In an effort to promote an increase in the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)--an important component of the City's affordable housing and density goals--the Portland City Council voted unanimously on a resolution to suspend systems development charges (SDCs) on the construction of these units.
Currently, SDCs on ADUs range from $7,000 to $12,000, which is a very high proportion of the total cost of construction, and a barrier to the proliferation of ADUs throughout the City. With the passage of today's resolution, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, the Water Bureau, the Bureau of Environmental Services, and the Bureau of Transportation will bring back the necessary code changes to implement the suspension of SDCs on ADUs by April 15, 2010.
Members of the Council spoke to the utility of these units as an affordable housing option, a thoughtful way to maximize the use of available land within the Urban Growth Boundary, a housing option for elderly citizens who want to remain close to family, and an opportunity to create jobs in a struggling construction industry.
Commissioner Leonard also encouraged those who may have constructed ADUs illegally, particularly in basement ADUs, to use the suspension of these fees as an opportunity to come forward and have their living units legalized through the permitting process, which will improve the fire safety of those structures and avoid preventable injuries and deaths.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Mayor Adams, Commissioner Leonard, and Commissioner Fish, and the policy will take effect following the passage of the necessary code changes on or before April 15, 2010.
