40.250.040    Existing Resort Overlay District

A.    Purpose.

    This district is intended to set out development guidelines of historic resort facilities that complement the natural and cultural attractiveness of the area without significant adverse effects on natural and environmental features. The district provides for recognition of existing, self-contained, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities that are outside of urban growth areas and in a rural or resource area setting of significant natural amenities. This district is intended to identify and protect existing general resort-like facilities.

B.    Applicability.

    This section is applicable to the unincorporated portions of the county, excluding urban growth areas. The application of this district shall not result in any permanent residential uses or a predominance of commercial uses. When applied, such an overlay district does not change the existing, underlying zoning designation.

C.    Uses.

    The following uses are permitted in the overlay district:

1.    Lawful existing uses and structures in existence on July 1, 1990.

2.    All uses specifically permitted or conditional in the base-zoning district shall continue to be allowed according to the review procedures consistent with this title.

3.    Overnight lodging, including lodges, hotels, motels, timeshare units and similar temporary living accommodations only when oriented and sized to serve the recreational uses on the site.

4.    Housing may be provided for full-time or seasonal employees.

5.    Subject to an approved development plan, the following uses may be permitted when provided as part of, and intended primarily to serve as an accessory part of destination resort. These uses shall be oriented to meet the needs of visitors to the resort and to a scale that ensures a subordinate status to the resort itself:

a.    Restaurants, lounges and clubs serving the resort.

b.    Commercial services and specialty shops to provide for the needs of resort guests.

c.    Kennels as a service for resort guests only.

d.    Craft and art studios and galleries catering to guests of the resort.

e.    Indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and uses including, but not limited to, accessory structures and facilities, such as clubhouses, practice facilities, and maintenance facilities), tennis courts, swimming pools, marinas, hiking and nature trails, bicycle paths, equestrian facilities, and other recreational uses deemed to be consistent with the on-site recreational nature of the resort.

f.    Community sewer, water, security and fire protection may be provided on-site and sized to meet only the needs of the development. Other utilities and services to the extent necessary to maintain and operate the resort.

g.    Temporary and/or permanent structures to serve as sales offices.

h.    Any other similar uses deemed by the responsible official to be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter, the county comprehensive plan policies and RCW 36.70A.362.

D.    Standards.

    The following standards apply to uses in the overlay district:

1.    New and modified uses shall ensure that at least fifty percent (50%) of the site is dedicated to permanent open space, excluding yards, streets and parking areas.

2.    Standards for development shall be subject to the design standards contained in Subtitle 40.3. In addition, changes to the existing resort shall be consistent with and scaled to service the needs of the resort. In addition, a site-specific proposal shall address other elements of the comprehensive plan policies including protection of critical areas and treatment of impacts to adjacent lands.