County staff brief commissioners on housing bills that would change zoning, add production funds and create preapproved plans

Washington County government relations staff on April 1 updated the Board of Commissioners on a package of housing bills backed by Governor Kotek that would alter allowable housing types, create a housing infrastructure fund and provide statewide preapproved building plans for qualifying projects.

Carly Silva Gabrielson, one of the county’s government relations managers, told the board HB 2138 is the main “buildable housing” bill the county is tracking; the measure would allow a variety of new housing types and increase density in areas zoned for residential use. Staff said a work session on a -4 amendment was scheduled and that county planners have worked with the governor’s office and committee chairs to limit planning burdens on county staff.

The county is also monitoring HB 3031, which would create a housing infrastructure production fund within Business Oregon to provide loans, grants and forgivable loans for infrastructure serving affordable housing. Carly said the measure had passed the House Housing and Homelessness Committee and been referred to Ways and Means.

On HB 2258, which would create a statewide library of preapproved land use and building plans (described as "Oregon Homes" in the briefing), Carly said Washington County has concerns about preemption of local standards and practical construction realities; staff will continue to provide feedback to the governor’s office and committees. She said the next work session for that bill was scheduled for April 7.

A fourth bill, HB 2316, was described as a concept the governor's office raised recently to display state lands that could be available for sale via an online portal; staff said much of Washington County falls outside urban growth boundaries but that they will continue to review the measure as it advances.

Why it matters: County staff said the package collectively aims to increase housing production and reduce development barriers, but staff emphasized concerns about implementing stormwater and utility access requirements tied to higher density.

Next steps: Staff said they are negotiating technical amendments with committee chairs and the governor’s office and expect further work sessions and ways-and-means review. County and Clean Water Services staff said they continue to press for clarifications about stormwater permits and easements to make sure higher density requirements remain implementable.

Ending: Commissioners thanked staff for the briefing and said they would continue to follow the bills.