17.22.030 Columbia river infill waterfront area

17.22.030 Columbia river infill waterfront area.

A. Purpose. The Columbia River Infill waterfront Area and portions, identified on the Columbia River Infill Waterfront map, within the City of Hood River are valuable economic, recreational, scenic and natural resources for the community. The Columbia River Waterfront Infill Area is intended to conserve and enhance the natural resource values of areas along the Columbia River and a portion of the Hood River within the city by:

1. Conserving and restoring habitat for wildlife, fish and other aquatic life;

2. Protecting and enhancing water quality for human use and aquatic life;

3. Controlling erosion;

4. Improving coordination between the city and agencies regarding development activities near waterways;

5. Promoting development that is compatible with the purpose of the Columbia River Infill waterfront Area;

6. Promoting the preservation and restoration of native riparian vegetation;

7. Conserving and protecting property values; and

8. Encouraging development, preservation and enhancement of reasonable public access to major waterways for recreational use and visual enjoyment.

9. Protecting the Columbia River and its users from stromwater contaminants that pose a threat to the health and safety of the users.

B. Applicability. Provisions of this section apply to all property within the boundaries of the Columbia River Infill waterfront Area within the City of Hood River, as identified on the Columbia River Infill Waterfront map. Many parcels within the Columbia River Infill waterfront Area are affected by more than one sub-zone. Where this is the case, applicable development standards for each sub-zone shall apply within that sub-zone’s boundaries. Standards of this section shall apply in addition to applicable standards of the underlying zone. Where there are conflicts between sub-zone standards, the more restrictive standard shall apply.

C. Permitted Uses. The following uses are permitted outright in the Columbia River Infill waterfront Area:

1. Resource enhancement and restoration activities.

2. Land divisions, subject to requirements in Title 16.

3. Removal of non-native or invasive vegetative species.

4. Maintenance of existing roads.

5. Temporary emergency procedures necessary for the protection of property.

6. Actions taken by the City to correct or abate a nuisance.

7. Approved storm water discharge.

8. Existing lawn within the riparian area may be maintained, but not expanded into the resource area.

9. Existing utility lines.

10. Existing legal non-conforming structures. Replacement of non-conforming structures shall comply with this title.

D. Ministerial and Administrative Review Approval. The following uses are permitted in the Columbia River Infill Waterfront Area, subject to Ministerial or Administrative Review approval as may be applicable under the circumstances, including compliance with other natural resource agencies:

1. Repair, maintenance and replacement of existing utility lines.

2. Fencing.

3. Removal of a hazardous tree.

4. Maintenance of streambank stabilization and flood control structures.

5. ESEE Analysis Findings and Conclusion – The ESEE Analysis Findings and Conclusions identified in the Hood River Waterfront Goal 5 ESEE Analysis provide site specific exceptions to protection measures based on conflicting uses and mitigating consequences of implementation. The sites are specific to the Hood River Waterfront Goal 5 ESEE Inventory and Map.

E. Conditional Uses shall be pursuant to the zoning designation of the subject parcel.

1. New development on significant natural resource sites and property, except as permitted in the Hood River Waterfront Goal 5.

2. Removal of native vegetation from resource areas identified in the Hood River Waterfront Goal 5 ESEE. (Ord. 1938, 2007; Ord. 1874, 2006; Ord. 1863, 2004)