February 2021 – Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Updates
A monthly snapshot of land use planning work going on in your neighborhoods. Please visit the respective project website and contact project staff with any questions.
What’s new this month?
- Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing follow-up goes to Council on March 3
- New project, Lower Southeast Rising Area Plan, seeks advisory committee members
- Environmental Overlay Zone project schedules February PSC briefing and hearing
- Shelter to Housing Continuum gets PSC recommendation, City Council hearing in March
- Historic Resources Code Project holds PSC work sessions in February and March
- Design Overlay Zone Amendments (DOZA) goes to City Council in May
Useful resources
- Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC)
- View tentative PSC agendas and upcoming meeting schedules.
- PSC meetings are temporarily being held online. Meetings are streamed live and tape delayed on Channel 30.
- Check individual project pages or the PSC calendar for details on testifying via video conference.
- City Council
- View upcoming City Council agenda items
- City Council meetings are temporarily being held online and are broadcast live.
- Map App
You can look at interactive maps, submit testimony during testimony periods, and read submitted testimony through the BPS Map App.
- Portland Maps – Explorer
You can look at existing zoning, building permit, transportation and natural resource information and more on the interactive Portlandmaps.com Explorer map.
COVID-19 IMPACTS: Please be aware that public meetings are being cancelled or rescheduled for public health and safety, so be sure to check the calendars on specific project pages for meeting updates and the latest information.
Anti-Displacement Action Plan www.portland.gov/bps/adap
What: The Anti-Displacement Action Plan (ADAP) aims to increase the resiliency of the city and our communities to deal with racial and economic disparities that contribute to displacement.
Status: Due to severely limited capacities across many bureaus because of ongoing Covid-19 emergency response, recruitment for an Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF) has been postponed, and the project has pivoted to focus on land use and sustainability-related policies and programs that can be implemented by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS).
Beginning in Spring 2021, BPS staff will be hosting a series of public workshops on a variety of topics related to displacement and gentrification to engage residents on potential land use changes and build community capacity to identify and advocate for implementation of and needed changes to existing policies and programs. The goal of the project is to provide community-led policy development, coordination, and collaboration that centers racial equity in the City’s anti-displacement and equitable development policies.
Next opportunity to engage: Community members interested in learning more about the project can sign up for project updates. Please also see Imagine Black’s website for more information on the community Anti-Displacement Coalition.
Contact: Kathryn Hartinger, 503-823-9714, Kathryn.Hartinger@portlandoregon.gov
Shelter to Housing Continuum (S2HC) www.portland.gov/bps/s2hc
What: Reducing code barriers in order to provide more opportunities to transition from temporary shelter to permanent housing. The S2HC project will make recommendations to provide additional siting opportunities for temporary and transitional shelters and to allow more affordable forms of housing. Title 33 (Zoning Code) and several other titles of the City Code will be amended. No plan or zone maps will be amended. Major changes include adding a new Outdoor Shelter use under the Community Service category, expanding opportunities for locating all shelters, expanding opportunities for Group Living, and allowing an RV, trailer or tiny house on wheels to serve as a substitute for an allowed accessory dwelling unit.
Status: Following PSC briefings, hearings, and work sessions since November, the PSC recommended adoption of the Proposed Draft as amended on January 26. A Recommended Draft is currently being developed and will be released later in February.
Next opportunity to engage: The City Council hearing is anticipated on March 17 at 2:00 pm. A new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) was recently posted. Those interested can always sign up for S2HC email updates.
Contact: Al Burns, 503-823-7832, A.Burns@portlandoregon.gov
Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing www.portland.gov/bps/ah-grant
What: The Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing (EOAH) project adopted by City Council in June 2020 included amendments to the Zoning Code, Zoning Map, and Comprehensive Plan Map. These changes will help pave the way for development of affordable housing on land owned by faith- and community-based organizations. City Council also directed the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to prepare a follow-up recommendation on five more sites, which were identified during testimony, for potential map changes to facilitate development.
