| BPS E-News
Issue #66 — October 2017 |
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| City Council adopts new design guidelines for historic Chinatown/Japantown New guidelines ensure that alterations, additions and new construction will honor the district’s ethnic and architectural history. Portland’s only historic district that is significant for ethnic history just got some love. On September 28, City Council voted to adopt new design guidelines for additions, alterations and new construction projects in this district, which is notable for its ornate balconies, articulated facades and window treatments. The guidelines will allow change to occur over time in a thoughtful way, returning vibrancy to the district while retaining the important architectural and cultural qualities that make the area unique. |
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| Residential Infill Project releases draft zoning map and code New rules for Portland’s single-dwelling zones will help meet the housing needs of current and future residents. We all know Portland is changing. You can feel it in the streets, on the freeways and in our neighborhoods. But in 20 years, our city will need to house roughly 40 percent (or 250,000) more people than live here today. So how can our single-dwelling neighborhoods accommodate some of that growth? The RIP Discussion Draft includes 12 proposals to reduce the scale of new houses, increase housing options and refine the rules for narrow lots in Portland’s single-dwelling zones. |
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| | Why buy a new one, when you can fix yours for free? Repair PDX offers a fun way to save money and use what you already have. Don’t throw away your malfunctioning vacuum cleaner or toss that pair of pants with the broken zipper! This fall, let the volunteers at your local Repair PDX help you repair still loved and usable goods. You can pick from a series of upcoming free events that bring together volunteers who like to fix things with people who have items that need repair – like small appliances, bikes and garments. They’ve also been known to tackle power mowers and chain saws. Repair PDX is part of the BPS Fix-It Fairs again this year. Join us! Saturday, November 18, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Ron Russel Middle School, 3955 SE 112th Ave. |
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| Inclusionary housing report looks at the past six months of permit activity The first look at the effects of new regulations to stimulate production of affordable housing is inconclusive, but encouraging. Per City Council direction, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability recently completed an analysis of the effects of new Inclusionary Housing (IH) regulations on housing production. Staff looked at the number of applications that came in before IH went into effect on February 1, 2017. Approximately 19,000 housing units were submitted to the City before the February 1 IH implementation date. Of these units, 5,000 (in 57 projects) have been issued building permits for construction. Complying with the new IH regulations, six development projects have been submitted to the City that will create 60 affordable units and 406 market-rate units. |
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