Middle Housing

Background on the Middle Housing Project

In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2001, commonly known as the Middle Housing Bill. This legislation was introduced to address the state’s growing housing crisis by expanding housing options in Oregon communities.

Middle housing includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes, and cottage cluster housing—housing types that offer alternatives to large, detached homes. Unlike traditional multi-family apartments, middle housing can provide both homeownership and rental opportunities that are often more affordable and appropriately sized for a variety of households.

House Bill 2001 does not require property owners to develop middle housing; rather, it removes regulatory barriers, making it easier for those who choose to pursue these housing types. Under this law, all cities within the Portland Metro region must allow middle housing in areas where single-family homes are permitted, increasing flexibility in residential development.

West Linn Middle Housing Rules

The West Linn City Council adopted Ordinance 1736 to amend the West Linn Community Development Code to promote the development of Middle Housing options in compliance with Oregon House Bill 2001.