Photo by Stephen Strom

File an Application

If your property is in Klickitat County, you can apply for development by following the steps below. The staff of the Columbia River Gorge Commission (Gorge Commission) only reviews new land use applications in Klickitat County. Other National Scenic Area counties review their own applications. For information on applications in Clark, Hood River, Multnomah, Skamania, or Wasco County, contact the county’s planning department where the development occurs.

Land use applications follow a review process set by the land use ordinance. View the National Scenic Area Land Use Ordinance for Klickitat County. For applications in Klickitat County, an expedited review takes at least 30 days. A standard review takes at least 72 days. Actual review times may take longer based on staffing, workload, complexity, and other factors. Review lengths can vary by county. Contact your county planning department for an estimated time frame.

Application Process for Klickitat County

  1. If your project is located in Klickitat County, download the Land Use Application (fillable word doc; PDF). You should also read our Building in the National Scenic Area Handbook and list of Recommended Plants for Screening.
  2. You can submit your completed application by email to info@gorgecommission.org, or mail it to Columbia River Gorge Commission, PO Box 730, White Salmon, WA 98672.
  3. Gorge Commission staff will make sure your application is complete.
  4. Gorge Commission staff will post a public notice here on the website.
  5. The public comment period is typically 21 calendar days and may vary depending upon your project. There is a separate Tribal comment period of 30 days.
  6. An analysis of the proposal will be completed.
  7. Gorge Commission staff will write and issue a final decision. You will be contacted, and the decision will also be posted to the website here.
  8. All land use decisions are subject to an appeal period after the decision has been issued.

Things to Know

  • Schedule a pre-application conference with a Gorge Commission planner for help with your application. The contact information for each planner is at the bottom of this page.
  • The Gorge Commission does not charge permit fees for our planning services. We will try to provide regular updates on all the applications we review. We cannot guarantee specific timelines for review and permitting decisions. We appreciate your patience.
  • Additional approvals and permits may be needed from the county, municipality, or other agencies. Check with your county planners.

For questions related to planning, please contact: