Home Building Association of Greater Portland News Newswire

Sherwood to discuss Planning for Sherwood-West

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:18:04 GMT

The City of Sherwood’s Charter Reform measure in January introduced significant uncertainty on the future of the Sherwood-West expansion area. Language relating to required voter-approval for all future annexations in the ballot measure clashes with state law and could mean a drawn out process for future land to come into city limits. The HBA continues to have conversations with Sherwood staff and elected officials around what this means for future annexation requests. Communication from the City indicates they intend to comply with state law and hold a hearing rather than a vote.

With Sherwood-West still requiring comprehensive planning ahead of any potential annexation, we were encouraged to see that the Council will discuss beginning this planning process during their work session on April 7. HBA continues to weigh in as supportive of bringing this land online for development as quickly as possible.

Affordable Housing SDC Issue in Portland Scheduled for Spring Hearing

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:17:36 GMT

Portland’s decision to waive SDCs on residential construction has been a boon to new home development in the City. Recent staff presentations to the Portland City Council estimated as many as 1200 units came in for permitting during the first six months of the program, a sizeable increase over the 800 units that were permitted in all of 2024.

The HBA has been working to address an unintended impact the program has had on builders developing a for sale product under the City’s Affordable Housing SDC Exemption Program. With SDCs now waived, these builders found their buyers subject to income verification costs and review timelines while market rate homes at the same price point were now available without similar constraints. After advocacy from the HBA and our members a minor code fix to remove income verification requirements on these homes for the duration of the citywide SDC waiver is planned this spring with the City Council.

Portland builders engaged in the HBAs Portland Building and Urban Development (PBUD) group can expect updates as the hearing is scheduled and opportunities to provide input are available.

SDCs on the Docket in Canby and Sandy:

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:17:21 GMT

Conversations on SDCs in two jurisdictions are moving forward this spring, each with eye-watering proposed rate increases that could have an impact on development. HBA is engaged with both cities and providing feedback on both the scale and immediacy any potential increase.

Canby is reviewing their Transportation and Parks SDCs which could raise the single family home assessment from approximately $27,000 to over $50,000. Of particular concern in Canby are discussions around their Parks project list which includes a public fitness center and an overall increase in the level of service that will be largely paid by new residents. Adoption hearings for these fees are slated for July.

While the City of Sandy has seen little development in recent years due to constraints in their wastewater system they’ve increased SDCs considerably on the few lots within city limits that can still build new housing. Between 2022 and today SDCs have been raised $18,000 for a single family home to almost $64,000 for larger single family homes. These increases have made development impossible for the landowners in the city. Sandy is reviewing their SDC methodology this spring, HBA will be seeking a reversion to rates more in line with historic standards for the market.

Middle Income Revolving Loan Faces Adoption Struggles:

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:16:50 GMT

During their 2025 session, the Oregon legislature created the Middle-Income Revolving Loan (MIRL) fund providing $75 million to aid in site improvement and infrastructure costs for projects serving markets at or below 120% of Area Median Income. A number of cities have expressed an interest in the program yet concerns remain around vague rules and the requirement that a city backstop the loan financially if a development project fails to move forward.

The HBA has been involved in discussions involving adopting the incentive in the city of Milwaukie where Council has been split. Certain members of the Council have framed the revolving loan fund as a “giveaway to developers” rather than the public-private partnership it is.

River Terrace 2.0-Concerning ROW Widths

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:16:36 GMT

Speaking of concerning right of way widths, planning discussions continue on River Terrace 2.0, Tigard’s newest expansion area. On March 24 the Tigard City Council reviewed staff proposals relating to street cross sections and financing strategies. Despite consistent feedback from the development community, the River Terrace 2.0 plan continues to accumulate potential requirements that will add expense to development.

Among the street designs Tigard’s Council reviewed are a commercial collector standard of 108 feet and 20-foot alleys. The HBA is following up with Tigard staff on the recent HAPO decision and how it applies in the expansion area. If you’d like to engage in future developer discussions with the city let us know, the next developer forum hosted by Tigard planning staff will be held in late April or early May.

HAPO Decision on Redmond Right of Way Has Portland Metro Implications

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:15:30 GMT

In late December the state’s Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) released a Warning Notice of Potential Violation in response to a code package under consideration by the City of Redmond. The notice decision called out Redmond’s proposed 20-foot alley widths and open space requirements as running afoul of rules regarding clear and objective standards along those relating to unreasonable cost or delay.

