HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-01 - Ord. Imposing Moratorium on Issuance of Building Permits or Other Development Permits ORDINANCE NUMBER 20- 01
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS OR OTHER DEVELOPMENT PERMITS FOR CARD ROOMS WITHIN THE
UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF MASON COUNTY TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD
OF SIX MONTHS
WHEREAS , beginning in 1996, a series of changes were made by the Washington State Legislature
and the Washington State Gambling Commission in the operation of licensed card room under RCW
9 . 46 by increasing the number of tables a card room may operate from five to fifteen, and in 1997
house banks or player-funded games were authorized through legislation;
WHEREAS , these enhanced card rooms are now know in the media as mini- casinos ;
WHEREAS , there have been a substantial increase in the number of applications for such gambling
activities authorized by state law :
WHEREAS , RCW 9 . 46 . 295 states that cities and counties may absolutely prohibit gambling activities
authorized by state law, while RCW 9 . 46 . 285 sets forth the state ' s exclusive authority to regulate
gambling establishments ;
WHEREAS , in light of the potential for enhanced card room permit applications for the
unincorporated areas of Mason County and the possibility of changes in the regulations of permits
for certain gambling activities by the State of Washington, the County should be afforded time to
review the issue of gambling uses, to assess impacts of such uses on the community, and to develop
appropriate related local regulations ,
NOW , THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MASON COUNTY DO
HEREBY ORDAIN as follows :
Section 1 . Effective immediately, there is established a six month moratorium on the establishment,
location or permitting of card rooms, gambling establishments, and game parlors with any social card
games within the unincorporated area of Mason County . During the term of this moratorium, unless
earlier terminated by ordinance, the County will not accept applications for building permits or other
relevant permits for the establishment or location of card rooms, gambling establishments, and game
parlors with any social card games within the unincorporated area of Mason County .
Section 2 . The Board adopts the proposed findings of fact as Attachment A in support of this action
and authorizes the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board .
Section 3 . Pursuant to RCW 36 . 70A. 390 , the Board will hold a public hearing on this moratorium
on Tuesday April 17, 2001 , at 9 : 30 a. m .
ORDINANCE #20-01 , PAGE 1
DATED this 27th day of February, 2001 .
Board of Commissioners
Mason County, Washington
ATTEST :
L7
Herb Baze, Commissioner clerk of the Board
clt ISO S TO FORM
Mary Jo Cady, Commissioner
Prosecuting Attorney
Wesley E . ohnso , Commissioner
ORDINANCE #20-01 , PAGE 2