Original Notice.

     Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Commission Rule 350-81, Land Use Ordinance.

     Hearing Location(s): Hood River County Administration Building, 601 State Street, Hood River, OR, on September 11, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. (Note this is the beginning of the commission's regular meeting. The actual hearing time may be later).

     Date of Intended Adoption: September 11, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: Jill Arens, Executive Director, Columbia River Gorge Commission, P.O. Box 730, White Salmon, WA 98672, e-mail crgc@gorge.net, fax (509) 493-2229, by September 10, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Nancy Andring by September 4, 2007, (509) 493-3323.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of this rule making is to put into effect recent amendments to the management plan for the Columbia River Gorge Commission. This rule making will incorporate the recent amendments into the commission's land use ordinance for scenic area land within Klickitat County. The commission is not proposing any substantive changes the provisions already adopted into the management plan.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The land use ordinance must be amended to make the plan amendments effective.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: 16 U.S.C. 544e(c), 544f(1); RCW 434.97.015; ORS 196.150.

     Statute Being Implemented: 16 U.S.C. 544e(c), 544f(1); RCW 434.97.015; ORS 196.150.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, see above federal law citations.

     Name of Proponent: Columbia River Gorge Commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Jill Arens, Executive Director, Columbia River Gorge Commission, White Salmon, Washington, (509) 493-3323.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule making is exempt pursuant to RCW 19.85.025(3) and 34.05.310 (4)(c) and (e).

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. This rule making is exempt pursuant to RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iii) and (v).

June 27, 2007

Nancy Andring

Rules Coordinator

350-81-020

Definitions

     As used in Commission Rule 350-81, unless otherwise noted, the following words and their derivations shall have the following meanings:

     (1) Accepted agricultural practice: A mode of operation that is common to farms or ranches of similar nature, necessary for the operation of such farms or ranches to obtain a profit in money and customarily utilized in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (2) Accessory structure/building: A structure or detached building whose use is incidental and subordinate to that of the main use of the property, and that is located on the same parcel as the main building or use. The term "detached” means that the main building and accessory building do not share a common wall. An accessory building connected to the main building by a breezeway is a detached building.

     (3) Active wildlife site: A wildlife site that has been used within the past 5 years by a sensitive wildlife species.

     (4) Addition: An extension or increase in the area or height of an existing building.

     (5) Agency official: The federal, state, or local agency head or designee who has authority over a proposed project.

     (6) Agricultural specialist (SMA): A person such as a county extension agent with a demonstrated knowledge of farming operations, and a demonstrated ability to interpret and recommend methods to implement regulations pertaining to agriculture. Such abilities are usually obtained through a combination of higher education and experience.

     (7) Agricultural structure/building: A structure or building located on a farm or ranch and used in the operation for the storage, repair, and maintenance of farm equipment and supplies or for the raising and/or storage of crops and livestock. These include, but are not limited to: barns, silos, workshops, equipment sheds, greenhouses, wind machines (orchards), processing facilities, storage bins and structures.

     (8) Agricultural use: The current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by raising, harvesting, and selling crops; or by the feeding, breeding, management, and sale of, or production of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees; or for dairying and the sale of dairy products; or any other agricultural or horticultural use, including Christmas trees. Current employment of land for agricultural use includes:

     (a) The operation or use of farmland subject to any agriculture-related government program.

     (b) Land lying fallow for 1 year as a normal and regular requirement of good agricultural husbandry.

     (c) Land planted in orchards or other perennials prior to maturity.

     (d) Land under buildings supporting accepted agricultural practices.

     Agricultural use does not include livestock feedlots.

     (9) Anadromous fish: Species of fish that migrate upstream to freshwater after spending part of their life in the ocean (saltwater).

     (10) Anaerobic: A condition in which molecular oxygen is absent (or effectively so) from the environment.

     (11) Aquaculture: The cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of aquatic species.

     (12) Aquatic area: The water area of a stream, pond, or lake measured at the ordinary high water mark.

     (13) Archaeological resources: See cultural resource.

     (14) Archival research: Research in primary documents that is likely to yield information regarding human occupation of the area in question, including but not limited to deed, census, cartographic, and judicial records.

     (15) Bed and breakfast inn: An establishment located in a structure designed as a single-family dwelling where more than two rooms but fewer than six rooms are rented on a daily basis. Bed and breakfast inns are clearly incidental to the use of a structure as a single-family dwelling and are owner occupied and operated. Bed and breakfast inns operate as transient accommodations, not as rooming or boarding houses.

     (16) Best management practices: Conservation techniques and management measures that (1) control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxins, and sediment; (2) minimize adverse affects to groundwater and surface-water flow and circulation patterns; and (3) maintain the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of wetlands, ponds, streams, and riparian areas.

     (17) Biodiversity (SMA): A diversity of biological organisms at the genetic, species, ecosystem, and landscape levels.

     (18) Boat landing: Cleared area or developed structure used to facilitate launching or retrieving watercraft.

     (19) Buffer zone: An area adjacent to a wetland, stream, pond, or other sensitive area that is established and managed to protect sensitive natural resources from human disturbance. In instances that involve a wetland, stream, or pond, the buffer zone includes all or a portion of the riparian area.

     (20) Building: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. Buildings have a roof supported by columns or walls. They include, but are not limited to, dwellings, garages, barns, sheds and shop buildings.

     (21) Camping or recreational vehicle: A vacation trailer, camper, self-propelled vehicle, or structure equipped with wheels for highway use that is intended for recreational purposes, but not for residential purposes, and is equipped with plumbing, sink, or toilet. A camping or recreational vehicle shall be considered a dwelling unit if it is connected to a sewer system (including septic tank), water, and electrical lines or is occupied on the same parcel for more than 60 days in any consecutive 12-month period.

     (22) Campsite: Single camping unit, that usually consists of a cleared, level area for a tent, and may include a parking spur, fire ring, table, and other amenities.

     (23) Capability: The ability of land to produce forest or agricultural products due to characteristics of the land itself, such as soil, slope, exposure, or other natural factors.

     (24) Canopy closure (SMA): For forest practices, the percentage measuring the degree to which one layer of a tree canopy blocks sunlight or obscures the sky as measured from below.

     (25) Cascadian architecture (SMA): Architectural style using native rock work, large timber, and steeply pitched roofs in a rustic manner.

     (26) Catastrophic situations (SMA): Forces such as fire, insect and disease infestations, and earth movements.

     (27) Childcare center: A facility providing daycare to three or more children, but not including:

     (a) The provision of care that is primarily educational, unless provided to a preschool child for more than 4 hours a day.

     (b) The provision of care that is primarily supervised training in a specific subject, including but not limited to dancing, gymnastics, drama, music or religion.

     (c) The provision of short-term care related to or associated with group athletic or social activities.

     (d) The provision of daycare in the provider's home in the family living quarters for less than 13 children.

     (28) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Graphic Signing System: Sign design standards developed for the Scenic Area for public signs in and adjacent to public road rights-of-way.

     (29) Commercial development/use: Any facility or use of land or water whose function is primarily retail buying or selling of goods or services or both. This does not include fruit or produce stands.

     (30) Commercial forest products: These include timber for lumber, pulp, and firewood for commercial purposes.

     (31) Commercial recreation: Any private (non-governmental) recreational activity or facility on privately owned land, excluding nonprofit facilities. This does not include operation of a public recreation facility by a private vendor.

     (32) Community facility: Basic utilities and services necessary to support public service needs, including but not limited to water and power utilities, sanitation facilities, public microwave stations and communication facilities, schools, roads and highways. This does not include sanitary landfills.

     (33) Consulting parties (cultural resources): Organizations or individuals who submit substantive written comments to a local government in a timely manner because they are concerned with the effects of a proposed use on cultural resources.

     (34) Contiguous land: Parcels or other lands that are under the same ownership and have a common boundary, regardless of whether or not portions of the parcels have separate tax lot numbers, lie in different counties, lie in different sections or government lots, lie in different land use or zoning designations, or are separated by public or private roads. Contiguous land does not include parcels that meet only at a single point.

     (35) Counties: The six counties within the Scenic Area: Hood River, Multnomah, and Wasco in Oregon, and Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat in Washington.

     (36) Created opening (SMA): A created forest opening with less than 40 percent average canopy closure of overstory trees and less than 60 percent average canopy closure of understory trees averaging less than 5 inches diameter at breast height for coniferous forests and less than 25 percent total canopy cover for oak woodlands. This definition does not include agricultural fields.

     (37) Creation (wetlands): A human activity that converts an upland into a wetland. This definition presumes that the area to be converted has not been a wetland in recent times (100 to 200 years).

     (38) Cultivation: Any activity that prepares land for raising crops by turning, breaking, or loosening the soil. Cultivation includes plowing, harrowing, leveling, and tilling.

     (39) Cultural resource: Evidence of human occupation or activity that is important in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of a community or region. Cultural resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

     (a) Archaeological resources. Physical evidence or ruins of human occupation or activity that are located on or below the surface of the ground and are at least 50 years old.

     Archaeological resources include, but are not limited to, the remains of houses, villages, camp and fishing sites, and cave shelters; rock art such as petroglyphs and pictographs; artifacts such as arrowheads, utensils, tools, fragments of tools and utensils, obsidian flakes or other material byproducts from tool and utensil-making activities; and graves, human remains, and associated artifacts.

     (b) Historic buildings and structures. Standing or above-ground buildings and structures that are at least 50 years old.

     Historic buildings and structures include, but are not limited to, log cabins, barns, canals, flumes, pipelines, highways, and tunnels.

     (c) Traditional cultural properties. Locations, buildings, structures, and objects that are associated with cultural beliefs, customs, or practices of a living community that are rooted in that community's history and are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community.

     Traditional cultural properties include, but are not limited to, a location associated with the traditional beliefs of a Native American group about its origins or its cultural history; a location where a community has traditionally carried out artistic or other cultural practices important in maintaining its historical identity; and a location where Native American religious practitioners have historically gone, and go today, to perform ceremonial activities. Objects may include petroglyphs, pictographs, rock cairns or other rock structures, trees, and rock outcrops.

     (40) Cumulative effects: The combined effects of two or more activities. The effects may be related to the number of individual activities, or to the number of repeated activities on the same piece of ground. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

     (41) Cut: An area where soil or earth is excavated or removed in conjunction with development activities.

     (42) Dedicated site: An area actively devoted to the current use and as delineated on the site plan.

     (43) Deer and elk winter range: Areas normally used, or capable of being used, by deer and elk from December through April.

     (44) Destruction of wetlands: Loss of the wetlands or any of its component parts, including the filling, draining, or other adverse effect to the sustainable functioning of the wetland.

     (45) Developed recreation: Recreational opportunities characterized by high-density use on specific sites and requiring facilities installation. Density of use, amount of site development, and type of recreation site can vary widely across the spectrum of recreation activities.

     (46) Developed road prism (SMA): The area of the ground associated with a particular road and containing the road surface, ditch, shoulder, retaining walls, or other developed features. Does not include the natural appearing portions of cut and fill slopes.

     (47) Development: Any land division or structure, including but not limited to new construction of buildings and structures, and mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, and excavation.

     (48) Diameter at breast height (dbh): The diameter of a tree as measured at breast height.

     (49) Duplex: A building containing two dwelling units and designed for occupancy by two families.

     (50) Dwelling, single-family: A detached building containing one dwelling unit and designed for occupancy by one family only.

     (51) Dwelling unit: A single unit designed for occupancy by one family and having not more than one cooking area or kitchen.

     (52) Earth materials: Any rock, natural soil or any combination thereof. Earth materials do not include non-earth or processed materials, including, but not limited to, construction debris (e.g., concrete, asphalt, wood), organic waste (e.g., cull fruit, food waste) and industrial byproducts (e.g., slag, wood waste).

     (53) Effect on treaty rights: To bring about a change in, to influence, to modify, or to have a consequence to Indian treaty or treaty-related rights in the Treaties of 1855 with the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakima tribes executed between the individual Indian tribes and the Congress of the United States and as adjudicated by the Federal courts.

     (54) Emergency/disaster: A sudden unexpected occurrence, either the result of human or natural forces, necessitating immediate action to prevent or mitigate significant loss or damage to life, health, property, essential public services, or the environment.

     (55) Emergency/disaster response: Actions involving any development (such as new structures, grading, or excavation) or vegetation removal that must be taken immediately in response to an emergency/disaster event (as defined above). Emergency/disaster response actions not involving any structural development or ground-disturbance (such as use of emergency transport vehicles, communications activities or traffic control measures) are not included in this definition and are not affected by these provisions.

     (56) Endemic: Plant and animal species that are found only in the vicinity of the Columbia River Gorge area.

     (57) Enhancement (natural resources): A human activity that increases one or more functions of an existing wetland, stream, lake, riparian area, or other sensitive area. Enhancement is generally limited to a wetland, stream, lake, riparian area, or other sensitive area that is degraded. Enhancing an area that is in good or excellent condition may reduce biological diversity and eliminate other natural functions and may not be desirable.

     (58) Ephemeral streams (SMA): streams that contain flowing water only during, and for a short duration after, precipitation events.

     (59) Ethnography: The descriptive and analytic study of the culture of particular groups. An ethnographer seeks to understand a group through interviews with its members and often through living in and observing it.

     (60) Existing use or structure: Any use or structure that was legally established. "Legally established" means: (1) the landowner or developer obtained applicable land use and building permits and complied with land use regulations and other laws that were in effect at the time the use or structure was established, or that were in effect at the time the landowner or developer corrected an improperly established use or structure; (2) the use or structure was initially operated or constructed according to those applicable permits, land use regulations and other laws, or has been operated or constructed according to permits obtained to correct an improperly established use or structure; and (3) any changes to the original use or structure must comply with all applicable permit requirements, land use regulations and other laws that were in effect at the time the change was established.

     (61) Exploration, development (extraction and excavation), and production of mineral resources: Includes all or any part of the process of surface, underground, or submerged mining of mineral resources. Minerals include soil, coal, clay, stone, sand, gravel, metallic ore, oil and gases and any other material or substance excavated for commercial, industrial or construction use. For the Management Plan, this definition includes all exploration and mining, regardless of area disturbed or volume mined. Production of mineral resources means the use of portable crushing, onsite stockpiling, washing, milling, screening, or sorting equipment or other similar methods of initial treatment of a mineral resource to transport to another site for use or further processing. Secondary processing such as concrete or asphalt batch plants are considered industrial uses.

     (62) Fill: The placement, deposition, or stockpiling of sand, sediment, or other earth materials to create new uplands or create an elevation above the existing surface.

     (63) Finished grade: The final elevation of the ground level of a property after construction is completed.

     (64) Fire break: A break in ground cover fuels, adjacent to and surrounding buildings.

     (65) Footprint: The area that falls directly beneath and shares the same perimeter as a structure.

     (66) Forbs: Broad-leaved herbs, in contrast to ferns, fern allies, and grasses and grasslike plants.

     (67) Foreground (SMA): One-half mile on either side of a traveled road or trail.

     (68) Forest health (SMA): A measure of the robustness of forest ecosystems. Forests are deemed healthy when they have capacity across the landscape for renewal, for the maintenance of wildlife habitats, for recovery from a wide range of disturbances, and for retention of their resilience.

     (69) Forest practice (SMA): Any activity conducted on or directly pertaining to forested land and relating to forest ecosystem management including but not limited to growing, thinning, or removing live or dead forest tree or shrub species, road and trail construction, reforestation, fertilizing, brush control, prevention of wildfire, and suppression of diseases and insects. The removal of hazardous trees is excluded. Uses that include establishment, management or harvest of Christmas trees, nursery stock, or fiber producing tree species requiring intensive cultivation (irrigation, fertilization, etc.) and a harvest rotation of 12 years or less are considered agricultural uses.

     (70) Forest practice (GMA): Those activities related to the growing and harvesting of forest tree species, as defined by the Oregon Forest Practices Act or the Washington Forest Practices Act.

     (71) Forest products: Commodities produced from a forest, including, but not limited to, timber products, boughs, mushrooms, pine cones, and huckleberries.

     (72) Forest stand structure (SMA): The number, types and spacing of tree species, tree sizes, and canopy layers contained in a stand of trees.

     (73) Forest use: The growing, propagation, and harvesting of forest tree species and other forest products.

     (74) Fully screened: A description of the relative visibility of a structure where that structure is not visible as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the purpose of the Management Plan).

     (75) Grade (ground level): The average elevation of the finished ground elevation as defined by the Uniform Building Code.

     (76) Grading: Any excavating or filling of earth materials or any combination thereof, including the land in its excavated or filled condition.

     (77) Hazard tree (SMA): A tree with a structural defect that will predictably result in whole or partial failure within 1.5 tree lengths of a road or maintained development. A defective tree is hazardous only when its failure could result in danger to people or damage to structures, vehicles, or other property.

     (78) Height of building: The greatest vertical distance between the point of lowest finished grade adjoining any exterior wall of a building and the highest point of the roof, such as the highest coping or parapet of a flat roof, the highest deck line of a mansard roof, or the highest ridge of a hip, gable, gambrel, shed or other pitched roof.

     (79) Herbaceous: A plant with no persistent woody stem above the ground, with characteristics of an herb.

     (80) Herbs: Nonwoody (herbaceous) plants, including grasses and grasslike plants, forbs, ferns, fern allies, and nonwoody vines. (Note: Seedlings of woody plants that are less than 3 feet tall shall be considered part of the herbaceous layer.)

     (81) Historic buildings and structures: See cultural resource.

     (82) Historic survey: Actions that document the form, style, integrity, and physical condition of historic buildings and structures. Historic surveys may include archival research, architectural drawings, and photographs.

     (83) Horses, boarding of (GMA): The stabling, feeding, and grooming for a fee, or the use renting of stalls for and the care of horses not belonging to the owner of the property, and related facilities, such as training arenas, corrals, and exercise tracks. These facilities are either operated for a fee or by a nonprofit organization.

     (84) Hydric soil: A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.

     (85) In-lieu sites: Sites acquired by the Army Corps of Engineers and transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for treaty fishing, in lieu of those usual and accustomed fishing areas lost by inundation from reservoir construction. These sites were acquired under the provisions of Public Law 14 and Public Law 100-581, Section 401. Additional in-lieu sites will be provided for.

     (86) Indian tribal government: The governing bodies of the Nez Perce Tribe (Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee), the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Board of Trustees), the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribal Council), and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation (Tribal Council).

     (87) Indian tribes: The Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

     (88) Industrial uses: Any use of land or water primarily involved in:

     (a) Assembly or manufacture of goods or products,

     (b) Processing or reprocessing of raw materials, processing of recyclable materials or agricultural products not produced within a constituent farm unit,

     (c) Storage or warehousing, handling or distribution of manufactured goods or products, raw materials, agricultural products, forest products, or recyclable materials for purposes other than retail sale and service, or

     (d) Production of electric power for commercial purposes.

     (89) Interpretive displays: Signs and structures that provide for the convenience, education, and enjoyment of visitors, helping visitors understand and appreciate natural and cultural resources and their relationship to them.

     (90) Key components: The attributes that are essential to maintain the long-term use and productivity of a wildlife site. The key components vary by species and wildlife site. Examples include fledgling and perching trees, watering sites, and foraging habitat.

     (91) Key viewing areas: Those portions of important public roads, parks, or other vantage points within the Scenic Area from which the public views Scenic Area landscapes. These include:

     Historic Columbia River Highway

     Crown Point

     Highway I-84, including rest stops

     Multnomah Falls

     Washington State Route 14

     Beacon Rock

     Panorama Point Park

     Cape Horn

     Dog Mountain Trail

     Cook-Underwood Road

     Rowena Plateau and Nature Conservancy Viewpoint

     Portland Women's Forum State Park

     Bridal Veil State Park

     Larch Mountain

     Rooster Rock State Park

     Bonneville Dam Visitor Centers

     Columbia River

     Washington State Route 141

     Washington State Route 142

     Oregon Highway 35

     Sandy River

     Pacific Crest Trail

     SMA only:

     Old Washington State Route 14 (County Road 1230)

     Wyeth Bench Road

     Larch Mountain Road

     Sherrard Point on Larch Mountain

     (92) Land division: The division or redivision of contiguous land(s) into tracts, parcels, sites or divisions, regardless of the proposed parcel or tract size or use. A land division includes, but is not limited to, short subdivisions, partitions, and subdivisions.

     (93) Landscape setting: The combination of land use, landform, and vegetation patterns that distinguish an area in appearance and character from other portions of the Scenic Area.

     (94) Livestock feedlot: Stockyards and commercial livestock finishing yards for cattle, sheep, swine, and fur bearers. Feedlots do not include winter pasture or winter hay-feeding grounds.

     (95) Lot line adjustment: Relocation of one or more common boundary lines between two contiguous parcels that does not create additional parcels.

     (96) Maintenance: Ordinary upkeep or preservation of a serviceable structure affected by wear or natural elements. Maintenance does not change the original size, scope, configuration or design of a structure.

     Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, painting and refinishing, regrouting masonry, patching roofs, grading gravel roads and road shoulders, cleaning and armoring ditches and culverts, filling potholes, controlling vegetation within rights-of-way, removing trees and other roadside hazards within rights-of-way, and testing and treating utility poles.

     (97) Mitigation: The use of any or all of the following actions:

     (a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.

     (b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation.

     (c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.

     (d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action.

     (98) Mosaic (SMA): The dispersal of overstory and understory leave trees in irregularly spaced clumps of varying sizes throughout an irregularly shaped created forest opening.

     (99) Multifamily dwelling: A dwelling constructed or modified into two or more single-family units.

     (100) Native species: Species that naturally inhabit an area.

     (101) Natural grade: The undisturbed elevation of the ground level of a property before any excavation or construction operations.

     (102) Natural resources: Naturally occurring features including land, water, air, plants, animals (including fish), plant and animal habitat, and scenery.

     (103) Natural resource specialist: A person with professional qualifications, including an academic degree or sufficient professional experience, in the subject matter the specialist is being asked to analyze or evaluate.

     (104) Natural resource-based recreation (SMA): Recreation activities, uses, or facilities that essentially depend on the unique natural, scenic, or cultural resources found within the Scenic Area. Campgrounds, trails, boating and windsurfing facilities, swimming beaches, picnic sites, viewpoints, interpretive parks, and similar outdoor recreation facilities are considered resource-based; golf courses, tennis courts, and rental cabins are not.

     (105) Nonprofit organization: An organization whose nonprofit status has been approved by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

     (106) Not visually evident (SMA): A visual quality standard that provides for development or uses that are not visually noticeable to the casual visitor. Developments or uses shall only repeat form, line, color, and texture that are frequently found in the natural landscape, while changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., shall not be noticeable.

     (107) Old growth (SMA): A forest stand usually at least 180-220 years old with moderate to high canopy closure; a multi-layered, multi-species canopy dominated by large overstory trees; high incidence of large trees, some with broken tops and other indications of old and decaying wood (decadence); numerous large snags, and heavy accumulations of wood, including large logs on the ground.

     (108) Operational (SMA): For new agricultural use, an agricultural use shall be deemed operational when the improvements and investments described in the Stewardship Plan are in place on the parcel.

     (109) Ordinary high water mark: The mark on all streams, ponds, and lakes that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a vegetative character distinct from that of the abutting upland. In any area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the line of mean high water shall substitute.

     (110) Other related major structure (SMA): A structure related to a dwelling on a parcel in the SMA that is less than 40 acres in size, which is not incidental and subordinate to the main use of the property. A building or structure that satisfies the definition of "accessory building" is not an "other related major structure" or a "major development action."

     (111) Overstory (SMA): For forest practices, the tall or mature trees that rise above the shorter or immature understory trees.

     (112) Parcel:

     (a) Any unit of land legally created by a short division, partition, or subdivision that was legally recognized under all state laws and local ordinances in effect on November 17, 1986. A unit of land that is eligible for consolidation as provided in the Management Plan shall not be considered a parcel.

     (b) Any unit of land legally created and separately described by deed, sales contract, or record of survey prior to November 17, 1986, if the unit of land complied with all planning, zoning, and land division ordinances or regulations applicable at the time of creation and up through November 16, 1986.

     (c) A unit of land legally created and separately described by deed or sales contract after November 17, 1986 if the unit was approved under the Final Interim Guidelines or a land use ordinance consistent with the Management Plan, or by the Forest Service Office prior to the Final Interim Guidelines.

     (d) A unit of land shall not be considered a separate parcel simply because the subject tract of land:

     (A) Is a unit of land solely created to establish a separate tax account;

     (B) Lies in different counties;

     (C) Lies in different sections or government lots;

     (D) Lies in different land use or zoning designations; or

     (E) Is dissected by a public or private road.

     (113) Practicable: Able to be done, considering technology and cost.

     (114) Preexisting: Existing prior to the adoption of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan.

     (115) Previously disturbed: An area of land where the natural surface has been graded, excavated, paved and/or graveled.

     (116) Project area: The geographic area or areas within which new development and uses may cause changes in the character or use of cultural resources, if any such resources exist.

     (117) Public use facility: Recreation development(s) that meet the definition of "recreation facility" in the Management Plan and are open for use by the general public. Private clubs and other facilities limited to members or otherwise restricted in availability shall not be considered public use facilities.

     (118) Rare plant species: Used in a generic sense to refer to various categories of sensitive plants cited in federal and state programs.

     (119) Recreation facility: A cluster or grouping of recreational developments or improvements located in relatively close proximity to one another, and that are not separated in distance by more than 1/4 mile of land that does not contain any such developments or improvements, except for roads and/or pathways.

     (120) Reconnaissance survey: Actions conducted to determine if archaeological resources are present in an area that would be affected by a proposed use. Reconnaissance surveys may include archival research, surface surveys, subsurface testing, and ethnographic research.

     (121) Recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS): A means of classifying areas in relation to the types of recreation opportunities and experiences they provide or are appropriate for. The spectrum ranges from primitive (wilderness areas) to urban (highly modified areas).

     (a) Primitive: Remote, inaccessible areas with a high degree of solitude and with resources essentially unmodified.

     (b) Semiprimitive: Areas accessible only by primitive transportation routes, with low to moderately infrequent human encounters and with only subtle modifications to the natural setting.

     (c) Roaded Natural: Roaded areas with moderately frequent human encounters and with resource modifications evident.

     (d) Rural: Roaded areas with moderate to highly frequent human encounters and with the natural setting dominated by cultural modifications.

     (e) Suburban: Areas representing the rural-urban interface, with urban-like roads, structures, highly frequent human encounters, and dominant resource modifications encroaching into the rural landscape.

     (f) Urban: Highly accessible, roaded areas dominated by human encounters and human-related structures.

     (122) Recreation resources: Areas and facilities that provide recreation opportunities and experiences. Recreation resources include semiprimitive areas with few facilities and developed sites.

     (123) Regularly maintained: An area of land that has been previously disturbed and where periodic actions have been taken to (1) keep the area clear of vegetation (e.g., shoulders, utility yards), (2) limit the height and type of vegetation (e.g., utility rights-of-way), and/or (3) establish and retain non-native vegetation (e.g., landscaped medians, rest area grounds).

     (124) Rehabilitation (natural resources): A human activity that returns a wetland, stream, buffer zone, or other sensitive area that was disturbed during construction of a permitted use to its natural or preconstruction condition.

     (125) Remnant old forest (SMA): Large trees in the overstory that are well into the mature growth state (older than 180 years).

     (126) Repair: Replacement or reconstruction of a part of a serviceable structure after damage, decay or wear. A repair returns a structure to its original and previously authorized and undamaged condition. It does not change the original size, scope, configuration or design of a structure, nor does it excavate beyond the depth of the original structure.

     Repair includes, but is not limited to, reroofing a building, replacing damaged guardrails, reconstructing a rotten deck or porch, replacing a broken window or door, replacing a utility pole and associated anchors, replacing a section of broken water or sewer line, replacing a damaged or defective utility line, reconstructing a portion of a building damaged by fire or a natural event, and replacing railroad ties or rails.

     (127) Resource-based recreation: Those recreation uses that are essentially dependent upon the natural, scenic, or cultural resources of the Scenic Area and that do not adversely affect those resources upon which they depend.

     (128) Restoration (wetlands): A human activity that converts an area that was formerly a wetland back into a wetland. This definition presumes that the area to be restored no longer qualifies as a wetland because of past activities, alterations, or catastrophic events.

     (129) Review uses: Proposed uses and developments that must be reviewed by a county planning department, the Gorge Commission, or the Forest Service to determine if they comply with the policies and guidelines in the Management Plan.

     (130) Riparian area: The area immediately adjacent to streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands that directly contributes to the water quality and habitat components of the water body. This may include areas that have high water tables and soils and vegetation that exhibit characteristics of wetness, as well as upland areas immediately adjacent to the water body that directly contribute shade, nutrients, cover, or debris, or that directly enhance water quality within the water body.

     (131) Road: The entire right-of-way of any public or private way that provides ingress to or egress from property by means of vehicles or other means or that provides travel between places by means of vehicles. "Road" includes, but is not limited to:

     (a) Ways described as streets, highways, throughways, or alleys.

     (b) Road-related structures that are in the right-of-way, such as tunnels, culverts, or similar structures.

     (c) Structures that provide for continuity of the right-of-way, such as bridges.

     (132) Scenic Area: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

     (133) Scenic travel corridor: Those portions of Interstate 84, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon Highway 35, and Washington State Routes 14, 141, and 142 located in the Scenic Area and specifically designated to be managed as scenic and recreational travel routes.

     (134) Secretary: The Secretary of Agriculture.

     (135) Sensitive plant species: Plant species that are (1) endemic to the Columbia River Gorge and vicinity, (2) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts, or (3) listed as endangered, threatened or sensitive by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program.

     In the SMA, sensitive plant species also include plant species recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent them from being placed on federal or state endangered species lists.

     (136) Sensitive wildlife species: Animal species that are (1) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts, (2) listed as endangered, threatened, sensitive, or candidate by the Washington Wildlife Commission, (3) listed as sensitive by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, or (4) considered to be of special interest to the public, limited to great blue heron, osprey, mountain goat, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.

     In the SMA, sensitive wildlife species also include animal species recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent them from being placed on federal or state endangered species lists.

     (137) Service station: A business operated for the purpose of retailing and delivering motor vehicle fuel into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

     (138) Serviceable: Presently useable.

     (139) Shall: Action is mandatory.

     (140) Should: Action is encouraged.

     (141) Shrub: A woody plant usually greater than 3 feet but less than 20 feet tall that generally exhibits several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems and has a bushy appearance. (Note: For the Management Plan, seedlings of woody plants that are less than 3 feet tall shall be considered part of the herbaceous layer.)

     (142) Sign: Any placard, poster, billboard, advertising structure or inscribed surface, pattern or artificial lighting, pictorial or symbolic ornament, emblematic structure, banner, fluttering apparatus, statue, model, ornamental figure, or other visually communicative or expressive device that is visible from an out-of-doors position and is used to advertise or call the public's attention to any public, business, commercial, industrial, recreational or any other activity, object for sale or lease, person or place, or to bear any kind of message. It includes any surface on which a name, text, device, signal, ornament, logotype, or advertising matters is made visible. The meaning of "sign" shall also include any sign currently in disuse, but still visible from an out-of-doors position, and any frame or support structure erected specifically to bear or uphold a sign.

     (143) Significant cultural resource (SMA): A cultural resource that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. (The criteria for evaluating the eligibility of properties for the National Register of Historic Places appear in "National Register Criteria for Evaluation" [36 CFR 60].)

     (144) Skyline: The line that represents the place at which a landform, such as a cliff, bluff or ridge, meets the sky, as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the purpose of the Management Plan). In areas with thick, unbroken tree cover, the skyline is generally formed by the top of the vegetative canopy. In treeless areas or areas with more open tree cover, the skyline is generally formed by the surface of the ground.

     (145) Soil capability class: A classification system developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service to group soils as to their capability for agricultural use.

     (146) Special habitat area: Wetlands, mudflats, shallow water, and riparian vegetation that have high values for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, upland game, and reptiles.

     (147) Special streams: Streams that are primary water supplies for fish hatcheries and rearing ponds.

     (148) Stand: A group of trees possessing uniformity in regard to type, age, vigor, or size.

     (149) Story: A single floor level of a structure, as defined by the Uniform Building Code.

     (150) Streams: Areas where surface water produces a defined channel or bed, including bedrock channels, gravel beds, sand and silt beds, springs and defined-channel swales. The channel or bed does not have to contain water year-round. This definition is not meant to include irrigation ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff structures, or other artificial watercourses unless they are used to convey streams naturally occurring prior to construction of such watercourses.

     For the Management Plan, streams are categorized into two classes: perennial streams and intermittent streams. Perennial stream means a stream that flows year-round during years of normal precipitation. Intermittent stream means a stream that flows only part of the year, or seasonally, during years of normal precipitation.

     (151) Structure: That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner. This includes, but is not limited to, buildings, walls, fences, roads, parking lots, signs, and additions/alterations to structures.

     (152) Submit: To deliver a document (e.g., land use application, written comment) to a reviewing agency's office by personal delivery, commercial delivery, mail, fax, or E-mail. When a document must be submitted within a specified period, it must arrive at the reviewing agency's office by the close of business on the last day of the specified period.

     (153) Subsurface testing: Any procedure that removes material from beneath the ground surface for the purpose of identifying cultural resources, such as shovel tests, posthole digger tests, and auger borings.

     (154) Suitability: The appropriateness of land for production of agricultural or forest products or for recreation, considering its capability for production; surrounding uses and features associated with development; compatibility with scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources; compatibility among uses; and other cultural factors, such as roads, powerlines, dwellings, and size of ownership.

     (155) Thinning (SMA): A forest practice intended to create favorable conditions for the continued growth of trees within an existing stand of trees. A thinning becomes a forest opening in coniferous forests when the average canopy closure of the overstory layer is zero or less than 40 percent and the understory layer is less than 60 percent average canopy closure of trees averaging less than 5 inches diameter at breast height. A thinning becomes a forest opening in oak woodlands when the total average canopy closure is less than 25 percent.

     (156) Total canopy closure (SMA): For forest practices, the percentage measuring the degree to which all layers of the tree canopy combine together to block sunlight or obscure the sky as measured from below.

     (157) Travelers accommodations: Any establishment having rooms rented or kept for rent on a daily or weekly basis to travelers or transients for a charge or fee paid or to be paid for rental use or use of facilities.

     (158) Treatment (SMA): For forest practices, a site-specific operation that carries out the forest management objectives for an area.

     (159) Treaty rights or other rights: Rights reserved by the Indian tribes through the Treaties of 1855. These include the right of fishing at all usual and accustomed places, as well as the privilege of pasturing livestock and hunting and gathering on open and unclaimed lands in common with the citizens of the states.

