Climate, Resilience and Land Use Committee - 2026-03-12
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Climate Resilience and Land Use Committee held its final meeting, passing a resolution directing the city administrator to develop an accelerated timeline for the Inner East Side Area Planning project, with a goal of council voting on zoning changes by June 30, 2027. The resolution passed 4-0 (one absent) and aims to enable up to 143,000 potential housing units in transit-rich Inner East Side neighborhoods currently limited by low-density zoning. The committee also approved Peggy Moretti's reappointment to the Historic Landmarks Commission (4-0).
Key Decisions (3)
Inner East Side for All Zoning Resolution
Resolution 2026-01106 directs city administrator to provide a 90-day report on accelerating Inner East Side rezoning, including geographic scope, preliminary zoning concepts, affordability methodology, infrastructure alignment, and revenue projections. Goal is council consideration of zoning changes by June 30, 2027. Current zoning allows approximately 22,000 units; proposed upzoning could enable 143,000 potential homes. Sponsored by Councilors Murillo, Green, and Avalos.
Amendment to Inner East Side Resolution
Councilor Novick's amendment added language requiring the 90-day report to identify 'any barriers to council consideration of zoning changes no later than June 30, 2027' in addition to the expedited timeline.
Peggy Moretti Reappointment to Historic Landmarks Commission
Reappointment of Peggy Moretti to Historic Landmarks Commission for second four-year term expiring August 2, 2030. Moretti is current vice chair, retired executive director of Restore Oregon, and serves on Development Review Advisory Committee and Bosco Milligan Foundation board.
Zoning Changes (1)
Inner East Side Portland - transit-rich neighborhoods including areas near Lloyd Center, Buckman, and corridors served by frequent transit
City of Portland (policy-driven, not applicant-initiated)
Development Activity (3)
Inner East Side Area Planning Project
Conceptual zoning would increase buildable capacity from approximately 22,000 units to over 143,000 potential homes. Focus on allowing 4-story buildings and corner stores on quieter residential streets, not just arterials. Infrastructure assessment completed September 2024.
33rd and Powell Apartment Development
Planned 70-unit apartment building, LEED Platinum certification, car share amenities, geo exchange heating/cooling. Developer testified that FAR (floor area ratio) constraints are limiting ability to achieve maximum height.
99th and Gleason Development
Recently completed 105-unit development. Developer noted inability to transfer density credits from this project to other developments.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Portland's housing needs analysis requires approximately 6,000 new units annually for 20 years, but current production is roughly half that rate, creating significant pent-up demand.
Housing Demand
Building permits are at lowest levels since 2010, with construction industry workers being furloughed due to the local recession.
Commercial Demand
Jade District captured approximately 20% of citywide multifamily building permits in August 2024, indicating concentrated development activity in areas with existing density allowances.
Infrastructure
TriMet transit service cuts and frequency reductions are affecting Inner East Side neighborhoods, though city views zoning on 'long game' basis rather than adjusting for short-term transit changes.
Sentiment
Developer testified that FAR limits, height restrictions, lot coverage limits, and design constraints are preventing financially feasible projects that are 'just a few units shy' of penciling out.
Other
Diesel fuel consumption up 70% since 1990 while gasoline down 20%, driven by e-commerce delivery growth, presenting challenge for transportation emission reduction goals.