Lewis County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
Division II
URBAN ZONES
(Superseded by Ord. 1219)
[1]
Prior legislation: Ords. 1170B, 1179, 1179B, 1179G, 1179J, 1179L and 1179P.
§ 17.15.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to articulate the optional methods to regulate unincorporated urban growth areas associated with cities in Lewis County. Such rules will facilitate the development of the areas in a manner consistent with the comprehensive plan of the city to which the urban growth area will ultimately be annexed. Nothing in this chapter reduces the authority and obligation of Lewis County to comply with the Growth Management Act requirements as specified in Chapter 36.70A RCW and Chapter 365-196 WAC, and the guidance provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce related to the Growth Management Act.
(Ord. 1170B, 2000; Ord. 1298 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.15.020 Applicability.
This chapter applies to incorporated cities in Lewis County, Washington. Cities may choose one of the following options below. If the city is not listed under Option 2, then the city shall be considered an Option 1 city.
(1)
Option 1. The county administers the urban growth area, relies completely on county regulations and has sole authority to issue development and building permits. This option applies to cities that are not listed under subsection (2) of this section.
(2)
Option 2. The county administers the urban growth area, relies on city zoning standards and development regulations adopted by reference under LCC § 17.15.040. Cities that opt-in to Option 2 are required to sign an interlocal agreement.
(Formerly 17.15.015; Ord. 1298 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.15.030 Option 1 - Continued county standards.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to maintain the rural character of the urban growth area until such time as the city annexes land.
(2)
Zoning Designations and Development Regulations. Any land within an unincorporated urban growth area associated with a city not listed under LCC § 17.15.040 shall be designated by the county as a rural development district at one dwelling unit per five acres (RDD-5) and shall rely entirely on the Lewis County Code until such time as the city annexes the property.
(3)
Accessory Dwelling Units. There shall be no more than two accessory dwelling units per lot in conjunction with a single-family structure. The accessory dwelling unit shall share the same primary access to a public right-of-way as the principal use.
(Formerly 17.15.018; Ord. 1298 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.15.040 Option 2 - Incorporation of zoning and development regulations by reference.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to allow development in the unincorporated urban growth area that is consistent with the city's permitted uses to support future annexation.
(2)
Adoption by Reference. Lewis County adopts by reference the zoning designations and development regulations adopted by the following cities, as they now exist or are hereafter amended, except any section or subsection of the city zoning or development regulations specific to critical areas, shoreline management, flood management, SEPA, public rights-of-way, or on-site well or septic, and as further specified through an interlocal agreement:
(a)
Centralia, Title 19, Subdivisions, and Title 20, Zoning.
(b)
Chehalis, Title 17, Uniform Development Regulations.
(c)
Morton, Title 17, Zoning.
(d)
Pe Ell, Title 20, Planning and Development, Title 28, Subdivisions, and Title 36, Zoning.
(e)
Toledo, Title [Reserved].
(f)
Vader, Title [Reserved].
(3)
Zoning Designations and Development Regulations. Consistent with the city's comprehensive plan and countywide planning policies, the city shall have the authority to amend zoning designations that apply within the unincorporated urban growth area and to amend development regulations that are adopted by reference pursuant to subsection (2) of this section. The city shall provide notice to Lewis County department of community development, at least 14 days prior to the first public hearing to consider amendments to the zoning designations or development regulations. Within 30 days of adoption by the city, the city shall provide a GIS electronic file with the zoning designations to the Lewis County department of public works, GIS division.
(4)
Subdivisions.
(a)
Single-Family Residential. Divisions of land that will create five or more lots for single-family residential development, where any lot is less than two acres in size, shall not be approved within the unincorporated urban growth area. Divisions of land that will create five or more lots for single-family residential development, where all lots are two acres in size or larger, or divisions of land that will create four or fewer lots or adjust boundaries of existing lots, shall conform to the city lot size and density standards as adopted by reference pursuant to subsection (2) of this section except, for the purposes of this section, single-family residential development does not include multifamily residential as defined by subsection (4)(b) of this section.
(b)
Multifamily Residential. No subdivisions that create new lots for multifamily residential development will be approved within the unincorporated urban growth area. For the purposes of this section, multifamily residential development includes duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes or more than five attached dwelling units, and any configuration thereof.
(c)
Industrial and Commercial. Divisions of land that create lots for industrial or commercial development may be approved within the unincorporated urban growth area; provided, that all development will be connected to city services, including water, sewer and stormwater.
(5)
Water and Sewer Requirements.
(a)
Where a connection to city water or sewer is available within 200 feet of the site, the county will include, as a condition of approval of any division of land, including boundary line adjustments, a requirement that the applicant coordinate with the city to ensure that the project is installed according to city water and sewer standards.
(b)
Parcels located over a critical aquifer recharge area, on a preexisting lot, if city sewer is not available within 200 feet, an on-site domestic septic system at a gross density greater than one system per residence per acre may be permitted pursuant to LCC § 17.38.830(2)(e).
(6)
Code Enforcement. The county shall be responsible for code enforcement within the unincorporated urban growth area related to violations of development standards as specified by subsection (2) of this section and an interlocal agreement.
(7)
Interlocal Agreement. The county and any city listed under subsection (2) of this section shall enter into an interlocal agreement to further clarify co-management of zoning designations and development regulations within the unincorporated urban growth area.
(Formerly 17.15.020; Ord. 1170B, 2000; Ord. 1179D Ex. A, 2003; Ord. 1190 Ex. A, 2006; Ord. 1298 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.15.050 Urban growth area amendments.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of these provisions is to create a clear and efficient process for cities to propose amendments to the county's comprehensive plan as it relates to urban growth area boundaries (RCW 36.70A.110).
(2)
Applicability. Only the county or an incorporated city within Lewis County may propose amendments to the urban growth area boundary.
(3)
Timing.
(a)
Amendments to the boundary of an urban growth area may be proposed by the county or city at the following times:
(i)
During the first 12 months of the state-mandated comprehensive plan periodic update grant funding cycle;
(ii)
The calendar year following county adoption of the updated 20-year population allocation; or
(iii)
Not more than annually, based on an update to the county or city capital facilities plan.
(b)
The comprehensive plan map may be amended not more than once per year pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130. All proposed comprehensive plan map amendments shall be consolidated.
(4)
Process.
(a)
The city shall adopt a resolution requesting the county consider the urban growth area amendment(s) and the resolution shall include the following as exhibits:
(i)
Findings against applicable Growth Management Act requirements and countywide planning policies.
(ii)
An updated land capacity analysis, following the county methodology, that demonstrates the urban growth area will accommodate the adopted population and housing allocations.
(iii)
Any amendments to city capital facilities plans necessary to address the anticipated changes in future use and provision of public services including, but not limited to, water, wastewater and electrical systems.
(iv)
A traffic impact analysis, if applicable.
(v)
A completed SEPA checklist; if significant adverse environmental impact is determined by the county, the city is responsible for any necessary follow-on studies.