     (160) Tributary fish habitat: Streams that are used by anadromous or resident fish for spawning, rearing and/or migration.

     (161) Understory (SMA): For forest practices, the shorter or immature trees below the tall or mature overstory trees.

     (162) Undertaking: Any project, activity, program or development or change in land use that can result in changes in the character or use of a cultural resource, if any such cultural resources are located in the area of potential effects. For federal undertakings, the project, activity, or program must be under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a federal agency or licensed or assisted by a federal agency. Undertakings include new and continuing projects, activities, or programs and any of their elements [36 CFR 800.16(y)2(o)].

     (163) Unimproved lands: Lands that generally do not have developments such as buildings or structures.

     (164) Upland: Any area that does not qualify as a wetland because the associated hydrologic regime is not sufficiently wet to elicit development of vegetation, soils, and/or hydrologic characteristics associated with wetlands.

     (165) Uses allowed outright: New uses and developments that may occur without being reviewed by a county planning department, the Gorge Commission, or the Forest Service to determine if they are consistent with the Management Plan.

     (166) Utility facility: Any structure that provides for the transmission or distribution of water, sewer, fuel, electricity, or communications.

     (167) Vested right: The right to develop or continue to develop a use, development or structure that was reviewed and approved pursuant to this Management Plan.

     (168) Viewshed: A landscape unit seen from a key viewing area.

     (169) Visual quality objective (VQO): A set of visual management goals established by the Forest Service to achieve a desired visual objective. These objectives include retention (not visually evident) and partial retention (visually subordinate), and others in the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forest Plans.

     (170) Visually subordinate: A description of the relative visibility of a structure or use where that structure or use does not noticeably contrast with the surrounding landscape, as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the Management Plan). As opposed to structures that are fully screened, structures that are visually subordinate may be partially visible. They are not visually dominant in relation to their surroundings. Visually subordinate forest practices in the SMA shall repeat form, line, color, or texture common to the natural landscape, while changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., shall not dominate the natural landscape setting.

     (171) Water-dependent: Uses that absolutely require, and cannot exist without, access or proximity to, or siting within, a water body to fulfill their basic purpose. Water-dependent uses include, but are not limited to, docks, wharfs, piers, dolphins, certain fish and wildlife structures, boat launch facilities, and marinas. Dwellings, parking lots, spoil and dump sites, roads, restaurants, trails and paths, trailer parks, resorts, and motels are not water-dependent.

     (172) Water-related: Uses not directly dependent upon access to a water body, but whose presence facilitates public access to and enjoyment of a water body. In the GMA, water-related uses shall be limited to boardwalks, trails and paths, observation decks, and interpretative aids, such as kiosks and signs.

     (173) Wetlands: Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. This does not include riparian areas, rivers, streams, and lakes.

     (174) Wetlands functions: The beneficial roles that wetlands serve, including storage, conveyance, and attenuation of floodwaters and stormwaters; groundwater recharge and discharge; protection of water quality and reduction of sediment and erosion; production of waterfowl, game and nongame birds, mammals, and other living resources; protection of habitat for endangered, threatened, and sensitive species; food chain support for a broad range of wildlife and fisheries; educational, historical, and archaeological value protection; and scenic, aesthetic, and recreational amenities.

     (175) Winery: An agricultural facility used for processing grapes into wine, including laboratories, processing areas, offices, and storage areas. A winery is distinct from a wine sales/tasting room; each of these uses must be explicitly reviewed and approved.

     (176) Wine sales/tasting room: A facility that is accessory to a winery and used for tasting and retail sales of wine, including interior space (e.g., wine bar, sitting room) and exterior space (e.g., patio, veranda). A wine sales/tasting room shall not be used for preparing or serving meals or hosting weddings, receptions or other commercial events, unless allowed, reviewed and approved under the "Commercial Events” provisions in 350-81-108. A wine sales/tasting room is distinct from a winery; each of these uses must be explicitly reviewed and approved.

     (177) Woody plant: A seed plant (gymnosperm or angiosperm) that develops persistent, hard, fibrous tissues.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-032

Application for Review and Approval

     (1) Prior to initiating any use or development which requires review and approval by the Executive Director, an application shall be completed pursuant to 350-81-032.

     (2) The Executive Director shall accept and review the application pursuant to 350-81-030 through 350-81-046 for consistency with the appropriate guidelines of this rule.

     (3) The Commission may charge a fee for review of applications after a public hearing. The Gorge Commission shall set the fee.

     (4) Standard application forms shall be available at the Commission Office, and shall be provided to county and city planning offices and the Forest Service.

     (5) Applications for the review and approval of a proposed use or development shall provide the following information:

     (a) The applicant's name, address and telephone number;

     (b) The land owner's name, address and telephone number (if different from applicant's);

     (c) The county in which the proposed use or development would be located;

     (d) The section, quarter section, township and range in which the proposed development would be located;

     (e) The street address of the proposed use or development;

     (f) The tax lot number(s) and size in acres of the parcel(s) involved;

     (g) A description of the current land use for the parcel(s) involved and adjoining lands;

     (h) A written description of the proposed use or development, including details on the height, exterior color(s), and construction materials of the proposed structures.

     (i) A list of Key Viewing Areas from which the proposed use would be visible.

     (j) A map of the project area. The map shall be drawn to scale. The scale of the map shall be large enough to allow the Executive Director to determine the location and extent of the proposed use or development and evaluate its effects on scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources. The map shall be prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet (1:2,400), or a scale providing greater detail. If a parcel is very large, the map does not need to show the entire parcel. Rather, it can show only those portions of the parcel affected by the proposed use. The map shall include the following elements:

     (A) North arrow.

     (B) Map scale.

     (C) Boundaries, dimensions, and size of the subject parcel.

     (D) Significant terrain features or landforms.

     (E) Groupings and species of trees or other vegetation on the parcel.

     (F) Location and species of vegetation that would be removed or planted.

     (G) Bodies of water and watercourses.

     (H) Location and width of existing and proposed roads, driveways, and trails.

     (I) Location and size of existing and proposed structures.

     (J) Location of existing and proposed services including wells or other water supplies, sewage disposal systems, power and telephone poles and lines, and outdoor lighting.

     (K) Location and depth of all proposed grading and ditching.

     (k) Elevation drawings, which shall show the appearance of proposed structures and shall include natural grade, finished grade, and the geometrical exterior of at least the length and width of structures as seen from a horizontal view. Elevation drawings shall be drawn to scale.

     (l) A list of names and addresses of the adjacent property owners within a distance of the subject parcel as determined in 350-81-630.

     (m) Any additional information that the applicant feels will assist in the evaluation of the proposal, including but not limited to, maps, drawings, and development plans.

     (n) The signature of the applicant and property owner or a statement from the property owner indicating that he is aware of the application being made on his property.

     (o) The signature of the property owner on a statement that authorizes the Executive Director or the Executive Director's designee reasonable access to the site in order to evaluate the application.

     (6) Applications for the following uses or developments shall include additional information as required by the appropriate guidelines in Commission Rule 350-81 or by the Executive Director:

     (a) In the General Management Area, for all buildings visible from key viewing areas, pursuant to 350-81-520 (2)(n).

     (b) In the General Management Area, production and/or development of mineral resources and expansion of existing quarries pursuant to 350-81-520 (1)(f), (2)(o), and (2)(bb).

     (c) A grading plan that complies with the requirements of 350-81-520 (2)(aa)(A) and (B) is required for the following:

     (A) In the General Management Area, all applications for structural development involving more than 100 cubic yards of grading with slopes over 10 percent shall include a grading plan;

     (B) In the General Management Area, all proposed structural development on sites visible from key viewing areas and involving more than 200 cubic yards of grading, regardless of slope; and

     (C) In the Special Management Area, all applications for structural development involving more than 100 cubic yards of grading with slopes greater than 10 percent (except trails) shall include a grading plan.

     (d) In the General Management Area, vegetation management projects in public rights of way along Scenic Travel Corridors, pursuant to 350-81-520 (4)(d).

     (e) Large-scale uses as defined by guideline 350-81-540 (1)(c)(C) shall include reconnaissance survey reports, pursuant to 350-81-540 (1)(c)(F), and (G).

     (f) Proposed uses that would alter the exterior architectural appearance of buildings and structures that are 50 years old or older, or would compromise features of the surrounding area that are important in defining the historic or architectural character of buildings that are 50 years old or older, pursuant to 350-81-540 (1)(c)(H)(iii).

     (g) In the General Management Area, new uses located in, or providing recreational access to the Columbia River or its fishbearing tributaries, pursuant to 350-81-084 (1)(a)(A).

     (h) In the General Management Area, any review use in a wetland or within a wetland buffer zone, pursuant to 350-81-560 (1)(b).

     (i) In the General Management Area, any review use in a stream, pond, lake, or within their buffer zones, pursuant to 350-81-570 (1)(b).

     (j) In the General Management Area, any review use within 1000 feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site, pursuant to 350-81-580 (1)(b). Large-scale uses as defined by 350-81-580(2) shall also include field survey information, pursuant to 350-81-580 (2)(e).

     (k) In the General Management Area, any review use within 1000 feet of a sensitive plant, pursuant to 350-81-590 (1)(b). Large-scale uses as defined by 350-81-590(2) shall also include field survey information, pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-590 (2)(e).

     (l) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use, pursuant to 350-81-190 (1)(h), and if applicable, 350-81-190 (1)(i).

     (m) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling not in conjunction with agricultural use, pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-190 (1)(q).

     (n) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling for an agricultural operator's relative, pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-190 (1)(k).

     (o) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Large-Woodland, a single-family dwelling, pursuant to 350-81-270 (1)(a).

     (p) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture, Forest, or Public Recreation, a single-family dwelling, pursuant to 350-81-270 (2)(j).

     (q) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture, Forest, Residential, or Public Recreation, clearing trees for new agricultural use, pursuant to 350-81-270 (2)(x).

     (r) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture, Forest, Residential, or Public Recreation, forest practices, pursuant to 350-81-270 (2)(y).

     (s) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Open Space, any new use or development, pursuant to 350-81-340(4).

     (t) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture-Special, a single-family dwelling pursuant to 350-81-232 (1)(g).

     (u) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture, Forest, or Public Recreation, a single-family dwelling necessary and accessory to agricultural use, pursuant to 350-81-190 (2)(c).

     (v) In the Special Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture, Forest, or Public Recreation, farm labor housing, pursuant to 350-81-190 (2)(d).

     (w) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Small Woodland, a single-family dwelling pursuant to 350-81-270 (1)(b).

     (x) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Commercial Forest, Large Woodland, or Small Woodland, a single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use pursuant to 350-81-270 (1)(c).

     (y) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Commercial Forest, Large Woodland, or Small Woodland, agricultural labor housing, pursuant to 350-81-270 (1)(o)(s) and on lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture or Small-Scale Agriculture, pursuant to 350-81-190 (1)(p).

     (z) In the General Management Area, on lands designated Agriculture-Special, new livestock grazing, new fences, livestock watering facilities, and corrals; or soil, water, and vegetation conservation activities, pursuant to 350-81-240.

     (aa) In the General Management Area and Special Management Area, agricultural buildings, pursuant to 350-81-090(2).

     (bb) Other uses as deemed necessary by the Executive Director.

     (7) Completed application forms shall be submitted directly to the office of the Columbia River Gorge Commission.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-042

Decision of the Executive Director

     (1) In making a decision on a proposed use or development the Executive Director shall:

     (a) Consult with the applicant and such agencies as the Executive Director deems appropriate;

     (b) Consider information submitted by the applicant and all other relevant information available;

     (c) Consider all comments submitted pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-040; and

     (d) Solicit and consider the comments of the Forest Service.

     (2) The Executive Director shall approve a proposed use or development only if it is consistent with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81.

     (a) In approving a proposed development action, the Executive Director may impose conditions as necessary to ensure consistency with the guidelines of Commission Rule 350-81.

     (b) Conditions attached to approval of a proposed development action shall be recorded in county deeds and records to ensure notice of the conditions to successors in interest. The Executive Director's decision shall include this requirement.

     (3) The Executive Director shall issue a decision on a proposed use or development including findings of fact and conclusions of law and any conditions to ensure consistency with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81 within 72 days after acceptance of the application except in one or more of the following situations:

     (a) The applicant consents to an extension of time.

     (b) The Executive Director determines that additional information is required pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-040.

     (c) The Executive Director determines that additional information is necessary to evaluate land use issues and the impacts of the proposed use to scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources.

     (d) Unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, weather, illness, etc.

     (4) The Executive Director shall mail send a copy of the decision to the applicant, the Forest Service, the applicable state, the four Indian tribal governments, the applicable county and/or city and each person who submitted comments under Commission Rule 350-81-040. The decision shall set forth the rights of appeal under Commission Rule 350-70.

     (5) The decision of the Executive Director shall be final unless a Notice of Appeal is filed in accordance with Commission Rule 350-70. An applicant who chooses to proceed with an approved development during the appeal period shall assume all associated risks and liabilities.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-050

Development Eligible for Expedited Review

     (1) The following developments may be reviewed using the expedited development review process, provided they comply with the resource protection and procedural guidelines contained in this section.

     (a) Except in Open Space and Agriculture-Special, accessory structures between 60 and 200 square feet in area and 10 feet or less in height. Only one accessory building per parcel may be allowed under this guideline, regardless of whether the parcel already includes an accessory building(s). Additional accessory buildings shall be subject to full review. This category does not include signs, decks, fences, outdoor lights, retaining walls, transportation facilities, or utility facilities.

     (b) Additions and covered decks for existing buildings, provided the existing building is at least 500 square feet in area and the addition or covered deck is no larger than 200 square feet in area and no taller than the height of the existing building. Only one addition and one covered deck per parcel may be allowed under this guideline, regardless of whether the parcel already includes an addition or covered deck.

     (c) Rail, solid or semi-solid fences accessory to existing dwellings less than or equal to 6 feet in height and less than or equal to 100 feet in length.

     (d) Wire-strand fences other than those allowed outright, provided the fence complies with 350-81-580(6) if it is inside deer and elk winter range as delineated in the Gorge Commission/USDA Forest Service natural resource inventories or determined by an appropriate federal or state agency.

     (e) In the General Management Area, woven-wire fences for agricultural use that would enclose 80 acres or less.

     (f) Decks that are: (1) uncovered; (2) attached and accessory to existing dwellings; and (3) 500 square feet or less in area and 30 inches or less in height above existing grade.

     (g) Road closure gates.

     (h) Signs, other than those allowed outright.

     (i) Outdoor lights.

     (j) Air, weather, water and other similar research and monitoring facilities, provided the facilities are attached to existing structures or are less than or equal to 120 square feet in size and less than or equal to 12 feet in height.

     (k) Lot line adjustments in the General Management Area that would not result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to 350-81-126(1), except all lot line adjustments for parcels designated Open Space, Agriculture-Special, Public Recreation, or Commercial Recreation shall be reviewed through the full development review process.

     (l) Lot line adjustments in the Special Management Area, subject to 350-81-126(2).

     (m) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are less than 50 years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (n) Decommission non-paved roads, including ripping the road surface, barriers, and revegetation.

     (o) Trail reconstruction involving up to 1,000 feet of trail re-route.

     (p) The following transportation facilities, provided they are not a part of larger construction or reconstruction projects (which shall be reviewed as a whole):

     (A) New guardrails and guardrail ends, other than those allowed outright, and new wire-strand and woven-wire access control fences. This category does not include jersey barriers.

     (B) New traffic detection devices, vehicle weighing devices, and signal boxes less than or equal to 120 square feet in size and less than or equal to 12 feet in height. This category does not include signs.

     (C) Pave existing dirt and gravel roads, provided the activity does not increase the width of the road or disturb the toe of adjacent embankments, slopes or cut banks.

     (D) New weather, air, traffic or other monitoring equipment attached to existing structures or that are less than or equal to 120 square feet in size and less than or equal to 12 feet in height.

     (q) Except in Agriculture-Special, Tthe following underground utility facilities:

     (A) New underground utility facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past, provided (1) no ditch for linear facilities would be more than 36 inches wide and (2) no excavation for non-linear facilities would exceed 20 cubic yards.

     (r) The following aboveground and overhead utility facilities:

     (A) Modify existing aboveground and overhead utility facilities or, except in Agriculture-Special, develop new aboveground and overhead utility facilities including building and equipment foundations, poles, transformers, conduit, fencing, pumps, valves, pipes, and water meters, provided the development would be less than or equal to 120 square feet in area and less than or equal to 12 feet in height.

     (B) Replace existing aboveground and overhead utility facilities including building and equipment foundations, poles, transformers, conduit, fencing, pumps, valves, pipes, and water meters, provided the replacement facilities would be in the same location as and no more than 15 percent larger than the physical size of the existing facilities.

     (C) New antennas and associated support structures necessary for public service on existing wireless communication poles and towers other than those allowed outright, provided the size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (s) Replace an existing mobile home in a mobile home space within a mobile home park, provided: (1) the mobile home to be replaced, the mobile home space and the mobile home park shall be existing, lawful uses according to the definition of existing use or structure and 350-81-082 (1) through (4); (2) the replacement mobile home shall be in the same location as the mobile home to be replaced; (3) the height of the replacement mobile home shall be no more than 20 percent greater than the mobile home to be replaced, and (4) the mass and footprint of the replacement mobile home shall be no more than 100 percent greater than a single-wide mobile home to be replaced or no more than 25 percent greater than a double-wide mobile home to be replaced.

     (t) Retaining walls accessory to existing dwellings less than or equal to 2 feet in height and less than or equal to 100 feet in length.

     (u) In the Special Management Area, wind machines for frost control in conjunction with agricultural use.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-052

Resource and Treaty Rights Protections Guidelines

     (1) Proposed developments reviewed using the expedited review process shall comply with the following resource protection guidelines:

     (a) Scenic

     (A) In the General Management Area, the scenic resource protection guidelines shall not apply to woven-wire fences for agricultural use that would enclose 80 acres or less.

     (B) Except signs, Tthe colors of structures topographically visible from key viewing areas shall be dark earth-tones found at the specific site or the surrounding landscape. The specific colors or list of acceptable colors shall be included as a condition of approval. This guideline shall not apply to additions, which may match the color of existing buildings.

     (C) Except signs, Sstructures topographically visible from key viewing areas shall use low or non-reflective building materials, including roofing, gutters, vents, and chimneys.

     (D) Outdoor lights shall be directed downward and sited, hooded, and shielded such that they are not highly visible from key viewing areas. Shielding and hooding materials shall be composed of non-reflective, opaque materials.

     (E) Signs shall comply with 350-81-112.

     (F) Structures within one-half mile of a key viewing area and topographically visible from the key viewing area shall be sited, screened and/or designed to achieve the applicable scenic standard (e.g., visual subordinance, not visually evident).

     (b) Cultural

     (A) The expedited development review process shall only be used to review proposed development that does not require a reconnaissance survey, pursuant to 350-81-540 (1)(c)(A) or historic survey, pursuant to 350-81-540 (1)(c)(B).

     (B) The GMA guidelines that protect cultural resources and human remains discovered during construction [350-81-540 (6) and (7)] shall be applied as conditions of approval for all development approved under the expedited development review process.

     (c) Recreation

     (A) The development shall not detract from the use and enjoyment of established recreation sites on adjacent parcels.

     (d) Natural

     (A) Wetlands, Streams, Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes

     (i) The development is outside buffer zones for wetlands, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. This guideline shall not apply to lot line adjustments or development located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been previously disturbed and regularly maintained.

     (B) Sensitive Wildlife and Sensitive Plants

     (i) The development meets one of the following:

     (I) The development is at least 1,000 feet from known sensitive wildlife areas or sites (excluding sensitive aquatic species, deer winter range, and turkey habitat) and known sensitive plants; or

     (II) The development does not disturb the ground or is inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements or other areas that have been previously disturbed and regularly maintained; or

     (III) For sensitive wildlife, the development is within 1,000 feet of known sensitive wildlife areas or sites (excluding sensitive aquatic species, deer winter range and turkey habitat), but an appropriate federal or state wildlife agency determines (1) the sensitive wildlife area or site is not active or (2) the proposed development would not compromise the integrity of the wildlife area or site or occur during the time of the year when wildlife species are sensitive to disturbance.

     For sensitive plants, the development is within 1,000 feet of known sensitive plants, but the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program or a person with recognized expertise in botany or plant ecology hired by the applicant has determined that the development would be at least 200 feet from the sensitive plants.

     (ii) Development eligible for expedited review shall be exempt from the field survey requirements for sensitive wildlife or sensitive plants [350-81-580 (1)(b) and (2); 350-81-590 (1)(b) and (2)].

     (2) Proposed developments reviewed using the expedited review process shall comply with the following treaty rights protection guidelines:

     (a) Proposed developments shall not affect or modify any treaty or other rights of any Indian tribe.

     (b) The expedited development review process shall cease and the proposed development shall be reviewed using the full development review process if an Indian tribe submits substantive written comments during the comment period that identify the treaty rights that exist in the project vicinity and explain how they would be affected or modified by the proposed development.

     (c) Except as provided in 2.b above, the GMA and SMA treaty rights and consultation goals, policies and guidelines in Chapter 3, Section IV of the Management Plan shall not apply to proposed developments reviewed under the expedited review process.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-060

Emergency/Disaster Response Actions

     (1) General Guidelines

     (a) Actions taken in response to an emergency/disaster event, as defined in Commission Rule 350-81-020(54), are allowed in all GMA/SMA land use designations, subject to the notification requirements in "Notification Requirements" (subsection 2, below).

     (b) Following emergency/disaster response actions, best management practices (BMPs) to prevent sedimentation and provide erosion control shall be utilized whenever disaster response actions necessitate vegetation removal, excavation, and/or grading. BMPs may include but are not limited to: use of straw bales, slash windrows, filter fabric fences, sandbags, straw cover, jute netting, etc.

     (c) Structures or development installed or erected for a temporary use (e.g. sandbags, check dams, plastic sheeting, chain link fences, debris walls, etc.) shall be removed within one year following an emergency event. If it can be demonstrated that the continued use of these devices is necessary to protect life property, public services or the environment, an extension of no more than two years may be granted by the Executive Director or the Forest Service for federal agency actions.

     (d) The new exploration, development (extraction or excavation), and production of mineral resources, used for commercial, private or public works projects, shall not be conducted as an emergency/disaster response activity.

     (e) No spoils resulting from grading or excavation activities shall be deliberately deposited into a wetland, stream, pond, lake or riparian area within the National Scenic Area (NSA) as a part of an emergency/disaster response action. The only exception to this is for construction of a fire line during a wildfire, where avoiding the aquatic area or its buffer zone has been considered and determined to not be possible without further jeopardizing life or property.

     (2) Notification Requirements

     (a) Actions taken in response to an emergency/disaster event, as defined in Commission Rule 350-81-020(54), are allowed in all GMA and SMA land use designations, subject to the following notification requirements.

     (A) Notification of an emergency/disaster response activity shall be submitted either within 48 hours of the commencement of a response action, or by the next business day following the start of such an action, whichever is sooner. Notification shall be submitted by the party conducting an emergency/disaster response activity or their representatives. In the case of multiple responding parties, the first party to respond shall provide the required notification, unless, upon mutual agreement of responding parties, another responder elects to assume this responsibility.

     (B) Notification shall be submitted by mail, fax, telephone, e-mail or in person. If notification occurs by telephone, a hard copy of the notification shall be submitted by mail or in person within 7 days.

     (C) Notification shall be furnished to the Executive Director or the Forest Service for federal agency actions.

     (D) At a minimum, the following information shall be required at the time of notification:

     (i) Nature of emergency/disaster event.

     (ii) Description of emergency/disaster response activities and magnitude of response actions to be taken, if applicable (such as extent of earth movement, erection of structures, etc.).

     (iii) Location of emergency/disaster response activities.

     (iv) Estimated start and duration of emergency/disaster response activities.

     (v) Contact person and phone number for the parties conducting emergency/disaster response actions.

     (E) Repair and maintenance of an existing serviceable structure to its previously authorized and undamaged condition are not subject to the above referenced notification requirements.

     (b) Upon notification of an emergency/disaster response action, the Executive Director, or Forest Service shall, as soon as possible:

     (A) Review its natural resource inventory data and notify the contact person for the emergency/disaster response actions of all inventoried natural resource sites and their buffers, that are within or adjacent to the response area or that may be adversely affected by response activities;

     (B) Notify the Oregon or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife of all noticed emergency/disaster response actions, to provide that agency an opportunity to consult with responding agencies during the event, and;

     (C) Notify the Forest Service, the Oregon Historic Preservation Office or the Office of Washington Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation, and the tribal governments of all emergency/disaster response activities. The Forest Service will review their cultural resource inventory data and notify the contact person for the emergency/disaster response action as soon as possible of all inventoried cultural resource sites, or their buffers, that are within, or adjacent to, emergency/disaster response areas.

     (c) Upon notification of a response action, the Forest Service shall, as soon as possible, offer the services of a resource advisor to the agency(ies) conducting the response action. The resource advisor will provide on-site advice to minimize impacts to resources from emergency/disaster response actions.

     (3) Post-Emergency/Disaster Response Development Review Application Requirements

     (a) Within 30 days following notification, a post-emergency/disaster response application shall be submitted by the party conducting the response action to the Executive Director, or Forest Service for federal agency actions. In the case of an event with multiple responding parties, the party providing initial notification as required herein shall submit the application. An exception to this may occur if another responding party, by mutual agreement with the other respondents, elects to submit the application. Requests to extend this submittal deadline may be made in writing and shall include the reason why an extension is necessary. Extensions shall not exceed 30 days in duration and not more than two (2) extensions shall be granted.

     (b) Post-emergency/disaster response applications shall only address development activities conducted during an emergency/disaster response. Applications shall specify if development placed during an emergency/disaster event is permanent or temporary. The terms "development activities" and "development" include the disposal of any spoil materials associated with an emergency/disaster response action. Applicants shall be responsible for operations under their control and that of other responders, upon mutual agreement. Responders not agreeing to have another responder address their actions shall be responsible to submit an application for those actions.

     (c) Emergency/disaster response actions not involving structural development or ground disturbance with mechanized equipment are exempt from these requirements, except for those actions within 500 feet of a known cultural resource (as determined in the notification process).

     (d) Applications shall include the following information:

     (A) Applicant's name and address.

     (B) Location of emergency/disaster response.

     (C) A written description of the emergency/disaster response, including any structures erected, excavation or other grading activities, or vegetation removal.

     (D) A map of the project area drawn to scale, at a scale of 1 inch = 200 feet or a scale providing greater detail. The map shall include:

     (i) North arrow and scale.

     (ii) Boundaries, dimensions and size of subject parcel(s).

     (iii) Bodies of water, watercourses, and significant landforms.

     (iv) Existing roads and structures.

     (v) New structures placed and any vegetation removal, excavation or grading resulting from the response actions.

     (E) An exception to the scale requirements in subsection (3)(d)(D) above may be granted for an event encompassing an area greater than one square mile. In such cases, a clear sketch map of the entire response action area shall be provided. In addition, a map of 1 inch = 200 feet or a scale providing greater detail shall be provided that shows a section of the response area exemplifying the specific actions taken.

     (e) Emergency/disaster response review uses may be allowed pursuant to a process that provides at minimum the following:

     (A) Notice of the application to landowners within 200 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel, the Forest Service, Gorge Commission, four tribal governments and interested parties.

     (B) A written decision with findings of fact and conclusions of law.

     (C) An opportunity to request a hearing.

     (4) Post-Emergency/Disaster Response Development Review

     Actions taken in all land use designations within the GMA/SMA that are in response to an emergency/disaster event, as defined, shall be reviewed for compliance with the following guidelines.

     (a) Scenic Resources

     (A) Impacts of emergency/disaster response actions shall be evaluated to ensure that scenic resources are not adversely affected. In the GMA, Ssuch actions shall be rendered visually subordinate in their landscape setting as seen from key viewing areas to the greatest extent practicable, except for actions located in areas exempted from visual subordinance requirements in 350-81-520 (3)(k). In the SMA, such actions shall meet the scenic standard to the greatest extent practicable.

     (B) Vegetation shall be used to screen or cover road cuts, structural development, landform alteration, and areas denuded of vegetation, as a result of emergency/disaster response actions.

     (C) Areas denuded of vegetation as a result of emergency/disaster response actions shall be revegetated with native plant species, or species commonly found within the applicable landscape setting, to restore the affected areas to its pre-response condition to the greatest extent practicable. Revegetation shall occur as soon as practicable, but no later than one year after the emergency/disaster event. An exception to the one-year requirement may be granted upon demonstration of just cause, with an extension up to one year.

     (D) The painting, staining or use of other materials on new structural development shall be used to ensure that the structures are non-reflective, or of low reflectivity, and visually subordinate in their landscape setting as seen from key viewing areas, unless the structure is fully screened from key viewing areas by existing topographic features.

     (E) Additions to existing structures, resulting from an emergency/disaster response action, which are smaller in total height, bulk or area than the existing structures may be the same color as the existing development. Additions larger than the existing development shall be visually subordinate in their landscape setting as seen from key viewing areas to the greatest extent practicable.

     (F) In the General Management Area, spoil materials associated with grading, excavation and slide debris removal activities in relation to an emergency/disaster response action shall comply with the following standards:

     (i) The spoil materials shall either be:

     (I) Removed from the NSA,

     (II) Deposited at a site within the NSA permitted by an agency administering a Scenic Area land use ordinance, or

     (III) (Re)contoured, to the greatest extent practicable, to retain the natural topography, or a topography which emulates that of the surrounding landscape.

     (ii) The Executive Director shall decide whether an applicant removes the spoil materials [350-81-060 (4)(a)(F)(i)(I)], deposits the spoil materials [subsection (4)(a)(F)(i)(II)], or (re)contours the spoils materials [subsection (4)(a)(F)(i)(III)]. The applicant does not make this decision.

     (iii) The Executive Director shall select the action in 350-81-060 (4)(a)(F)(i) that, to the greatest extent practicable, best complies with the policies and guidelines in the Management Plan that protect scenic, cultural, recreation, and natural resources.

     (iv) Disposal sites created according to 350-81-060 (4)(a)(F)(i)(III)(II) shall only be used for spoil materials associated with an emergency/disaster response action. Spoil materials from routine road maintenance activities shall not be deposited at these sites.

     (G) In the Special Management Area, spoil materials associated with grading, excavation and slide debris removal activities in relation to an emergency/disaster response action shall comply with the following standards:

     (i) The spoil materials shall either be:

     (I) Removed from the NSA, or

     (II) Deposited at a site within the NSA permitted by an agency administering a Scenic Area land use ordinance within two years of the emergency.

     (ii) After the spoils materials are removed, the emergency disposal site shall be rehabilitated to meet the scenic standard.

     (iii) All grading (i.e., recontouring) shall be completed within 30 days after the spoils materials are removed.

     (iv) Sites shall be replanted using native plants found in the landscape setting or ecoregion to the maximum extent practicable.

     (v) All revegetation shall take place within one (1) year of the date an applicant completes the grading.

     (vi) This provision shall take effect two years after the date of Management Plan concurrence by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, or approval of a disposal site, which ever comes first.

     (b) Cultural Resources and Treaty Rights

     (A) To the greatest extent practicable, emergency/disaster response actions shall not adversely affect cultural resources. Emergency/disaster response actions shall not affect tribal treaty rights.

     (B) The USDA Forest Service shall determine if a reconnaissance survey or historic survey is necessary within three days after receiving notice that a post-emergency land use application has been received by the Executive Director.

     (i) Reconnaissance surveys shall be conducted by the USDA Forest Service and comply with the standards in 350-81-540 (1)(c)(D). Reconnaissance survey reports shall comply with the standards in 350-81-540 (1)(c)(G).

     (ii) Historic surveys shall be conducted by the USDA Forest Service and shall describe any adverse effects to historic resources resulting from an emergency/disaster response action. Historic surveys shall document the location, form, style, integrity, and physical condition of historic buildings and structures. Such surveys shall also include original photographs, if available, and maps, and should use archival research, blueprints, and drawings as necessary.

     (C) Following the submittal of a post-emergency land use application, in addition to other public notice requirements that may exist, the tribal governments shall be notified by the Executive Director when (1) a reconnaissance survey is required or (2) cultural resources exist in the project area. Notices shall include a site plan. Tribal governments shall have 15 calendar days from the date a notice is sent to submit written comments. Written comments should describe the nature and extent of any cultural resources that exist in the project area or treaty rights that exist in the project area and how they have been affected, and identify individuals with specific knowledge about them.

     (D) When written comments are submitted in compliance with 350-81-060 (4)(b)(C) above, the project applicant shall offer to meet within five calendar days with the interested persons. The five day consultation period may be extended upon agreement between the project applicant and the interested persons. A report shall be prepared by the Executive Director following the consultation meeting. Consultation meetings and reports shall comply with the standards in 350-81-540 (2)(a), and 084 (1)(b)(A) and (B).

     (E) If cultural resources are discovered within the area disturbed by emergency response actions, the project applicant shall have a qualified professional conduct a survey to gather enough information to evaluate the significance of the cultural resources and what effects the action had on such resources. The survey and evaluation shall be documented in a report that generally follows the standards in 350-81-540 (1)(c)(G) and 350-81-540 (3)(a).

     (F) A mitigation plan shall be prepared by the project applicant if the affected cultural resources are significant. The mitigation plan shall be prepared according to the information, consultation, and report guidelines in 350-81-540 (5)(a).

     (G) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all reconnaissance and historic survey reports and treaty rights protection plans to the SHPO and the tribal governments. Survey reports shall include measures to mitigate adverse effects to cultural resources resulting from emergency/disaster response actions. The SHPO and tribal governments shall have 15 calendar days from the date a survey report is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall record and address all written comments in the final decision.

     (H) The Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the emergency/disaster response actions are consistent with the applicable cultural resource goals, policies, and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the SHPO, or those submitted by a tribal government regarding treaty rights, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (I) The cultural resource protection process may conclude when it has been determined that tribal treaty rights have not been not affected and one of the following conditions exists:

     (i) The emergency/disaster response action does not require a reconnaissance or historic survey, or a reconnaissance survey demonstrates that no cultural resources are known to exist in the project area, and no substantiated concerns were voiced by interested persons within 15 calendar days of the date that a notice was mailed.

     (ii) The emergency/disaster response action avoided cultural resources that exist in the project area.

     (iii) Adequate mitigation measures to affected cultural resources have been developed and will be implemented.

     (iv) A historic survey demonstrates that emergency/disaster response actions, and associated development, had no effect on historic buildings or structures because:

     (I) The SHPO concluded that the historic buildings or structures are clearly not eligible, as determined by using the criteria in the "National Register Criteria for Evaluation" (36 CFR 60.4), or

     (II) The emergency/disaster response actions did not compromise the historic or architectural character of the affected buildings or structures, or compromise features of the site that are important in defining the overall historic character of the affected buildings or structures, as determined by the guidelines and standards in The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation [U.S. Department of the Interior 1990] and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation Projects [U.S. Department of the Interior 1983].