This is an encouraging step for HAPO as the state office continues to weigh in on issues impacting housing across the state. HBA staff and our Government Affairs Committee have had a number of conversations with HAPO leadership this year regarding how to best work with the office on barriers to housing development.

If you think a code or policy change may run afoul of Oregon state housing laws let us know at governmentaffairs@hba.org. The HBA can submit complaints of a general nature, i.e. those relating to new codes or affecting multiple developments, on behalf of our members and we’re eager to do so. Complaints relating to issues with a specific development project must come from the company or individual

Metro Releases Draft Regional Housing Coordination Strategy: Opportunity for Member Feedback

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:05:34 GMT

After months of work with HBA members and other stakeholders, Metro has released its draft Regional Housing Coordination Strategy (RHCS) for public review. This strategy is intended to guide regional actions that can increase housing production, improve affordability, and expand housing choice across the Portland metro area.

HBA members played a key role in shaping this strategy. Metro convened a dedicated focus group of our builders to highlight on-the-ground barriers to housing and identify actions that could better support housing production. Metro has reached out to HBA to facilitate member feedback on the housing proposals. This is a great way to make sure that the needs of your business are considered as part of this process.

The draft RHCS, along with the executive summary and technical appendices, is available on the project web page. Metro is also seeking feedback through a public survey open September 15 – October 15, which gives builders an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed list of actions and priorities. You can access the survey here.

The draft strategy will be presented to Metro advisory committees in October:

October 15: Metro Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC), in-person at the Metro Regional Center and via Zoom
October 22: Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC), virtual on Zoom only

HBA has member and staff representation on Metro’s Technical Advisory Committee will continue to engage with Metro as this process moves forward and encourage our members to share feedback directly through the survey to ensure the final strategy reflects industry priorities.

HBA’s PAC and Government Affairs Committee Look Toward 2026 Election Season

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:04:20 GMT

This November’s election ballots will largely feature local bonds and levies, but the 2026 season promises opportunities for engagement around electoral candidates in city and county offices across the region. We’ve already seen notable resignations from Tigard’s Mayor (amidst controversy) and on the Wilsonville City Council (for personal reasons).

The HBA’s Government Affairs and Political Action Committees are scoping out competitive seats for potential donations and candidate endorsements as we head into 2026. Stay tuned for updates on those processes and reach out the benh@hbapdx.org with any questions or ideas.

If you’re a politically engaged member, here are some opportunities to be aware of as the 2026 election season approaches:

If you, or someone you know, might make a great candidate for public office in our region, the Portland Metro Association of Realtors is hosting a free Candidate Training Academy on October 9^th. This training will cover the process from deciding to running for office to identifying the right opportunity and provides a useful foundation for anyone even considering
Fall PAC Fundraiser: On October 24, the HBA of Greater Portland and the Salem HBA will jointly host a PAC fundraiser, a Ryder Cup style golf tournament in West Linn. The “Showdown at Shortland” will pit 19 three-person teams from the Salem and Portland regions against each other with proceeds going to fund PAC efforts at the state and local levels. You can view more details and sign up for the event here.
The City of Wilsonville will begin scoping the recruitment and review process for their open seat at their Council meeting on September 25. If you know of a potential candidate that resides in the City, please let us know and reach out to benh@hbapdx.org.

HBA begins work with Portland Housing Bureau to address affordable home access

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:03:53 GMT

HBA has been working with the Portland Housing Bureau and affordable housing developers to address internal challenges that could undermine affordable housing delivery. In the wake of a three-year SDC moratorium on new residential development in the city, current affordable projects find themselves saddled with income verification requirements that add cost to both the developer and future residents. Market rate homes built after the SDC waiver goes into effect will not be subject to these requirments. Since the primary incentive for affordable housing was the SDC waiver, the current structure is no longer financially viable without further program adjustments to aid affordable projects.

On Friday, September 19th, HBA members and staff met with Portland Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich to discuss the issue. The conversation focused on the challenges the SDC waiver presents for deed-restricted affordable units already in the construction pipeline and how the program can provide new incentives in light of recent policy changes.

We’ve also received updates on the implementation of the SDC waiver in Portland from the Permitting and Development Department. After some initial struggles to accommodate the quick change in assessing fees, Portland has received over 950 requests for new construction under the waiver program, the majority of these applications are for single family homes. A 150-unit multifamily building is the largest project to apply to the program.

