HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17 - Ord. Amending Chapter 17.70 Master Development PlansORDINANCE NUMBER Q9 -/7
TITLE 17 -ZONING
AMENDM ENTS TO CHAPTER 17.70 , MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLANS, SECTION
17.70.011 ELIGIBILITY, SECTION 17.70.012 LIMITATIONS , AND SECTION 17.70.015
SUBMITTAL AND REVI EW REQUIREME NT S, AND CHAPTER 17.06, SECTION
17.06 .010 DEFINI T IONS
ORDINANCE amending Title 17, Zoning, Chapter 17.70, Master Development Plans,
Section 17.70.011, Eligibility, Section 17.70.012 Limitations, and Section 17.70.015
Submittal and Review Requirements, and Chapter 17.06, Section 17.06.010 Definitions.
\1\!HEREAS, amendments to Title 17 of the Mason County Code fall under the authority of
Chapter 36.70 and 36.70A RCW; and
\1\!HEREAS, Mason County adopted Master Development Plan regulations in 2006 to help
foster economic development, concentrate residential growth in urban areas, and
discourage suburban sprawl in rural a reas of Mason County; and
V/HEREAS, these regulations were intended to result in public benefits by promoting
projects that incorporate innovative, quality design, provide additional or enhanced
development standards for open space preservation, and require project development to
integrate include low impact development standards; and
\1\!HEREAS, since its adoption, the County has processed no applications under these
regulations; and
\1\!HEREAS, a recent inquiry in establishing a future Master .Development Plan in Mason
County has invoked new interest and with that proposed changes for a more feasible and
streamlined application process; and
WHEREAS, this Ord inance amends Chapter 17-70, Sections 17.70.011, .012 and .015 to
remove and amend conflicting and confusing language from the Master Development Plan
process; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance amends Chapter 17.06, Section 17.06.010 to provide a definition
for "cottage housing 11 as it is described in Chapter 17.70; and
\1\!HEREAS, the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission conducted a public hearing
on November 21, 2016 and recommended adoption of amendments by the Board of
County Commissioners; and
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NOW THER EFOR E, BE IT HEREBY O RD AINED that the Board of Commissioners of
Mason County hereby amends the Mason County Code Title 17, Zoning, Chapter 17 .70,
Master Development Plans, Section 17.70.011, Eligibility, Section 17.70.012 Limitations,
and Section 17.70.015 Submittal and Review Requirements and Chapter 17.06, Section
17.06.010 Definitions. (See Attachment A)
-1+'-'--L,.,/1 .t 11..,..v0
DATED this _J_ day of JY!Qr{',,v\/)_0)16.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Kevin Shutty,air
P P OVED A'§ ::J:Q.f ORM: !a ~ ommissioner
Tim Whitehead, Chief DPA
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ATTACHMENT A
TITLE 17 -ZONING
CHAPTER 17.70 -MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLANS
SECTION 17.70.011 -ELIGIBILITY, SECTION 17.70.012 -LIMITATIONS, AND
SECTION 17.70.015 -SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 17.70 -MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Sections:
17.70.011 -Eligibility.
The MOP process may be initiated when the following criteria are met:
(1) Applicant. The master development plan application must include notarized
signatures of all current property owners listed on the title report consenting in
writing to the proposed master development plan and review process. If the
property owner is a corporation, trust, or other holding legal interests in the land
the authorized representative must attach proof of signing authority on behalf of
the corporation, trust, etc.
(2) Minimum Size.
(A) To be eligible for consideration as an MOP in an urban growth area, the area
shall contain a minimum of forty (40) acres.
(B) To be eligible for consideration as an MOP in an area not within an urban
growth area, the area shall contain a minimum of two hundred fifty (250)
acres.
(3) Contiguous Parcels. To be eligible for consideration as an MDP, the tract shall
consist of a parcel or set of contiguous parcels under single ownership or control of
one person or entity with the authority to develop the land within the proposed
MOP. Contiguous parcels include parcels that are separated by right-of-way, such
as roads.
(4) Zoning Classification. Land proposed for an MOP may not be located in
designated resource lands.
(5) Fully Contained Community (FCC). Any proposed FCC shall include an application
for an MDP.
17.70.012 -Limitations.
The regulations of the underlying land use district remain in place and other provisions
of the county's code and development regulations shall apply unless specifically modified
as allowed for in this chapter.
