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Jefferson County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 18

18 UNINCORPORATED UGA DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

§ 18.18.005 General applicability.

The land use regulations in this chapter implement the Comprehensive Plan and ensure urban development is accompanied by urban infrastructure and services, in compliance with the State Growth Management Act. The availability of sewer facilities is a precondition to developing inside a UGA at urban densities or standards. Jefferson County will apply urban standards to parcels where sewer is available. This chapter applies to the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA and the unincorporated county-administered portion of the Port Townsend UGA outside of the City of Port Townsend municipal boundary.
(Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish land use controls and regulations for the unincorporated Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area ("PHUGA") and the unincorporated county-administered portion of the Port Townsend UGA outside of the City of Port Townsend municipal boundary, consistent with the adopted Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan.
UGA zoning designations are depicted on the comprehensive plan map of Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Zoning, and the unincorporated county-administered portion of the Port Townsend UGA, found in the UGA Element, Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan (2025).
This chapter's development regulations shall be used for urban development that has urban services available. Urban development will not be allowed before the availability of urban services, namely, sewer availability. Development in those areas in UGAs that do not yet have sewer available shall be consistent with Chapter 18.19 JCC. See JCC § 18.18.060, Development requirements and performance standards, for specific information about sewer availability and when urban development standards will apply. If there is conflict between development regulations in this chapter and elsewhere in this title, then this chapter prevails.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.020 Establishment of urban growth area (UGA) land use and zoning districts.

Urban Growth Area (UGA)
Land Use Districts
Zoning Districts
Urban Residential
Urban low density residential (ULDR)
Urban moderate density residential (UMDR)
Urban high density residential (UHDR)
Urban Commercial
Urban commercial (UC)
Visitor-oriented commercial (VOC)
Urban Industrial
Urban light industrial (ULI)
Public
Public (P)
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.030 Purpose of UGA land use and zoning districts.

The purposes of the land use and zoning districts are as follows:
(1) 
Urban Commercial (UC). The purpose of the urban commercial designation is to provide for a wide range of commercial activities and uses compatible with the expressed needs of the community that will provide goods and services for the UGA, nearby residents and serve the traveling public;
(2) 
Visitor-Oriented Commercial (VOC). The purpose of this designation is to recognize the unique area of the Old Alcohol Plant and allow commercial uses and for visitor-oriented lodging, goods and services that supplement the historical and tourism-related character of this area;
(3) 
Urban Low Density Residential (ULDR). The purpose of the ULDR district is to provide for areas of single-family urban residential development that are separate from commercial and industrial uses and activities;
(4) 
Urban Moderate Density Residential (UMDR). The purpose of the UMDR district is to provide for areas of mixed single-family and moderate density multifamily urban residential development;
(5) 
Urban High Density Residential (UHDR). The purpose of the UHDR district is to provide for areas of high density multifamily residential development;
(6) 
Urban Light Industrial (ULI). The purpose of the ULI designation is to allow for low intensity and low nuisance potential industrial uses;
(7) 
Public (P). The purpose of the P designation is to provide for the siting of important public facilities, compatible services, and affordable housing.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.040 Use tables.

