Zillah City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
21 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
§ 17.21.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process to site necessary public uses that may otherwise be difficult to site. This process involves the community and identifies and minimizes adverse impacts. Essential public facilities are defined in Chapter 17.04 ZMC, Definitions. Examples include hospitals, jails, prisons, airports, solid waste transfer stations, highways and storm water treatment plants. The planning official shall determine whether a proposed facility shall be reviewed according to the essential public facility review process instead of the review process indicated under the applicable zoning classification.
(Ord. 1387 § 1, 2015)
§ 17.21.020 Determination of applicability.
A.
Essential public facilities may be reviewed through the essential public facility review process. An applicant may make a written request or the planning official may require a proposal to be reviewed through Zillah's essential public facilities review process. An applicant may use this process if the facility meets the definition of an essential public facility. If the facility is on the list of qualifying facilities prepared by the Washington State Office of Financial Management, it automatically meets the definition.
B.
The planning official shall make a determination that a facility be reviewed through Zillah's essential public facilities review process based on the following criteria:
1.
The facility is a type difficult to site because of one of the following:
a.
The facility needs a type of site of which there are few sites available;
b.
The facility can locate only near another public facility;
c.
The facility has or is generally perceived by the public to have significant adverse impacts that make it difficult to site; or
d.
The facility is of a type that has been difficult to site in the past;
2.
It is likely this facility will be difficult to site;
3.
There is need for the facility and Zillah is in the facility service area.
(Ord. 1387 § 1, 2015)
§ 17.21.030 Essential public facilities review process.
B.
An applicant may have one or more alternative sites considered at the same time during this process.
C.
The planning official has the authority to require the consideration of sites outside the city of Zillah. Alternative sites shall cover the service area of the proposed essential facility.
D.
A more amplified public involvement process may be required by the planning official than that required under Chapter 17.06 ZMC in order to include those residents living within the service area of the proposal.
E.
The costs of such an amplified public involvement program may be charged to the applicant.
F.
The planning official may require a multi-jurisdictional review process if the facility serves a regional, countywide, statewide, or national need.
G.
An analysis of the facility's impact on city finances shall be undertaken. Mitigation of adverse financial impact shall be required.
(Ord. 1387 § 1, 2015)