(1) Codes and Regulations that May Be Modified.
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(A) In approving an MDP, the county may modify any of the development
standards associated with lot size, width, depth, yard setbacks, landscaping,
building height, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits for non-residential
development, road standards, and parking, except as listed in subsection (2)
of this section. All modifications shall be considered simultaneously as part of
the master development plan review.
(B) In approving an MDP in rural areas, the county may modify use standards to
authorize attached residential housing and also commercial uses, including
restaurants, retail sale of goods, and services, that are appropriate in scale to
serve the MPD and the zoned density of residential communities in the
immediate area or that share a common natural feature with the MPD, such
as a lake. The MDP may designate an area not to exceed one acre for
temporary commercial uses, including, but not limited to food trucks or
seasonal outdoor markets.
(C) The applicant may request additional modifications from the requirements of
MCC Title 17, Zoning, except those listed in subsection (2) of this section.
Approval for modifications other than those specifically described in
subsection (1)(A) of this section shall be approved as allowed for in the code,
prior to or concurrently with the submittal of the MDP application.
(2) Codes and Regulations that May Not Be Modified.
(A) Permitted Uses. Except as authorized in subsection 17.70.012(1)(8), an MDP
may not authorize uses that are inconsistent with those allowed by the
underlying zoning district(s), or other location restriction in the Mason County
development regulations.
(B) Development Density. The maximum density of a project is the sum of the
maximum densities of the underlying parcels at the time of the MDP
application, as determined pursuant to the provisions of Section
17,70.015(b)(2)(C), Bonus Density. For parcels within the Mixed Use (MU)
zoning district of the Belfair urban growth area and the Village Commercial
(VC) zoning district of the Allyn urban growth area, the MDP shall include a
residential density ranging from three to fifteen units per acre for these
portions of the proposed development.
(C) Master Development Plan Regulations. The applicant may not request
modifications of the provisions of this chapter.
(D) Environmental Regulations. The applicant may not request to modify any
provisions of the critical area regulations and/or shoreline master program
(SMP) regulations, except such modifications as may be allowed by the
application of criteria for exemptions, conditional use or variance applications
contained in the critical area and/or SMP regulations. The applicant may
request that the application for the MDP and applications for critical area or
SMP exemptions, conditional use, or variance be reviewed consistent with
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RCW 36.708 and MCC Section 15.05.01o(A), which allows for the integrated
review of development permits and the environmental review process to
avoid duplication of the review processes.
(E) Health Department Regulations. All development within an MDP shall be
required to comply with Mason County health department regulations .
(3) County Responsibility.
(A) The county is not obligated to provide public improvements affecting the
implementation of the MDP if public funds are not available.
(B) The county is not required to approve development of any phase described in
the MDP if such approval violates applicable federal or state laws or
administrative rules.
(C) Approval of the MDP shall ensure the applicant the right to proceed with
development in substantial conformity with the MDP, subject to changes as
may be approved pursuant to Section 17.70.022. Changes to ordinances,
policies, and standards adopted after the date of recording the approved MDP
shall not apply to the development, unless preempted by state or federal
laws, or if determined necessary by the county for protection of public health
and safety. The county reserves the right to address a serious threat to public
health or safety.
17.70.015 -Submittal and review requirements.
(a) Initial Submittal Requirements. An MDP shall be prepared in a clear and legible
manner necessary to demonstrate that the requirements of this code are being fulfilled
and shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) Plans and Maps. All maps or plans submitted shall be presented on a sheet having
a maximum size of twenty-four by thirty-six inches. All maps shall include the
name of the proposal; north arrow; scale; date map was prepared and revisions
when applicable; a vicinity map; and the name, address, and phone number of the
applicant. If plans are presented on more than one sheet, match lines shall clearly
indicate where the several sheets join. One eleven by seventeen-inch reduction of
all plans and supporting graphics shall also be submitted. A plan or portion thereof
involving engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, or land surveying shall
be respectively certified by an engineer, architect, landscape architect, or land
surveyor li·censed by the state of Washington to practice as such. The sheet size
and scale of any plan may be modified by the director, based on the nature and/or
size of the application. In addition, the submission requirements for any
modifications to an approved MDP shall be those requirements deemed necessary
for a review of such modification, as determined by the director.
