Gorge committee delays ADU plan amendment, to convene outside working group ahead of 2027 review

The Columbia River Gorge Commission’s Economic Vitality Committee revisited whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) should be allowed or adjusted in certain land-use designations in the National Scenic Area and decided not to pursue an immediate plan amendment.

Staff framed the choice as a fork in the road: pursue a plan amendment now or assemble evidence and public input as part of the commission’s full management-plan review beginning in 2027. "Given that 2027 is when the management plan is going to be reopened for reconsideration, I’m going to recommend that we not try to do a plan amendment now," the chair said, and recommended convening an outside working group of experts to prepare the questions and analysis the commission will need.

Committee members supported the approach. Members said an outside group could identify constraints and data needs (for example, infrastructure limits such as sewer availability), gather stakeholder input, and help the commission be ready when the formal plan-review window opens.

The committee did not vote on a formal course of action because it lacked a quorum. Instead, members agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting and to begin identifying potential participants for the proposed working group so the commission can "hit the ground running" when plan review opens.

Next steps: staff will check member availability and aim to establish a regular meeting cadence; the chair proposed convening an expert working group before the next formal decision point.