A.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the uses generally permitted in each zone which are compatible with the purpose of the zone and other uses allowed within the zone.

B.

The use of a property is defined by the primary activity for which the building or lot is intended, designed, arranged, occupied or maintained.

C.

All applicable requirements of the RDC, or other applicable city, state, or federal requirements, shall govern a use located in the city.

(Ord. No. 1132, § 2(Exh. A), 7-11-2013)

A.

Permitted Uses.

1.

Uses listed in Table 18.205.020-1 with a "P" are allowed as primary or accessory uses, subject to site plan review if required per RDC 18.500, if they comply with the development standards and other regulations contained in the RDC.

2.

The uses identified by a "P-L" in Table 18.205.020-1 are permitted provided they comply with the applicable limitations listed in RDC 18.205.030. Applicants shall demonstrate compliance with the applicable limitations listed in RDC 18.205.030 as part of site plan review if required per RDC 18.500, or any other required review process.

B.

Limited Uses. Allowed uses with additional limitations are listed in Table 18.205.020-1 with an "L". These uses are allowed if they comply with the limitations listed in RDC 18.205.030 and the development standards and other regulations contained in the RDC. Limited uses are subject to a Type I or II limited use review process as specified in RDC 18.205.030, and site plan review if required per RDC 18.500.

C.

Conditional Uses.

1.

Uses listed in Table 18.205.020-1 with a "C" are allowed if approved through the conditional use review process (see Chapter 18.340) and site plan review process (Chapter 18.500). These uses must satisfy the conditional use approval criteria, the development standards, and other regulations contained in the RDC applicable to the use proposed.

2.

The uses identified by a "C-L" in Table 18.205.020-1 are permitted conditionally. As part of the Type III conditional use review process, applicants must demonstrate compliance with the applicable limitations listed in RDC 18.205.030. The limitations shall serve as additional criteria for conditional use approval.

D.

Prohibited Uses. Uses listed in Table 18.205.020-1 with an empty cell ( ) are prohibited. Existing uses in categories listed as prohibited may be subject to the regulations of RDC 18.340, Nonconforming Uses.

E.

Unlisted Uses.

1.

Recognizing that there may be uses not specifically listed in this title, either because of advancing technology or any other reason, the director may permit of condition such use upon review of an application for Code interpretation for an unlisted use (RDC 18.310.060, Type I Action) and by considering the NAICS classification of the use as well as the following factors:

i.

The physical characteristics of the unlisted use and its supporting structures, including but not limited to scale, traffic, hours of operation, and other impacts, and

ii.

Whether the unlisted use complements or is compatible in intensity and appearance with the other uses permitted in the zone in which it is to be located.

2.

A record shall be kept of all unlisted use interpretations made by the director.

F.

Temporary Uses. A use which will operate for a limited, fixed duration is considered a temporary use and requires a temporary use permit.

1.

A temporary use permit is a mechanism by which the city may permit a use to locate within the city (on private or public property) on an interim basis, without requiring full compliance with the RDC standards or by which the city may permit seasonal or transient uses not otherwise permitted.

2.

The director may approve or modify and approve an application for a temporary use permit through a Type I process if:

a.

The temporary use will not be materially detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare, nor injurious to property and improvements in the immediate vicinity of the subject temporary use; and

b.

The temporary use is not incompatible in intensity and appearance with existing land uses in the immediate vicinity of the temporary use; and

c.

Adequate parking is provided for the temporary use and, if applicable, the temporary use does not create a parking shortage for the existing uses on the site; and

d.

Hours of operation of the temporary use are specified; and

e.

The temporary use will not create noise, light, or glare which would adversely impact surrounding uses and properties.

f.

The temporary use will operate for sixty days or less from the effective date of the permit, except that the director may establish a shorter time frame.

3.

If the temporary use does not meet the criteria in subsection (2), the temporary use permit will be reviewed through a Type II process.

a.

A temporary use may operate for up to two years from the effective date of the permit through a Type II process.

4.

Extension of temporary use permits.

a.

Type I temporary use permits may not be extended.

b.

A Type II temporary use permit may be extended from its original expiration date for up to one year, through a Type I procedure. The planning director shall determine whether there are extenuating circumstances that merit an extension. Only one such extension may be granted, and under no circumstances shall a temporary use operate for longer than three years.

5.

An applicant may not apply for a temporary use permit for a temporary use substantially similar to a previously permitted temporary use within one year after the expiration of the previous temporary use permit.

6.

Temporary construction trailers are allowed on sites with an active grading or building permit without a temporary use permit. Temporary sales offices in residential developments, such as a new subdivision, for home builders, realtors, mortgage brokers, and similar professions are allowed within a model home, other permanent residential structure, or construction trailer without a temporary use permit. City building permits and business license requirements may still apply.