(2) Title report (issued no more than thirty days prior to formal application) for all land
located within the boundaries of the proposed MDP. The title report shall show all
persons having an ownership interest in the property included in the MDP and a
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legal description that describes the exterior boundary of the MOP and lists all
encumbrances affecting land within the MOP.
(3) A statement that confirms the ownership or control of the land within the
boundaries of the proposed MOP and the nature of the applicant's interest in the
same and the owners. If the development area has multiple owners, then all
owners of record shall have consented in writing to the MOP review process.
(4) Projected population and analysis of anticipated impact of the development upon
existing utilities and community facilities and services including but not limited to
water, electricity, sewer and solid waste disposal, schools, parks, open space,
trails, and police and fire protection. The analysis shall include how and when
these impacts are being addressed by the MOP.
(5) Report assessing adequacy of water supply to serve the proposed development.
(6) A traffic impact report, including projected trip generation for the entire
development and by phase. If needed a traffic impact mitigation plan for the
entire development and by phase.
(7) Vicinity map showing boundaries of the proposed MOP, existing zoning, and
comprehensive plan land use designation for the development area and
surrounding properties.
(8) A title-verified survey of record depkting the legal boundaries of the subject
property. All easements and other encumbrances listed in the title report shall be
shown and labeled with the applicable recording number referenced in the title
report.
(9) Existing conditions and topography map (with a maximum contour interval of five
feet) and narrative depicting present uses of the land, existing structures, roads,
watercourses, significant vegetation, critical areas, wells, and other relevant
natural and man-made features. On sites containing or abutting lakes or
shorelines, the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) shall be shown.
(10) MOP based on a recorded survey, showing the proposed location and type of all
land uses (this may include the layout of lots, tracts, rights-of-way, and
easements), approximate acreage and approximate number of units or square
footage of uses, adjacent property uses, and other relevant features. All
easements and other encumbrances listed in the title report shall be shown and
labeled with the applicable recording number referenced in the title report. Any
easement proposed to be extinguished shall be clearly identified on the MOP.
(11) Separate but related public facilities plans showing: 1) existing and proposed
streets, bicyclist and pedestrian ways, and transit locations. 2) utilities, sewer,
natural and piped storm drainage systems, water service. Designation of
responsibility for providing infrastructure and services shall be shown on the face
of the plans. Conceptual plans shall address accessibility, circulation, and
transportation impacts and needs. All related maps shall be of the same scale.
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(12) Conceptual grading and erosion control plans and provisions for restoration.
(13) Preliminary design level maps and narrative showing off-site public improvements
necessary to serve the proposed development and/or to mitigate impacts to
adjacent property or public facilities. Where off-site or other infrastructure
improvements are required, the applicant shall specify the timing and method of
securing the improvements, including bond, letter of credit, or other security
satisfactory for construction of said improvement.
(14) A conceptual common open space management plan . For MDPs outside of UGAs,
the common open space management plan shall identify recreation areas and
conservation areas, including areas open to general public and/or limited to MDP
residents.
(15) A conceptual tree and vegetation retention and replanting plan.
(16) A conceptual plan for water systems, sanitary sewer, stormwater management,
flow control, and water quality treatment.
(17) A conceptual mitigation plan (such as wetland compensation).
(18) The director may require additional information necessary to evaluate the
proposed development including but not limited to geology, soils, stormwater,
and sewer.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
MDP Handbook. The MDP shall be accompanied by a written report/handbook to be
approved as part of the MDP addressing design guidelines and development standards
demonstrating integration of low-impact development techniques, trails, open space,
critical area protection, common areas, architectural design, building height, setbacks, lot
coverage, construction materials, landscaping, screening, and buffering. The Handbook
may incorporate information listed above, but at a minimum shall include the following
information, unless waived in advance through the preapplication process. The Handbook
should be organized in the sequence listed below unless a different organization and/or
format is agreed to by the County during the preapplication process:
(19) Timeline and Phasing of Development. An overall schedule and description of
phasing, and the development to occur in each phase. If phasing alternatives are
contemplated, these alternatives shall be described . This information should be
keyed to a concept map for easy reference.
