Chapter 17.20
ZONING DISTRICTS
Sections:
17.20.010 Purpose.
17.20.020 Establishment of zoning districts.
17.20.030 Official zoning map.
17.20.040 Zoning district boundaries.
17.20.050 Residential single-family 15 zone.
17.20.060 Residential single-family 10 zone.
17.20.070 Residential single-family 5 zone.
17.20.080 Residential multifamily zone.
17.20.090 Open space zone.
17.20.100 Town center commercial zone.
17.20.110 West Kelso commercial zone.
17.20.120 Neighborhood service center zone.
17.20.130 Specialty retail and services zone.
17.20.140 Major retail commercial zone.
17.20.150 Light industrial zone.
17.20.160 General industrial zone.
17.20.010 Purpose.
To implement the purposes of this title, the city shall be divided into land use districts that segregate conflicting land uses and coordinate policies for land uses outlined in the comprehensive plan of the city. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009; Ord. 3508 § 8, 2003; Ord. 3189 § 1, 1992; Ord. 3093, 1988; Ord. 3075 § 3.1, 1987. Formerly 17.12.010)
17.20.020 Establishment of zoning districts.
The city shall be divided into the following zoning districts:
A. RSF-15, residential single-family 15 zone allows fifteen-thousand-square-foot minimum lot area per dwelling unit at a maximum density of approximately three units per acre;
B. RSF-10, residential single-family 10 zone allows ten-thousand-square-foot minimum lot area per dwelling unit at a maximum density of approximately four units per acre;
C. RSF-5, residential single-family 5 zone allows five-thousand-square-foot minimum lot area per dwelling unit at a maximum density of approximately eight units per acre;
D. RMF, residential multifamily zone allows one-thousand-three-hundred-fifty-square-foot minimum lot area per dwelling unit at a maximum density of approximately thirty-two units per acre;
E. OPN, open space zone;
F. CTC, town center commercial zone;
G. CWK, west Kelso commercial zone;
H. CNH, neighborhood service center commercial zone;
I. CSR, specialty retail and services commercial zone;
J. CMR, major retail commercial zone;
K. ILM, light manufacturing industrial zone;
L. IGM, general manufacturing industrial zone;
M. PO, airport overlay zone;
N. DDO, downtown design guidelines overlay zone. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009; Ord. 3577 § 3, 2005; Ord. 3508 § 8, 2003; Ord. 3075 § 3.2, 1987. Formerly 17.12.020)
17.20.030 Official zoning map.
A. The city is divided into zoning districts, as shown on the official zoning map, which together with all explanatory matter thereon is adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this title. The official zoning map as adopted, and as may be hereafter amended, shall be consistent with and used to implement the comprehensive plan.
B. The official zoning map shall be maintained in electronic form, and depicted in various formats and scales as appropriate to the need. The administrative official shall be the custodian of the official zoning map.
C. When, in accordance with the provisions of this title, changes are made to zoning district boundaries, such changes shall be made on the official zoning map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the city council.
D. No changes shall be made to the official zoning map except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this title. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person or persons shall be considered a violation of Chapters 17.04 through 17.154 and punishable as provided under Section 17.166.020.
E. The official zoning map shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land in the city. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009; Ord. 3508 § 8, 2003; Ord. 3075 § 3.3, 1987. Formerly 17.12.030)
17.20.040 Zoning district boundaries.
Whenever uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of use zoning district established by the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply:
A. Zoning boundaries are parcel based but shall include the adjacent road rights-of-way approximately following the centerlines of said streets, highways and freeways if bordered by different zoning districts.
B. Zoning boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.
C. The portion of water bodies adjacent to the city between the uplands fronting thereon and over any tidelands or shorelands intervening between such upland boundary and any such waters to the middle of such adjacent water bodies shall be considered to be within the same zoning district as the adjacent land area as shown on the official zoning map unless otherwise designated.
D. Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections A and B of this section shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the county assessor’s map.
E. Where physical or other features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections A through D of this section, the community development department shall interpret the zoning district boundaries.
F. Developments within two hundred feet of the shoreline shall be subject to additional requirements of the Kelso shoreline management master program.
G. When a street or alley is vacated, it shall acquire the classification of the property to which it reverts.
H. If a zone or portion thereof came into existence through proceedings in which it was accompanied by a legal description, such legal description shall govern its location; provided, that rule shall prevail notwithstanding that the ordinance by which the zone or portion thereof came into existence is repealed. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009; Ord. 3508 § 8, 2003; Ord. 3075 § 3.4, 1987. Formerly 17.12.040)
17.20.050 Residential single-family 15 zone.
The purpose of the residential single-family 15 (RSF-15) zone is to provide for vital single-family neighborhoods of low density where existing development patterns, steep slopes or other features warrant a low density development pattern. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.060 Residential single-family 10 zone.
