Story by Rodger Nichols for Gorge Country Media
Wasco County Planning Department held an informational meeting last night for Rowena Fire victims in cooperation with the Columbia River Gorge Commission to explain how the Gorge Commission planned to change the current rules on rebuilding in the Scenic Area, a major shift that the Commission will vote on at their November 12 meeting. Wasco County Planning Director Kelly Howsley-Glover outlined a couple of the key changes. First,
“So as the National Scenic Area Management Plan reads right now, you have two years from a disaster incident to apply a redevelopment one for one permit. We’re proposing to increase that timeline to up to 10 years for redevelopment.”
A one for one permit means you’re planning to replace the house in the original footprint with only a few modifications.
Another key change:
“The rules as written right now only permit a maximum stay of an RV on your property of up to 60 days in a calendar year. What we’re proposing to change the rules to say that it would allow the owners to live in a temporary dwelling – so that’s an RV, a manufactured home, a yurt, until they can actually occupy their replacement dwelling.”
There were other proposed changes, all aimed at making it easier and quicker for residents to rebuild.
Asked about progress, Howsley-Glover replied:
“I’m really grateful to partner with the Columbia River Gorge Commission staff on this really, really important revision and really appreciate how supportive the Gorge Commissioners have been to date on this important issue for our citizens in Wasco County.
The meeting was recorded and will be available online shortly.