Approach Road Permits on Local Access Roads
Wasco County Public Works requires approach permits be issued when new driveways are built along county roads. For many years we did not require appoach permits for local access roads (or public roads), even though we do have jurisdiction on these roads. This practice has changed and approach permits are now required for new driveways along local access roads.
There are many existing approaches which have been in use for many years, on both county roads and local access roads that are not permitted. We are finding these approaches through the relatively new Development Permitting Process. A component of the development process requires the applicant to either obtain a permit for a new driveway or to verify that an existing driveway has a permit on file. If the existing driveway has not been permitted, one will be issued.
Road Approach Permits are obtained at the County Road Department located at 2705 East 2nd Street in The Dalles, Oregon 97058. Office hours are 7:30-4:00 pm, Mon-Fri. (November - February) and 7:00-5:30 Mon-Thurs (March-Oct). Please call ahead, to make sure someone is in the office to help you through the permit process, (541)-506-2640. Currently, there is no charge for a Wasco County Road Approach Permit.
The difference between County Roads and Local Access Roads (or Public Roads):
Not all roads within the public right of way are the same or maintained to the same level. County roads are public roads under the jurisdiction of the county and have been designated as a county road by the county governing body. Local access roads are also public roads, but they have not been designated as a county road. The adjoining landowners are responsible for maintenance of local access roads. Depending upon its classification, a county road will receive a certain level of maintenance service by the county road department.
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Marty Matherly, Roadmaster
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Don Uhalde, Road Superintendent