7.

Modular classroom units for school uses are typically regulated as permanent uses consistent with RDC 18.205.030.CC. If a modular classroom unit is proposed as a temporary use to be removed at the end of a defined time period not to exceed two years, the applicant may apply for a temporary use permit consistent with this subsection.

(Ord. No. 1132, § 2(Exh. A), 7-11-2013; Ord. No. 1207, § 2(Exh. A), 5-26-2016; Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020; Ord. No. 1339, § 2(Exh. A), 5-27-2021)

A.

Table 18.205.020-1 details uses for the following zones:

1.

RLD-4, 6, 8: Residential Low Density 4, 6, 8.

2.

RMD 16: Residential Medium Density 16.

3.

CNB: Commercial Neighborhood Business.

4.

CCB: Commercial Community Business.

5.

CRB: Commercial Regional Business.

6.

CMU: Central Mixed Use.

7.

WMU: Waterfront Mixed Use.

8.

WLS: Waterfront Low Scale.

9.

E: Employment.

10.

Reserved.

11.

P/OS: Parks/Open Space.

12.

PF: Public Facilities.

Table 18.205.020-1

Table Notes:

(1)

Additional uses for the WMU Zoning District are described in RDC Table 18.235.030-1. If there is a conflict between the two use tables, the more permissive shall apply.

(2)

Public and private parks and trails are allowed in all zoning districts and shall meet the standards of the P/OS zone established in RDC 18.265 regardless of the zoning district in which the facility is located.

(Ord. No. 1132, § 2(Exh. A), 7-11-2013; Ord. No. 1163, § 2(Att.), 10-23-2014; Ord. No. 1164, § 2(Att.), 10-23-2014; Ord. No. 1207, § 2(Exh. A), 5-26-2016; Ord. No. 1226, § 2(Exh. A), 12-15-2016; Ord. No. 1232, § 2(Exh. A), 4-27-2017; Ord. No. 1245, § 2(Exh. B), 11-2-2017; Ord. No. 1253, § 2(Exh. A), 12-7-2017; Ord. No. 1266, § 2(Exh. A), 9-13-2018; Ord. No. 1272, § 2(Exh. A), 10-25-2018; Ord. No. 1296, § 2(Exh. A), 10-10-2019; Ord. No. 1304, § 3(Exh. A), 12-5-2019; Ord. No. 1339, § 2(Exh. A), 5-27-2021; Ord. No. 1370, § 2(Exh. A), 9-8-2022; Ord. No. 1406, § 2(Exh. A), 7-13-2023; Ord. No. 1419, § 2(Exh. A), 3-28-2024; Ord. No. 1426, § 2(Exh.), 7-25-2024; Ord. No. 1460 meeting, § 2(Att.), 11-6-2025)

_____

The limitations in this section serve to clarify any additional standards or conditions that apply to a given use as listed in Table 18.205.020-1 and defined in Chapter 18.100.

A.

Accessory Dwelling Unit. In the RMD-16 zone, only ADUs established prior to the adoption of this ordinance are permitted. When an ADU exists, it shall be counted as one unit for the purposes of density calculations.

B.

Adult Use Facility.

1.

Adult use facilities are subject to a Type I limited use review.

2.

Adult use facilities are prohibited within four hundred feet of any residential zone, other adult use facility, school, licensed daycare, public park, community center, public library or church which conducts religious or educational classes for minors.

C.

Artisan and Specialty Goods Production.

1.

All uses require a Type I limited use review and shall provide a public viewing or a customer service space as defined below.

a.

Public viewing shall be accomplished with windows or glass doors covering at least twenty-five percent of the front of the building face abutting the street or indoor wall, allowing direct views of manufacturing; openings between the display or lobby area and manufacturing/work space may be reduced below twenty-five percent where fire rated separation requirements restrict opening size as determined by the planning official, or;

b.

A customer service space includes, a showroom, tasting room, restaurant, or retail space.

c.

Drive-through facilities are prohibited.

D.

Animal Kennel and Shelter.

1.

In the CCB, CRB and E zones, animal kennels and shelters are allowed subject to conditional use permit approval provided the following standards are met:

a.

Run areas shall be completely surrounded by an eight-foot solid wall or fence;

b.

Kennels and shelters shall be on sites of thirty-five thousand square feet or more.

c.

Kennels and shelters shall be located at least one thousand feet from any residence

d.

Animals are allowed outside the primary structure only during daylight hours.

e.

