Edmonds City Zoning Code

16.65 OS

Open Space

16.65.000 Purposes.

The OS district has the following purpose:

A. To designate land which has been donated to or acquired by the city or other public, or private non-profit agency for open space use or which contributes significantly to the open space inventory of the community;

B. To regulate the use of these lands, and other land in private ownership, which cannot be developed without severe irreversible environmental impacts, which are either: part of a required greenbelt area; a native growth protection easement; or which provide an identifiable link to the city’s open space or critical areas inventory.

16.65.010 Uses.

1. Agriculture, including crop land but specifically excluding livestock and poultry, machinery and equipment sheds or barns;

2. Conservation areas including forest and wildlife preserves;

3. Parks, natural scenic areas, trails, excluding commercial amusement devices or operations, per Chapter 16.80 ECDC;

4. Playgrounds or playfields, providing that they are developed on previously cleared land, per Chapter 16.80 ECDC;

5. Reclamation areas limited to soil, forest, wildlife or watershed;

6. Parking facilities to support the permitted uses identified in paragraphs A(1) through A(5) of this section.

1. Uses similar to and compatible with the permitted uses. Conditional uses may not decrease the openness or interfere with the scenic or habitat value of the land.

2. Installation of various public utilities into or across open space zones, and clearing of a vegetated natural area for one of the permitted uses listed above, subject to the following:

a. In addition to the criteria of Chapter 20.05 ECDC, it shall be shown that the intrusion is necessary:

i. To provide services to the open space for public benefit or safety; or

ii. For physical or technical reasons, and that no reasonable alternatives are possible.

b. The design and plan shall create the minimum of surface and vegetation disturbance necessary to accomplish its purpose.