What is “permitting” and why does it need to be streamlined?
Permitting is very important. It ensures that new homes are responsibly constructed, safe to live in, and meet the established city rules. Depending on the number of new homes proposed to be built and whether other elements are part of the development (like infrastructure improvements, retail development, parks, etc.) the housing proposal might have to go through extensive permitting processes, at multiple stages of development.
Unfortunately, these permitting processes often include unnecessary and outdated rules that can slow or stop homes being built, even in areas where they are technically allowed. Delays in permitting can add months or years to building timelines, translating into fewer homes being built—and ultimately more expensive sale and rent prices.
Streamlining permitting occurs when a local government reviews their own permitting process to remove redundancies, unnecessary requirements, and bottlenecks to accelerate the process for building housing. Your city may also choose to specifically accelerate permitting for desired housing types, such as small homes, accessible homes, or subsidized affordable housing.
Success story: Medford jump-started infill housing by making ADUs faster and cheaper to build
This Southern Oregon city of 85,000 offers five permit-ready ADU designs with expedited review—and reduces system development charges for builders who commit to long-term housing rather than short-term rentals. Since adopting this approach in 2020, Medford has added at least 140 new ADUs, expanding housing options for local residents.
Image courtesy of City of Medford Housing and Community Development Division.
Intended outcomes
- Reduced rental and home sale prices.
- Increased units produced.
- Increased speed of production.
Policies in this category include auditing and streamlining permitting, “by-right” permitting, permit-ready or pre-approved plans, and shot-clock laws (imposing a time limit for rejection or approval of permit applications).
By-right permitting
By-right permitting means using a streamlined approval process: If the proposed home meets the standards in the local development code and other local laws, then it is approved ministerially. The purpose is to accelerate housing production by reducing development uncertainty. Many cities already have by-right permitting for certain types of development, but there is still room to expand the types of homes eligible for by-right permitting. Cities can use this tool as a way to encourage more middle housing, small apartments, and ADUs.
Permit-ready plans
The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) is in the process of developing permit-ready plans for new homes, which will be available in 2027. Through the Permit Ready Plans Program, the Oregon Building Codes Division will develop and make publicly accessible building plans that meet the requirements of the state building code and are exempt from architecture and engineering practice laws. The objective is that permit-ready plans will require less time and cost for local building departments to review.
Cities can also create permit-ready plans for needed housing types, like Eugene, Medford, and other cities have done.
Shot-clock laws
The 2025 legislature enacted a shot-clock law for cities to review final engineering plans for housing developments, setting a 120-day deadline that aligns with the existing deadline for cities to review the land use portions of a housing development application. For a detailed summary of the intention of this program, read this letter issued by the League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties, and the Oregon Homebuilders Association.
Ensure diverse home choices (types, sizes, and price points) that meet the needs of all Oregon households are allowed by local laws and are buildable in all neighborhoods.
Evaluate the permitting review process for new developments and remove barriers, redundancies, and unnecessary delays.
Strengthen necessary segments of the homebuilding workforce and ensure these workers can afford to live in your area.
Establish innovative ways to fund new homes and infrastructure and/or reduce the cost of building, buying, or renting homes.
Establish policies to maintain existing affordable housing, prevent displacement, and improve accessibility.
Identify and amend financial and practical incentives to ensure they work towards community housing goals.