(20) Planned Uses and Functions Within the Boundaries of the MDP. Including the
density or intensity of proposed uses and the maximum height and size of the
proposed structures. This information shall be keyed to a supporting concept map
for easy reference. A chart providing the following information shall include the
following:
(A) Maximum number of dwelling units by type (e.g., single-family attached,
single-family detached, cottage housing, duplex, townhouse);
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(B) Maximum total square feet of building floor area proposed for commercial or
industrial uses by general type of use;
(C) Maximum total land area, expressed in acres or square feet and as a percent
of the total development area, proposed to be devoted to residential,
commercial, or industrial uses; minimum public and private open space;
streets; and, off-street parking and loading areas. Land area and square feet
may be expressed as a range (minimum and maximum ranges);
(D) Maximum total land area expressed in acres and as a percent of the total
development area (and by phase), proposed to be in pervious and impervious
surface.
(21) Development standards that will be implemented in all phases of the MDP (e.g.,
architectural design; building height, location, [setbacks, yards and/or maximum
lot coverage and orientation]; construction materials; common area development
and maintenance; landscape programs including streetscapes and entry
statements; and the incorporat ion of native plants in all landscaping, screening,
and buffering). These standards should include the following:
(A) Site planning standards (e.g., street image, setbacks, lot coverage, lot width,
building orientation and placement, and parking location);
(B) Architectural standards for compatibility and context. These standards should
allow new buildings within the MDP to achieve a measure of variety and
individuality but at the same time include provisions on how new construction
will be in-scale and in harmony with the existing and planned development
and landscaping. Standards should address building height, volume and
massing and roof shape. Standards should provide guidance on design
elements (such as architectural detailing, building and roof material, eaves,
fenestration (size, proportion and location of windows on a wall), building
modulation, signage, lighting) that are of human scale to create variety,
interest and texture on new buildings;
(C) Provisions for low impact development techniques throughout the MDP;
(D) Landscaping standards including streetscapes, entrances, perimeter, parking
lots, open space, recreation areas, and methods of screening and buffering,
where incompatible land use configurations necessitates protection for the
proposed development or surrounding development;
(E) Provisions for the creation, use, and maintenance of open space, recreation
areas, and preservation of seen ic features of the land;
(F) Specifications on how amenities are to be provided (such as pedestrian and
bicycle ways, trails, common and private open space, recreational facilities,
street lighting, and landscaping), including how low-impact development
techniques will be incorporated into these amenities, where these amenities
shall be located, and the timing of their placement and development;
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(G) Pedestrian and nonmotorized circulation standards;
(H) Circulation and parking standards;
(I) Signage program, in conformance with underlying regulations;
(J) Miscellaneous. Including but not limited to provisions for the location and
screening of trash and recycling enclosures, mailbox location(s), RV and boat
storage, mechanical/electrical and storage areas, walls, recreation facilities,
and other similar amenities.
(22)Provide a conceptual plan that explains how roads, waste disposal, water supply,
storm drainage, runoff control, fire protection, and utilities will be provided and
the low impact development standards that will be implemented in their
development, provide approximate timing and location . If applicable, indicate the
closest sewer and community waterlines and their capacity to serve this
development.
(23) Circulation and Access Diagrams.
(A) Access and connectivity to adjacent public lands and trails.
(B) Provisions for pedestrian, bicycle and if applicable equestrian circulation
throughout the development and connectivity with surrounding properties.
(24)Provide a preliminary soil/ geotechnical reportprepared by a professional licensed
with Washington State to perform this type of analysis as necessary, including
conclusions and recommendation regarding grading, foundation design, and
seismic and other geological hazards on the property.
(25) Conceptual grading and erosion control plan, including a stormwater report
consistent with the county's adopted stormwater management ordinance.
(26) Provisions for Water Supply. Provide a conceptual plan on how new development
will be served by an adequate public or private water supply system. Indicate the
timing of installation of required water system improvements.
(27) Conceptual sewer report.
(28) Fire prevention measures and emergency vehicle access.
(29) Optional Elements.
(A) Concept landscaping plan.
(B) Concept lighting plan.
(C) Project signage plan.
(D) Plans showing building orientation, massing, and footprints.
(E) Features unique to commercial and industrial sites if applicable, such as
security measures, loading, and material storage.