HBA Testifies on Wilsonville SDC Increases - Proposes Reforms

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:03:26 GMT

On September 15th, the Wilsonville City Council approved substantial System Development Charge (SDC) increases, raising the local stormwater rate to $3,532 (from $2,432) and the sewer rate to $14,149 (from $7,102).

HBA and members engaged with Councilors and city staff to advocate for a phase-in of the rate increase over multiple years. However, staff moved forward with the full proposed increase, which was approved by Council on September 14. Funding concerns related to major city projects, including the planned expansion of the water and sewer treatment plant and the infrastructure needed for the Frog Pond development area were key in their justification to implement the increase immediately.

HBA provided public testimony during the Council meeting and will continue working with the city to identify reforms that can help mitigate some of the projected negative impacts of these increases. On an encouraging note, several members of the City Council have indicated openness to a shift toward assessing SDCs at Certificate of Occupancy, rather than permit issuance. This change is an identified policy objective in our 2025 Policy Agenda and one we’ll keep pushing with local jurisdictions.

Tigard Responds to HBA’s River Terrace 2.0 Concerns: Developer Forum Scheduled

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:02:52 GMT

The City of Tigard has responded to concerns raised by the HBA and our members around the River Terrace 2.0 expansion area and will host a developer focused listening session on Monday, September 29 from 2-4 pm. The meeting will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, if you’d like to attend please reach out to benh@hbapdx.org and we’ll send you a calendar invite.

HBA member concerns are focused on the mismatch between the proposed concept plan and market realities around land development. Rather than following the proven development outline used in River Terrace 1.0, the proposed plan contains a zoning approach with a disjointed mix of zones and prescriptive development types that will create numerous barriers to development if implemented.

The City of Tigard is currently hosting an online open house detailing the proposed approach. If you’re unable to attend the developer listening session, you can access the online open house here until October 7. The online forum provides an additional avenue to provide developer focused feedback.

Redevelopment Planning Underway for Former Tigard Cinemas Site

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:03:22 GMT

The City of Tigard has finalized plans to acquire the former Regal Cinemas property—now referred to as the 72nd Avenue Redevelopment Site—a 10.39-acre parcel in the Tigard Triangle. The property will be split for a neighborhood park and potential mixed-use development, with closing expected in mid-August. A minor amendment to the Tigard Triangle Urban Renewal Plan will be adopted in August to formally incorporate the site. Early plans include a public-private partnership where the city and a developer would coordinate infrastructure and park construction. The site will be central to broader redevelopment in the Triangle and is seen as a rare opportunity for strategic land use.

Next Steps:

Developer outreach (Summer): Staff will meet with regional developers to evaluate the feasibility of a mixed-use building adjacent to the park.
Community engagement (Fall): Outreach will include surveys and in-person engagement at community events and apartment complexes.
Board workshop (December): Feedback will inform whether to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a private development partner.
Park concept planning (2026): If the RFQ proceeds, park design would begin next year with an advisory group.

HBA will continue monitoring for potential development impacts and opportunities related to housing, infrastructure, and permitting timelines as the project evolves.

HBA Supports Economic Expansion in Tualatin

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:02:31 GMT

Lam Research is seeking approval for a two-phase expansion of its Tualatin campus, encompassing nearly 76 acres and over 423,000 square feet of new construction. The proposal includes additional lab, office, utility, and storage space, as well as expanded parking, bulk gas storage, and circulation infrastructure. To accommodate the project, Lam has also submitted a request to amend the City’s Industrial Master Plan (IMP24-0001), seeking flexibility from standard height and setback requirements in the Manufacturing Park zone.

HBA provided testimony in support of the expansion project before the City of Tualatin Planning Commission. With the new Urban Growth expansion in Sherwood which will soon be generating new homes in the area we welcome this long planned economic expansion and the average wages in excess of $150,000 annually that LAM will bring to the Tualatin and Sherwood area.

Next Steps: September 10, 2025 – Architectural Review Board consideration of the site and building design (AR24-0002)

HBA’s Government Affairs Committee Looks at River Terrace 2.0

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:01:41 GMT

After the success of Tigard’s River Terrace 1.0 development in adding roughly 500 acres for housing, members of the HBA’s Government Affairs committee have requested a listening session with Tigard staff and elected officials regarding River Terrace 2.0. The second edition of River Terrace again seeks to plan out an additional 500 acres for new neighborhood development in a UGB expansion area. The HBA has concerns with the proposed development plan. While River Terrace is a large greenfield site the plan calls for a rigid and prescriptive in-fill pattern that will create financing and construction challenges for developers in the area.

