Builder Intends to add 3 Townhouses to Old Dufur Road

Looking east from 2609 Old Dufur Road, the property being examined for lot line adjustments is just east of the red fence. Steve Delaere of Grandview Builders in Hood River intends to build three townhouses on the three lots if the lot partition is granted.

By Tom Peterson

Grandview Builders President and Owner Steve Delaere

Steve Delaere of Grandview Builders in Hood River is requesting approval to partition one 12,480 SF parcel into three parcels of 4,260 SF, 3,600 SF, and 4,620 SF respectively for three townhouses on Old Dufur Road in The Dalles.

Delaere purchased the property two years ago and has planned for this development for some time now, he said.

Why?

“Because I am a custom home builder, and property in Hood River is too expensive,” he said this afternoon. “I am looking for a long-term investment, and The Dalles is a good spot to do it. There is a shortage of housing in The Dalles…”
The property is zoned RH – High Density Residential. Delaere said he intended to put a single townhouse on each lot for a total of three. He said they would measure approximately 1,700 square feet each. He said he was unsure if they would be sold or rented at this point.

Trends?

Delaere called the current build-out in The Dalles a “natural progression.” Hood River is so expensive and people want to buy into the housing market. They should move into The Dalles.”

ZOOMERS

Delaere said he is also building for what he called “Zoomers.” Workers, for example in Seattle, have learned they can do their job from anywhere using ZOOM meetings and other internet tools to manage.

“I’ve got a project in the works right now with that same scenario,” he said. “They’re finally getting cut loose. Companies are realizing that if an employee moves 5 hours away they can still be productive.”

City’s Review Process:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: Notice is hereby given that an application for Administrative Action has been received by The Dalles Community Development Department. The City of The Dalles Community Development Director will make an Administrative Decision on the request stated below. You are entitled to comment for or against the proposal by submitting a written statement to the Community Development Department, City of The Dalles, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058 by the due date shown.

REVIEW CRITERIA: The City of The Dalles Comprehensive Land Use Plan, City of The Dalles Municipal Code Title 10 Land Use and Development; Article 9.030 Partitions, Minor Replats, and Lot Line Adjustments, Article 5.020 RH – High Density Residential District.

COMMENTS DUE BY: March 21, 2021

APPLICANT(S): Steve Delaere

LANDOWNER(S): Steve Delaere

APPLICATION NUMBER: MIP 388-21

COMMENT PROCEDURE:

1. Written comments for or against the proposal will be accepted for 14 days from the date this notice is mailed and are due by 5 p.m., March 21, 2021, in The Dalles Community Development Office, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, OR 97058.

2. Failure to raise an issue in writing within the comment period, or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the decision maker an opportunity to respond to the issue, precludes further appeal on that issue.

3. Copies of all review criteria and evidence relied upon by the decision-maker or evidence
provided by the applicant are available for free review or may be purchased at the
Community Development Office, 313 Court Street, The Dalles, Oregon 97058.

DECISION PROCESS:

1. An application is received, decision date set, and notice mailed to property owners within 100 feet of the subject property.

2. All affected City departments and other agencies are asked to comment.

3. All timely comments and the application are weighed against the approval criteria in a staff report.

4. The provisions of The Dalles Municipal Code, Title 10 Land Use and Development, and the City of The Dalles Comprehensive Plan must be met.

5. A decision is reached by the Director based on the Findings of Fact in the staff report.

6. Parties of Record (notified property owners, affected public agencies, and other parties who make timely comment) will receive a Notice of Decision.

7. Aggrieved parties may appeal an Administrative Decision to the Planning Commission within 10 days of the date a notice of Decision is mailed, subject to the requirements for appeal procedures.

Please direct any questions to Joshua Chandler, Associate Planner, Community Development Department, at (541) 296-5481 ext. 1121, or email jchandler@ci.the-dalles.or.us.