Solid waste shall be collected daily and placed in an appropriate receptacle. The receptacle shall emptied at least weekly by the franchise waste collection provider.

f.

Kennels and shelters shall not cause or permit noise which exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels set forth in WAC 173.60.040

g.

Kennels and shelters intended to house animals shall only be permitted in CCB or CRB zones in conjunction with an approved veterinary clinic.

2.

All cleaning materials and/or chemicals used to clean areas where animals can be present on the subject property shall be appropriately disposed of, and in no instance shall any chemical product enter the storm sewer system.

3.

Animals, for the purposes of this section, refer to "pet animals" as defined by Title 7 and Title 18 of the Ridgefield Municipal Code.

E.

Bed and Breakfast.

1.

In the RLD and RMD zones, bed and breakfasts are allowed conditionally provided that the proposed use meets the following requirements:

a.

The use is an accessory to the permanent residence of the operator.

b.

Serves only breakfast and only to paying lodgers.

c.

On-site sign size is limited to one non-illuminated identification sign, not exceeding four square feet.

2.

In the CNB, CCB, CRB, CMU, WMU and WLS zones, bed and breakfasts are permitted only as an accessory to residences lawfully established prior to the effective date of this code. Overnight lodging that does not include a permanent residence for the operator may be allowed as a hotel or motel.

F.

Boarding Houses. In an RLD-4, RLD-6, or RLD-8 zone, a maximum of two rooms may be rented to a maximum of two persons other than those occupying a single-family dwelling.

G.

Boat and Recreational Vehicle Storage Facilities.

1.

The total boat and recreational vehicle storage spaces within the Ridgefield corporate boundary shall not exceed five percent of the 2018 Washington State Office of Financial Management population estimate for the city of Ridgefield. This calculation is to be construed as the total allowable boat and recreational vehicle storage spaces within Ridgefield, not on a single site basis.

2.

The planning horizon population numbers shall be updated during the Comprehensive Land Use Plan periodic update.

3.

One residential dwelling unit is permitted for a caretakers residence. The dwelling unit must be incorporated as part of an enclosed structure compliant with Section 18.205.030(G)(4)(a) below. A separate entrance shall be required for any residential use.

4.

In addition to conditional use permit criteria found in RDC 18.340 a conditional use review for new boat and recreational vehicle storage facilities shall include the following:

a.

All storage spaces adjacent to a public right-of-way shall be located within fully enclosed structures, subject to the design standards of the Employment (E) zone, or commercial design standards if adjacent to Interstate 5.

b.

Boat and recreational vehicle storage facilities shall not be located on a principal or minor arterial street or a corner where a principal or minor arterial street intersects with another road of a different classification.

c.

Areas designated for boat and recreational vehicle storage that are adjacent to a site boundary not abutting the public right-of-way shall be covered, but not fully enclosed. The rooflines and visible architectural treatments shall substantially match those of the structures adjacent to public right-of-way.

i.

Boat and RV storage areas not adjacent to a public right-of-way must provide a ten-foot wide L3 landscape buffer along the perimeter of the site and a minimum six-foot high solid fence or wall. At the discretion of the community development director landscaping shall not be required if a sight obscuring intervening element separates the proposed storage facility from any adjacent parcels. Examples of a sight obscuring intervening element include vegetated critical areas or an existing structure which provides the necessary visual shielding. A solid fence or wall shall be required in all instances.

ii.

A maximum of twenty percent of on-site storage spaces may be uncovered. Any uncovered storage areas shall be located at the interior of the site and shall not be visible at grade from the exterior boundaries of the site.

5.

Manufacturing, fabrication, or processing of goods, service or repair of vehicles, engines, appliances, or other electrical equipment, or any other industrial activity is prohibited.

6.

Conducting garage or estate sales is prohibited. This does not preclude auctions or sales for the disposition of abandoned or unclaimed property.

H.

Community Recreation and Social Facility.

1.

In the residential zones, any lighted facilities shall be set back a minimum of fifty feet from abutting residentially zoned property.

2.

Shooting ranges, as defined under community recreation and social facility, are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 332-52-145.

3.

Axe throwing lounges, as defined in RDC 18.100.010, are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 314-03-060.

4.

Archery facilities are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 332-52-145.

I.

Community Residential Facility (CRF).

1.

In the RLD-4, RLD-6, and RLD-8 zones, CRF-I are a conditionally permitted use. CRF-I are required to be a single-family structure compatible with the surrounding area. CRF-II are a prohibited use.

2.

In the CNB, CCB, and CMU zones, CRF-I and CRF-II are permitted uses. Ground floor residential uses are not permitted for buildings with frontage on Pioneer Street or Main Avenue.

3.