(b)
The county shall review the materials for completeness and following determination that the requirements of this subsection (4) are complete, the county shall forward the request to the planned growth committee. The planned growth committee shall make a recommendation to the Lewis County planning commission, which shall hold a public hearing. Following close of the record, the planning commission shall deliberate and make a recommendation to the Lewis County board of county commissioners who will hold a public hearing and make a final determination. The county shall provide notice to the city at least 14 calendar days prior to any public hearing(s). The county shall provide the notice of decision within 10 calendar days of close of the hearing.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.15.060 Violations.
Regardless of the option chosen in this chapter, a violation of any adopted code or standard pertaining to conduct or development in the urban growth area or the urban growth area's administration is punishable as a civil violation under LCC § 1.20.040 and shall be a public nuisance subject to all remedies as may be available under the law. The penalties in this provision are cumulative and separate to any other available penalties, civil or criminal, established under other law.
(Formerly 17.15.030; Ord. 1333 (Exh. B), 2022; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20A.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines for the planning and development of the urban growth areas in the county which are or may be designated as industrial land banks not associated with a city.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 10, 2016)
§ 17.20A.020 Designation of industrial land bank other than reclaimed surface coal mine sites.
Consistent with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.367, a bank of up to two master planned locations for major industrial activity outside an urban growth area may be designated within Lewis County. The following criteria shall be used in reviewing any application for any master planned location/industrial land bank designation:
(1)
Only two sites shall be designated as consistent with RCW 36.70A.367.
(2)
In addition to meeting the requirements of RCW 36.70A.367(2) and (8), any site proposed for designation under that section shall:
(a)
Be located adjacent to or within 10 miles of a city or urban growth area;
(b)
Contain large, developable lots or parcels of a size not readily available within cities or urban growth areas, consistent with RCW 36.70A.367(8);
(c)
Require that at least 50 percent of the industries locating within the industrial land bank be either rail-dependent or dependent on an interstate highway for transportation needs;
(d)
Be located in an area with sufficient infrastructure or in an area where necessary infrastructure can be readily and efficiently provided; and
(e)
Be located in an area not overly constrained by resource land or critical area constraints.
(3)
No development in a designated industrial land bank shall be approved until all the requirements of this chapter have been met.
(Formerly 17.20A.015; Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 10, 2016)
§ 17.20A.030 Process for designation of industrial land bank.
(1)
Designation of an industrial land bank in the comprehensive plan shall be processed as a Type V application. When proposed by an applicant, the application must be signed by the owners of at least 50 percent of the property for which the application is intended, or by their representative.
(2)
Proximity to an industrial land bank, major industrial development urban growth area or development, or extension of infrastructure shall not provide a basis for a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use designation for property adjacent to a major industrial development to a land use district with greater development density or more intensive uses.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 10, 2016)
§ 17.20A.040 Application for master plan.
(1)
Master plans submitted for development under this chapter, and designed in conformance with an adopted industrial land bank, shall be processed as a Type III binding site plan application. The permitting process and criteria for approval for the application shall be similar to the requirements for master plan approval for major industrial development - reclaimed surface coal mine sites in LCC § 17.20B.025 and § 17.20B.030; provided, that LCC § 17.20B.030(1) shall not apply. The criteria in RCW 36.70A.367 shall be considered as part of the review.
(2)
Specific permitted uses on the property shall be established through the binding site plan process. The approved plan shall become the subarea plan and development code for the property, identifying uses, standards and procedures for approval, consistent with the intent and purpose of the Lewis County comprehensive plan and the criteria in LCC § 17.20A.020(2). Permitted uses shall be limited to those specified in RCW 36.70A.367.
(Ord. 1269 § 10, 2016)
§ 17.20B.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage industrial redevelopment of reclaimed surface coal mine sites to create jobs and support the local economy.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 11, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20B.015 Applicability.
This chapter applies to development proposed for lands designated as major industrial development (MID) on the Lewis County comprehensive plan.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 11, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20B.020 Permitted uses.
See Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2, Land Use Summary.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 11, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20B.025 Standards.
In addition to standards required for specific uses, the following standards shall be met:
(1)
Capital Facilities. New capital facilities including utilities, and services, including those related to sewer, water, stormwater, security, fire suppression, emergency medical, and transportation, must be capable of meeting demand generated by the industrial development. New capital facilities shall not serve any property or development outside of the MID zone, except energy produced with the MID zone may be transmitted off site. Such facilities, utilities, and services may be provided by outside service providers through a shared services agreement, including municipalities and special purpose districts; provided, that all costs associated with service extensions and capacity increases directly attributable to the industrial development are fully borne by the industrial development.
(2)
On-Site Parking and Loading. All parking and loading shall be provided on the same parcel as the business it serves, or an adjacent parcel through written agreement. Office uses shall include at least one vehicle parking space for every 200 square feet of office floor area, including common areas such as lobbies, hallways and bathrooms. Each vehicle parking space shall be at least 10 feet in width and 20 feet in length; provided, however, that for any parking area of 12 or more spaces, 35 percent of all parking spaces may have minimum rectangular dimensions of at least eight feet in width and 15 feet in length; provided, that these spaces are marked for use by compact automobiles. All dimensions shall be exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas. A loading space shall have minimum dimensions of at least 14 feet in width, 60 feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas, and a height or clearance of not less than 15 feet.
(3)
Lighting and Security Cameras. All lighting shall meet the requirements of LCC § 17.142.020(3)(e), lighting. Security cameras shall be aimed to protect privacy of adjacent parcels and uses.
(4)
Landscaping. Parking lots shall include at least one tree and three shrubs for every four parking spaces.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20B.030 Approval process.
(1)
The major industrial development may be approved through a binding site plan, which is a Type III application decided by the hearing examiner. The application must be signed by the owners of at least 50 percent of the property subject to the master plan.
(2)
The county recognizes that economic and other considerations may necessitate the phasing of a major industrial development. Project phasing may occur in accordance with the standards for land divisions in LCC § 17.05.140.
(3)
Amendments of the major industrial development within the boundaries of the original site plan shall require a binding site plan amendment by the hearing examiner.
(4)
Future use of the site is determined and bound by the original application and/or development agreement. No other use is allowed without an amendment of the approved master plan.
(Formerly 17.20B.025; Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 11, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20C.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines for the planning and development of the urban growth areas in the county which are or may be designated for economic development rather than residential uses and which are not associated with a city.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.020 Designation of nonmunicipal economic development urban growth areas (EDUGAs).
The county may designate nonmunicipal urban growth areas to implement subarea plans. Designation of these areas shall occur as a Type V application per Chapter 17.05 LCC. The intent of this designation is to establish areas for economic development opportunities including industry, tourism, and mixed use retail/commercial activities based on forecasted demand that is beyond the capacity or suitability of other urban lands. The Lewis County comprehensive plan and the county-wide planning policies provide the basis for subarea planning and the resulting designation of the EDUGAs. In designating the EDUGAs, the subarea plan shall identify the demand, suitable locations, sizes, infrastructure requirements, and environmental protection measures specific to the areas. EDUGAs may be designated based on the following criteria:
(1)
Access from major highways or arterials is available;
(2)
Lands are vacant or existing development is very minimal;
(3)
Existing parcel sizes are very large - generally 20 acres or more;
(4)
The presence of critical areas is minimal; and
(5)
Urban utilities and services are, or will be, available at the time of development.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.030 Economic development district (EDD).
