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Hillsboro, OR Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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)

View official code

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?
No. It applies only within the Witch Hazel Village South Plan District boundary. Elsewhere, Hillsboro follows base-zone density and, in single-family zones, the state's HB 2001 middle-housing requirements.
What makes a unit 'visitable' under Hillsboro's code?
A step-free entrance with no more than a 1:8 slope, a 60-inch-diameter accessible bathroom on the entry floor, 200 square feet of accessible living area, and 34-inch-wide connecting doorways.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hillsboro

All Hillsboro rules

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