OR Senate passes housing bill
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM – The Oregon State Senate passed a bipartisan housing reform bill unanimously Monday. The vote in favor of Senate Bill 974 was unanimous.
The legislation reduces to 45 days the time under which a city or county must decide land use applications for single-family dwellings. The measure was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama (D-Portland) and Sen. Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City).
Anderson said if it becomes law, the measure will speed up the housing approval process and eliminate unnecessary delays that drive up costs and limit supply.
The bill focuses on housing within the state’s urban growth boundaries and cuts red tape in three areas. It clarifies the housing application process; streamlines engineering plan reviews for roads, utilities and drainage with a 90-day timeline; and it speeds up final platting and design approvals.
The bill now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives.