Tigard officials have expressed a willingness to meet with the development community to discuss these concerns. Expect an update with more details once a listening session is scheduled.

Sherwood Updating Annexation Code

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:00:39 GMT

The City of Sherwood has proposed new design standards and criteria for land brought into city limits through Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansions. These updates are intended to ensure development is well-integrated, infrastructure-ready, and aligned with long-term community goals. HBA provided input to City Council requesting more clarity on the level of analysis required to complete an annexation application along with clear timelines and criteria around when Council will schedule a complete application for an approval hearing.

Key components of the policy include:

Annexation Process Codified: New Chapter 16.81 outlines procedures for annexation, requiring compliance with state law (ORS 222), Metro Code, and Sherwood’s Comprehensive Plan. It also mandates that public infrastructure be available or financially assured before development proceeds.
Automatic Zoning at Annexation: Properties annexed into the city will receive zoning based on Sherwood’s existing Zoning Map, eliminating the need for separate zone change procedures unless the applicant requests it.
Annexation Agreements Required: Most annexation applications must include an agreement specifying intended land use, phasing, infrastructure needs, and a transportation analysis. Agreements help ensure developments align with the city’s utility and parks plans and don't outpace infrastructure capacity.
Clear Mitigation Standards: Developers must show how impacts to sewer, water, stormwater, and roads will be addressed, including funding sources. If development requires city funds, those must be approved by Council in advance.
Legal Protections for Existing Uses: Non-conforming uses approved under county jurisdiction prior to annexation may continue post-annexation under specific conditions

HBA Calls for Members to Review New HAPO Exemption Requests

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:59:25 GMT

The City of Sherwood has submitted a HAPO exemption application, which is currently on hold pending public comment. HBA urges members who have worked in jurisdictions seeking exemptions to submit comments on their experiences to the HAPO office. It is important that if a city process is failing or inhibiting housing construction that HAPO knows about it so that they can either reject an exemption or impose a condition that will help to relieve the problem. HBA staff will send out an alert when the Sherwood comment deadline opens.

You can view a map detailing exemption requests and outcomes or conditions placed by HAPO on local jurisdictions here.

Oregon City’s public comment period closed on September 1, with a decision coming before the end of the year. Expect an update when that decision is issued. You can submit comments directly to DLCD at the following address: DLCD.Hapo@DLCD.oregon.gov

Lake Oswego HAPO Request Approved with Conditions

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:57:12 GMT

In July, the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) approved the City of Lake Oswego’s request for an exemption from Section 38 of Senate Bill 1537 (2024). This bill established HAPO and requires local governments to provide flexibility on specified development and design standards for housing development.

The exemption allows Lake Oswego to continue using its own local adjustment processes provided the city meets certain criteria. HAPO found that, with conditions, the city’s six adjustment pathways—such as minor and major variances, design variances, and planned development overlays—collectively satisfy the statutory requirement to make all listed development and design standards eligible for adjustment. HAPO verified that the city had approved 100% of requested adjustments over the past five years and received only one public comment, which did not undermine the city’s eligibility under Section 39 of SB 1537.

To maintain this exemption, HAPO imposed seven conditions of approval:

Required Notice to Applicants – The city must directly notify all existing and prospective housing applicants of their legal right to request adjustments and the city’s obligation to approve at least 90% of such requests.
Public Instructions on Adjustment Requests – The city must publish and provide clear instructions outlining how to request each eligible adjustment, including approval criteria for all relevant local processes.
Protection Against Code Amendments – The city may not amend its code in ways that would make any Section 38 standard ineligible for adjustment. If new standards are added, they must also be adjustable to the same extent.
Affirmative Disclosure to Applicants – When applicants request adjustments, the city must inform them of their eligibility, how to qualify, and the city's ongoing requirement to approve 90% of such requests.
Statutory Backstop for Nonconformity – If any housing applicant becomes ineligible to use local processes for a required adjustment, the city must allow them to apply Section 38 directly and notify them accordingly.
Annual Reporting Requirement – The city must submit yearly reports to HAPO documenting all adjustment requests and decisions, consistent with Section 41 of SB 1537.
Ongoing Compliance with Approval Rate – The city must continue to approve at least 90% of adjustment requests over any rolling five-year period to maintain its exemption status.

