Hillsboro, OR Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies in
- WHVS Plan District only
- Bonus ratio
- 1 unit per visitable unit
- Density cap
- 150% of zone maximum
- Front setback bonus
- reduced to 10 feet
- Adopted by
- Ordinance No. 6440 (2023)
Summary
In Hillsboro's Witch Hazel Village South Plan District, subdivisions with visitable homes earn 1 bonus unit per visitable unit, up to 150% of the zone's maximum density, under Community Development Code Section 12.68.710.
c.Density Bonus. For new residential subdivisions that include 1 or more visitable units, a density bonus of 1 additional unit (above the established maximum density) is allowed. The density bonus may be applied at a ratio of 1 bonus unit per visitable unit, up to 150% of the maximum density of the underlying zone.4.Visitable Unit Standard. To be considered a visitable dwelling unit, the dwelling must meet the following standards:a.Visitable Entrance. At least 1 entrance must be accessible via a route that does not have any stairs between it and the street lot line or an on-site parking space. The slope of the route may not exceed 1:8.b.Visitable Bathroom. At least 1 bathroom with a sink and toilet must be designed to accommodate an unobstructed circle that is at least 60 inches in diameter. The visitable bathroom must be on the same floor as the visitable entrance or be accessible from the visitable entrance via a ramp, elevator or lift.c.Visitable Living Area. There must be at least 200 square feet of living area on the same floor as the visitable entrance or 200 square feet of living area must be accessible from the visitable entrance via a ramp, elevator or lift.d.Visitable Doors. All door openings between and including the visitable entrance, visitable living area, and the visitable bathroom must be at least 34 inches wide.e.Adjustments to the requirements of Paragraphs 4.a through 4.d above are prohibited. (Ord. 6440 § 1, 2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Hillsboro's Witch Hazel Village South (WHVS) Plan District rewards accessible design: new residential subdivisions with 1 or more 'visitable' dwellings, units with a step-free entrance, a 60-inch-diameter accessible bathroom, 200 square feet of accessible living area, and 34-inch doorways, earn 1 bonus dwelling unit per visitable unit above the zone's maximum density, capped at 150% of that maximum. Visitable lots also get a reduced 10-foot front setback and higher lot coverage. The bonus applies only inside the WHVS boundary, not citywide; Hillsboro zoning overall sits inside Oregon's statewide land-use goals and Metro's urban growth boundary.
Violations & Fines
Adjustments to the visitable unit standards are prohibited outright: a project claiming the density bonus without meeting all 4 accessibility standards does not qualify and stays at the base maximum density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this density bonus apply citywide in Hillsboro?
What makes a unit 'visitable' under Hillsboro's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon zoning overlays & bonuses overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle density bonus law.