     (c) Natural Resources

     (A) To the greatest extent practicable, emergency/disaster response actions shall not adversely affect natural resources.

     (B) Buffer zones for wetlands, streams, ponds, riparian areas, sensitive wildlife sites or areas, and sites containing rare plants, shall be the same as those established in 350-81-560 through 600.

     (C) Wetlands, Streams, Ponds, Lakes, Riparian Areas

     (i) Emergency/disaster response actions occurring within a buffer zone of wetlands, streams, pond, lakes or riparian areas shall be reviewed by the Oregon or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These areas are also referred to in this section as aquatic areas. State biologists will help determine if emergency/disaster response actions have affected or have a potential to affect these aquatic areas or their bigger zones. State biologists shall respond within 15 days of the date the application is mailed.

     (ii) When emergency/disaster response activities occur within wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes, riparian areas, or the buffer zones of these areas, the applicant shall demonstrate the following:

     (I) All reasonable measures have been applied to ensure that the response actions have resulted in the minimum feasible alteration or destruction of the functions, existing contours, vegetation, fish and wildlife resources, and hydrology of wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes or riparian areas.

     (II) Areas disturbed by response activities and associated development will be rehabilitated to the maximum extent practicable.

     (iii) Impacts to wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes and riparian areas, and their buffers will be offset through mitigation and restoration to the greatest extent practicable. Mitigation and restoration efforts shall use native vegetation, and restore natural functions, contours, vegetation patterns, hydrology and fish and wildlife resources to the maximum extent practicable.

     (iv) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines that the emergency/disaster response actions had minor effects on the aquatic area or its buffer zone that could be eliminated with simple modifications, a letter shall be sent to the project applicant that describes the effects and measures that need to be taken to eliminate them. The state biologist, or a Forest Service natural resource advisor (as available) in consultation with the state biologist, shall visit the site in order to make this determination. If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director shall incorporate them into the final order and the aquatic area protection process may conclude.

     (v) Unless addressed through subsection (4)(c)(C)(iv) above, mitigation and restoration efforts shall be delineated in a Rehabilitation Plan. Rehabilitation Plans shall satisfy the standards in 350-81-570 (8)(a) and (b). Rehabilitation plans shall also satisfy the following:

     (I) Plans shall include a plan view and cross-sectional drawing at a scale that adequately depicts site rehabilitation efforts. Plans will illustrate final site topographic contours that emulate the surrounding natural landscape.

     (II) Planting plans shall be included that specify native plant species to be used, specimen quantities and plant locations.

     (III) The project applicant shall be responsible for the successful rehabilitation of all areas disturbed by emergency/disaster response activities.

     (D) Wildlife Habitat

     (i) Emergency/disaster response actions occurring within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site, shall be reviewed by the Oregon or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State wildlife biologists will help determine if emergency/disaster response actions have affected or have a potential to affect a sensitive wildlife area or site.

     (ii) Site plans for emergency/disaster response sites shall be submitted by the Executive Director to the Oregon or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for review as prescribed in 350-81-580 (4)(a) and (b). The wildlife agency shall respond within 15 days of the date the application is mailed.

     (iii) The wildlife protection process may terminate if the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines (1) the sensitive wildlife area or site was not active, or (2) the emergency/disaster response did not compromise the integrity of the wildlife area or site or occurred at a time when wildlife species are not sensitive to disturbance.

     (iv) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines that the emergency/disaster response activities had minor effects on the wildlife area or site that could be eliminated with simple modifications, a letter shall be sent to the project applicant that describes the effects and measures that need to be taken to eliminate them. The state wildlife biologist, or a Forest Service natural resource advisor (as available) in consultation with the state wildlife biologist, shall visit the site in order to make this determination. If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director shall incorporate them into the final decision and the wildlife protection process may conclude.

     (v) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines that the emergency/disaster response activities had adverse effect on a sensitive wildlife area or site, the project applicant shall prepare a Wildlife Management Plan. Wildlife Management Plans shall comply with standards in 350-81-580(5). Upon completion of the Wildlife Management Plan, the Executive Director shall:

     (I) Submit a copy of the Wildlife Management Plan to the state wildlife agency for review. The state wildlife agency will have 15 days from the date that a plan is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director;

     (II) Record any written comments submitted by the state wildlife agency in its development review order. Based on these comments, the Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the wildlife policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state wildlife agency, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (III) Require the project applicant to revise the Wildlife Management Plan as necessary to ensure that the proposed use would not adversely affect a sensitive wildlife area or site.

     (E) Deer and Elk Winter Range

     (i) Any fencing permanently erected within deer and elk winter range, as a result of an emergency/disaster response, shall comply with the standards in 350-81-580(6).

     (F) Rare Plants

     (i) Emergency/disaster response actions occurring within 1,000 feet of a sensitive plant, shall be reviewed by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program. State heritage staff will help determine if emergency/disaster response actions have occurred within the buffer zone of a rare plant.

     (ii) Site plans for emergency/disaster response sites shall be submitted to the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program by the Executive Director. State natural heritage staff will, within 15 days from the date the application is mailed, identify the location of the affected plants and delineate a 200 foot buffer zone on the applicant's site plan.

     (iii) The rare plant protection process may conclude if the Executive Director, in consultation with the state natural heritage program, determines that emergency/disaster response activities occurred outside of a rare plan buffer zone.

     (iv) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the state natural heritage program, determines that the emergency/disaster response activities had minor effects on rare plants or the rare plant buffer zone, a letter shall be sent to the project applicant that describes the effects and measures that need to be taken to eliminate them. The state natural heritage staff, or a Forest Service natural resources advisor (as available) in consultation with the state natural heritage staff, shall visit the site in order to make this determination. If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director shall incorporate them into the final decision order and the rare plant protection process may conclude.

     (v) If emergency/disaster response activities occurred within a rare plant buffer zone that had adverse affects on rare plants or their buffer zone, the project applicant shall prepare a protection and rehabilitation plan, that meets the standards in 350-81-590(5).

     (vi) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all protection and rehabilitation plans to the state heritage program for review. The state natural heritage program will have 15 days from the date the protection and rehabilitation plan is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director.

     The Executive Director shall record any written comments submitted by the state natural heritage program in its development review order. Based on these comments, the Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the rare plant policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state natural heritage program, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (vii) The Executive Director shall require the project applicant to revise the protection and rehabilitation plan as necessary to ensure that the proposed use would not adversely affect a rare plant site.

     (d) Recreational Resources

     (A) To the greatest extent practicable, emergency/disaster response actions shall not aversely affect recreational resources.

     (B) Mitigation measures shall be implemented to mitigate any adverse effects on existing recreation resources caused by emergency/disaster response activities to the maximum extent practicable.

     (5) Post-Emergency Construction

     (a) The following review uses are allowed in all land use designations in accordance with 350-81-030 through 046, 350-81-070 through 126 (as applicable), and 350-81-520 through 620.

     (A) Placement of structures necessary for continued public safety and the protection of private property and essential public services damaged during an emergency/disaster event. This includes replacement of temporary structures erected during such events with permanent structures performing an identical or related function. Land use applications shall be submitted within 12 months following an emergency/disaster event.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The spelling errors in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-074

Uses Allowed Outright

     (1) All Land Use Designations Except Open Space and Agriculture -- Special

     (a) The following uses may be allowed without review in all GMA and SMA land use designations, except GMA and SMA Open Space and Agriculture--Special:

     (A) In the General Management Area, agricultural uses except new cultivation. Any operation that would cultivate land that has not been cultivated, or has lain idle, for more than 5 years shall be considered new cultivation. For this guideline, cultivation and vegetation removal may be allowed in conjunction with a home garden.

     (B) In the Special Management Area, agricultural uses within previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas.

     (C) Forest practices in the General Management Area that do not violate conditions of approval for other approved uses and developments.

     (D) Repair, maintenance and operation of existing structures, including, but not limited to, dwellings, agricultural structures, trails, roads, railroads, and utility facilities.

     (E) Accessory structures 60 square feet or less in area and 10 feet or less in height, unless within the buffer zone of a wetland, stream, pond, lake or riparian area. This category does not include signs, fences, outdoor lights, retaining walls, flagpoles, transportation facilities, or utility facilities.

     (F) Wire-strand or woven-wire fences used for gardens, yards, livestock, and similar uses less than or equal to 500 feet in length and less than or equal to 10 feet in height that are accessory to an existing dwelling, provided woven-wire fences (posts and wire) are brown or black if visible from key viewing areas. Height is measured from the ground to the top wire.

     (G) Wire-strand fences less than or equal to 48 inches in height that are outside deer and elk winter range as delineated in the Gorge Commission/USDA Forest Service natural resource inventories or determined by an appropriate federal or state agency. Height is measured from the ground to the top wire. This category does not include fences associated with transportation facilities or utility facilities.

     (H) The following transportation facilities:

     (i) Replace existing safety or protective structures, including guardrails, access control fences and gates, barriers, energy attenuators, safety cables, and traffic signals and controllers, provided the replacement structures are (1) the same location and size as the existing structures and (2) the same building materials as the existing structures, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (ii) Replace existing traffic detection devices, vehicle weighing devices, and signal boxes, provided the replacement structures are (1) the same location and size as the existing structures and (2) the same building materials as the existing structures, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (iii) New raised pavement markers, guide posts, object markers, inlay markers, and pavement markings and striping.

     (iv) Permanent public regulatory, guide, and warning signs, except those excluded below, provided (1) the signs comply with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and (2) the support structures and backs of all signs are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish. This category does not include specific service signs; destination and distance signs; variable message signs; or signs that bridge or are cantilevered over the road surface.

     (v) Extensions of existing guardrails less than or equal to 50 feet in length and new guardrail ends for existing guardrails, provided the guardrails and guardrail ends are (1) located inside rights-of-way that have been disturbed in the past and (2) constructed of materials that match the existing structure, natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), or materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (vi) New guardrails and guardrail ends, provided the structures are (1) located inside rights-of-way that have been disturbed in the past and (2) constructed of natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), or materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)]. This category does not include jersey barriers.

     (vii) In the General Management Area, replace and/or expand existing culverts, provided the entity or person owning or operating the culvert shall obtain all necessary federal and state permits that protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat before construction.

     (viii) In the Special Management Area, replace and/or expand existing culverts for ephemeral streams or ditches, provided the visible ends of culverts shall be dark and non-reflective.

     (ix) Resurface or overlay existing paved roads, provided the activity does not (1) increase the width of a road, (2) disturb the toe of adjacent embankments, slopes or cut banks, or (3) change existing structures or add new structures.

     (x) Apply dust abatement products to non-paved road surfaces.

     (xi) Grade and gravel existing road shoulders, provided the activity does not (1) increase the width of a road, (2) disturb the toe of adjacent embankments, slopes or cut banks, or (3) change existing structures or add new structures.

     (xii) Replace the superstructure of bridges (e.g., decks, beams) for bridges less than or equal to 30 feet in length and less than or equal to 1,000 square feet in area. This category does not include guardrails or the substructure of bridges (e.g., foundations, abutments).

     (I) The following underground utility facilities:

     (i) Replace or modify existing underground utility facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past or co-locate new underground utility facilities with existing underground facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past, provided no excavation would extend beyond the depth and extent of the original excavation.

     (ii) Replace or modify existing underground utility facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past or co-locate new underground utility facilities with existing underground facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past, provided (1) no excavation would extend more than 12 inches beyond the depth and extent of the original excavation, (2) no ditch for linear facilities would be more than 24 inches wide, (3) no excavation for non-linear facilities would exceed 10 cubic yards, and (4) no recorded archaeological site is located within 500 feet of the development.

     To comply with (4), the entity or person undertaking the development shall contact the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation or the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and obtain a letter or other document stating no recorded archaeological site is located within 500 feet of the development.

     (J) The following aboveground and overhead utility facilities:

     (i) Replace existing aboveground and overhead utility facilities including towers, pole/tower-mounted equipment, cables and wires, anchors, pad-mounted equipment, service boxes, pumps, valves, pipes, water meters, and fire hydrants, provided the replacement facilities would have (1) the same location and size as the existing facilities and (2) the same building materials as the existing facilities, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (ii) Replace existing utility poles, provided the replacement poles are (1) located within 5 feet of the original poles, (2) no more than 5 feet taller and 6 inches wider than the original poles, and (3) constructed of natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), materials that match the original poles, or materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish.

     (iii) New whip antennas for public service less than or equal to 8-feet in height and less than or equal to 2 inches in diameter, cables, wires, transformers, and other similar equipment, provided all such structures are on existing utility poles or towers.

     (K) Flagpoles that are accessory to the principal building on a parcel, provided the height of the flagpole is less than or equal to the height of the highest ridgeline or parapet of the principal building.

     (L) The following signs:

     (i) Election signs. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of election day.

     (ii) "For sale" signs not greater than 12 square feet. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of close of sale.

     (iii) Temporary construction site identification, public service company, safety, or information signs not greater than 32 square feet. Exceptions may be granted for public highway signs necessary for public safety and consistent with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of project completion.

     (iv) Signs posted on private property warning the public against trespassing, danger from animals, the private nature of a road, driveway or premise, or signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting, provided such signs are not greater than 6 square feet in the General Management Area and 2 square feet in the Special Management Area.

     (v) Temporary signs advertising civil, social, or political gatherings and activities, provided such signs do not exceed 12 square feet. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of the close of the event.

     (vi) Signs posted by governmental jurisdictions giving notice to the public. Such signs shall be no larger than that required to convey the intended message.

     (vii) In the General Management Area, signs associated with the use of a building or buildings, if placed flat on the outside walls of buildings (not on roofs or marquees).

     (M) In the General Management Area, wind machines for frost control in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (2) GMA and SMA Open Space

     (a) The following uses may be allowed without review in GMA and SMA Open Space:

     (A) Repair, maintenance and operation of existing structures, including, but not limited to, dwellings, agricultural structures, trails, roads, railroads, and utility facilities.

     (B) The following transportation facilities:

     (i) Replace existing safety or protective structures, including guardrails, access control fences and gates, barriers, energy attenuators, safety cables, and traffic signals and controllers, provided the replacement structures are (1) the same location and size as the existing structures and (2) the same building materials as the existing structures, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (ii) Replace existing traffic detection devices, vehicle weighing devices, and signal boxes, provided the replacement structures are (1) the same location and size as the existing structures and (2) the same building materials as the existing structures, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (iii) New raised pavement markers, guide posts, object markers, inlay markers, and pavement markings and striping.

     (iv) Permanent public regulatory, guide, and warning signs, except those excluded below, provided (1) the signs comply with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and (2) the support structures and backs of all signs are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish. This category does not include specific service signs; destination and distance signs; variable message signs; or signs that bridge or are cantilevered over the road surface.

     (v) Extensions of existing guardrails less than or equal to 50 feet in length and new guardrail ends for existing guardrails, provided the guardrails and guardrail ends are (1) located inside rights-of-way that have been disturbed in the past and (2) constructed of materials that match the existing structure, natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), or materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (vi) New guardrails and guardrail ends, provided the structures are (1) located inside rights-of-way that have been disturbed in the past and (2) constructed of natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), or materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)]. This category does not include jersey barriers.

     (vii) In the General Management Area, replace and/or expand existing culverts, provided the entity or person owning or operating the culvert shall obtain all necessary federal and state permits that protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat before construction.

     (viii) In the Special Management Area, replace and/or expand existing culverts for ephemeral streams or ditches, provided the visible ends of culverts shall be dark and non-reflective.

     (ix) Resurface or overlay existing paved roads, provided the activity does not (1) increase the width of a road, (2) disturb the toe of adjacent embankments, slopes or cut banks, or (3) change existing structures or add new structures.

     (x) Apply dust abatement products to non-paved road surfaces.

     (xi) Grade and gravel existing road shoulders, provided the activity does not (1) increase the width of a road, (2) disturb the toe of adjacent embankments, slopes or cut banks, or (3) change existing structures or add new structures.

     (xii) Replace the superstructure of bridges (e.g., decks, beams) for bridges less than or equal to 30 feet in length and less than or equal to 1,000 square feet in area. This category does not include guardrails or the substructure of bridges (e.g., foundations, abutments).

     (C) The following underground utility facilities:

     (i) Replace or modify existing underground utility facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past or co-locate new underground utility facilities with existing underground facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past, provided no excavation would extend beyond the depth and extent of the original excavation.

     (ii) Replace or modify existing underground utility facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past or co-locate new underground utility facilities with existing underground facilities located inside road, utility or railroad rights-of-way or easements that have been disturbed in the past, provided (1) no excavation would extend more than 12 inches beyond the depth and extent of the original excavation, (2) no ditch for linear facilities would be more than 24 inches wide, (3) no excavation for non-linear facilities would exceed 10 cubic yards, and (4) no recorded archaeological site is located within 500 feet of the development.

     To comply with (4), the entity or person undertaking the development shall contact the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation or the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and obtain a letter or other document stating no recorded archaeological site is located within 500 feet of the development.

     (D) The following aboveground and overhead utility facilities:

     (i) Replace existing aboveground and overhead utility facilities including towers, pole/tower-mounted equipment, cables and wires, anchors, pad-mounted equipment, service boxes, pumps, valves, pipes, water meters, and fire hydrants, provided the replacement facilities would have (1) the same location and size as the existing facilities and (2) the same building materials as the existing facilities, or building materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish, or building materials consistent with the Historic Columbia River Highway Master Plan for the Historic Columbia River Highway or a scenic highway corridor strategy for Interstate 84 or Washington State Route 14 prepared according to the GMA policies in the section of the Scenic Resources chapter of the Management Plan titled "Scenic Travel Corridors" [350-81-520(4)].

     (ii) Replace existing utility poles, provided the replacement poles are (1) located within 5 feet of the original poles, (2) no more than 5 feet taller and 6 inches wider than the original poles, and (3) constructed of natural wood, weathering steel (e.g., Corten), materials that match the original poles, or materials that are dark brown with a flat, non-reflective finish.

     (iii) New whip antennas for public service less than or equal to 8-feet in height and less than or equal to 2 inches in diameter, cables, wires, transformers, and other similar equipment, provided all such structures are on existing utility poles or towers.

     (E) The following signs:

     (i) Election signs. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of election day.

     (ii) "For sale" signs not greater than 12 square feet. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of close of sale.

     (iii) Temporary construction site identification, public service company, safety, or information signs not greater than 32 square feet. Exceptions may be granted for public highway signs necessary for public safety and consistent with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of project completion.

     (iv) Signs posted on private property warning the public against trespassing, danger from animals, the private nature of a road, driveway or premise, or signs prohibiting or otherwise controlling fishing or hunting, provided such signs are not greater than 6 square feet in the GMA and 2 square feet in the SMA.

     (v) Temporary signs advertising civil, social, or political gatherings and activities, provided such signs do not exceed 12 square feet. Removal must be accomplished within 30 days of the close of the event.

     (vi) Signs posted by governmental jurisdictions giving notice to the public. Such signs shall be no larger than that required to convey the intended message.

     (vii) In the General Management Area, signs associated with the use of a building or buildings, if placed flat on the outside walls of buildings (not on roofs or marquees).

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-082

Existing Uses and Discontinued Uses

     (1) Right to Continue Existing Uses and Structures

     (a) Except as otherwise provided, any existing use or structure may continue as long as it is used in the same manner and for the same purpose.

     (2) Replacement of Existing Structures Not Damaged or Destroyed by Disaster

     (a) Except as provided in 350-81-082(3), an existing structure may be replaced if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is submitted to the reviewing agency within one year of the date the use of the original structure was discontinued. The replacement structure shall comply with the following standards:

     (A) The replacement structure shall be used in the same manner and for the same purpose as the original structure.

     (B) The replacement structure may have a different size and/or location than the original structure. An existing mobile home may be replaced with a framed residence and an existing framed residence may be replaced with a mobile home.

     (C) The replacement structure shall be subject to the scenic, cultural, recreation and natural resources guidelines; the treaty rights guidelines; and the land use designations guidelines involving agricultural buffer zones, approval criteria for fire protection, and approval criteria for siting of dwellings on forest land.

     (D) The original structure shall be considered discontinued if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is not submitted within the one year time frame.

     (3) Replacement of Existing Structures Damaged or Destroyed by Disaster

     (a) An existing structure damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, landslide or other similar disaster may be replaced if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is submitted to the reviewing agency within two years of the date the original structure was damaged or destroyed. The replacement structure shall comply with the following standards:

     (A) The replacement structure shall be used in the same manner and for the same purpose as the original structure. An existing mobile home may be replaced with a framed residence.

     (B) The replacement structure shall be in the same location as the original structure. An exception may be granted and the replacement structure may be sited in a different location if the following conditions exist:

     (i) A registered civil engineer, registered geologist, or other qualified and licensed professional hired by the applicant demonstrates the disaster made the original building site physically unsuitable for reconstruction.

     (ii) The new building site is no more visible from key viewing areas than the original building site. An exception may be granted if a registered civil engineer, registered geologist, or other qualified and licensed professional hired by the applicant demonstrates the subject parcel lacks alternative building sites physically suitable for construction that are no more visible from key viewing areas than the original building site.

     (iii) The new building site complies with the cultural resources, natural resources, and treaty rights protection guidelines.

     (C) The replacement structure shall be the same size and height as the original structure, provided:

     (i) The footprint of the replacement structure may be up to 10 percent larger than the footprint of the original structure.

     (ii) The walls of the replacement structure shall be the same height as the walls of the original structure unless a minor increase is required to comply with standards in the current jurisdictional building code.

     (D) The replacement structure shall only be subject to the following scenic resources standards:

     (i) The replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding color and reflectivity. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) to the maximum extent practicable.

     (ii) Decks, verandas, balconies and other open portions of the original structure shall not be rebuilt as enclosed (walls and roof) portions of the replacement structure.

     (iii) In the General Management Area, the replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding landscaping. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate) to the maximum extent practicable, provided:

     (I) Except as provided in 350-81-082 (3)(a)(D)(iii)(II), the percent of the replacement structure screened by vegetation as seen from key viewing areas shall not exceed the percent of the original structure that was screened by vegetation as seen from key viewing areas. Coniferous vegetation shall be replaced with coniferous vegetation and deciduous vegetation shall be replaced with deciduous vegetation unless the applicant chooses to use all coniferous vegetation.

     (II) In situations where the original structure was approved under Scenic Area regulations (e.g., Final Interim Guidelines, land use ordinance), the percent of the replacement structure screened by vegetation shall comply with any conditions of approval that required a landowner to preserve existing vegetation and/or plant and maintain new vegetation to screen the original structure as seen from key viewing areas.

     (III) To help determine how much vegetation may be required under 350-81-082 (3)(a)(D)(iii)(I) and (II), land use applications shall include all available documentation (photographic or otherwise) on the amount and type of vegetation that screened the original structure from key viewing areas. At a minimum, development review decisions shall include findings that address the following:

     (1) The percent of original structure facing each key viewing area that was screened by coniferous vegetation, for each key viewing area from which the structure was visible.

     (2) The percent of original structure facing each key viewing area that was screened by deciduous vegetation, for each key viewing area from which the structure was visible.

     (3) Elevation drawings showing the replacement structure and the amount of coniferous and deciduous vegetation that would screen the structure from key viewing areas in 10 years.

     (IV) The height of any new trees shall not be required to exceed 5 feet.

     (V) The time frame for achieving visual subordinance shall be 10 years or less from the commencement of construction.

     (iv) In the Special Management Area, the replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding landscaping. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) to the maximum extent practicable, provided:

     (I) The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook shall be utilized to determine approvable species and minimum approvable sizes of new trees planted (based on average growth rates expected for approvable species).

     (II) The height of any new trees shall not be required to exceed 5 feet.

     (III) The time frame for achieving the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) shall be 10 years.

     (E) The replacement structure shall be subject to 350-81-082 (2)(a)(A), and (B), and (C) above if it would not comply with 350-81-082 (3)(a)(B) and (C).

     (F) The original structure shall be considered discontinued if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is not submitted within the two year time frame.

     (4) Changes to Existing Uses and Structures

     (a) Except as otherwise provided, any change to an existing use or modification to the exterior of an existing structure shall be subject to review and approval pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81.

     (A) Expansion of Existing Commercial and Multifamily Residential Uses: In the SMA, existing commercial and multifamily residential uses may expand as necessary for successful operation on the dedicated site, subject to guidelines to minimize adverse effects on scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources. Expansion beyond the dedicated site shall be prohibited.

     (B) Expansion of Existing Industrial Uses in the GMA: Existing industrial uses in the GMA may expand as necessary for successful operation on the dedicated site. Expansion beyond the dedicated site shall be prohibited.

     (C) Conversion of Existing Industrial Uses in the GMA: In the GMA, existing industrial uses may convert to less intensive uses. For this section, a less intensive use is a commercial, recreation, or residential use with fewer adverse effects upon scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources.

     (D) Existing Development or Production of Mineral Resources in the GMA: In the GMA, existing development or production of mineral resources may continue unless the Gorge Commission determines that the uses adversely affect the scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources of the Scenic Area. These uses will be considered discontinued and subject to land use ordinances under the Management Plan if any of the following conditions exist:

     (i) The mined land has been reclaimed naturally or artificially to a point where it is revegetated to 50 percent of its original cover (considering both basal and canopy) or has reverted to another beneficial use, such as grazing. Mined land shall not include terrain that was merely leveled or cleared of vegetation.

     (ii) The site has not maintained a required state permit.

     (iii) The site has not operated legally within 5 years before October 15, 1991.

     (E) Existing Development or Production of Mineral Resources in the SMA: Uses involving the exploration, development, or production of sand, gravel, or crushed rock in the SMA may continue if both of the following conditions exist:

     (i) The sand, gravel, or crushed rock is used for construction or maintenance of roads used to manage or harvest forest products in the SMA.

     (ii) A determination by the Forest Service finds that the use does not adversely affect the scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources.

     (5) Discontinuance of Existing Uses and Structures

     (a) Except as provided in 350-81-082 (3)(a) and (3)(a)(F), any use or structure that is discontinued for one (1) year or more shall not be considered an existing use or structure. Proof of intent to abandon is not required to determine that an existing use or use of an existing structure has been discontinued.

     (A) Multiple Uses: An existing use or structure with more than one legally established use may discontinue one of the uses without discontinuing the others.

     (B) Change in Use: An existing use or structure shall become discontinued if the use or use of the structure changes.

     (6) Discontinued Uses and Structures:

     (a) Re-establishment or replacement of any use or structure that has been discontinued shall be subject to all applicable policies and guidelines in the Management Plan, including, but not limited to, guidelines for land use designations and scenic, cultural, recreation and natural resources.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-108

Commercial Events

     (1) Commercial events include weddings, receptions, parties and other small-scale gatherings that are incidental and subordinate to the primary use on a parcel.

     (2) Commercial events may be allowed in the GMA except on lands designated Open Space, or Commercial Forest, or Agriculture-Special, subject to compliance with the following conditions and the scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources guidelines:

     (a) The use must be in conjunction with a lawful winery, wine sales/tasting room, bed and breakfast inn, or commercial use. If the use is proposed on a property with a building on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, it shall be subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114), and not the guidelines of this section.

     (b) The owner of the subject parcel shall live on the parcel and shall operate and manage the use.

     (c) A single commercial event shall host no more than 100 guests.

     (d) The use shall comply with the following parking requirements:

     (A) A single commercial event shall include no more than 50 vehicles for guests.

     (B) All parking shall occur on the subject parcel.

     (C) At least 200 square feet of parking space shall be required for each vehicle.

     (D) Parking areas may be developed using paving blocks, gravel, or other pervious surfaces; asphalt, concrete and other imperious materials shall be prohibited.

     (E) All parking areas shall be fully screened from key viewing areas.

     (e) The owner of the subject parcel may conduct 18 single events up to one day in length per year.

     (f) The owner of the subject parcel shall notify the reviewing agency and all owners of land within 500 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel of each planned event. The notice shall be in writing and shall be mailed at least seven calendar days before an event.

     (g) Tents, canopies, portable restrooms and other similar temporary structures necessary for a commercial event may be allowed, provided all such structures are erected or placed on the subject parcel no more than two days before the event and removed no more than two days after the event. Alternatively, temporary structures may remain in place for up to 90 days if they are fully screened from key viewing areas.

     (h) The use may be allowed upon demonstration that the following conditions exist to protect any nearby agricultural and forest operations:

     (A) The use would not force a change in or increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices on surrounding lands. [350-81-190 (1)(q)(A)]

     (B) The use would be set back from any abutting parcel designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, as required in 350-81-076 or designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, as required in 350-81-310. [350-81-190 (1)(q)(C)]

     (C) A declaration has been signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs and assigns of the subject parcel are aware that adjacent and nearby operators are entitled to carry on accepted agriculture or forest practices on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland. [350-81-190 (1)(q)(D)]

     (D) All owners of land in areas designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland that is within 500 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel on which the use is proposed to be located have been notified and given at least 10 days to comment prior to a decision. [350-81-190 (1)(q)(E)]

     (i) Counties may impose additional requirements to address potential impacts to surrounding neighbors. For example, they may limit noise, lighting and operating hours.

     (j) Land use approvals for commercial events shall not be valid for more than two years. Landowners must reapply for the use after a land use approval expires.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-112

Signs

     (1) GMA Sign Provisions

     (a) Except for signs allowed without review pursuant to 350-81-074, all new signs must meet the following guidelines unless these guidelines conflict with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices for public safety, traffic control or highway construction signs. In such cases, the standards in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices shall supersede these guidelines.

     (A) The support structure shall be unobtrusive and have low visual impact.

     (B) Lettering colors with sufficient contrast to provide clear message communication shall be allowed. Signs shall be colored to blend with their setting to the maximum extent practicable.

     (C) Backs of all signs shall be unobtrusive, nonreflective, and blend in with the setting.

     (D) Spotlighting of signs may be allowed where needed for night visibility. Backlighting is not permitted for signs.

     (E) Except for signs along public highways necessary for public safety, traffic control, or road construction and consistent with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the following signs are prohibited:

     (i) Luminous signs or those with intermittent or flashing lights. These include neon signs, fluorescent signs, light displays, and other signs that are internally illuminated, exclusive of seasonal holiday light displays.

     (ii) New billboards.

     (iii) Signs with moving elements.

     (iv) Portable or wheeled signs, or signs on parked vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle.

     (b) Any sign that does not conform with a provision of these guidelines and has existed before their adoption is subject to the following provisions:

     (A) Alteration of existing nonconforming signs shall comply with these guidelines.

     (B) Any nonconforming sign used by a business must be brought into conformance concurrent with any expansion or change in use that requires a development permit.

     (2) SMA Sign Provisions

     (a) New signs shall be allowed as specified in the applicable land use designation.

     (b) No sign shall be erected or placed in such a manner that it may interfere with, be confused with, or obstruct the view of any traffic sign, signal, or device.

     (c) Preexisting signs are allowed to continue, provided no changes occur in size, structure, color, or message.

     (d) Except for signs allowed without review pursuant to 350-81-074, all new signs shall meet the following guidelines and be consistent with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices:

     (A) Signs shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and attractive condition.

     (B) The character and composition of sign materials shall be harmonious with the landscape and/or related to and compatible with the main structure upon which the sign is attached.

     (C) Signs shall be placed flat on the outside walls of buildings, not on roofs or marquees.

     (D) Signs shall be unobtrusive and have low contrast with the setting.

     (E) The visual impact of the support structure shall be minimized.

     (F) Outdoor sign lighting shall be used for purposes of illumination only, and shall not be designed for, or used as, an advertising display, except for road safety signs.

     (G) The backs of all signs shall be visually unobtrusive, nonreflective, and blend in with the setting.

     (H) Internal illumination or backlighting of signs shall not be permitted except for highway construction, warning, or safety.

     (e) Public signs shall meet the following standards in addition to 350-81-112 (2)(a) through (d):

     (A) The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Graphic Signing System provides design standards for public signs in and adjacent to public road rights-of-way. All new and replacement public signs, except those transportation regulatory, guide, and warning signs allowed outright shall conform to the guidelines in this system. Types of signs addressed include recreation site entry, interpretive, specific service signs, destination and distance signs, variable message signs, or signs that bridge or are cantilevered over the road surface.

     (B) Signs located outside public road rights-of-way are encouraged to be designed in a way that is consistent with similar-purpose signs described in the Graphic Signing System.

     (C) Signs posted by governmental jurisdictions giving notice to the public shall be no larger than that required to convey the intended message.

     (f) Signs for public and commercial recreation facilities, home occupations, cottage industries, and commercial uses shall meet the following guidelines in addition to 350-81-112 (2)(a) through (e)(d) and 350-81-112 (2)(h)(g):

     (A) Any sign advertising or relating to a business that is discontinued for a period of 30 consecutive days shall be presumed to be abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days thereafter, unless permitted otherwise by the jurisdictional authority.

     (B) Any signs relating to or advertising for a business shall be brought into conformance with these sign guidelines before any expansion or change in use that is subject to review by the counties.

     (C) Offsite and onsite directional signs on approach roads to recreational facilities may be permitted. Name and interpretive signs may be permitted onsite, but should be kept to the minimum required to achieve the purpose(s) of the facilities.

     (D) Commercial recreation businesses approved in conjunction with a recreational facility may have a name sign not exceeding 16 square feet.

     (E) Recreation developments may have one on-premise name sign at each principal entrance. Such signs are encouraged to be of a low profile, monument type, and shall conform to the Graphic Signing System.

     (g) The following signs are prohibited:

     (A) Advertising billboards.

     (B) Signs that move or give the appearance of moving, except signs used for highway construction, warning, or safety.

     (C) Portable or wheeled signs, or signs on parked vehicles where the sign is the primary use of the vehicle, except for signs used for highway construction, warning, or safety.

     (h) Sign clutter and other negative visual effects from excessive signs along all roads and highways, and at parking lots and recreation facilities, shall be reduced.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-126

Lot Line Adjustments

     (1) The following guidelines shall apply to lot line adjustments in the GMA.

     (a) Lot line adjustments for parcels in all land use designations except Agriculture-Special, Open Space, Commercial, Public Recreation, or Commercial Recreation shall comply with the following standards:

     (A) The lot line adjustment shall not result in the creation of any new parcel(s).

     (B) The lot line adjustment shall not result in the potential to create a new parcel(s) or residential development in excess of the maximum minimum density allowed by the land use designation(s) for the affected parcels.

     (C) The lot line adjustment shall not allow a parcel that is equal to or larger than the minimum parcel size before the lot line adjustment to become less than the minimum parcel size after the lot line adjustment, except to allow a public or non-profit entity to acquire land for the purpose of protecting and enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation or natural resources, provided the land to be acquired would be protected by a conservation easement or other similar property restriction that precludes future land divisions and development.

     (D) The lot line adjustment shall not allow a parcel that is smaller than the minimum parcel size to be reduced in size, except to accomplish one of the following purposes:

     (i) Resolve boundary disputes, correct physical encroachments, provide reasonable access, or meet buffer or set back requirements, provided (1) the parcel to be enlarged would not become eligible for a subsequent land division and (2) the amount of land transferred would be the minimum necessary to resolve the issue.

     (ii) Allow a public or non-profit entity to acquire land for the purpose of protecting and enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation or natural resources, provided the land to be acquired would be protected by a conservation easement or other similar property restriction that precludes future land divisions and development.

     (E) The lot line adjustment shall not allow the boundary of a parcel designated Large-Scale Agriculture, Agriculture-Special, Commercial Forest Land, Large Woodland or Open Space to be extended into another land use designation for the purpose of establishing a dwelling under less stringent guidelines (e.g., extending a parcel designated GMA Large-Scale Agriculture into a parcel designated Rural Center or Residential).

     (F) The lot line adjustment shall not allow previously approved parcels or developments to violate conditions of approval or become out of compliance or further out of compliance with existing land use and resource protection guidelines, including, but not limited to, requirements for buffer zones and landscaping.

     (G) The lot line adjustment shall not result in a parcel that cannot comply with existing land use and resource protection guidelines, including, but not limited to requirements for buffer zones and landscaping.

     (b) Lot line adjustments for parcels designated Agriculture-Special or Open Space shall comply with the following standards:

     (A) The lot line adjustment may be allowed upon demonstration that it is necessary to facilitate efforts to protect and enhance scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources. (Note: There is no specified minimum parcel size for parcels designated Open Space.)

     B) The lot line adjustment shall comply with subsections (1)(a)(A), (E), (F), and (G), above.

     (c) Lot line adjustments for parcels designated Commercial shall comply with subsections (1)(a)(A), (E), (F), and (G), above.

     (d) Lot line adjustments for parcels designated Public Recreation or Commercial Recreation shall comply with the following standards:

     (A) The lot line adjustment may be allowed upon demonstration that it is necessary to facilitate, enhance, or otherwise improve recreation uses on the parcel. (Note: There are no specified minimum parcel sizes for parcels designated Public Recreation or Commercial Recreation.)

     (B) The lot line adjustment shall comply with subsections (1)(a)(A), (E), (F), and (G), above.

     (2) The following guidelines shall apply to lot line adjustments in the SMA.

     (a) The proposed lot line adjustment shall not result in the creation of any new parcel(s).

     (b) A lot line adjustment shall not result in a parcel greater than or equal to 40 acres becoming less than 40 acres.

     (c) A lot line adjustment shall not result in a parcel less than 40 acres becoming 40 acres or greater.

     (d) A parcel that is smaller than 40 acres shall not be reduced in size, except to accomplish one of the following purposes:

     (A) Resolve boundary line disputes, correct physical encroachments, provide reasonable access, or meet buffer or set back requirements, provided (1) the parcel to be enlarged would not become 40 acres or greater and (2) the amount of land transferred would be the minimum necessary to resolve the issue.

     (B) Allow a public or non-profit entity to acquire land for the purpose of protecting and enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation or natural resources, provided the land to be acquired would be protected by a conservation easement or other similar property restriction that precludes residential development.

     (e) The lot line adjustment shall not cause previously approved parcels or development to violate conditions of approval or become out of compliance or further out of compliance with existing land use and resource protection guidelines, including, but not limited to, requirements for buffer zones and landscaping.

     (f) The lot line adjustment shall not result in a parcel that cannot comply with existing land use and resource protection guidelines, including, but not limited to requirements for buffer zones and landscaping.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-190

Review Uses -- Agricultural Land

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

     (b) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (c) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (d) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(e) and (f) below.

     (e) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (f) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 2,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

     (C) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (g) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (h) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use, upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

     (A) The subject farm or ranch (including all of its constituent parcels, contiguous or otherwise) has no other dwellings that are vacant or currently occupied by persons not directly engaged in farming or working on the subject farm or ranch and that could be used as the principal agricultural dwelling.

     (B) The farm or ranch upon which the dwelling will be located is currently devoted to agricultural use where the day-to-day activities of one or more residents of the agricultural dwelling will be principally directed to the agricultural use of the land. The farm or ranch must currently satisfy subsection (h)(C)(iv) below.

     (C) The farm or ranch is a commercial agricultural enterprise as determined by an evaluation of the following factors:

     (i) Size of the entire farm or ranch, including all land in the same ownership.

     (ii) Type(s) of agricultural uses (crops, livestock) and acreage.

     (iii) Operational requirements for the particular agricultural use that are common to other agricultural operations in the area.

     (iv) Income capability. The farm or ranch, and all its constituent parcels, must be capable of producing at least $40,000 in gross annual income. This determination can be made using the following formula:

     (A)(B)(C) = I

     where:

     A = Average yield of the commodity per acre or unit of production

     B = Average price of the commodity

     C = Total acres suitable for production, or total units of production that can be sustained, on the subject farm or ranch

     I = Income capability

     (i) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a second single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use when the dwelling would replace an existing dwelling that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places, in accordance with the criteria listed in 350-81-540 (1)(e).

     (j) On lands designated Small-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling on any legally existing parcel.

     (k) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling for an agricultural operator's relative provided that all of the following conditions exist:

     (A) The dwelling would be occupied by a relative of the agricultural operator or of the agricultural operator's spouse who will be actively engaged in the management of the farm or ranch. Relative means grandparent, grandchild, parent, child, brother or sister.

     (B) The dwelling would be located on the same parcel as the dwelling of the principal operator.

     (C) The operation is a commercial enterprise, as determined by an evaluation of the factors described in 350-81-190 (1)(h)(C).

     (l) Construction, reconstruction, or modifications of roads not in conjunction with agriculture.

     (m) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (n) Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations.

     (o) Towers and fire stations for forest fire protection.

     (p) Agricultural labor housing, under the following conditions:

     (A) The proposed housing is necessary and accessory to a current agricultural use.

     (B) The housing shall be seasonal, unless it is shown that an additional full-time dwelling is necessary to the current agricultural use of the subject farm or ranch unit. Seasonal use shall not exceed 9 months.

     (C) The housing shall be located to minimize the conversion of lands capable of production of farm crops or livestock, and shall not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices employed on nearby lands devoted to agricultural use.

     (q) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, on a parcel that was legally created and existed prior to November 17, 1986, a single-family dwelling not in conjunction with agricultural use upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

     (A) The dwelling will not force a change in or increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices on surrounding lands.

     (B) The subject parcel is predominantly unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock, considering soils, terrain, location, and size of the parcel. Size alone shall not be used to determine whether a parcel is unsuitable for agricultural use. An analysis of suitability shall include the capability of the subject parcel to be used in conjunction with other agricultural operations in the area.

     (C) The dwelling shall be set back from any abutting parcel designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, as required by 350-81-076, or designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, as required in "Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310).

     (D) A declaration has been signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs, and assigns of the subject property are aware that adjacent and nearby operators are entitled to carry on accepted agriculture or forest practices on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, Large or Small Woodland.

     (E) All owners of land in areas designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland that is within 500 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel on which the dwelling is proposed to be located have been notified and given at least 10 days to comment prior to a decision.

     (r) On parcels in Small-Scale Agriculture, a land division creating parcels smaller than the designated minimum parcel size, subject to the guidelines for cluster development in "Land Divisions and Cluster Development" (350-81-124). If the designated minimum parcel size is 20 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 40 acres in size or larger. Similarly, if the designated minimum parcel size is 40, 80, or 160 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 80 acres or larger, 160 acres or larger, or 320 acres or larger, respectively.

     (s) Life estates, subject to the guidelines in "Approval Criteria for Life Estates," (350-81-210).

     (t) Land divisions, subject to the minimum lot sizes designated on the Land Use Designation Map.

     (u) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (v) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (w) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (x) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (y) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (z) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     (2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA Agriculture subject to review for compliance with the scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resource guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620). The use or development shall be sited to minimize the loss of land suitable for the production of agricultural crops or livestock.

     (a) New cultivation or new agricultural use outside of previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas. Clearing trees for new agricultural use is subject to the additional requirements of 350-81-270 (2)(x).

     (b) Forest uses and practices, as allowed for in 350-81-270 (2)(y).

     (c) A single-family dwelling necessary for and accessory to agricultural use upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

     (A) The proposed dwelling would be the only dwelling on the subject farm or ranch, including contiguous lots/parcels.

     (B) The farm or ranch upon which the dwelling will be located is currently devoted to agricultural use, where the day-to-day activities of one or more residents of the dwelling will be principally directed to the agricultural use of the land. The farm or ranch must currently satisfy C(iv) below.

     (C) The farm or ranch is a commercial agricultural enterprise as determined by an evaluation of the following criteria:

     (i) Size of the entire farm or ranch, including all land in the same ownership.

     (ii) Type(s) of agricultural uses (crops, livestock, orchard, etc.) and acreage.

     (iii) Operational requirements for the particular agricultural use that are common to other agricultural operations in the area.

     (iv) Income capability. The farm or ranch, and all its contiguous parcels, must be capable of producing at least $40,000 in gross annual income. This determination can be made using the following formula, with periodic adjustments for inflation:

     (A)(B)(C) = I

     where:

     A = Average yield of the commodity per acre or unit of production

     B = Average price of the commodity

     C = Total acres suitable for production, or total units of production that can be sustained, on the subject farm or ranch

     I = Income capability

     (D) Minimum parcel size of 40 contiguous acres.

     (d) Farm labor housing on a parcel with an existing dwelling under the following conditions:

     (A) The proposed housing is necessary and accessory to a current agricultural use, and the operation is a commercial agricultural enterprise as determined by 350-81-190 (2)(c)(C).

     (B) The housing shall be seasonal, unless it is shown that an additional full-time dwelling is necessary for the current agricultural use. Seasonal use shall not exceed 9 months.

     (C) The housing shall be located to minimize the conversion of lands capable of production of farm crops and livestock, and shall not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted agricultural uses employed on nearby lands devoted to agricultural use.

     (e) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (f) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (g) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in 2(h) or 2(i), below.

     (h) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (i) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 2,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

     (C) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (j) Home occupations and cottage industries, subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098). The use or development shall be compatible with agricultural use. Buffer zones should be considered to protect agricultural practices from conflicting uses.

     (k) Bed and breakfast inns, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100). The use or development shall be compatible with agricultural use. Buffer zones should be considered to protect agricultural practices from conflicting uses.

     (l) Fruit stands and produce stands, upon a showing that sales will be limited to agricultural products raised on the property and other agriculture properties in the local region.

     (m) Aquaculture.

     (n) Exploration, development, and production of sand, gravel, and crushed rock for the construction, maintenance, or reconstruction of roads used to manage or harvest commercial forest products on lands within the SMA.

     (o) Utility facilities necessary for public service, upon a showing that:

     (A) There is no alternative location with less adverse effect on Agriculture lands.

     (B) The size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (p) Temporary asphalt/batch plant operations related to public road projects, not to exceed 6 months.

     (q) Community facilities and nonprofit facilities related to agricultural resource management.

     (r) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (s) Expansion of existing nonprofit group camps, retreats, and conference or education centers for the successful operation on the dedicated site. Expansion beyond the dedicated site is prohibited.

     (t) Public recreation, commercial recreation, interpretive, and educational developments and uses, consistent with the guidelines in 350-81-620.

     (u) Road and railroad construction and reconstruction.

     (v) Agricultural product processing and packaging, upon demonstration that the processing will be limited to products produced primarily on or adjacent to the property. "Primarily" means a clear majority of the product as measured by volume, weight, or value.

     (w) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (x) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (y) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (z) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (aa) Disposal sites managed and operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, or a Gorge county public works department for earth materials and any intermixed vegetation generated by routine or emergency/disaster public road maintenance activities within the Scenic Area, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Disposal Sites for Spoil Materials from Public Road Maintenance Activities" (350-81-106).

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-200

Review Uses with Additional Approval Criteria -- Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, subject to compliance with the guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620) and the "Approval Criteria for Specified Review Uses," (350-81-220) below.

     (a) Utility facilities and railroads necessary for public service upon a showing that (1) there is no practicable alternative location with less adverse effect on agricultural or forest lands, and (2) the size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (b) Home occupations or cottage industries in existing residential or accessory structures, subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (c) Fruit and produce stands, upon a showing that sales will be limited to agricultural products raised on the subject farm and other farms in the local region.

     (d) Wineries, in conjunction with onsite viticulture, upon a showing that processing of wine is from grapes grown on the subject farm or in the local region.

     (e) Wine sales/tasting rooms, in conjunction with an on-site winery.

     (f) Agricultural product processing and packaging, upon a showing that the processing will be limited to products grown primarily on the subject farm and sized to the subject operation.

     (g) Exploration, development, and production of mineral and geothermal resources, subject to the guidelines in 350-81-520.

     (h) Personal-use airstrips, including associated accessory structures such as a hangar. A personal-use airstrip is an airstrip restricted (except for aircraft emergencies) to use by the owner; invited guests on an infrequent and occasional basis; and commercial aviation activities in connection with agricultural operations. No aircraft may be based on a personal-use airstrip other than those owned or controlled by the owner of the airstrip.

     (i) Aquaculture.

     (j) Recreation development, subject to the recreation intensity class provisions (350-81-610) and Recreation Development Plan (Management Plan, Part III, Chapter 1).

     (k) Boarding of horses. The reviewing agency shall make findings on property characteristics, parcel size and impacts to neighbors, and shall specify the maximum number of horses based on those findings.

     (l) Temporary portable asphalt/batch plants related to public road projects, not to exceed 6 months.

     (m) Bed and breakfast inns in single-family dwellings, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100) and provided that the residence:

     (A) Is included in the National Register of Historic Places, or

     (B) In Washington, is listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places maintained by the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, or

     (C) In Oregon, is identified and protected under local landmark status as approved pursuant to Oregon state land use regulations protecting historic structures.

     (n) Nonprofit, environmental learning or research facilities.

     (o) Expansion of existing school or place of worship.

     (p) On parcels designated Small-Scale Agriculture, small-scale fishing support and fish processing operations on parcels that are contiguous with and have direct access to the Columbia River, subject to the guidelines in "Small-Scale Fishing Support and Fish Processing Operations" (350-81-102).

     (q) Disposal sites managed and operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, or a Gorge county public works department for earth materials and any intermixed vegetation generated by routine or emergency/disaster public road maintenance activities within the Scenic Area, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Disposal Sites for Spoil Materials from Public Road Maintenance Activities" (350-81-106).

ADDED SECTION

350-81-231

Uses Allowed through the Expedited Development Review Process -- Agriculture-Special

     (1) The uses listed in "Expedited Development Review Process" (350-81-050) are allowed with review through the expedited development review process on lands designated Agriculture-Special.

     Reviser's note: The unnecessary underscoring in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-232

Review Uses for Lands Designated Agriculture-Special

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Agriculture-Special, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, natural, cultural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620) and "Approval Criteria for Review Uses on Lands Designated Agriculture-Special" (350-81-234).

     (a) New livestock grazing. Any operation that would introduce livestock to land that has not been grazed, or has laid idle, for more than 5 years shall be considered new livestock grazing.

     (b) New fences, livestock watering facilities, and corrals.

     (c) Soil, water, and vegetation conservation uses.

     (d) Replacement or minor expansion of existing and serviceable structures within a dedicated site. Expansion shall be limited to the dedicated site.

     (e) Fish and wildlife management uses, educational activities, and scientific research.

     (f) Land divisions that facilitate livestock grazing or protect and enhance natural areas. No resulting parcel may be smaller than 160 acres, unless it would facilitate the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources.

     (g) Single-family dwellings that are not in conjunction with agricultural use, if a landowner demonstrates that (1) the dwelling cannot be constructed on a portion of the parcel that is located outside of the natural area, and (2) the dwelling is sited and designed in a manner that minimizes adverse effects to the natural area. All dwellings shall meet the criteria in 350-81-190 (1)(q). The buffer guidelines for non-agricultural dwellings (350-81-076) may be waived if they would prevent the optimum siting of a dwelling.

     (h) Recreation uses, subject to the provisions for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610).

     (i) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (j) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (k) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (l) Lot line adjustments, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-270

Review Uses -- Forest Land

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) On lands designated Large Woodland, a single-family dwelling upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

     (A) The dwelling will contribute substantially to the growing, propagation, and harvesting of forest tree species. The principal purpose for locating a dwelling on lands designated Large Woodland is to enable the resident to conduct efficient and effective forest management. This requirement indicates a relationship between ongoing forest management and the location of a dwelling on the subject parcel. A dwelling may not always be required for forest management.

     (B) The subject parcel has been enrolled in the appropriate state's forest assessment program.

     (C) A plan for management of the parcel has been approved by the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the appropriate local government. The plan must indicate the condition and productivity of lands to be managed; the operations the owner will carry out (thinning, harvest, planting, etc.); a chronological description of when the operations will occur; estimates of yield, labor and expenses; and how the dwelling will contribute toward the successful completion of the operations.

     (D) The parcel has no other dwellings that are vacant or currently occupied by persons not engaged in forestry and that could be used as the principal forest dwelling.

     (E) The dwelling complies with the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (F) A declaration has been signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs, and assigns of the subject parcel are aware that adjacent and nearby operators are entitled to carry on accepted farm or forest practices on lands designated Commercial Forest Land, Large or Small Woodland, or Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture.

     (b) On lands designated Small Woodland, one single-family dwelling on a legally created parcel upon the parcel's enrollment in the appropriate state's forest assessment program. Upon a showing that a parcel cannot qualify, a parcel is entitled to one single-family dwelling. In either case, the location of a dwelling shall comply with the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300). A declaration shall be signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs, and assigns of the subject parcel are aware that adjacent and nearby operators are entitled to carry on accepted farm or forest practices on lands designated Commercial Forest Land, Large or Small Woodland, or Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture.

     (c) One single-family dwelling if shown to be in conjunction with and substantially contributing to the current agricultural use of a farm. Guideline 350-81-190 (1)(h) shall be used to determine whether a dwelling is a farm dwelling. The siting of the dwelling shall comply with the "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" in 350-81-300.

     (d) Temporary onsite structures that are auxiliary to and used during the term of a particular forest operation. "Auxiliary" means a use or alteration of a structure or land that provides help or is directly associated with the conduct of a particular forest practice. An auxiliary structure is located onsite, is temporary in nature, and is not designed to remain for the forest's entire growth cycle from planting to harvesting. An auxiliary use is removed when a particular forest practice has concluded.

     (e) Temporary portable facility for the primary processing of forest products grown on a parcel of land or contiguous land in the same ownership where the facility is to be located. The facility shall be removed upon completion of the harvest operation.

     (f) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (g) Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations.

     (h) Towers and fire stations for forest fire protection.

     (i) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use, subject to the "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (j) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300) and the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (k) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(l) or (1)(m) below.

     (l) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300) and the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (m) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300) and the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 2,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

     (C) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (n) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092) and the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-31-300).

     (o) A second single-family dwelling for a farm operator's relative, subject to 350-81-190 (1)(k) and the "Approval Criteria for Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (p) Private roads serving a residence, subject to the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (q) Recreation development, subject to the guidelines established for the recreation intensity classes (350-81-610) and the Recreation Development Plan (Management Plan, Part III, Chapter 1).

     (r) Construction or reconstruction of roads or modifications not in conjunction with forest use or practices.

     (s) Agricultural labor housing, under the following conditions:

     (A) The proposed housing is necessary and accessory to a current agricultural use.

     (B) The housing shall be seasonal, unless it is shown that an additional full-time dwelling is necessary to the current agricultural use of the subject agricultural unit. Seasonal use shall not exceed 9 months.

     (C) The housing shall be located to minimize the conversion of lands capable of production of farm crops and livestock, and shall not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices employed on nearby lands devoted to agricultural use.

     (t) On lands designated Commercial Forest Land, a temporary mobile home in conjunction with a timber operation, upon a finding that security personnel are required to protect equipment associated with a harvest operation or to protect the subject forest land from fire. The mobile home must be removed upon completion of the subject harvest operation or the end of the fire season. The placement of the mobile home is subject to the "Approval Criteria for the Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310) and "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (u) On parcels in Small Woodland, a land division creating parcels smaller than the designated minimum parcel size, subject to guidelines for cluster development in "Land Divisions and Cluster Development" (350-81-124). If the designated minimum parcel size is 20 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 40 acres in size or larger. Similarly, if the designated minimum parcel size is 40 or 80 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 80 acres or larger or 160 acres or larger, respectively.

     (v) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

     (w) On lands designated Large or Small Woodland, l Life estates, subject to the guidelines in "Approval Criteria for Life Estates" (350-81-320).

     (x) Land divisions in Small Woodland, subject to the minimum lot sizes designated on the Land Use Designation Map. Land divisions in Commercial Forest Land and Large Woodland, subject to the standards and minimum lot sizes in Policies 4 through 9 in the "Land Use Policies" in Part II, Chapter 2: Forest Land of the Management Plan.

     (y) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (z) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (aa) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (bb) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (cc) Commercial events on lands designated Large Woodland or Small Woodland, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (dd) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     (2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA Forest subject to review for compliance with scenic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620). The use or development shall be sited to minimize the loss of land suitable for the production of forest products:

     (a) All review uses allowed for in 350-81-190(2).

     (b) New cultivation or new agricultural use outside of previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas. Clearing trees for new agricultural use is subject to the additional requirements of subsection (2)(x), below.

     (c) Railroad and road construction or reconstruction.

     (d) Exploration, development, and production of sand, gravel, or crushed rock for the construction, maintenance, or reconstruction of roads used to manage or harvest commercial forest products in the SMA.

     (e) Silvicultural nurseries.

     (f) Utility facilities for public service, upon a showing that:

     (A) There is no alternative location with less adverse effect on Forest Land.

     (B) The size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (g) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (h) Fish hatcheries and aquaculture facilities.

     (i) Public recreation, commercial recreation, interpretive and educational developments, and uses consistent with the provisions of 350-81-620.

     (j) One single family dwelling on a parcel of 40 contiguous acres or larger if an approved forest management plan demonstrates that such a dwelling is necessary for and accessory to forest uses. The forest management plan shall demonstrate the following:

     (A) The dwelling will contribute substantially to the growing, propagation, and harvesting of trees. The principal purpose for allowing a dwelling on forest lands is to enable the resident to conduct efficient and effective management. This requirement indicates a relationship between ongoing forest management and the need for a dwelling on the subject property.

     (B) The subject parcel has been enrolled in the appropriate state's forest assessment program.

     (C) A plan for management of the parcel has been approved by the Oregon Department of Forestry or the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the appropriate county. The plan must indicate the condition and productivity of lands to be managed; the operations the owner will carry out (thinning, harvest, planting, etc.); a chronological description of when the operations will occur; estimates of yield, labor, and expenses; and how the dwelling will contribute toward the successful management of the property.

     (D) The parcel has no other dwellings that are vacant or currently occupied by persons not engaged in forest management of the subject parcel.

     (E) The dwelling complies with county dwelling, siting, and state/county fire protection guidelines.

     (F) A declaration has been signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs, and assigns of the subject property are aware that adjacent and nearby operations are entitled to carry on accepted agricultural or forest practices.

     (k) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (2)(l) or (2)(m), below.

     (l) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (m) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 2,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

     (C) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (n) Home occupations and cottage industries, subject to the "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" guidelines in 350-81-098.

     (o) Temporary portable facilities for the processing of forest products.

     (p) Towers and fire stations for forest fire protection.

     (q) Community facilities and nonprofit facilities related to forest resource management.

     (r) Expansion of existing nonprofit group camps, retreats, or conference or education centers, necessary for the successful operation of the facility on the dedicated site. Expansion beyond the dedicated site shall be prohibited.

     (s) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (t) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (u) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (v) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (w) Disposal sites managed and operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, or a Gorge county public works department for earth materials and any intermixed vegetation generated by routine or emergency/disaster public road maintenance activities within the Scenic Area, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Disposal Sites for Spoil Materials from Public Road Maintenance Activities" (350-81-106).

     (x) Clearing trees for new agricultural use with the following steps and subject to the following additional guidelines:

     (A) A Stewardship Plan shall be submitted and deemed complete by the Executive Director and submitted to the Forest Service for review. (350-81-270 (2)(y)(C).

     (B) Clearing trees for new agricultural use shall be limited to 15 acres.

     (C) If the Stewardship Plan proves that the above guideline is detrimental to the proposed agricultural use, the final size of the clearing shall be determined by the application of 350-81-270 (2)x)(D)(i-iv) below and subject to guideline 350-81-270 (2)(x)(I).

     (D) After a 30-day public comment period, the Forest Service shall review the Stewardship Plan using the following criteria:

     (i) Scenic Resource guidelines in 350-81-270 (2)(y)(D)(i) and (vii).

     (ii) Applicable guidelines of 350-81-550, 350-81-600 and 350-81-620.

     (iii) The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil unit description shall indicate that soils are suitable for the proposed agricultural use. The woodland management tables shall be used as part of the analysis of suitability for both agricultural and forest uses.

     (iv) The size, shape and pattern on the landscape of the clearing for the new agricultural use shall blend with the surrounding landscape pattern either because the existing pattern includes agricultural openings or because the new agricultural opening is designed to appear natural.

     (E) The Forest Service shall send the review statement to the Executive Director. The Forest Service shall state whether or not the new agricultural use should proceed including any conditions that are recommended to be required by the Executive Director.

     (F) The Executive Director will accept an application for new agricultural use on forested lands after receipt of a positive review statement from the Forest Service.

     (G) The forest practice portion of the new agricultural use shall not be approved by the state forestry department or Executive Director until a decision on the new agricultural use is issued by the Executive Director.

     (H) The new agricultural use shall be operational within two years of the time frame described in the approved Stewardship Plan.

     (I) New agricultural uses with an approved Stewardship Plan requiring more than 15 acres shall attain the final approved size sequentially. After the first 15 cleared acres is operational, each subsequent clearing shall not occur until the previous clearing is operational.

     (y) Forest practices in accordance with an approved forest practices application (see 350-81-032) and subject to the additional guidelines in 350-81-270.

     (A) The following information, in addition to general site plan requirements (350-81-032) shall be required:

     (i) Delineate the following on a recent aerial photo or detailed map:

     (I) The size, shape, and exact location of the proposed treatment area including any clumps of leave trees to remain. If more than one silvicultural prescription is to be used, code each on the photo.

     (II) Other important natural features of the subject parcel such as steep areas, streams, wetlands, rock outcrops, etc.

     (III) Road and structure construction and/or reconstruction location.

     (IV) Location of proposed rock or aggregate sources.

     (V) Major skid trails, landings, and yarding corridors.

     (VI) Commercial firewood cutting areas.

     (VII) Protection measures for scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources, such as road closures.

     (ii) Describe the existing forest in terms of species, ages, sizes, landscape pattern (including how it fits into the surrounding landscape pattern) and canopy closure for all canopy layers.

     (iii) Describe how the forest practice will fit into the existing landscape pattern and how it will meet scenic and natural resource standards in 350-81-270 (2)(y)(D) and 350-81-270 (2)(y)(E).

     (iv) Written silvicultural prescriptions with projected post-treatment forest condition specified in terms of species, ages, sizes, landscape pattern (including how it fits into the surrounding landscape pattern) and canopy closure for all canopy layers.

     (v) Road and structure construction and/or reconstruction design.

     (vi) Existing and proposed rock pit development plans.

     (vii) A discussion of slash disposal methods.

     (viii) A reforestation plan as reviewed by the appropriate state forest practices agency.

     (B) As part of the application, flag, stake or mark buffers, any trees or downed wood to be retained or removed (whichever makes the most sense), and areas for placing fill or removing material in preparation for a field visit by the reviewer.

     (C) Stewardship Plan Requirements: The following information, in addition to the applicable portions of the forest practice application requirements above and general site plan requirements (350-81-032) shall be provided:

     (i) Outline the long term goals, proposed operations, and future sustainability of the subject parcel.

     (ii) Describe the time frame and steps planned to reach the long term goals.

     (iii) For Forest Practices, describe how the proposed activities fit into the long term goals and sustainability of the parcel and/or forest health. The following shall be addressed:

     (I) Describe the range of natural conditions expected in the forest in terms of tree species, structure, and landscape pattern.

     (II) Describe what the resulting tree species, structure, and landscape pattern will be after the proposed activities.

     (III) Give a clear explanation how a deviation from the applicable guidelines may better achieve forest health objectives

     (IV) Give a clear explanation how and why the proposed activities will lead the forest towards its range of natural variability and result in reaching sustainability, resiliency to disturbances.

     (iv) For clearing trees for new agricultural use, the following shall be addressed in addition to 350-81-270 (2)(y)(C)(i) and (ii) above:

     (I) Submit NRCS soil unit description and map for each soil unit affected by the proposed clearing or treatment.

     (II) Based on the needs of the operation, give a clear explanation as to the exact size of the clearing needed and how it will meet the natural and scenic requirements set forth in 350-81-270 (2)(x)(D)(i-iv).

     (III) Describe in sufficient detail for evaluation the proposed agricultural use, the improvements needed on the parcel, time line for its establishment, and its marketability.

     (IV) Show evidence that an agricultural specialist, such as the county extension agent, has examined and found the proposed agricultural use reasonable and viable.

     (D) For forest practices, the following scenic resource guidelines shall apply:

     (i) Forest practices shall meet the design guidelines and scenic standards for the applicable landscape setting and zone (See Required SMA Scenic Standards table in 350-81-530-(2)(c).

     (ii) In the western portion (to White Salmon River) of the SMA Coniferous Woodland Landscape Setting, no more than 8% of the composite KVA viewshed from which the forest practice is topographically visible shall be in created forest openings at one time. The viewshed boundaries shall be delineated by the Forest Service. The Forest Service will also help (as available) in calculating and delineating the percentage of the composite KVA viewshed which maybe created in forest openings at one time.

     (iii) In the western portion (to the White Salmon River) of the SMA Gorge Walls, Canyonlands and Wildlands Landscape Setting, no more than 4% of the composite KVA viewshed from which the forest practice is topographically visible shall be in created forest openings at one time. The viewshed boundaries shall be delineated by the Forest Service. The Forest Service will also help (as available) in calculating and delineating the percentage of the composite KVA viewshed which maybe created in forest openings at one time.

     (iv) For all other landscape settings, created forest openings visible at one time shall be within the desired range for the vegetation type as set forth in Natural Resources guidelines in 350-81-270 (2)(y)(E)(i) through (iii).

     (v) Size, shape, and dispersal of created forest openings shall maintain the desired natural patterns in the landscape as set forth in Natural Resources guidelines in 350-81-270 (2)(y)(E)(i) through (iii).

     (vi) The maximum size of any created forest opening is set forth by the "Desired" vegetation type in the Forest Structure and Pattern Table.

     (I) If the treatment is proposed to go beyond the above guideline based on forest health or ecosystem function requirements, a Stewardship Plan shall be required.

     (II) If the Stewardship Plan proves that the above guideline is detrimental to either forest health or ecosystem function, the size of the created forest opening shall be within the natural range for the vegetation type as listed in the Desired Forest Structure and Pattern Table for each vegetation type, shall not mimic catastrophic fires, and shall maintain scenic standards.

     (vii) Created forest openings shall not create a break or opening in the vegetation in the skyline as viewed from a key viewing area.

     (E) Forest practices shall maintain the following in addition to applicable natural resources guidelines in 350-81-600.

     (i) Silvicultural prescriptions shall maintain the desired natural forest stand structures (tree species, spacing, layering, and mixture of sizes) based on forest health and ecosystem function requirements. Forest tree stand structure shall meet the requirements listed in the Desired Forest Structure and Pattern Table for each vegetation type. Forest tree stand structure is defined as the general structure of the forest in each vegetation type within which is found forest openings.

     (ii) Created forest openings shall be designed as mosaics not to exceed the limits defined as Desired in the Desired Forest Structure and Pattern Table unless proposed as a deviation as allowed under the scenic resource guideline in 350-81-270 (2)(y)(D)(vi).

     (iii) Snag and down wood requirements shall be maintained or created as listed in the Desired Forest Structure and Pattern Table for each vegetation type.

     (iv) If the treatment is proposed to deviate from the snag and down wood requirements based on forest health or ecosystem function requirements, a Stewardship Plan shall be required and shall show and prove why a deviation from the snag and down wood requirements is required.

DESIRED FOREST STRUCTURE AND PATTERN
1	2	3		4		5	6	7
Vegetation Type#	Forest Structure (Average % total canopy closure (cc))*	Typical Forest Openings Size Disturbance caused		Percent Openings at One Time		Leave Trees Includes all available remnant old forest	Average Down Wood Pieces 30 ft long per acre (scattered)	Average Snags (Conifers) No. per acre Snags are 20-40 ft in height
		Historic (Natural)	Desired	Historic (Natural)	Desired
West Conifer	60 - 80% canopy closure Understory layer variable (0 - 60% of total cc)	Variable sizes with mosaic pattern, irregular shapes Mosaic fire 1-100 acres Catastrophic fire over 100 acres	Retain forested character Allow openings up to 15 acres (up to 5 acres in the foreground of KVAs) All openings 1 acre or less on National Forest land and all Open Space LUD Openings retain 15 - 40% canopy closure	10% (mosaic fire) up to 55% (catastrophic fire) Intense fire return interval is 300 yrs	Not to exceed 8% for West Coniferious Woodland Landscape Setting and not to exceed 4% for Gorge Walls, Canyonlands and Wildlands Landscape Setting Widely dispersed, variable sized mosaic of irregular shapes blendingwith existing openings.	Leave 15% of existing trees per acre throughout opening and in clumps. Include 3 trees per acre of the largest size trees available	18 - 25 pieces greater than 20" dbh	10 snags at 10" - 20" dbh, and 7 snags greater than 20" dbh
East Conifer (Ponderosa Pine/Douglas fir)	40 - 80% canopy closure Understory layer less than 25% of total cc	Few Openings due to low intensity fires. 1/4 to 2 acres	Openings less than 1 acre Openings have 0 - 40% canopy closure Openings widely dispersed	1 - 10%	1 - 10% (% by vegetation type)	No leave trees required	3 - 6 pieces greater than 20" dbh	5 snags at 10" - 20" dbh and 3 snags greater than 20" dbh
Ponderosa Pine/Oregon Oak	25 - 60% canopy closure Understory layer greater than 25% of total cc.	Most natural openings due to poor soil. Disturbance openings few	Openings less than 1 acre Openings have 0 - 25% canopy closure Openings widely dispersed	1 - 10%	1 - 10% (% by vegetation type)	No leave trees required	1 - 3 pieces greater than 20" dbh	5 snags at 10" - 20" dbh and 3 snags greater than 20" dbh Oak snags can be counted if already dead or partially dead

     # Map available at the Forest Service National Scenic Area Office

     * Does not apply to openings.

     Dbh: Diameter at Breast Height

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-280

Review Uses with Additional Approval Criteria -- Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland Designations

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, subject to compliance with the guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 and 620) and the "Approval Criteria for Specified Review Uses" (350-81-290).

     (a) Utility facilities and railroads necessary for public service upon a showing that (1) there is no practicable alternative location with less adverse effect on agricultural and forest lands and on scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources and (2) the size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (b) Home occupations or cottage industries in an existing residence or accessory structure, subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (c) Fruit and produce stands, upon a showing that sales will be limited to agricultural products raised on the subject farm and other farms in the local region.

     (d) Wineries, in conjunction with onsite viticulture, upon a showing that processing of wine is from grapes grown on the subject farm or in the local region.

     (e) Wine sales/tasting rooms, in conjunction with an on-site winery.

     (f) Agricultural product processing and packaging, upon a showing that the processing will be limited to products grown primarily on the subject farm and sized to the subject operation.

     (g) Exploration, development, and production of mineral and geothermal resources, subject to the guidelines in 350-81-520.

     (h) Aquaculture.

     (i) Boarding of horses. The reviewing agency shall make findings on property characteristics, parcel size and impacts to neighbors, and shall specify the maximum number of horses based on those findings.

     (j) Temporary portable asphalt/batch plants related to public road projects, not to exceed 6 months.

     (k) Expansion of existing nonprofit group camps, retreats, or conference centers.

     (l) Bed and breakfast inns in single-family dwellings, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100) and provided that the residence:

     (A) Is included in the National Register of Historic Places, or

     (B) In Washington, is listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places maintained by the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, or

     (C) In Oregon, is identified and protected under local landmark status as approved pursuant to Oregon state land use regulations protecting historic structures.

     (m) Nonprofit, environmental learning or research facilities.

     (n) On parcels designated Small Woodland, small-scale fishing support and fish processing operations on parcels that are contiguous with and have direct access to the Columbia River, subject to the guidelines in "Small-Scale Fishing Support and Fish Processing Operations" (350-81-102).

     (o) Disposal sites managed and operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, or a Gorge county public works department for earth materials and any intermixed vegetation generated by routine or emergency/disaster public road maintenance activities within the Scenic Area, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Disposal Sites for Spoil Materials from Public Road Maintenance Activities" (350-81-106).

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-340

Review Uses -- Open Space

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on all lands designated GMA-Open Space subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) Low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610).

     (b) Land divisions to facilitate efforts to protect and enhance scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources.

     (c) Repair, maintenance, operation, and improvement of existing structures, trails, roads, railroads, utility facilities, and hydroelectric facilities.

     (d) Removal of timber, rocks or other materials for purposes of public safety and placement of structures for public safety.

     (e) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (f) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (g) Lot line adjustments, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (2) Review Uses -- Specific Lands Designated Open Space

     (a) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for Gorge Walls and Canyonlands subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Livestock grazing.

     (B) Fish and wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies.

     (C) Soil, water, or vegetation uses performed in accordance with a conservation plan approved by a county conservation district.

     (D) Harvesting of wild crops.

     (E) Educational or scientific research.

     (F) Continued operation of existing quarries, if they are determined to be consistent with guidelines to protect scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources.

     (G) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (b) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Mosley Lakes Natural Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Fish and wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies, after consultation with the Washington Natural Heritage Program.

     (B) Educational or scientific research, after consultation with the Washington Natural Heritage Program.

     (C) Commercial trapping.

     (D) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (c) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Chenoweth Table Natural Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610), after consultation with the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

     (B) Wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies, after consultation with the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

     (C) Educational or scientific research, after consultation with the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

     (D) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (d) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Squally Point Natural Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Except in the upland dunes south of the railroad tracks, low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610) after consultation with the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

     (B) Repair and maintenance of railroads, except measures to stabilize dunes, after consultation with the Oregon Natural Heritage Program.

     (C) Except as limited by (d)(A), above, all those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (e) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Klickitat River Wildlife and Natural Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610), after consultation with the Washington Natural Heritage Program and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (B) Wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies, after consultation with the Washington Natural Heritage Program.

     (C) Educational or scientific research, after consultation with the Washington Natural Heritage Program.

     (D) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (f) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Balch Lake Wetlands Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Livestock grazing, subject to a range conservation plan, after consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (B) Fish and wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies.

     (C) Educational and scientific research, after consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (D) Low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (350-81-610) after consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (E) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (g) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space for the Mouth of Wind River Wildlife Area subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Fish and wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies.

     (B) Soil, water, or vegetation uses performed in accordance with a conservation plan approved by a local conservation district.

     (C) Harvesting of wild crops.

     (D) Educational or scientific research, after consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (E) Commercial fishing and trapping.

     (F) Low-intensity recreation, subject to the guidelines for recreation intensity classes (Part I, Chapter 4: Recreation Resources), after consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

     (G) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (h) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Open Space on those portions of state park ownerships not suitable for major recreation facilities subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (A) Fish and wildlife management uses conducted by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies.

     (B) Soil, water, or vegetation uses performed in accordance with a conservation plan approved by a local conservation district.

     (C) Harvesting of wild crops.

     (D) Educational or scientific research.

     (E) All those uses allowed in "All Lands Designated Open Space," [350-81-340(1)].

     (3) The following new uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA-Open Space subject to review for compliance with scenic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) Changes in existing uses, including reconstruction, replacement, and expansion of existing structures and transportation facilities, except for commercial forest practices.

     (b) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include vegetation management and forest practices (subject to the forest practice guidelines of 350-81-270 (2)(y) for the restoration of forest health, new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (c) Low-intensity recreation uses and developments, including educational and interpretive facilities, consistent with 350-81-620.

     (d) Utility facilities for public service, upon a showing that:

     (A) There is no alternative location with less adverse effect on Open Space land.

     (B) The size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (e) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (f) Treatment of noxious weeds shall be permitted without completion of an SMA Open Space plan when the following criteria have been met:

     (A) Noxious weed infestation is new and eradication is still viable.

     (B) Delayed or deferred treatment could have widespread or major adverse impacts to one or more of the following resources:

     (i) Displacement of native and traditionally gathered plants;

     (ii) Degradation of wildlife habitat and forage;

     (iii) Degradation or loss of agricultural uses of land, such as cropland or livestock forage;

     (iv) Limitation of recreational uses.

     (C) For federal lands, treatment effects have been thoroughly evaluated in an environmental assessment.

     (4) An Open Space plan shall be completed by the primary managing agency or landowner prior to any new land uses or development on lands designated SMA-Open Space, and shall be reviewed by the Forest Service. The Open Space plan shall include the following:

     (a) Direction for resource protection, enhancement, and management.

     (b) Review of existing uses to determine compatibility with Open Space values.

     (c) Consultation with members of the public and with agency and resource specialists.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-370

Review Uses -- Residential Land

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Residential, subject to compliance with the guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) One single-family dwelling per legally created parcel. If the subject parcel is located adjacent to lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland, the use shall comply with the buffer and notification requirements for agricultural land [350-81-076 and 350-81-190 (1)(q)(E)], or forest land [(350-81-290 (1)(a) and 350-81-310 (1)(a)]. If the subject parcel is located within a Residential designation that is adjacent to lands designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, the placement of a dwelling shall also comply with the fire protection guidelines in "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

     (b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(c) below.

     (c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (d) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (e) Construction or reconstruction of roads.

     (f) On parcels 10 acres or larger in the 5-acre Residential designation, or 20 acres or larger in the 10-acre Residential designation, a land division creating new parcels smaller than the designated minimum parcel size, subject to the guidelines for cluster development in "Land Divisions and Cluster Development" (350-81-124).

     (g) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 590).

     (h) Land divisions, subject to the minimum lot sizes designated on the Land Use Designation Map.

     (i) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (j) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (k) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (l) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (m) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (n) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (o) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (p) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (q) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     (2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA-Residential subject to review for compliance with scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) One single-family dwelling per legally created lot or consolidated parcel. The placement of a dwelling shall comply with fire protection standards developed by the county, in accordance with Management Plan SMA Policy 13 in Part II, Chapter 2: Forest Land.

     (b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (2)(c) below.

     (c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (d) New utility facilities.

     (e) Fire stations.

     (f) Home occupations and cottage industries subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (g) Bed and breakfast inns, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100).

     (h) Community parks and playgrounds.

     (i) Road and railroad construction and reconstruction.

     (j) Forest practices, as specified in 350-81-270 (2)(y).

     (k) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (l) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (m) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (n) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (o) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (p) New cultivation or new agricultural use outside of previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas. Clearing trees for new agricultural use is subject to the additional requirements of 350-81-270 (2)(x).

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-380

Review Uses with Additional Approval Criteria -- Residential Land

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Residential, subject to compliance with the appropriate scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resource guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620) and "Approval Criteria for Specified Review Uses," (350-81-390).

     (a) Accredited childcare centers within lands designated 1-acre Residential or 2-acre Residential. A childcare center may be allowed in other Residential designations within an existing church or community building.

     (b) Schools within an existing church or community building.

     (c) Expansion of existing primary or middle schools on land purchased prior to June 8, 1999. For purposes of this section, existing schools means public schools that existed prior to adoption of the original Management Plan on October 15, 1991.

     (d) Utility facilities and railroads.

     (e) Home occupations or cottage industries in an existing residence or accessory structure, subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (f) Fire stations.

     (g) Recreation development, subject to compliance with 350-81-610.

     (h) Community parks and playgrounds, consistent with the standards of the National Park and Recreation Society regarding the need for such facilities.

     (i) Bed and breakfast inns in single family dwellings located on lands designated 5-acre Residential or 10-acre Residential, pursuant to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100).

     (j) Wineries, in conjunction with onsite viticulture, upon a showing that processing of wine is from grapes grown on the subject farm or in the local region.

     (k) Wine sales/tasting rooms in conjunction with an on-site winery, under the following conditions:

     (A) The use shall comply with the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098), with the following exceptions:

     (i) The use may employ an unlimited number of outside employees.

     (ii) The wine sales/tasting room may include interior and/or exterior space, provided the combined interior and exterior spaces shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.

     (iii) The interior space may be located in an existing building or in a new building or addition to an existing building constructed for the primary purpose of housing the wine sales/tasting room.

     (iv) The exterior space may be a veranda, patio, or other similar type of structure.

     (l) Small-scale fishing support and fish processing operations on parcels that are contiguous with and have direct access to the Columbia River, subject to the guidelines in "Small-Scale Fishing Support and Fish Processing Operations" (350-81-102).

     (m) Boarding of horses on lands designated 10-acre Residential. The reviewing agency shall make findings on property characteristics, parcel size and impacts to neighbors, and shall specify the maximum number of horses based on those findings.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-420

Review Uses -- Rural Center

     (1) The following uses may be allowed within Rural Centers, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources:

     (a) One single-family dwelling per legally created parcel.

     (b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in 350-81-240420 (1)(c).

     (c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (d) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, pursuant to guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (e) Duplexes.

     (f) Fire stations.

     (g) Libraries.

     (h) Government buildings.

     (i) Community centers and meeting halls.

     (j) Schools.

     (k) Accredited childcare centers.

     (l) Rural service commercial and tourist commercial uses limited to 5,000 square feet of floor area per building or use.

     (A) Grocery stores.

     (B) Variety and hardware stores.

     (C) Shops, offices, and repair shops.

     (D) Personal services such as barber and beauty shops.

     (E) Travelers' accommodations, bed and breakfast inns.

     (F) Restaurants.

     (G) Taverns and bars.

     (H) Gas stations.

     (I) Gift shops.

     (m) Home occupations or cottage industries in an existing residence or accessory structure, subject to guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (n) Utility facilities and railroads.

     (o) Recreation development, subject to compliance with 350-81-610.

     (p) Places of worship.

     (q) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

     (r) Land divisions, subject to the standards and minimum lot sizes in Policies 6 and 7 in the "Land Use Policies" in Part II, Chapter 5: Commercial Land of the Management Plan.

     (s) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (t) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (u) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (v) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (w) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (x) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (y) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (z) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-490

Review Uses -- Public Recreation and Commercial Recreation

     (1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Public Recreation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, natural, cultural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620) and compliance with 350-81-610 (5)(a) and (c) through (g), where applicable, of the "Approval Criteria for Recreation Uses" contained in the recreation intensity class guidelines (350-81-610):

     (a) Publicly-owned, resource-based recreation uses, consistent with recreation intensity class guidelines (350-81-610).

     (b) Commercial uses and non-resource based recreation uses that are part of an existing or approved resource-based public recreation use, consistent with the guidelines for such uses contained in this section.

     (c) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

     (d) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     (2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA Public Recreation, subject to compliance with the "Approval Criteria for Non-Recreation Uses in Public Recreation designations," (350-81-500), and (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) One single-family dwelling for each parcel legally created prior to adoption of the Management Plan. Exceptions may be considered only upon demonstration that more than one residence is necessary for management of a public park.

     (b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in Guideline 350-81-490 (2)(c).

     (c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (d) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (e) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (f) Utility transmission, transportation, communication, and public works facilities.

     (g) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (h) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (i) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     (j) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (k) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (3) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Commercial Recreation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, natural, cultural and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620) and compliance with 350-81-610 (5)(a) and (c) through (g) of the "Approval Criteria for Recreation Uses" guidelines (350-81-610):

     (a) Commercially owned, resource-based recreation uses, consistent with recreation intensity class guidelines (350-81-610).

     (b) Overnight accommodations that are part of a commercially owned, resource-based recreation use, where such resource-based recreation use occurs on the subject site or on adjacent lands that are accessed through the site, and that meet the following standards:

     (A) Buildings containing individual units shall be no larger than 1,500 square feet in total floor area and no higher than 2-1/2 stories.

     (B) Buildings containing more than one unit shall be no larger than 5,000 square feet in total floor area and no higher than 2-1/2 stories.

     (C) The total number of individual units shall not exceed 25, unless the proposed development complies with standards for clustered accommodations in subsection (4) of this guideline.

     (D) Clustered overnight travelers accommodations meeting the following standards may include up to 35 individual units:

     (i) Average total floor area of all units is 1,000 square feet or less per unit.

     (ii) A minimum of 50 percent of the project site is dedicated to undeveloped, open areas (not including roads or parking areas).

     (iii) The facility is in an area classified for high-intensity recreation (Recreation Intensity Class 4).

     (c) Commercial uses, including restaurants sized to accommodate overnight visitors and their guests, and non-resource based recreation uses that are part of an existing or approved resource-based commercial recreation use, consistent with the policies, guidelines, and conditional use criteria for such uses contained in this section.

     (d) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

     (e) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

     (4) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Commercial Recreation, subject to compliance with the "Approval Criteria for Non-Recreational Uses in Commercial Recreation," (350-81-510), and the guidelines for the protection of scenic, natural, cultural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

     (a) One single-family dwelling for each lot or parcel legally created prior to adoption of the Management Plan.

     (b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in Guideline 2.C 4(c) below.

     (c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (d) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

     (e) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

     (f) Utility transmission, transportation, and communication facilities.

     (g) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (h) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (i) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (Part II, Chapter 7: General Policies and Guidelines) (350-81-096).

     (j) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (k) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

     (5) Land divisions may be allowed in GMA-Public Recreation, subject to compliance with 350-81-500 (1)(c), and in GMA Commercial Recreation, subject to compliance with 350-81-510 (1)(c).

     (6) Lot line adjustments may be allowed in GMA Public Recreation and GMA Commercial Recreation, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

     (7) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA-Public Recreation subject to review for compliance with scenic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources guidelines:

     (a) Forest uses and practices, as allowed for in 350-81-270(2), except Forest Land Review Uses (2)(i), (2)(l), (2)(m), and (2)(w).

     (b) Public trails, consistent with the provisions in 350-81-620.

     (c) Public recreational facilities, consistent with the provisions in 350-81-620.

     (d) Public nonprofit group camps, retreats, conference or educational centers, and interpretive facilities.

     (e) One single-family dwelling on a parcel of 40 contiguous acres or larger when it meets the conditions described for Agricultural Land (350-81-190 (2)(c)) or Forest Land (350-81-270 (2)(j)), or when shown to be necessary for public recreation site management purposes.

     (f) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(g) below.

     (g) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

     (A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

     (B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

     (h) Home occupation and cottage industries, as specified in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

     (i) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

     (j) Road and railroad construction and reconstruction.

     (k) Utility facilities for public service upon a showing that:

     (A) There is no alternative location with less adverse effect on Public Recreation land.

     (B) The size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (l) Agricultural review uses, as allowed for in 350-81-190(2), except Agricultural Land Review Uses (2)(h), (2)(i), (2)(t), and (2)(aa).

     (m) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

     (n) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

     (o) Removal/Ddemolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

     (p) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-520

General Management Area Scenic Review Criteria

     The following scenic review guidelines shall apply to all Review Uses in the General Management Area of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area:

     (1) All review uses:

     (a) New buildings and roads shall be sited and designed to retain the existing topography and to minimize grading activities to the maximum extent practicable.

     (b) New buildings shall be compatible with the general scale (height, dimensions and overall mass) of existing nearby development. Expansion of existing development shall comply with this guideline to the maximum extent practicable.

     (c) Project applicants shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and survival of any planted vegetation required by the guidelines in this chapter.

     (d) A site plan and land use application shall be submitted for all new buildings, except for buildings smaller than 60 square feet in area and less than or equal to 10 feet in height, as measured at the roof peak. The site plan and application shall include all information required in the site plan guidelines in "Review Uses" 350-81-032(5). Supplemental requirements for developments proposed on lands visible from key viewing areas are included in the key viewing areas guidelines in this chapter.

     (e) For all proposed development, the determination of compatibility with the landscape setting shall be based on information submitted in the site plan.

     (f) For all new production and/or development of mineral resources and expansion of existing quarries, a reclamation plan is required to restore the site to a natural appearance that blends with and emulates surrounding landforms to the maximum extent practicable.

     At a minimum, such reclamation plans shall include:

     (A) A map of the site, at a scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet (1:2,400) or a scale providing greater detail, with 10-foot contour intervals or less, showing pre-mining existing grades and post-mining final grades; locations of topsoil stockpiles for eventual reclamation use; location of catch basins or similar drainage and erosion control features employed for the duration of the use; and the location of storage, processing, and equipment areas employed for the duration of the use.

     (B) Cross-sectional drawings of the site showing pre-mining and post-mining grades.

     (C) Descriptions of the proposed use, in terms of estimated quantity and type of material removed, estimated duration of the use, processing activities, etc.

     (D) Description of drainage/erosion control features to be employed for the duration of the use.

     (E) A landscaping plan providing for revegetation consistent with the vegetation patterns of the subject landscape setting, indicating the species, number, size, and location of plantings for the final reclaimed grade, as well as a description of irrigation provisions or other measures necessary to ensure the survival of plantings.

     (g) All reclamation plans for new quarries or expansion of existing quarries shall be sent to the appropriate state reclamation permitting agency for review and comment. The state agency shall have 30 calendar days from the date a reclamation plan is mailed to submit written comments on the proposal. State agency comments shall address the following:

     (A) Whether the proposed mining is subject to state reclamation permit requirements;

     (B) If subject to state jurisdiction, whether an application has been received for a state reclamation permit and, if so, the current status of the application; and

     (C) For uses subject to state jurisdiction, any issues or concerns regarding consistency with state reclamation requirements, or any suggested modifications to comply with state reclamation requirements.

     The Executive Director may request technical assistance from state agencies on reclamation plans for proposed mining not within the state agency's jurisdiction.

     (2) Key Viewing Areas

     (a) The guidelines in this section shall apply to proposed developments on sites topographically visible from key viewing areas.

     (b) Each development shall be visually subordinate to its setting as seen from key viewing areas.

     (c) Determination of potential visual effects and compliance with visual subordinance policies shall include consideration of the cumulative effects of proposed developments.

     (d) The extent and type of conditions applied to a proposed development to achieve visual subordinance shall be proportionate to its potential visual impacts as seen from key viewing areas.

     (A) Decisions shall include written findings addressing the factors influencing potential visual impact, including but not limited to:

     (i) The amount of area of the building site exposed to key viewing areas.

     (ii) The degree of existing vegetation providing screening.

     (iii) The distance from the building site to the key viewing areas from which it is visible.

     (iv) The number of key viewing areas from which it is visible.

     (v) The linear distance along the key viewing areas from which the building site is visible (for linear key viewing areas, such as roads).

     (B) Conditions may be applied to various elements of proposed developments to ensure they are visually subordinate to their setting as seen from key viewing areas, including but not limited to:

     (i) Siting (location of development on the subject property, building orientation, and other elements).

     (ii) Retention of existing vegetation.

     (iii) Design (color, reflectivity, size, shape, height, architectural and design details and other elements).

     (iv) New landscaping.

     (e) New development shall be sited to achieve visual subordinance from key viewing areas, unless the siting would place such development in a buffer specified for protection of wetlands, riparian corridors, sensitive plants, or sensitive wildlife sites or would conflict with guidelines to protect cultural resources. In such situations, development shall comply with this guideline to the maximum extent practicable.

     (f) New development shall be sited using existing topography and/or existing vegetation as needed to achieve visual subordinance from key viewing areas.

     (g) Existing tree cover screening proposed development from key viewing areas shall be retained as specified in the Landscape Settings Design Guidelines in 350-81-520(3).

     (h) The silhouette of new buildings shall remain below the skyline of a bluff, cliff, or ridge as seen from key viewing areas. Variances to this guideline may be granted if application of the guideline would leave the owner without a reasonable economic use. The variance shall be the minimum necessary to allow the use and may be applied only after all reasonable efforts to modify the design, building height, and site to comply with the guideline have been made.

     (i) An alteration to a building built before November 17, 1986, that already protrudes above the skyline of a bluff, cliff, or ridge as seen from a key viewing area, may itself protrude above the skyline if:

     (A) The altered building, through use of color, landscaping and/or other mitigation measures, contrasts less with its setting than before the alteration, and

     (B) There is no practicable alternative means of altering the building without increasing the protrusion.

     (j) The following guidelines shall apply to new landscaping used to screen development from key viewing areas:

     (A) New landscaping (including new earth berms) shall be required only when application of all other available guidelines in 350-81-520 is not sufficient to make the development visually subordinate from key viewing areas. Alternate sites shall be considered prior to using new landscaping to achieve visual subordinance. Development shall be sited to avoid the need for new landscaping wherever possible.

     (B) If new landscaping is required to make a proposed development visually subordinate from key viewing areas, existing on-site vegetative screening and other visibility factors shall be analyzed to determine the extent of new landscaping, and the size of new trees needed to achieve the standard. Any vegetation planted pursuant to this guideline shall be sized to provide sufficient screening to make the development visually subordinate within five years or less from the commencement of construction.

     (C) Unless as specified otherwise by provisions in 350-81-520, landscaping shall be installed as soon as practicable, and prior to project completion. Applicants and successors in interest for the subject parcel are responsible for the proper maintenance and survival of planted vegetation, and replacement of such vegetation that does not survive.

     (D) The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook shall include recommended species for each landscape setting consistent with the Landscape Settings Design Guidelines in 350-81-520(3), and minimum recommended sizes of new trees planted (based on average growth rates expected for recommended species).

     (k) Conditions regarding new landscaping or retention of existing vegetation for new developments on lands designated GMA Forest shall meet both scenic guidelines and fuel break requirements in 350-81-300 (1)(a).

     (l) Unless expressly exempted by other provisions in 350-81-520, colors of structures on sites visible from key viewing areas shall be dark earth-tones found at the specific site or in the surrounding landscape. The specific colors or list of acceptable colors shall be included as a condition of approval. The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook will include a recommended palette of colors.

     (m) The exterior of buildings on lands seen from key viewing areas shall be composed of nonreflective materials or materials with low reflectivity, unless the structure would be fully screened from all key viewing areas by existing topographic features. The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook will include a list of recommended exterior materials. These recommended materials and other materials may be deemed consistent with this guideline, including those where the specific application meets recommended thresholds in the "Visibility and Reflectivity Matrices" in the Implementation Handbook (once they are created). Continuous surfaces of glass unscreened from key viewing areas shall be limited to ensure visual subordinance. Recommended square footage limitations for such surfaces will be provided for guidance in the Implementation Handbook.

     (n) In addition to the site plan requirements in "Review Uses" 350-81-520032(5), applications for all buildings visible from key viewing areas shall include a description of the proposed building(s)' height, shape, color, exterior building materials, exterior lighting, and landscaping details (type of plants used; number, size, locations of plantings; and any irrigation provisions or other measures to ensure the survival of landscaping planted for screening purposes).

     (o) For proposed mining and associated activities on lands visible from key viewing areas, in addition to submittal of plans and information pursuant to 350-81-520 (1)(f) section of this chapter, project applicants shall submit perspective drawings of the proposed mining areas as seen from applicable key viewing areas.

     (p) Exterior lighting shall be directed downward and sited, hooded, and shielded such that it is not highly visible from key viewing areas. Shielding and hooding materials shall be composed of non-reflective, opaque materials.

     (q) Additions to existing buildings smaller in total square area than the existing building may be the same color as the existing building. Additions larger than the existing building shall be of colors specified in the design guidelines for the subject property's landscape setting dark earth-tone colors found at the specific site or in the surrounding landscape. The specific colors or a list of acceptable colors shall be included as a condition of approval. The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook will include a recommended palette of colors.

     (r) Rehabilitation of or modifications to existing significant historic structures shall be exempted from visual subordinance requirements for lands seen from key viewing areas. To be eligible for such exemption, the structure must be included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places or be in the process of applying for a determination of significance pursuant to such regulations. Rehabilitation of or modifications to structures meeting this guideline shall be consistent with National Park Service regulations for such structures.

     (s) New main lines on lands visible from key viewing areas for the transmission of electricity, gas, oil, other fuels, or communications, except for connections to individual users or small clusters of individual users, shall be built in existing transmission corridors unless it can be demonstrated that use of existing corridors is not practicable. Such new lines shall be underground as a first preference unless it can be demonstrated to be impracticable.

     (t) New communication facilities (antennae, dishes, etc.) on lands visible from key viewing areas that require an open and unobstructed site shall be built upon existing facilities unless it can be demonstrated that use of existing facilities is not practicable.

     (u) New communications facilities may protrude above a skyline visible from a key viewing area only upon demonstration that:

     (A) The facility is necessary for public service,

     (B) The break in the skyline is seen only in the background, and

     (C) The break in the skyline is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (v) Overpasses, safety and directional signs, and other road and highway facilities may protrude above a skyline visible from a key viewing area only upon a demonstration that:

     (A) The facility is necessary for public service, and

     (B) The break in the skyline is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

     (x) Except for water-dependent development and for water-related recreation development, development shall be set back 100 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, and 100 feet from the normal pool elevation of the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam, unless the setback would render a property unbuildable. In such cases, variances to this guideline may be authorized.

     (y) New buildings shall not be permitted on lands visible from key viewing areas with slopes in excess of 30 percent. Variances to this guideline may be authorized if the guideline's application would render a property unbuildable. In determining the slope, the average percent slope of the proposed building site shall be used.

     (z) Driveways and buildings shall be designed and sited to minimize visibility of cut banks and fill slopes from key viewing areas.

     (aa) All proposed structural development involving more than 200 cubic yards of grading on sites visible from key viewing areas shall include submittal of a grading plan. This plan shall be reviewed by the local government for compliance with key viewing area policies. The grading plan shall include the following:

     (A) A map of the site, prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet (1:2,400) or a scale providing greater detail, with contour intervals of at least 5 feet, including:

     (i) Existing and proposed final grades.

     (ii) Location of all areas to be graded, with cut banks and fill slopes delineated.

     (iii) Estimated dimensions of graded areas.

     (B) A narrative description (may be submitted on the grading plan site map and accompanying drawings) of the proposed grading activity, including:

     (i) Its purpose.

     (ii) An estimate of the total volume of material to be moved.

     (iii) The height of all cut banks and fill slopes.

     (iv) Provisions to be used for compactions, drainage, and stabilization of graded areas. (Preparation of this information by a licensed engineer or engineering geologist is recommended.)

     (v) A description of all plant materials used to revegetate exposed slopes and banks, including the species, number, size, and location of plants, and a description of irrigation provisions or other measures necessary to ensure the survival of plantings.

     (vi) A description of any other interim or permanent erosion control measures to be used.

     (bb) Expansion of existing quarries and new production and/or development of mineral resources proposed on sites more than 3 miles from the nearest key viewing areas from which it is visible may be allowed upon a demonstration that:

     (A) The site plan requirements for such proposals pursuant to 350-81-520 have been met.

     (B) The area to be mined and the area to be used for primary processing, equipment storage, stockpiling, etc. associated with the use would be visually subordinate as seen from any key viewing areas.

     (C) A reclamation plan to restore the site to a natural appearance that blends with and emulates surrounding landforms to the maximum extent practicable has been approved. At minimum, the reclamation plan shall comply with 350-81-520 (1)(f) and (g).

     (D) A written report on a determination of visual subordinance has been completed, with findings addressing the extent of visibility of proposed mining activities from key viewing areas, including:

     (i) A list of key viewing areas from which exposed mining surfaces (and associated facilities/activities) would be visible.

     (ii) An estimate of the surface area of exposed mining surfaces that would be visible from those key viewing areas.

     (iii) The distance from those key viewing areas and the linear distance along those key viewing areas from which proposed mining surfaces are visible.

     (iv) The slope and aspect of mining surfaces relative to those portions of key viewing areas from which they are visible.

     (v) The degree to which potentially visible mining surfaces are screened from key viewing areas by existing vegetation, including winter screening considerations.

     (vi) The degree to which potentially visible mining surfaces would be screened by new plantings, berms, etc. and appropriate time frames to achieve such results, including winter screening considerations.

     (cc) Unless addressed by 350-81-520 (2)(bb), new production and/or development of mineral resources may be allowed upon a demonstration that:

     (A) The site plan requirements for such proposals pursuant to this chapter have been met.

     (B) The area to be mined and the area used for primary processing, equipment storage, stockpiling, etc., associated with the use would be fully screened from any key viewing area.

     (C) A reclamation plan to restore the area to a natural appearance that blends with and emulates surrounding landforms to the maximum extent practicable has been approved. At minimum, the reclamation plan shall comply with 350-81-520 (1)(f) and (g).

     (dd) An interim time period to achieve compliance with visual subordinance requirements for expansion of existing quarries and development of new quarries located more than 3 miles from the nearest visible key viewing area shall be established before approval. The interim time period shall be based on site-specific topographic and visual conditions, but shall not exceed 3 years beyond the date of approval.

     (ee) An interim time period to achieve compliance with full screening requirements for new quarries located less than 3 miles from the nearest visible key viewing area shall be established before approval. The interim time period shall be based on site-specific topographic and visual conditions, but shall not exceed 1 year beyond the date of approval. Quarrying activity occurring before achieving compliance with full screening requirements shall be limited to activities necessary to provide such screening (creation of berms, etc.).

     (3) Landscape Settings

     All review uses within the following landscape settings shall comply with the following applicable guidelines:

     (a) Pastoral

     (A) Accessory structures, outbuildings, and access ways shall be clustered together as much as possible, particularly towards the edges of existing meadows, pastures, and farm fields.

     (B) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) Except as is necessary for site development or safety purposes, the existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     (ii) Vegetative landscaping shall, where feasible, retain the open character of existing pastures and fields.

     (iii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting or commonly found in the area. Such species include fruit trees, Douglas-fir, Lombardy poplar (usually in rows), Oregon white oak, big leaf maple, and black locust (primarily in the eastern Gorge).

     (iv) At least one-quarter of any trees planted for screening shall be coniferous for winter screening.

     (C) Compatible recreation uses include resource-based recreation of a very low-intensity or low-intensity nature (as defined by 350-81-610) occurring infrequently in the landscape.

     (b) Coniferous Woodland

     (A) Structure height shall remain below the forest canopy level.

     (B) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (I) Except as is necessary for construction of access roads, building pads, leach fields, etc., the existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     (II) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting. Such species include: Douglas-fir, grand fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, big leaf maple, red alder, ponderosa pine and Oregon white oak, and various native willows (for riparian areas).

     (III) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be coniferous to provide winter screening.

     (C) Compatible recreation uses include resource-based recreation uses of varying intensities. Typically, outdoor recreation uses should be low-intensity, and include trails, small picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. Some more intensive recreation uses, such as campgrounds, may occur. They should be scattered, interspersed with large areas of undeveloped land and low-intensity uses.

     (c) Oak-Pine Woodland

     (A) Structure height shall remain below the tree canopy level in wooded portions of this setting.

     (B) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) At least half of any tree species planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting. Such species include Oregon white oak, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir.

     (ii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be coniferous to provide winter screening.

     For substantially wooded portions:

     (iii) Except as is necessary for construction of access roads, building pads, leach fields, etc., the existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     For treeless portions or portions with scattered tree cover:

     (iv) Structures shall be sited on portions of the property that provide maximum screening from key viewing areas, using existing topographic features.

     (v) Patterns of plantings for screening vegetation shall be in character with the surroundings. Residences in grassy, open areas or savannahs shall be partly screened with trees in small groupings and openings between groupings.

     (vi) Accessory structures, outbuildings, and access ways shall be clustered together as much as possible, particularly towards the edges of existing meadows, pastures, and farm fields.

     (C) Resource-based recreation uses of varying intensities may be compatible with this setting, although most are of low-intensity nature (such as trails or small scenic outlooks). More intensive recreation uses may be compatible where allowed by 350-81-610, although they are generally rare in this setting. As with Woodland settings, intensive recreation uses in Oak-Pine Woodlands may be compatible if widely scattered and not in large concentrations.

     (d) Grassland

     (A) Accessory structures, outbuildings, and access ways shall be clustered together as much as possible. Exceptions to this guideline are permitted where necessary for farming operations.

     (B) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) Structures shall be sited on portions of the property that provide maximum screening from key viewing areas, using existing topographic features.

     (ii) Lower structures that emphasize horizontal lines and blend with this sweeping landscape should be encouraged rather than very tall structures.

     (iii) Planting of trees for screening shall not be extensive, in character with the openness of this setting. Where used, screening vegetation shall either tie in with nearby riparian vegetation in seasonal drainages or emulate windrows. At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting or commonly found in the area. Such species include Oregon white oak, Lombardy poplar, black locust, black cottonwood (wet locations), Russian olive and ponderosa pine.

