Gresham, OR Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Downtown Plan District sub-districts
- Track 1
- Clear and Objective (Manager decides)
- Track 2
- Discretionary (Design Commission)
- Governing sections
- GCDC §§ 4.1150-4.1152
- Exempt uses
- Single-family homes, duplex-quadplex
Summary
New buildings, additions and remodels in Downtown Gresham's Plan District go through design review under Development Code Section 4.1100, with two tracks: a Clear and Objective standards path or a Discretionary Design Commission review.
1. Two Tracks: The City has two alternative Design Review tracks: � The Discretionary Track � The Clear and Objective Track Applicants have the choice of complying with either option. If the Clear and Objective Track is chosen, the applicant must meet all development standards. Deviation from any of the standards in Section 4.1152 means the application must use the Discretionary Track.
a. Clear and Objective Track: The Clear and Objective Track includes measurable regulations used in a predictable review process to meet the desired urban form. The standards ensure a degree of order, scale and proportion within the built environment. The standards offer choices and allow for projects that are interesting and of superior design as individual buildings while also contributing to a cohesive Downtown district. A decision on approval will come from the Manager. Deviation from any of the standards will require the applicant to follow the Discretionary Track.
b. The Discretionary Track: The Discretionary Track is intended for applicants that would prefer to propose a quality project that might not comply with all or some of the standards in Section 4.1152. The aim is to encourage applicants to propose exciting, innovative designs, while still ensuring the City's design concerns
City of Gresham Development Code
[4.1100]-35
(06/26)
Full Breakdown
The Development Code's Downtown Plan District (Section 4.1100) requires design review for new development, additions, and remodels across the DCC, DMU, DTM, DEM, DRL-1, DRL-2 and DCL sub-districts, per Article 7 Design Review. Applicants choose one of two tracks: the Clear and Objective Track, decided by the Manager, requires meeting every development standard in Section 4.1152; the Discretionary Track lets a project meet the corresponding Design Guidelines instead, but requires Design Commission approval. A short list of uses -- including single detached dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, park-and-ride facilities and basic utilities -- is exempt from Section 4.1152.
Violations & Fines
A project that deviates from any Section 4.1152 standard cannot use the Clear and Objective Track and must instead seek Design Commission approval through the Discretionary Track before permits can issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new building Downtown need design review?
What's the difference between the two design review tracks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Downtown Design Guide in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle downtown design guide.