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(b) Review Criteria. MDPs must demonstrate compliance with the applicable goals and
policies of the comprehensive plan and detail the source and adequacy of water,
wastewater treatment, stormwater treatment, surface and groundwater protection,
critical area protection, fire control, transportation, and mitigation on adjacent
properties to compensate for direct impacts from noise, fugitive dust, odor, and
runoff. Compliance with these review criteria shall entitle the applicant to a residential
density bonus not to exceed the maximum residential density bonus allowed within
the underlying zoning district. An applicant satisfies the conceptual plan requirements
of this chapter if the plan demonstrates that the proposed concept is feasible. In most
circumstances, detailed engineering studies are not required to demonstrate
feasibility. The burden of proof is on the applicant to demonstrate the proposed MDP
is consistent with the following criteria.
(1) Land Suitability .
(A) No land shall be developed that is held to be unsuitable for any proposed use
or if identified as development not permitted in a critical area pursuant to
MCC Chapter 8.52 (Mason County Resource Management). Areas identified
as being critical areas include but are not limited to wetlands, aquifer recharge
areas, frequently flooded areas, landslide hazard areas, seismic hazard areas,
erosion hazard areas, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
(B) Critical areas should be located in a tract or other permanent designation that
indicates the land is not available for development. In any MDP not located
within an urban growth area, critical areas and any required buffer or
vegetation area may be included as common open space in an MDP pursuant
to subsection (b)(s)(B)(ii) of this section.
(2) Uses and Density.
(A) An MDP may only contain uses that are permitted in the zone(s) in which it is
located.
(B) When an MDP is located in more than one zoning district, uses and density
may shift between zoning districts within the boundaries of the MDP if that
transfer does not:
(i) Exceed the maximum density of the zone; and
(ii) Transfer density from inside the urban area to outside the urban area.
(C) Bonus Density. The county board of commissioners may approve a bonus in
the number of dwelling units allowed up to the maximum residential density
allowed in the Mason County Code, based on the gross land area of the
property, if:
(i) For Rural Areas. The applicant may request a bonus in the number of
dwelling units permitted by the underlying land use district, up to the
density permitted by a performance subdivision in rural areas (see Mason
County Code Section 17.03.032(a),Chapter 16.21,). Notwithstanding any
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other provision of Titles 16 and 17, the applicant may obtain such bonus
density by means of approval of the MDP, and may subdivide consistently
with such MDP by means of a standard subdivision, without approval of a
performance subdivision.
(ii) For Urban Areas. The applicant may request a density bonus of up to one
unit/gross acre for each five percent increase in the total minimum
required open space.
(iii) Bonus Decision Criteria. The county board of comm1ss1oners may
approve a bonus in the number of dwelling units allowed up to the
maximum residential density allowed in Mason County Code, based on
the gross land area of the property, if:
a. The design of the development offsets the impact of the increase in
density due to provision of privacy, open space, landscaping, and
other amenities; or
b. The increase in density is compatible with existing uses in the
immediate vicinity of the subject property .
c. If no density is transferred from within the urban area to outside the
urban area.
(3) Public Benefit. The master development plan must demonstrate that the
proposed development will provide specifically identified benefits that clearly
outweigh any adverse impacts or undesirable effects of the proposed MDP. These
public benefits include but are not limited to:
(A) Low Impact Development. Development within the MDP shall utilize low-
impact development (LID) techniques that protect water quality, reduce
stormwater runoff, reduce impervious surfaces, and preserve open space.
(B) Critical Area and Shoreline Protection. The MDP protects critical areas and/or
shoreline areas that would not be protected otherwise to the same degree as
without the master development plan.
(C) Natural Features. For projects outside an urban growth area, the MDP
preserves and enhances natural features of the subject property such as
clusters of, Madrona trees, rock outcroppings and non-critical area wildlife
habitat not required under other county regulations.
(D) Housing. Clustering of residential structures and use of other innovative
housing styles (e.g., zero lot line development, cottage housing, townhouses)
is encouraged in order to preserve existing site amenities such as lakes, native
vegetation, trees, critical areas, and scenic vistas.
(4) Site/Building Design. Development shall demonstrate high quality architectural
design and thoughtful placement of structures in relation to the natural and built
environment.
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(A) Siting of all development shall avoid the following:
(i) Interruption of scenic views and vistas from public rights-of-way, parks,
and other publicly owned lands;
(ii) Construction on hill tops or ridgelines without consideration of building
massing, visibility and the inclusion of public spaces;
(iii) Direct access from individual parcels onto existing public ways;
(iv) A predominant "linear" configuration of common open space (except
when following a linear site feature such as a watercourse or shoreline);
(v) Creation of a "gated" community.
(B) Development standards within the MDP shall address the following:
(i) When designing a new nonresidential building, consider other buildings in
the ar ea to determine whether there are opportunities to ensure
harmony in the texture, lines and masses of the buildings.
(ii) Building setbacks along streets should consider the setbacks of
neighboring structures to allow for continuity among buildings and
ensure visibility from the street.
(iii) The size, scale, mass, character, and architectural design along the
perimeter of the MDP shall incorporate a suitable transition to adjacent
or abutting lower density/intensity zones. New development should
consider the predominant character of the surrounding area and reinforce
the positive architectural attributes, siting patterns of buildings, massing
arrangements, and streetscape of the surrounding development.
(iv) The orientation of nonresidential individual building sites shall maintain
maximum natural topography and cover. Buildings should be oriented to
enhance and protect views from within the site by considering
topography, building location, mass, and style.
(v) Incorporation of appropriately sized landscape buffers that provide
transition and screening between adjoining properties and uses of
different intensity.
(vi) Materials used shall reduce the potential for light and glare.
(vii) Coordinate site and building design throughout the MDP . Building within
phases should be related by coordinated materials and roof styles, but
contrast should be allowed through the incorporation of varied materials,
architectural detailing, building orientation or housing type (e.g., cottage
housing, accessory dwelling units, single-family detached and attached,
townhouses).
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(viii)lncorporate well-designed open space and landscaping when clustering
houses or separating building groupings to provide an appearance of
openness and a reduction of impervious surfaces.
(ix) Incorporate provision for internal privacy between dwelling units and
external privacy for adjacent dwelling units. Each residential or mixed-use
development should provide visual and acoustical privacy for dwelling
units and surrounding properties. Fences, insulation, walkways,
landscaping, and berms may be used as appropriate for the protection
and aesthetic enhancement of the property; ensuring the privacy of the
occupants and surrounding properties; and screening of storage,
mechanical, garbage, recycling, and other appropriate ar eas; and for
noise reduction..: Consider placement of windows at a height or location or
placement of appropriate screening to provide sufficient privacy, light,
and air for each unit.
(x) The visual impact of garages should be reduced by the use of additional
setbacks from the street, when garage doors must face the street or by
the use of side facing or rear facing garages (accessed off an alley), when
possible.
(xi) Any mixed-use development shall be located in consideration of the
natural environment as well as the use, scale and architecture of the
surrounding built environment. Uses shall be consistent with those
permitted in the underlying zone and the location clearly identified in the
MDP . Pedestrian and nonmotorized access shall be incorporated into the
design of the mixed-use development.
(xii) All new electrical distribution and communication lines necessary to
furnish permanent service to new commercial and industrial buildings,
multiple-occupancy buildings and new residential buildings are required
to be underground in the area that will be developed, but not in other
areas of the MDP. Undergrounding of all existing overhead electrical
distribution and communication lines is required where there is a change
in use or intensification of an existing use proposed as part of the MDP.
(5) Common Open Space. A common open space designated on the master
development plan is area permanently restricted from future residential
development. Common open space is land that meets the following standards:
(A) Urban Growth Areas. Minimum common open space for master development
plans located within an urban growth area.
(i) Common open space shall be predominately located in large contiguous,
undivided areas, with no dimensions less than thirty feet.
(ii) Critical areas may be located within the common open space, provided
no more than twenty percent of the common open space areas are
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designated critical areas, and the critical areas and their buffers account
for no more than forty percent of the common open space. Signage
and/or fencing may be required to protect and/or delineate the critical
area.
(iii) The minimum common open space shall be concentrated in large usable
areas.
(iv) Single-Family Residential. Residential developments shall provide a
minimum area of common space or recreation area equal to two hundred
square feet per unit.
(v) Attached Residential Units. Attached housing developments shall provide
a minimum area of common space or recreation area equal to one
hundred square feet per unit.
(vi) Common open space shall be accessible by all residents and employees of
the MOP for passive recreation and enjoyment.
(B) Outside of an Urban Growth Area. Minimum common open space for master
development plans not located within an urban growth area. Common open
space includes recreation areas and conservation areas.
(i) A minimum of sixty-five percent of the gross land area within the
boundaries of the proposed MOP shall be designated as common open
space.
