Skip sidebar navigation

Urban Design and Planning

Development Code and Process Updates

When architects, developers and contractors plan to build here, they must follow the Gresham Development Code. The Development Code lays out the rules for how buildings look and function. For example, this can include lighting, building materials, landscaping, windows, and more.

For this project, the City is refining our development regulations to better serve the community. We’re calling it the Development Code and Process Updates (DCPU) project.

Project goals

  • Address changes in state law
  • Remove outdated standards
  • Update housing standards to be clear and objective
  • Reduce application review time
  • Promote housing production, affordability, and choice
  • Improve equity, consistency, and simplicity
  • Status and Updates
  • Project Background
  • Documents
  • Contact
Status and Updates

Current phase

The current phase of the DCPU project will make changes to the Development Code to:

  • Ensure standards for developing housing are clear and objective
  • Update outdated standards
  • Improve equity, consistency, and simplicity of code language

Currently, staff is working with a consultant to identify issues and opportunities for improvement within the Development Code and drafting revisions in response. Staff will then present the proposed revisions to the Gresham Design Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. Staff will incorporate their feedback into a final proposal  and begin the adoption process. The adoption process will include a public hearing where Planning Commission makes a recommendation to Council, then a public hearing where City Council will vote on the whether to adopt the updated Development Code.

For more information on the project, and to provide your input, visit Engage Gresham.

Project Background

The DCPU project began after a need was identified in Gresham’s Strategic Plan to pursue changes to the Development Code to adapt to changing development trends, facilitate housing development, and promote a vibrant community. It is part of these three action items from the Strategic Plan:

  1. Thriving Economy (TE-D3)
    Identify development code changes that support future development trends to keep Gresham ahead of the curve with flexible uses/zoning.
  2. Housing for All (HA-B)
    Promote and support housing development that is affordable to the Gresham community across all housing types.
  3. Community Vibrancy (CV-D)
    Prioritize long-range planning that supports designing and building quality community gathering spaces, public or private. Create welcoming and inclusive environments with amenities for all.

To support these ongoing priorities, the City will continue to look at ways to improve the Development Code in the future.

Read more in the Strategic Plan’s Year Two Action Plan.

Documents
Contact

To share your input on this project, visit Engage Gresham.

Joshua Williams   
Senior Development Planner
503-618-2819
Joshua.Williams@GreshamOregon.gov