Orting City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
13-1-1: TITLE:
This title shall be known as the ORTING DEVELOPMENT CODE. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004)
13-1-2: PURPOSE:
The general purposes of the development code are:
A. Implement Comprehensive Plan: To implement the comprehensive plan in accordance with Revised Code of Washington 36.70 et seq. (planning enabling act) and 36.70A et seq. (growth management act);
B. Promote Health And Safety: To promote public health, safety, and general welfare through regulation of physical development of the city;
C. Orderly Development: To plan for future development of the city in an orderly and predictable fashion;
D. Adequate Public Facilities: To provide for adequate public facilities and services to support land development;
E. Promote Well Being: To promote social and economic well being through integration of aesthetic, environmental, and economic values;
F. Protect Property Rights: To protect property rights;
G. Protect Resources: To encourage protection of environmentally critical or historically significant resources;
H. Ensure Adequate Space: To ensure provision of adequate space for commercial, industrial, residential, and other activities necessary for public welfare;
I. Administration Of Regulations: To provide for efficient and effective administration and enforcement of the regulations;
J. Provide Light And Access: To provide adequate light, air, privacy, and convenience of access to property;
K. Elimination Of Nonconforming Uses: To provide for the gradual elimination of those uses of land, buildings and structures which do not conform to the standards of the district in which they are located and are adversely affecting the development and taxable value of property in the district. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004)
13-1-3: INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION; GENERAL:
A. Minimum Requirements: In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, they shall be held to be minimum requirements, adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. It is not intended by this title to interfere with or revoke or invalidate any easement, covenant, or other agreement between parties.
B. Greater Restrictions: When the provisions of this title impose greater restrictions than are imposed by other applicable city, Pierce County, state, and federal regulations, the provisions of this title shall control.
C. Ambiguities Or Differences: In case of any ambiguity or difference of meaning or inconsistencies between the text and any illustrations or other graphics, the text throughout this title shall control.
D. Construction Of Words: Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words in the present tense can include the future tense, and words in the singular can include the plural, or vice versa. Except for words and terms defined in the beginning of each chapter of this title and in chapter 2 of this title, all words and terms used in this title shall have their customary meanings.
E. Shall, Should, May: The words "shall" and "should" are always mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is discretionary. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004)
13-1-4: SEVERABILITY:
If any section, subsection, clause, or phrase of this title is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this title. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004)
13-1-5: BRIEF USER'S GUIDE:
A. Chapters: The development code, this title, contains nine (9) chapters:
1. Introduction: Establishes the purpose, title and basic rules for using the city development code.
2. Definitions: Provides definitions for words used throughout the title. Words or terms used only in one chapter may be defined in that chapter.
3. Zone Classifications: Lists and describes the zoning classifications, allowed uses for each zone, and categorization of uses. Table 1 "City of Orting Permitted Land Uses by Zoning Designations" is included in this chapter.
4. Temporary Uses/Temporary Housing Units: Allows temporary uses and structures and provides standards and conditions for regulating such uses and structures.
5. Development Standards: Provides development standards, such as density, setbacks, height, lot width, landscaping, buffering, parking, access, and other standards to cover general and specific uses; also covers home occupations, accessory dwelling units, adult entertainment, transfer of development rights, and sign standards.
6. Special Use Permits: Establishes the permit processes and criteria for permits provided by this title, e.g., nonconforming use permits, conditional use permits, planned unit development permits, and variances.
7. Sign Regulations: Establishes the permit processes for various sign types and provides regulations for the installation, alteration, relocation, maintenance, use, and removal of signs, including permitted and prohibited sign types; number, size, and height limitations; and architectural details.
8. Medical Cannabis: Provides regulations for medical cannabis use including personal use and collective gardens and sets forth penalties for noncompliance.
9. Wireless Communications Services Facilities: Defines various types of wireless communication services facilities including general macro facilities, temporary facilities, and small facilities and provides regulations for each including standards for locations, monopoles, height, screening, etc. This chapter also establishes the permit process and timelines.
B. Numbering Scheme: The numbering scheme used in this title operates as shown below:
13 5 1 A.1.a.(1)(A)
Title Chapter Section subsections
C. Format: Each chapter begins with a listing of the sections and a purpose statement for the chapter. General definitions are contained in chapter 2 of this title; specialized definitions may be found at the beginning of the chapter where those definitions are used. Cross references to other chapters and sections of this title can be found throughout the title. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004; amd. Ord. 2024-1136, 12-11-2024)