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

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:

• Prepare preliminary code amendments in four parts or “modules” – January through May 2026
• Review draft amendments with Planning Commission and interested parties – March through June 2026
• Revise preliminary draft code amendments (2^nd round) – October through December 2026
• Conduct community meetings – June through August 2026
• Conduct additional meetings with interested parties – September through October 2026
• Revise draft code amendments (2^nd round) – October through December 2026
• Further review with Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners – November 2026 through January 2027
• Finalize code amendments for adoption – January through March 2027
• Hold public hearings and adopt code amendments – March through May 2026

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 held four public meetings in 2025, and we'll be planning more for 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: