. One of the amendments that failed to move would have reduced the threshold for projects requiring a design review from 75 to 55 feet in height. Although originally proposed for all project types, during past meetings it was suggested that affordable housing projects remain at 75 feet with market rate projects being subject to design review at 55 feet. Ultimately, the 75 foot threshold was kept for both types of projects.

In addition, another important amendment adopted will allow more affordable housing projects to choose between a Type II and Type III procedure. This expands the eligible projects to those using a wider variety of funding options beyond City Subsidy projects. If adopted, the new thresholds are 50% of units at or below 60% median family income.

City Council will review and consider the updated draft amendments at a work session on June 23 at 3:30 p.m. and vote on June 30 at 10:30 a.m. For more information on HBA’s work in Portland, contact Ryan Makinster at ryanm@hbapdx.org.