AND HOW PORTLAND'S RIP & RIP2 CAN MAKE IT EASIER
As urban populations surge and housing demand escalates, cities across the globe are grappling with the challenge of accommodating growth while preserving neighborhood character and affordability. Portland, Oregon, renowned for its progressive urban planning, has taken proactive steps to address this issue through its Residential Infill Project (RIP) and its subsequent iterations, aptly dubbed RIP 2.0. These initiatives not only shape the city's housing landscape but also present a boon for homeowners seeking to integrate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) into their properties.
Understanding ADUs: A Housing Solution
ADUs, also known as granny flats, backyard cottages, or mother in law houses, are secondary dwellings built on residential lots alongside primary homes. These compact living spaces offer a range of benefits, including:
Increased Housing Options: ADUs provide additional housing units within existing neighborhoods, diversifying housing stock and accommodating multi-generational living arrangements, rental opportunities, or space for caregivers.
Affordable Housing: By utilizing existing land and infrastructure, ADUs offer relatively affordable housing options compared to traditional single-family homes, helping to address affordability challenges in urban areas.
Sustainable Development: ADUs promote sustainable urban development by utilizing underutilized space, reducing the need for sprawl, and enhancing neighborhood walkability and access to amenities.
The Evolution of Portland's Residential Infill Project
RIP: Catalyzing Change
Portland's original Residential Infill Project, introduced in 2016, aimed to address zoning regulations that limited housing density and diversity in residential neighborhoods. Key provisions of the RIP included:
Increased Density: The project proposed changes to zoning codes to allow for greater housing density, including the allowance of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in single-family zones.
Reduced Lot Size Requirements: RIP proposed reductions in minimum lot sizes, making it easier for homeowners to subdivide their properties or build additional units.
Design Standards: To maintain neighborhood character, the project introduced design standards to ensure new construction harmonized with existing homes.
RIP 2.0: Refining the Vision
Building upon the success and lessons learned from the original RIP, Portland's Residential Infill Project Part Two (RIP 2.0) further refines zoning regulations to encourage ADU development. Key features of RIP 2.0 include:
Elimination of Off-Street Parking Requirements: Parking mandates often hindered ADU construction due to limited space. RIP 2.0 removes these requirements, making it easier to build ADUs on properties without dedicated parking spaces.
Relaxation of Lot Coverage Restrictions: RIP 2.0 relaxes restrictions on lot coverage, allowing homeowners to maximize land use for ADU construction while still ensuring compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
Increased Building Height Allowances: By permitting taller structures, RIP 2.0 enables homeowners to design ADUs that optimize living space without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.
How RIP and RIP 2.0 Benefit Homeowners Building ADUs
Portland's Residential Infill Project and its subsequent iterations offer tangible benefits for homeowners considering ADU construction:
Streamlined Approval Process: RIP and RIP 2.0 streamline the permitting process for ADU construction, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting project timelines.
Financial Incentives: The increased housing density permitted under RIP and RIP 2.0 enhances property value and rental income potential, providing homeowners with a financial incentive to invest in ADUs.
Flexibility in Design: With relaxed regulations on lot size, parking, and building height, homeowners have greater flexibility to design ADUs that suit their needs and preferences while adhering to neighborhood character guidelines.
Community Integration: By fostering the development of diverse housing options within established neighborhoods, RIP and RIP 2.0 promote social inclusivity and community cohesion, enriching the urban fabric of Portland.
Portland's Residential Infill Project and Residential Infill Project Part Two represent bold initiatives aimed at addressing housing challenges while promoting sustainable, inclusive urban development. By facilitating the construction of ADUs, these projects empower homeowners to unlock the full potential of their properties, fostering a more vibrant and resilient city for generations to come.
Build Forward has a certified ADU builder through Earth Advantage on staff and we are here to help you design and build your ADU. Drop us a line for more information or questions!
Comments