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.
Multnomah County is updating its Zoning Code, and we want your input. Please join us at an open house to learn what’s changing and share your thoughts.
October 2026 Open Houses
This is your opportunity! Attend an open house this October, talk to a planner, and let us know what you think.
Last year, community members told us where the zoning code causes confusion and makes it harder than necessary to achieve goals.
We heard:
Make the code more straightforward and less arduous
Allow simple, standards-based reviews for simple projects
Provide farmers with more options
Now we’d like to share proposed code changes for how we've addressed these concerns.
Are we heading in the right direction? Did we address the most critical issues? How do you feel about the proposed changes? Your feedback will shape the amendments before they move forward.
When and where are the open houses?
We are hosting three in-person open houses and one online session. Come by, walk around, and share your thoughts and feedback with Land Use Planning staff about the proposals. Drop by any of the following open houses.
October 6, 6-8pm
Sauvie Island Grange
14443 NW Charlton Road
Hosted by the Sauvie Island Community Association
October 7, 6-7:30pm
Skyline Grange
11275 NW Skyline Blvd
Hosted by the Skyline Ridge Neighborhood Association
October 21, 6-8pm
Corbett Community Fire Hall
36930 East Historic Columbia River Highway
Co-hosted by NE Multnomah County Community Association and Multnomah County Land Use Planning
October 29th, 6-7:30pm
Virtual Open House
Stay tuned! More information to be announced
Timeline
First Phases Complete
The first two phases of the project – reviewing the Code for consistency with project goals and recommending changes to achieve them – are now complete.
2026-2027 Schedule
Activities currently underway and soon to come include:
- Public Open Houses – October 2026
- Revise draft code amendments (second round) – October through December 2026
- Further review with Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners – November 2026 through January 2027
- Finalize code amendments for adoption – Early 2027
- Hold public hearings and adopt code amendments – June 2027
Documents
- DocumentOverview: Zoning Code Improvement Project (148.78 KB)
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Key Findings Memo:
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Get Involved
We have four public meetings scheduled for October 2026. We will continue to look for input at various times throughout the process.
Visit this site again in the future for updates, or sign up for our mailing list: