Columbia County Unincorporated, WA Zoning Ordinance

Certain uses, because of their unusual size, infrequent occurrence, special requirements, possible safety hazards or detrimental effects on surrounding properties and other similar reasons, are classified as conditional uses. These uses may be allowed in certain zones by a conditional use permit granted by the hearings examiner or planning director or other approval body as may be designated in this title.

(Ord. 90-02 § 33; Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2009-04 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1)

When considering an application for a conditional use permit, the designated approval body shall consider the applicable standards, provisions and policies established by this title as they pertain to the proposed use and may impose specific conditions precedent to establishing the use. The conditions may:

Increase requirements in the standards, provisions or policies established by this title;

Stipulate the exact location of the use and structures as a means of minimizing hazards to life, limb, property damage, erosion, landslides or traffic;

Require structural features or equipment essential to serve the same purpose set forth in CCC § 18.05.020;

Impose conditions similar to those set forth in subsections (A) and (B) of this section as deemed necessary to establish parity with uses permitted in the same zone in their freedom from nuisance-generating features in matters of noise, odors, air pollution, wastes, vibration, traffic, physical hazards and similar matters;

The approval body shall not, in connection with action on a conditional use permit, reduce the requirements specified by this title as pertaining to any use nor otherwise reduce the requirements of this title in matters for which a variance is the remedy provided; and

Assure that compatibility shall be maintained with respect to the particular use on a particular site and in consideration of other existing and potential uses within the general area in which the use is proposed to be located.

(Ord. 90-02 § 33; Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2009-04 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1)

A property owner or authorized agent may initiate a request for a conditional use or the modification of an existing conditional use permit by filing an application with the county planning director using forms prescribed for the purpose. The application shall be accompanied by a site plan, as established in Chapter 18.130 CCC. The approval body may require other drawings or information necessary for the understanding of the proposed use and its relationship to surrounding properties. The applicant shall pay a fee as established by the county commissioners at the time of the application.

(Ord. 90-02 § 33; Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2009-04 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1)

Hearing and administrative procedures of the approval body shall be as established in CCC § 18.05.090.

(Ord. 90-02 § 33; Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2009-04 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1)

Each conditional use permit issued by the approval body shall specify the location, nature and extent of the conditional use, together with all conditions that are imposed and any other information deemed necessary for the issuance of a permit.

(Ord. 90-02 § 33; Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2009-04 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1)

Commercial wind energy facilities are permitted in accordance with Chapter 18.87 CCC, Commercial Wind Energy Facilities.

(Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2008-04 § 1; Ord. 2025-01)

Use permit applications for projects that the planning director finds to be minor in scale or with limited potential impacts, localized in nature, such as abandoned and existing home sites, three-acre rock quarries, commercial communication towers, temporary portable sawmill operations, short-term rentals, veterinary clinics, minor amendments to existing CUPs and similar uses that the planning director may determine that the decision on an application for a use permit will be made through an administrative process.

Notice of administrative approvals requesting comment shall be given as required by CCC § 18.05.070. Input shall be requested directly from all applicable county departments, utility purveyors and public agencies.

(Ord. 95-01 § 33; Ord. 2010-03 § 1; Ord. 2019-02)