Map that protects Portland’s environmental zones being updated and available for review

Blog Post
Public comments sought on the Ezone Map Correction Project Discussion Draft until Jan. 31, 2020; three open houses offered to learn more.
Published

Over the past 18 months, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff have been drafting corrections to the conservation and protection overlay zone maps. The corrections will more accurately align the overlay zone boundaries with streams, wetlands, steep slopes, vegetation and wildlife habitat around the city.

Review the Discussion Draft

There are two ways to view the Discussion Draft:

  1. Look up your property through the Ezone Map.
  2. Download a copy of the Project Report from the website.

How will this affect you?

The environmental overlay zones will only slightly change on most properties. But some properties may have expanded ezones; others may ezones removed.

If your property is already developed with a house or business, the structure, driveway, yard, etc. can remain, be maintained and repaired, and in most cases, be replaced. However, the updated ezones could affect if or where an expansion, such as a new deck, garage or parking lot, is allowed. If the site is vacant, the ezones allow a certain amount of disturbance to accommodate a new house or business.

You can learn more in a self-guided presentation.

Learn more at an open house

Project staff are hosting three open house events to share information about the Discussion Draft and answer questions.

Next steps

Public comments on the Discussion Draft are due by Jan. 31, 2020. Staff are continuing to conduct site visits to confirm the location of streams, wetlands, vegetation and steep slopes on individual properties. You can request a site visit to your property through the Ezone Map or by emailing or calling project staff (see below).

Community members will have an opportunity to testify at public hearings with the Planning and Sustainability Commission in Spring 2020; City Council hearings are planned for Winter 2020. Changes will likely go into effect in 2021.

If your property is affected by the project, you will receive a mailed notice with information about when, where and how you can testify on the proposal.