(ii) Up to sixty-five percent of this designated common open space may
consist of critical areas and their required buffers.
(iii) Common open space shall be located in large contiguous, undivided
areas, with no dimensions less than fifty feet.
(iv) Standards for recreation areas. Recreation areas allow for active and
passive recreation. Non-residential development is allowed in
recreation areas, such as tennis courts, swimming pools, lodges, and
concession stands. Designated recreation areas shall be accessible by all
residents, guests, and employees of the MOP for recreation and
enjoyment.
(v) Standards for conservation areas. Conservation areas allow for
protection of critical areas and the conservation of other natural
elements of importance to the community, including open space
maintained for its aesthetic qualities. Low-impact recreation such as
hiking and biking are permitted within conservation areas. Other uses
permitted within conservation areas include forestry and agriculture,
provided that these uses do not occur within any required critical area
buffer or area maintained for its aesthetic qualities.
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(vi) The MDP 1 s common open space plan shall identify the recreation areas
and conservation areas. The plan shall also delineate areas that are open
to the general public and areas that are accessible only to residents,
guests, and employees of the MPD.
(C) Standards for Common Open Space in Both Urban and Rural Areas.
(i) No more than fifteen percent of the required common open space may
be covered with impervious surfaces such as paved trails, community
structures, and amenities (including swimming pools, sport courts, and
accessory structures).
(ii) Common open space must preserve important site features, including
unique geological features and wildlife habitat.
(iii) Common open space must minimize the fragmentation of open space. To
the greatest extent possible, the designated common open space shall be
located in large, undivided areas.
(iv) The following recreational and community utility uses may be allowed in
common open space areas, unless prohibited by critical area or shoreline
regulations:
a. Beaches, docks, swimming areas, picnic areas, trails/pedestrian
walkways, equestrian trails, playgrounds, and any nonmotorized
passive recreational facilities.
b. Community wells, well houses, water lines, community drainfields,
retention and detention ponds, water recharge and infiltration
facilities, water system appurtenances, and biofiltration swales.
(v) Common open space areas should be interconnected and access provided
as appropriate.
(vi) An open space management plan that addresses vegetation removal,
planting, enhancement and maintenance shall be approved with the
MDP.
(vii) Permanent vegetation removal within common open space shall not be
permitted, except as follows
a. Construction and maintenance of trails, playfields, community
structures, sport courts, or other amenities as provided for in this
chapter
b. Removal of diseased or hazardous vegetation, such as invasive plant
species, consistent with best management practices and a plan
prepared by a landscape architect.
c. Selective thinning and enhancement of native vegetation.
<Page 15 of 42
d. Forestry or agriculture uses within conservation areas.
(viii)Any proposed common open space, unless conveyed to a land trust, shall
be subject to a recorded conservation easement1 providing that such land
shall be perpetually preserved exclusively for the purposes set forth
herein, and that it shall be maintained in a manner which will ensure its
suitability for it intended purposes.
(6) Private Open Space for Master Development Plans within Urban Growth Areas.
Each residential unit in the MOP shall have usable private open space (in addition
to parking, storage space, lobbies, and corridors) for the exclusive use of the
occupants of that unit. Each ground floor unit, whether attached or detached,
shall have private open space, which is contiguous to the unit and shall be an area
of at least twenty percent of the gross square footage of the dwelling units. The
private open space shall be well demarcated and at least ten feet in every
dimension. Decks on upper floors can substitute for some of this required private
open space. For dwelling units that are exclusively upper story units, there shall be
deck areas totaling at least sixty square feet in size with no dimension less than
five feet. This provision is inapplicable to attached residential units.
(7) Amenities. Development shall address the incorporation of the following
amenities as appropriate for the site and proposed uses:
(A) Bike/Pedestrian Trail(s). Trails shall be developed in the MOP that will be
linked to existing or proposed trails or otherwise provide linkage between
local streets and destinations within and outside of the MOP such as parks,
schools, open space, other streets, and commercial areas. When feasible
developers are encouraged to connect to off-site trail facilities.
(B) Community facilities such as all season meeting facilities, parks, play lots,
swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, or other type of sports
fields.
(C) In MDPs proposing one hundred residential units or more, consideration
should be given to provide storage lots/yards for boats, trailers, recreational
vehicles, commercial vehicles, commercial truck and/or commercial trailer.