The purpose of the economic development district is to establish areas that allow larger manufacturing businesses, light and medium agricultural processing uses, campus style business parks and office facilities, tourist-related and regional commercial uses in stand-alone or mixed use planned developments within the economic development UGA. The EDD is also intended to provide for enterprises that do not fit neatly under either manufacturing or commercial designations and to provide a receiving area for mixed use planned development, larger regional retail uses, and other uses that are not accommodated in existing zoning designations. Planned sector developments approved through the binding site plan process are the preferred uses in that they are designed to make the most economic use of urban land and provide the highest level of benefit to the community.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.035 Table of uses.
Reserved.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.040 Development standards for lots not included in sectors.
The following standards apply to individual freestanding uses contained on a single lot or parcel not part of a sector:
(1)
Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
(2)
Minimum lot width: 100 feet.
(3)
Setbacks: Front yard: 30 feet when abutting a local access road or a collector road, 50 feet when abutting an arterial.
(4)
Side yard: 15 feet from property line.
(5)
Rear yard: 20 feet from property line.
(6)
Maximum lot impervious coverage: 30 percent.
(7)
Maximum height: 35 feet.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.050 EDUGA sector development.
Sector developments in EDUGAs are large master planned complexes featuring intensive use of the land for single-purpose or mixed uses. Sector development in EDUGAs is permitted through a Type III binding site plan application (Chapter 16.15 LCC). Binding site plan approvals shall be made on a parcel basis. Approval of proposals for parcels larger than 20 acres shall bind the entire parcel. Approval for proposals on parcels smaller than 20 acres shall require assembly of enough land to reach the 20-acre threshold. Each EDUGA may include approved binding site plans predominately intended for industrial, retail/commercial, or tourist-oriented development, or a combination thereof. A mix of uses may be approved based on the application evidence. Each approved binding site plan shall constitute a "sector" of the EDUGA and shall be an overlay zone according to the prevailing (60 percent or more) land area devoted to industrial, retail/commercial, or tourist-oriented uses.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.055 Uses in EDUGA sectors.
(1)
Industrial sectors are designated for manufacturing, processing, and transportation uses as defined in this section. All other uses including, but not limited to, retail, tourist services, and residential may not occupy more than 40 percent of the sector except as accessory uses to the principal uses.
(2)
Retail/commercial sectors are designated for uses that include local-, and region-serving shopping, office, business service and community uses as defined in this section. All other uses including, but not limited to, industry, tourist services, and residential may not occupy more than 40 percent of the sector except as accessory uses to the principal uses.
(3)
Regional tourist-oriented sectors are designated for uses that include hotels, entertainment, recreation theme parks, and other hospitality uses as defined in this section. All other uses including but not limited to industry, major retail, and residential may not occupy more than 40 percent of the sector except as accessory uses to the principal uses.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20C.060 Application and approval.
Development proposals for sites within economic development UGAs shall be submitted and reviewed as a Type III binding site plan application, using the criteria and approval requirements of Chapter 16.15 LCC.
(Formerly 17.20C.070; Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 12, 2016)
§ 17.20D.010 Purpose.
New fully contained communities are urban-scale planned developments located in the rural area intended to contain a mix of jobs, services, recreation, and housing types and densities.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20D.015 Designation of new fully contained communities.
(1)
A new fully contained community may be approved if criteria including but not limited to the following are met in a phased process where the initial site is designated, but no development is allowed until a master plan and development agreement is approved ensuring that:
(a)
Urban level infrastructure is provided for and impact fees are established consistent with the requirements of RCW 82.02.050;
(b)
Transit-oriented site planning and traffic demand management programs are implemented;
(c)
Buffers are provided between the new fully contained community and adjacent urban development (if any);
(d)
A mix of uses is provided to offer jobs, housing, and services to the residents of the new community;
(e)
Affordable housing is provided within the new community for a broad range of income levels;
(f)
Environmental protection has been addressed and provided for;
(g)
Development regulations are established to ensure urban growth will not occur in adjacent nonurban areas;
(h)
Provision is made to mitigate impacts on designated agricultural lands, forest lands, and mineral resource lands; and
(i)
The plan for the new fully contained community is consistent with the development regulations established for the protection of critical areas (Chapter 17.38 LCC).
(2)
A new fully contained community may be approved outside established urban growth areas only if a portion of the twenty-year population projection has been allocated to it. Final approval of an application for a new fully contained community shall be considered an adopted amendment to the comprehensive plan prepared pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070 designating the new fully contained community as an urban growth area.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20D.020 Permitted uses.
Specific permitted uses in the fully contained community shall be established through the master plan process and the approved master plan shall become the subarea plan and development code for the property, identifying uses, standards and procedures for project approval, consistent with the intent and purpose of the Lewis County comprehensive plan and the criteria in LCC § 17.20D.015(1).
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20D.025 Application and master plan approval.
Proposals for development in a designated fully contained community shall be in the form of an application including the information listed below. The application must be signed by the owners of at least 50 percent of the property for which the application is intended or by their representative. The application shall identify:
(1)
The owner or owners of the property to be planned, which shall be the entire parcel or parcels designated as an industrial land bank in the comprehensive plan.
(2)
The legal description of the property to be developed including all separate ownerships within the development area.
(3)
A map or series of maps at a scale directed by the administrator showing:
(a)
Boundaries of the designated area;
(b)
Boundaries of individual ownerships;
(c)
Dedicated rights-of-way or easements over, across, or under the property;
(d)
Existing roads, highways, and driveways abutting the site and within one-half mile of the site;
(e)
Property ownerships within one-half mile of the site;
(f)
Wells within the development area or within 1,000 feet of the boundary of the site, which are used for domestic use and are identified through well log or water right records;
(g)
A general identification and location of all critical areas (Chapter 17.38 LCC) on the site or within 1,000 feet of the site and the specific identification of all Type 1, 2, and 3 streams under WDF&W criteria, and any streams or water bodies subject to jurisdiction under Chapter 90.58 RCW, the State Shoreline Management Act; and
(h)
A land use plan showing proposed land use categories and areas, circulation, critical area buffers and open space.
(4)
A phasing plan which shows the proposed phases for development and how the phases are designed to assure the overall coordinated development of the site and its integration into the surrounding community.
(5)
An environmental checklist or a request to proceed directly to scoping under SEPA. Any environmental review shall provide special studies as directed by the administrator, which address:
(a)
On-site and off-site critical areas, issues, protection, and mitigation;
(b)
Transportation. Present facilities and upgrades if required, new facilities and phasing, on-site and off-site impact and mitigation required;
(c)
Water, wastewater, stormwater facilities in place, facilities necessary to serve the new development by phase, and potential impact on off-site facilities, critical areas, or water resources; and
(6)
An inventory of land meeting the requirements of RCW 36.70A.365(2)(h) and 36.70A.367(2)(c).
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20D.030 Complete application vesting.
Upon receipt of a master plan application under this chapter, and the payment of the prescribed fee in the county fee schedule, the county shall, within 28 days, issue a letter of completeness or shall identify the additional specific information required for a complete application. If no letter is sent, the application shall be deemed complete upon the twenty-ninth day after receipt of the application. If a letter is sent, the application shall be deemed complete upon receipt of the information identified in the letter. If the applicant does not submit the necessary information in writing to complete an application within a 90-day period, the county may reject the application and all vesting rights are lost.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20D.040 Master plan approval.
(1)
Environmental review shall be noticed and processed in accordance with Chapter 17.110 LCC. An open record appeals hearing before the hearing examiner arising from such environmental review shall be consolidated with the public hearings, described below; except, that public participation in subsequent appeals shall be limited to parties and issues to the appeal, in accordance with Chapter 17.110 LCC.
(2)
Once environmental review is complete, the application shall be processed as one consolidated public hearing before the hearing examiner as an application for a master plan, and before the planning commission as an application for amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations. This process shall incorporate specific public participation procedures pursuant to RCW 36.70A.140.
(3)
The planning commission shall hold one or more workshops to identify the legal basis for the application; the results of the environmental review; the staff review and public comments pertaining to the proposal to be considered by the hearing examiner; and the draft proposals for amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations, as authorized in RCW 36.70A.365 and 36.70A.367. The workshop(s) shall include discussion of all aspects of the commission's responsibilities under RCW 36.70A.365(2) and 36.70A.367(2) as they pertain to the application.
(4)
The county will publish a notice of public hearing and circulate the draft proposals for comment and public hearing. Notice of the consolidated public hearing shall be by publishing notice of the hearing not less than 10 days prior to the hearing and mailing notice to all property owners of record within 1,000 feet of the site. The county staff report and supporting materials shall be available to the public at the time of publication and mailing of the notice.
(a)
The draft proposal shall be made available to the public at least 15 days prior to the scheduled hearings. To facilitate public review, copies of the proposals with related materials and information shall be available at the Lewis County planning department and online at its web page, and at locations in the affected area. Such locations may include:
(i)
Timberland Regional libraries (five) located at: Chehalis, Centralia, Salkum, Randle, and Winlock.
(ii)
Lewis County Senior Centers (five) located at: Morton, Toledo, Twin Cities (Chehalis), Packwood, and Winlock.
(b)
Copies of the proposal shall also be sent to the State Department of Commerce for the 60-day Growth Management Act review. Materials shall also be sent to all incorporated cities and recognized tribes in the county and to state, local, and federal agencies which have requested in writing that they receive copies of all notice materials.
(5)
In the consolidated hearing, the hearing examiner shall hold an open record hearing with respect to the master plan. In the consolidated public hearing, the planning commission shall hold a hearing with respect to amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations. Following the consolidated public hearing, the hearing examiner and planning commission shall deliberate and make their respective recommendations to the board of county commissioners on the master plan and amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations. The planning commission may hold one or more workshops to consider matters raised during the hearings, and shall take final action recommending approval, denial, or approval with conditions at a public meeting. The county will retain a record of all materials received or submitted during its workshops and the consolidated public hearing.
(6)
The final decision on the master plan and on the amendments to the comprehensive plan and development regulations shall be made by the board of county commissioners after the receipt of the written recommendations from both the planning commission and the hearing examiner.
(a)
The board of county commissioners shall publish a notice of public hearing on the written recommendations received from the hearing examiner and the planning commission, and make those recommendations available to the public in advance of hearing. Such materials shall be made available to the public in the same manner as the planning commission materials are made available under LCC § 17.12.050(2), and public notice of the hearing will be provided in the same manner as LCC § 17.12.050(1).
(b)
The board of county commissioners will follow the hearing process format set forth in LCC § 17.12.090. All written comments must be received by the board of county commissioners by the close of the public participation portion of the public hearing to be considered. The board may accept, modify, or reject the recommendation of the hearing examiner and planning commission. Once adopted, the comprehensive plan and development regulations shall identify the zoning map and development regulations for the master plan area. A master plan may be amended through the same process as the original adoption. Any adopted development regulation shall become a map and separate chapter of the county zoning ordinance.
(8)
Amendment to the comprehensive plan and development regulations to support a master plan is a legislative process with appeal pursuant to Chapter 36.70A RCW. Adoption of the site plan approval evidenced in the master plan is adjudicative under Chapter 36.70B RCW, with appeal pursuant to Chapter 36.70C RCW.
(9)
Phasing of development, expansion, future use of land, abandonment of site and reversion to previous land use zoning shall be addressed as follows:
(a)
The county recognizes that economic and other considerations may necessitate that development of a fully contained community may require phasing. For phasing to be approved, the overall project plan, including general timelines for construction, illustrating building footprints and projected uses shall be detailed sufficiently to direct subsequent approvals of site and building development. Application for permits for the first phase of the development shall be filed within five years of the effective date of the master plan approval, unless the master plan phasing agreement provides for a longer period of time.
(b)
Expansion or amendment of the major industrial development:
(i)
Beyond the boundaries of the original site plan and established urban growth area shall require a new master plan application and hearings as described in this chapter; or
(ii)
Within the boundaries of the original site plan and established urban growth area shall require master plan approval amendment before the hearing examiner.
(10)
Proximity to a fully contained community urban growth area or extension of infrastructure to serve the fully contained community shall not provide a basis for changing the land use designation and zoning of adjacent lands for greater development density or more intensive uses.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)
§ 17.20E.010 Purpose.
Master planned resorts in Lewis County are intended to enhance and diversify the recreational and economic opportunities that complement the natural and cultural attractiveness of the area without having significant adverse impacts on environmental and natural features, cultural or historic resources and their settings, or existing development. This chapter provides for the development of planned resorts with well-designed visitor-oriented accommodations, including residential, recreational, and commercial uses consistent with the comprehensive plan.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 13, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20E.020 Applicability.
This chapter applies to development proposed for lands designated as master planned resort (MPR) on the Lewis County comprehensive plan. The MPR is an overlay zone, where the underlying zoning remains in effect. A property owner(s) may choose to comply entirely with the standards of the underlying zoning, except as related to transient accommodations, or entirely with the standards of the MPR overlay zone.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 13, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20E.030 Permitted uses.
See Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2, Land Use Summary.
(1)
Prohibited Uses.
(a)
Use of the subject property will be bound by the approved application and/or development agreement. No other use is allowed without the receipt of necessary approvals.
(b)
Where the underlying base zone allows transient accommodations pursuant to Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2, new transient accommodations shall be prohibited unless approved through a binding site plan associated with a master planned resort development.
(c)
Proximity to a master planned resort designation, development or an associated extension of infrastructure shall not provide a basis for a comprehensive plan amendment to change the land use designation for property adjacent to the resort to a land use district with greater development density or more intensive uses.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 13, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20E.040 Standards.
The following standards apply to all master planned resorts. All standards shall be met.
