Middle Housing / HB 2001

• Duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, whether units are shared-wall, stacked or detached/free-standing
• Cottage clusters
• Townhouses

Middle housing allows options for people in different life stages who may prefer a home other than a traditional single-detached house.

Many households, regardless of income, struggle to afford single-detached homes in the greater Portland area. Even with a substantial down payment, competition for some homes is fierce.

Increasing the availability of middle housing in urban neighborhoods can create more affordable options for many in neighborhoods near schools, parks, shopping and workplaces.

Oregon House Bill 2001 requires all local governments to increase potential for development of middle housing in neighborhoods where single-detached homes are allowed. We amended our regulations to allow more of it in locations where you might expect to see only single-detached homes.

Many pre-1940s neighborhoods have both single-detached homes and middle housing. This created housing options right around the corner as people’s household size or needs changed.

But as time when on, entire neighborhoods of single-detached homes became more the norm, and middle housing options decreased. This made living in many neighborhoods unaffordable or inconvenient.

Reintroducing middle housing can help restore housing options to meet the needs changing needs household and community needs benefiting those who are:

• Just starting out
• Downsizing
• Looking for homes that meet changing mobility and other physical needs
• Hoping to stay in the same neighborhood

Most Washington County Land Use Districts that allow residential development also allow middle housing, as per requirements included in House Bill 2001.

Visit Middle Housing Development Application Process for more detailed information.

Townhouses must be on separate lots. All other middle housing types may be on separate lots or on a single, shared lot.

House Bill 2001, requires that standards for middle housing be no more stringent than for a single detached dwelling. Neighborhood Meetings are not required for a single detached dwelling and therefore are not required for middle housing.

• House Bill 2001 directs that standards for middle housing development on a single shared lot be no more stringent than for development of a single detached dwelling. Public notice is not required for a single detached dwelling and therefore is not required for middle housing development. However;
• If a Middle Housing Land Division is proposed to create an individual lot for each unit, public notice is sent to neighbors within 100 feet. This is a requirement of Senate Bill 458. A 14-day comment period applies.
• Visit Development Applications Under Review and enter the term “middle” to search for related applications.
  

Washington County Community Development Code

• Middle Housing Section 430-84
• Definitions Section 106
• Land Use Districts Article III
  • Review type
  • Density/number of units
  • Dimensional requirements
• Public Facility and Service Requirements Section 501
• Middle Housing Land Division Section 606

Washington County Land Use & Transportation

• Middle Housing/HB 2001
• Middle Housing Development Application Process
• Washington County Middle Housing Development Application

State of Oregon

• Oregon Housing Choice
• Oregon House Bill 2001 (HB 2001) Housing Choices
• Oregon Senate Bill 458 Land Divisions for middle housing
• ORS 197.360 to 197.380 Expedited and middle housing land divisions