SALEM, OR – The Oregon Legislature has approved a significant measure aimed at addressing the state’s pervasive housing crisis, passing House Bill 3075, officially known as the Oregon Housing Supply and Affordability Act of 2025. The landmark legislation has now been sent to Governor Emily Carter for her signature, marking a critical step that could fundamentally alter residential development patterns across Oregon.
Sponsored by State Representative Sarah Chen, a Democrat, HB 3075 is designed to increase the availability of housing units by easing restrictive zoning regulations in larger municipalities. The bill includes key mandates for cities with populations exceeding 10,000 residents, requiring them to permit the construction of duplexes on any lot zoned for residential use. Additionally, these cities must allow for the development of triplexes and quadplexes in residential areas located near transit hubs and designated commercial centers.
Driving Density: Key Provisions Detailed
At its core, the Oregon Housing Supply and Affordability Act of 2025 directly challenges traditional single-family zoning, which many policymakers and advocates argue has contributed to the state’s housing shortage and escalating costs. By mandating duplexes on all residential lots in qualifying cities, the bill intends to remove a significant barrier to creating more housing units in existing neighborhoods without requiring extensive land-use changes.
The provision allowing triplexes and quadplexes near transit and commercial centers is aimed at promoting denser, more sustainable development in areas well-served by infrastructure and amenities. This approach seeks to increase housing options in locations where residents may have less need for private vehicles, aligning with broader environmental and urban planning goals.
Proponents of HB 3075 have presented compelling projections regarding its potential impact. They estimate that the reforms contained within the bill could lead to a substantial increase in the state’s overall housing supply, projecting a growth of approximately 15% statewide over the next five years. This anticipated surge in housing units is seen by supporters as crucial to moderating rental costs and home prices, thereby improving affordability for Oregonians.
Navigating the Legislative Landscape
The journey for House Bill 3075 through the Oregon Legislature involved robust debate and differing viewpoints on the best approach to tackle the housing crisis. The measure successfully navigated the House of Representatives, where it passed by a vote of 35-25. Despite securing a clear majority, the bill faced considerable opposition, notably led by Republican Minority Leader Mark Jenkins.
Following its passage in the House, the legislation proceeded to the Senate for further consideration. After deliberations, the Senate gave its final approval to HB 3075 on June 8, 2025, securing passage with a vote of 18-10. The successful votes in both legislative chambers underscore a legislative commitment to enacting significant policy changes to address the state’s pressing housing challenges.
Stakeholder Responses and Future Outlook
The proposed legislation garnered reactions from a variety of interest groups across Oregon. The Oregon Home Builders Association voiced its public support for the measure, framing it as a necessary reform to streamline the development process and facilitate the construction of much-needed housing units. Their endorsement reflects the perspective that regulatory hurdles are a significant factor in limiting housing production.
However, support for HB 3075 was not unanimous or without reservation. The organization 1000 Friends of Oregon, recognized for its advocacy on land use and planning issues, offered conditional support for the bill. While acknowledging the bill’s overarching goal of increasing housing supply, the group also expressed specific concerns regarding the details of its implementation, suggesting that vigilance will be needed to ensure the reforms are enacted effectively and equitably.
Next Steps: Awaiting the Governor’s Decision
With legislative approval now secured, House Bill 3075 advances to the desk of Governor Emily Carter. The Governor holds the constitutional authority to sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law by taking no action within a specified timeframe. Should Governor Carter affix her signature to the Oregon Housing Supply and Affordability Act of 2025, its provisions would become legally binding, requiring cities across the state to undertake the necessary steps to amend their zoning ordinances to align with the new requirements for increased density.
The passage of HB 3075 represents a pivotal legislative response to Oregon’s housing challenges. Its potential long-term impact on the state’s urban fabric and housing market will be a key area of focus as stakeholders await the Governor’s final decision.
