Bill > HB2138

This bill aims to expand housing density and affordability by making significant changes to Oregon's land use regulations. The bill allows for denser housing development in cities and urban unincorporated areas by requiring local governments to permit various types of middle housing (such as duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses) on residential lots. Cities with populations of 25,000 or greater must allow all middle housing types on residential zoned land, while smaller cities have more limited requirements. The bill provides incentives for creating accessible and affordable housing units by allowing additional dwelling units when certain affordability or accessibility criteria are met. It also streamlines land division processes, reduces barriers to housing development, and limits local governments' ability to impose restrictive design standards or reduce housing density. The bill includes provisions to prohibit private restrictions that would limit middle housing development and requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt rules promoting housing development by January 1, 2028. Additionally, the legislation creates new procedures for expedited land divisions and sets shorter timelines for local governments to process housing-related applications. The bill becomes operative on January 1, 2027, with some specific provisions having different implementation dates, and declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2138