The ordinances codified in this title shall be known and cited as the Klickitat County zoning ordinances.

(Res. 13678 (Vol. 29, page 346)(part): Ord. 62678 (Vol. 29, page 347) § 1.1, 1978).

It is the intent of the board to provide uniform, equitable and reasonable standards to govern the usage of land and structures in the interest of the public health, safety and the general welfare.

(Res. 13678 (Vol. 29, page 346)(part): Ord. 62678 (Vol. 29, page 347) § 1.2, 1978).

Utilizing the broad concept of the police power, it is the objective of the county to provide for the highest and best use of lands consistent with the needs of most people. Changing conditions and requirements dictate that a flexible policy be exercised within the framework of this title.

(Res. 13678 (Vol. 29 page 346)(part): Ord. 62678 (Vol. 29, page 347) § 1.4, 1978).

Since the general welfare of the public is superior in importance to the pecuniary profits of the individual, this title may:

A.

Limit the use of property;

B.

Cause depreciation of property value; or

C.

Prevent a vested right.

Also, if some reasonable use of the property is allowed by this title, the effect is not confiscatory and is a proper exercise of police power.

(Res. 13678 (Vol. 29, page 346)(part): Ord. 62678 (Vol. 29, page 348) § 1.5, 1978).

Standards provided by this title for particular districts and circumstances are determined to be the minimum requirements in the public interest of health, safety, and general welfare to achieve the objectives of the comprehensive plan.

(Res. 13678 (Vol. 29, page 346)(part): Ord. 62678 (Vol. 29, page 348) § 1.6, 1978).

The continuation of adjacent natural resources uses, as defined in Chapter 9.20, shall be considered in all proceedings pursuant to Chapters 19.60 and 19.62, and the pertinent reviewing body shall take reasonable steps to protect such uses.

(Ord. 060595 (Vol. 58, page 269)(part), 1995).

A.

Development of land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is subject to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act, the Management Plan for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and land use regulations adopted by the Columbia River Gorge Commission in addition to any land use plans and regulations adopted by, and building permits required by, Klickitat County.

B.

Where Klickitat County's land use plans, regulations or land use decisions conflict with the National Scenic Area Act, the Management Plan, or any Gorge Commission land use regulations or land use decisions, the National Scenic Area Act, Management Plan, Gorge Commission land use regulations and land use decisions shall supersede Klickitat County's land use plans, regulations and land use decisions.

C.

Applicants and landowners are strongly advised to contact the Columbia River Gorge Commission to determine what, if any, land use plans or regulations apply for any and all ground-disturbing activities, dividing of land, structural development, or any other use of land for any purpose. The National Scenic Area land use plan and regulations may require a land use permit, even if Klickitat County does not.

(Ord. 62678 (Vol. 109, page 932), 2005)

Editor's note— Ord. No. O060915, § 2, adopted June 9, 2015, repealed § 19.02.080, which pertained to Husum BZ Planning Area and derived from Ord. No. O011712, adopted Jan. 17, 2012.