Size Cap, Hood River, Oregon (2001)
Topics: Traffic/Sprawl | Zoning Regulations
The City’s zoning ordinance says that “no new buildings or contiguous groups of buildings shall exceed a footprint of 50,000 s.f. or a combined contiguous length of 300 feet. Buildings over 25, 000 s.f. are subject to design standards. It was Hood River’s intention “to protect existing businesses and to allow expansion yet keeping the playing field level in regard to size.” The city’s ordinance “still welcomes all businesses, but advises them that certain rules must be followed. It allows an expanded Wal-Mart..but in a manner that insures they will fit into the community.” The City Council found that “big box retailers may drive out smaller businesses,” and rewrote its ordinances to protect “the unique small town character that Hood River is known for.” The Council said it had “difficulty envisioning how the size and format of a building exceeding 50,000 s.f. is compatible with our town’s existing commercial neighborhoods.”