Household arrangements that consist of six or fewer people, including small group homes, are included in the definition of 'family' in RDC 18.100. In a group home the number of people includes residents and each twenty-four staff hours.

J.

Conference Center.

1.

A conference center is permitted conditionally in the residential zones and permitted outright in the CNB zone within a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Washington Heritage Register, or the Clark County Heritage Register.

K.

Daycare facility.

1.

Daycare I facilities are permitted in residential zones only as an accessory to residential use, subject to the following:

a.

No outdoor play areas may be located within the front setback. All play areas shall be completely enclosed, with no openings except for gates, by a fence with a minimum height of forty-two inches.

b.

Hours of operation shall be restricted to ensure compatibility with surrounding development.

c.

Exterior alterations shall be in keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood.

d.

The site must provide a passenger loading area that is determined adequate by the Department of Early Learning (DEL) or other applicable state licensor.

e.

Applicant shall obtain a city business license and concurrently obtain any required state license with the Washington State Department of Licensing with approval from the Washington State Department of Early Learning

f.

The permitted facility may display one sign, with a sign area of no greater than two square feet. The owner must obtain a sign permit per RDC 18.710.

2.

Daycare II facilities are permitted conditionally in residential zones, provided the applicant:

a.

Completely encloses all outdoor play areas, with no openings except for gates, and a minimum height of six feet; and

b.

Sets back outdoor play equipment a minimum of twenty feet from property lines adjoining residential zones.

c.

Restrict the hours of operation to ensure compatibility with surrounding development.

3.

In the WLS zone, daycare I facilities are permitted only as an accessory to multifamily residential use, provided provisions of subsection (1) are met.

L.

Detention and Post-Detention Facility.

1.

No work release facility shall be located closer than one mile from any public or private school servicing kindergarten through grade twelve students.

2.

SCTFs are permitted as an SCTF Special Use-Type III action granted by the city council, in the CRB and E zones provided:

a.

The maximum number of residents in an SCTF shall be three persons, excluding resident staff.

b.

SCTFs should be located in relationship to transportation facilities in a manner appropriate to their transportation needs.

c.

In addition to meeting the noticing requirements specified in RDC 18.310.120, noticing for SCTF special use permit applications also includes mailing the notice of application to both residents and owners of real property located within one-half mile of the site.

d.

In no case shall an SCTF be sited adjacent to, immediately across a street or parking lot from, or within six hundred feet of unobstructed sight distance or two hundred feet of risk potential activities or facilities as defined in this title in existence at the time a site is listed for consideration; provided, the two hundred-foot criteria shall not apply if the state department of social and health services determines it is not needed to protect public safety.

The distances specified in this subsection shall be measured by following a straight line from the nearest point of the building in which the SCTF is to be located, to the nearest point of the property line of the lot occupied by the risk potential activity or facility.

e.

Each SCTF shall provide on-site dining, on-site laundry or laundry service, and on-site recreation to serve the residents.

f.

Applicants shall submit the following items in addition to the standard permit application:

i.

The siting process used for the SCTF, including alternative locations considered.

ii.

An analysis showing that utmost consideration was given to potential sites such that siting of the facility will have no undue impact on any one racial, cultural, or socioeconomic group, and that there will not be an over concentration of similar facilities in the city or a particular neighborhood.

iii.

Proposed mitigation measures including the uses of extensive buffering from adjoining uses.

iv.

Demonstration of an approved interlocal agreement between DSHS and the city of Ridgefield regarding security and operational procedures.

v.

A schedule and analysis of all public input solicited during the siting process.

g.

Decision Criteria. A secure community transitional facility special use permit shall be granted by the city, only if the applicant demonstrates that:

i.

The secure community transitional facility will not materially endanger the health, safety and welfare of the community;

ii.

The siting of an SCTF shall not create an over-concentration within the city of Ridgefield, a particular neighborhood, or community of such uses as defined by Chapter 71.09 RCW, work release facilities, pre-release facilities or similar facilities including Level 1, 2, and 3 registered sex offender housing;

iii.

The location, size and height of buildings, structures, walls and fences, and screening vegetation for the essential public facility shall not hinder or discourage the appropriate development or use of neighboring properties; and

iv.

The essential public facility will be supported by adequate public facilities or services and will not adversely affect public services to the surrounding areas or conditions can be established to mitigate adverse impacts.

M.

Reserved.

N.

Eating and Drinking Establishment.

1.

In the RMD-16 district the use must abut a public collector or arterial street. Access is not permitted through a residential local street.

2.

In the E zone up to fifteen percent of the gross area of a property may be dedicated to eating and drinking establishments. The eating and drinking establishment shall be an accessory use to a primary use allowed outright or conditionally in the zone.

