Local owners seek permit relief for nonconforming home business; staff exploring historic‑property option
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Summary
Kevin and Julie Ryan asked the council during public comment to confirm a permitting pathway for an existing nonconforming lodging operation and said a 2020 ordinance provision and a neighbor agreement would reduce required off‑street parking; staff is also advising them on possible local historic designation.
Kevin and Julie Ryan addressed the council during the audience‑participation period on July 28 seeking clarity about a permit to operate a nonconforming home business. The Ryans said they operate a four‑bedroom lodging use at a historic property that once served as Fort Dalles stables and that recent ordinance revisions affect how many off‑street parking spaces they must provide.
Kevin Ryan said city staff informed the couple that reverting to provisions in the 2020 ordinance could eliminate the requirement for the first off‑street parking space for an owner‑operator and reduce their off‑street requirement to three spaces; they have one driveway space and an informal arrangement with a neighbor that could provide additional spaces. He said if a neighbor agreement is not renewed they would be “down to permitted to only operate 2 bedrooms out of 4, which essentially puts us out of business.”
Staff confirmed Community Development Director Joshua Chandler has been working with the Ryans on their permit options. Chandler explained differences among federal, state and local historic‑designation processes and told the Ryans a local historic designation would focus largely on exterior features and could be a potential pathway; Chandler said staff would help connect the Ryans with the local historic‑review body.
Councilors commended the Ryans for engaging with staff; Councilor Runyon and others praised staff work and encouraged the Ryans to pursue a neighbor agreement or local historic designation if appropriate. The city manager and staff said they would continue to coordinate with the Ryans and report on permit requirements.
Why it matters: Nonconforming home businesses and short‑term rental rules affect small business viability and neighborhood parking and are governed by specific municipal ordinances and permitting rules. Local historic designation can change review criteria and preservation obligations.
What comes next: Chandler will continue to work with the Ryans, assist with questions about historic designation eligibility and support efforts to secure neighbor agreements for off‑street parking.