Skamania County schedules public hearing Feb. 18 on Wind River Business Park zoning

The Skamania County Board of Commissioners voted on Jan. 20 to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 18 to consider zoning and text amendments for the Wind River (sometimes referenced as Winter) Business Park.

Staff said the first conveyance gave the county control of multiple parcels including Martha Creek field, the processing center and several houses; a second conveyance provided access to a water tower and rights‑of‑way needed for maintenance. Staff estimated roughly 215 acres in the property group to be addressed by the zoning amendments.

Staff outlined a two‑part zoning concept: a north zone focused on commercial and light‑industrial uses (horticulture, research, small local businesses) and a south zone focused on public‑facing uses (meeting space, conference/wedding venues, educational or arboretum uses) while noting existing residences and leased buildings. Staff told commissioners that the draft code language categorizes allowed uses, administrative review uses (staff review) and conditional uses (hearing examiner review); public notice and comment would accompany any hearings.

Public input at the advisory‑board and community council meetings was described as generally supportive, with some local opposition to timber or log‑sorting activities. Staff said three written responses were received following the advisory presentation; two supportive and one raising concerns about log‑sorting noise. Staff also described short‑term rental and long‑term rental arrangements for existing houses on the site and said existing residences would be grandfathered; any new residential development would be subject to the new zone rules.

Board action: a commissioner moved to schedule a public hearing for Feb. 18; the motion was seconded, the board took a voice vote and the motion carried. Staff will publish public notice and collect written comments in advance of the hearing.

Why it matters: The zoning amendments would create a formal land‑use framework for more than 200 acres of county‑controlled land, set allowed and conditional uses for the property and enable the county to pursue an orderly mix of business, recreational and public uses consistent with a long‑standing Wind River/Win River business‑park plan.

Ending: Staff will finalize hearing materials, publish the 14‑day notice and accept written public comment ahead of the Feb. 18 hearing.