3.

In the WMU zone, drive-through restaurants are prohibited.

O.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. In the residential, CMU, WMU, WLS and P/OS zones, Level 1 and Level 2 charging is permitted as an accessory use to a lawfully established primary use. Rapid charging stations and battery exchange stations are prohibited.

P.

Emergency Services. In the residential and CNB zones:

1.

In the residential and CNB zones, any buildings from which firefighting equipment emerges onto a street shall maintain a distance of thirty-five feet from the street;

2.

In the residential and CNB zones, outdoor storage is not permitted; and

3.

In the residential and CNB zones, if a fire facility abuts both an arterial and a non-arterial street, all access and egress shall be via the arterial.

4.

Law enforcement training facilities are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 332-52-145.

Q.

Funeral Home/Crematorium/Columbarium/Cemetery.

1.

In the residential zones:

a.

Funeral homes, crematoria, columbaria, and cemeteries are allowed conditionally as an accessory to a church or other religious use, provided that the area dedicated to the use may not be counted toward the required landscaping.

b.

Permanent structures must be set back a minimum of one hundred feet from adjoining residential zones and uses.

2.

In the P/OS and PF zones, funeral homes, crematoria, columbaria and cemeteries are permitted outright, provided permanent structures are setback a minimum of one hundred feet from adjoining residential zones and uses.

R.

General Retail Trade/Services.

1.

In the E zone no more than fifteen percent of the gross area of a property may be dedicated to general retail uses. The retail use is permitted outright as an accessory use to a primary use allowed outright or conditionally in the zone. All other retail uses are permitted conditionally.

2.

In the WMU zone, high-impact commercial uses such as outdoor nurseries, lumber and building materials, farm equipment and similar uses that have large outdoor storage areas, significant truck traffic, and often rely on heavy equipment are prohibited. Other retail uses are allowed outright.

S.

Home occupation. Residents of a dwelling unit may conduct one or more home occupations as an accessory use(s), provided:

1.

Exempted home occupations. Home occupations that occupy less than 25 percent of a residence (up to one thousand square feet of combined space) and generate no more than an average of one additional vehicle trip per day associated with the home occupation use, including trips by customers, delivery vehicles, employee vehicles for employees not residing at the residence, and vehicles used in association with the home occupation use excluding the residents' personal vehicles, are exempt from the home occupation permitting requirements of this section. The home occupation development standards of this section and the Ridgefield business license requirement still apply.

2.

Type I review. The planning director shall review the following home occupation requests through a Type I process, unless otherwise exempt, provided there are no on-site sales associated with the use and the home occupation is located outside of the WMU zone.

a.

Offices, including but not limited to architects, engineers, lawyers, real estate agents, religious persons, salesmen, or authors.

b.

Studios, including but not limited to artists, tailors, composers, crafts such as wood work or weaving.

c.

Specialized instruction schools academic tutoring, foreign languages, art, dance, music, cooking, yoga, martial arts and related disciplines that do not exceed four students at any one time.

d.

Uses the planning director finds to be materially similar to the above-listed uses.

3.

Type II Review.

a.

The planning director shall review all home occupation requests not described in subsections (1) or (2) as a Type II process for compliance with subsection (4) and other requirements of this section.

b.

The planning director may elevate a home occupation request described in subsection (2) to a Type II review process if the proposed use involves an issue of broad public interest warranting public notice.

c.

In addition to the notice requirements of RDC 18.310.070, the planning director shall provide notice of the pending application to:

i.

Any developer or active homeowners association for the subdivision in which the dwelling is located; and

ii.

Any neighborhood association registered with the city clerk's office, whose geographic boundaries include the subject dwelling.

d.

The planning director shall review all home occupation requests located in a dwelling within the WMU zone as a Type II process. For consideration of a home occupation in the WMU zone, a resolution in support of the proposed use adopted by the port commission stating the use is consistent with the master plan shall be required.

4.

Site and Use Limitations. In addition to the applicable base zone standards, all home occupations are subject to the following limitations:

a.

The principal operator of the home occupation must be a full-time resident of the dwelling.

b.

A home occupation use may not employ more than one full-time equivalent employee who is not a resident of the dwelling unit.

c.

Except for articles produced on the premises, no stock in trade shall be displayed or sold on the premises.

d.

All home occupation business activity, including storage, shall be conducted indoors within the dwelling or accessory structures, except for plants and materials directly needed for the cultivation of plants essential to the home occupation use. No outdoor display of goods or outside storage of equipment or materials used in the home occupation shall be permitted.

e.

