Looking ahead, State leadership is focusing on stimulating housing production in Oregon. According to a recent article in the Daily Journal of Commerce, state lawmakers are considering measures to increase accessory dwelling units and other ‘middle housing’ options in the upcoming 2025 legislative session. These initiatives aim to address the state’s housing shortage by promoting diverse housing types within existing urban areas.

At Winterbrook Planning, we remain committed to supporting housing production in Oregon, and communities in navigating these developments.

As 2024 concludes, Winterbrook Planning reflects on some of our contributions to enhancing housing accessibility across Oregon:

Turner, Oregon

In Turner, we provided on-call planning services, clarifying land use processes and guiding applicants through development projects. We conducted a comprehensive code audit, leading to updates that waived system development charges for accessory dwelling units, refined design standards, permitted duplexes outright in single-family zones, and revised annexation procedures. These unanimously adopted changes have streamlined Turner’s development code, promoting equitable housing access.

DLCD Housing Assistance

Collaborating with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), we supported Dayton, Happy Valley, Rainier, Sweet Home, and Tangent in utilizing housing grants. Our efforts focused on developing Housing Production Strategies (HPS) to comply with state housing statutes and reduce regulatory barriers to housing production in Oregon.

Mahonia Crossing (image at top of page)

Winterbrook led land use permitting for this major affordable housing project in Salem. The 313-unit, $115-million development will provide a mix of senior and family apartments. Permitting for the project occurred in two phases, requiring site plan and design review, numerous adjustments to development standards, and careful coordination with the design team and Salem planning officials.

Dayton, Happy Valley, Rainier, Sweet Home, and Tangent, OR.