We are beginning 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.
Public Meetings
News Release: Share your feedback on Multnomah County zoning code updates
We are holding four public meetings in summer 2025, and a virtual community meeting. Your input will help us identify and evaluate code amendment options and policy approaches. It will also help refine policy direction, and zoning issues and options.
August 5, 2025 at 6:30pm - in-person only
Sauvie Island Grange
14443 NW Charlton Rd, Portland OR 97231
Sauvie Island Community Association (SICA) Meeting
August 21, 2025 at 6:30pm - in-person only
Corbett Fire District #14 - Station 62
36930 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett OR 97019
NE Multnomah County Community Association (NEMCCA) Board Meeting
August 22, 2025 at 1pm - hybrid (in-person or online)
Multnomah County Board Room
501 SE Hawthorne St, 1st floor Room #100, Portland OR 97214
This meeting will include a special focus on agricultural lands and the agricultural community.
Sign up to join the meeting online.
Virtual Community Meeting
Visit our virtual community meeting to find out more and share your thoughts online.
The presentation and survey questions should take about 20 minutes.
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
- DocumentOverview: Zoning Code Improvement Project (148.78 KB)
- Document
Key Findings Memo:
- Document
- Document
- Document
- Document
Get Involved
We will be looking for input at various times throughout the process, including four public meetings in summer 2025.
Check back here for updates, or sign up for our mailing list: