The purpose of the commercial zoning (C) district is to promote retail business areas and to provide shopping and business services to the entire county, consistent with the goals and policies of the Adams County comprehensive plan. This district retains and enhances established businesses, as well as providing guidance to the development of new areas, making them compatible and consistent with existing development.

The C zone is utilized on lands that have the following characteristics:

A.    Public water and sewer systems may not be required, depending on the type of use;

B.    Located near existing population centers and/or near major intersecting transportation corridors (highways); and

C.    Are coordinated with adjacent jurisdictions to ensure status of existing and future public facilities and services if known.

The types of activities that are allowed may include retail and service commercial uses, commercial recreational uses, and some light industrial activities that do not involve manufacturing and/or processing activities. Development standards include fire flow, access to public streets with sufficient rights-of-way, adequate off-street parking and loading, landscaping/buffers next to residential areas, adequate setbacks, clear view triangles (adequate sight and turning distance); lighting should not project onto other properties; signs, near urban area sidewalks, should be provided and/or at least an area set aside for future sidewalks. (Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part))

New lots and structures and additions to structures subject to this section shall comply with the applicable dimensional standards as set forth in Tables 17.32.020-1 and 17.32.020-2, subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.76.

(Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. O-01-05 § 2 (part). Formerly 17.32.030)

The uses set out in Table 17.32.030-1 are examples of uses allowable in the Commercial zone. The appropriate review authority is mandatory.

• “P”—Uses allowed subject to approval of applicable permits.

• “R/A”—Uses permitted upon Administrative review and approval as set forth in Chapter 17.69 or as otherwise noted in this title.

• “C”—Conditional uses which may be permitted subject to the approval of a conditional use permit as set forth in Section 17.85.030.

• “X”—Or uses not listed are specifically prohibited.

Where there are special use standards or restrictions for a listed use, the applicable code section(s) in Chapter 17.69, Special Uses and Standards, or other applicable chapter is noted in the “Special Standards” column.

1. Government facilities necessary to serve the unincorporated areas of Adams County, including fire stations, ambulance dispatch facilities and storage yards, warehouses, or similar uses.

2. Storage and maintenance facilities, disposal areas, and other uses involved in the harvesting of agricultural products.

3. As permitted per Chapter 47.42 RCW.

(Ord. O-02-25 § 1 (Exh. A))