Hood River County

Community Development

Department Overview

Welcome to the Hood River County Community Development Department. Our efforts and responsibilities are centered on balancing agricultural, natural, scenic and recreational resources, in addition to managing lands located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Department Overview

Our department provides a range of services, programs and assistance to unincorporated portions of the county. Specifically, the department is responsible for a number of diverse functions, which include:

  • Land Use Planning
  • Building Codes
  • Code Compliance
  • Economic Development
  • GIS

At the heart of what we do is our commitment to client focused customer service, building trust and sustaining community livability. In administration of our duties, we can’t always say yes, but we can focus on timely, accurate responses and, whenever possible, developing and delivering solid solutions. It is our goal to maintain the quality of life in the rural and resort areas of the county. We strive to ensure residents and visitors alike can continue to appreciate our agricultural heritage and experience the county’s unique, abundant beauty.

We invite you to use this website to find further information about our respective functions as well as our online versions of applications and documents that pertain to Hood River County and community development. Don’t hesitate to contact or visit us personally to let us know how we can serve you better.

The offices for all functions are located on the second floor of the County Business Administration Building (CBAB). The Community Development Department is administered by the Community Development Director, who is appointed and supervised by the County Administrator.

Hood River County Community Development Staff
  • Director: Eric Walker
  • Office Manager: Kim Paulk
 
Planning:
  • Principal Planner: Keith Cleveland
  • Principal Planner: Nick Kraemer
  • Associate Planner: Chelsea de Roachemont
  • Planning Technician: Kate Dougherty
 
Compliance Planner:
  • Compliance Planner: Micaela Keller
 
GIS:
  • GIS Coordinator: Jake Edwards
Building:
  • Building Official:  Mark Van Voast
  • Building Inspector:  Luke Franz
  • Building Inspector:  Chad Lindley
  • Building Inspector:  Hank McDonald
  • Building Technician:  Brenda Lee