Failure to comply with any of these conditions may result in revocation of the exemption. The HBA continues to meet with HAPO staff to gain insight on enforcement mechanisms and provide member insight into the development process. If you have experiences you’re willing to share, please reach out at governmentaffairs@hbapdx.org.

HBA Weighs in as Cities Consider Large SDC Increases

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:50:01 GMT

The cities of Happy Valley and Wilsonville are considering significant increases to their System Development Charges that could go into effect in 2026:

- The Happy Valley proposal could raise Transportation SDCs from $12,304 per single family home to as much as $26,239 under one scenario reviewed by the City’s consultant. Parks SDCs could see a similar increase from a current rate of $10,089 to $25,446.
- In Wilsonville the proposed Sewer SDC could increase to from $7,102 to $17,321 per single family home while the proposed Stormwater SDC could increase from $2,432 to $3,532.

In each case, these proposed increases are the maximum legally defensible rates developed by the consultant team, the City Councils do not need to adopt a rate at the highest level identified in either report. HBA staff and members have provided testimony and met with staff and elected officials from both cities, providing similar feedback in both cases:

Seeking to adopt an SDC fee schedule significantly lower than identified in the study, while acknowledging that some increases may be necessary to extend infrastructure to serve new residential development.
Any increased SDCs should be phased in over as much as ten years to provide home builders with certainty as they develop pro-formas and move toward construction.
If SDC increases are phased in, cities should implement a “lock in” policy that defines when a new development will be subject to SDCs in a given year. Ideally this will occur after land use approval, ensuring that lengthy building permit approval timelines don’t result in a higher SDC rate.
Move the assessment of SDCs from the point of building permit issuance to Certificate of Occupancy, reducing the debt burden a home builder must carry during construction.

The Wilsonville City Council will hold a work session update on their SDC proposal on September 4 at 7 pm, details are available here. Happy Valley has yet to schedule their next work session. Conversations are ongoing with both jurisdictions, stay tuned for updates as these proposals move toward Council decision points.

HBA members concerned with Tigard’s “Substantial Completion” interpretation

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:47:06 GMT

HBA is currently engaging with the City of Tigard on a member concern related to the city’s definition of “substantial completion”. The city is requiring a recorded plat before a project is recognized as substantially complete—effectively delaying final permits and the ability to move forward on vertical construction on projects that have otherwise met physical infrastructure requirements.

This interpretation appears to conflict with Oregon House Bill 4063 (2022), which clarifies that local jurisdictions may not withhold building permits based solely on whether a final plat has been recorded, provided that adequate public infrastructure is in place and financial assurances (such as bonding) are secured.

Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR 812-002-0740) further supports this position, defining “substantial completion” based on practical usability and readiness for occupancy—not plat recording status.

HBA is working with the City to address these concerns and to bring Tigard’s policy into alignment with state law. Members experiencing similar issues are encouraged to contact HBA staff.

Washington County Adopts FY 2025–26 Budget with Cuts and Permit Fee Increase

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:45:07 GMT

On June 17, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $2 billion total budget for FY 2025–26, including a $333.7 million general fund. The county closed a $20.5 million general fund gap through targeted reductions across departments—marking the fifth consecutive year of structural imbalance.

Of specific interest to the building industry:

- Permit Fee Increase: Washington County will implement an 8.5% increase in permitting fees, effective in the upcoming fiscal year. This change comes as part of efforts to maintain service levels in development review and permitting functions despite general fund reductions.
- Land Use & Transportation: Although this functional area saw a modest general fund reduction of $294,538 (a 1% decrease), service levels are expected to be maintained by shifting funding burdens to fee-based revenues—a strategy underscoring the importance of the upcoming permit fee hike.
- Public Safety & Development Impacts: Cuts to the Sheriff’s Office and Community Corrections may have indirect implications for site security and project timelines, particularly in high-growth areas.
- Capital Investments: The county plans over $57 million in upgrades to justice-related infrastructure and $59.7 million in funding for the new Center for Addiction Triage and Treatment (CATT), which may affect public safety services and behavioral health resources near project sites.
- Metro SHS Funding Decline: The approved budget reflects a $76.4 million drop in funding for the Metro Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program, signaling potential headwinds for regional homelessness and housing service partnerships.

HBA will continue monitoring the implementation of the permit fee increase and work with staff to ensure that development services remain efficient and predictable despite ongoing fiscal constraints.

Sherwood Proposes Annexation and Permit Procedure Updates

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:38:37 GMT

The City of Sherwood is proposing amendments to its zoning code, including a new annexation chapter and revisions to its development permit procedures.

Key changes include:

- A formal annexation process (Chapter 16.81) requiring annexation agreements that outline land use intent, infrastructure needs, and public facility impacts.
- Allowance for concurrent zone change requests during annexation.
- Defined approval criteria tied to Sherwood’s Comprehensive Plan, utility master plans, and Transportation System Plan.
- Clarification that quasi-judicial annexations follow a Type IV process, with City Council as the hearing authority.

The proposal also updates Chapter 16.72 to refine permit classifications and streamline review paths, including the addition of a ministerial Residential Design Checklist for most housing types.

HBA members were able to meet with Eric Rutledge, the Community development Director for the City and offer input on the proposal. The new standards will go before the planning commission July 8^th.

Wilsonville Proposes Major SDC Increases — HBA Pushes Back

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:36:40 GMT

The City of Wilsonville has released draft recommendations for substantial increases to its System Development Charges (SDCs), which would take effect in 2027 if adopted. The proposed maximums include:

- Stormwater: $3,532
- Sewer: $15,352.15

HBA intends to oppose the proposed increases, citing the likely impact on housing affordability and project feasibility. City consultants and elected officials have suggested that higher SDCs will not significantly affect housing production; however, Wilsonville’s projected income required to afford a median-priced home now exceeds $185,000—nearly double the city’s actual median household income of $87,371.

HBA staff met with city officials to express concern that the proposed increases could depress new housing starts and ultimately reduce the city’s anticipated SDC revenue, as well as future property tax revenues. At present, the city has not provided an implementation schedule for the proposed changes. HBA has formally requested that the city’s consultant, FCS Group, supply a draft implementation timeline for review and consideration.

Portland SDC Waiver Proposal Advances with HBA Support

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:34:01 GMT

In a significant step toward addressing Portland’s housing crisis, Mayor Wilson and Governor Tina Kotek have announced a city initiative to waive System Development Charges (SDCs) for the next three years—or until 5,000 housing units have been built, whichever comes first.

HBA and members of the Portland Building and Urban Development Council testified in support of the ordinance at the June 16 Finance Committee hearing, which passed the measure unanimously with a favorable amendment to enact the policy 30 days after passage.

The current proposal includes the following provisions:

The 5,000-unit cap remains but may be subject to adjustment at Council discretion.
The exemption period would extend from the date of enactment through September 30, 2028.
Projects with permits issued prior to enactment would not be eligible for retroactive exemption.
The waiver would apply to single-family homes, multifamily developments, duplexes, and triplexes.
Projects must reach the concrete pour inspection stage to qualify.
Exemptions would be granted at project initiation but subject to repayment if key deadlines are not met.

The ordinance was introduced before the full City Council on June 25. HBA, along with coalition partners, testified in opposition to a proposed amendment by Councilwoman Avalos that would have prematurely halted the program for review before it reached its threshold goals. That amendment was defeated unanimously with Councilwoman Avalos not voting.

HBA wins national award for its local government affairs work

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:57:47 GMT

HBA was recently awarded the Association Excellence Award for the “Best Local Government Affairs Effort” from our affiliated national association (NAHB).

HBA was a founding member of United for Portland, a coordinated business advocacy PAC created last year to support pragmatic, solution-oriented candidates for the City’s newly expanded 12-member City Council and new ranked choice voting system. The goal was to ensure that Portland's business and housing communities had a voice in shaping policies that impact housing, development, and public safety and influenced the outcome of this new election and City Council.

Overcoming the challenge of vetting more than 100 candidates, United for Portland supported those committed to tackling Portland’s challenges with a focus on growth, responsible development, and collaboration across sectors. This effort included significant leadership from the Portland Metro Chamber and the Portland Metro realtors, plus the involvement of numerous other organizations. It ultimately helped educate over 57 candidates on business and housing issues and greenlit over two dozen candidates. These candidates were viewed as being committed to effective governance and collaboration, particularly those who prioritized addressing Portland’s toughest challenges, including homelessness, public safety, and housing. This ultimately helped elect a more balanced group of city leaders in last Fall’s elections.

