In a notable move towards alleviating the pressing issues of housing affordability, Oregon's Building Codes Division has set the stage for developers to more readily construct attached stacked duplexes, a move affirmed by Governor Tina Kotek's vision of employing every strategy to counter the housing affordability crisis, as per the Oregon Building Codes Division's announcement. The new code adopted by the division will permit builders to use the residential code to stack two dwelling units vertically and attached them horizontally, thereby efficiently doubling the housing density on existing lots and delivering expanded affordable housing options to Oregon families.
The innovative code change allows these duplexes to be treated similarly to townhouses under the residential special code, ensuring that while the number of dwelling units is effectively doubled, crucial safeguards for design and construction remain uncompromised, and unit compartmentalization is maintained. This change not only promises denser housing but also introduces newfound versatility in addressing the constraints of smaller lots and infill development. As pointed out by Alana Cox, the administrator of the Building Codes Division, in a statement obtained by Oregon Building Codes Division's announcement, this initiative rolls out as an additional tool for the construction industry to create more housing units in a more straightforward, streamlined fashion without undermining design safeguards, echoing Gov. Kotek's call for a collective, multi-faceted approach to tackle the housing crisis.
This housing model was previously only permissible under the structural specialty code's multifamily path which generally entails higher complexity and cost, with these new provisions, builders can now operate under the residential code, which is significantly less burdensome and intricate. By enabling this smoother path for duplex development, the state paves the way for a quicker and less costly construction process which, in turn, is expected to contribute to a more affordable housing market in the area.
The collaborative efforts between the Building Codes Division, the Residential and Manufactured Structures Board, local governments, and industry partners reflect Oregon's commitment to innovation and pragmatism in its quest for affordable housing solutions. Embracing an 'all-hands-on-deck' mindset, as highlighted by Kotek's administration, it's a stride toward a future where the dream of accessible housing is not merely an aspiration but an attainable reality for more Oregon citizens.
