Bill > SB898

This bill creates a new process for cities in Oregon to expand their urban growth boundaries (UGBs) to address housing needs, particularly for low-income and moderate-income housing. The bill allows cities to petition to add a project area to their UGB if they can demonstrate a housing need based on specific criteria, such as high rent burden, low rental vacancy rates, population growth, or economic conditions. To be eligible, the proposed project area must be adjacent to the existing UGB, no larger than 200 acres, and not located in protected environmental or agricultural zones. Cities must adopt a conceptual plan that ensures diverse housing opportunities, mixed-use development, and includes neighborhood commercial uses. The proposal requires that at least 10% of residential units be designated for low-income housing and an additional 15-20% for moderate-income housing. The bill includes provisions for public participation, consultation with landowners and local entities, and mandates that necessary urban services be committed to the new area. The urban growth boundary expansion authorization is temporary, set to expire on January 2, 2035, and aims to provide a flexible, streamlined approach to addressing housing challenges in Oregon's cities. The bill also amends existing urban reserve designation principles to reduce planning burdens, especially for smaller or economically challenged local governments.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB898