Lebanon commission backs development-code changes to implement cityhousing production strategy

The Lebanon Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt development code amendment DCA-25-01, a package of changes the city says implement its 2023 Housing Production Strategy and update the Lebanon Development Code for state law consistency.

The amendments matter because they are intended to expand housing choices and remove regulatory barriers identified in the Housing Production Strategy (HPS), update manufactured-dwelling-park standards to match recent state law, allow certain small-unit housing types in specified contexts and establish standards for affordable-housing bonuses; the package also advances the city's compliance with state planning goals and statutes.

Planning staff told commissioners the code update work began in March 2024 and was funded by a technical-assistance grant from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). Staff said the project included a code audit, multiple drafting rounds and review by a broadly representative project advisory committee (PAC), planning…