Twisp City Zoning Code

It is the express intent of the town council to foster the public health, safety, general welfare and interests of the town by promoting an accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment in all commercial districts, including those where the primary circulation between establishments is vehicular and parking areas are supplied for customer use.

It is the express intent of the town council to foster the public health, safety, general welfare and interests of the town by supporting commercial development that respects qualities of privacy, physical and psychological comfort, and aesthetics conducive to neighborhood and community life while at the same time fostering creativity and innovation and accommodating the needs of new and emerging industries.

Proposals for residential and commercial development must include a process for ensuring that potential property owners are provided adequate notice regarding adjacent existing industrial and heavy commercial uses that may be in conflict with residential and light commercial uses.

Uses Allowed. Uses allowed in each of the commercial zoning districts are shown in the district use chart in Appendix A[1] of this title.

Dimensional Requirements. Lot sizes, allowable densities, lot coverage, height and setbacks in each of the commercial zoning districts shall be as set forth in Table 6.

All uses shall comply with all applicable basic provisions in Chapter 18.15 TMC, including requirements related to development and performance standards.

All uses shall comply with all applicable general regulations in Chapter 18.20 TMC, including requirements for off-street parking, clear vision, fences, landscaping, buffers, signs, and site clearing.

Intent. The C-1 district is a pedestrian-oriented commercial district designed to foster a vibrant downtown business area supporting a mix of residential and commercial uses. The C-1 designation is intended for the central business district. In creating regulations for the C-1 district, consideration has been given to the need to promote pedestrian circulation, while recognizing the need to provide for adequate fire protection and emergency vehicle access. Parking requirements for the district acknowledge that the downtown is an area of shared parking and walking between stores, with limited space for off-street parking areas adjacent to most commercial uses. The C-1 district should provide adequate parking for residents, employees, and visitors with minimal curb cuts. Off-street parking areas should generally be located at the back of the lot, with access via alleys. Design and uses that will foster community life and social use of outdoor areas are to be encouraged. Compact scale is a defining characteristic of the C-1 district. The size, distribution, site design, and landscaping of uses that display goods in outdoor lots should be such that the impact on the surrounding neighborhood is negligible and the area remains attractive to pedestrians.

Special Regulations.

Lincoln Street Corridor. The Lincoln Street corridor is a special mixed use zone that allows more flexible residential development than typically provided for in the C-1 zone. The area extends from midway between Massey Wills Lane and Twisp Avenue south to Fifth Avenue along the west side of Lincoln Street. While the intent of the Lincoln Street corridor is to gradually transition to commercial use and is thus zoned C-1, the historic and current residential character along Lincoln Street lends itself to be a transition from the commercial center of Glover Street to the residential neighborhood east of Lincoln Street. Development of single-family residences and duplexes shall be allowed along the west side of Lincoln Street; provided, that the structures adhere to C-1 setbacks, bulk height, and densities and are subject to an administrative permit.

Intent. C-2 districts are intended to provide areas outside of the downtown business area for uses that do not generate large volumes of traffic or traffic circulation and turning patterns that would disrupt the smooth flow of traffic on adjacent arterial streets or the Highway 20 corridor, including low- to medium-intensity, generally nonretail commercial and service uses and residential uses (including single-family and multifamily dwellings; provided, that commercial uses are located on the ground level and occupy a minimum of 50 percent of the ground level and the majority of street frontage, as well as tourist accommodations). While the primary circulation between commercial establishments in C-2 districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customers' and employees' use, commercial users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. C-2 districts provide areas for small office buildings and uses and for tourist accommodations and related uses. It is the intent of the town council to establish C-2 districts as areas conducive to repose during nighttime hours, and as areas that will be attractive to and convenient for overnight visitors.

Special Regulations.

Intent. The C-3 zoning district is intended to allow for a wide variety of commercial uses outside of the downtown business area. While the primary circulation between commercial establishments in C-3 districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customers' and employees' use, all users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. C-3 districts are suitable for higher-intensity uses such as automobile sales, retail sales outlets, and large or mid-size office buildings. The town will encourage uses and site development that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood.

Special Regulations.

Intent. C-R districts are intended to provide areas for high-density, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development that takes advantage of the special qualities of the town's riverfront and promotes pedestrian access and use of the riverfront and its business amenities. The town will encourage developments meeting high aesthetic standards and offering a mix of uses including pedestrian-oriented retail, multifamily housing (including condominiums, multifamily dwellings, and townhouses) and tourist accommodations (including bed and breakfast inns, hotels, motels, overnight rentals, resorts, and time-share condominiums), entertainment and cultural activities, restaurants, and conference facilities with parking spaces provided for customers' and employees' use.

Special Regulations.

Intent. I districts are intended to provide areas for high-intensity uses, new industries, and uses requiring large amounts of space, including outdoor yards, storage areas, and parking areas. Retail operations are limited to activities that are incidental to a permitted use and a small number of bulk retail uses that involve outdoor storage and display. I districts shall be located where utilities, street capacity, and other services are adequate to support the intended uses. While the primary circulation in I districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customer and employee use, all users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. The town will encourage uses and site development that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood. I districts are suitable for industrial and manufacturing uses and uses such as research and development, high-tech facilities, storage, wholesale trade, distribution, and auto, truck, and equipment repair services.

Special Regulations.