Status: Staff subsequently drafted recommendations for Council consideration. The Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing – Package B (EOAHB) Staff Report includes recommendations to rezone two of the five sites to allow more affordable housing.
Next opportunity to engage: Staff will present the proposal to City Council at a hearing on March 3 at 2:00 p.m. Community members are invited to comment on the proposal electronically via the Map App through March 3. Oral testimony will also be taken at the hearing on March 3. City Council will hold a vote on the matter in Spring 2021.
Contact: JP McNeil, 503-823-6046, jason.mcneil@portlandoregon.gov
Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project www.portland.gov/bps/ev-ready
What: The project seeks to expand zero-emission transportation options for individuals and households beyond what the market is doing today, specifically in multi-dwelling housing. The project will explore Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure requirements for multi-dwelling and other residential development. The EV Ready Code Project will help implement policy direction from the EV Strategy through changes to the zoning code.
Status: The Community Engagement Plan is now available. Work on code concepts will begin this fall and go through the winter 2021.
Next opportunity to engage: A technical advisory series of meetings, open to the public, is scheduled through this spring. The next technical advisory meeting is February 23 at 10:00 am. Check the project events page for future dates and times. Community members interested in learning more about the project can sign up for project updates.
Contact: Ingrid Fish, 503-823-4326, Ingrid.Fish@portlandoregon.gov; and
Marty Stockton, 503-823-2041, Marty.Stockton@portlandoregon.gov
Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning Project www.portland.gov/bps/fossil-fuel-zoning
What: Restricts the development and expansion of bulk fossil fuel terminals. Zoning Code amendments were adopted by the Portland City Council on Dec. 14, 2016. That ordinance was appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court and went back to City Council.
Status: City Council voted to adopt the ordinance on Dec. 18, 2019. The ordinance was appealed to LUBA by the Western States Petroleum Association, Portland Business Alliance, Oregon Business and Industry, and Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council. The LUBA hearing took place on July 14. A decision is expected by late October.
Next opportunity to engage: None currently.
Contact: Tom Armstrong, 503-823-3527, Tom.Armstrong@portlandoregon.gov
Design Overlay Zone Amendments Project (DOZA) www.portland.gov/bps/doza
What: Updating and improving both the process and tools used within the design overlay zone. The project includes changes to the zoning code, zoning map, and the citywide design guidelines.
Status: The DOZA Project received unanimous approvals from the PSC on July 14 and the Design Commission on June 18. Both the PSC and the Design Commission are charged with making a recommendation to the Portland City Council. The Recommended Draft, which is their joint recommendation, was published in November and is available now for review—including a guide to help break down its contents.
Next opportunity to engage: A tentative date of May 12 has been selected for the City Council public hearing. Prior to the hearing, BPS staff will provide opportunities for the public to learn what changed in the latest draft. Please check the website in late February for information on the dates. Interested people may also sign up for DOZA email updates.
Contact: Phil Nameny, 503-823-7709, Phil.Nameny@portlandoregon.gov
Environmental Overlay Zone Map Correction Project www.portland.gov/bps/ezones
What: Correcting the location of environmental overlay zones (ezones) to better align with rivers, streams, wetlands, floodplains, forests, steep slopes and wildlife habitat.
Status: On January 26, City staff released an update of the proposed environmental zone maps. The revised maps reflect the results of site visits by staff and new wetland mapping. Staff will provide a PSC briefing on February 9. The briefing will include an update on changes to the proposed zoning based on the site visits completed over the summer and fall. Staff will also respond to commissioner’s questions raised after the July hearing. There is a hearing on February 23 for the public to testify on the project.
There are two ways to view the Proposed Draft: Look up your property on the BPS Map App; or download a copy of the documents.
