City embarks on development code audit and update
The City of Hood River has begun the process of evaluating and updating its development code. The code audit and update is a top priority for the City and was identified in the City Council 2023-2024 Work Plan as a critical project. The project has been in the planning stage for several months and recently received grant funding from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to cover a significant portion of the project costs.
Much of the current development code is over 40 years old and has several issues that create challenges for applicants and staff. The desired outcome of the code update is a legal, clear, efficient, and user-friendly code, with tables and illustrations to accompany and clarify the text.
The project is split into two phases, both of which will include opportunities for the public and code users to provide input. Phase one will focus on reviewing and assessing the code. This will involve a comprehensive look at the current code to identify code inconsistencies, duplicative standards, subject matter omissions, internal conflicts, ambiguities, and grammatical errors. This phase will also identify preliminary recommendations.
Phase two will focus on updating and developing the code. At this stage, the project team will again seek input from the public and code users including developers, builders, and design and land use professionals.
In addition to other improvements, code amendments are expected to comply with state housing-related statutes; facilitate housing production, affordability, and choice; reduce barriers to housing development; generally improve the function and usability of the code, and find consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Housing Strategy (2015), and Affordable Housing Production Strategy (2022).
In line with the City’s ongoing efforts to address the need for affordable housing and an equitable and inclusive community, the updated code is expected to improve the review and approval of affordable housing developments and avoid systemic inequities, or concentration of burdens on historically marginalized communities. Long-term, the City hopes that these improvements contribute to a thriving community where everyone has equal opportunities to live safe, healthy, and prosperous lives.
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