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Urban Design and Planning

Development Code and Process Updates

When architects, developers and contractors plan to build here, they must follow the Gresham Development Code. The Development Code lays out the rules for how buildings look and function. For example, this can include lighting, building materials, landscaping, windows, and more.

For this project, the City is refining our development regulations to better serve the community. We’re calling it the Development Code and Process Updates (DCPU) project.

Project goals

  • Address changes in state law
  • Remove outdated standards
  • Update housing standards to be clear and objective
  • Reduce application review time
  • Promote housing production, affordability, and choice
  • Improve equity, consistency, and simplicity
  • Status and Updates
  • Project Background
  • Documents
  • Contact
Status and Updates

  The City Council unanimously approved the code updates proposed as part of the Development Code Process Update, Phase 2, Part 2 project. These updates went into effect June 4, 2026. Watch the public hearing  

The major updates are summarized in the Staff Report presented to City Council and Planning Commission:

Volume 3: Development Code
Staff Report with Summary of Code Updates  

Outreach

Recommendations 

Final materials

Council Bill  

Exhibits

Project Background

The DCPU project began after a need was identified in Gresham’s Strategic Plan to pursue changes to the Development Code to adapt to changing development trends, facilitate housing development, and promote a vibrant community. It is part of these three action items from the Strategic Plan:

  1. Thriving Economy (TE-D3)
    Identify development code changes that support future development trends to keep Gresham ahead of the curve with flexible uses/zoning.
  2. Housing for All (HA-B)
    Promote and support housing development that is affordable to the Gresham community across all housing types.
  3. Community Vibrancy (CV-D)
    Prioritize long-range planning that supports designing and building quality community gathering spaces, public or private. Create welcoming and inclusive environments with amenities for all.

To support these ongoing priorities, the City will continue to look at ways to improve the Development Code in the future.

Read more in the Strategic Plan’s Year Two Action Plan.

Documents
Contact

Joshua Williams   
Senior Development Planner
503-618-2819
Joshua.Williams@GreshamOregon.gov