Site visits, including wetland determinations, are continuing through the winter and spring with new COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
Next opportunity to engage: The next PSC hearing is February 23. You must register by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021, if you’d like to provide comments during the Zoom meeting. Written testimony will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, via the MapApp.
Contact: ezone@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4225
Historic Resources Code Project www.portland.gov/bps/hrcp
What: Updating the City’s zoning regulations pertaining to the identification, designation, protection, and reuse of historic resources. Proposed changes include:
- refining the historic resource review exemptions, procedures, and criteria;
- expanding demolition review to City-designated Historic and Conservation Landmarks and Districts that are currently subject to demolition delay;
- amending demolition review approval criteria;
- expanding regulatory incentives to allow for the adaptive reuse of designated resources; and
- increasing emphasis on the importance of cultural and social history when new resources are determined eligible for designation.
Status: The Proposed Draft was released in September. A PSC hearing was held on October 27 and continued to November 10. Written testimony was accepted through November 10 and is currently closed. PSC work sessions were held December 8 and January 12. The next PSC work sessions are February 9 and March 9.
Next opportunity to engage: After considering amendments to the Proposed Draft at a series of work sessions, the PSC will make a recommendation to City Council in spring 2021, after which additional testimony will be invited. Find historic properties and review testimony on the Map App. Sign up for email updates.
Contact: Brandon Spencer-Hartle, 503-823-4641, Brandon.Spencer@portlandoregon.gov
Lower Southeast Rising Area Plan www.portland.gov/bps/lower-se-rising
What: The Lower Southeast Rising Area Plan will assess land use and transportation issues, expand neighborhood commercial opportunities, and address the historic lack of transportation infrastructure investment in portions of Brentwood-Darlington, Mt Scott-Arleta, Woodstock, and Lents. The project will:
- Explore potential land use changes to provide more neighborhood commercial and housing opportunities;
- Link affordable housing, economic development, and business stabilization opportunities; and
- Conduct a thorough inventory of community needs for walking, biking, and public transportation in the area.
Status: Recruitment for a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will open in February. Those interested can sign up for email updates.
Next opportunity to engage: The PAC recruitment will be the first opportunity to get involved.
Contact: Marty Stockton (BPS), 503-823-2041, Marty.Stockton@portlandoregon.gov; and
Bryan Pool (PBOT), 503-823-1172, Bryan.Poole@portlandoregon.gov
Montgomery Park to Hollywood Transit and Land Use Development Strategy (MP2H) www.portland.gov/bps/mp2h
What: Exploring options for a successful land use and transit system, including potential streetcar linking Montgomery Park in Northwest Portland to the Hollywood Town Center in Northeast Portland. The project is a joint effort between BPS and PBOT.
Status: The project will assess land use and transportation issues and options, including affordable housing, economic development and business stabilization opportunities associated with potential transit investments, including possible extension of the Portland Streetcar. The project has concluded the Urban Design Concepts phase, during which the community considered possible alternative land use development scenarios for the Northwest study area, and possible streetcar/transit alignment alternatives for the Northeast study area. Virtual open houses and information sessions were held on the urban design concepts for Northwest and Northeast Portland last summer. A draft MP2H Urban Design Concept Virtual Open House – Public Comments Report is now available.
Next opportunity to engage: The project team is developing a Discussion Draft—with input from the public, the project working group, and other stakeholders—for broader public review later this winter. The next working group meeting is February 10.
Contact: Barry Manning (BPS), 503-823-7965, barry.manning@portlandoregon.gov; or
Kate Drennan (PBOT), 503-823-4599, kate.drennan@portlandoregon.gov
Residential Infill Project (RIP) www.portland.gov/bps/rip
What: Updating the rules that shape Portland’s residential neighborhoods, so more people can live in them, while limiting the construction of very large new houses.
