Is Bend the next Portland? When it comes to dealing with the lack of affordable rental housing, Bend’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is urging the City Council to adopt infill development strategies similar to those already being used in Portland.
Bend city councilors will soon hear a proposal that would make it easier for property owners in Bend to build accessory dwellings, commonly referred to as mother-in-law apartments. The small homes are already allowed under city code, but the approval process required in older areas of the city makes it simple for a neighbor to halt a project.
Proponents feel that stream lining the process is the quickest way to increase the rental inventory.