Portland's Residential Infill Project (RIP), effective August 2021, fundamentally restructured single-dwelling zones (PCC 33.110) to allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes by right in most residential lots, with a density bonus to six units when at least half are affordable. The Inclusionary Housing program (PCC 33.245), in effect since February 2017, provides Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and height bonuses for buildings of 20+ units that include affordable units.
Two parallel density-bonus systems operate in Portland. (1) RIP / Middle Housing: PCC 33.110 was amended in 2021 to allow two units (duplex) by right in formerly single-family R5/R7/R10 zones; three units (triplex) at higher FAR limits; four units (fourplex) on corner lots; and six units when half are regulated affordable under the 'deeper affordability' bonus. Maximum building size is capped by FAR (typically 0.6 in R5, increasing with unit count) rather than by lot coverage alone. (2) Inclusionary Housing: PCC 33.245 ('Inclusionary Housing') applies to new residential buildings of 20+ units citywide. Developers must provide 20% of units at 80% MFI or 10% at 60% MFI, in exchange for height/FAR bonuses, SDC reductions, and a 10-year property-tax exemption under ORS 307.515-307.523. The combination has made Portland a national reference point for legal upzoning of single-family neighborhoods. State law HB 2001 (2019, codified at ORS 197.758) requires cities over 25,000 to allow middle housing — RIP implements that mandate locally.
Density-bonus standards are not 'violated' in the traditional sense; they're entitlement increases tied to providing affordable units or middle-housing forms. Failure to maintain affordability for the required term (60-99 years under PCC 33.245.060) triggers recapture of the SDC waivers, tax-exemption clawback, and civil penalties under PCC 30.01 (Affordable Housing) of up to $1,000 per day per unit.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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Portland, OR
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See how Portland's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
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