Columbia County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
135 MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
§ 18.135.010 Projections from buildings.
Cornices, eaves, sunshades, gutters, chimneys, flues, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, and other similar architectural features may project not more than two feet into a required yard or into required open spaces as established by covered standards.
(Ord. 90-02 § 21; Ord. 95-01 § 21)
§ 18.135.020 Buildings or structures exceeding height limitation.
The following types of structures or structural parts are not subject to the building height limitations of this title except where specified: grain elevators, silos, chimneys, cupolas, tanks, church spires, belfries, domes, derricks, monuments, fire and hose towers, observation towers, transmission towers, smokestacks, flagpoles, radio and television towers, masts, aerials, calling towers, elevator shafts, windmills, conveyors, and other similar projections.
(Ord. 90-02 § 22; Ord. 95-01 § 22)
§ 18.135.030 Animal units.
A.
The following shall be considered as one animal unit (a.u.); for the purpose of this code "offspring" born on the subject site to permitted animal shall not be considered in excess of the a.u. limit for a period of one year except for weaned litters or as may be specified below:
1.
One horse equals one a.u.
2.
Two cows equal one a.u.
3.
Repealed by Ord. 2013-01.
4.
One sow and litter equal one a.u.
5.
Four feeder pigs equal one a.u.
6.
Five sheep equal one a.u.
7.
Twenty-four chickens equal one a.u.
8.
Other animals based on similarities to the above list as determined by the planning director.
B.
Deviations and Temporary Activity Permits.
1.
Any deviation from the above-listed animals and/or animal units per acre shall be permitted when authorized in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 18.80 CCC, Conditional Uses.
2.
The planning director may issue a no fee temporary activity permit to allow the raising of animals where normally restricted for the purpose of youth education, showing and sale of animals at authorized public sales and fairs.
3.
Where permitted, swine raised for home consumption shall require a nonfee temporary activity permit issued by the planning director.
C.
The area on which family dwellings and accessory buildings are located shall be deducted from the acreage available for an animal unit.
D.
Temporal Averaging. The number of animal units permitted on a property may be averaged based on the period of time for which the animals are kept on the property subject to a temporary activity permit issued by the planning department and consistent with CAFO standards.
E.
The allowed number of animal units shall be one animal unit per acre where animals are permitted.
F.
Animals shall be cared for, raised, grazed and confined according to normally accepted animal husbandry practices, and consistent with the county right to farm regulations, to restrict excessive odor, noise, or unsanitary condition so as not to result in:
1.
A direct or indirect maltreatment of the animals;
2.
Creation of a hazard to public health or to sensitive environments;
3.
Negative impact on neighboring farming operations including creation of a danger to health;
4.
A nuisance that prohibits neighboring residents the enjoyment and use of their property;
5.
The grazing, care and feeding of animals shall be in compliance with all adopted state of Washington rules and regulations as specified in the RCW and WAC;
6.
Animal organic wastes shall be managed and confined so as to not produce an accumulation that negatively impacts the environment or the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring properties beyond that as anticipated in the county's right to farm regulations;
(Ord. 90-02 § 25; Ord. 95-01 § 25; Ord. 2013-01 § 3 (Exh. C); Ord. 2022-01)
§ 18.135.040 Standards relating to physical limitations of land.
A.
The planning commission and the board of county commissioners may not allow development on a proposed use of land in areas characterized by a marsh or swamp, by slopes exceeding 20 percent, by poor soil quality and/or quantity, or by poor water drainage. This type of action by said boards and commission shall be based upon substantial evidence.
B.
Each application for a development may be required to include an adequate study by a geologist, civil engineer, or a qualified soil conservation service technician of existing and proposed drainage that indicates:
C.
A geologic and soil survey and analysis, prepared by a geologist, civil engineer, or a qualified soil conservation service technician, may be required in order to determine foundation stability for all proposed uses on sloping land.
D.
The director of environmental health for Columbia County may require that a test hole be dug, at the developer's expense, to the minimum depth of six feet in order to analyze the type and composition of the soil in the area of the proposed sewage drainfield.
(Ord. 90-02 § 26; Ord. 94-02; Ord. 95-01 § 26)
§ 18.135.050 Swimming pools.
Swimming pools are permitted within all zones. In all zones a 10-foot setback from the side and rear property lines shall be maintained and the area around the pool shall be enclosed by a protective fence not less than five feet in height, with gates being operable from only the inside of the facility.
(Ord. 90-02 § 30; Ord. 95-01 § 30; Ord. 2017-04)
§ 18.135.060 Allowance for topography deviation.
An allowance of one percent shall be given on all minimum width requirements of a lot (on the narrowest side of a newly created lot) in all zones in order to allow for the deviation of topography relief of land.
(Ord. 90-02 § 47; Ord. 95-01 § 47)