The purpose of the residential single-family 10 (RSF-10) zone is to provide for vital single-family neighborhoods of moderate density for consistency with existing development patterns or where services and infrastructure are not available to support higher density. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.070 Residential single-family 5 zone.
The purpose of the residential single-family 5 (RSF-5) zone is to provide for vital single-family neighborhoods of higher density where compatible existing development patterns and critical area and where there are adequate services and infrastructure available to support higher density development. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.080 Residential multifamily zone.
The purpose of the residential multifamily (RMF) zone is to provide areas for the highest density of residential development and for the establishment of professional offices, when said offices are deemed to be compatible with the existing and future development within the district and adjacent districts. This district shall be located adjacent to or near community centers and other areas that can support the public utility and road systems necessary for the protection of the environment and allow the maximum amenity for a large number of residences. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.090 Open space zone.
The purpose of the open space (OPN) zone is to ensure that certain areas of the city, which are characterized by environmental sensitivity and intrinsic value, be preserved for the most part in their original undisturbed and/or natural state. Areas appropriate for the OPN zoning district are characterized by public and/or private land that is permanently protected from development. These areas may include, but are not limited to, forested areas; wetlands; wetland buffers; creek, stream or river corridors; open water bodies; ravines; bluffs; landslide hazards and/or other geological hazardous areas. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.100 Town center commercial zone.
The purpose of the town center commercial (CTC) zone is to provide a strong residential component to encourage a lively community during both the day and night. The district includes a diversity in types of housing, shopping, civic facilities, recreation and employment. A variety of land uses are allowed which promote a pedestrian atmosphere and enhance the viability of the area while allowing development in a manner that is harmonious with the scale of the town center. Within this district, residential uses are encouraged, but exclusive office and/or retail uses are permitted. Land uses that require outdoor storage or which have an auto orientation, such as drive-through establishments, are restricted. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.110 West Kelso commercial zone.
The west Kelso commercial (CWK) zone is intended to provide commercial uses that complement downtown Kelso and benefit from automobile access near the state routes, while creating a pedestrian-friendly retail area. A variety of commercial uses are allowed that offer goods and services for the convenience of city residents and that may have an auto orientation. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.120 Neighborhood service center zone.
The purpose of the neighborhood service center (CNH) zone is to provide a mix of neighborhood-scale commercial and service activity which is compatible with the scale, character, and intensity of the surrounding residential neighborhood and which minimizes the impact of noise, odor, lighting, fire safety, and transportation on the neighborhood and the impact on water quality, stormwater runoff, and critical areas. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.130 Specialty retail and services zone.
The purpose of the specialty retail and services (CSR) zone is to provide a wide range of services and commercial activities that are intended to serve community needs and which minimize the impact of noise, odor, lighting, fire safety, transportation and the impact on water quality, stormwater runoff, and critical areas. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.140 Major retail commercial zone.
The purpose of the major retail commercial (CMR) zone is to provide for large areas to accommodate larger commercial retail stores and shopping centers that are intended to serve the commercial and retail needs of the city and surrounding region. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.150 Light industrial zone.
The purpose of the light industrial (ILM) zone is to provide opportunities for industrial activities involving manufacturing, processing, assembling, repairing, servicing or storage of goods or products not involving the use of materials, processes or machinery that are likely to cause adverse impacts to the natural environment or undesirable effects upon nearby residential, public or commercial property, including vibration, light, noise, and odor. It is a further purpose of this district to encourage proper site planning and design of developments in order to minimize traffic congestion, visual impacts and other impacts and use conflicts within and beyond the district’s boundaries as enabled through development and performance standards. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)
17.20.160 General industrial zone.
The purpose of the general industrial (IGM) zone is to provide opportunities for industrial activities involving manufacturing, processing, assembling, repairing, servicing or storage of goods or products not involving the use of materials, processes or machinery that have a higher potential to cause adverse impacts to the natural environment or undesirable effects upon nearby residential, public or commercial property, including vibration, light, noise, and odor. It is a further purpose of this district is to encourage proper site planning and design of developments in order to minimize traffic congestion, visual impacts and other impacts and use conflicts within and beyond the district’s boundaries as enabled through development and performance standards. (Ord. 3699 § 1 (Att. B), 2009)