The total area devoted to all home occupation activity shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the combined floor area of the dwelling, garage and accessory structures, or one thousand square feet, whichever is less.

f.

No alteration to the exterior of the principal residential building shall be made which changes the residential character of a dwelling.

g.

The home occupation use may not increase vehicular traffic flow or on-street parking by more than two nonresident vehicles per hour, or an average of six total vehicles per day. Nonresident vehicles include customers, delivery vehicles, employee vehicles for employees not residing at the residence, and vehicles used in association with the home occupation use excluding the residents' personal vehicles.

h.

Vehicles used in association with the home occupation use and stored at the residence shall be restricted to standard non-commercial cars, trucks, and vans. Only one such vehicle is allowed per home occupation. Such vehicles shall park in a legal on-site parking space and may not park within any required setback areas of the lot or on adjacent streets.

i.

The permitted home occupation use may display one sign, with a sign area of no greater than two square feet. The owner must obtain a sign permit per RDC 18.710.

5.

The following activities are prohibited as home occupations:

a.

Activities which use fireworks, ammunition or explosives on-site;

b.

Repair, sales, parking, or storage of automobiles, trucks larger than two tons, heavy equipment or boats, including auto body work or painting;

c.

Overnight lodging;

d.

Kennels and catteries;

e.

Marijuana production, processing, or retail;

f.

Medical cannabis collective gardens.

6.

A home occupation shall not use electrical or mechanical equipment that results in:

a.

A change to the fire rating of the structure used for the home occupation, unless approved by the building department;

b.

Visual or audible interference in radio or television receivers, or electronic equipment located off-premises;

c.

Fluctuations in line voltage off-premises; or

d.

Emissions such as dust, odor, bright lighting or noises greater than what is typically found in a neighborhood setting.

7.

Business License Required. The operator of a home occupation use shall apply annually for a Ridgefield business license. A home occupation use permit shall expire if the business license is not renewed within two months of its expiration.

8.

A home occupation permit shall expire if the home occupation for which it is granted does not operate as a business for a period of twelve consecutive months.

T.

Hospital.

1.

In the CCB, CRB, and E zones, hospitals are allowed only following city council approval of a development agreement between the applicant and the city. A development agreement is required to describe mitigation for potential impacts on neighboring uses and public services consistent with any land use and environmental approvals and permits. The development agreement shall meet the requirements of RDC 18.310.150, address the full range of impacts of the proposed use and may address other matters associated with the hospital use, including but not limited to:

a.

Description of proposed uses and facilities, including building sites, size and bulk.

b.

Circulation, transportation and parking plans.

c.

Any requested variances to the RDC.

d.

Plans for minimizing impacts on neighboring users.

e.

Plans for storage and disposal of hazardous materials meeting the applicable requirements of RCW 70.105.

f.

Trip reservation.

g.

Vesting.

h.

System development charge and impact fee credits.

i.

The development agreement shall also include a site plan satisfying all requirements of RDC 18.500.040 if the proposed project requires site plan approval.

2.

When located in the CMU and CNB zones, hospitals are allowed only as a re-use of a nonresidential facility; and burning of refuse or hazardous waste is prohibited.

U.

Indoor Entertainment Facility.

1.

Shooting ranges, as defined under indoor entertainment facility, are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 332-52-145.

2.

Axe throwing lounges, as defined in definitions, are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 314-03-060.

3.

Archery facilities are subject to a Type II "special use" review through community development which requires approval from Ridgefield Police and Building Departments and Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. The proposal shall be compliant with the standards in Title 18, Title 9.07 and WAC 332-52-145.

V.

Motor Vehicle Related Uses. In the WMU and WLS zones, only sales, rental, leasing, repair and service of watercraft are permitted outright. Sales, rental, leasing, repair and service of automobiles, light trucks, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles are prohibited.

W.

Multifamily Residential.

1.

In the CNB zone, residential uses are limited to upper stories.

2.

In the WLS zones, residential uses are limited to upper stories and shall achieve a minimum density of eight dwelling units per acre and a maximum density of sixteen dwelling units per acre.

3.

In the WMU zone, no ground floor residences or residential uses are permitted. Multifamily residential uses are permitted only as upper story living units, not less than four units per net acre nor more than eighteen units per net acre.

4.

In the CMU zone ground floor residential is only permitted as part of a horizontal mixed use development. Ground floor residential uses are not permitted for buildings with frontage on Pioneer Street or Main Avenue.

X.

Office.

1.

In the WMU zone, drive-through banks are prohibited.

Y.

Park and Ride Lots.

1.

In the RLD-4, RLD-6, RLD-8, RMD-16, CNB and CMU zones, park and ride lots are subject to a Type I limited use review and must meet the following standards:

a.

