Zoning Code Improvement Project

We are conducting a multi-year project to audit, rewrite, and modernize Multnomah County's Zoning Code.

About the Project

The current code is not well organized. Its language is complex and confusing, and does not provide clear direction. The code has limited flexibility for minor changes, and it lacks provisions to address neighborhood concerns.

We are updating the code to:

• make it consistent with current laws and policies.
• make it clearer, more flexible and easier to use.
• improve operations and customer service, by limiting permit review times or easing some requirements.
• align the code with community priorities identified in our Comprehensive Plan.
• add clear and objective standards for most types of housing in unincorporated Multnomah County.
• provide clear and objective pathways, resulting in quicker, easier permitting while allowing for more discretionary options for those who desire them.

The improved code will be fairer, more accessible and more efficient. It will promote consistency with current laws and policies while addressing neighborhood concerns. It will provide clear and objective standards that apply to most types of housing developments.

Timeline

The project kicked off in January 2025, and will take about three years.

• Year 1: Address legal sufficiency, gather initial stakeholder input, and identify amendment and policy options.
• Year 2: Conduct broader community engagement, refine zoning issues and options, and agree on policy direction.
• Year 3: Draft, review and adopt code revisions.

2025 Schedule

• Project Kick-off - January
• Best Practices Research - January through March
• Code Audit - March through May
• Focus Group Interviews - April through May
• Planning Commission Meeting - Early June
• Community Engagement - July through August
• Key Issues Refinement - August through September
• Seeking Policy Direction - September through October
• Board of County Commissioners Meeting - Late October

Documents

• Document

  Overview: Zoning Code Improvement Project (148.78 KB)
• Document

  BCC Briefing: Zoning Code Improvement Project, October 2025 (883.07 KB)
• Document

  Planning Commission Presentation: Code Update Project, September 2025 (733.79 KB)
• Document

  Community Engagement Summary - Code Improvement Project, September 2025 (681.73 KB)
• Document

  Refined Key Findings Memo - Code Improvement Project, September 2025 (756.52 KB)
• Document

  Presentation: Code Update Project, July 2025 (2.34 MB)

Key Findings Memo:

• Document

  Memo: Key Findings Summary - Code Improvement Project, 5/27/25 (723.82 KB)
• Document

  Attachment A: Best Practices Memo - Code Improvement Project, 3/24/25 (694.35 KB)
• Document

  Attachment B: Focus Group Summary - Code Improvement Project, 5/22/25 (636.45 KB)
• Document

  Attachment C: Code Audit Report - Code Improvement Project, 5/27/25 (596.31 KB)

Get Involved

We will be looking for input at various times throughout the process. We held four public meetings in 2025, and we'll be planning more for 2026.

Check back here for updates, or sign up for our mailing list: