ARTICLE
The second part of the Residential Infill Project (RIP2) addresses several outstanding mandates required by HB 2001, recent middle housing legislation passed in 2019. This bill requires Metro cities to allow duplexes on all lots where single homes are allowed and allow other types of middle housing, such as triplexes, fourplexes, attached houses and cottage clusters in many residential areas. While the Residential Infill Project (RIP), effective August 1, 2021, addressed residential zones from R2.5 to R7, the second part completes the expansion of housing types allowed in all residential zones, including Portland’s larger lots in outlying areas, and addresses the expedited land division requirements of SB 458. HBA, through its Portland Building and Urban Development Council (PBUD) will be reviewing the proposed code and working with city staff to highlight industry best practices, market needs and concerns that may limit the success of the middle housing program. Of special concern to HBA members is the city’s implementation of the expedited land division process through SB 458. The bill requires middle housing, as defined by HB 2001, to be allowed an expedited land division as long as the original lot complies with middle housing land use and zoning requirements in the local jurisdiction. Due to the requirements of HB 2001 and SB 458, this work must be completed by June 30, 2022. Members working or looking to work in Portland are encouraged to participate in this process and are encouraged to join the PBUD mailing list to receive meeting invites. All project documents are available here. For more information about the project and how to participate through PBUD, contact ryanm@hbapdx.org.