Park and ride lots may be sited on an existing parking lot or in conjunction with a publicly owned or nonprofit facility (i.e., church, social service agency, etc.) as a permitted use.

b.

New park and ride lots (not including new park and ride facilities located on existing parking lots) are subject to site plan review pursuant to RDC 18.500 and shall:

i.

Be limited to fifty stalls in the RLD or RMD zones;

ii.

Provide screening and/or landscaping on interior setbacks that abut residentially zoned properties; and

iii.

Provide additional landscaping along street frontages; and

iv.

Direct lighting to the interior of the site and away from adjacent residentially zoned properties, as required by RDC 18.715.

Z.

Public Agency or Utility Yard.

1.

In the CRB, WLS and E zones, utility yards are permitted only when co-located with utility offices.

2.

In the WMU zone, public agency and utility yards may include storage of port-related machinery and equipment, and production and assembly of materials and equipment for port business. Port-related use may include fabrication of parts and storage of materials for use in fabrication of parts as a permitted use.

AA.

Recreational Vehicle (Single). Persons may occupy a recreational vehicle (RV), parked on a lot, for up to two weeks per year with the permission of the property owner. The following standards apply:

1.

Only one RV may be occupied on a lot at any time.

2.

Occupancy is subject to the city's animal, public health, and nuisance standards.

3.

An occupied RV shall be parked on-street or in allowed off-street parking areas outside of required setbacks.

4.

Commercial activity is not permitted in the RV.

5.

RVs shall not use generators while parked in a residential zone.

6.

Unoccupied RVs may be parked off-street in any zone in any parking areas meeting the requirements of RDC 18.720. In the RLD zones, RV parking is subject to the provisions of RDC 18.210.080.

BB.

Recreational Vehicle Parks. In the WMU zone, recreational vehicle parks are limited to no more than twenty-five percent of the total area zoned WMU, whether in a single location or multiple locations within the zone.

CC.

School: Elementary/Middle/High. In the PF zone, schools are a permitted use. Modular classroom units shall be reviewed through a Type I limited use review and site plan review, consistent with RDC 18.500.

DD.

Self-Storage.

1.

Self-storage facilities within the Ridgefield corporate boundary shall not exceed eight and thirty-two-hundredths square feet per capita based on the Washington State Office of Financial population estimate for the current year. This calculation is to be construed as the total allowable self-storage space within Ridgefield, not on a single site basis.

2.

The planning horizon population numbers shall be updated during the comprehensive land use plan periodic update.

3.

In addition to conditional use permit criteria found in RDC 18.340 a conditional use review for self-storage shall include the following:

a.

Self-storage units shall gain access from the interior of the building(s) or site. No unit doors may face public right-of-way.

b.

Self-storage facilities shall not be located on a principal or minor arterial street or a corner where a principal or minor arterial street intersects with another road of a different classification. Self-storage facilities shall not be located adjacent to, or visible from, Interstate 5.

c.

Self-storage facilities shall comply with all design requirements in the Employment (E) zone.

4.

Manufacturing, fabrication, or processing of goods, service or repair of vehicles, engines, appliances, or other electrical equipment, or any other industrial activity is prohibited.

5.

Conducting garage or estate sales is prohibited. This does not preclude auctions or sales for the disposition of abandoned or unclaimed property.

6.

Storage of flammable, perishable, or hazardous materials or the keeping of animals is prohibited.

7.

Outdoor storage is prohibited. All goods and property stored at a self-storage facility shall be stored in an enclosed building. No outdoor storage of boats, RVs, vehicles, or similar, or storage pods or shipping containers is permitted.

EE.

Townhouses.

1.

In the WMU zone, only live/work units where the associated business is allowed as a permitted or limited use are allowed, provided the residence is not located on the ground floor. No ground floor residences or residential uses are permitted.

2.

In the CMU zone ground floor residential is only permitted as part of a horizontal mixed use development. Ground floor residential uses are not permitted for buildings with frontage on Pioneer Street or Main Avenue.

3.

Number of units allowed per townhouse building.

a.

RLD zones: No more than four townhouses shall be allowed in a single building.

b.

RMD-16 zone: No more than six townhouses shall be allowed in a single building.

c.

All other zones: No more than four townhouses shall be allowed in a single building.

FF.

Single-Family Detached Residential.

1.

For PUD subdivisions, see standards in RDC 18.401.060.

2.

Only single story single-family detached structures are permitted in the RMD-16 zone. This limitation does not apply to cottage housing.

GG.

Specialized Instruction and Vocational School.

1.