     (C) Resource-based recreation uses of a very low-intensity or low-intensity nature that occur infrequently are compatible with this setting, and include hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing.

     (e) Rural Residential

     (A) Existing tree cover shall be retained as much as possible, except as is necessary for site development, safety purposes, or as part of forest management practices.

     (B) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, and not exempt from visual subordinance guidelines (see 350-81-520 (3)(k)), the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) Except as is necessary for site development or safety purposes, the existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     (ii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting or commonly found in the area.

     (iii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be coniferous to provide winter screening.

     (C) Compatible recreation uses should be limited to small community park facilities, but may occasionally include low-intensity resource-based recreation uses (such as scenic overlooks).

     (f) Rural Residential/Pastoral, Rural Residential/Coniferous Woodland, and Rural Residential/Oak-Pine Woodland

     (A) New development in this setting shall meet the design guidelines described for both the Rural Residential setting and the more rural setting with which it is combined (either Pastoral, Coniferous Woodland or Oak-Pine Woodland), unless it can be demonstrated that compliance with the guidelines for the more rural setting is impracticable. Expansion of existing development shall comply with this guideline to the maximum extent practicable.

     (B) In the event of a possible conflict between the two sets of guidelines, the guidelines for the more rural setting (Coniferous Woodland, Oak-Pine Woodland or Pastoral) shall apply, unless it can be demonstrated that application of such guidelines would not be practicable.

     (C) Compatible recreation uses should be limited to very low and low-intensity resource-based recreation uses, scattered infrequently in the landscape.

     (g) Residential

     (A) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas and not exempt from visual subordinance guidelines (see 350-81-520 (3)(k)), the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) Except as is necessary for site development or safety purposes, the existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     (ii) The exteriors of structures shall be non-reflective unless fully screened from key viewing areas with existing vegetation and/or topography.

     (iii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the setting or commonly found in the area.

     (iv) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be coniferous to provide winter screening.

     (B) Compatible recreation uses are limited to community park facilities.

     (h) Village

     (A) New commercial buildings shall be limited in size to a total floor area of 5,000 square feet or less, and shall be limited in height to 2 1/2 stories or less.

     (B) For new commercial, institutional (churches, schools, government buildings), or multifamily residential uses on parcels fronting a scenic travel corridor (Washington State Route 14 or the Historic Columbia River Highway) and expansion of existing development for such uses, parking shall be limited to rear or side yards of buildings to the maximum extent practicable.

     (C) New vehicular access points to the scenic travel corridors shall be limited to the maximum extent practicable, and access consolidation shall be required where feasible.

     (D) New development proposals and expansion of existing development shall be encouraged to follow planned unit development approaches, featuring consolidated access, commonly shared landscaped open areas, etc.

     (E) New commercial, institutional or multifamily residential uses fronting a scenic travel corridor shall comply with the following landscape requirements:

     (i) Parking or loading areas for 10 or more spaces shall include a landscaped strip at least 5 feet wide between the new use and the scenic travel corridor roadway.

     (ii) The landscape strip required in 350-81-520 (3)(h)(E)(i) shall include shrubs, vegetative ground cover, and, at minimum, one tree. Trees shall be spaced as appropriate to the species and not to exceed 25 feet apart on the average.

     (F) The use of building materials that reinforce the Village setting's character, such as wood, logs, or stone, and that reflect community desires, should be encouraged.

     (G) Architectural styles that are characteristic of the area (such as 1 1/2-story dormer roof styles in Corbett) and that reflect community desires should be encouraged. Entry signs should be consistent with such architectural styles.

     (H) Design features that create a "pedestrian-friendly" atmosphere, such as large shop windows on the ground floor of commercial buildings, porches along ground floors with street frontage, etc., should be encouraged.

     (I) Pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths should be encouraged and integrated into new developments wherever feasible.

     (J) Where feasible, existing tree cover of species native to the region or commonly found in the area shall be retained when designing new development or expanding existing development.

     (K) Compatible recreation uses may include community parks serving the recreation needs of local residents, and varying intensities of other recreation uses.

     (i) River Bottomlands

     (A) In portions of this setting visible from key viewing areas, the following guidelines shall be employed to achieve visual subordinance for new development and expansion of existing development:

     (i) Except as is necessary for site development or safety purposes, existing tree cover screening the development from key viewing areas shall be retained.

     (ii) At least half of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be species native to the River Bottomland setting. Public recreation developments are encouraged to maximize the percentage of planted screening vegetation native to this setting. Such species include black cottonwood, big leaf maple, red alder, Oregon white ash, Douglas-fir, western red cedar and western hemlock (west Gorge), and various native willow species.

     (iii) At least one-quarter of any trees planted for screening purposes shall be coniferous for winter screening.

     (C) Compatible recreation uses depend on the degree of natural resource sensitivity of a particular site. In the most critically sensitive River Bottomlands, very low-intensity uses which do not impair wetlands or special habitat requirements may be compatible.

     In other River Bottomland areas, nodes of moderate-intensity and/or high-intensity recreation uses may be compatible, provided that:

     (i) their designs emphasize retention and/or enhancement of native riparian communities,

     (ii) structures and parking areas are visually subordinate

     (iii) they are separated from other areas of concentrated recreation usage by stretches of natural-appearing shoreline and adjacent uplands.

     (j) Gorge Walls, Canyons, and Wildlands

     (A) New development and expansion of existing development shall be screened so it is not seen from key viewing areas, to the maximum extent practicable.

     (B) All trees planted to screen permitted development and uses from key viewing areas shall be native to the area.

     (C) Existing tree cover shall be retained to the maximum extent practicable, except for the minimum removal necessary to accommodate facilities other-wise permitted in the underlying land use designation or for safety purposes.

     (D) All structures buildings shall be limited in height to a maximum of 1 1/2 stories.

     (E) The exteriors of structures shall be non-reflective.

     (F) Signage shall be limited to natural materials such as wood or stone, with natural or earth-tone colors, unless public safety concerns or federal or state highway standards require otherwise.

     (G) Compatible recreation uses are limited to very low or low-intensity resource-based activities which focus on enjoyment and appreciation of sensitive resources. Such compatible uses (such as trails) are generally associated with minimal facility development, if any.

     (k) Developed Settings and Visual Subordinance Policies

     GMA policies to protect key viewing area viewsheds require that all new develop-ment on lands seen from key viewing areas be visually subordinate to its landscape setting, except for "specified developed settings that are not visually sensitive."

     Three landscape settings are considered developed settings within this context: Rural Residential, Residential, and Village. Of all GMA lands in these three settings, six particular areas that are not visually sensitive have been identified. New development in these settings shall be compatible with the setting, but not necessarily visually subordinate. New developments in these settings are exempt from the color and siting guidelines in the Key Viewing Areas section of this chapter. These areas are:

     (A) Corbett Rural Center (Village)

     (B) Skamania Rural Center (Village)

     (C) West of Hood River Urban Area, east of Country Club Road (Rural Residential)

     (D) Murray's Addition subdivision, The Dalles (Residential)

     (E) Two small areas south of The Dalles in Sections 9 and 10, Township 1N, Range 13E (Residential)

     (F) Portion of Underwood Heights along Cooper Avenue, south of Cook-Underwood Road (Rural Residential)

     (4) Scenic Travel Corridors

     All review uses within Scenic Travel Corridors shall comply with the following applicable guidelines:

     (a) For the purposes of implementing this section, the foreground of a scenic travel corridor shall include those lands within 1/4 mile of the edge of pavement of the scenic travel corridor roadway.

     (b) All new buildings and alterations to existing buildings, except in a Rural Center designation (village landscape setting), shall be set back at least 100 feet from the edge of pavement of the scenic travel corridor roadway. A variance to this setback requirement may be granted pursuant to 350-81-078(2). All new parking lots and expansions of existing parking lots shall be set back at least 100 feet from the edge of pavement of the scenic travel corridor roadway, to the maximum extent practicable.

     (c) Additions to existing buildings or expansion of existing parking lots located within 100 feet of the edge of pavement of a scenic travel corridor roadway, except in a Rural Center designation (village landscape setting), shall comply with 350-81-520 (4)(b) above, to the maximum extent practicable.

     (d) All proposed vegetation management projects in public rights-of-way to provide or improve views shall include the following:

     (A) An evaluation of potential visual impacts of the proposed project as seen from any key viewing area.

     (B) An inventory of any rare plants, sensitive wildlife habitat, wetlands, or riparian areas on the project site. If such resources are determined to be present, the project shall comply with applicable Management Plan guidelines to protect the resources.

     (e) When evaluating possible locations for undergrounding of signal wires or powerlines, railroads and utility companies shall prioritize those areas specifically recommended as extreme or high priorities for undergrounding in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Corridor Visual Inventory (April 1990).

     (f) New production and/or development of mineral resources proposed within 1/4 mile of the edge of pavement of a scenic travel corridor may be allowed upon a demonstration that full visual screening of the site from the scenic travel corridor can be achieved by use of existing topographic features or existing vegetation designed to be retained through the planned duration of the proposed project. An exception to this may be granted if planting of new vegetation in the vicinity of the access road to the mining area would achieve full screening. If existing vegetation is partly or fully employed to achieve visual screening, over 75 percent of the tree canopy area shall be coniferous species providing adequate winter screening. Mining and associated primary processing of mineral resources is prohibited within 100 feet of a scenic travel corridor, as measured from the edge of pavement, except for access roads. Compliance with full screening requirements shall be achieved within timeframes specified in 350-81-520 (2)(ee).

     (g) Expansion of existing quarries may be allowed pursuant to 350-81-520 (2)(bb). Compliance with visual subordinance requirements shall be achieved within timeframes specified in 350-81-520 (2)(dd).

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-530

Special Management Area Scenic Review Criteria

     (1) SMA Design Guidelines Based on Landscape Settings

     (a) The following guidelines apply to all lands within SMA landscape settings regardless of visibility from KVAs (includes areas seen from KVAs as well as areas not seen from KVAs):

     (A) Pastoral: Pastoral areas shall retain the overall appearance of an agricultural landscape.

     (i) The use of plant species common to the landscape setting shall be encouraged. The use of plant species in rows, as commonly found in the landscape setting, is encouraged.

     (B) Coniferous Woodland and Oak-Pine Woodland: Woodland areas shall retain the overall appearance of a woodland landscape. New developments and land uses shall retain the overall visual character of the natural appearance of the Coniferous Woodland and Oak-Pine Woodland landscape.

     (i) Buildings shall be encouraged to have a vertical overall appearance in the Coniferous Woodland landscape setting and a horizontal overall appearance in the Oak-Pine Woodland landscape setting.

     (ii) Use of plant species native to the landscape setting shall be encouraged. Where non-native plants are used, they shall have native-appearing characteristics.

     (C) Residential: The Residential setting is characterized by concentrations of dwellings.

     (i) At Rowena Dell, new buildings shall have a rustic appearance using natural materials. At Latourell Falls, new buildings shall have an appearance consistent with the predominant historical architectural style.

     (ii) Use of plant species native to the landscape setting shall be encouraged. Where non-native plants are used, they shall have native-appearing characteristics.

     (D) River Bottomlands: River Bottomlands shall retain the overall visual character of a floodplain and associated islands.

     (i) Buildings shall have an overall horizontal appearance in areas with little tree cover.

     (ii) Use of plant species native to the landscape setting shall be encouraged. Where non-native plants are used, they shall have native-appearing characteristics.

     (E) Gorge Walls, Canyonlands, and Wildlands: New developments and land uses shall retain the overall visual character of the natural-appearing landscape.

     (i) Structures, including signs, shall have a rustic appearance, use nonreflective materials, have low contrast with the surrounding landscape, and be of a Cascadian architectural style.

     (ii) Temporary roads shall be promptly closed and revegetated.

     (iii) New utilities shall be below ground surface, where feasible.

     (iv) Use of plant species non-native to the Columbia River Gorge shall not be allowed.

     (2) SMA Guidelines for Development and Uses Visible from KVAs

     (a) The guidelines in this section shall apply to proposed developments on sites topographically visible from key viewing areas.

     (b) New developments and land uses shall be evaluated to ensure that the required scenic standard is met and that scenic resources are not adversely affected, including cumulative effects, based on the degree of visibility from key viewing areas.

     (c) The required SMA scenic standards for all development and uses are summarized in the following table:

REQUIRED SMA SCENIC STANDARDS
LANDSCAPE SETTING	LAND USE DESIGNATION	SCENIC STANDARD
Coniferous Woodland, Oak-Pine Woodland	Forest (National Forest Lands), Open Space	Not Visually Evident
River Bottomlands	Open Space	Not Visually Evident
Gorge Walls, Canyonlands, Wildlands	Forest, Agriculture, Public Recreation, Open Space	Not Visually Evident
Coniferous Woodland, Oak-Pine Woodland	Forest, Agriculture, Residential, Public Recreation	Visually Subordinate
Residential	Residential	Visually Subordinate
Pastoral	Forest, Agriculture, Public Recreation, Open Space	Visually Subordinate
River Bottomlands	Forest, Agriculture, Public Recreation	Visually Subordinate

     (d) In all landscape settings, scenic standards shall be met by blending new development with the adjacent natural landscape elements rather than with existing development.

     (e) Proposed developments or land uses shall be sited to achieve the applicable scenic standard. Development shall be designed to fit the natural topography, to take advantage of landform and vegetation screening, and to minimize visible grading or other modifications of landforms, vegetation cover, and natural characteristics. When screening of development is needed to meet the scenic standard from key viewing areas, use of existing topography and vegetation shall be given priority over other means of achieving the scenic standard such as planting new vegetation or using artificial berms.

     (f) The extent and type of conditions applied to a proposed development or use to achieve the scenic standard shall be proportionate to its degree of visibility from key viewing areas.

     (A) Decisions shall include written findings addressing the factors influencing the degree of visibility, including but not limited to:

     (i) The amount of area of the building site exposed to key viewing areas,

     (ii) The degree of existing vegetation providing screening,

     (iii) The distance from the building site to the key viewing areas from which it is visible,

     (iv) The number of key viewing areas from which it is visible, and

     (v) The linear distance along the key viewing areas from which the building site is visible (for linear key viewing areas, such as roads).

     (B) Conditions may be applied to various elements of proposed developments to ensure they are visually subordinate to meet the scenic standard for their setting as seen from key viewing areas, including but not limited to:

     (i) Siting (location of development on the subject property, building orientation, and other elements),

     (ii) Retention of existing vegetation,

     (iii) Design (color, reflectivity, size, shape, height, architectural and design details and other elements), and

     (iv) New landscaping.

     (g) Sites approved for new development to achieve scenic standards shall be consistent with guidelines to protect wetlands, riparian corridors, sensitive plant or wildlife sites and the buffer zones of each of these natural resources, and guidelines to protect cultural resources.

     (h) Proposed developments shall not protrude above the line of a bluff, cliff, or skyline as seen from key viewing areas.

     (i) Structure height shall remain below the average tree canopy height of the natural vegetation adjacent to the structure, except if it has been demonstrated that meeting this guideline is not feasible considering the function of the structure.

     (j) The following guidelines shall apply to new landscaping used to screen development from key viewing areas:

     (A) New landscaping (including new earth berms) to achieve the required scenic standard from key viewing areas shall be required only when application of all other available guidelines in this chapter is not sufficient to make the development meet the scenic standard from key viewing areas. Development shall be sited to avoid the need for new landscaping wherever possible.

     (B) If new landscaping is necessary to meet the required standard, existing on-site vegetative screening and other visibility factors shall be analyzed to determine the extent of new landscaping, and the size of new trees needed to achieve the standard. Any vegetation planted pursuant to this guideline shall be sized to provide sufficient screening to meet the scenic standard within five years or less from the commencement of construction.

     (C) Landscaping shall be installed as soon as practicable, and prior to project completion. Applicants and successors in interest for the subject parcel are responsible for the proper maintenance and survival of planted vegetation, and replacement of such vegetation that does not survive.

     (D) The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook shall include recommended species for each landscape setting consistent with the Landscape Settings Design Guidelines in this chapter, and minimum recommended sizes of new trees planted (based on average growth rates expected for recommended species).

     (k) Unless expressly exempted by other provisions in this chapter, colors of structures on sites visible from key viewing areas shall be dark earth-tones found at the specific site or the surrounding landscape. The specific colors or list of acceptable colors shall be included as a condition of approval. The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook will include a recommended palette of colors as dark or darker than the colors in the shadows of the natural features surrounding each landscape setting.

     (l) The exterior of buildings structures on lands seen from key viewing areas shall be composed of non-reflective materials or materials with low reflectivity. The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook will include a recommended list of exterior materials. These recommended materials and other materials may be deemed consistent with this guideline, including those where the specific application meets approval thresholds in the "Visibility and Reflectivity Matrices" in the Implementation Handbook. Continuous surfaces of glass unscreened from key viewing areas shall be limited to ensure meeting the scenic standard. Recommended square footage limitations for such surfaces will be provided for guidance in the Implementation Handbook.

     (m) Any exterior lighting shall be sited, limited in intensity, shielded, or hooded in a manner that prevents lights from being highly visible from key viewing areas and from noticeably contrasting with the surrounding landscape setting, except for road lighting necessary for safety purposes.

     (n) Seasonal lighting displays shall be permitted on a temporary basis, not to exceed 3 months.

     (3) SMA Guidelines for KVA Foregrounds and Scenic Routes

     (a) All new developments and land uses immediately adjacent to scenic routes shall be in conformance with state or county scenic route guidelines.

     (b) Scenic highway corridor strategies shall be developed and implemented for Interstate 84 (I-84), Washington State Route 14 (SR 14) and the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH). For I-84, SR 14 and the HCRH, this involves ongoing implementation (and possible updating) of the associated existing documents. For I-84, a new scenic corridor strategy shall be developed by the end of 2005.

     (c) The goals of scenic corridor strategies shall include: 1) providing a framework for future highway improvements and management that meet Management Plan scenic guidelines and public transportation needs; and 2) creating design continuity for the highway corridor within the Scenic Area. Corridor strategies shall, at minimum, include design guidelines (e.g. materials, conceptual designs, etc.) for typical projects that are consistent with Management Plan scenic resources provisions and an interdisciplinary, interagency project planning and development process.

     (d) The following guidelines shall apply only to development within the immediate foregrounds of key viewing areas. Immediate foregrounds are defined as within the developed prism of a road or trail KVA or within the boundary of the developed area of KVAs such as Crown Pt. and Multnomah Falls. They shall apply in addition to applicable guidelines in 350-81-530(2).

     (A) The proposed development shall be designed and sited to meet the applicable scenic standard from the foreground of the subject KVA. If the development cannot meet the standard, findings must be made documenting why the project cannot meet the requirements in the previous section and why it cannot be redesigned or wholly or partly relocated to meet the scenic standard.

     (B) Findings must evaluate the following:

     (i) The limiting factors to meeting the required scenic standard and/or applicable guidelines from the previous section,

     (ii) Reduction in project size;

     (iii) Options for alternative sites for all or part of the project, considering parcel configuration and on-site topographic or vegetative screening;

     (iv) Options for design changes including changing the design shape, configuration, color, height, or texture in order to meet the scenic standard.

     (C) Form, line, color, texture, and design of a proposed development shall be evaluated to ensure that the development blends with its setting as seen from the foreground of key viewing areas:

     (i) Form and Line-Design of the development shall minimize changes to the form of the natural landscape. Development shall borrow form and line from the landscape setting and blend with the form and line of the landscape setting. Design of the development shall avoid contrasting form and line that unnecessarily call attention to the development.

     (ii) Color-Color shall be found in the project's surrounding landscape setting. Colors shall be chosen and repeated as needed to provide unity to the whole design.

     (iii) Texture-Textures borrowed from the landscape setting shall be emphasized in the design of structures. Landscape textures are generally rough, irregular, and complex rather than smooth, regular, and uniform.

     (iv) Design-Design solutions shall be compatible with the natural scenic quality of the Gorge. Building materials shall be natural or natural appearing. Building materials such as concrete, steel, aluminum, or plastic shall use form, line color and texture to harmonize with the natural environment. Design shall balance all design elements into a harmonious whole, using repetition of elements and blending of elements as necessary.

     (e) Right-of-way vegetation shall be managed to minimize visual impacts of clearing and other vegetation removal as seen from key viewing areas. Roadside vegetation management (vista clearing, planting, etc.) should enhance views from the highway.

     (f) Screening from key viewing areas shall be encouraged for existing and required for new road maintenance, warehouse, and stockpile areas.

     (4) SMA Guidelines for Areas Not Seen from KVAs

     (a) Unless expressly exempted by other provisions in this chapter, colors of structures on sites not visible from key viewing areas shall be earth-tones found at the specific site. The specific colors or list of acceptable colors shall be approved as a condition of approval, drawing from the recommended palette of colors included in the Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-540

General Management Area Cultural Resource Review Criteria

     (1) General Provisions for Implementing the Cultural Resources Protection Process.

     (a) All cultural resource surveys, evaluations, assessments, and mitigation plans shall be performed by professionals whose expertise reflects the type of cultural resources that are involved. Principal investigators shall meet the professional standards published in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 61 and Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties (Parker and King, no date).

     (b) Cultural resource surveys, evaluations, assessments, and mitigation plans shall generally be conducted in consultation with Indian tribal governments and any person who submits written comments on a proposed use (interested person). Indian tribal governments shall be consulted if the affected cultural resources are prehistoric or otherwise associated with Native Americans. If the cultural resources are associated with non-Native Americans, such as an historic house or pioneer campsite, the Indian tribal governments do not have to be consulted.

     (c) Reconnaissance and Historic Surveys and Survey Reports.

     (A) Reconnaissance survey requirements and exceptions.

     (i) A reconnaissance survey shall be required for all proposed uses within 500 feet of a known cultural resource, including those uses listed as exceptions in 350-8081-504540 (1)(c)(A)(ii) below.

     (ii) A reconnaissance survey shall be required for all proposed uses, except:

     (I) The modification, expansion, replacement, or reconstruction of existing buildings and structures.

     (II) Proposed uses that would not disturb the ground, including land divisions and lot-line adjustments; storage sheds that do not require a foundation; low-intensity recreation uses, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking; installation of surface chemical toilets; hand treatment of brush within established rights-of-way; and new uses of existing structures.

     (III) Proposed uses that involve minor ground disturbance, as defined by depth and extent, including repair and maintenance of lawfully constructed and serviceable structures; home gardens; livestock grazing; cultivation that employs minimum tillage techniques, such as replanting pastures using a grassland drill; construction of fences; new utility poles that are installed using an auger, post-hole digger, or similar implement; and placement of mobile homes where septic systems and underground utilities are not involved.

     The Gorge Commission shall review all land use applications and determine if proposed uses would have a minor ground disturbance.

     (IV) Proposed uses that occur on sites that have been disturbed by human activities, provided the proposed uses do not exceed the depth and extent of existing ground disturbance. To qualify for this exception, a project applicant must demonstrate that land-disturbing activities occurred in the project area. Land-disturbing activities include grading and cultivation.

     (V) Proposed uses that would occur on sites that have been adequately surveyed in the past.

     The project applicant must demonstrate that the project area has been adequately surveyed to qualify for this exception. Past surveys must have been conducted by a qualified professional and must include a surface survey and subsurface testing. The nature and extent of any cultural resources in the project area must be adequately documented.

     (VI) Proposed uses occurring in areas that have a low probability of containing cultural resources, except:

     • Residential development that involves two or more new dwellings for the same project applicant.

     • Recreation facilities that contain parking areas for more than 10 cars, overnight camping facilities, boat ramps, and visitor information and environmental education facilities.

     • Public transportation facilities that are outside improved rights-of-way.

     • Electric facilities, lines, equipment, and appurtenances that are 33 kilovolts or greater.

     • Communications, water and sewer, and natural gas transmission (as opposed to distribution) lines, pipes, equipment, and appurtenances.

     Areas that have a low probability of containing cultural resources shall be identified using the results of reconnaissance surveys conducted by the Gorge Commission, the Forest Service, public agencies, and private archaeologists.

     The Gorge Commission, after consulting Indian tribal governments and state historic preservation officers, shall prepare and adopt a map showing areas that have a low probability of containing cultural resources. This map shall be adopted within 200 days after the Secretary of Agriculture concurs with the Management Plan. It shall be refined and revised as additional reconnaissance surveys are conducted. Areas shall be added or deleted as warranted. All revisions of this map shall be reviewed and approved by the Gorge Commission.

     (B) A historic survey shall be required for all proposed uses that would alter the exterior architectural appearance of buildings and structures that are 50 years old or older, or would compromise features of the surrounding area that are important in defining the historic or architectural character of buildings or structures that are 50 years old or older.

     (C) The Gorge Commission shall conduct and pay for all reconnaissance and historic surveys for small-scale uses in the General Management Area. When archaeological resources or traditional cultural properties are discovered, the Gorge Commission also shall identify the approximate boundaries of the resource or property and delineate a reasonable buffer zone. Reconnaissance surveys and buffer zone delineations for large-scale uses shall be the responsibility of the project applicant.

     For 350-81-540, large-scale uses include residential development involving two or more new dwellings; all recreation facilities; commercial and industrial development; public transportation facilities; electric facilities, lines, equipment, and appurtenances that are 33 kilovolts or greater; and communications, water and sewer, and natural gas transmission (as opposed to distribution) lines, pipes, equipment, and appurtenances.

     (D) Reconnaissance Surveys for Small-Scale Uses.

     Reconnaissance surveys for small-scale uses shall generally include a surface survey and subsurface testing. They shall meet the following guidelines:

     (i) A surface survey of the project area shall be conducted, except for inundated areas and impenetrable thickets.

     (ii) Subsurface testing shall be conducted if the surface survey reveals that cultural resources may be present. Subsurface probes shall be placed at intervals sufficient to determine the absence or presence of cultural resources.

     (E) Reconnaissance Survey Reports for Small-Scale Uses

     The results of a reconnaissance survey for small-scale uses shall be documented in a confidential report that includes:

     (i) A description of the fieldwork methodology used to identity cultural resources, including a description of the type and extent of the reconnaissance survey.

     (ii) A description of any cultural resources that were discovered in the project area, including a written description and photographs.

     (iii) A map that shows the project area, the areas surveyed, the location of subsurface probes, and, if applicable, the approximate boundaries of the affected cultural resources and a reasonable buffer zone.

     (F) Reconnaissance Surveys for Large-Scale Uses

     (i) Reconnaissance surveys for large-scale uses shall be designed by a qualified professional. A written description of the survey shall be submitted to and approved by the Gorge Commission's designated archaeologist.

     (ii) Reconnaissance surveys shall reflect the physical characteristics of the project area and the design and potential effects of the proposed use. They shall meet the following guidelines:

     (I) Archival research shall be performed before any field work. It should entail a thorough examination of tax records; historic maps, photographs, and drawings; previous archaeological, historic, and ethnographic research; cultural resource inventories and records maintained by federal, state, and local agencies; and primary historic accounts, such as diaries, journals, letters, and newspapers.

     (II) Surface surveys shall include the entire project area, except for inundated areas and impenetrable thickets.

     (III) Subsurface probes shall be placed at intervals sufficient to document the presence or absence of cultural resources.

     (IV) Archaeological site inventory forms shall be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Officer whenever cultural resources are discovered.

     (G) Reconnaissance Survey Reports for Large-Scale Uses

     The results of a reconnaissance survey for large-scale uses shall be documented in a confidential report that includes:

     (i) A description of the proposed use, including drawings and maps.

     (ii) A description of the project area, including soils, vegetation, topography, drainage, past alterations, and existing land use.

     (iii) A list of the documents and records examined during the archival research and a description of any prehistoric or historic events associated with the project area.

     (iv) A description of the fieldwork methodology used to identify cultural resources, including a map that shows the project area, the areas surveyed, and the location of subsurface probes. The map shall be prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (1:1,200), or a scale providing greater detail.

     (v) An inventory of the cultural resources that exist in the project area, including a written description, photographs, drawings, and a map. The map shall be prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (1:1,200), or a scale providing greater detail.

     (vi) A summary of all written comments submitted by Indian tribal governments and other interested persons.

     (vii) A preliminary assessment of whether the proposed use would or would not have an effect on cultural resources. The assessment shall incorporate concerns and recommendations voiced during consultation meetings and information obtained through archival and ethnographic research and field surveys.

     (H) Historic Surveys and Reports

     (i) Historic surveys shall document the location, form, style, integrity, and physical condition of historic buildings and structures. They shall include original photographs and maps. Archival research, blueprints, and drawings should be used as necessary.

     (ii) Historic surveys shall describe any uses that will alter or destroy the exterior architectural appearance of the historic buildings or structures, or compromise features of the site that are important in defining the overall historic character of the historic buildings or structures.

     (iii) The project applicant shall provide detailed architectural drawings and building plans that clearly illustrate all proposed alterations.

     (d) The responsibility and cost of preparing an evaluation of significance, assessment of effect, or mitigation plan shall be borne by the project applicant, except for resources discovered during construction. The Gorge Commission shall conduct and pay for evaluations of significance and mitigation plans for resources that are discovered during construction of small-scale and large-scale uses.

     (e) Cultural resources are significant if one of the following criteria is satisfied:

     (A) The cultural resources are included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. The criteria for evaluating the eligibility of cultural resources for the National Register of Historic Places appear in the "National Register Criteria for Evaluation" (36 CFR 60.4).

     (B) The cultural resources are determined to be culturally significant by an Indian tribal government, based on criteria developed by that Indian tribal government and filed with the Gorge Commission.

     (f) The Gorge Commission shall establish a Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC shall comprise cultural resource professionals, interested individuals, and at least one representative from each of the four Indian tribes. If a project applicant's and Indian tribal government's evaluations of significance contradict, the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) shall review the applicant's evaluation and Indian tribal government's substantiated concerns. The CAC will submit a recommendation to the Executive Director as to whether affected cultural resources are significant.

     (2) Cultural Resource Reconnaissance and Historic Surveys

     (a) Consultation and Ethnographic Research

     (A) When written comments are submitted to the Executive Director within the comment period provided in 350-81-040, the project applicant shall offer to meet with the interested persons within 10 calendar days. The 10-day consultation period may be extended upon agreement between the project applicant and the interested persons. Consultation meetings should provide an opportunity for interested persons to explain how the proposed use may affect cultural resources. Recommendations to avoid potential conflicts should be discussed.

     All written comments and consultation meeting minutes shall be incorporated into the reconnaissance or historic survey report. In instances where a survey is not required, all such information shall be recorded and addressed in a report that typifies a survey report; inapplicable elements may be omitted.

     (B) A project applicant who is proposing a large-scale use shall conduct interviews and other forms of ethnographic research if interested persons submit a written request for such research. All requests must include a description of the cultural resources that may be affected by the proposed use and the identity of knowledgeable informants. Ethnographic research shall be conducted by qualified specialists. Tape recordings, maps, photographs, and minutes shall be used when appropriate.

     All written comments, consultation meeting minutes, and ethnographic research shall be incorporated into the reconnaissance or historic survey report. In instances where a survey is not required, all such information shall be recorded and addressed in a report that typifies a survey report.

     (b) Notice of Survey Results

     (A) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all cultural resource survey reports to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Indian tribal governments. Survey reports may include measures to avoid affected cultural resources, such as a map that shows a reasonable buffer zone.

     (B) The State Historic Preservation Officer and the tribes shall have 30 calendar days from the date a survey report is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall record and address all written comments in the development review order.

     (c) Conclusion of the Cultural Resource Protection Process

     (A) The Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with 350-81-540. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Executive Director shall justify how an opposing conclusion was reached.

     (B) The cultural resource protection process may conclude when one of the following conditions exists:

     (i) The proposed use does not require a reconnaissance or historic survey, no cultural resources are known to exist in the project area, and no substantiated concerns were voiced by interested persons within 21 calendar days of the date that a notice was mailed.

     (ii) A reconnaissance survey demonstrates that cultural resources do not exist in the project area, no substantiated concerns were voiced by interested persons within 21 calendar days of the date that a notice was mailed, and no substantiated concerns regarding the reconnaissance survey were voiced by the State Historic Preservation Officer or Indian tribal governments during the 30-day comment period required in subsection 2(b)(B) above.

     (iii) The proposed use would avoid archaeological resources and traditional cultural resources that exist in the project area. To meet this guideline, a reasonable buffer zone must be established around the affected resources or properties; all ground-disturbing activities shall be prohibited within the buffer zone.

     Buffer zones must preserve the integrity and context of cultural resources. They will vary in width depending on the eventual use of the project area, the type of cultural resources that are present, and the characteristics for which the cultural resources may be significant. A deed covenant, easement, or other appropriate mechanism shall be developed to ensure that the buffer zone and the cultural resources are protected.

     An evaluation of significance shall be conducted if a project applicant decides not to avoid the affected cultural resource. In these instances, the reconnaissance survey and survey report shall be incorporated into the evaluation of significance.

     (C) (iv) A historic survey demonstrates that the proposed use would not have an effect on historic buildings or structures because:

     (i) (a) The State Historic Preservation Officer concludes that the historic buildings or structures are clearly not significant, as determined by using the criteria in the "National Register Criteria for Evaluation" (36 CFR 60.4), or

     (ii) (b) The proposed use would not compromise the historic or architectural character of the affected buildings or structures, or compromise features of the site that are important in defining the overall historic character of the affected buildings or structures, as determined by the guidelines and standards in The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (U.S. Department of the Interior 1990) and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation Projects (U.S. Department of the Interior 1983).

     The historic survey conducted by the Gorge Commission may provide sufficient information to satisfy these guidelines. If it does not, architectural and building plans, photographs, and archival research may be required. The project applicant shall be responsible for providing information beyond that included in the survey conducted by the Gorge Commission.

     The historic survey and report must demonstrate that these guidelines have been clearly and absolutely satisfied. If the State Historic Preservation Officer or the Executive Director question whether these guidelines have been satisfied, the project applicant shall conduct an evaluation of significance.

     (3) Evaluation of Significance

     (a) Evaluation Criteria and Information Needs

     If cultural resources would be affected by a new use, an evaluation of their significance shall be conducted. Evaluations of significance shall meet the following guidelines:

     (A) Evaluations of significance shall follow the procedures in How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation (U.S. Department of the Interior, no date) and Guidelines for Evaluating and Documenting Traditional Cultural Properties (Parker and King, no date). They shall be presented within local and regional contexts and shall be guided by previous research and current research designs that are relevant to specific research questions for the Columbia River Gorge.

     (B) To evaluate the significance of cultural resources, the information gathered during the reconnaissance or historic survey may have to be supplemented. Detailed field mapping, subsurface testing, photographic documentation, laboratory analyses, and archival research may be required.