HBA Hosts Metro for Regional Housing Strategy Meeting

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:57:01 GMT

On May 29th, HBA hosted Metro for a key stakeholder meeting as part of Metro’s Regional Housing Coordination Strategy. This series of meetings is designed to engage builders and other industry partners to help Metro better understand the barriers to housing production and identify actionable steps Metro can take to improve housing access across the region. The effort comes as Metro prepares for its next six-year land use review cycle.

With the region facing a severe housing supply and affordability crisis, Metro has acknowledged the need for changes at the local level to support more timely, cost-effective development. Discussions during the meeting centered on two key improvement areas:

- Streamlining the UGB Expansion Process to allow for small-scale “micro-expansions” that more nimbly respond to localized housing needs.

- Creating a Regular Evaluation and Publication Framework to track and compare jurisdictional performance in meeting housing production targets.

HBA appreciates Metro’s willingness to collaborate and will continue to advocate for bold, practical reforms that remove barriers and accelerate housing development in the region.

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

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:56:31 GMT

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.

HBA reviewing Wilsonville Proposed SDC Increases

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:55:24 GMT

The City of Wilsonville has released recommendations for substantial increases to its System Development Charges (SDCs), set to take effect in 2027 if adopted. The proposed maximums are:

- Stormwater: $3,532

- Sewer: $15,352.15

HBA intends to oppose these increases, which would add considerable costs to new development. City consultants and council members have downplayed concerns that rising fees deter housing construction, even as the city’s projected income required to afford a median-priced home reaches $185,000, while the actual median household income is just $87,371.

HBA will remain engaged and continue to push for policies that support housing access and affordability in Wilsonville. Wilsonville gave its 90-day notice of the proposed change in system development charge methodology on June 9^th.

Milwaukie Housing Track Record Under Review—Weigh In Now

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:16:12 GMT

Oregon’s Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is currently reviewing city applications for exemptions under SB 1537. HAPO was created to work with industry stakeholders, local jurisdictions, and other state agencies to help streamline the process of housing development and ensure that all parties comply with state housing law.

Several cities have submitted exemption requests from being required to allow new state-approved mandatory adjustments to development design standards meant to encourage housing production. HAPO will approve these exemption requests if cities can show that their standards already provide flexibility needed to meet housing production goals. HAPO is actively seeking feedback from builders and developers with experience in these jurisdictions. Specifically, they are looking for input on:

• Permit processing times
• Additional local costs imposed on projects
• Frequency and treatment of variance requests
• Overall process clarity and ease of navigation

The City of Milwaukee’s application is currently open for public comment. Builders are encouraged to provide feedback via HAPO’s website, which tracks all ongoing exemption requests. Click on the “Submit General Feedback” link under the Resources section. The deadline to submit public comment for the City is June 27th.

Building Momentum: HBA Hosts Regional Housing Strategy Meeting with Metro

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:15:34 GMT

As part of its Regional Housing Coordination Strategy, Metro is arranging meetings with key stakeholders across the State to re-evaluate its land use policies and how they can be adjusted to better facilitate housing access. The strategy is aimed at enabling the housing construction required to meet the goals outlined in the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis.

HBA will host our stakeholder meeting with Metro on May 29. Final strategy adoption is tentatively scheduled for December 2025. If you are involved in land development or land use planning and are interested in attending, please contact Isaac Ambruso at isaaca@hbapdx.org

U.S. House Passes Controversial Budget Bill with Major Impacts on Housing and Development

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:14:20 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed House Resolution 1 last week, a sweeping tax package with several provisions impacting the housing industry. Among the most notable wins for HBA members are the preservation of the full property tax deduction for businesses, an expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, a permanent extension of the 20% pass-through business income deduction (now increased to 23%), and the restoration of 100% bonus depreciation.

The bill also raises the individual SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000—a key issue for builders in high-cost or high State income tax regions, like Oregon. However, the legislation also proposes to eliminate several federal energy tax credits, including the Section 45L New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit and Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit, years ahead of their scheduled sunset dates.

That said, the bill includes several controversial provisions, and its future in the Senate remains uncertain. Senate leadership has already indicated an interest in making significant changes to the legislation. Click here to read the NAHB report.

Portland Proposed SDC Moratorium Begins to Take Shape

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:13:40 GMT

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.

Lake Oswego’s Housing Track Record Under Review—Weigh In Now

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:10:26 GMT

The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is now reviewing city applications for exemptions under SB 1537. This office was created not only to open new opportunities for Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion, but also to ensure that local land use standards support timely and efficient housing production.

