Chapter 8.40
SPECIAL USES AND EVENTS

Sections:

8.40.010    Purpose.

8.40.020    Types of special uses and special events.

8.40.030    General conditions.

8.40.040    Use of public right-of-way.

8.40.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the conditions under which certain special uses of buildings and public and private property may be permitted for a limited period of time when safe and compatible with the general vicinity and adjacent uses. Applications for special uses, special events, and temporary uses shall be subject to a Class 1 review unless referred to the planning and historic preservation commission by the clerk-treasurer for a Class 1A or Class 2 review. [Ord. 1060 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.220.010)), 2010.]

8.40.020 Types of special uses and special events.

A. Major Special Uses and Special Events. These uses and events are activities that are of limited time or duration, but have the potential to adversely affect the health and safety of the surrounding uses and the general community as determined by the city.

These types of uses or events may include Christmas tree lots, firework stands, produce stands, outdoor concerts, parades, farmers markets, fun runs, bicycle races, vehicle displays and craft shows.

B. Minor Special Uses and Special Events. These uses and events are activities that are of limited time or duration, and have minimal impact upon the surrounding uses and general community as determined by the city.

1. These types of uses or events may include seasonal or special events such as car washes, sidewalk sales, and/or fund raisers.

2. Yard sales are generally exempt from obtaining a special use permit. A special use permit must be obtained if a yard sale is more than three days in length in the same week or occurs more frequently than four times in the same calendar year.

C. Temporary Uses. These uses are not permanent, but may be permitted for an extended period of time, subject to conditions.

1. Temporary structures for the housing of equipment or containing supervisory offices in connection with major construction projects may be erected and maintained during the progress of such construction projects; provided, that such temporary structure may not be maintained for a period exceeding one year unless an extension is granted by the city.

a. Temporary placement of a travel trailer or mobile home to provide housing while constructing a permanent dwelling on the same lot or parcel of land; provided, that such temporary use may not be maintained for a period exceeding six months except that the planning official may extend this period for no more than six additional months.

b. Temporary occupancy of a travel trailer adjacent to any existing residence on the lot or parcel of the residence to provide housing for bona fide visitors and guests of occupants of the permanent residence. One temporary permit may be issued for a maximum period of three consecutive weeks, provided the city may approve one extension for up to three consecutive weeks, except that permits will not be required until 48 hours after initially entering the city limits. Temporary trailers shall be required to meet all setbacks, lot coverage and height requirements for the principal use in the applicable district.

2. The temporary use of storage containers during approved construction activities. [Ord. 1060 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.220.020)), 2010.]

8.40.030 General conditions.

The following conditions must be met in order to issue a special use or temporary use permit:

A. The proposed use or activity shall not be located in or adversely impact critical or environmentally sensitive areas;

B. Each site occupied by a special use/event must provide or have available sufficient parking and vehicular maneuvering area for customers and must provide safe and efficient interior circulation and ingress and egress to and from public rights-of-way;

C. The special use/event shall comply with all applicable standards of the Kittitas County health department;

D. All special uses/events shall obtain, prior to occupancy of the site, all applicable city permits, licenses and other approvals (i.e., business license, building permit, administrative approvals, etc.);

E. The applicant for the special use/event shall supply written authorization from the owner of property on which the special use/event is located;

F. Each site occupied by a special use/event shall be left free of debris, litter, or other evidence of the special use upon completion of removal of the use;

G. All materials, structures and products related to the special use/event must be removed from the premises between days of operation on the site; provided, that materials, structures and products related to the special use/event may be left on site overnight between consecutive days of operation. They shall be removed at the end of the permit period; and

H. The planning official may establish such additional conditions as may be deemed necessary to ensure land use compatibility and to minimize potential impacts on nearby uses. These include, but are not limited to, time and frequency of operation, special arrangements for parking and traffic circulation, requirement for screening or enclosure, notification of affected property owners, and guarantees for site restoration and cleanup following special uses. [Ord. 1060 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.220.030)), 2010.]

8.40.040 Use of public right-of-way.

The city may conditionally approve, through the issuance of a right-of-way use permit or a special use permit, the use of public right-of-way; provided, that:

A. Approved uses may be subject to periodic review and renewal;

B. Uses must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of approval at all times, and are subject to suspension or revocation for noncompliance; and

C. The city may reserve the right to terminate the approval without cause in the case of emergency, or in order to use the right-of-way, and/or to protect the public health and safety. [Ord. 1060 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.220.040)), 2010.]