By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
December 3, 2007

The Hood River City Council has agreed to a plan that protects a riparian zone and the economic interests of a waterfront hotel.

Under Ordinance 1983, the 75-foot setback imposed by the city along the Columbia River shoreline almost two years ago remains in effect. But the existing buildings of the Best Western Hood River Inn will not be subject to regulations that limit human activities or the disturbing of ground.

Ramps to aid disabled clients and staircases to meet safety guidelines can be built within a 10-foot swath along the north side of the hotel.

“I think the city staff and Hood River Inn, as well as the city council, did a great job of coming to a compromise that benefits everyone,” said Bob Francis, city manager.

In return for the city’s concessions, the Inn has agreed to mitigate the disturbance of natural resources after relocating the swimming pool. The business will add three times more vegetation when the pool is moved from the rear to the front of the east wing. The cover on the pool must be clear, such as glass, and overhang no more than one-third of the water and surrounding deck.

Tom Stevenson, managing partner of D.M. Stevenson Ranch, the company that owns the Inn, wants to move the pool as part of a 64-room addition. That construction would take place outside of the setback area on the southeastern side of the property.

The business has also agreed to drop its pending case before the state Land Use Board of Appeals. In that action, the Inn asks state officials to lift the entire 75-foot setback, which would remove restrictions from other waterfront properties as well as the Inn. A Measure 37 claim for $2 million in compensation for lost development rights also becomes null and void.

“I think everything’s now on track and this is going to work out,” said Chuck Hinman, general manager of the Inn.

He was cautiously optimistic about the unanimous vote of the council to adopt 1893 at the Nov. 26 meeting. The ordinance will be read for the second and final time on Dec. 10 and is then subject to citizen appeal.

In January 2006, the city council imposed regulations that placed the Inn’s dining room deck and the Riverside Grill within a wildlife habitat preservation zone. Also included were the north-facing rooms along the west wing and a section of CEBU Bamboo Lounge.

The existing buildings within the setback then became “non-conforming uses,” which meant the structures could not be changed.

Stevenson protested that move by the city. He argued that the setback along a rip-rap bank of fill material was intended as a “no-build” zone and had nothing to do with protecting fish runs.

He said the area did not qualify for riparian protection since there was a high level of human activity on the grounds and little natural vegetation. He said the site had been developed 40 years earlier and brought economic gain to the community, which also needed to be taken into consideration.