Housing Incentive Programs
The City of Springfield has several housing incentives programs available to support and encourage the development of housing and affordable housing in Springfield.
Low Income Rental Housing Property Tax Exemption Program (LIRHPTE)
This property tax exemption is for newly created low-income rental housing units that are available to households at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI).
Housing Diversity Tax Exemption Program (HDTE) – under consideration
This property tax exemption would be for newly created multiple-unit housing meeting certain requirements. City Council is currently considering adoption of this tax exemption.
For more information, see the Announcements section of the main Housing webpage.
Affordable Housing Development Standards
The Springfield Development Code has special development standards for affordable housing. These standards may allow affordable housing to be built in areas not typically reserved for residential uses, and with increased height and density under certain conditions. See the Springfield Development Code Section 4.7.405 for details, or contact the planner on duty at 541.726.3753.
Waiver of SDCs for Affordable Homeownership Housing Units
The City is temporarily waiving transportation, stormwater, and local wastewater system development charges (SDCs) for housing sold affordably to income-qualified households. The income limit is 80% of the area median income (AMI), and the compliance period is five years. The waiver is not available for rental housing development, and Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission and Willamalane Park and Recreation District SDCs are still in effect. Please see the program guidelines and administrative steps for details and additional requirements.
The waiver program is application-based, and availability is limited. The City will waive SDCs on a “first come-first served” basis for qualifying applications until $300,000 of charges have been waived for the program or December 31, 2025, whichever comes first. The program may close without notice, please check with staff before submitting an application.
Waiver of SDCs for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The City is temporarily waiving transportation, stormwater, and local wastewater SDCs for newly permitted ADUs through June 30, 2027. For more information on ADUs, visit the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit webpage.
Fee Waivers for Nonprofit Affordable Housing Providers and Low-Income Citizens
The City has development fee waivers available for nonprofit affordable housing providers and low-income citizens. See the Springfield Development Code Section 2.1.135(C) for details.
HOME Funds for Affordable Housing Development
The City receives federal HOME funds to expand affordable housing opportunities for low-income households. These funds are offered as a development subsidy through a request for proposal process administered by the City of Eugene. See here for more info on the Eugene-Springfield HOME Consortium.