Residential Build in Portland, OR?

[Rachel H.]

Hi everyone. I'm considering building on a vacant lot in Portland (a single family with ADU or possibly a duplex). Would anyone who has been through it here be willing to share your experience? Any and all feedback, stories, good/bad/ugly welcome. Thank you so much!

[Robert E Thompson]

I'm assuming you mean Portland, OR... 

I haven't built in Portland myself but I work in the building industry. Portland is very ADU-, multi-family-friendly, so that's on your side. I would be ready for the permitting process - Multnomah is not much fun, Washington County isn't either. I would start looking into that immediately - prices and requirements. Also do your due diligence on what is and isn't allowed on your property and any SDC's (System Development Charges) you may be in for (these are for infrastructure that you may be on the hook for when you build - sidewalks, streets, sewers, etc.). The costs of these will vary depending on where you're building.

Very brief thoughts - if you do have more detailed questions (or if I'm telling you things you already know), please feel free to get in touch.