THE DALLES — The City of The Dalles is proposing changes to its housing development rules to help address local housing needs by allowing more types of homes and simplifying the review process for eligible projects. Community members are encouraged to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide comments before the changes are considered for adoption.
The proposal builds on the City’s Housing Production Strategy, adopted in 2025, which identified actions to support more homes of different sizes and prices.
The proposed changes would:
Allow triplexes, quadplexes, cottage clusters, and townhouses in Low Density Residential zones. These types of homes are often called “middle housing” — options between a detached single-family home and a larger apartment building.
Simplify review for eligible projects with one to four homes by removing the separate land use review step, known as Site Plan Review. These projects would generally be reviewed through the building permit process.
Update housing design, parking, driveway, and related development standards to make requirements clearer.
The updates would affect residential zones throughout the city, with the largest change being the additional housing types allowed in Low Density Residential zones. Eligible projects with five or more homes would continue through Site Plan Review before the building permit process.
The changes have not been adopted. Planning Commission consideration is currently scheduled for Dec. 3, followed by City Council consideration on Jan. 25, 2027.
Community members can review project information, frequently asked questions, and materials from earlier Planning Commission discussions at thedalles.gov/HousingUpdates. The page will also provide updates on the availability of the proposed code amendments.
To ask questions or provide comments, email the Community Development Department at cdd@thedalles.gov. Community members may also participate in the upcoming public meetings.
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