Oregon lawmakers push SB 6 for 45-day limit on building permits

During a recent meeting of the Oregon Senate Committee on Housing and Development, significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 6, which proposes a 45-day limit for building permit approvals. This legislation aims to address the ongoing housing crisis in Oregon by streamlining the permitting process, which many builders and developers argue has become a major barrier to increasing housing supply.

Supporters of the bill, including local builders and industry representatives, emphasized the urgent need for reform. They highlighted that current permitting delays can stretch for months, driving up costs for both developers and prospective homeowners. Duke Shepherd, a senior policy director for Oregon Business and Industry, pointed out that the lack of available housing is a direct result of policy decisions over time, leading to unaffordable rents and limited homeownership opportunities. He noted that the state is far from meeting the governor's target of building 36,000 housing units per year, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Travis Snyder, a local developer, echoed these sentiments, stating that the proposed 45-day timeline for permit reviews would significantly reduce costly delays and encourage investment in housing projects. He argued that such a timeline would not compromise safety or quality but would instead ensure accountability in the permitting process, allowing builders to focus on delivering homes to Oregonians in need.

Tim Alvarez, another builder from Southern Oregon, shared his firsthand experience with the permitting process, describing it as the most significant barrier he faces. He stressed that a clear deadline for permit approvals would provide much-needed certainty for builders and help alleviate the housing crisis by enabling quicker construction of new homes.

The committee also discussed the importance of defining what constitutes a complete application and ensuring coordination with utilities to avoid further delays. As the state grapples with a homelessness emergency, the urgency of passing Senate Bill 6 is clear. The proposed legislation represents a practical step toward improving the efficiency of housing development processes, ultimately aiming to provide more affordable housing options for all Oregonians.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this bill, the outcomes could have lasting implications for housing availability and affordability in the state, making it a critical issue for residents and policymakers alike.