In the RLD-4, RLD-6, RLD-8 and RMD-16 zones, specialized instruction schools are permitted conditionally provided:

a.

The number of students is limited to twelve at one time; (Schools serving four or fewer students are permitted as a home occupation.)

b.

Fifty percent or more of the instruction area shall be within an enclosed structure; and

c.

Structures and areas used for instruction must be set back a minimum of twenty-five feet from property lines.

HH.

Tent Cities.

1.

The use shall be authorized by a temporary and revocable use permit reviewed through a Type II decision, not to exceed ninety days during one calendar year.

2.

A minimum of two weeks prior to application submittal, the applicant shall hold a neighborhood information meeting on, or as close to as possible, the site on which the tent city will be located. The city manager shall approve the time and location of the meeting and the applicant shall notify all property owners within one thousand feet of the proposed site by U.S. Mail at least fourteen days prior to the information meeting. This meeting shall supersede the notification required for a Type II review by RDC 18.310.070.

3.

The applicant shall provide sanitary portable toilets, potable water, trash receptacles, hand-washing facilities, and food and security facilities sufficient to satisfy applicable local and county health regulations.

4.

Tent cities are not permitted in critical areas or buffers.

5.

Permanent structures are prohibited.

6.

The maximum size of a tent city is one hundred occupants. The city may limit the size of the tent city based upon site conditions and public health and safety regulations.

7.

Parking for vehicles shall be adequate to serve the numbers of vehicles generated by the use and shall be fully contained on-site.

8.

The tent city shall be adequately buffered and screened from adjacent right-of-way and residential properties. Screening shall be a minimum height of six feet and may include, but is not limited to, a combination of fencing, landscaping, or existing buildings.

II.

Utility Facility.

1.

In the RLD-4, RLD-6, RLD-8, RMD-16, CNB, CMU, WMU, WLS, E and P/OS zones:

a.

Minor utilities are permitted outright subject to the site plan review requirements of RDC 18.500.

b.

Major utility facilities are permitted outright on sites adjacent to only nonresidential zones subject to the site plan review requirements of RDC 18.500.

c.

Major utility facilities are permitted conditionally on sites adjacent to residential zones subject to the site plan review requirements of RDC 18.500 and the conditional use requirements of RDC 18.340.

d.

Essential public facilities on sites adjacent to only nonresidential zones are exempt from the height limitations of the base zone.

2.

In the WMU zone, municipal wastewater treatment facilities are prohibited.

JJ.

Veterinary Clinic and Hospital. Veterinary clinics and hospitals are permitted under the following provisions:

1.

No burning of refuse or dead animals is allowed.

2.

The portion of the building or structure in which animals are kept or treated shall be constructed so as to prevent incursion of noise from animals into any residential zone.

3.

All run areas shall be surrounded by an eight-foot solid wall and surfaced with concrete or other impervious material.

4.

The provisions of RMC Chapter 7 relative to animal keeping are met.

5.

Clinics and hospitals whose activities are conducted wholly indoors shall be reviewed through a Type I limited use process, while those with any outdoor uses, excluding parking or landscaping, shall be reviewed through a Type II limited use process.

KK.

Wireless Communication Facilities. See RDC 18.760 Wireless Communication Facilities for applicable regulations.

LL.

Gasoline Fueling Stations. Gasoline fueling stations are permitted in employment zones "E" within one thousand feet of an intersection of two road alignments classified arterial or greater.

(Ord. No. 1132, § 2(Exh. A), 7-11-2013; Ord. No. 1163, § 2(Att.), 10-23-2014; Ord. No. 1164, § 2(Att.), 10-23-2014; Ord. No. 1178, § 2(Exh. A), 2-12-2015; Ord. No. 1226, § 2(Exh. A), 12-15-2016; Ord. No. 1232, § 2(Exh. A), 4-27-2017; Ord. No. 1245, § 2(Exh. A), 11-2-2017; Ord. No. 1253, § 2(Exh. A), 12-7-2017; Ord. No. 1260, § 2(Exh. A), 4-26-2018; Ord. No. 1266, § 2(Exh. A), 9-13-2018; Ord. No. 1272, § 2(Exh. A), 10-25-2018; Ord. No. 1290, § 2(Exh. A), 4-25-2019; Ord. No. 1325, § 2(Exh. A), 9-24-2020; Ord. No. 1339, § 2(Exh. A), 5-27-2021; Ord. No. 1370, § 2(Exh. A), 9-8-2022; Ord. No. 1406, § 2(Exh. A), 7-13-2023; Ord. No. 1419, § 2(Exh. A), 3-28-2024; Ord. No. 1426, § 2(Exh.), 7-25-2024)