Portland, OR Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PCC § 33.130.212
- Zones covered
- CM1, CM2, CM3, CE, most CX
- Main bonus path
- Inclusionary housing (Ch. 33.245)
- Certifying agency
- Portland Housing Bureau
- Alt. path
- Affordable commercial space, Prosper Portland
Summary
Portland lets commercial/mixed-use developers build past base FAR and height limits by providing affordable housing or affordable commercial space under City Code § 33.130.212.
The bonus options allow additional floor area and an increase in height as an incentive for development that provides a public or community benefit. The bonus can be gained in exchange for providing affordable housing or affordable commercial space in conjunction with new development. ... Bonus height and FAR is allowed for development that triggers 33.245, Inclusionary Housing. The amount of bonus floor area allowed is an amount equal to the net building area of the building that triggers 33.245.
Full Breakdown
In the CM1, CM2, CM3, CE zones and most of CX, Portland's bonus options let a project add floor area ratio and height above the zone's base limits in exchange for a public benefit. The main path is the inclusionary housing bonus: any project that triggers Chapter 33.245 Inclusionary Housing gets bonus floor area equal to the net building area of the triggering building, up to the FAR increment set in Table 130-3, once Portland Housing Bureau certifies compliance. Developers can also earn the bonus voluntarily, buy into the Affordable Housing Fund, provide on-site affordable commercial space, or use the Planned Development bonus on sites of 2+ acres.
Violations & Fines
The bonus is not self-executing: a building permit cannot issue until the applicant submits a Portland Housing Bureau (or Prosper Portland, for the commercial-space bonus) letter certifying the underlying requirements are met; building without that certification means losing the added floor area and height, not a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra floor area can a Portland project get?
Who signs off on the bonus in Portland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland 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.