     (C) The project applicant shall contact Indian tribal governments and interested persons, as appropriate. Ethnographic research shall be undertaken as necessary to fully evaluate the significance of the cultural resources.

     (D) The evaluation of significance shall follow the principles, guidelines, and report format recommended by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (Oregon SHPO 1990) or Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (Washington SHPO, no date). It shall incorporate the results of the reconnaissance or historic survey and shall illustrate why each cultural resource is or is not significant. Findings shall be presented within the context of relevant local and regional research.

     (E) All documentation used to support the evaluation of significance shall be cited. Evidence of consultation with Indian tribal governments and other interested persons shall be presented. All comments, recommendations, and correspondence from Indian tribal governments and interested persons shall be appended to the evaluation of significance.

     (b) Notice of Evaluation Results

     (A) If the evaluation of significance demonstrates that the cultural resources are not significant, the Executive Director shall submit a copy of the evaluation of significance to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Indian tribal governments.

     (B) The State Historic Preservation Officer, Indian tribal governments, and interested persons shall have 30 calendar days from the date the evaluation of significance is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall record and address all written comments in the development review order.

     (c) Cultural Resources are Culturally Significant

     (A) If an Indian tribal government believes that the affected cultural resources are culturally significant, contrary to the evaluation submitted by the project applicant, the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) shall make an independent review of the applicant's evaluation and the Indian tribal government's substantiated concerns. The CAC shall formulate a recommendation regarding the significance of the cultural resources.

     (B) The Indian tribal government shall substantiate its concerns in a written report. The report shall be submitted to the Executive Director, CAC, and the project applicant within 15 calendar days from the date the evaluation of significance is mailed. The CAC must submit its recommendation to the Executive Director within 30 calendar days from the date the evaluation of significance is mailed.

     (d) Conclusion of the Cultural Resource Protection Process

     (A) The Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the affected resources are significant. If the final decision contradicts the comments or recommendations submitted by the State Historic Preservation Officer or CAC, the Executive Director shall justify how an opposing conclusion was reached.

     (B) The cultural resource protection process may conclude if the affected cultural resources are not significant.

     (C) If the project applicant or the Executive Director determines that the cultural resources are significant, the effects of the proposed use shall be assessed.

     (4) Assessment of Effect

     (a) Assessment Criteria and Information Needs

     If a use could potentially affect significant cultural resources, an assessment shall be made to determine if it would have no effect, no adverse effect, or an adverse effect. The assessment shall meet the following guidelines:

     (A) The assessment of effect shall be based on the criteria published in "Protection of Historic Properties" (36 CFR 800.59) and shall incorporate the results of the reconnaissance or historic survey and the evaluation of significance. All documentation shall follow the requirements listed in 36 CFR 800.118.

     (i) Proposed uses are considered to have an effect on cultural resources when they alter or destroy characteristics of the resources that make them significant [36 CFR 800.59(a)].

     (ii) Proposed uses are considered to have an adverse effect when they may diminish the integrity of the cultural resource's location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association [36 CFR 800.59(b)]. Adverse effects on cultural resources include, but are not limited to:

     (I) Physical destruction, damage, or alteration of all or part of the cultural resource.

     (II) Isolation of the cultural resource from its setting or alteration of the character of the resource's setting when that character contributes to the resource's qualification as being significant.

     (III) Introduction of visual, audible, or atmospheric elements that are out of character with the cultural resource or its setting.

     (IV) Neglect of a significant cultural resource resulting in its deterioration or destruction, except as described in 36 CFR 800.5.

     (B) The assessment of effect shall be prepared in consultation with Indian tribal governments and interested persons, as appropriate. The concerns and recommendations voiced by Indian tribal governments and interested persons shall be recorded and addressed in the assessment.

     (C) The effects of a proposed use that would otherwise be determined to be adverse may be considered to be not adverse if any of the following instances apply:

     (i) The cultural resources are of value only for their potential contribution to archeological, historical, or architectural research, and when such value can be substantially preserved through the conduct of appropriate research before development begins, and such research is conducted in accordance with applicable professional standards and guidelines.

     (ii) The undertaking is limited to the rehabilitation of buildings and structures, and is conducted in a manner that preserves the historical and architectural character of affected cultural resources through conformance with The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (U.S. Department of the Interior 1990) and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation Projects (U.S. Department of the Interior 1983).

     (b) Notice of Assessment Results

     (A) If the assessment of effect concludes that the proposed use would have no effect or no adverse effect on significant cultural resources, the Executive Director shall submit a copy of the assessment to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Indian tribal governments.

     (B) The State Historic Preservation Officer, Indian tribal governments, and interested persons shall have 30 calendar days from the date the assessment of effect is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall record and address all written comments in the development review order.

     (c) Conclusion of the Cultural Resource Protection Process

     (A) The Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would have no effect, no adverse effect, or an adverse effect. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Executive Director shall justify how an opposing conclusion was reached.

     (B) The cultural resource protection process may conclude if the proposed use would have no effect or no adverse effect on significant cultural resources.

     (C) A mitigation plan shall be prepared if a project applicant or the Executive Director determines that the proposed use would have an adverse effect on significant cultural resources.

     (5) Mitigation Plans

     (a) Mitigation Plan Criteria and Information Needs

     Mitigation plans shall be prepared when proposed uses would have an adverse effect on significant cultural resources. The plans shall reduce an adverse effect to no effect or no adverse effect. Mitigation plans shall meet the following guidelines:

     (A) Mitigation plans shall be prepared in consultation with persons who have concerns about or knowledge of the affected cultural resources, including Indian tribal governments, Native Americans, local governments whose jurisdiction encompasses the project area, and the State Historic Preservation Officer.

     (B) Avoidance of cultural resources through project design and modification is preferred. Avoidance may be effected by reducing the size, scope, configuration, and density of the proposed use.

     Alternative mitigation measures shall be used only if avoidance is not practicable. Alternative measures include, but are not limited to, burial under fill, stabilization, removal of the cultural resource to a safer place, and partial to full excavation and recordation. If the mitigation plan includes buffer zones to protect cultural resources, a deed covenant, easement, or other appropriate mechanism shall be developed and recorded in county deeds and records.

     (C) Mitigation plans shall incorporate the results of the reconnaissance or historic survey, the evaluation of significance, and the assessment of effect, and shall provide the documentation required in 36 CFR 800.118(d), including, but not limited to:

     (i) A description and evaluation of any alternatives or mitigation measures that the project applicant proposes for reducing the effects of the proposed use.

     (ii) A description of any alternatives or mitigation measures that were considered but not chosen and the reasons for their rejection.

     (iii) Documentation of consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer regarding any alternatives or mitigation measures.

     (iv) A description of the project applicant's efforts to obtain and consider the views of Indian tribal governments, interested persons, and Executive Director.

     (v) Copies of any written recommendations submitted to the Executive Director or project applicant regarding the effects of the proposed use on cultural resources and alternatives to avoid or reduce those effects.

     (b) Notice of Mitigation Plan Results

     (A) If a mitigation plan reduces the effect of a use from an adverse effect to no effect or no adverse effect, the Executive Director shall submit a copy of the mitigation plan to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Indian tribal governments.

     (B) The State Historic Preservation Officer, Indian tribal governments, and interested persons shall have 30 calendar days from the date the mitigation plan is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall record and address all written comments in the development review order.

     (c) Conclusion of the Cultural Resource Protection Process

     (A) The Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the mitigation plan would reduce an adverse effect to no effect or no adverse effect. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the Executive Director shall justify how an opposing conclusion was reached.

     (B) The cultural resource protection process may conclude if a mitigation plan would reduce an adverse effect to no effect or no adverse effect.

     (C) The proposed use shall be prohibited when acceptable mitigation measures fail to reduce an adverse effect to no effect or no adverse effect.

     (6) Cultural Resources Discovered After Construction Begins

     The following procedures shall be effected when cultural resources are discovered during construction activities. All survey and evaluation reports and mitigation plans shall be submitted to the Executive Director and the State Historic Preservation Officer. Indian tribal governments also shall receive a copy of all reports and plans if the cultural resources are prehistoric or otherwise associated with Native Americans.

     (a) Halt of Construction. All construction activities within 100 feet of the discovered cultural resource shall cease. The cultural resources shall remain as found; further disturbance is prohibited.

     (b) Notification. The project applicant shall notify the Executive Director within 24 hours of the discovery. If the cultural resources are prehistoric or otherwise associated with Native Americans, the project applicant shall also notify the Indian tribal governments within 24 hours.

     (c) Survey and Evaluation. The Gorge Commission shall survey the cultural resources after obtaining written permission from the landowner and appropriate permits from the State Historic Preservation Officer. (See Oregon Revised Statute [ORS] 273.705, ORS 358.905 to 358.955, and Revised Code of Washington [RCW] 27.53). It shall gather enough information to evaluate the significance of the cultural resources. The survey and evaluation shall be documented in a report that generally follows the guidelines in "Reconnaissance Survey Reports for Large-Scale Uses" [350-80-540 (1)(c)(G)] and "Evaluation of Significance: Evaluation Criteria and Information Needs" [350-80-540 (3)(a)].

     Based on the survey and evaluation report and any written comments, the Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the resources are significant. Construction activities may recommence if the cultural resources are not significant.

     A mitigation plan shall be prepared if the affected cultural resources are significant.

     (d) Mitigation Plan. Mitigation plans shall be prepared according to the information, consultation, and report guidelines contained in the "Mitigation Plans: Mitigation Plan Criteria and Information Needs" section of this chapter. Construction activities may recommence when the conditions in the mitigation plan have been executed.

     (7) Discovery of Human Remains

     The following procedures shall be effected when human remains are discovered during a cultural resource survey or during construction. Human remains means articulated or disarticulated human skeletal remains, bones, or teeth, with or without attendant burial artifacts.

     (a) Halt of Activities. All survey, excavation, and construction activities shall cease. The human remains shall not be disturbed any further.

     (b) Notification. Local law enforcement officials, the Executive Director, and the Indian tribal governments shall be contacted immediately.

     (c) Inspection. The county coroner, or appropriate official, shall inspect the remains at the project site and determine if they are prehistoric/historic or modern. Representatives from the Indian tribal governments shall have an opportunity to monitor the inspection.

     (d) Jurisdiction. If the remains are modern, the appropriate law enforcement officials shall assume jurisdiction and the cultural resource protection process may conclude.

     (e) Treatment. In Oregon, prehistoric/historic remains of Native Americans shall generally be treated in accordance with the procedures set forth in ORS 97.740 to 97.760. In Washington, the procedures set forth in RCW 27.44 and 68.05 shall generally be implemented if the remains are prehistoric/historic.

     If the human remains will be reinterred or preserved in their original position, a mitigation plan shall be prepared in accordance with the consultation and report requirements specified in "Mitigation Plans: Mitigation Plan Criteria and Information Needs" [350-81-540 (5)(a)].

     The mitigation plan shall accommodate the cultural and religious concerns of Native Americans. The cultural resource protection process may conclude when the conditions set forth in "Mitigation Plans: Conclusion of the Cultural Resource Protection Process" [350-81-540 (5)(c)] are met and the mitigation plan is executed.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-550

Special Management Area Cultural Resource Review Criteria.

     (1) General Guidelines for Implementing the Cultural Resources Protection Process

     (a) All cultural resource information shall remain confidential, according to Section 6(a)(1)(A) of the Scenic Area Act. Federal agency cultural resource information is also exempt by statute from the Freedom of Information Act under 16 USC 470aa hh and 36 CFR 296.18.

     (b) All cultural resources surveys, evaluations, assessments, and mitigation plans shall be performed by professionals whose expertise reflects the type of cultural resources that are involved. Principal investigators shall meet the professional standards published in 36 CFR 61.

     (c) The Forest Service will be responsible for performing the literature review and consultation, inventory, evaluations of significance, assessments of effect, and mitigation requirements in 350-81-550(4) for forest practices and National Forest System lands.

     (d) New developments or land uses shall not adversely affect significant cultural resources.

     (2) The procedures and guidelines in 350-81-540 shall be used to review all proposed developments and land uses other than those on all federal lands, federally assisted projects and forest practices.

     (3) The procedures and guidelines in 36 CFR 800 and 350-81-550(4) shall be used by the Executive Director and federal agencies to evaluate new developments or land uses on federal lands, federally assisted projects, and forest practices.

     (4) The following procedures as well as the provisions in 36 CFR 800.4 for assessing potential effects to cultural resources and 36 CFR 800.5 for assessing adverse effects to cultural resources shall be used to assess potential effects to cultural resources.

     (a) Literature Review and Consultation

     (A) An assessment shall be made to determine if any cultural resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places at the national, state or county level exist on or within the area of potential direct and indirect impacts.

     (B) A search shall be made of state and county government, National Scenic Area/Forest Service and any other pertinent inventories, such as archives and photographs, to identify cultural resources, including consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and tribal governments. State and tribal government response to the consultation request shall be allowed for 30 days.

     (C) Consultation with cultural resource professionals knowledgeable about the area.

     (D) A field inventory by a cultural resource professional shall be required if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that a recorded or known cultural resource exists on or within the immediate vicinity of a new development or land use, including those reported in consultation with the Tribal governments.

     (b) Field Inventory

     (A) Tribal representatives shall be invited to participate in the field inventory.

     (B) The field inventory shall consist of one or the other of the following guidelines, as determined by the cultural resource professional:

     (i) Complete survey: the systematic examination of the ground surface through a controlled procedure, such as walking an area in evenly-spaced transects. A complete survey may also require techniques such as clearing of vegetation, augering or shovel probing of subsurface soils for the presence of buried cultural resources.

     (ii) Sample survey: the sampling of an area to assess the potential of cultural resources within the area of proposed development or use. This technique is generally used for large or difficult to survey parcels, and is generally accomplished by a stratified random or non-stratified random sampling strategy. A parcel is either stratified by variables such as vegetation, topography or elevation, or by non-environmental factors such as a survey grid.

     Under this method, statistically valid samples are selected and surveyed to indicate the probability of presence, numbers and types of cultural resources throughout the sampling strata. Depending on the results of the sample, a complete survey may or may not subsequently be recommended.

     (C) A field inventory report shall be prepared, and shall include the following:

     (i) A narrative integrating the literature review of section (4)(a) above with the field inventory of section (4)(b) above.

     (ii) A description of the field inventory methodology used, including the type and extent of field inventory, supplemented by maps which graphically illustrate the areas surveyed, not surveyed, and the rationale for each.

     (iii) A statement of the presence or absence of cultural resources within the area of the new development or land use.

     (iv) When cultural resources are not located, a statement of the likelihood of buried or otherwise concealed cultural resources shall be included. Recommendations and standards for monitoring, if appropriate, shall be included.

     (D) The report shall follow the format specified by the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for inventories conducted in the State of Washington. Reports for inventories conducted in the State of Oregon shall follow the format specified by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

     (E) The field inventory report shall be presented to the Forest Service or the Executive Director for review.

     (c) Evaluations of Significance

     (A) When cultural resources are found within the area of the new development or land use, an evaluation of significance shall be completed for each cultural resource in accordance with to the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places (36 CFR 60.4).

     (B) Evaluations of cultural resource significance shall be guided by previous and current research designs relevant to specific research questions for the area.

     (C) Evaluations of the significance of traditional cultural properties shall follow National Register Bulletin 38, Guidelines for the Evaluation and Documentation of Traditional Cultural Properties, within local and regional contexts.

     (D) Recommendations for eligibility to the National Register shall be completed for each identified resource, in accordance with National Register criteria A through D (36 CFR 60.4). The Forest Service or the Executive Director shall review evaluations for adequacy.

     (E) Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the cultural resources in the project area, and documentation of their concerns, shall be included as part of the evaluation of significance.

     (F) An assessment of effect shall be required if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the inventoried cultural resources are significant.

     (d) Assessment of Effect

     (A) For each significant (i.e., National Register eligible) cultural resource inventoried within the area of the proposed development or change in use, assessments of effect shall be completed, using the criteria outlined in 36 CFR 800.59 ("Assessing Effects"). Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the cultural resources of the project area shall be included for sections (4)(d)(B) through (4)(d)(D) below. The Forest Service or Executive Director shall review each determination for adequacy.

     (B) If the proposed development or change in use will have "No Adverse Effect," as defined by 36 CFR 800.48, to a significant cultural resource, documentation for that finding shall be completed, following the "Documentation Standards Requirements" of 36 CFR 800.118(a). If the proposed development or change in use will have an effect then the criteria of adverse effect must be applied (36 CFR 800.5).

     (C) If the proposed development or change in use will have an "Adverse Effect" as defined by 36 CFR 800.59(b) to a significant cultural resource, the type and extent of "adverse effect" upon the qualities of the property that make it eligible for the National Register shall be documented (36 CFR 800.6 "Resolution of Adverse Effects"). This documentation shall follow the process outlined under 36 CFR 800.115(e) ("Failure to Resolve Adverse Effects).

     (D) If the "effect" appears to be beneficial (i.e., an enhancement to cultural resources), documentation shall be completed for the recommendation of that effect upon the qualities of the cultural resource that make it eligible to the National Register. This documentation shall follow the process outlined under 36 CFR 800.118 ("Documentation Standards Requirements").

     (e) Mitigation

     (A) If there will be an effect on cultural resources, measures shall be provided for mitigation of effects (36 CFR 800.6 "Resolution of Adverse Effects"). These measures shall address factors such as avoidance of the property through project design or modification and subsequent protection, burial under fill, data recovery excavations, or other measures which are proposed to mitigate effects.

     (B) Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the resources to be affected, and documentation of their concerns, shall be included for all mitigation proposals.

     (C) The Forest Service or the Executive Director shall review all mitigation proposals for adequacy.

     (5) Discovery During Construction

     All authorizations for new developments or land uses shall be conditioned to require the immediate notification of the Forest Service or the Executive Director if cultural resources are discovered during construction or development.

     (a) If cultural resources are discovered, particularly human bone or burials, work in the immediate area of discovery shall be suspended until a cultural resource professional can evaluate the potential significance of the discovery and recommend measures to protect and/or recover the resources.

     (b) If the discovered material is suspected to be human bone or a burial, the following procedure shall be used:

     (A) The applicant shall stop all work in the vicinity of the discovery.

     (B) The applicant shall immediately notify the Executive Director, the Forest Service, the applicant's cultural resource professional, the State Medical Examiner, and appropriate law enforcement agencies.

     (C) The Forest Service or the Executive Director shall notify the tribal governments if the discovery is determined to be an Indian burial or a cultural resource.

     (D) A cultural resource professional shall evaluate the potential significance of the resource pursuant to 350-81-550 (4)(c) and report the results to the Forest Service or the Executive Director.

     (c) The cultural resource review process shall be complete and work may continue if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the cultural resource is not significant.

     (d) The cultural resource professional shall recommend measures to protect and/or recover the resource pursuant to 350-81-550 (4)(e) if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the cultural resource is significant.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-560

General Management Area Wetland Review Criteria

     (1) Wetlands Boundaries and Site Plans for Review Uses in Wetlands

     (a) If the proposed use is within a wetland or wetlands buffer zone, the applicant shall be responsible for determining the exact location of the wetland boundary.

     (A) The approximate location and extent of wetlands in the Scenic Area is shown on the National Wetlands Inventory (U.S. Department of the Interior 1987). In addition, the list of hydric soils and the soil survey maps shall be used as an indicator of wetlands. Wetlands boundaries shall be delineated using the procedures specified in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Wetlands Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1, on-line edition, updated through March 21, 1997).

     (B) All wetlands delineations shall be conducted by a professional which has been trained to use the federal delineation process, such as a soil scientist, botanist, or wetlands ecologist.

     (C) The Executive Director may verify the accuracy of, and may render adjustments to, a wetlands boundary delineation. In the event the adjusted boundary delineation is contested by the applicant, the Executive Director shall, at the applicant's expense, obtain professional services to render a final delineation.

     (b) In addition to the information required in all site plans, site plans for proposed uses in wetlands or wetlands buffer zones shall include:

     (A) a site plan map prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (1:1,200), or a scale providing greater detail;

     (B) the exact boundary of the wetland and the wetlands buffer zone; and

     (C) a description of actions that would alter or destroy the wetland.

     (2) Commission Rule 350-81-560 shall not apply to proposed uses that would occur in the main stem of the Columbia River. The main stem of the Columbia River is depicted on the map titled "Boundary Map, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area," numbered NSA-001 and dated September 1986. (This map is available at county planning departments and Commission and Forest Service offices.) The boundaries of the main stem appear as a heavy black line that generally follows the shoreline. For Commission Rule 350-81, backwaters and isolated water bodies created by roads and railroads are not part of the main stem of the Columbia River.

     (3) The following uses may be allowed in wetlands and wetlands buffer zones when approved pursuant to the provisions in 350-81-560(5), and reviewed under the applicable provisions of 350-81-520 through 350-81-620:

     (a) The modification, expansion, replacement, or reconstruction of serviceable structures, if such actions would not:

     (A) Increase the size of an existing structure by more than 100 percent,

     (B) Result in a loss of wetlands acreage or functions, or and

     (C) Intrude further into a wetland or wetlands buffer zone. New structures shall be considered intruding further into a wetland or wetlands buffer zone if any portion of the structure is located closer to the wetland or wetlands buffer zone than the existing structure.

     (b) The construction of minor water-related recreation structures that are available for public use. Structures in this category shall be limited to boardwalks; trails and paths, provided their surface is not constructed of impervious materials; observation decks; and interpretative aids, such as kiosks and signs.

     (c) The construction of minor water-dependent structures that are placed on pilings, if the pilings allow unobstructed flow of water and are not placed so close together that they effectively convert an aquatic area to dry land. Structures in this category shall be limited to public and private docks and boat houses, and fish and wildlife management structures that are constructed by federal, state, or tribal resource agencies.

     (4) Uses not listed in 350-81-560 (2) and (3) may be allowed in wetlands and wetlands buffer zones, when approved pursuant to 350-81-560(6) and reviewed under the applicable provisions of 350-81-520 through 350-81-620.

     (5) Applications for modifications to serviceable structures and minor water-dependent and water-related structures in wetlands shall demonstrate that:

     (a) Practicable alternatives to locating the structure outside of the wetlands or wetland buffer zone and/or minimizing the impacts of the structure do not exist;

     (b) All reasonable measures have been applied to ensure that the structure will result in the minimum feasible alteration or destruction of the wetlands, existing contour, functions, vegetation, fish and wildlife resources, and hydrology;

     (c) The structure will be constructed using best management practices;

     (d) Areas disturbed during construction of the structure will be rehabilitated to the maximum extent practicable; and

     (e) The structure complies with all applicable federal, state, and county laws.

     (6) Applications for all other Review Uses in wetlands shall demonstrate that:

     (a) The proposed use is water-dependent, or is not water-dependent but has no practicable alternative considering all of the following:

     (A) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished using one or more other sites in the vicinity that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands;

     (B) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished by reducing its size, scope, configuration, or density as proposed, or by changing the design of the use in a way that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands; and

     (C) Reasonable attempts have been made to remove or accommodate constraints that caused a project applicant to reject alternatives to the use as proposed. Such constraints include inadequate infrastructure, parcel size, and zone designations. If a land designation or recreation intensity class is a constraint, an applicant must request a Management Plan amendment to demonstrate that practicable alternatives do not exist.

     An alternative site for a proposed use shall be considered practicable if it is available and the proposed use can be undertaken on that site after taking into consideration cost, technology, logistics, and overall project purposes.

     (b) The proposed use is in the public interest. The following factors shall be considered when determining if a proposed use is in the public interest:

     (A) The extent of public need for the proposed use.

     (B) The extent and permanence of beneficial or detrimental effects that the proposed use may have on the public and private uses for which the property is suited.

     (C) The functions and size of the wetland that may be affected.

     (D) The economic value of the proposed use to the general area.

     (E) The ecological value of the wetland and probable effect on public health and safety, fish, plants, and wildlife.

     (c) Measures will be applied to ensure that the proposed use results in the minimum feasible alteration or destruction of the wetland's functions, existing contour, vegetation, fish and wildlife resources, and hydrology.

     (d) Groundwater and surface-water quality will not be degraded by the proposed use.

     (e) Those portions of a proposed use that are not water-dependent or have a practicable alternative will not be located in wetlands or wetlands buffer zones.

     (f) The proposed use complies with all applicable federal, state, and county laws.

     (g) Areas that are disturbed during construction will be rehabilitated to the maximum extent practicable.

     (h) Unavoidable impacts to wetlands will be offset through restoration, creation, or enhancement of wetlands. Wetlands restoration, creation, and enhancement are not alternatives to the guidelines listed above; they shall be used only as a last resort to offset unavoidable wetlands impacts.

     The following wetlands restoration, creation, and enhancement guidelines shall apply:

     (A) Impacts to wetlands shall be offset by restoring or creating new wetlands or by enhancing degraded wetlands. Wetlands restoration shall be the preferred alternative.

     (B) Wetlands restoration, creation, and enhancement projects shall be conducted in accordance with a wetlands compensation plan.

     (C) Wetlands restoration, creation, and enhancement projects shall use native vegetation.

     (D) The size of replacement wetlands shall equal or exceed the following ratios (the first number specifies the required acreage of replacement wetlands and the second number specifies the acreage of wetlands altered or destroyed):

     (i) Restoration: 2:1

     (ii) Creation: 3:1

     (iii) Enhancement: 4:1

     (E) Replacement wetlands shall replicate the functions of the wetland that will be altered or destroyed such that no net loss of wetlands functions occurs.

     (F) Replacement wetlands should replicate the type of wetland that will be altered or destroyed. If this guideline is not feasible or practical due to technical constraints, a wetland type of equal or greater benefit may be substituted, provided that no net loss of wetlands functions occurs.

     (G) Wetlands restoration, creation, or enhancement should occur within 1,000 feet of the affected wetland. If this is not practicable due to physical or technical constraints, replacement shall occur within the same watershed and as close to the altered or destroyed wetland as practicable.

     (H) Wetlands restoration, creation, and enhancement efforts should be completed before a wetland is altered or destroyed. If it is not practicable to complete all restoration, creation, and enhancement efforts before the wetland is altered or destroyed, these efforts shall be completed before the new use is occupied or used.

     (I) Five years after a wetland is restored, created, or enhanced at least 75 percent of the replacement vegetation must survive. The owner shall monitor the hydrology and vegetation of the replacement wetland and shall take corrective measures to ensure that it conforms with the approved wetlands compensation plan and this guideline.

     (7) Wetlands Buffer Zones

     (a) The width of wetlands buffer zones shall be based on the dominant vegetation community that exists in a buffer zone.

     (b) The dominant vegetation community in a buffer zone is the vegetation community that covers the most surface area of that portion of the buffer zone that lies between the proposed activity and the affected wetland. Vegetation communities are classified as forest, shrub, or herbaceous.

     (A) A forest vegetation community is characterized by trees with an average height equal to or greater than 20 feet, accompanied by a shrub layer; trees must form a canopy cover of at least 40 percent and shrubs must form a canopy cover of at least 40 percent. A forest community without a shrub component that forms a canopy cover of at least 40 percent shall be considered a shrub vegetation community.

     (B) A shrub vegetation community is characterized by shrubs and trees that are greater than 3 feet tall and form a canopy cover of at least 40 percent.

     (C) A herbaceous vegetation community is characterized by the presence of herbs, including grass and grasslike plants, forbs, ferns, and nonwoody vines.

     (c) Buffer zones shall be measured outward from a wetlands boundary on a horizontal scale that is perpendicular to the wetlands boundary. The following buffer zone widths shall be required:

     (A) Forest communities: 75 feet

     (B) Shrub communities: 100 feet

     (C) Herbaceous communities: 150 feet

     (d) Except as otherwise allowed, wetlands buffer zones shall be retained in their natural condition. When a buffer zone is disturbed by a new use, it shall be replanted with native plant species.

     (8) Wetlands Compensation Plans

     Wetlands compensation plans shall be prepared when a project applicant is required to restore, create or enhance wetlands. They shall satisfy the following guidelines:

     (a) Wetlands compensation plans shall be prepared by a qualified professional hired by a project applicant. They shall provide for land acquisition, construction, maintenance, and monitoring of replacement wetlands.

     (b) Wetlands compensation plans shall include an ecological assessment of the wetland that will be altered or destroyed and the wetland that will be restored, created, or enhanced. The assessment shall include information on flora, fauna, hydrology, and wetlands functions.

     (c) Compensation plans shall also assess the suitability of the proposed site for establishing a replacement wetland, including a description of the water source and drainage patterns, topography, wildlife habitat opportunities, and value of the existing area to be converted.

     (d) Plan view and cross-sectional, scaled drawings; topographic survey data, including elevations at contour intervals no greater than 1 foot, slope percentages, and final grade elevations; and other technical information shall be provided in sufficient detail to explain and illustrate:

     (A) Soil and substrata conditions, grading, and erosion and sediment control needed for wetland construction and long-term survival.

     (B) Planting plans that specify native plant species, quantities, size, spacing, or density; source of plant materials or seeds; timing, season, water, and nutrient requirements for planting; and where appropriate, measures to protect plants from predation.

     (C) Water-quality parameters, water source, water depths, water-control structures, and water-level maintenance practices needed to achieve the necessary hydrologic conditions.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-801-580

General Management Area Sensitive Wildlife Review Criteria.

     (1) Sensitive Wildlife Areas and Sites and Site Plans Near Sensitive Wildlife

     (a) Proposed uses shall not adversely affect sensitive wildlife areas or sensitive wildlife sites:

     (A) "Sensitive wildlife areas" in the Columbia Gorge means the following land and water areas that appear in the wildlife inventory map prepared and maintained by the Gorge Commission:

     Bald eagle habitat

     Deer and elk winter range

     Elk habitat

     Mountain goat habitat

     Peregrine falcon habitat

     Pika colony area

     Pileated woodpecker habitat

     Pine marten habitat

     Shallow water fish habitat (Columbia R.)

     Special streams

     Special habitat area

     Spotted owl habitat

     Sturgeon spawning area

     Tributary fish habitat

     Turkey habitat

     Waterfowl area

     Western pond turtle habitat

     (B) "Sensitive wildlife sites" means sites that are used by animal species that are

     (i) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts,

     (ii) listed as endangered, threatened, sensitive, or candidate by the Washington Wildlife Commission,

     (iii) listed as sensitive by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, or

     (iv) considered to be of special interest to the public (limited to great blue heron, osprey, golden eagle, mountain goat, and prairie falcon).

     Updated lists of species included in sensitive wildlife sites can be found on the websites for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Species of Concern list) and the Wildlife Division of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. A list also is maintained by the USDA Forest Service - Scenic Area Office and available on the Gorge Commission website.

     (b) In addition to the information required in all site plans, site plans for uses within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site shall include a map prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (1:1,200), or a scale providing greater detail.

     (2) Field Survey

     A field survey to identify sensitive wildlife areas or sites shall be required for:

     (a) Land divisions that create four or more parcels;

     (b) Recreation facilities that contain parking areas for more than 10 cars, overnight camping facilities, boat ramps, and visitor information and environmental education facilities;

     (c) Public transportation facilities that are outside improved rights-of-way;

     (d) Electric facilities, lines, equipment, and appurtenances that are 33 kilovolts or greater; and

     (e) Communications, water and sewer, and natural gas transmission (as opposed to distribution) lines, pipes, equipment, and appurtenances and other project related activities, except when all of their impacts will occur inside previously disturbed road, railroad or utility corridors, or existing developed utility sites, that are maintained annually.

     Field surveys shall cover all areas affected by the proposed use or recreation facility. They shall be conducted by a professional wildlife biologist hired by the project applicant. All sensitive wildlife areas and sites discovered in a project area shall be described and shown on the site plan map.

     (3) Review uses may be allowed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site, when approved pursuant to 350-81-580(4) and reviewed under the applicable provisions of 350-81-520 through 350-81-620.

     (4) Uses that are proposed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site shall be reviewed as follows:

     (a) Site plans shall be submitted to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife by the Development Review Officer. State wildlife biologists will review the site plan and their field survey records and:

     (A) Identify/verify the precise location of the wildlife area or site,

     (B) Ascertain whether the wildlife area or site is active or abandoned, and

     (C) Determine if the proposed use may compromise the integrity of the wildlife area or site or occur during the time of the year when wildlife species are sensitive to disturbance, such as nesting or rearing seasons. In some instances, state wildlife biologists may conduct field surveys to verify the wildlife inventory and assess the potential effects of a proposed use.

     (b) The following factors may be considered when site plans are reviewed:

     (A) Biology of the affected wildlife species.

     (B) Published guidelines regarding the protection and management of the affected wildlife species. The Oregon Department of Forestry has prepared technical papers that include management guidelines for osprey and great blue heron. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has prepared similar guidelines for a variety of species, including the western pond turtle, the peregrine falcon, and the Larch Mountain salamander (Rodrick and Milner, 1991).

     (C) Physical characteristics of the subject parcel and vicinity, including topography and vegetation.

     (D) Historic, current, and proposed uses in the vicinity of the sensitive wildlife area or site.

     (E) Existing condition of the wildlife area or site and the surrounding habitat and the useful life of the area or site.

     (c) The wildlife protection process may terminate if the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines:

     (A) The sensitive wildlife area or site is not active, or

     (B) The proposed use would not compromise the integrity of the wildlife area or site or occur during the time of the year when wildlife species are sensitive to disturbance.

     (d) If the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines that the proposed use would have only minor effects on the wildlife area or site that could be eliminated through mitigation measures recommended by the state wildlife biologist, or by simply modifying the site plan or regulating the timing of new uses, a letter shall be sent to the applicant that describes the effects and measures needed to eliminate them. If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director will incorporate them into the development review order and the wildlife protection process may conclude.

     (e) The project applicant shall prepare a wildlife management plan if the Executive Director, in consultation with the state wildlife agency, determines that the proposed use would adversely affect a sensitive wildlife area or site and the effects of the proposed use cannot be eliminated through site plan modifications or project timing.

     (f) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all field surveys and wildlife management plans to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state wildlife agency will have 20 days from the date that a field survey or management plan is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director.

     The Executive Director shall record and address any written comments submitted by the state wildlife agency in the land use review order.

     Based on the comments from the state wildlife agency, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the wildlife policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state wildlife agency, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     The Executive Director shall require the applicant to revise the wildlife management plan as necessary to ensure that the proposed use would not adversely affect a sensitive wildlife area or site.

     (5) Wildlife Management Plans

     Wildlife management plans shall be prepared when a proposed use is likely to adversely affect a sensitive wildlife area or site. Their primary purpose is to document the special characteristics of a project site and the habitat requirements of affected wildlife species. This information provides a basis for the project applicant to redesign the proposed use in a manner that protects sensitive wildlife areas and sites, maximizes his/her development options, and mitigates temporary impacts to the wildlife area or site and/or buffer zone.

