The regulations set out in this chapter set forth guidelines for development of wedding and event center facilities.

(Ord. No. 446, § IV(Exh. A), 6-27-2016)

All wedding and event center facilities shall be governed by this chapter unless the standards in this chapter are more restrictive than a permit issued prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. In such case, the previously issued permit shall govern.

(Ord. No. 446, § IV(Exh. A), 6-27-2016)

A.

"Wedding and event center" means a facility where private parties may hold weddings, receptions, reunions and other special gatherings. This does not include retail sales, concerts and amphitheaters, rodeos, circuses or other similar public events.

B.

Wedding and event center, Type I. A Type I wedding and event center is one that has not more than twenty-four events per year per facility and not more than one hundred guests/attendees per event. Hours of operation for a Type I wedding and events center shall be limited to the hours 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

C.

Wedding and event center, Type II. A Type Ii Wedding and event center is one that would have more than twenty-four events per year and/or more than one hundred guests/attendees per event, and/or have expanded hours different than between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

(Ord. No. 446, § IV(Exh. A), 6-27-2016)

Wedding and event centers in commercial zoning districts do not need to meet standards D-E, unless abutting a residential district.

A.

Occupancy. Occupancy at events is subject to parking and building occupancy limitations.

B.

Noise. Noise originating from the site shall be buffered to the maximum extent possible and be minimized to serve the needs of the facility while limiting impacts to adjacent parcels. Noise levels must also comply with Chapter 9.20, Noise Regulations.

C.

Lighting. Exterior lighting shall be directed and shielded in a manner which minimizes its visibility at the site's boundaries. Exterior lighting shall not be used in such a manner that it produces glare on public streets and neighboring residential properties. Any temporary lighting associated with a specific event shall comply with these standards and shall be removed within twenty-four hours of the end of the event.

D.

Exterior Screening. A site-obscuring fence or wall shall be provided around the perimeter of either the entire parcel or the area proposed to accommodate outdoor events, parking areas and driveways. This requirement may be waived by the decision maker if adjoining parcels are at least one hundred yards from the proposed area, or where topography or other conditions eliminate light impacts to other properties.

E.

Setbacks. All outdoor developed event areas, including stages, buildings, parking areas, and tents, shall maintain a minimum fifty-foot setback from property lines.

(Ord. No. 446, § IV(Exh. A), 6-27-2016)

In addition to the development standards in Section 17.21.040, wedding and event center facilities located in an agricultural zone shall meet the following requirements.

A.

A wedding and event center is a non-agricultural accessory use. A wedding and event center shall be located only on parcels that are five acres or less and that are parcels with poor soils or otherwise not suited for agricultural purposes.

B.

If the parcel does not meet the criteria in (A), a wedding and event center may be permitted as a non-agricultural accessory use if it meets (1) (2) and (3) of this section.

1.

The facility shall support, promote, or sustain agricultural operations and production and meet the requirements of WAC 365-196-815(3)(c)(iii)(B).

2.

The facility must have no adverse effect upon the continued and compatible use of agricultural land either within or adjacent to the site.

3.

The wedding and event center must be accessory to agricultural activities occurring on site.

(Ord. No. 446, § IV(Exh. A), 6-27-2016)