Next Steps for Hood River’s Development Code
The City of Hood River is conducting a major update of its Development Code, the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances that are part of the Municipal Code. The Development Code is a set of rules that describes how land can be used and built on in the city. It specifies how business and different types of housing (such as single detached homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartments) can be developed, and helps make commercial areas more diverse and accessible. It also provides directions to developers to help connect neighborhoods with places to shop, work and recreate.
Last year, the City completed the first phase of the project: an audit of the Development Code. The audit reviewed the current code for inconsistencies with State laws, and identified opportunities to make it easier to use, understand and administer. A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Assessment was developed to minimize inequities, barriers to opportunities, and disparities among different populations. The second phase of the project, a code update, is now getting underway and will focus on preparing and adopting changes to the Development Code based on recommendations from the audit. The code changes will be consistent with City plans, as well as State laws that have been adopted in recent years to increase housing availability and affordability. Code changes are expected to advance the City’s equity goals and improve the overall usability of the code.
The second phase of work will include additional public engagement activities so that community members continue to help shape this project. Activities will include small group meetings, regular mailing list updates, and online surveys. This phase of the project is anticipated to take approximately 16 months with completion scheduled for July 2026. All community members are encouraged to submit any questions or comments they may have about this project to City staff. Senior Planner Kevin Liburdy is the main point of contact and can be reached at 541-387-5224. Written questions and comments may be submitted via the City’s website at cityofhoodriver.gov/planning/development-code-audit-and-update/. Funding for the project is being provided in part by the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
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