This section establishes whether a specific use is allowed, prohibited, conditional or otherwise designated.
Table 3A-1. Allowable and Prohibited Uses
How To Use This Table
Table 3A-1 displays the classifications of uses for UGA zoning districts.
The allowability and classification of uses as represented in the table are further modified by the following:
• The location may have a multiple designation. This would be true of the Shoreline Master Program, a subarea plan, or an overlay district applied to the location. The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) should be consulted if the location of interest is subject to the SMP jurisdiction. See also Notes 1 to 3 to this table.
• All regulations in this code apply to the uses in these tables. To determine whether a particular use or activity can occur in a particular land use district and location, all relevant regulations must also be consulted in addition to this table.
• A development proposal within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master Program is subject to the applicable provisions of the SMP in this title.
• Overlay districts provide policies and regulations in addition to those of the underlying land use districts for certain land areas and for uses that warrant specific recognition and management. For any land use or development proposed to be located entirely or partly within an overlay district, or within the jurisdiction of a subarea plan, the applicable provisions of the overlay district or subarea plan as provided in Articles VI and VII of Chapter 18.15 JCC shall prevail over any conflicting provisions of the UDC.
Categories of Uses
Yes
=
Uses allowed subject to the provisions of this code, including meeting applicable performance standards (Chapter 18.20 JCC) and development standards (Chapter 18.30 JCC); if a building or other development permit is required, this use is also subject to project permit approval; see Chapter 18.40 JCC.
D
=
Discretionary uses are certain named and all unnamed uses which may be allowed subject to administrative approval and consistency with the UDC, unless the administrator prohibits the use or requires a conditional use permit based on project impacts; see JCC § 18.15.045 and Chapter 18.40 JCC.
C
=
Conditional uses, subject to criteria, public notice, written public comment and public hearing procedure; see Article VIII of Chapter 18.40 JCC.
C(a)
=
Conditional uses, subject to criteria, public notice, written public comment, and an administrative approval procedure, but not a public hearing; see JCC § 18.40.080.
C(d)
=
Conditional uses, subject to criteria, public notice, written public comment and, at the discretion of the administrator, a public hearing procedure, if warranted, based on the project's potential impacts, size or complexity, according to criteria in JCC § 18.40.550; Article VIII of Chapter 18.40 JCC.
No
=
Prohibited use.
Table 3A-1
Allowable and Prohibited Uses
Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA) Zoning Districts
Commercial
Residential
Industrial
Public
Urban Commercial
Visitor-Oriented Commercial
Urban Low Density Residential
Urban Moderate Density Residential
Urban High Density Residential
Urban Light Industrial
Public
Specific Land Use
UC
VOC
ULDR
UMDR
UHDR
ULI
P
Residential Uses
Single-Family Housing
Single-family residences
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
No
No
D8
Manufactured/mobile home parks
Existing only
No
Yes
Existing only
Yes
No
D8
Middle Housing
Duplexes
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
No
No
D8
Triplexes and Fourplexes
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Fiveplexes and Sixplexes
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Townhouses
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Cottage Housing
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Courtyard Apartments
Existing only
Existing only
No
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Stacked Flats
Existing only
Existing only
No
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Multifamily Housing
Multifamily residential units (3+ units)
D
Existing only
No
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Residential adult care facilities
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Co-living housing
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Nursing/convalescent/assisted living facilities
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Emergency housing/emergency shelter7
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
D8
Permanent shelter housing/transitional housing
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
D8
Accessory Uses
Accessory dwelling units
Existing only
Existing only
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
D8
Home businesses1
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Cottage industries1
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Commercial Uses
Animal shelters and kennels, commercial
C(a)
C(a)
No
No
No
No
No
Aquaculture
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Automobile service station
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Automobile repair and/or restoration
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Automobile (car) wash
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Automobile sales
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Bakery
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Banks and credit unions
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Bed and breakfast residence
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Billiard parlor
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Blueprinting and photostatting
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Boat building and repair
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Boat sales
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
Bowling alley
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Building supply and hardware store
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Child day care, commercial
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Clinics (medical, dental, and vision) and veterinary clinics and hospitals
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Commercial indoor shooting facility
D
D
No
No
No
D
No
Commercial outdoor shooting facility5
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Convenience store
