Oregon’s housing crisis demands urgent action. By supporting SB 974, legislators can help reduce bureaucracy, increase housing supply, and lower costs for Oregonians. This is a practical and necessary step to address the state’s housing shortage and invest in Oregon’s future. SB 974 introduces measures that aim to streamline the housing approval process, which could significantly expedite housing development and increase supply. Here's how these provisions could achieve that:

Limited Land Use Decision for Residential Projects: Treating residential projects in areas planned for residential use as “limited land use decisions” simplifies the approval process. This approach minimizes the scope of review and reduces the potential for lengthy disputes, making it easier for developers to secure necessary approvals.

Reimbursement of Legal and Engineering Fees: Providing attorneys' and engineering fees to permit applicants if their project is unnecessarily delayed provides builders needed relief and fosters a more development-friendly environment.

120-Day Shot Clock for Certain Approvals: By setting a clear timeline for final engineering approvals, the permitting process becomes more predictable and efficient. This reduces delays caused by prolonged reviews, ensuring that projects move forward without unnecessary hold-ups. 

Elimination of Aesthetic Design Review: Skipping the design review process removes a layer of unnecessary bureaucracy. While design reviews can ensure aesthetic quality, certain design standards add time and complexity to the approval process. Eliminating this step speeds up the timeline for housing projects.

By implementing these measures, local governments can reduce the time and cost associated with housing approvals. This, in turn, encourages developers to undertake more projects, increasing the housing supply. A higher supply of housing can help meet demand, ultimately leading to more affordable housing options for residents.

Take Action Now

This is your chance to take action to boost housing production! Write today asking your Senator to SUPPORT SB 947 on the Senate Floor!