Wheeler planning commission reviews middle-housing code updates ahead of June state deadline

On May 7, 2025, the Wheeler Planning Commission heard a presentation from Elizabeth Decker of Jet Planning / 3J Consulting on draft zoning-code updates to permit “middle housing” — duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses and cottage clusters — intended to bring the city into compliance with Senate Bill 406 and related Oregon Administrative Rules by a June 2025 legislative deadline.

Decker said the update focuses on zoning and subdivision rules that would let these housing types be permitted in Wheeler’s R-1 and R-2 residential zones where appropriate infrastructure exists. “My name is Elizabeth Decker. I work with Jet Planning, part of a larger team with 3 j Consulting,” she told the commission, and stressed the work is part of a countywide effort supported by a DLCD grant.

Commissioners, staff and Decker then worked through key choices the state rules allow and what Wheeler’s draft would do. Commissioners raised three recurring concerns: parking availability, the allowable size and height of cottage units, and whether the city should permit detached as well as attached plexes.

On parking, commissioners described Wheeler as a place with almost no on-street parking except around the shops and post office. City staff member Mike said,…