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Contractor yards (commercial excavating)
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Drinking establishment
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Eating establishment
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes2
Yes
Entertainment facility, indoor
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Entertainment facility, outdoor
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Grocery store
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Gift shop
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Liquor store
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Lodging facilities (incl. motel/hotel)3
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Lumber yard
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Marijuana recreational retailer
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Mini-storage facilities
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Personal and professional services
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Recreational vehicle parks (including park models)8
D
D
No
No
No
No
No
Retail sales and services (not including recreational marijuana)6
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Sexually oriented businesses4
C
C
No
No
No
C
No
Unnamed commercial uses
D
D
No
No
No
No
No
Industrial Uses
Asphalt batch plants
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Boat storage
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Concrete batch plants
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Bulk fuel storage facilities
No
No
No
No
No
C
No
Feed lots
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Heavy equipment sales and rental services
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Heavy industry
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Light industry (not including recreational marijuana)
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Outdoor storage yards
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Resource processing, accessory to extraction operations
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Marijuana recreational processor
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Mining and mineral extraction activities
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Recycling center
C
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Warehouse/moving storage
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Warehouse/wholesale distribution center
C(a)
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
(Automobile) wrecking and salvage yards
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Unnamed industrial uses
No
No
No
No
No
D
No
Institutional Uses
Essential public facilities
See JCC § 18.15.110
Public Purpose Facilities
• College or technical school
Yes
C
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
• Emergency services (fire, police, EMS)
Yes
Yes
C
C
C
Yes
Yes
• Government offices
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
• Library/museum/post office
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
• Parks
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
• Public works maintenance/equipment storage shops
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
• Recycling collection facilities
Yes
Yes
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
Yes
Yes
• School, primary and secondary
Yes
Yes
C
C
C
No
Yes
• Visitor/community center
Yes
Yes
C(d)
C(d)
C(d)
No
Yes
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
Yes
Yes
C(d)
C(d)
C(d)
Yes
Yes
Cemeteries
No
No
C(d)
C(d)
C(d)
No
Yes
Church
C(d)
C(d)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Nonprofit club or lodge, private
Yes
Yes
C(d)
C(d)
Yes
No
No
Unnamed institutional facilities
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Transportation Uses
Park and ride lots/transit facilities
Yes
Yes
C(d)
C(d)
C(d)
Yes
Yes
Trails and paths, public or private
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Unnamed transportation uses
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Utility Uses
Commercial communication facilities
See JCC § 18.20.130
Utility developments, major
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Utility developments, minor
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
C(a)
Unnamed utility uses
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Agricultural and Forestry Uses
Agricultural uses and activities
No
No
Existing only
No
No
Yes
No
Agricultural processing, heavy
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Aquatic plant and animal processing and storage
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Lumber mill, stationary
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Marijuana recreational producer
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Nurseries
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Unnamed agricultural and forestry uses
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Notes:
1 Home businesses and cottage industries are allowed in existing residential structures within commercial and visitor-oriented commercial zones.
2 Maximum building size of 800 square feet.
3 Hotel/motel rooms are not dwelling units and shall not be subject to residential density requirement.
4 See JCC § 18.20.345 for performance standards.
5 Outdoor commercial shooting facility shall be a prohibited use in all zoning districts, including for small-scale tourist and recreation uses.
6 Lawful incidental sales of firearms, ammunition, component parts and accessories for indoor shooting facilities shall be allowed. However, in industrial zones, JCC § 18.20.220(1)(c)(i), (1)(c)(ii) and (1)(c)(iii) shall apply, but (1)(c)(iv) shall not.
7 The administrator may waive the requirements of JCC § 18.20.350(6)(a)(i) and (b)(i) for proposals located in Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA.
8 Residential development is encouraged in the UGA-P zone only when the land will be owned or operated by a public or governmental agency providing affordable housing. Residential developments in the UGA-P zone shall meet all requirements of this title as though it were developed in the UHDR zone
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 3-12 § 1 (Exh. H); Ord. 4-15 § 3 (Att. B); Ord. 3-20 § 1 (Appx. A); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.050 Density, dimension and open space standards.

