HomeMy WebLinkAbout89-01 - Ord. Imposing Moratorium on Issuance of Building Permits for Card Rooms ORDINANCE NUMBER 89 -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 ofchanges 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;
NAT EREAS , 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 . There is established a six month extension of Ordinance 20- 01 , which provides for a
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 by incorporation the previously approved findings of fact .
Section 3 . Pursuant to RCW 36 . 70A. 390, the Board will hold a public hearing on this moratorium
on Tuesday October 9 , 2001 , at 9.R :30 a. m .
ORDINANCE # 89 - 01 , Page Two
DATED this 20th day of August , 2001 .
Board of Commissioners
Mason County, Washington
ATTEST :
Herb Baze, Commissioner erk of the Board
e �h�2� Qn d4-1'' R AS TO FORM
Mary Jo Cady, ECommissioner7V
Prosecuting Attorney
o
Wesley I . John , Commissioner
c : Community Development