The recurring process where neighbors oppose and appeal proposals for dense development near their homes has been upended by state law and the cities of West Linn, Lake Oswego and Wilsonville are grappling with the ramifications.
A new Oregon law limits who gets notified of plans for residential development in their neighborhood and prohibits the public from appealing housing projects. A lawyer for West Linn residents opposing a 320-unit apartment project on Tannler Drive called the new laws “blatantly unconstitutional.”
The state aims to increase housing production via Senate Bill 974 and House Bill 4037, which went into effect earlier this month.
What are the new laws?
The newly adopted laws simplify the process by which residential projects are reviewed, approved and appealed. Most significantly, the state no longer allows initial public hearings for new residential developments…