This section establishes specific density and dimensional standards for new urban development within the UGA.
NOTES TO TABLE 3A-2:
1.
Fences are exempt from setback requirements, except in the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) or when impairing safe sight lines, as determined by the county engineer.
2.
Setbacks do not apply to mailboxes; wells; pump houses; bus shelters; septic systems and drainfields (except in the SMP); landscaping (including berms); utility apparatus such as poles, wires, pedestals, manholes, and vaults. No other structures or communication devices (such as antennas, satellite dishes) shall be located in the front setback area unless approved by the administrator. The administrator may reduce the minimum front road setbacks provided the proposed structures or required plantings do not interfere with sight distances and the reduced sight lines for vehicular traffic do not create a public safety concern.
3.
Chimneys, smokestacks, fire or parapet walls, ADA-required elevator shafts, flagpoles, utility lines and poles, skylights, communication sending and receiving devices, HVAC and similar equipment, and spires associated with places of worship are exempt from height requirements.
4.
Structures used for the storage of materials for agricultural activities are exempt from the maximum building height requirements.
5.
Approved subarea plans may establish different bulk and dimensional requirements for those areas.
6.
"N/A" = Not applicable.
7.
Road Classifications. To clarify the setbacks for urban development activities within the UGA consistent with the requirements of this section, the following road designations shall apply:
•
Principal arterials. None classified in the UGA.
•
Minor arterials. SR 19 (Rhody Drive).
•
Major collectors. SR 116 (Ness' Corner Road, Oak Bay Road to Flagler Road and Flagler Road), Chimacum Road, Irondale Road.
•
Minor collectors.
•
Local access roads.
•
Alleys.
•
Private roads.
8.
The special side and rear setbacks provided in Table 3A-2 shall also apply to outbuildings for residential or agricultural uses such as detached garages, storage sheds or tool sheds, except for existing lots of record less than five acres wherein the minimum rear and side yard setbacks for outbuildings shall be five feet.
9.
Accessory dwelling units cannot have setback requirements more restrictive than single-family units.
10.
The County will not treat a sleeping unit in co-living housing as more than one-quarter of a dwelling unit for purposes of calculating dwelling unit density per RCW 36.70A.535(7).
Table 3A-2
Density and Dimensional Standards
Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA)
Commercial
Residential
Industrial
Public
Urban Commercial/Visitor-Oriented Commercial
Urban Low Density Residential
Urban Moderate Density Residential
Urban High Density Residential
Urban Light Industrial
Public
Development Standard
UC/VOC
ULDR
UMDR
UHDR
ULI
P
Allowed Residential Density
N/A1
4 – 8 units/acre
9 – 18 units/acre
19 – 24 units/acre
N/A
N/A7
Minimum Allowed Unit Density2,3
N/A
2 units/lot
2 units/lot
2 units/lot
N/A
N/A7
Note: Standard densities apply to development with connection required to sanitary sewer system. Where connection to a sanitary sewer system is not available, the Jefferson County on-site sewage code (JCC Chapter 8.15) shall determine the required lot area to accommodate an on-site septic system.
Minimum Lot Area
None specified. Lot sizes shall be sufficient to meet the public health and environmental protection standards contained in the Jefferson County regulations. Ability to subdivide is regulated by the permitted development density.
Minimum Front or Street Setbacks
Note: The administrator may alter the local access road setback requirements for subdivisions; provided, that pedestrian facilities are constructed and that reduced sight lines for vehicular traffic do not create a public safety concern.
Local Access Roads7
15
15
15
15
15
15
• Alleys
0
0
0
0
0
0
• Private roads
10
10
10
10
10
10
Minor Collector
15
15
15
15
15
15
Major Collector
15
15
15
15
15
15
Minor Arterial
15
15
15
15
15
15
Principal Arterial
15
15
15
15
15
15
Minimum Rear and Side Yard Setbacks (See Key Notes)5
5
5
5
5
10
20
Maximum Building Dimensions
Note: Maximum building height recommended for increase from 35 feet to 70 feet in all commercial/industrial zones and in urban residential high-density zones to allow for and accommodate increased densities.
Building Height (feet)
70
35
35
70
70
70
Lot Coverage, Buildings Only (%)
No maximum6
60
70
70
No maximum6
Total Building Size (sq. ft.)
None specified
1 Multifamily residential development with 3+ units is allowed as a discretionary (D) use in the UC zone per JCC § 18.18.040 Table 3A-1.
2 The permitted unit density on all lots zoned predominantly for residential use is two units per lot, unless zoning permitting higher densities or intensities applies. Residential infill with Middle Housing typologies on existing lots of record will not be subject to underlying densities.
3 The allowed minimum unit density requirement does not apply to lots after subdivision below 1,000 square feet.
4 For lots with a unit density of three or more, the front setback can be reduced to 10 feet.
5 Special rear and side setbacks:
• Wherever a light industrial use is proposed to abut a commercial or residential use or zone, the setback shall be 25 feet, unless otherwise specified in this code.
• Wherever a commercial use is proposed to abut a residential use or zone, the setback shall be 10 feet, unless otherwise specified in this code.
6 Adequate spaces must be provided for required parking, setbacks, landscaping, utilities, septic system (if no sewer available) and stormwater management facilities, as applicable.
7 Residential development is encouraged in the UGA-P zone when the land will be owned or operated by a public or governmental agency providing affordable housing. Residential developments in the UGA-P zone shall meet all requirements of this title as though it were developed in the UHDR zone.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.060 Development requirements and performancestandards.

