Oregon Adopts Landmark Housing Rules to Increase
Production, Affordability, and Choice
SALEM – On December 4, 2025, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) adopted a comprehensive set of rules to implement the Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA), marking one of the most significant housing reforms in decades. These rules shift Oregon’s housing planning framework from a narrow focus on land capacity toward a comprehensive system that emphasizes local actions to promote housing production, affordability, and choice.
This work complements the first phase of housing rules adopted in December 2024 and marks the completion of the Department of Land Conservation and Development’s (DLCD) assignment by the legislature through House Bill 2001 (2023), House Bill 2889 (2023), and Senate Bill 1129 (2025).
One of Governor Kotek’s highest priorities throughout her administration has been identifying solutions for Oregon’s housing crisis. "The Commission's adoption of the OHNA rules is an important next step toward policies in our land use system that truly serve the housing needs of Oregonians by prioritizing production, affordability, and choice over outdated capacity models,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “I look forward to the momentum these new rules will bring and future conversations about how we can continue to remove barriers to housing supply.”
The adopted rules provide clarity for local governments on housing capacity analyses, urban growth boundary planning, and housing production strategies. They also establish compliance pathways to ensure cities can meet housing needs while affirmatively furthering fair housing.
"These rules represent a turning point in how Oregon addresses housing need,” said Department of Land Conservation and Development Director, Brenda Bateman. “By clarifying methodologies, reducing burdens on local governments, and centering equity, we are giving communities the tools they need to plan for housing that serves everyone. Combined with historic investments in housing planning grants, this framework ensures that local leaders can focus on solutions that decrease uncertainty and increase housing outcomes."
This milestone builds on the state’s recent investment of more than $7 million in Housing Planning Assistance Grants to 82 cities, counties, and four federally recognized tribes, announced earlier this fall. Together, the rules and grants provide communities with both the regulatory framework and financial resources to plan for and deliver more affordable, accessible, and diverse housing options.
"As commissioners, we have seen firsthand the challenges cities face in balancing growth, farmland protection, and housing need in all of our communities,” said Commissioner Allan Lazo, who served as the commission liaison to this rulemaking process and is the former director of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. “These rules provide certainty while allowing flexibility for local circumstances in planning for housing need. They are not just technical reforms, they are a significant step toward prioritizing housing production, affordability, and fair housing choice for every person in Oregon. As we move forward together, we recognize and are grateful for the role that every one of our partners and interested parties plays in building stronger, more resilient communities throughout our state."
The adopted rules will be available on the Oregon Secretary of State website by January 1, 2026.
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