The Senate Committee on Housing and Development convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss key legislative measures aimed at streamlining the building permit process in Oregon. The primary focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 6, introduced by Senator Anderson, which proposes a 45-day deadline for agencies to approve or deny residential building permit applications.

Senator Anderson emphasized that the bill specifically targets residential homes and middle housing permits, excluding larger commercial projects. The intent of Senate Bill 6 is to expedite the permitting process, which has been a significant barrier to housing development in the state. To enhance transparency, the bill includes provisions requiring building departments to clearly outline the criteria for a complete application on their websites.

Additionally, the committee discussed amendments related to technical language changes from the Department of Justice concerning civil court aspects of the bill. Another important component of the legislation mandates that special jurisdictions, such as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), must review their portions of applications within 10 business days.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public testimony, allowing stakeholders and community members to voice their opinions on the proposed legislation. The discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing housing shortages in Oregon and the need for efficient processes to support residential development. The committee plans to continue reviewing the bill and its amendments in future sessions.