SB 1537 is the latest of a series of Oregon laws to encourage progress on Goal 10 Housing and Goal 14 Urbanization. The current shortage of all types of housing has created rising prices, segregation, displacement, inequities, and homelessness. The focus on creating more housing hopes to move us toward sustainability, equity, and economic development.
In the last few years, the legislation has included:
- Several laws on Clear and Objective Standards for Residential Development and Accessory Dwelling Units
- HB 2003 (2019) Housing Capacity Analysis / Buildable Lands and Housing Production Strategy
- HB 2001 (2019) Middle Housing
- HB 2064 (2022) Manufactured Homes
- HB 2001 (2023) Oregon Housing Needs Analysis
In 2018, the City of Corvallis received a grant from the state to pay for a third-party expert to review the Land Development Code and identify any legal problems or standards that created barriers to affordable housing. The consultant worked with a committee of local experts and completed this work in 2019.
The city divided implementing the audit recommendations into four phases — land divisions, block perimeter, residential and pedestrian oriented development standards, and natural features. The Development Code has been amended to implement the first three phases. The Planning Commission is currently holding work sessions for natural features and the city will likely finish this phase by the end of 2024.