Eugene Approves ‘Missing Middle Housing’

The city council voted to approve an ordinance that will permit more middle housing types in single-family neighborhoods.

1 minute read

June 1, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Eugene, Oregon

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

“The Eugene City Council has unanimously approved a Middle Housing ordinance that’s been in the works for about two years,” reports Rachael McDonald for KLCC. “Before Tuesday’s vote, councilors amended the maximum lot coverage for duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and cottage clusters to 60%– down from 75%.”

The ordinance comes on the heels of a state law, HB 2001, “which requires cities to have more variety for housing size and affordability” and takes effect on June 30th of this year.

According to the city, their new standards will include smaller minimum lot sizes, lot size reductions for affordable units, parking reductions for housing built near transit, and permitted detached ‘plexes’ which “would allow for flexibility, encourage tree preservation, and allow for backyard development that would reduce displacement.” The city clarifies that “House Bill 2001 does not prohibit single-family homes or make it more difficult to build single-family homes where they are currently allowed, rather it allows middle housing types to be built in the same residential areas where single family homes are allowed.”

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 in KLCC

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist