There is created as part of this title an official district map referred to in this section as "map." The map shall show as graphically as possible the districts into which the city has been divided. The map shall be on file in the office of the city clerk and there shall be only one official copy. Attached to the map as addenda shall be the exact legal description by lot and block of each and every district within the corporate boundary of the city. If, in accordance with this section and RCW 35A.63, changes are made in boundaries or other matters portrayed on the map, or if changes are made in the district regulation, such changes shall be entered promptly on the map together with the addenda, after the amendment has been approved by the city council. The map shall bear the signature of the mayor attested by the city clerk. Such attestation shall identify the map as an integral and essential part of this title.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 2.010, 1998)

A.

The city is divided into zoning districts, referred in this title as districts. These districts are consistent with the land use designations under the city of Morton comprehensive plan. Such districts shall be shown on the map and the intent of each district and limitations and requirements of use of land therein shall be shown. No structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building shall be reconstructed, moved or structurally altered except in conformity with all the regulations set forth in this title.

B.

For the purposes of this title, the city is divided and classified into the following regular districts:

1.

R-1, single-family residential;

2.

R-M, multiple residential;

3.

C-1, commercial;

4.

I-1, industrial.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 2.020, 1998)

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (2.020), 12-27-05)

Each parcel of land in the city shall be covered by one of the preceding zoning districts. In addition, where consistent with the intent of the districts as expressed in this title, land may be classified as a special district. Special districts must overlay a regular district and all uses and structures in a special district shall conform to the regulation of both the special and regular district, except where regulations of the regular district are specifically modified by the special district. Special districts are:

A.

AD, aviation district;

B.

CR, critical areas;

C.

CS, community service;

D.

FP, floodplain;

E.

PUD, planned unit development.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 2.030, 1998)

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (2.030), 12-27-05)

Where there exists an uncertainty as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the map, the following rules shall apply:

A.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the center lines of streets, highways or alleys, shall be construed to follow such center lines;

B.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines;

C.

Boundaries indicated as following shorelines of creeks, rivers or wetlands areas shall be construed to follow such shorelines and in the event of change in a shoreline shall be constructed as moving with the actual shoreline. Boundaries indicated as approximately following the center lines of streams, rivers, canals or other bodies of water shall be constructed to follow such center lines;

D.

Boundaries indicated as following a defined characteristic such as a topographic line such as steep slopes over thirty (30) percent slope or wetland characteristic shall be construed as occurring where identified and in the event of change the boundary shall be construed as moving with the actual characteristic so defined;

E.

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections A through D of this section shall be so construed;

F.

Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the addenda to the map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections A through E of this section the city clerk shall interpret the district boundaries.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 2.040, 1998)

Two residential zone classification are established, permitting a variety of housing and population densities without conflict. Protection is provided against hazards, objectionable influences, traffic and building congestion, and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service installation are permitted in residential use districts.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.010, 1998)

to the zoning map or zoning regulations.

There are two types of zoning map amendments: legislative and quasi-judicial.

A.

Legislative amendments affect a relatively large area of property or city-owned property, and may only be initiated by the city.

B.

Quasi-judicial amendments affect one or few properties and may be initiated by the property owners by making application to the city. Zoning change applications must include, at a minimum, a site map of the subject property, aerial photo (obtainable from Lewis County), indication of existing critical area and buffers on or immediately adjacent to the site, parcel number, property address, owner contact information, a description of the existing zoning designation and proposed zoning designation, and rationale for the change that reference the city of Morton comprehensive plan. An environmental checklist must accompany the application for required review under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

C.

Amendments to the zoning map or zoning regulations must be consistent with the city of Morton comprehensive plan and the plan amendment process required by the Growth Management Act. This process includes:

1.

Adequate Public Notice. Public notice of a proposed zoning change shall be published in the newspaper of record at least ten (10) days prior to a public hearing, and mailed to property owners located within three hundred (300) feet of the proposed rezone parcel.

2.

At least one public hearing must be held.

3.

Notification of the proposed zoning change must be sent to state agencies reviewing such changes (a list is maintained by the community, trade, and economic development department) at least sixty (60) days prior to adoption of the change, unless the city requests expedited review from CTED.

4.

Final adoption notice must also be published in the newspaper of record and sent to state agencies noted in subsection (C)(3) of this section within ten (10) days after adoption.

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (2.050), 12-27-05)