Code Alignment Project launches

News Article

City infrastructure bureaus are teaming up to align conflicting code sections and adjust improvement thresholds.

The Code Alignment Project is part of the City of Portland's ongoing efforts to improve the permitting process. This project will begin to clarify the regulatory process customers experience when designing right-of-way improvements by aligning codes that give conflicting or unclear direction. The aims of this effort are to reduce permitting delays, costly project redesigns, and additional reviews.

On Nov. 18, staff from across City of Portland development bureaus came together to discuss code amendment ideas submitted by customers and staff.

First, staff will evaluate how to align threshold triggers for infrastructure improvements. A threshold trigger is an upgrade requirement that is not a part of the applicant's proposal and is intended to bring development into or closer to conformance with a current code requirement. These triggers can include improvements to the right of way, such as tree planting or sidewalk improvements, or enahancements to a site such as bike parking or parking lot landscaping.

Threshold triggers are assessed differently across codes. For example, street tree planting requirements have a static threshold, while street improvement triggers are based on a percentage of project value, while the seismic mitigation threshold is based on a percentage change in the RSMeans Construction Cost Index.

Customers raise concerns that upgrade requirements with site alterations are often unexpected which cause project delays and add costs and complexities. Additionally, threshold triggers based on county assessed value do not accurately reflect the true value of site improvements which makes more projects subject to those thresholds. Other threshold values have not kept up with inflation as they have not increased in decades.

Staff is evaluating the following thresholds to address these concerns and propose amendments to create a more consistent methodology that includes cost transparency and reasonableness:

• non-conforming upgrades
• street improvements
• seismic improvements
• street tree planting
• loss of non-conforming use status

Next, the project team will evaluate water meter upgrade thresholds, align parking and access requirements and dimensional standards, and assess consistency between system development charge definitions.

For more information about the Code Alignment Project, please visit its web page.