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Goldendale council adopts ADU definitions and regulations after brief debate on regional coordination
Summary
On second reading the council adopted ordinance 15-57 (ADU definitions) and ordinance 15-58 (ADU regulations). Councilors discussed pausing to solicit input from neighboring gorge jurisdictions but ultimately moved forward; one councilor recorded a nay on ordinance 15-58.
The City Council completed second readings and adopted two ordinances adding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) definitions and regulatory text to the Goldendale Municipal Code. Ordinance 15-57 amended Chapter 17.04 to add defined terms (including "accessory dwelling unit" and "living area") and ordinance 15-58 added Chapter 17.68 with the substantive ADU regulations.
Council members discussed whether to delay final adoption to consult with other Gorge-area entities and consider permit-ready designs that could reduce costs for homeowners. One councilor asked to postpone so that missing colleagues could join the conversation and staff could reach out to neighboring jurisdictions; others said moving forward and then continuing collaboration would be acceptable. The council moved and seconded both ordinances; 15-57 passed on its second reading and 15-58 passed after debate with at least one recorded nay. Building official Robert Thompson and staff clarified that 15-57 was primarily a definitions amendment and that substantive ADU rules were contained in the 15-58 ordinance being adopted.