(1)
General Standards. In addition to any other applicable standards, the standards in Table 1 shall be met.
Table 1: General Development Standards | ||
|---|---|---|
Development Standard | Commercial/Mixed Uses | Residential Uses |
Minimum setbacks (feet) | ||
Front | 0 | 10 |
Rear | 5 | 5 |
Side | 5 | 5 |
Maximum building height (feet)1 | ||
Habitable space | 40 | 35 |
Nonhabitable space | 65 | 50 |
Minimum on-site parking | ||
Vehicle spaces per dwelling unit | 0.5 | 1 |
Vehicle spaces for commercial uses | See LCC § 17.17.220 | |
1 Height shall be measured as feet above the mean ground level. See Chapter 17.80 LCC, Airport Obstruction Zoning, for additional requirements. |
(2)
Capital Facilities. Capital facilities, utilities, and services, including those related to sewer, water, stormwater, security, fire suppression, emergency medical, and transportation, provided on site shall be limited to meeting the needs of the master planned resort and shall not serve any property or development outside of the master planned resort. Roads shall meet private road standards pursuant to Chapter 12.60 LCC. Such facilities, utilities, and services may be provided by outside service providers through a shared services agreement, including municipalities and special purpose districts; provided, that all costs associated with service extensions and capacity increases directly attributable to the master planned resort are fully borne by the resort.
(3)
Open Space. At least 40 percent of the total of the site area shall be dedicated to a mixture of permanent open space, natural areas, and/or active unpaved recreational areas (e.g., golf course), excluding streets, parking areas and private yards associated with residential uses. Pedestrian and bicycle paths, separated by at least three feet from streets, except at access points, may be counted towards meeting the 40 percent open space requirement.
(4)
Residential Uses. At least one residential dwelling unit per every 10 transient accommodation units shall be provided for employees of the master planned resort. A transient accommodation unit is the equivalent of one hotel room or one bedroom in a short-term rental or bed and breakfast. Employee housing may be single-family or multifamily. Additional long-term residential dwelling units for nonemployees may be provided and shall not exceed 10 percent of the total transient accommodation units.
(5)
Commercial Uses. Commercial uses shall be contained within the master planned resort and shall be oriented to serve the master planned resort. Driveway entrances to commercial uses shall be provided from the interior roads of the master planned resort. Signs shall be placed within the master planned resort and shall not be facing outward of the master planned resort, except one monument sign may be placed at the primary entrance; see LCC § 17.142.207, Signs, for additional standards. The protection of public views shall be considered in orienting such commercial services.
(6)
Landscaping and Screening. Landscaping installed for stormwater management may be counted towards meeting the landscaping requirements. Landscaping required below may not be counted towards meeting the requirement for 40 percent open space. Trees shall be selected and located to minimize the potential for interfering with or damaging power lines, underground utilities, or impervious surfaces, and to minimize potential damage to structures and injuries to people.
(a)
Parking lots shall include at least one tree and three shrubs for every four parking spaces.
(b)
The external parcel boundaries of the master planned resort area, except within 10 feet of a road approach, shall be landscaped with at least one tree every 20 feet on center and five shrubs per every 10 linear feet. All shrubs and trees shall be native to the Pacific Northwest. Existing trees and shrubs that are retained may be counted towards this landscaping requirement. New trees must meet the setback requirements.
(Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 13, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20E.050 Approval process.
(1)
Permit Type. The master planned resort may be approved through a binding site plan, which is a Type III application decided by the hearing examiner. The binding site plan shall include all tract(s) of land with the MPR zoning designation.
(2)
Ownership. The tract or tracts of land included in a master planned resort must be in one ownership or control or the subject of a joint application by the owners of all the property included. All contiguous tracts of land within the master planned resort zone shall be included in the binding site plan application.
(3)
Phasing. The county recognizes that economic and other considerations may necessitate the phasing of a master planned resort. Project phasing may occur in accordance with the standards for land divisions in LCC § 17.05.140.
(4)
Environmental Remediation. The owners of land approved and used for a master planned resort development shall be responsible for appropriate and suitable environmental remediation and/or restoration of the site in the case of abandonment of the project. The responsible party shall be identified in the development agreement and/or master plan approval. The responsibility for appropriate and suitable environmental remediation and/or restoration will be determined through environmental review of the application and commensurate with the impacts of the specific use permitted. An environmental remediation and/or restoration plan shall be established in the development agreement and master plan approval.
(5)
Amendments. Amendment of the approved master planned resort within the boundaries of the original site plan shall require a binding site plan amendment by the hearing examiner.
(Formerly 17.20E.060; Ord. 1219 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1269 § 13, 2016; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.20F.010 Purpose.
This overlay district is intended to allow for continued rural development at no less than 20-acre minimums, while discouraging land use patterns that could preclude efficient transition to urban development. This chapter is intended to be used for areas identified as future economic urban growth areas.
(Ord. 1228 § 1, 2011)
§ 17.20F.020 Uses permitted.
Uses shall be allowed in accordance with Chapters 17.30, 17.42 and 17.100 LCC. However, LCC § 17.100.015(1) shall not apply; the definition of "density" in LCC § 17.10.040 shall not apply; nor shall any section of LCC Title 16, Subdivisions, apply.
(Ord. 1228 § 1, 2011)
§ 17.20F.030 Lot requirements.
Lot requirements shall be in accordance with Chapters 17.30, 17.42 and 17.100 LCC.
(Ord. 1228 § 1, 2011)
§ 17.20F.040 Height regulations.
Height regulations shall be in accordance with Chapter 17.145 LCC.
(Ord. 1228 § 1, 2011)
§ 17.20F.050 Other provisions.
For other provisions see Chapters 17.100, 17.145, 17.150 and 17.155 LCC.
(Ord. 1228 § 1, 2011)
§ 17.17.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the processes and standards that regulate development in a small town in a manner consistent with an adopted subarea plan goals and policies.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.020 Applicability.
This chapter applies to all new developments and subdivisions located within the Onalaska and Packwood urban growth areas. Other requirements of the Lewis County Code must also be met.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.100 Density and lot size.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of the density and lot size standards are to ensure appropriate scale development that can be efficiently served by urban services including water, sewer and transportation.
(2)
Exemptions.
(a)
If the nearest centralized wastewater treatment hookup is located more than 200 feet from the parcel, the minimum density in Table 1 may be reduced in accordance with Chapter 8.40 LCC, On-Site Sewage Systems.
(b)
Parcels in the RL and RM zones that existed prior to December 31, 2025, may be divided into two lots and are not required to meet the minimum density requirements in Table 1. This exemption expires on December 31, 2030.
(3)
Standards. The lot size and density standards are provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Lot Size and Density | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RL | RM | RH | MU | CBZ | AX | IND | OS | |
LOT SIZE | ||||||||
Minimum residential lot area (square feet) | 5,000 | 2,500 | 4,000 | 4,000 | N/A | 7,500 | N/A | N/A |
Minimum lot width (feet) | 35 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 35 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
DENSITY1 | ||||||||
Minimum residential density (units per acre)2 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 12 | 12 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Maximum residential density (units per acre)2 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 26 | 32 | 3 | N/A | N/A |
1 See LCC § 17.17.210 for density bonuses. |
2 Within urban growth areas, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) do not count towards housing density. |
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.110 Land use summary.
