Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 350 - COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE COMMISSION
Here is a clear and detailed explanation of the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR), Chapter 350 – Columbia River Gorge Commission, without any web links:
🏞️ OAR Chapter 350 – Columbia River Gorge Commission
The Columbia River Gorge Commission is a bi-state agency created by an interstate compact between Oregon and Washington, authorized by the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act (1986). Its mission is to protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Gorge, while also supporting local economic development within designated urban areas.
Chapter 350 of the Oregon Administrative Rules outlines the structure, procedures, and policies used by the Commission to carry out its work.
🔷 Division 1 – Procedural Rules
Covers the basic administrative procedures used by the Commission.
Includes:
Rulemaking process
How public hearings and meetings are conducted
Procedures for appealing land use decisions
Adopts Attorney General's model rules for public participation and administrative fairness.
🔷 Division 11 – Appeal Procedures
Outlines the process for appealing decisions made under the Gorge Management Plan.
Key points:
Who may file an appeal (e.g., applicants, neighbors, local governments).
Time limits for filing (often 21 days from the final decision).
Standards for review and how the Commission issues a final order.
🔷 Division 12 – Definitions
Defines terms used throughout the rules, such as:
“Scenic Area”
“Urban Area”
“Development”
“Resource Land”
“Review Use” (i.e., activities that require extra review)
“Buffer zone” and “Priority habitat area”
🔷 Division 16 – Management Plan Rules
The Management Plan is the guiding document for land use and resource protection in the Scenic Area.
This division governs how the Plan is:
Created, updated, and interpreted.
Enforced across both Oregon and Washington counties in the Gorge.
Includes coordination with counties to ensure zoning ordinances comply with the Management Plan.
🔷 Division 17 – Land Use Hearings and Decisions
Describes procedures for reviewing and approving proposed development.
Includes:
Application requirements
Notice to neighbors and tribes
Opportunity for public comment
Decision criteria
Ensures that proposals are consistent with scenic, cultural, and environmental standards.
🔷 Division 18 – Urban Area Boundaries
Explains how urban area boundaries are defined and adjusted.
Urban areas (like Hood River or Cascade Locks) are excluded from strict resource protections.
Adjustments require review by both states and must comply with federal law.
🔷 Division 30 – Enforcement
Gives the Commission authority to:
Investigate potential violations
Issue stop work orders
Impose civil penalties
Require restoration of damaged resources
Emphasizes voluntary compliance, but allows legal action if necessary.
🔷 Division 50 – Budget and Financial Oversight
Covers how the Commission adopts its budget, receives funding from both states, and manages expenditures.
Ensures transparency and accountability in Commission finances.
🗺️ Key Functions of the Columbia River Gorge Commission
Land Use Review: Regulates construction, development, and uses of land outside urban areas.
Resource Protection: Safeguards scenic vistas, cultural sites, habitats, and recreation areas.
Interstate Coordination: Works with both Oregon and Washington agencies and counties.
Public Participation: Encourages involvement of local residents, tribal nations, landowners, and environmental groups.
Policy Implementation: Maintains and enforces the Management Plan.
✅ Summary
OAR Chapter 350 provides the legal and procedural foundation for the Columbia River Gorge Commission to implement the National Scenic Area Act. The rules ensure balanced development, resource protection, and community participation across this nationally significant landscape.
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