Housing Options Project Next Steps

Staff is analyzing survey results about how people think new housing types (such as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes) should look in their neighborhood. Beaverton recently released the Residential Development Patterns report to summarize information about the characteristics of different housing types and different Beaverton neighborhoods, and this survey asked you to think about the report and some of its findings.

Survey results will be posted on this website and emailed to all subscribers on the Notify Me list.  If you would like to add your name to the list, you can start by clicking here.

Survey input will inform the development of ideas about how city codes will allow new housing types and how they respond to the size and shape of homes already in the neighborhood.  Community members will have the opportunity to review and comment on the alternatives this winter.

Future Public Engagement

As the city responds to the COVID-19 public health emergency, projects such as the Housing Options Project may be delayed and public engagement modified.  You can visit www.beavertonoregon.gov/177/Planning to learn more about how to get planning and zoning questions answered. Citywide COVID-19 information is available at www.beavertonoregon.gov/2356/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19.

New Oregon Housing Rules

Beaverton began exploring where and how to allow more varied housing types in residential neighborhoods in 2018. Then, in 2019 a new state law was enacted that requires Beaverton to allow duplexes on most lots and triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes and cottage clusters (small homes on one lot that share a lawn or garden) in all residential areas where detached single-family homes are allowed.

Staff is developing alternative ways that Beaverton can comply with the new law, starting with insights into the history, design and context of each neighborhood as described in the Residential Development Patterns report.

More information is available in this fact sheet:

New Oregon Middle Housing Rules

Project Description

The region, like most of the country, is experiencing a shift in the type and location of desired housing. People might want or need different housing types based on income, family size or the desire to age in their neighborhood, move closer to job centers or start a family. Beaverton is trying to meet the growing demand for more housing options.

However, in many parts of Beaverton, only single-family homes are allowed. This project considers where and how other types of homes might be allowed in the city’s residential areas in a way that considers the size and shape of homes already in the neighborhood.

Staff is working with the community to evaluate these and other similar housing types:

• Accessory dwelling units (small units added inside existing homes or in separate structures)
• Duplexes
• Triplexes
• Four-plexes
• Townhouses
• Cottage clusters (Detached single-family homes on one lot that share gardens or lawns)

The project is considering where and how these additional housing types could be allowed to:

• Provide more places to live for people with different housing needs, preferences and income levels.
• Encourage diverse housing options so people can stay in their neighborhoods as their needs change.
• Give property owners more choices and flexibility over what types of housing they can build on their land.
• Assist with affordability by allowing more units and smaller units in existing neighborhoods.

Process 

The process will include:

• Documenting Beaverton’s existing neighborhoods, including the age, size, shape and placement of homes in existing neighborhoods.
• Exploring opportunities for adding new housing types that are not currently allowed.
• Developing alternative ways to allow new housing types in neighborhoods.
• Determining a preferred approach to allow new housing types.
• Preparing changes to the city’s development rules that implement the preferred approach.
• Sharing new housing opportunities with the community about potential changes in neighborhoods.

Beaverton staff will conduct public engagement at each step to learn about preferences and concerns relating to new housing types.

The City Council will make the final decision about any changes to development rules that would result from this project.