Proposal Approach 17. Continue East Portland mid-block open areas through requirements for deep rear setbacks.
This proposal would apply only to sites with multi-dwelling zoning in Eastern Portland (map on previous page). It would require a rear setback equal to 25 percent of the site depth. This is responsive to the area’s large blocks and community interest in continuing some of the area’s mid-block characteristics, such as rear yards and tree groves. Keeping mid-block areas more open could also help leave space for connections through the area’s large blocks to help improve connectivity. Exceptions to this requirement would include:
Sites less than 100 feet deep and corner sites would be exempt from this special setback (sites where a new street connection is being proposed would typically be exempt).
Buildings serving as indoor community space could be located within the setback.
Parking areas could occupy up to half the setback area. This is intended to work in conjunction with other regulations that discourage parking from being located toward the front of sites.
Sites providing large common areas (minimum of 10 percent of sites area) elsewhere on the site would be exempt.
Current approach Development extends to rear of lots
Large blocks with multi-dwelling zoning in East Portland, with Douglas fir groves located at the centers of the blocks.
Proposed approach Development arranged to provide mid-block outdoor area at rear of site (same housing unit sizes and density as current approach example)
This proposal is a significant change from current regulatory approaches. However, code modeling of this proposal indicates that this requirement would not prevent the scale of development intended for multi-dwelling zones in East Portland (see Appendix C). Project staff held a workshop on March 14, 2018, with East Portland community members to discuss this proposal. Workshop participants strongly supported the proposal, but requested an exception for projects that provide common areas or courtyards that are more central to units (see page 46). Staff incorporated this exception into the Proposed Draft regulations.
May 2018
Better Housing by Design Project – Proposed Draft
Page 43