Development Code Update

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 includes lighting, building materials, landscaping, windows, and more.

For this project, the City is refining our development regulations to better serve the community.

Join the conversation

Provide your thoughts in the forum discussion below!

Project goals

• Address changes in state law.
• Remove outdated standards.
• Update housing standards to be clear and objective.
• Reduce the application review time.
• Promote housing production, affordability, and choice.
• Improve policy equity, consistency, and simplicity.

Work to date

The city is collaborating with a consultant thanks to a grant award from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development.

The project team has:

• Reviewed the Gresham Development Code and state legislation to see where improvements can be made.

• Worked with the community and stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities related to the update.
• Started drafting updates to the Development Code.

Next steps

Moving forward, the project team will:

• Finish drafting updates to the Development Code.
• Share the proposed changes with the community and stakeholders to get their feedback.
• Finalize the proposed changes before seeking approval from the Planning Commission and City Council.

The project team will bring the proposed changes to the Development Code to public hearings with the Planning Commission and City Council in the summer of 2025. If approved by City Council the updated Development Code will go into effect later this year.

Community outreach

The City of Gresham values input from the community during planning projects like this one, and staff works to understand the perspectives of everyone who will be affected by the project. This includes outreach to residents from communities who have historically been underrepresented in planning processes.

During the Development Code Update, staff has provided opportunities for Gresham residents and committees to provide input at the following events and meetings:

• Rock the Block – August, 2024
• Gresham Design Commission – September 4, 2024
• Gresham Planning Commission – September 23, 2024
• Gresham Development Advisory Group – September 24, 2024
• Cross-Cultural Engagement Sessions (hosted in partnership with Latino Network and ARISE and Shine) – October 15, 2024 and October 29, 2024
• Gresham Neighborhood Coalition – November 12, 2024
• Gresham Design Commission – December 4, 2024

Additional public outreach will be conducted as needed, including future meetings with members of Gresham Neighborhood Associations, and the community is encouraged to provide input during future public hearings at the Planning Commission and City Council.

Project background

The Development Code Update is part of Gresham’s Strategic Plan and these three action items:

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

Learn about the Development Code Process Update

Stay tuned for opportunities to engage!