Climate-Friendly Areas are higher-density areas of the city where people can live, work, and play without relying on a car. Learn more about Climate-Friendly Areas here.

Climate-Friendly Areas Designation Process

Step 1: Study

In 2023, Eugene will identify potential and study the most promising locations for Climate-Friendly Areas across the city. This study is primarily a technical analysis, considering certain state requirements and where in Eugene can meet those criteria.

An important part of selecting Climate-Friendly Areas will be engaging historically marginalized communities to identify any areas where people might be at risk of being displaced from increased development and propose strategies to prevent or mitigate displacement.

Step 2: Select and Adopt

In 2024, we’ll begin the process to select Eugene’s Climate-Friendly Areas. Selection will include community engagement, a recommendation from Planning Commission, and a decision from Council to adopt the final Climate-Friendly Areas.

Adoption will require revisions to the Eugene Land Use Code, as well as revisions to the Envision Eugene Comprehensive Plan – which staff expect will include two new chapters for Housing and Compact Development, as well as revisions to the Eugene Transportation System Plan.

City staff intend to adopt these plan and code amendments alongside Eugene’s next Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) analysis, which is scheduled to be adopted in 2026.

Step 3: Evaluate and Increase

Climate-Friendly Area designation will not be static. The City will monitor and potentially increase areas under this designation during future UGB analyses. Climate-Friendly Areas will function as an important land use efficiency measure, which is a strategy for more compact development within the current UGB.

Stay involved with the Climate-Friendly Areas designation process by signing up for the EUG Planning Newsletter or following the project on Engage Eugene. There will be opportunities for community members to weigh in on the most promising areas when the study is available in Summer 2023.

The City of Eugene is carefully considering how we use land, now and into the future:

• How do we plan for parking cars throughout the city, including neighborhoods and commercial areas?

• Who decides if parking is needed on an individual property? Could areas be used for housing, gardens, or trees instead of cars?

• What actions are most equitable and effective: who’s impacted and do outcomes slow climate change and promote walking and biking?

Here are a few ways to engage:

• Take a 5 minute online survey

• Join our Virtual Info Session on Wednesday, May 3 from 6-7 PM

• Visit our table at the Move EUG Open House at the Farmers Pavilion from 4:30 - 7:00 PM at Farmers Market Pavilion at 8th and Oak in Downtown Eugene

• Read a summary of parking reform requirements and policy options

Weigh in on how we adapt to climate change and plan a community that is flexible, sustainable, and affordable!

The State of Oregon has an adopted goal that 90% of new vehicles sold will be electric by 2035. To help meet that goal, the City needs to ensure people can charge their vehicles. The most convenient place to do so is at home.

The City of Eugene implemented the second phase of state-required parking reforms focused on electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Starting on April 1, 2023, new multi-unit housing (5 or more dwellings) and mixed-use development (with multi-unit housing) must now include electrical conduit (pipes) to 40% of their parking spots, ready for adding wiring and charging stations to support electric vehicles as the market expands.

To learn more about the City of Eugene's electric vehicle strategy and other projects to make them more accessible, check out the Eugene Climate Action Plan 2.0.

The City of Eugene has heard through years of engagement efforts that residents want more housing choices, more transportation options, less pollution, and more equitable outcomes. To accomplish this, CFEC will include a change to the City's approach to parking requirements.

Previously, most new development required a certain number of parking spots be built. Starting January 1, 2023, CFEC eliminates minimum off-street parking requirements in certain situations. There will no longer be required minimum parking for certain types of development, such as smaller housing types, childcare facilities, affordable housing, and shelters. Additionally, there will no longer be minimum off-street parking requirements within one-half mile walking distance of frequent transit corridors (map below).

These changes don't mean that developers can’t build parking, just that the City doesn’t require it. Most developers will continue to provide some parking, but it will be based on what the market demands.

This change to the development review process is the first of several changes to parking requirements as a part of CFEC. At a broader scale, Eugene will also select one of three options to reform parking requirements city-wide. Stay tuned for opportunities to share your thoughts on how the City should approach parking reform.

To submit questions or comments regarding CFEC Parking Reform, please email: CFECParking@eugene-or.gov.