Learn the Basics: Zoning 101 Community Workshop – January 29

TL;DR:
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and District 2 / NECN are hosting a free Zoning 101 workshop on Thursday, January 29, from 6:30–8:30 PM. Attend in person or online to learn the basics of Portland zoning and land use. Open to everyone—especially beginners!

Hi neighbors! Curious about zoning, land use, or how development decisions get made in Portland—but not sure where to start? This upcoming workshop is a great opportunity to learn the basics in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

What’s Happening

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is partnering with District 2 / NECN to present Zoning 101 – An Introduction to Portland Zoning. This session was originally planned for November and has now been rescheduled.

The workshop is designed especially for community members who are new to zoning and land-use topics and want a clear overview of how zoning works, why it matters, and how it shapes our neighborhoods.

Zoning 101: The ABCs of Land Use event info flyer

Zoning 101 – An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
In Person: NECN Office (King Elementary Annex), 4815 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR
Online: Via Zoom (registration required)
Register on Eventbrite

Why It Matters

Zoning rules influence what gets built, where housing and businesses can locate, and how neighborhoods change over time. Understanding the basics helps neighbors take part in conversations about growth, development, and long-term planning—whether you’re deeply involved or just starting to learn.

This workshop is a helpful step toward feeling more informed and empowered when land-use topics come up in our community.

How to Get Involved

You can attend either in person or online. If you’d like to join via Zoom, please be sure to register in advance using the link provided.

We encourage ECNA neighbors of all backgrounds and experience levels to attend, learn, and ask questions.

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📩 Questions about the event? You can contact City Planner Kevin Bond at kevin.bond@portlandoregon.gov.

ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning

Education & Events

[Postponed] The ABCs of Land Use: Free Introduction to Portland Zoning – Nov. 13

TL;DR:
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (District 2) are hosting a free hybrid training on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. called “ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning.” Attend in person at the King Elementary Annex (4815 NE 7th Ave) or online via Zoom.

Hi East Columbia neighbors! If you’ve ever wondered how land use and zoning decisions get made in Portland—or how to find and interpret zoning information—this event is a great place to start. The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is teaming up with District 2 and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) to offer a free, accessible “Zoning 101” session open to anyone interested in understanding how planning shapes our city.

What You’ll Learn

This introductory session is designed for community members who are new to land use and zoning, or for those who’d like a refresher on the basics. Topics include:

How land use planning works in Portland
The basics of Portland’s zoning system
Where to find public information and resources to navigate zoning and planning tools

Event: ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location (Hybrid) – In Person or Virtually
Attend in person at NECN’s Office
King Elementary School Annex, 4815 NE 7th Ave
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Or join virtually via Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
Full event info: portland.gov/bps/planning/events

Why It Matters

Zoning shapes everything from where homes can be built to how businesses operate and how we protect natural areas. Understanding zoning helps residents advocate effectively for the kind of growth and development they want to see in their neighborhoods. This event helps demystify the process so that anyone can participate in land use discussions with confidence.

Whether you’re curious about what zoning means for your property, interested in local development proposals, or just want to get more involved in community planning—this is a great first step.

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Questions?
Contact Kevin Bond, City Planner II and North Portland District Liaison, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: kevin.bond@portlandoregon.gov or (503)823-1112.

To learn more about upcoming NECN and District 2 events, visit necoalition.org/calendar.

Education & Events

Jan 30 Land Use Training at Historic Kenton Firehouse

January 30th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm AGENDA
Historic Kenton Firehouse – 8105 N Brandon
RSVP required by 1/20/17

1.      How to read a zoning map (e.g., what are the possible development scenarios in my neighborhood?) Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about zones and overlays.

2.      How to find information about development happening in the neighborhood

3.      What is a land use review?

4.      What is a demo permit?

5.      Case studies: demo permit notice; early assistance: pre-apps, EAs, DAR; notice of proposal, notice of decision, notice of appeal

If time:
6.      Tutorial on how to use Portlandmaps.com (including how to read a zoning map); navigating the BDS permit web page to find info about a building permit, land use review or other

Please let us know if there are other items you are interested in that are not indicated.

Minimum number to hold the training: 20

Mary Jaron Kelley, Associate Program Director
North Portland Neighborhood Services
Historic Kenton Firehouse
2209 N. Schofield Portland, OR 97217
503-823-4099
http://www.npnscommunity.org
http://www.facebook.com/NorthPortlandNeighborhoodServices