ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Education & Events

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.

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.

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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

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