The following development requirements and performance standards apply to all property proposed for development within the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area (PHUGA). No development approval shall be given, and no building permit shall be issued, unless the proposed development is in compliance with the provisions of this section and Chapter 18.30 JCC, Development Standards.
Development within the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA shall be governed by the following level of service standards:
(1) 
Street Standards. As a condition of any development approval within the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA, the property owner shall construct roads which the county determines are consistent with the adopted urban street standards in JCC § 18.30.080.
(2) 
Water Service. As a condition of any development approval within the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA, the property owner shall obtain a certificate of water availability for the proposed use from Jefferson PUD No. 1 and connect to the PUD No. 1 water system. Fire flow requirements shall be as specified by the Jefferson County fire marshal.
(3) 
Stormwater Management. All new development and redevelopment must conform to the standards and minimum requirements set by the most current version of the Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SMM) and obtain a stormwater management permit if required and shall construct surface and stormwater management improvements as determined by the county to be consistent with the surface water management standards adopted in the Jefferson County stormwater management plan (adopted November 27, 2006, Resolution No. 74-06).
(4) 
Sanitary Sewer Service.
(a) 
Sewer Service Area. The sewer service area is the same as the 20-year planning boundary of the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area. No development approval shall be given, and no building permit issued, unless the proposed development complies with the provisions of this chapter. For development under this chapter, as a condition of any new development approval or major modification to an existing commercial, industrial, or residential use located within a sanitary sewer service area, as identified in the adopted general sewer plan for the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area, as amended, the property owner must obtain confirmation of sewer availability from the PHUGA sewer system operator prior to development approval. Sewers shall be considered to be available for the purposes of turning off the transitional rural zoning in Chapter 18.19 JCC for the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area as described in JCC Title 13.
(b) 
Areas With Sewer Not Yet Available – Interim On-Site Septic Systems. If the proposed use or major modification is located within the Irondale and Port Hadlock urban growth area but outside of areas where sewer is available, then transitional rural development standards in Chapter 18.19 JCC apply.
(5) 
Other Facilities and Services. Reserved.
(6) 
Credit for Prior Contributions and Infrastructure Improvements. All of the agreements not to protest formation of local improvement districts or other pro rata cost sharing arrangements described in this section shall include credit for any contributions or facility construction already made or completed by the individual property owners (or their predecessor) for the particular urban public facility or service contemplated by the capital facilities plan.
(7) 
Manufactured and Mobile Home Parks. The following standards apply to all non-transient manufactured and mobile home parks in the PHUGA that meet the definition of a manufactured/mobile home park in JCC § 18.10.130:
(a) 
Be in compliance with the bulk regulations, now or hereafter amended, for the zoning district in which they are located;
(b) 
The required number of spaces with utility hookups shall be based on the minimum and maximum residential densities applicable to the underlying zone;
(c) 
Be thermally equivalent or better to that required by the State Energy Code for new residential structures, now or hereafter amended;
(d) 
Dwelling units shall be separated by a minimum of 15 feet;
(e) 
Units shall be oriented in a manner that avoids repetitive siting, encourages privacy, and is compatible with the site layout and topography;
(f) 
Units shall have skirting or permanent decks installed to obscure chassis prior to occupancy;
(g) 
A mobile home park may include a storage area for recreational vehicles owned by residents of the park; provided, that the storage area contains no utility hook-ups and that no RV within the storage area shall be used as living quarters;
(h) 
A carport or garage may be attached to a mobile home as an accessory use;
(i) 
Community clubhouses, recreational facilities, parking facilities, storage areas, and similar community facilities may be incorporated into the development; and
(j) 
The interior road network shall meet county standards.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.070 Landscaping.

