Comprehensive Plan Update

ADOPTED 2023 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

FINAL DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELEASED - PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL RESCHEDULED

The City of White Salmon has released the final draft Comprehensive Plan (see link below). A public hearing originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m. has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m.

The City of White Salmon City Council at a special meeting on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. will hold a public hearing in order to receive comments regarding the final draft Comprehensive Plan. The City Council will hold an in person/hybrid meeting (combination in person teleconference meeting) at the Council Chambers at 119 NE Church. Written comments may be submitted to janb@ci.white-salmon.wa.us by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28 noting in the subject line “Public Hearing – Final Draft Comprehensive Plan.” All written comments will be read during the public hearing. In addition, any individual who wishes to testify via the teleconference will be allowed to do so. You must register with the city (by contacting Jan Brending at janb@ci.white-salmon.wa.us by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28) that you desire to testify via teleconference and provide your name and/or phone number as it will appear during the Zoom teleconference. Individuals will also be allowed to testify in person at the meeting.

Please note that per State of Washington requirements any person who is not fully vaccinated must wear a face mask to attend the in person meeting.

Final Draft Comprehensive Plan - July 2021

DRAFT Comprehensive plan released - public hearing scheduled

The City of White Salmon has released its draft Comprehensive Plan (see links below). A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom teleconference. Public comment may be submitted via e-mail to Jan Brending at janb@ci.white-salmon.wa.us or by testifying during the Zoom teleconference meeting. Individuals wishing to testify during the pubic hearing need to register with Jan Brending at janb@ci.white-salmon.wa.us.

SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS

The Planning Commission will be continue to review draft comprehensive plan elements at its meeting on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. Public comment may be provided via e-mail to janb@ci.white-salmon.wa.us. All public comments received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24 will be read into the record at the meeting on February 24, 2021.

The draft elements being considered are as follows (click on the link for full text):

The schedule for the comprehensive plan update process is as follows:

January 27, Planning Commission Meeting
Review Land Use and Urbanization, Housing, Parks and Recreation, Economics and Environmental Quality/Critical Areas Elements (includes public comment opportunity)

February 10, Planning Commission Meeting
Continue review of Land Use and Urbanization, Housing, Parks and Recreation, Economics and Environmental Quality/Critical Areas Elements (includes public comment opportunity)

February 24, Planning Commission Meeting
Review History and Historical Resources, Transportation, Public Facilities and Services, and Capital Improvements Elements/Chapters (includes public comment opportunity). Continue review of Economics, Environment and Criical Areas, and Parks and Recreation Elements.

March 10, Planning Commission Meeting
Continue review of Introduction and Community Profile, History and Historical Resources, Transportation, Public Facilities and Services, and Capital Improvements (includes public comment opportunity)

April 14, Joint City Council/Planning Commission Meeting
Comprehensive Plan Update Work Session: review compiled comprehensive plan draft prior to formal adoption process

April 14, Planning Commission Meeting
Public Hearing - Draft White Salmon Comprehensive Plan Update

May 5, City Council Meeting
Public Hearing - Final White Salmon Comprehensive Plan Update
Adoption - Final White Salmon Comprehensive Plan Update

Envision Your Future,

and the Future of White Salmon!

White Salmon 2040 is a process to imagine the City's future and chart a path to get there successfully. White Salmon 2040 is an update to the City's comprehensive plan, which is a policy document that guides future development and public investment. This process will build on the history of what makes this City an amazing place to live and create a guide to lead White Salmon toward a successful future. The updated comprehensive plan will include a new community vision that will capture where the community wants to be in 20 years.

Developing a vision for the community was a crucial step in preparing the comprehensive plan update.

The visioning process focused on three questions:

Where is White Salmon now?
Where does White Salmon want to be by 2040?
How do we get there?

During the summer of 2019 the city solicited feedback on the above three questions at the Farmer’s Market and Movies in the Park. A survey was also hosted on the city’s webpage. In addition, city council members and members of the public hosted 2040 Vision discussion with friends, neighbors and co-workers.

The results of the work completed in the summer and fall of 2019 were presented to the Planning Commission at their September 25, 2019 meeting.

Below is the Final Draft Vision Statement

White Salmon Comprehensive Plan Update
Final Draft 2040 Vision Statement
October 16, 2019

In 2040, White Salmon is a thriving village bounded by mountains, rivers and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We nurture innovation and diversity, creating opportunities and partnerships that foster a prosperous community. Our unique location affords residents and visitors a gateway to explore the surrounding natural beauty. The city offers small streets and pedestrian paths that allow residents to walk to a variety of destinations, interact regularly with neighbors, and support a vibrant downtown business district. Our quality of life is based on balanced and sustainable growth that contributes to the community’s authenticity and prosperity.

Housing + Land Use
The built environment in White Salmon is integrated with the beauty of its setting. An established area for future growth underscores the important contribution each new development brings, and the obligation to reinforce our village’s character. Natural features and views from the bluff to the Columbia River and Mt. Hood are central to the city’s sense of place. Defined neighborhoods surround the historic business district along Jewett Boulevard. A diverse stock of quality, well-designed homes serve the full range of ages, incomes, and households. New neighborhoods expand housing opportunities and add to a network of green spaces. A secondary, mixed-use area on annexed county land above town and close to city utilities complements downtown and maintains the city’s walkable character.

Transportation
The transportation system reflects our desire to develop at a human scale. Sidewalks, pedestrian trails and bike paths conveniently connect residents to downtown, nature trails and neighborhood destinations. An integrated system of wider, centrally located roads and narrow shared residential roadways provide connections within and among neighborhoods, and safely accommodates all users. Public and private transportation options connect residents to regional destinations on both sides of the river.

Facilities and Capital Improvement Plans
Quality public facilities, services, and utilities contribute to a high quality of life. White Salmon residents value planning for public facilities to ensure they are scaled to manage growth responsibly. Vital community centers and activities connect residents young and old and encourage civic engagement. The library and schools are well planned and maintained to accommodate current and future residents.

Parks and Recreation
Surrounded by natural and scenic beauty, White Salmon is at the center of a recreational wonderland. A city-protected trail system offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Residents enjoy a variety of parks, green spaces, trails and facilities. A network of neighborhood parks and playgrounds provide daily access for residents to enjoy. Sports fields, specialty parks, a community pool and recreation center promote community gathering and outdoor exercise. Natural areas provide wildlife habitat and enhance local ecosystems. Health and aesthetic benefits are derived from the ample tree canopy. Access to the Columbia Riverfront maintained so that all can appreciate this precious and defining recreational asset.

Urbanization Study
The City also participated with Kickstart County in the development of a Urbanization Study of the city and surrounding Urban Exempt Area. A copy of that study can be found by clicking on the link below.

White Salmon Urbanization Study - November 2020
White Salmon Urbanization Study Appendix A, Public Outreach Summary
White Salmon Urbanization Study Appendix B, Housing and Jobs Policy Memo

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The city's existing comprehensive plan is located in the "Supporting Documents" section below.