See Chapter 17.42 LCC, Table 2.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.120 Development standards.
(1)
General Standards. Table 3 provides the general standards that apply to all development, unless otherwise specified in the Lewis County Code.
Table 3: General Standards | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Development Standard | RL | RM | RH | MU | CBZ | AX | IND | OS |
Minimum setbacks (feet) | ||||||||
Front | 20 | 12 | 10 | 02 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Rear | 10 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 10 |
Side | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 5 |
Maximum building height (feet)1 | ||||||||
Habitable space | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | N/A | 35 |
Nonhabitable space | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | N/A | 50 |
Minimum on-site parking | ||||||||
Vehicle spaces per dwelling unit3 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Vehicle spaces for commercial uses | See LCC § 17.17.220 | |||||||
Bicycle spaces per 1,000 square feet of commercial use | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
1 Height shall be measured as feet above the mean ground level. See Chapter 17.80 LCC, Airport Obstruction Zone, for additional requirements. |
2 See LCC § 17.17.120(4) for additional ground-floor commercial setback requirements. |
3 See Chapter 17.105 LCC for additional short-term rental requirements. |
(2)
Setbacks.
(a)
Decks or patios affixed to the primary residential structure and awnings over residential entrances may extend into the setback, not to exceed one-half the depth of the setback.
(b)
In the Industrial (IND) zone, the rear and side setback may be reduced to five feet from adjacent lots where the zoning prohibits any residential use.
(3)
Building Lot Coverage.
(a)
Within the Mixed Use (MU) zone, commercial uses shall have a maximum lot coverage not to exceed 10,000 square feet per development, excluding parking and loading. Developments that contain multiple lots but are developed as one project shall be considered to be one development.
(b)
Within the Commercial Business District (CBZ) and Airport District (AX) zones, commercial uses shall have a maximum lot coverage not to exceed 20,000 square feet per development, excluding parking and loading. Developments that contain multiple lots but are developed as one project shall be considered to be one development.
(c)
Transient accommodations within the Mixed Use (MU), Commercial Business District (CBZ) and Airport District (AX) zones do not have a maximum lot coverage; however, the footprint of the development shall not exceed 10,000 square feet, excluding parking and loading. Developments that contain multiple lots but are developed as one project shall be considered to be one development.
(4)
Additional Standards Applicable to Figure 1 and Figure 2.
(a)
The ground floor shall be commercial uses. Ground-floor commercial uses shall have a zero-foot setback from every public right-of-way, unless the setback is an outdoor extension of the commercial space, such as outdoor eating area at a food establishment, or is designed as a publicly accessible open space that includes but is not limited to landscaping, benches, bike racks, tables or other pedestrian designed facilities; or is a combination of both outdoor commercial space and publicly accessible open space. New parking or loading areas in the front setback are prohibited. See Figure 3 as an example.
(b)
Second and third floors shall be residential uses, except standalone commercial uses may have a second story that is not a residential use.
(c)
Where there is development on a corner, a primary entrance to the commercial use shall be oriented towards Highway 12 or State Route 508; additional entrances to commercial uses may be oriented towards the side street.
Figure 1: Urban Growth Area - Small Town/Packwood. _figure1.tif.SM.png) |
Figure 2: Urban Growth Area - Small Town/Onalaska. _figure2.tif.SM.png) |
Figure 3: Example Ground Floor Commercial Use, Parking and Landscaping _figure3.tif.SM.png) |
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.130 Accessory dwelling units.
(1)
There shall be no more than two accessory dwelling units per lot in conjunction with a single-family structure.
(2)
A garage may be converted to an ADU, even if it violates existing requirements for setbacks or lot coverage. The converted ADU shall meet all other applicable laws and requirements.
(3)
Detached accessory dwelling units are allowed to be sited at a lot line if the lot line abuts a public alley, unless the county routinely plows snow on the public alley.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.140 Design standards.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure that new development and major remodels have a cohesive design. Figure 4 provides design examples.
(2)
Applicability. The standards in this section apply to all new development and any renovations to existing development that change more than 25 percent of any facade facing a public right-of-way, excluding garages, carports or sheds that do not include living space.
(3)
Standards.
(a)
Reflective surfaces, such as mirrored glass or polished metal, are prohibited.
(b)
The first floor of buildings fronting public rights-of-way as shown in Figures 1 and 2 shall be at least 30 percent clear glass and of the remaining nonglass first floor at least 80 percent of the facade shall be natural wood, stone or veneer that resembles natural wood or stone. See Figure 4 for examples.
(c)
Second-story multifamily residential uses located above commercial uses shall not extend beyond any wall of the ground-floor structure. See Figure 4 for examples.
(d)
Spaces between structures are required to have exterior lighting. Lighting shall be shielded.
(e)
An attached or detached garage or carport shall not extend forward of the front wall of any primary structure. Garages or carports associated with an accessory dwelling unit shall not extend forward of the front wall of the primary residential structure.
(4)
Within the Packwood urban growth area, at least 75 percent of exterior building materials shall be made of fire-resistant materials.
Figure 4: Examples of Design Standards _figure4.tif.SM.png) |
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.200 Purpose.
The purpose of this article shall be to provide specific regulations, providing for the location of certain special and accessory uses in all use districts and providing supplementary controls for the protection of essential uses of said districts.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.210 Density bonus.
Development that includes residential uses where 30 percent of the dwelling units are long-term units provided at or below 80 percent area median income for Lewis County shall be eligible for one of either an increased commercial or residential density bonus.
(1)
A 25 percent increase in the total number of residential dwelling units, rounded down to the nearest whole number. For example, a 24-unit residential building would be granted a bonus of six additional dwellings for a total of 30 dwellings. A 25-unit residential building would be granted a bonus of six and one-quarter additional dwellings; rounded down, the total number of dwellings allowed would be 31 units.
(2)
A 30 percent increase in total commercial square footage rounded down to the nearest whole number. For example, a mixed-use development with 10,000 square feet of commercial uses would be granted a bonus of 3,000 square feet for a total allotment of 13,000 square feet for the project.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.220 Vehicle parking.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to ensure that new development provides a minimum number of off-street parking spaces to reduce congestion on public rights-of-way.
(2)
Prohibitions. Vehicle parking is prohibited within front setback from Highway 12 or State Route 508. Parking that existed before January 1, 2026, is vested and may persist and be maintained, but may not be expanded to become more nonconforming.
(3)
Standards.