Landscaping for urban commercial, industrial, mixed use, and multifamily developments in the UGA shall comply with the following standards and shall be exempt from the rural provisions of JCC § 18.30.130, Landscaping/screening:
(1) 
Landscaping Definitions.
(a) 
"Visual screen"
means evergreen and deciduous trees (no more than 50 percent deciduous) planted 20 feet on center, two shrubs planted between each pair of trees, and ground cover.
(b) 
"Visual buffer"
means evergreen and deciduous trees (no more than 75 percent deciduous) planted 30 feet on center, two shrubs planted between each pair of trees, and ground cover.
(2) 
Plant Standards.
(a) 
Deciduous trees must be one and one-half inches diameter at chest height (four and one-half feet from ground level) and must have a survivability rate of 100 percent after one year and 80 percent after two years of planting.
(b) 
Evergreen trees must be four feet in height and must have a survivability rate of 100 percent after one year and 80 percent after two years of planting.
(c) 
Ground cover is low evergreen or deciduous plantings at three-foot spacing in all directions.
(d) 
Shrubs must be a minimum of 30 inches in height or four gallons and must have a survivability rate of 100 percent after one year and 80 percent after two years of planting.
(e) 
The retention of existing natural vegetation in place of new plants is encouraged and allowed. The use of existing native and/or drought-tolerant landscape materials shall be utilized whenever possible, and may be used in lieu or in combination with existing plantings to demonstrate substantial consistency with the requirements of this section.
(3) 
Screening Standards.
(a) 
New or expanding commercial or industrial land uses within commercial or industrial zones shall provide a five-foot visual buffer along all street frontages between the street and on-site parking areas and a 10-foot visual screen along any property line abutting a residential zoning district to minimize aesthetic impacts to residential properties.
(b) 
New multifamily dwellings over four dwelling units in residential zones shall provide a five-foot visual buffer along all street frontages.
(4) 
Alternative Designs. Alternative designs may be allowed if, upon review by the administrator, they are determined to provide landscaping substantially equivalent to the standards in this section.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.080 Parking and pedestrian circulation.