Status: On August 12, City Council voted to adopt the Residential Infill Project (RIP), including the deeper affordability bonus and the historic resource demolition disincentive amendments. A limited number of changes related to confirming the eligibility of platted lots for development went into effect in September. The bulk of the changes, including rezones, new overlay zones, increased options for housing, and limits on building scale will go into effect on August 1, 2021.
The RIP Map App continues to be available as a resource to learn more about specific changes to individual properties.
Next opportunity to engage: None at this time. The adopted ordinance and supporting documents are available on the project web site.
Contact: Morgan Tracy, 503-823-6879, residential.infill@portlandoregon.gov
River Plan / South Reach www.portland.gov/bps/river-plan/south-reach
What: Developing an updated vision and implementing maps, code and action items for the southern part of the Willamette River, as well as Natural Resources and Scenic Resources protection plans.
Status: On December 16, City Council unanimously adopted the River Plan / South Reach, which includes an update to the Willamette Greenway Inventory.
Next opportunity to engage: The adopted plan goes into effect on March 1, 2021. The as-adopted plan documents are now available.
Contact: Jeff Caudill, 503-823-4572, Jeff.Caudill@portlandoregon.gov
South Portland Area Planning www.portland.gov/naito-mainstreet
What: Working with PBOT and community members to develop land use, circulation and urban design plans around the Ross Island Bridgehead in South Portland, and featuring a Naito Main Street Plan. This effort is part of BPS’s Southwest Corridor Inclusive Communities Project.
Status: BPS has identified a range of land use and map changes to be recommended in the plan. Ongoing community engagement will help refine two development concepts for the Ross Island Bridgehead opportunity sites. A racial equity analysis of the project led by BPS is nearly complete.
During the early fall, BPS and PBOT staff gave a series of project briefings to the Planning and Sustainability, Design, and Historic Landmarks Commissions—culminating in an online public event on October 20. Videos and presentation slides from the three briefings and the October 20 public event are available on the project webpage.
Following the failure of Metro’s regional transportation funding measure, PBOT is putting their transportation projects on hold related to the Ross Island Bridgehead realignment and Naito Main Street. BPS staff is continuing to finalize the proposed development concepts for the bridgehead opportunity sites, completing the racial equity analysis, and drafting the land use plan.
Next opportunity to engage: None at this time, but check the project page for updates.
Contact: Kevin Bond, 503-823-1112, Kevin.Bond@portlandoregon.gov
South Portland Historic District Design Guidelines www.portland.gov/bps/sphd-guidelines
What: New approval criteria for alterations, additions and new construction in the South Portland Historic District.
Status: A Community Advisory Group (CAG) is meeting bimonthly to guide development of the draft approval criteria.
Next opportunity to engage: CAG meetings are open to the public, with time reserved for public comments at every meeting. The next CAG meeting will be held in March via Zoom.
Contact: Brandon Spencer-Hartle, 503-823-4641, Brandon.Spencer@portlandoregon.gov
West Portland Town Center Plan www.portland.gov/bps/wpdx-town-center
What: The West Portland Town Center Plan will articulate the community and City’s vision for transforming the West Portland area into a healthy, inclusive, people-centered place. Work will cover housing and displacement, improved health and prosperity for low-income residents, transportation and stormwater improvements, economic development, zoning changes and urban design.
Status: A Discussion Draft of the West Portland Town Center Plan, reflecting past community feedback and technical elements to support the plan vision, was published in October and comments were accepted until early December. The October online open house and Discussion Draft are still available online. Staff are reviewing public comments and an engagement summary will be posted in February. A Proposed Draft is expected in Spring 2021. The Community Advisory Group (CAG) will meet again in late March or April 2021.
Next opportunity to engage: When the Proposed Draft is released in Spring 2021, a new comment period will open and testimony can be provided to the Planning and Sustainability Commission on the proposal. Questions can be emailed to wptc@portlandoregon.gov. Those interested can always sign up for WPTC email updates.
Contact: Joan Frederiksen, 503-823-3111, wptc@portlandoregon.gov