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How Cottage Clusters Are Quietly Reshaping Portland Neighborhoods
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Portland is beginning to see a shift in how new housing fits into long-established neighborhoods, and one of the clearest examples is the rise of cottage cluster development. Instead of one large house sitting alone on a single property, the Cottage Cluster Code allows several small detached homes to be built around a shared courtyard. These clusters usually include three to sixteen cottages, arranged in a way that supports walkability, small-scale community interaction, and a gentler form of density than traditional multifamily buildings.
This approach came out of both state and local policy changes, including Oregon’s housing reforms and Portland’s Residential Infill Projects. Together, those changes allow middle housing types to be built in many zones that once only allowed single homes. In practice, this means many R2.5, R5, R7, R10, and RM1 lots can now support cottage clusters if the site is large enough to include the required courtyard, spacing, and setbacks.
A cottage cluster emphasizes shared outdoor space at the center of the design. The cottages face in toward a courtyard or common path, creating a small neighborhood within a neighborhood. This format often echoes older Portland bungalow courts and similar historic layouts, but with modern building standards and smaller, more efficient homes.
Although the zoning code does not set a single minimum lot size, the site must be large enough to include the courtyard, circulation paths, and building separation. In practice, this means smaller parcels are rarely suitable, while lots around 5,000 square feet or larger are usually where clusters can work. Larger lots in R5 and above may allow more flexibility.
Early projects are beginning to appear across the city, from East Portland to parts of North and Southwest. The pace is slow but steady, and each example helps illustrate how this format can fit into different kinds of neighborhoods without overwhelming them. For residents who want modest homes, lower maintenance needs, and some shared space without giving up the character of detached housing, cottage clusters may offer a useful middle choice.
As Portland continues to look for ways to expand housing availability and affordability, cottage clusters represent one of the quieter but more promising tools the city has available. Their small scale, shared design, and flexible layout make them an option that can adapt to a range of sites and community needs.
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[How Are Cottage Clusters Are Quietly Reshaping Portland Neighborhoods?]
