In 2024, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) contracted with Cascadia Partners to work with city staff on the Housing + Design Initiative. The first phase of the project was the code and plan audit, followed by the code and plan concepts, and finally the first draft of Phase 1 of the code and plan amendments. On May 20, 2025, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft code and plan audit for the Housing + Design Initiative. On September 16, 2025 the Planning Commission reviewed the draft code and plan concepts, which articulated the conceptual proposals for updating the development code to address the barriers and issues identified in the code audit. Staff sought policy direction from City Council at work sessions on December 1 and 8, 2025 and February 2 and 17, 2026. The direction received at those work sessions are reflected in the proposed code amendments.

 

This next phase, the code and plan amendments, are divided into two phases – Phase 1, includes code amendments to the Climate-Friendly Areas Overlay District, the Mixed-Use Districts, and the Commercial Districts. Note that this work session item will only cover the Mixed-Use Districts and Commercial Districts. The Plan Amendments to the Downtown, Gateway, Mid-Springfield, and East-Main Refinement Plans are also part of Phase 1 and will be addressed at a later date. Phase 2 will include amendments to the code for state law compliance, general cleanup/simplification, and to remove barriers to housing production, affordability, and choice.

The proposed amendments will be reviewed as a Type 4 Legislative Amendment to the Development Code. To promote and enhance meaningful discussion and feedback, staff will provide an overview of the code amendments and be available for questions. The Planning Commission will review the proposal at a public hearing this spring/summer of 2026 and provide a recommendation to the City Council.