Housing Choices Code Update (House Bill 2001)

Update

On June 1, 2022, the City Commission voted 4-0 to approve the second reading of Ordinance Number 22-1001 and remand the file to the October 24, 2022, Planning Commission Meeting to review a second package of outstanding policy questions not needed for compliance with HB 2001.

These code amendments are effective June 30, 2022. For more information on HB2001 and Middle Housing - visit the Leg 22-01 Housing Choices Code Update Project page.

House Bill 2001

House Bill 2001 aims to provide Oregonians with more housing choices, especially housing choices more people can afford. The law, passed by the 2019 Oregon Legislature, expands the ability of property owners to build certain traditional housing types, like duplexes and tri-plexes, in residential zones. These housing types already exist in most cities but were outlawed for decades in many neighborhoods. These limitations contribute to increased housing costs and fewer choices. House Bill 2001 will require updates to local laws that currently limit the types of housing people can build.

Increasing Housing Costs

Rent and home prices have increased at a much greater rate than incomes, pushing out Oregon City residents. Children growing up in Oregon City may not be able to afford to live here as adults.

Changing Households

Household compositions are changing, and the trend is accelerating. Future housing inventory must match the community's needs, which may include housing for smaller, young households and more seniors living with their adult children.

Addressing Systemic Injustices

Housing rules and regulations have historically been powerful tools of racial exclusion. How the City's housing rules and regulations have been (or could be) tools of racial exclusion must be carefully examined.

Oregon City's recent equitable housing code amendments, adopted by the City Commissions in 2019, have already implemented many of the requirements of House Bill 2001. However, additional updates will be needed for full compliance. The city will also implement any needed code amendments to ensure compliance with the recently passed SB 458 which allows land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing allowed in cities.

Planning Staff will be working with boards, commissions, and community members in the fall and winter of 2021 to bring additional housing options to residential zoning districts and meet the requirements of the new state law by June 30, 2022. Adoption hearings are scheduled for March-May of 2022.

Mailing List

If you wish to be added to the mailing list for Package #2, which will be reviewed at the Planning Commission starting October 24, 2022, please complete the Housing Choices Code Update (House Bill 2001) Contact Form.

Adopted code chapters and Package Number 2 Planning Commission Agendas can be found on the Leg 22-01 Housing Choices Code Update Project page.