Middle Housing Code Update Project

What is Middle Housing?

Middle Housing includes building types other than single family homes and apartments, such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and cottage clusters. Code updates that became effective in June of 2022 allow one or more of these middle housing types in residential zones throughout Corvallis. Middle Housing types will be limited in certain areas based on property configurations and lot sizes, and some existing neighborhoods may have additional restrictions.

What is the Zone of my property? Where can Middle Housing be built?

The code and map amendments, adopted in 2022, resulted in changes to the allowed uses and development standards of residentially-zoned property. Generally, these changes provide more flexibility to construct a variety of housing types throughout Corvallis.

If you would like to know what the zone of your property is and Middle Housing options in your neighborhood, this online mapping tool can provide that answer.

Property Lookup Map

Enter a valid street address in the search box, and make sure the "Zoning" layer is turned on in the list of map Layers. Clicking on a location on the map, and then the "More Info" link in the Zoning layer will provide access to the Zone's Middle Housing allowances.

Additional Code Update Timeline and Project Information -

In 2019, the Oregon legislature passed House Bill 2001, in an effort to address the State's housing deficit. The bill became law and amends Oregon Revised Statute 197, which requires cities (including Corvallis) to:

1. Allow duplexes on each lot or parcel zoned for residential use.

2. Allow other middle housing types (triplex, fourplex, cottage cluster and townhome) in areas zoned for residential use, that currently allow single family homes.

In late 2019 and 2020, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development commenced a rule-making process to update related administrative rules, and to develop a model code and minimum compliance standards for the purposes of helping cities to implement changes to ORS 197. Additionally, the legislation included technical assistance funding, which led to a grant being awarded to the City of Corvallis. The grant provided consultant services (led by Angelo Planning Group) for this project. To meet the State's requirements, Corvallis updated its development code in June of 2022. The Oregon administrative rules and model code were used to provide guidance in updating the local development code.

The first phase of this project was completed in June of 2021. Completion of the first phase resulted in an adoption-ready draft of Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code amendments, for purposes of implementing the middle housing requirements of ORS 197. The code amendments were developed with the assistance of Angelo Planning Group and the Middle Housing Departmental Advisory Committee, and also considered public comments received during the project's April 2021 online open house. You can view a summary of the Middle Housing Departmental Advisory Committee and project management team recommendations, as well as the consultant's review of current Land Development Code and its compliance with Middle Housing requirements here:

Middle Housing Project Summaries

The second phase involved work sessions with the City Council and Planning Commission, to review the recommendations of the advisory committee and discuss any remaining policy concerns. Following the work sessions, city staff prepared the final draft of the code amendments for the public hearing and adoption process.

The third and final phase involved the public hearings and adoption process.

• The first public hearing occurred February 2, 2022 (Planning Commission).
• Following the Planning Commission public hearing, revisions to the proposal occurred that resulted in a final recommendation from the Planning Commission. 
• The Planning Commission's recommendation is presented in this April 18, 2022, City Council Packet - https://apps.corvallisoregon.gov/webdocs/showdoc.aspx?docID=2758640
• The City Council deliberated on May 16, 2022, and adopted Ordinance 2022-11, 2022-12, and 2022-13, implementing the code and map changes. Links to the Ordinances are available at the top and bottom of this page.

Middle Housing Departmental Advisory Committee (MHDAC)

Members of the Middle Housing Departmental Advisory Committee were chosen by the Community Development Director, to provide guidance to the Director and other City staff as key decision points for the project unfolded. MHDAC meetings occurred in 2020 and early 2021. The committee is no longer meeting.  More information regarding the committee, its meetings, agendas, and packets are available here:

MHDAC Information

Will My Property or Neighborhood’s Private Agreements (Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)) Prevent Middle Housing?

Oregon law prohibits the establishment of new Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions or similar instruments that would prohibit middle housing or ADUs in a residential neighborhood. However, some properties may be subject to older CC&Rs that were created prior to the new middle housing law taking effect that would prevent the establishment of middle housing.

CC&Rs are private agreements between land owners and they are enforced by them (or entities like Homeowners Associations). Corvallis and other cities do not enforce these private agreements and review of title is not part of the development process. CC&Rs and other deed restrictions are filed with the County Recorder’s office and can also be obtained through title companies.