Several cities have submitted exemption requests, and HAPO is currently soliciting feedback from builders and developers who have experience working in these jurisdictions. Specifically, they are seeking input on:

Permit processing times
Additional local costs imposed on projects
Frequency and treatment of variance requests
Overall process clarity and ease of navigation

Lake Oswego’s application is currently open for public comment. Builders are encouraged to provide feedback via HAPO’s interactive geo map, which tracks all ongoing exemption requests.

North Plains Revisits UGB Expansion—HBA Pushes for Original Scope

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:10:00 GMT

After approving a UGB expansion in 2023 to accommodate approximately 750 new homes, the City of North Plains faced significant public opposition—culminating in a May 2024 referendum in which voters rejected the plan. In response, the newly seated City Council launched the UGB “Re-Look” project in late 2024 to revisit the expansion process with greater public involvement and transparency.

The city is now working to develop a revised UGB proposal, expected in mid-2025, which is likely to recommend a smaller expansion than what was originally approved. A joint work session between the City Council, Planning Commission, and DLCD is scheduled for May 14th to discuss how much the original expansion can be modified while still aligning with the City’s Housing Needs Analysis.

HBA will testify in support of retaining the full scope of the original expansion, which includes critical commercial land needed to support the anticipated growth in population and housing. Without this commercial component, the city risks falling short on the infrastructure and economic base needed to sustain future residential development.

HBA to Testify Against Washington County’s Permit Fee Proposal

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:09:35 GMT

Washington County has proposed an annual 8.5% fee increase in permit fees in order to keep pace with the increasing costs a the Land Use and Transportation Department. These calculated costs include salary negotiations, retirement costs, healthcare, staffing etc. This proposal is despite the CPI and CCI clocking inflation for the industry at below 3%. The county maintains that this level of cost increase is necessary because the department is obligated to cover costs through fee collection due to county policy. HBA submitted testimony in opposition to the proposal in March, and we intend to testify against the measure when it comes before the county commission. Washington County is beginning its budget hearings process May 14^th where the Land Use and Transportation Department will discuss the proposed changes. A link to the agenda can be found here.

Clackamas County Votes to Adopt HBA-Backed Approach to SDC Increases

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:09:13 GMT

On April 29th, the Clackamas County Commission voted to approve a revised System Development Charge (SDC) schedule that reflects HBA’s recommendation to tie fee increases to the Pacific Northwest Consumer Construction Index (CCI). Rather than adopt the Water and Environmental Services Advisory Board’s proposal to implement maximum fee increases over a five-year period—including a 6.2% annual hike for sewer and 14.3% for stormwater—the Commission chose a more measured approach.

The adopted methodology is expected to result in year-over-year increases of approximately 2–3%, better aligning with industry inflation and offering greater predictability for housing development. This outcome reflects a significant advocacy win for HBA and our members, and ensures that necessary infrastructure investments move forward without compromising housing affordability or production.

Mayor Wilson and Governor Kotek Announce SDC Moratorium to Boost Housing in Portland

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:08:41 GMT

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.

They were joined at the announcement by Portland City Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Eric Zimmerman. According to the Oregon System Development Charges Study, SDCs in Oregon average around $15,000 per unit, and can reach up to $50,000, often making up 3–6% of total development costs. These charges frequently become the tipping point for whether a project pencils or not.

The City of Portland currently has over 6,000 units in the development pipeline that are stalled, with many projects no longer financially feasible. This SDC moratorium could be the incentive needed to unlock those units and jumpstart housing production in the city.

HBA applauds the announcement and will remain actively engaged with our coalition partners as the details of the proposal are finalized. We will keep members informed as the process moves forward. HBA also plans to support the measure when it comes before the City Council, tentatively expected in June.

HBA Responds to Portland Permit Bureau Budget Crisis

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:08:06 GMT

Portland is entering a challenging and contentious budget season following the election of a new City Council. The Bureau of Development Services—now renamed the Permitting & Development Bureau—is facing a projected $16 million budget shortfall for FY 2025–26.

Mayor Wilson released his proposed budget on May 7, kicking off the formal review process. Portland’s permitting system already struggles to meet service benchmarks and process new development promptly. Additional staff cuts would further delay housing and commercial projects across the city.

HBA, in coordination with partner organizations, is actively engaging in the process to mitigate the most harmful impacts of the proposed cuts. We are also advocating for a long-term strategy to rebuild and modernize the Planning and Permitting Bureau post-layoffs, to ensure Portland can meet the region’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.