In a move aiming to support Oregon's goal of increasing housing stock, state building codes have been revised to ease the construction of multi-family dwellings. Last Friday, as reported by the City of Portland, the Oregon Residential Specialty Code permits the attachment of two stacked, two-family dwellings (four units total) without the need for sprinklers, which were previously mandated under stricter commercial building regulations.

The update simplifies further for builders, allowing the attachment of three or more stacked, two-family dwellings (resulting in six or more dwelling units), with the requirement that NFPA 13D sprinklers be installed throughout all units. The fire-resistance standards are strict, demanding a two-hour separation wall between each unit, specifically designed to hinder fire spread. Conversely, the new ruling is capped to two-story structures only, with the caveat that the ground floor of these units must be wheelchair accessible, as detailed by the City of Portland.

Moving with the changing tides, the City of Portland extends a more lenient hand for denser housing, especially through its Building Code Guide for townhouses (BCG 19-11), which, under specific circumstances, permits three- and four-story two-family dwellings to be constructed attached to one another. Speaking to the reason behind these changes, the Building Codes Division (BCD) noted, "This temporary rule is intended to meet the stated industry desire of simpler, small footprint, 'apartment-type' designs being available while the division supports our Governor’s housing initiatives and related statewide housing production goals."

The allure of such developments stems from a temporary administrative rule by BCD, active through July 29. BCD has laid plans for a permanent rulemaking odyssey to pick up before the temporary one fades out. Stakeholders with a mind to influence the trajectory of these housing policies are encouraged to reach out to the BCD for further engagement on the matter.