The purpose of this zoning ordinance is to establish a meaningful tool by which the legislative body of the town of Darrington may interpret and pursue the goals and objectives of the community as adopted in the 1998 Darrington comprehensive plan. The specific zones and regulations herein are designed to facilitate adequate provisions of public facilities and housing with essential light, air, privacy and open space; to facilitate the safe movement of traffic thereon; to preserve and enhance property values; to prevent to overcrowding of land; to facilitate adequate provisions for public and private business and thereby safeguard the community's economic structure upon which the prosperity and welfare of all depends.

Through such achievements help ensure the safety and security of home life, foster good citizenship, create a more healthful, serviceable and attractive town and environment.

Ensure compliance with the State of Washington's Growth Management Act and other laws. Support the implementation of Darrington's comprehensive plan.

Encourage the development of emergency housing, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing consistent with best practices for these development types to help address local housing need allocations.

Strengthen access to neighborhoods with transit and opportunities for individuals served by emergency housing, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing.

Protect the health, safety and welfare of the individuals served by these development types and the broader community.

These districts and regulations are deemed necessary and are made with reasonable consideration to the character of each district and its suitability for specific uses, the need for such uses, the common rights and interests of individuals as well as the general public, and with the view of conserving and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the Town.

These districts and regulations are deemed necessary and are made with reasonable consideration to the character of each district and its suitability for specific uses, the need for such uses, the common rights and interests of individuals as well as the general public, and with the view of conserving and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the town of Darrington.

In adopting this title the town recognizes that there is a continuing need to regulate the use of land to promote the public health, safety and general welfare. The town recognizes the opportunities to obtain an urban environment of high quality without unduly high public or private expenditures for development without unreasonably restricting private enterprise or initiative.

(Ord. No. 790, 8-14-2024; Ord. No. 541 § 1 (part), 1999)

In the interpretation and application of the provisions of this title, such provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the health, safety and general welfare of the community. It is not intended by this title to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way impair or interfere with any existing provisions of law or ordinance or any rules or regulations previously adopted pursuant to law, relating to the use of buildings or land, nor is it intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this title imposes a greater restriction upon the use, erection, alteration or extension of buildings, or use of land, or upon the number of square feet of lot area per family, or where the yard or building line requirements are more restrictive than the requirements imposed by such existing provision of law or ordinance, or by such rules or regulations or by such covenants or agreements, the provision of this title shall control.

(Ord. No. 541 § 1 (part), 1999)

Nothing contained in this title shall require any change in any existing building or structure or in the plan, construction or designated use of a proposed building or structure which would conform with the zoning regulations then in effect, and for which a building permit shall have been issued, and plans for which are on file in the town of Darrington prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, and the construction of which building or structure shall have been started within twelve months of the date of such building permit and diligently prosecuted to its completion.

(Ord. No. 541 § 1 (part), 1999)