05/30/2018 - Tigard Code Update to Add More Housing Options for all Stages of Life City of Tigard
Press Release
13125 SW Hall Boulevard Tigard,Oregon 97223 www.tigarci-or.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2018
Contact:
Schuyler Warren
Associate Planner- City of Tigard
503-718-2437
schuylerw@tigard-or.gov
Tigard Code Update to Add More Housing Options for All Stages of Life
City staff,working with a Housing Options Task Force appointed by City Council, is currently drafting
development code amendments that will provide for a greater diversity of housing options in Tigard. This project is
the result of a 2013 Housing Strategies Report,which found that Tigard lacked diversity in its housing options.
In addition, the requirements of Oregon Senate Bill 1051 mean that all cities must provide clear and objective
standards for allowing accessory dwelling units on all lots where detached housing is allowed. Meeting the new state
requirements provided an opportunity for the city to consider other types of"missing middle"housing that were
recommended in the 2013 report and the city's Comprehensive Plan.
Missing-middle housing is a loosely related group of different types of housing units that bridge the gap between
apartment buildings and single-family homes. These include accessory dwelling units (ADUs), cottage clusters,
courtyard units, quads and row houses, among others. These types of housing can address the needs of Tigard's
growing population and provide more housing options for residents regardless of age,income, ability or household
size.
Generally, missing-middle housing is smaller than the typical home,less expensive to live in and build than a typical
home, and built in small groups or clusters with shared yards or walls. In Oregon, the average home size between
1987 and 2007 grew from 1700 sq. ft. to over 2300 sq. ft.,while at the same time the typical Oregon household size
declined. Unfortunately, the housing market has not responded to these demographic trends in household size. This
trend is due in part to restrictive and outdated city regulations.
Collectively, these trends have resulted in declining homeownership among younger generations and the
displacement of seniors who prefer smaller, single-story units. The hope is that this project will facilitate the
development of missing-middle housing that are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our existing neighborhoods
and provide residents with housing options that work for them through all stages of their lives.
Missing-middle housing is an important part of a comprehensive housing strategy for the City of Tigard because it
offers a wider variety of housing sizes and styles that can accommodate people at all stages of life.Whether it's a
single person, a small family just starting out or a retiree looking to downsize while staying in their neighborhood,
missing-middle housing can provide more housing options that fit any lifestyle and budget.
The city is looking for feedback on the proposed code amendments and welcomes residents to an open house on
June 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Tigard Public Library. Learn more at:www.tigard-or.gov/housingol2tions.