Tualatin launches code audit to meet Oregon "clear-and-objective" housing rules

Tualatin staff on Nov. 24 outlined a project to revise the city’s development code so it conforms to state requirements for "clear and objective" standards governing residential development.

Madeline Nelson, associate planner for the City of Tualatin, told the council the review and rewrite will be an audit of sections of the Tualatin Development Code that do not conform to "Oregon revised statutes 1 97 a dot 400 or Senate Bill 15 64," a statutory framework Nelson said is intended to reduce discretionary barriers, uncertainty, delay and costs that could discourage housing development. "The statute is intended to reduce discretionary barriers, uncertainty, delay, and costs that could discourage housing development," Nelson said.

Nelson said the city partnered with consultant MIG to complete the audit and draft code language; the project is funded by a grant with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). She gave milestone dates: a draft potential code in June 2026, a final draft in August 2026 and a formal adoptable-code hearing planned for fall 2026. Staff will return to council in January with the code-audit memorandum seeking policy direction.

Councilors used the question period to press on the scope and local flexibility. Councilor Hilliard asked whether the audit could identify opportunities to "push back" on state standards and where local autonomy remains, citing local concerns such as parking rules. Nelson said the consultant’s scope is narrow—focused on housing-related clear-and-objective standards—but the audit memorandum could provide additional guidance about related procedures and where local discretion might remain. Councilor Pratt asked whether the work also aims to simplify processes for developers; Nelson said the effort will examine procedures that are not in line with clear-and-objective standards and that making the process easier for developers is an objective of the project.

Nelson confirmed consultants will prepare the draft audit and draft code language and will work with staff and the planning commission and council during the process. The staff presentation said the update will address the full spectrum of housing types from single-family to multifamily.

Next steps listed by staff include returning in January with the audit memorandum and seeking policy direction based on audit findings; the council did not take action at the Nov. 24 work session.