Unless as approved by the administrator, parking for all new development shall comply with JCC § 18.30.100, Parking, and JCC § 18.30.110, Off-street loading space requirements. Refer to JCC § 18.30.100 Table 6-2 for additional off-street parking requirements for the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA. Pedestrian facilities shall be provided in accordance with JCC § 18.30.090, Pedestrian circulation.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)); Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)

§ 18.18.090 Lighting.

Lighting shall comply with the standards set forth in JCC § 18.30.140, Lighting; shall not permit direct illumination of the sky (skyglow); and shall not provide more illumination into an adjoining property than is received from the adjoining property measured at a vertical plane at the property boundary (light trespass).
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.100 Signs.

Signs shall comply with the standards set forth in JCC § 18.30.150, Signs. No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner in the urban growth area except as permitted by the regulations of this section. All signs subject to this section shall be subject to approval and issuance of a sign permit by the administrator according to a Type I permit approval process as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC. The administrator may waive certain requirements of this section or require additional conditions for any sign permit, if deemed necessary to maintain consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.
(1) 
Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) 
Abandoned signs;
(b) 
Billboards;
(c) 
Flashing, revolving or moving signs, excepting clocks and electronic reader boards allowed within urban commercial zones;
(d) 
Off-site signs which advertise a business;
(e) 
Signs or sign structures, which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict with traffic-control signs or devices;
(f) 
Signs which create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic; and
(g) 
Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs.
(2) 
Exemptions. The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this section:
(a) 
Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;
(b) 
Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers and barber poles;
(c) 
National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;
(d) 
Legal notices required by law;
(e) 
Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;
(f) 
Personal signs displaying personal messages such as "yard sale" or "no trespassing" not to exceed eight square feet;
(g) 
Political signs safely displayed on private property;
(h) 
Structures intended for separate use, such as recycling containers and phone booths;
(i) 
Real estate signs; and
(j) 
Lettering painted on or magnetically flush-mounted onto a motor vehicle operating in the normal course of business.
(3) 
Design Standards. Signs regulated by this section include signs that are attached to the building (e.g., facade, projection or wall signs) and signs that are set apart from the building (e.g., freestanding or monument signs). All signs must meet the following standards:
(a) 
The following standards apply to the illumination and illustration of signs:
(i) 
The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights-of-way or create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public, or to surrounding properties. Illumination of signs shall comply with JCC § 18.18.090;
(ii) 
No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving parts; consist of banners, streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights. Two exceptions to this standard are (A) temporary signs associated with local festivals, fairs, parades, or special events pursuant to JCC § 18.30.150(8)(b); and (B) electronic reader board signs or message boards which are only allowed within urban commercial districts and residential districts for public purpose facilities, subject to the requirements of this code and JCC § 18.30.150(6).
(b) 
Sign size shall be regulated as follows:
(i) 
There is no maximum sign size for businesses in the commercial and industrial districts in the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA except as specified in this section. Multitenant developments in urban commercial and industrial districts may have one freestanding sign, 64 square feet in size plus 15 square feet for each occupant, for each access point, commonly identifying the businesses within multitenant developments provided such signs total no more than 100 square feet in aggregate. The maximum size for signs placed on a multitenant building identifying individual occupants shall be no larger than 15 square feet per occupant;
(ii) 
The square footage of signs shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to frame the information displayed. No sign mounted on a building shall extend above or beyond the eaves, rake, or parapet of the wall on which it is mounted. Any sign projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least six feet eight inches above grade;
(iii) 
Directional, identification or advertising signs for any use located in any urban residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet, with the exception of institutional use signs, which shall not exceed 64 square feet;
(iv) 
Freestanding signs with reader boards for a single business shall be no larger than 128 square feet.
(c) 
Uses located in any urban commercial or industrial land use districts shall have no more than two on-premises signs, except as allowed in this section for multitenant developments.
(d) 
Signs attached to or painted against the structure to which they relate shall not be computed as a part of the overall total square footage, or number of signs allowed.
(e) 
All signs shall be continuously maintained. Signs that present a public hazard as determined by the Jefferson County building official or department of public works shall be subject to abatement.
(f) 
The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing beneath them, unless otherwise permitted by the Jefferson County department of public works. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian clearance to a minimum of eight feet, where applicable.
(g) 
Signs should be incorporated into the landscaping of the site when landscaping is provided.
(h) 
No signs, other than those related to water-dependent uses, such as a marina, are permitted to face seaward, excepting signs relating to safety concerns, such as cable-crossing, construction-dredging, fuel area, etc.
(i) 
No sign shall be placed in the public right-of-way or in the vision clearance triangle of intersections and curb cuts, unless otherwise approved by the Jefferson County department of public works.
(4) 
Specialty Signs. Specialty signs may be established when consistent with the standards set forth below:
(a) 
Signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand openings may be displayed up to 30 days prior to the event, and shall be removed no later than seven days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event signs may be located off site.
(b) 
Signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated place are permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to one per entrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet or eight feet in height. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders, fraternities and the like shall be permitted as part of the community sign.
(c) 
Businesses may erect temporary on-site sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:
(i) 
No more than two sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
(ii) 
Sandwich board signs shall not exceed four feet in height or three feet in width;
(iii) 
Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only;
(iv) 
Sandwich board signs shall not be placed on sidewalks; and
(v) 
Sandwich board signs shall not be placed in public road rights-of-way unless approved by the Jefferson County department of public works.
(d) 
Off-site signs may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards:
(i) 
Are directional in nature;
(ii) 
Located on private property along a major or minor arterial;
(iii) 
Located no more than 600 feet from an intersection;
(iv) 
No larger than 12 square feet.
(5) 
Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter and not in conformance with these standards shall be considered legal, nonconforming signs, and may remain as provided below:
(a) 
Nonconforming off-premises signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Until then, such signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered. Nonconforming off-premises signs may be replaced by off-site directional signs as allowed in this section;
(b) 
Nonconforming on-premises signs may remain provided they are continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered;
(c) 
Billboards which are in place prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter may remain provided they are continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.110 Design standards.

Reserved.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.120 Site plan approval required in the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA.

In the Irondale and Port Hadlock UGA prior to the provision of public sewer or public water to a site, any approval for a commercial, industrial, mixed use, multifamily, high density residential, or single-family residential subdivision in the ULDR zone is required to include a site plan which:
(1) 
Complies with the applicable health regulations and other Jefferson County development and building regulations (e.g., critical areas, stormwater management, etc.);
(2) 
Provides for sanitary sewer connection and other utilities.
The site plan prepared under this section and reviewed and approved by the administrator shall address the following: buffers, landscaping, traffic access and parking standards, current septic and future sanitary sewer provisions, height and scale in relation to surrounding uses and future uses, vegetation removal, stormwater, potable water, and lot coverage.
Development of the site shall be consistent with the approved site plan. Minor modification to the site plan may be allowed by the administrator; provided, that all other regulations and conditions placed on the approval are met.
(Ord. 3-09 § 5 (Exh. G); Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.130 Development standards in this title.

