Lewis County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

An extensive review and inventory of developable lands demonstrates that there is no suitable site in any Lewis County urban growth area appropriate for siting a specific major industrial development for a float glass manufacturing plant. A suitable site can be designated outside of an urban growth area pursuant to RCW 36.70A.365.

These regulations implement Policy 5 of the countywide planning policies which calls for the development of industries to be encouraged in cities as well as those areas outside urban growth areas which satisfy the requirements set forth RCW 36.70A.365, and implement Lewis County comprehensive plan Policy LU 8.3 which calls for the designation of Major Industrial Developments - Master Planned Locations at certain specified locations outside of designated urban growth areas pursuant with RCW 36.70A.365. The purpose of this zone is to provide guidelines for development in the specific major industrial development for a float glass manufacturing plant and to ensure that the development in this zone does not create a need for urban services in the rural area or lead to urban development in rural areas.

The Chapter 17.20 LCC master plan approval shall assure that all new infrastructure is provided for, directly or by agreement, by a condition from the examiner requiring the applicant to be responsible for all costs of new infrastructure; provided, however, this requirement does not preclude use of government programs that fund portions of infrastructure to facilitate economic development and needed community facilities. The county may accept the applicant's voluntary pro-rata contributions for any county road improvements identified by the environmental documents prepared for this major industrial development. Urban governmental services may be provided to this major industrial development so long as such services are not connected to uses in nonurban areas unless such connections are consistent with state law and the Lewis County comprehensive plan and have been approved by Lewis County. Consistent with existing local, state, and federal laws, water and natural gas pipelines and electric power lines and facilities, and railroad tracks may cross nonurban areas to serve this specific major industrial development.

The master plan approved under Chapter 17.20 LCC for this major industrial development shall include a condition from the examiner requiring implementation of transit oriented site-planning and traffic demand management programs at the level and timing appropriate for this specific major industrial development.

To further protect adjacent nonurban lands, the master plan approved under Chapter 17.20 LCC for this major industrial development shall include the buffers and setbacks included in the Application, as amended, including the stipulation that the south boundary of the master plan will be north of Olequa Creek and that the area of Olequa Creek and the associated wetlands be protected by a covenant or easement prohibiting all development therein. Except for the electrical substation, no buildings shall be permitted in the setbacks or buffers. Berms, walls, the rail spur, roads and utilities may be placed in the buffers and setbacks.

Environmental protection issues including air quality, water quality, and water quantity are addressed by mitigation measures included in the Final Environmental Project Statement (FEIS) published on July 14, 2004. To further protect air quality, the project shall obtain air quality permits from the Washington State Department of Ecology ("Ecology") and the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency ("SWCAA"). To further protect water quality and quantity, any groundwater withdrawn for this specific major industrial development shall require necessary permits from Ecology or the Lewis County water conservancy board. To further protect water quality and quantity. stormwater shall be managed as required by Chapter 15.45 LCC; provided, however, stormwater management for this specific major industrial development shall be designed for the 100-year, 24-hour storm event.

This specific major industrial development has no adverse impact on any adjacent or nearby resource lands.

The master plan for this specific major industrial development is consistent with County regulations established for the protection of critical areas.