(a)
Any new development which requires parking shall adhere to the standards of Tables 4, 5 and 6 as follows:
Table 4: Development Standards for Off-Street Parking Spaces | |
|---|---|
Use | Space Required |
Commercial spaces less than 10,000 square feet | One per 800 square feet of gross floor area1,2 |
Commercial spaces greater than 10,000 square feet | One per 500 square feet of gross floor area1,2 |
Manufacturing, industrial or similar | One per two employees |
Restaurant and other food establishments | One per 200 square feet of gross floor area for first 4,000 square feet and one space for each additional 400 square feet2 |
Offices not providing on-site customer services | One per four employees |
Medical, dental, pharmacy and other health uses | One per 200 square feet of gross floor area |
Transient accommodations | One per sleeping room |
Residential, single-family | Two per dwelling unit |
Residential, accessory dwelling unit | One per dwelling unit |
Residential, multifamily | One per dwelling unit |
1 Mixed use development that includes both commercial and residential uses is only required to provide 50 percent of the minimum parking requirement for commercial uses. |
2 Gross floor area calculation only applies to habitable spaces. |
Table 5: Parking Space Dimension | ||
|---|---|---|
Use | Length of Space | Width of Space |
Nonresidential uses | 18'6" | 9' |
Residential, single-family | 20' | 10' |
Residential, accessory dwelling unit | 20' | 10' |
Residential, multifamily | 18'6" | 9' |
Compact vehicles | 15' | 8' |
Motorcycle parking | 4' | 6' |
Table 6: Parking Minimum Aisle Widths | |
|---|---|
Parking Angle | Drive Aisle Width One-Way/Two-Way |
30° | 13'/21' |
45° | 13'/21' |
60° | 16'/21' |
75° | 16'/21' |
90° | 24' |
(b)
When measurements of the number of required spaces result in a fractional number, any fraction of 0.5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next higher whole number and any fraction of less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the lower whole number.
(c)
Parking lots for all multifamily residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use development shall be paved.
(d)
For any parking area of 12 or more spaces, 33 percent of all parking spaces may be set aside for compact vehicle parking; provided, that these spaces are clearly marked. Up to 33 percent of compact spaces may be set aside for motorcycle parking.
(e)
Access to parking areas for all multifamily residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use development shall be alleyways or from a shared access easement located within a side or rear setback.
(i)
Any parking area shall be designed in such a manner that any vehicle leaving or entering the parking area from or into a public or private street shall be traveling in a forward motion. Access of driveways for parking areas shall be located in such a way that any vehicle entering or leaving such lot shall be clearly visible for a reasonable distance to any pedestrian or motorist approaching the access or driveway from a public or private street.
(ii)
Where a shared access point is used for multiple developments, one lot may be used; provided, that it meets the minimum number of spaces for all uses served by the lot.
(iii)
Shared parking lots shall be within 100 feet of all uses served. Uses may not be separated by public rights-of-way from the parking lot.
(f)
Where a parking lot is the primary use of the site, the distance and separation by public rights-of-way restrictions do not apply.
(g)
Where possible, parking areas should be accessed from side streets rather than from Highway 12 or State Route 508.
(h)
Whenever any building is enlarged in gross floor area by more than 10 percent, off-street parking shall be provided for the expansion or enlargement portion only in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
(i)
Electrical vehicle charging space shall be provided in accordance with WAC 51-50-0429.
(4)
Additional Standards. The following standards illustrated in Figure 5 shall apply to all parking areas unless otherwise exempted by this code. Letters referenced in Figure 5 correspond to the list-level for the following standards:
(a)
Aisle widths shall comply with the minimum widths listed in conventional and interlocked parking design standards and general parking standards. When stall sizes utilized are greater than minimum size, the county building official may, at their discretion, increase the required aisle width.
(b)
Length of aisle or island separating adjacent parking spaces shall have a maximum length of 300 feet.
(c)
Curbs shall be installed at a minimum of three feet from the face of walls, fences, buildings and other structures adjacent to the exterior boundaries of the property. These areas shall be landscaped except for required pedestrian walkways. Landscaped areas can be used for stormwater management.
(d)
The curb radius for landscape islands shall be a two-foot minimum.
(e)
Individual ingress/egress access drives shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth in Chapter 12.60 LCC, Road Development Standards, and constructed to the specifications of the county engineer.
(f)
Walkway openings four feet in width shall be provided in islands separating adjacent parking spaces at seven-space intervals.
(g)
A 12-foot deep backup-turnaround shall be required on all dead-end parking lanes.
(h)
Traffic circulation on one-way angle parking shall be designed for counter-clockwise traffic flow and directional arrows shall be painted on the pavement to help ensure the correct flow.
(i)
No inside turning radius at the curb shall be less than 15 feet.
(j)
No outside turning radius at the curb shall be less than 35 feet.
(k)
Parking stalls shall be striped according to the specifications of the county engineer, with the center of the stripe as the point of measurement.
(l)
Ends of island parking nodes where angled parking is provided shall be a minimum of 10 feet average width.
(m)
The inside radius to a parking stall on a curve approach shall not be less than 15 feet.
Figure 5: General Parking Standards _figure5.tif.SM.png) |
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.225 Loading zones.
(1)
Commercial, industrial and mixed-use development that requires 20 or more parking spaces shall provide an off-street loading area for the delivery or loading of goods.
(2)
A loading space shall have minimum dimensions of not less than 14 feet in width, 60 feet in length, exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas, and a height or clearance of not less than 15 feet.
(a)
Standalone commercial and residential development which does not require delivery of goods utilizing semi-trucks or similar sized vehicles may use parking stalls for the delivery and loading of goods.
(3)
One off-street loading space shall be provided and maintained on the same lot for every 10,000 square feet of nonresidential uses. One loading space shall be provided for each additional 10,000 square feet for retail and restaurant buildings; and one for each additional 30,000 square feet for manufacturing, warehouse, and service uses.
(4)
Mixed-use developments that have separate delivery demand times can share loading areas if it can be demonstrated that delivery or loading of goods happens at separate times to the maximum extent possible.
(5)
Lots less than one-half acre are not required to provide a loading zone if it can be demonstrated that the delivery or loading of goods will not utilize the right-of-way. This exemption does not apply to shared parking lots where the total lot size of all development utilizing the parking lot exceeds one-half acre.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.230 Bicycle parking.
(1)
Purpose. To support bicycle use as a form of transportation and recreation, including providing safe locations to park and lock bicycles within close proximity to primary entrances of commercial buildings.
(2)
Standards.
(a)
Within the Mixed Use (MU) zone, a minimum of one off-street bicycle parking space for every 1,000 square feet of indoor commercial use is required, not to exceed a total of five bicycle parking spaces. When there are multiple commercial uses co-located in a single structure, each commercial use shall meet the standard; shared bicycle parking is allowed.
(b)
Required off-street bicycle parking spaces shall be provided with bike racks, bike lockers, or similar parking facilities and shall be located in a visible, well-lit ground-level area that is conveniently accessible to the primary entrances of a development principal building(s).
(c)
The bicycle parking facilities shall not interfere with pedestrian traffic and shall be protected from conflicts with vehicular traffic.
(d)
If a development has multiple structures, the bicycle parking shall be distributed evenly among the principal structures.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.235 Landscaping.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of the landscaping standards is to reduce the visual impacts of development, enhance overall appearance of the community and reduce heat island impacts associated with impervious surfaces.