     Wildlife management plans shall meet the following guidelines:

     (a) Wildlife management plans shall be prepared by a professional wildlife biologist hired by the project applicant.

     (b) All relevant background information shall be documented and considered, including biology of the affected species, published protection and management guidelines, physical characteristics of the subject parcel, past and present use of the subject parcel, and useful life of the wildlife area or site.

     (c) The core habitat of the sensitive wildlife species shall be delineated. It shall encompass the sensitive wildlife area or site and the attributes, or key components, that are essential to maintain the long-term use and integrity of the wildlife area or site.

     (d) A wildlife buffer zone shall be employed. It shall be wide enough to ensure that the core habitat is not adversely affected by new uses, or natural forces, such as fire and wind. Buffer zones shall be delineated on the site plan map and shall reflect the physical characteristics of the project site and the biology of the affected species.

     (e) The size, scope, configuration, or density of new uses within the core habitat and the wildlife buffer zone shall be regulated to protect sensitive wildlife species. The timing and duration of all uses shall also be regulated to ensure that they do not occur during the time of the year when wildlife species are sensitive to disturbance. The following shall apply:

     (A) New uses shall generally be prohibited within the core habitat. Exceptions may include uses that have temporary and negligible effects, such as the installation of minor underground utilities or the maintenance of existing structures. Low intensity, non-destructive uses may be conditionally authorized in the core habitat.

     (B) Intensive uses shall be generally prohibited in wildlife buffer zones. Such uses may be conditionally authorized when a wildlife area or site is inhabited seasonally, provided they will have only temporary effects on the wildlife buffer zone and rehabilitation and/or enhancement will be completed before a particular species returns.

     (f) Rehabilitation and/or enhancement shall be required when new uses are authorized within wildlife buffer zones. When a buffer zone has been altered or degraded in the past, it shall be rehabilitated to its natural condition to the maximum extent practicable. When complete rehabilitation is not possible, such as when new structures permanently displace wildlife habitat, enhancement shall also be required. Enhancement shall achieve a no net loss of the integrity of the wildlife area or site.

     Rehabilitation and enhancement actions shall be documented in the wildlife management plan and shall include a map and text.

     (g) The applicant shall prepare and implement a 3-year monitoring plan when the affected wildlife area or site is occupied by a species that is listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state wildlife lists. It shall include an annual report and shall track the status of the wildlife area or site and the success of rehabilitation and/or enhancement actions.

     At the end of 3 years, rehabilitation and enhancement efforts may conclude if they are successful. In instances where rehabilitation and enhancement efforts have failed, the monitoring process shall be extended until the applicant satisfies the rehabilitation and enhancement guidelines.

     (6) New fences in deer and elk winter range

     (a) New fences in deer and elk winter range shall be allowed only when necessary to control livestock or exclude wildlife from specified areas, such as gardens or sensitive wildlife sites. The areas fenced shall be the minimum necessary to meet the immediate needs of the project applicant.

     (b) New and replacement fences that are allowed in winter range shall comply with the guidelines in Specifications for Structural Range Improvements (Sanderson, et. al. 1990), as summarized below, unless the applicant demonstrates the need for an alternative design:

     (A) To make it easier for deer to jump over the fence, the top wire shall not be more than 42 inches high.

     (B) The distance between the top two wires is critical for adult deer because their hind legs often become entangled between these wires. A gap of at least 10 inches shall be maintained between the top two wires to make it easier for deer to free themselves if they become entangled.

     (C) The bottom wire shall be at least 16 inches above the ground to allow fawns to crawl under the fence. It should consist of smooth wire because barbs often injure animals as they crawl under fences.

     (D) Stays, or braces placed between strands of wire, shall be positioned between fences posts where deer are most likely to cross. Stays create a more rigid fence, which allows deer a better chance to wiggle free if their hind legs become caught between the top two wires.

     (c) Woven wire fences may be authorized only when it is clearly demonstrated that such a fence is required to meet specific and immediate needs, such as controlling hogs and sheep.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-801-590

General Management Areas Rare Plant Review Criteria.

     (1) Sensitive Plants and Site Plans for Review Uses Near Sensitive Plants

     (a) Proposed uses shall not adversely affect sensitive plants. "Sensitive plants" means plant species that are

     (A) endemic to the Columbia River Gorge and vicinity,

     (B) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts, or

     (C) listed as endangered, threatened, or sensitive by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage program.

     Updated lists of sensitive plant species can be found on the websites for the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program. A list also is maintained by the USDA Forest Service - Scenic Area Office and available on the Gorge Commission website.

     (b) In addition to the information required in all site plans, site plans for uses within 1,000 feet of a sensitive plant shall include a map prepared at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (1:1,200), or a scale providing greater detail.

     (2) Field Survey

     A field survey to identify sensitive plants shall be required for:

     (a) Land divisions that create four or more parcels;

     (b) Recreation facilities that contain parking areas for more than 10 cars, overnight camping facilities, boat ramps, and visitor information and environmental education facilities;

     (c) Public transportation facilities that are outside improved rights-of-way;

     (d) Electric facilities, lines, equipment, and appurtenances that are 33 kilovolts or greater; and

     (e) Communications, water and sewer, and natural gas transmission (as opposed to distribution) lines, pipes, equipment, and appurtenances and other project related activities, except when all of their impacts will occur inside previously disturbed road, railroad or utility corridors, or existing developed utility sites, that are maintained annually.

     Field surveys shall cover all areas affected by the proposed use or recreation facility. They shall be conducted by a person with recognized expertise in botany or plant ecology hired by the project applicant. Field surveys shall identify the precise location of the sensitive plants and delineate a 200-foot buffer zone. The results of a field survey shall be shown on the site plan map.

     (3) Review uses may be allowed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive plant, when approved pursuant to 350-81-590(54), and reviewed under the applicable provisions of 350-81-520 through 350-81-620.

     (4) Uses that are proposed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive plant shall be reviewed as follows:

     (a) Site plans shall be submitted to the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program by the Executive Director. The Natural Heritage Program staff will review the site plan and their field survey records. They will identify the precise location of the affected plants and delineate a 200-foot buffer zone on the project applicant's site plan.

     If the field survey records of the state heritage program are inadequate, the project applicant shall hire a person with recognized expertise in botany or plant ecology to ascertain the precise location of the affected plants.

     (b) The rare plant protection process may conclude if the Executive Director, in consultation with the Natural Heritage Program staff, determines that the proposed use would be located outside of a sensitive plant buffer zone.

     (c) New uses shall be prohibited within sensitive plant species buffer zones.

     (d) If a proposed use must be allowed within a sensitive plant buffer area in accordance with 350-81-078, the project applicant shall prepare a protection and rehabilitation plan pursuant to 350-81-590(5).

     (e) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all field surveys and protection and rehabilitation plans to the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program. The Natural Heritage Program staff will have 20 days from the date that a field survey is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director.

     The Executive Director shall record and address any written comments submitted by the Natural Heritage Program staff in the land use review order.

     Based on the comments from the Natural Heritage Program staff, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the rare plant policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the Natural Heritage Program staff, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (5) Protection and Rehabilitation Plans

     Protection and rehabilitation plans shall minimize and offset unavoidable impacts that result from a new use that occurs within a sensitive plant buffer zone as the result of a variance.

     Protection and rehabilitation plans shall meet the following guidelines:

     (a) Protection and rehabilitation plans shall be prepared by a professional botanist or plant ecologist hired by the project applicant.

     (b) Construction, protection, and rehabilitation activities shall occur during the time of the year when ground disturbance will be minimized and protection, rehabilitation, and replacement efforts will be maximized.

     (c) Sensitive plants that will be destroyed shall be transplanted or replaced, to the maximum extent practicable. Replacement is used here to mean the establishment of a particular plant species in areas of suitable habitat not affected by new uses. Replacement may be accomplished by seeds, cuttings, or other appropriate methods.

     Replacement shall occur as close to the original plant site as practicable. The project applicant shall ensure that at least 75 percent of the replacement plants survive 3 years after the date they are planted.

     (d) Sensitive plants and their surrounding habitat that will not be altered or destroyed shall be protected and maintained. Appropriate protection and maintenance techniques shall be applied, such as fencing, conservation easements, livestock management, and noxious weed control.

     (e) Habitat of a sensitive plant that will be affected by temporary uses shall be rehabilitated to a natural condition.

     (f) Protection efforts shall be implemented before construction activities begin. Rehabilitation efforts shall be implemented immediately after the plants and their surrounding habitat are disturbed.

     (g) Protection and rehabilitation plans shall include maps, photographs, and text. The text shall:

     (A) Describe the biology of sensitive plant species that will be affected by a proposed use.

     (B) Explain the techniques that will be used to protect sensitive plants and their surrounding habitat that will not be altered or destroyed.

     (C) Describe the rehabilitation and enhancement actions that will minimize and offset the impacts that will result from a proposed use.

     (D) Include a 3-year monitoring, maintenance, and replacement program. The project applicant shall prepare and submit to the Executive Director an annual report that documents milestones, successes, problems, and contingency actions.

     (6) Sensitive Plant Buffer Zones

     (a) A 200-foot buffer zone shall be maintained around sensitive plants. Buffer areas shall remain in an undisturbed, natural condition.

     (b) Buffer zones may be reduced if a project applicant demonstrates that intervening topography, vegetation, man-made features, or natural plant habitat boundaries negate the need for a 200 foot radius. Under no circumstances shall the buffer zone be less than 25 feet.

     (c) Requests to reduce buffer areas shall be considered if a professional botanist or plant ecologist hired by the project applicant:

     (A) Identifies the precise location of the sensitive plants,

     (B) Describes the biology of the sensitive plants, and

     (C) Demonstrates that the proposed use will not have any negative effects, either direct or indirect, on the affected plants and the surrounding habitat that is vital to their long-term survival.

     All requests shall be prepared as a written report. Published literature regarding the biology of the affected plants and recommendations regarding their protection and management shall be cited. The report shall include detailed maps and photographs.

     (d) The Executive Director shall submit all requests to reduce sensitive plant species buffer areas to the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program. The Natural Heritage Program staff will have 20 days from the date that such a request is mailed to submit written comments to the Executive Director.

     The Executive Director shall record and address any written comments submitted by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program in the development review order.

     Based on the comments from the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the reduced buffer area is justified. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the Natural Heritage Program staff, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

AMENDATORY SECTION

350-81-600

Special Management Areas Natural Resource Review Criteria

     (1) All new developments and uses, as described in a site plan prepared by the applicant, shall be evaluated using the following guidelines to ensure that natural resources are protected from adverse effects. Comments from state and federal agencies shall be carefully considered. (Site plans are described in 350-81-032).

     (2) Water Resources (Wetlands, Streams, Ponds, Lakes, and Riparian Areas)

     (a) All Water Resources shall, in part, be protected by establishing undisturbed buffer zones as specified in subsections (2)(a)(B)(i) and (ii) below. These buffer zones are measured horizontally from a wetland, stream, lake, or pond boundary as defined below.

     (A) All buffer zones shall be retained undisturbed and in their natural condition, except as permitted with a mitigation plan.

     (B) Buffer zones shall be measured outward from the bank full flow boundary for streams, the high water mark for ponds and lakes, the normal pool elevation for the Columbia River, and the wetland delineation boundary for wetlands on a horizontal scale that is perpendicular to the wetlands, stream, pond or lake boundary. On the main stem of the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam, buffer zones shall be measured landward from the normal pool elevation of the Columbia River. The following buffer zone widths shall be required:

     (i) A minimum 200 foot buffer on each wetland, pond, lake, and each bank of a perennial or fish bearing stream, some of which can be intermittent.

     (ii) A 50-foot buffer zone along each bank of intermittent (including ephemeral), non-fish bearing streams.

     (iii) Maintenance, repair, reconstruction and realignment of roads and railroads within their rights-of-way shall be exempted from the wetlands and riparian guidelines upon demonstration of all of the following:

     (I) The wetland within the right-of-way is a drainage ditch not part of a larger wetland outside of the right-of-way.

     (II) The wetland is not critical habitat.

     (III) Proposed activities within the right-of-way would not adversely affect a wetland adjacent to the right-of-way.

     (C) The buffer width shall be increased for the following:

     (i) When the channel migration zone exceeds the recommended buffer width, the buffer width shall extend to the outer edge of the channel migration zone.

     (ii) When the frequently flooded area exceeds the recommended riparian buffer zone width, the buffer width shall be extended to the outer edge of the frequently flooded area.

     (iii) When an erosion or landslide hazard area exceeds the recommended width of the buffer, the buffer width shall be extended to include the hazard area.

     (D) Buffer zones can be reconfigured if a project applicant demonstrates all of the following: (1) the integrity and function of the buffer zones is maintained, (2) the total buffer area on the development proposal is not decreased, (3) the width reduction shall not occur within another buffer, and (4) the buffer zone width is not reduced more than 50% at any particular location. Such features as intervening topography, vegetation, man made features, natural plant or wildlife habitat boundaries, and flood plain characteristics could be considered.

     (E) Requests to reconfigure buffer zones shall be considered if an appropriate professional (botanist, plant ecologist, wildlife biologist, or hydrologist), hired by the project applicant (1) identifies the precise location of the sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource, (2) describes the biology of the sensitive wildlife/plant or hydrologic condition of the water resource, and (3) demonstrates that the proposed use will not have any negative effects, either direct or indirect, on the affected wildlife/plant and their surrounding habitat that is vital to their long-term survival or water resource and its long term function.

     (F) The Executive Director shall submit all requests to re-configure sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource buffers to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies for review. All written comments shall be included in the project file. Based on the comments from the state and federal agencies, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the reconfigured buffer zones are justified. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the federal and state agencies, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (b) When a buffer zone is disturbed by a new use, it shall be replanted with only native plant species of the Columbia River Gorge.

     (c) The applicant shall be responsible for identifying all water resources and their appropriate buffers. (see above)

     (d) Wetlands Boundaries shall be delineated using the following:

     (A) The approximate location and extent of wetlands in the Scenic Area is shown on the National Wetlands Inventory (U.S. Department of the Interior 1987). In addition, the list of hydric soils and the soil survey maps shall be used as an indicator of wetlands.

     (B) Some wetlands may not be shown on the wetlands inventory or soil survey maps. Wetlands that are discovered by the local planning staff during an inspection of a potential project site shall be delineated and protected.

     (C) The project applicant shall be responsible for determining the exact location of a wetlands boundary. Wetlands boundaries shall be delineated using the procedures specified in the '1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (on-line Edition)'.

     (D) All wetlands delineations shall be conducted by a professional who has been trained to use the federal delineation procedures, such as a soil scientist, botanist, or wetlands ecologist.

     (e) Stream, pond, and lake boundaries shall be delineated using the bank full flow boundary for streams and the high water mark for ponds and lakes. The project applicant shall be responsible for determining the exact location of the appropriate boundary for the water resource.

     (f) The Executive Director may verify the accuracy of, and render adjustments to, a bank full flow, high water mark, normal pool elevation (for the Columbia River), or wetland boundary delineation. If the adjusted boundary is contested by the project applicant, the Executive Director shall obtain professional services, at the project applicant's expense, or ask for technical assistance from the Forest Service to render a final delineation.

     (g) Buffer zones shall be undisturbed unless the following criteria have been satisfied:

     (A) The proposed use must have no practicable alternative as determined by the practicable alternative test.

     Those portions of a proposed use that have a practicable alternative will not be located in wetlands, stream, pond, lake, and riparian areas and/or their buffer zone.

     (B) Filling and draining of wetlands shall be prohibited with exceptions related to public safety or restoration/enhancement activities as permitted when all of the following criteria have been met:

     (i) A documented public safety hazard exists or a restoration/enhancement project exists that would benefit the public and is corrected or achieved only by impacting the wetland in question, and

     (ii) Impacts to the wetland must be the last possible documented alternative in fixing the public safety concern or completing the restoration/enhancement project, and

     (iii) The proposed project minimizes the impacts to the wetland.

     (C) Unavoidable impacts to wetlands and aquatic and riparian areas and their buffer zones shall be offset by deliberate restoration and enhancement or creation (wetlands only) measures as required by the completion of a mitigation plan.

     (3) Wildlife and Plants

     (a) Protection of sensitive wildlife/plant areas and sites shall begin when proposed new developments or uses are within 1000 ft of a sensitive wildlife/plant site and/or area.

     Sensitive Wildlife Areas and endemic plants are those areas depicted in the wildlife inventory and listed in the "Types of Wildlife Areas and Sites Inventoried in the Columbia Gorge" and "Columbia Gorge and Vicinity Endemic Plant Species" tables in the Management Plan, including all Priority Habitats listed in this Chapter. The approximate locations of sensitive wildlife and/or plant areas and sites are shown in the wildlife and rare plant inventory.

     Updated lists of sensitive wildlife and plant species can be found on websites for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Wildlife Division of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Programs. A list also is maintained by the USDA Forest Service - Scenic Area Office and available on the Gorge Commission website.

     (b) The Executive Director shall submit site plans (of uses that are proposed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife and/or plant area or site) for review to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife issues and by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program for plant issues).

     (c) The Forest Service wildlife biologists and/or botanists, in consultation with the appropriate state biologists, shall review the site plan and their field survey records. They shall:

     (A) Identify/verify the precise location of the wildlife and/or plant area or site,

     (B) Determine if a field survey will be required,

     (C) Determine, based on the biology and habitat requirements of the affected wildlife/plant species, if the proposed use would compromise the integrity and function of or result in adverse affects (including cumulative effects) to the wildlife or plant area or site. This would include considering the time of year when wildlife or plant species are sensitive to disturbance, such as nesting, rearing seasons, or flowering season, and

     (D) Delineate the undisturbed 200 ft buffer on the site plan for sensitive plants and/or the appropriate buffer for sensitive wildlife areas or sites, including nesting, roosting and perching sites.

     (i) Buffer zones can be reconfigured if a project applicant demonstrates all of the following: (1) the integrity and function of the buffer zones is maintained, (2) the total buffer area on the development proposal is not decreased, (3) the width reduction shall not occur within another buffer, and (4) the buffer zone width is not reduced more than 50% at any particular location. Such features as intervening topography, vegetation, man made features, natural plant or wildlife habitat boundaries, and flood plain characteristics could be considered.

     (ii) Requests to reduce buffer zones shall be considered if an appropriate professional (botanist, plant ecologist, wildlife biologist, or hydrologist), hired by the project applicant, (1) identifies the precise location of the sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource, (2) describes the biology of the sensitive wildlife/plant or hydrologic condition of the water resource, and (3) demonstrates that the proposed use will not have any negative effects, either direct or indirect, on the affected wildlife/plant and their surrounding habitat that is vital to their long-term survival or water resource and its long term function.

     (iii) The Executive Director shall submit all requests to re-configure sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource buffers to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies for review. All written comments shall be included in the record of application and based on the comments from the state and federal agencies, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the reduced buffer zone is justified. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the federal and state agencies, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached

     (d) The Executive Director, in consultation with the State and federal wildlife biologists and/or botanists, shall use the following criteria in reviewing and evaluating the site plan to ensure that the proposed developments or uses do not compromise the integrity and function of or result in adverse affects to the wildlife or plant area or site:

     (A) Published guidelines regarding the protection and management of the affected wildlife/plant species. Examples include: the Oregon Department of Forestry has prepared technical papers that include management guidelines for osprey and great blue heron; the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has prepared similar guidelines for a variety of species, including the western pond turtle, the peregrine falcon, and the Larch Mountain salamander (Rodrick and Milner 1991).

     (B) Physical characteristics of the subject parcel and vicinity, including topography and vegetation.

     (C) Historic, current, and proposed uses in the vicinity of the sensitive wildlife/plant area or site.

     (D) Existing condition of the wildlife/plant area or site and the surrounding habitat and the useful life of the area or site.

     (E) In areas of winter range, habitat components, such as forage, and thermal cover, important to the viability of the wildlife must be maintained or, if impacts are to occur, enhancement must mitigate the impacts so as to maintain overall values and function of winter range.

     (F) The site plan is consistent with the "Oregon Guidelines for Timing of In-Water Work to Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources" (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2000) and the Washington guidelines when they become finalized.

     (G) The site plan activities coincide with periods when fish and wildlife are least sensitive to disturbance. These would include, among others, nesting and brooding periods (from nest building to fledgling of young) and those periods specified.

     (H) The site plan illustrates that new developments and uses, including bridges, culverts, and utility corridors, shall not interfere with fish and wildlife passage.

     (I) Maintain, protect, and enhance the integrity and function of Priority Habitats (such as old growth forests, talus slopes, and oak woodlands) as listed on the following Priority Habitats Table. This includes maintaining structural, species, and age diversity, maintaining connectivity within and between plant communities, and ensuring that cumulative impacts are considered in documenting integrity and function.

Priority Habitats Table
Priority Habitats	Criteria
Aspen stands	High fish and wildlife species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability to habitat alteration.
Caves	Significant wildlife breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.
Old-growth forest	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, seasonal ranges, and limited and declining availability, high vulnerability.
Oregon white oak woodlands	Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, declining availability, high vulnerability
Prairies and steppe	Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, important breeding habitat, declining and limited availability, high vulnerability.
Riparian	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, movement corridor, high vulnerability, dependent species.
Wetlands	High species density, high species diversity, important breeding habitat and seasonal ranges, limited availability, high vulnerability.
Snags and logs	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.
Talus	Limited availability, unique and dependent species, high vulnerability.
Cliffs	Significant breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.
Dunes	Unique species habitat, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.

     (e) The wildlife/plant protection process may terminate if the Executive Director, in consultation with the Forest Service and state wildlife agency or Heritage program, determines (1) the sensitive wildlife area or site is not active, or (2) the proposed use is not within the buffer zones and would not compromise the integrity of the wildlife/plant area or site, and (3) the proposed use is within the buffer and could be easily moved out of the buffer by simply modifying the project proposal (site plan modifications). If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director shall incorporate them into the final decision and the wildlife/plant protection process may conclude.

     (f) If the above measures fail to eliminate the adverse affects, the proposed project shall be prohibited, unless the project applicant can meet the Practicable Alternative Test and prepare a mitigation plan to offset the adverse effects by deliberate restoration and enhancement.

     (g) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all field surveys (if completed) and mitigation plans to the Forest Service and appropriate state agencies. The Executive Director shall include all comments in the record of application and address any written comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage programs in the final decision.

     Based on the comments from the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the wildlife/plant policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

     (h) The Executive Director shall require the project applicant to revise the mitigation plan as necessary to ensure that the proposed use would not adversely affect a sensitive wildlife/plant area or site.

     (4) Soil Productivity

     (a) Soil productivity shall be protected using the following guidelines:

     (A) A description or illustration showing the mitigation measures to control soil erosion and stream sedimentation.

     (B) New developments and land uses shall control all soil movement within the area shown on the site plan.

     (C) The soil area disturbed by new development or land uses, except for new cultivation, shall not exceed 15 percent of the project area.

     (D) Within 1 year of project completion, 80 percent of the project area with surface disturbance shall be established with effective native ground cover species or other soil-stabilizing methods to prevent soil erosion until the area has 80 percent vegetative cover.

     Practicable Alternative Test

     (1) An alternative site for a proposed use shall be considered practicable if it is available and the proposed use can be undertaken on that site after taking into consideration cost, technology, logistics, and overall project purposes.

     A practicable alternative does not exist if a project applicant satisfactorily demonstrates all of the following:

     (a) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished using one or more other sites in the vicinity that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands, ponds, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife, or plant areas and sites.

     (b) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished by reducing its proposed size, scope, configuration, or density, or by changing the design of the use in a way that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands, ponds, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife, or plant areas and sites.

     (c) Reasonable attempts were made to remove or accommodate constraints that caused a project applicant to reject alternatives to the proposed use. Such constraints include inadequate infrastructure, parcel size, and land use designations. If a land use designation or recreation intensity class is a constraint, an applicant must request a Management Plan amendment to demonstrate that practicable alternatives do not exist.

     Mitigation Plan

     (1) Mitigation Plan shall be prepared when:

     (a) The proposed development or use is within a buffer zone (wetland, pond, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife or plant areas and/or sites).

     (b) There is no practicable alternative (see the "practicable alternative" test).

     (2) In all cases, Mitigation Plans are the responsibility of the applicant and shall be prepared by an appropriate professional (botanist/ecologist for plant sites, a wildlife/fish biologist for wildlife/fish sites, and a qualified professional for water resource sites).

     (3) The primary purpose of this information is to provide a basis for the project applicant to redesign the proposed use in a manner that protects sensitive water resources, and wildlife/plant areas and sites, that maximizes his/her development options, and that mitigates, through restoration, enhancement, and replacement measures, impacts to the water resources and/or wildlife/plant area or site and/or buffer zones.

     (4) The applicant shall submit the mitigation plan to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall submit a copy of the mitigation plan to the Forest Service, and appropriate state agencies. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposite conclusion was reached.

     (5) A project applicant shall demonstrate sufficient fiscal, technical, and administrative competence to successfully execute a mitigation plan involving wetland creation.

     (6) Mitigation plans shall include maps, photographs, and text. The text shall:

     (a) Describe the biology and/or function of the sensitive resources (e.g. Wildlife/plant species, or wetland) that will be affected by a proposed use. An ecological assessment of the sensitive resource to be altered or destroyed and the condition of the resource that will result after restoration will be required. Reference published protection and management guidelines.

     (b) Describe the physical characteristics of the subject parcel, past, present, and future uses, and the past, present, and future potential impacts to the sensitive resources. Include the size, scope, configuration, or density of new uses being proposed within the buffer zone.

     (c) Explain the techniques that will be used to protect the sensitive resources and their surrounding habitat that will not be altered or destroyed (for examples, delineation of core habitat of the sensitive wildlife/plant species and key components that are essential to maintain the long-term use and integrity of the wildlife/plant area or site).

     (d) Show how restoration, enhancement, and replacement (creation) measures will be applied to ensure that the proposed use results in minimum feasible impacts to sensitive resources, their buffer zones, and associated habitats.

     (e) Show how the proposed restoration, enhancement, or replacement (creation) mitigation measures are NOT alternatives to avoidance. A proposed development/use must first avoid a sensitive resource, and only if this is not possible should restoration, enhancement, or creation be considered as mitigation. In reviewing mitigation plans, the local government, appropriate state agencies, and Forest Service shall critically examine all proposals to ensure that they are indeed last resort options.

     (7) At a minimum, a project applicant shall provide to the Executive Director a progress report every 3-years that documents milestones, successes, problems, and contingency actions. Photographic monitoring stations shall be established and photographs shall be used to monitor all mitigation progress.

     (8) A final monitoring report shall be submitted to the Executive Director for review upon completion of the restoration, enhancement, or replacement activity. This monitoring report shall document successes, problems encountered, resource recovery, status of any sensitive wildlife/plant species and shall demonstrate the success of restoration and/or enhancement actions. The Executive Director shall submit copies of the monitoring report to the Forest Service; who shall offer technical assistance to the Executive Director in helping to evaluate the completion of the mitigation plan. In instances where restoration and enhancement efforts have failed, the monitoring process shall be extended until the applicant satisfies the restoration and enhancement guidelines.

     (9) Mitigation measures to offset impacts to resources and/or buffers shall result in no net loss of water quality, natural drainage, fish/wildlife/plant habitat, and water resources by addressing the following:

     (a) Restoration and enhancement efforts shall be completed no later than one year after the sensitive resource or buffer zone has been altered or destroyed, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.

     (b) All natural vegetation within the buffer zone shall be retained to the greatest extent practicable. Appropriate protection and maintenance techniques shall be applied, such as fencing, conservation buffers, livestock management, and noxious weed control. Within five years, at least 75 percent of the replacement vegetation must survive. All plantings must be with native plant species that replicate the original vegetation community.

     (c) Habitat that will be affected by either temporary or permanent uses shall be rehabilitated to a natural condition. Habitat shall be replicated in composition, structure, and function, including tree, shrub and herbaceous species, snags, pool-riffle ratios, substrata, and structures, such as large woody debris and boulders.

     (d) If this standard is not feasible or practical because of technical constraints, a sensitive resource of equal or greater benefit may be substituted, provided that no net loss of sensitive resource functions occurs and provided the Executive Director, in consultation with the appropriate State and Federal agency, determine that such substitution is justified.

     (e) Sensitive plants that will be destroyed shall be transplanted or replaced, to the maximum extent practicable. Replacement is used here to mean the establishment of a particular plant species in areas of suitable habitat not affected by new uses. Replacement may be accomplished by seeds, cuttings, or other appropriate methods.

     Replacement shall occur as close to the original plant site as practicable. The project applicant shall ensure that at least 75 percent of the replacement plants survive 3 years after the date they are planted.

     (f) Nonstructural controls and natural processes shall be used to the greatest extent practicable.

     (A) Bridges, roads, pipeline and utility corridors, and other water crossings shall be minimized and should serve multiple purposes and properties.

     (B) Stream channels shall not be placed in culverts unless absolutely necessary for property access. Bridges are preferred for water crossings to reduce disruption to hydrologic and biologic functions. Culverts shall only be permitted if there are no practicable alternatives as demonstrated by the 'Practical Alternative Test'.

     (C) Fish passage shall be protected from obstruction.

     (D) Restoration of fish passage should occur wherever possible.

     (E) Show location and nature of temporary and permanent control measures that shall be applied to minimize erosion and sedimentation when riparian areas are disturbed, including slope netting, berms and ditches, tree protection, sediment barriers, infiltration systems, and culverts.

     (F) Groundwater and surface water quality will not be degraded by the proposed use. Natural hydrologic conditions shall be maintained, restored, or enhanced in such a manner that replicates natural conditions, including current patterns (circulation, velocity, volume, and normal water fluctuation), natural stream channel and shoreline dimensions and materials, including slope, depth, width, length, cross-sectional profile, and gradient.

     (G) Those portions of a proposed use that are not water-dependent or that have a practicable alternative will be located outside of stream, pond, and lake buffer zones.

     (H) Streambank and shoreline stability shall be maintained or restored with natural revegetation.

     (I) The size of restored, enhanced, and replacement (creation) wetlands shall equal or exceed the following ratios. The first number specifies the required acreage of replacement wetlands, and the second number specifies the acreage of wetlands altered or destroyed.

     Restoration: 2:1

     Creation: 3:l

     Enhancement: 4:l

     (g) Wetland creation mitigation shall be deemed complete when the wetland is self-functioning for 5 consecutive years. Self-functioning is defined by the expected function of the wetland as written in the mitigation plan. The monitoring report shall be submitted to the local government to ensure compliance. The Forest Service, in consultation with appropriate state agencies, shall extend technical assistance to the local government to help evaluate such reports and any subsequent activities associated with compliance.

     (h) Wetland restoration/enhancement can be mitigated successfully by donating appropriate funds to a non-profit wetland conservancy or land trust with explicit instructions that those funds are to be used specifically to purchase protection easements or fee title protection of appropriate wetlands acreage in or adjacent to the Columbia River Gorge meeting the ratios given above in guideline (9)(f)(I). These transactions shall be explained in detail in the Mitigation Plan and shall be fully monitored and documented in the monitoring report.

     (e) A 5-year monitoring, maintenance, and replacement program shall be included in all plans. At a minimum, a project applicant shall provide an annual report that documents milestones, successes, problems, and contingency actions. Photographic monitoring stations shall be established and photographs shall be used to monitor the replacement wetland.

     (f) A project applicant shall demonstrate sufficient fiscal, technical, and administrative competence to successfully execute a wetlands compensation plan.

	Tribes	USFS	State	County	Landowners w/in 200'	Landowners w/in 500'	Wildlife	Heritage
GENERAL MANAGEMENT AREA
Residential LUD - Review uses except SFDs located adjacent to Agriculture and Forest LUDs, and those uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X
Residential LUD - SFDs adjacent to Agriculture and Forest LUDs except those within 1000' of sensitive wildlife area or site, or a rare plant	X	X	X	X		X
Residential LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site except SFDs located adjacent to Agriculture or Forest LUDs	X	X	X	X	X		X
Residential LUD - SFDs adjacent to Agriculture and Forest LUDs within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X		X	X
Residential LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant except SFDs located adjacent to Agriculture or Forest LUDs	X	X	X	X	X			X
Residential LUD - SFDs adjacent to Agriculture and Forest LUDs within 1000' of rare plant	X	X	X	X		X		X
Agriculture LUD - Review uses except non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture LUD and uses within 1000' of sensitive wildlife area or site, or rare plant	X	X	X	X	X
Agriculture LUD - Review uses within 1000' of sensitive wildlife area or site except non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture LUD	X	X	X	X	X		X
Agriculture LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant except non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture LUD	X	X	X	X	X			X
Agriculture LUD - Non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture LUD, except those within 1000' of sensitive wildlife area or site, or rare plant	X	X	X	X		X
Agriculture LUD - Non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture within 1000' of sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X		X	X
Agriculture LUD - Non-farm SFD in Large-Scale Agriculture within 1000' of rare plant	X	X	X	X		X		X
Commercial LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X	X		X
Commercial LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X			X
Recreation LUD - Review uses except those within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X
Recreation LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X	X		X
Recreation LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X			X
Open Space LUD - Review uses except those within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X
Open Space LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X	X		X
Open Space LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant	X	X	X	X	X			X
Agriculture--Special LUD -- Review Uses	X	X	X	X	X			X
SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS
Review Uses - All LUDs	X	X	X	X	X		X
Forest LUD - Review uses except utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, cottage industries, wineries, ag. product process. and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit learning/research facilities, and those review uses within 1000' feet of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or rare plant	X	X	X	X	X
Forest LUD - Utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, wineries, ag. produce process. and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit camps-retreats-conf. centers, B&Bs, non-profit learing/research facilities, and not within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or rare plant	X	X	X	X		X
Forest LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, except utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, wineries, ag. produce process and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit camps-retreats-conf. centers, B&Bs, non-profit learning/research facilities	X	X	X	X	X		X
Forest LUD - Review uses within 1000' of a rare plant except utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, wineries, ag. produce process. and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit camps-retreats-conf. centers, B&Bs, non-profit learning/research facilities	X	X	X	X	X			X
Forest LUD - Utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, wineries, ag. produce process. and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit camps-retreats-conf. centers, B&Bs, non-profit learning/research facilities within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site	X	X	X	X		X	X
Forest LUD - Utility facilities, railroads, home occupations, wineries, ag. produce process. and pack., mineral resources, geothermal resources, aquaculture, boarding of horses, temp. asphalt/batch plants, expansion of non-profit learning/research facilities within 1000' of a rare plant	X	X	X	X		X		X
Commercial LUD - Review uses except those within 1000' of a sensitive wildlife area or site, or rare plant	X	X	X	X		X		X

     Reviser's note: The spelling errors in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office