In addition to this chapter, development and standards in the UGA shall also comply, where applicable, with the following chapters in the Unified Development Code:
18.05
Introductory Provisions
18.10
Definitions
18.15
Land Use Districts
18.19
Transitional Rural Development Standards of the Irondale and Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area
18.20
Performance and Use-Specific Standards
18.22
Critical Areas
18.25
Shoreline Master Program
18.30
Development Standards
18.35
Land Divisions
18.40
Permit Application and Review Procedures/SEPA Implementation
18.45
Comprehensive Plan and GMA Implementing Regulations Amendment Process
(Ord. 9-09 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-20 § 2 (Appx. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 4)))

§ 18.18.140 Modification of permitted densities – Affordable housing density bonuses for religious organizations.

(1) 
Purpose for Bonus Densities. Bonus densities are intended to incentivize the development of affordable housing in the UGA on real property owned or controlled by a religious organization.
(2) 
Eligibility for Bonus Densities. This section applies to any religious organization developing new or rehabilitating an existing affordable housing development on real property owned or controlled by the religious organization in the UGA. Eligibility to obtain a bonus density is based upon site plan review and approval by the hearing examiner after a public hearing. Such bonus densities may be granted to a deserving application if the plan submitted is judged by the hearing examiner to meet all criteria in subsection (4) of this section.
(3) 
Maximum Bonus Density. The maximum bonus density for affordable housing developments meeting the criteria in subsection (4) of this section may receive a maximum bonus of 50% above the maximum density allowed in the underlying zone. The amount of the bonus will be linked to the level of affordability (i.e., the lower the cost or rental rate per unit, the greater the bonus afforded to the development).
(a) 
To achieve the density bonus, the following development standards may be modified in approving an eligible application:
(i) 
Building setbacks;
(ii) 
Height of buildings or structures, not to exceed 70 feet;
(iii) 
Lot size;
(iv) 
Lot width; and any other standards contained in Chapter 18.18 JCC.
(b) 
Standards that may not be modified or altered are:
(i) 
Shoreline regulations when the property is located in an area under the jurisdiction of the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program;
(ii) 
Standards pertaining to development within critical areas as set forth in Chapter 18.22 JCC, Critical Areas;
(iii) 
Regulations pertaining to nonconforming legal structures and uses as set forth in JCC § 18.20.260; and
(iv) 
Regulatory standards and requirements of the Jefferson County health department, Washington State Department of Health, and Washington State Department of Ecology pertaining to the provision of potable water and wastewater disposal.
(4) 
Criteria for Approval of Bonus Densities. Upon submittal of the development application, the hearing examiner shall review the proposed project with respect to the allocation of bonus densities for the project. The allocation of bonus densities will be based upon a comprehensive review of the entire project. It is the intention of this section to allow an increased density bonus of up to 50% consistent with local needs for any affordable housing development on real property in the UGA owned or controlled by a religious organization only where all of the following conditions are satisfied:
(a) 
All units in the affordable housing development are set aside for or occupied exclusively by low-income households.
(b) 
The affordable housing development is part of a lease or other binding obligation that requires the development to be used exclusively for affordable housing purposes for at least 50 years, even if the religious organization no longer owns the property.
(c) 
The affordable housing development does not discriminate against any person who qualifies as a member of a low-income household based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability; or otherwise act in violation of the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.
(d) 
The affordable housing development is located entirely within the UGA.
(e) 
The religious organization developing the affordable housing development must pay all fees, mitigation costs, and other charges required through the development of the affordable housing development.
(f) 
If applicable, the religious organization developing the affordable housing development must work with the local transit agency to ensure appropriate transit services are provided to the affordable housing development.
(5) 
For the purposes of this section:
(a) 
“Affordable housing development”
means a proposed or existing structure in which 100% of all single-family or multifamily residential dwelling units within the development are set aside for or are occupied by low-income households at a sales price or rent amount that may not exceed 30% of the income limit for the low-income housing unit.
(b) 
“Low-income household”
means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose adjusted income is less than 80% of the median family income in Jefferson County, adjusted for household size.
(Ord. 3-26, 7/13/2026)