Curious why you’re hearing more about duplexes, cottage clusters, and backyard cottages in West Linn? You’re not alone. Recent state and city policy updates are reshaping what you can build on a typical lot in 97068, which can open new possibilities for living space, rental income, and resale strategy. In this guide, you’ll learn what changed, what’s allowed now, the costs to expect, and how to move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Oregon’s rule changes, in plain English
HB 2001 made middle housing possible
Oregon’s HB 2001 requires many cities to allow middle housing types in areas that used to be limited to detached single-family homes. That includes duplexes, and in larger cities, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and cottage clusters. The state shares program context and resources for homeowners and buyers on its housing page. You can read more on Oregon’s HB 2001 housing resources.
OAR Division 46 sets the ground rules
To implement the law, the state adopted OAR Chapter 660, Division 46, which lays out where and how cities must allow middle housing and how reviews should work. The rules say standards must be clear and objective and not add unreasonable cost or delay compared with a single-family home. You can review the rule set in OAR Chapter 660, Division 46 and see specific allowances like duplex requirements in Section 660-046-0115.
What West Linn changed
West Linn updated its code to comply with HB 2001. The City adopted Ordinance 1736 to allow middle housing in zones where detached single-family homes are allowed and references the state rules as the compliance standard. See the overview on the West Linn Middle Housing page.
The City also revised its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) standards through Ordinance 1742, updating Community Development Code Chapter 34 to make ADUs more feasible. The project page includes staff reports and adopted language. Explore the details on the West Linn ADU code amendments page.
The City’s summary notes limits on local parking requirements and clarifies that new private deed restrictions cannot be used to prohibit middle housing going forward. For current parking examples and project listings, visit the West Linn planning requirements page.
What you can build in 97068 now
- Duplexes: Allowed where single-family houses are allowed, consistent with state rules. See the duplex allowance in Section 660-046-0115.
- Triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, cottage clusters: Allowed to the extent required by Division 46 for large and metro-area cities. West Linn’s ordinance and active dockets reflect these types in applicable zones. The rule index is here: OAR Division 46.
- ADUs: The City updated Chapter 34 to reduce barriers and streamline standards for attached or detached ADUs. Start with the ADU project page.
Site-specific constraints still apply. Lots with steep slopes, historic resources, or natural resource overlays may need extra review. You can scan current standards and processes on the planning requirements page.
Approvals, parking, and design basics
- Approval path: Middle housing should generally use the same clear-and-objective review path as a single-family home in the same zone. See the approval parity concept in Section 660-046-0215.
- Parking: The City outlines parking limits by unit type and lot size and cannot require more than state rules allow. West Linn’s summary examples appear on the planning requirements page.
- Design standards: Local standards must be clear and objective and not more restrictive than those for a detached single-family home.
Costs to plan for
Every project’s budget is different, but you should plan for several key cost drivers:
- System Development Charges (SDCs) and utility connections: These fees can be significant up front. Policies vary by jurisdiction and can change, so confirm the current schedule with West Linn and utility providers. For broader context on why SDCs matter, see the Commonsense Institute’s overview of Oregon housing costs: Oregon housing shortage analysis.
- Site work and infrastructure: Driveways, curb improvements, stormwater, and grading can affect feasibility.
- Professional services and permits: Survey, design, engineering, and permit costs should be included in your early estimates.
- Property taxes: Adding units or making improvements can change assessed value. For parcel-specific tax questions, contact the Clackamas County Assessor.
What we’re seeing locally
West Linn’s public docket shows active pre-applications and filings for middle housing and ADUs, including proposed cottage clusters and land divisions. This is a strong sign that the new code is prompting interest and early projects. You can browse current applications on the planning requirements page and the City’s Middle Housing page.
Buyers and sellers: what this means for you
- If you’re buying: Middle housing and ADU allowances can give you more options for multigenerational living or potential rental income, depending on local rules and your lot. Verify permits for any existing ADU and confirm what is allowed on your specific parcel before you buy.
- If you’re selling: A permitted ADU or flexible layout can broaden your buyer pool. Thoughtful presentation and staging help buyers see the value clearly, which supports strong market performance.
- If you’re holding and planning: You might phase improvements over time. Start with what your site allows, then model costs and timelines against your goals.
How to get started
- Confirm what’s allowed on your lot. Review West Linn’s overview pages and then check your zoning, overlays, utilities, and setbacks with City staff. Start here: Middle Housing overview and Planning requirements.
- Schedule a pre-application conversation. Early feedback can save time and money, especially if your site has slopes, trees, or resource areas.
- Run the numbers. Include SDCs, utility connections, design, permits, and construction. Revisit rents or multigenerational use, not just resale.
- Design for livability and fit. Well-planned entries, light, storage, and finishes help new units live well and photograph beautifully.
- Plan your approvals and timeline. Middle housing should follow clear-and-objective review standards similar to single-family, as outlined in Section 660-046-0215.
Ready to map out next steps for your home in 97068? With design-forward preparation and a clear plan, you can align today’s policies with your goals. If you want a local partner who blends strategy with presentation, reach out to Laurie Bornstein for a thoughtful, concierge-level approach.
FAQs
What are the key West Linn code changes for middle housing in 97068?
- West Linn adopted Ordinance 1736 to allow middle housing in zones where single-family homes are allowed and aligned local standards with state rules; see the City’s summary on the Middle Housing page.
Can I build an ADU on my West Linn property now?
- Possibly, depending on your lot and zone; the City updated ADU standards with Ordinance 1742, and the ADU amendments page is the best starting point.
How does parking work for duplexes, triplexes, and ADUs in West Linn?
- State rules limit how much parking can be required and the City provides examples by unit type and lot size on its planning requirements page.
Will my project face a different approval process than a single-family home?
- Division 46 requires clear-and-objective approval parity so middle housing generally follows a similar process; see Section 660-046-0215.
What costs should I expect for ADUs or middle housing in 97068?
- Plan for SDCs, utility connections, site work, design, and permits; SDCs are a major factor in Oregon projects, as noted in this statewide context piece: Oregon housing shortage analysis.
How quickly will middle housing appear in West Linn neighborhoods?
- Uptake is gradual and depends on site conditions, costs, and market demand; the City’s active dockets show early activity on the planning requirements page.
