Gresham, OR Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Smallest-lot bonus
- 200% density, 12 ft height
- Mid-density bonus
- 150% density, 24 ft height
- Highest-density bonus
- 125% density, 36 ft height
- Covenant term
- 30 years minimum
- Applies
- Citywide, most residential/commercial districts
Summary
Gresham grants an automatic density and height bonus to affordable housing developments citywide, with the bonus size set by the property's maximum allowed density under Development Code Section 10.1700.
Affordable housing in the LDR-5, LDR-7, ... VC-SW districts is permitted a density and height bonus based on the maximum density of the property and the residential use, as applicable, (Table 10.1711(B)). Table 10.1711(B): Affordable Housing Density and Height Bonus. PROPERTY MAXIMUM DENSITY / DENSITY BONUS: 16 units per acre or fewer / 200% / 12 ft. 16.1 to 45 units per acre / 150% / 24 ft. 45.1 units per acre or more / 125% / 36 ft. HEIGHT BONUS
Full Breakdown
Under Development Code Section 10.1711(G)-(H)/Table 10.1711(B), affordable housing in most residential, commercial, and Pleasant Valley districts gets a density and height bonus keyed to the property's maximum density: 16 units/acre or fewer earns a 200% density bonus and 12 ft height bonus; 16.1-45 units/acre earns 150% and 24 ft; 45.1+ units/acre earns 125% and 36 ft. A minimum 30-year affordable housing covenant, recorded with the county, is required before building permit issuance.
Violations & Fines
The bonus is conditioned on a recorded affordability covenant (Multnomah County Recorder) locking in income-restricted rents or ownership for at least 30 years; a project that doesn't record and maintain the covenant doesn't qualify for the bonus density or height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the density bonus require a public hearing?
Can a project get both a density and height bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle density bonus law.