(2)
Applicability. These standards apply to parking lots that include at least eight vehicle parking spaces and to all industrial development.
(3)
Irrigation. Irrigation, if used, must be the minimum necessary for the purpose of establishment and maintenance of the vegetation. Any irrigation system shall be on a set watering schedule and shall minimize runoff and overspray to nonirrigated areas.
(4)
Vegetation Type.
(a)
Species that are considered nuisance or invasive in the Pacific Northwest are prohibited.
(b)
Ground cover shall be planted and spaced to result in 80 percent coverage within three years.
(c)
Trees and shrubs shall be native to the Pacific Northwest, or a nonnative variety is drought tolerant. Trees shall be selected and located to minimize the potential for interfering with or damaging power lines, underground utilities, or impervious surfaces, and to minimize potential damage to structures and injuries to people.
(5)
Planting Density. Existing vegetation that is retained may be counted towards meeting the density standards.
(a)
Parking lots shall include at least one tree and three shrubs for every five vehicle parking spaces. See Figure 3 as an example.
(b)
All external parcel boundaries associated with industrial development that front a road, except within 10 feet of a driveway, or where the adjacent property allows residential uses, shall be landscaped to meet one of the following options. See Figure 6 as an example. Fences, berms and new trees used as landscaping shall meet setback requirements.
(i)
A berm at least three feet high and no more than four feet high with a maximum slope of three to one, planted with ground cover and at least one tree every 20 feet on center;
(ii)
A hedge at least three feet high and no more than four feet high, consisting of a double row of shrubs readily capable of growing to form a hedge, planted three feet on center in a triangular pattern, and at least one tree planted every 20 feet on center; or
(iii)
A decorative fence or wall at least three feet high and no more than four feet high planted on the exterior of the fence or wall including at least one shrub planted every five feet on center and one tree planted every 30 feet on center.
Figure 6: Example Industrial Landscaping _figure6.tif.SM.png) |
(6)
Stormwater Management. Landscaping installed for stormwater management may be counted towards meeting the landscaping requirements.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.240 Live-work provisions.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose is to encourage people to live and work on the same parcel, which supports housing affordability, promotes walking and biking, and creates compact small towns, limiting sprawl and impacts on urban services including water, sewer and transportation.
(2)
Applicability. The live-work provisions apply within the Mixed Use (MU) and Commercial Business District (CBZ) zones. Home-based businesses are exempt.
(3)
Allowances. On a single parcel with an existing commercial use and no existing residential uses, a single-family residential use may be added that meets the standards of this section.
(4)
Standards.
(a)
A single-family residence may be added to the interior of existing commercial building provided the residential use occupies no more than 25 percent of the total floor area.
(b)
A detached or attached single-family residence may be added to the parcel; provided, that the total residential space is no larger than one-quarter of the total commercial space, or 1,296 square feet, whichever is smaller, and the residential building is set back at least 10 feet more than the commercial building from the front property line. See Figure 7 as an example.
(c)
On-site parking must meet the parking standards. One garage or carport allowed, not to exceed 240 square feet and must be flush or set back from the primary wall of the residential structure.
Figure 7: Attached Live-Work Housing Example _figure7.tif.SM.png) |
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.245 Nonconforming uses.
(1)
Continuation. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the lawful use of any building or structure (whether or not covered by UBC or L&I), building, land, or premises that exists on the effective date of the adoption or amendment of the ordinance codified in this chapter, may be continued although such use does not conform to the provisions hereof. If such nonconforming use is discontinued for a period of 36 months or more, any future use of said building, land, or premises shall be consistent with the provisions of this title.
(2)
Additions. Additions to nonconforming single-family residences within zoning districts where single-family residences are not allowed is permitted. If the addition is more than 25 percent of the facade facing a right-of-way on the existing residence, the entire structure shall meet the design standards in the zoning district. For example, a house with a 40-foot-long wall facing the right-of-way, and with a proposed 15-foot addition to that wall, would be required to meet the design standard for the entire residential structure.
(a)
Where an addition to a single-family residence is behind the primary structure from the public right-of-way, conformance to design standards in the zoning district is not required.
(b)
The addition must be on the lot of record as it existed at the time the use became nonconforming and the use shall not be expanded onto adjacent lots.
(3)
Expansions. Expansions of nonconforming nonresidential uses shall be processed as a Type III application per Chapter 17.05 LCC.
(a)
The expansion must be on the lot of record as it existed at the time the use became nonconforming and the use shall not be expanded onto adjacent lots. The expansion may be approved if it is consistent with the applicable zoning regulations, except the use restrictions, and the activity complies with Chapter 17.158 LCC.
(4)
Changes. Changes from one nonconforming use to another nonconforming use are not permitted. Changes from a nonconforming use to a conforming use, or a use that was previously established in the zoning district but does not meet the minimum parking standards, is not required to meet the minimum parking and loading zone standards when no expansion to the building square footage is proposed.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
§ 17.17.250 Master planned development.
(1)
Purpose. Master planned development standards are intended to enhance and diversify housing and economic development opportunities that complement the small-town character and create well-designed roads, pedestrian facilities, landscaping and public open spaces alongside private development.
(2)
Applicability. The master planned development standards apply to land divisions of parcels 10 acres in size or larger.
(3)
Administration. Master planned developments may be approved as a Type III binding site plan.
(4)
Standards. In addition to all other applicable standards and requirements, master planned developments shall also meet all of the following:
(a)
All roads shall be public and shall connect to an existing public right-of-way.
(b)
Centralized bicycle parking facilities shall be provided throughout the development at a ratio of five parking spaces per 20,000 square feet of anticipated commercial development. Bicycle parking facilities may be combined with open space areas. See also LCC § 17.17.230(2)(b) through (2)(d).
(c)
At least five percent of the total gross area must be publicly accessible open space.
(i)
Sidewalks, pedestrian or bicycle pathways that are within the public right-of-way may not be counted towards the five percent.
(ii)
Open spaces shall be included on the plat as a separate parcel, under common ownership by a homeowner or business owner association, with an open space maintenance agreement that includes operation and maintenance of all improvements and solid waste.
(iii)
All open spaces shall be at least 200 square feet in size.
(iv)
The open space may have set hours of operation not less than 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be locked during nonoperational hours.
(v)
Open space areas shall incorporate at least three of the following elements:
(A)
Pedestrian or bicycle pathway at least five feet in width and that is separated from any public right-of-way by a minimum of three feet, except where the pathway provides a point of access to a public right-of-way.
(B)
Play equipment, such as a swing set, slide, climbing structure, etc.
(C)
Benches or picnic tables.
(D)
Sport courts or fields, such as pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, etc.
(E)
Dog park that is fully fenced, where the fence is at least four feet tall.
(F)
Community garden.
(vi)
All areas of the open space that are not covered by an element listed under subsection (4)(c)(v) of this section shall be landscaped with a vegetated ground cover and either five shrubs or one tree per every gross 200 square feet. Existing vegetation may be used to meet this requirement. Trees and shrubs may be clustered.
(Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