Solutions (such as common storage buildings, yards lots and covenants) shall
ensure that these are not parked and/or stored in streets, driveways, or
residential front yards within the MOP. Storage yards/lots for boats, trailers
and RVs must be screened from view.
(D) Educational features such as signage in association with natural features
located within common open space.
1 Conservation easement. A grant of property right or interest from the property owner to a unit of government or
nonprofit conservation organization stipulating that the described land shall remain in its natu ral, scenic, open, or
wooded state, precluding future or additional development .
<Page 16 of 42
(E) Other. Trash and recycling receptacles, bike racks, transit stops, bus pullouts,
bus shelters, or kiosks.
(8) Standards for Common Open Space in MPDs Outside of UGAs.
(A) Landscaping shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by
minimizing tree and soil removal. This provision does not preclude forestry or
agricultural uses within conservation areas.
(B) Any grade change shall be in keeping with the general appearance of the
surrounding area. Areas that are cleared and graded should be restored in a
manner appropriate based on the surrounding landscape.
(C) Treat natural topography, natural drainage ways as fixed determinants of
roadway and lot configuration rather than as elements that can be changed to
follow a preferred development scheme.
(D) Streets and building pads shall be designed and located to maintain and
preserve natural topography and cluste rs of trees, avoid critical areas,
minimize cut and fill, and protect and enhance views within or outside of the
MDP.
(9) Circulation Design. An MDP provides an opportunity to develop a circulation
system that has consistent roadway design and layout and less impact on the
natural environment. Access within and through the MPD shall be designed to
complement existing roadways, while providing numerous transportation choices
and routes. Narrow travel lanes, traffic calming devices, and alternative
pavements for street parking may be utilized to reduce impervious area. The MDP
shall have sufficient nonmotorized and motorized access commensurate with the
location, size, density and uses within the proposed development. The circulation
system within the MDP shall be developed based on these criteria:
(A) Provide a connected street pattern that affords multiple access points to
neighborhoods;
(B) Provide an interconnected network of streets, pathways, and trails to disperse
vehicular trips and to make non motorized modes of travel (such as walking
and biking) practical, safe, and attractive for short trips;
(C) Accommodate the traffic demand created by the development on all streets
as documented in a traffic and circulation report approved by the county
engineer;
(D) Provide efficient fire and safety vehicle access;
(E) Provide a street system that minimizes site disturbance, avoids critical areas,
and reduces fragmentation of landscape;
(F) Incorporate street and parking designs that minimize impervious surfaces to
reduce stormwater flows.
Page 17 of 42
(10) Road Layout. There are a variety of street system layouts that may be employed
to reduce impacts on the natural environment and provide connectivity to the
county's road system. Alternative systems should be presented with an emphasis
on a modified grid system. This modified system is characterized by
interconnected roadways, large open spaces, and very few cul-de-sacs. A modified
grid pattern provides curving and looping roadways to reduce vehicle speeds, add
character and accommodate topography, natural features or existing
development. All MDP's shall incorporate multiple points of access to the county
road system.
(11) Design. The following criteria shall be used in designing the street system:
(A) Provide a minimum of two access points to the county road system and
additional access points as required to reduce traffic congestioni
(B) Discourage external traffic from short cutting through the developmenti
(C) Provide convenient internal circulation to avoid reliance on the arterial
systemi
(D) Ensure multiple pedestrian and bicycle routes are included utilizing road
rights-of-way, easements, open space, and/or utility corridorsi
(E) Provide for future roadways identified in the county's comprehensive plan;
(F) Provide connection to adjacent parcels when directed by the county engineeri
(G) Provide turnouts or intersections at a minimum of every eight hundred feet
along a roadway when feasible to improve internal circulationi
(H) Follow the existing topographic contours to minimize cuts and fillsi
(I) Avoid critical areasi
(J) Minimize or avoid stream crossingsi
(I<) Locate open space areas or bioretention areas down gradient of roads,
walkways or other impervious surfacesi
(L) Minimizes the length of the overall roadway network.
(12) Road Sections. Applicable existing road standards for the Allyn, Belfair and
Shelton urban growth areas and for the rural areas, MCC Chapter 16.48, shall
apply except as modified in MCC Chapter 17.72 MOP, Low Impact Development
Standards. The applicant may be permitted to develop to road standards other
than those for the Allyn, Belfair and Shelton urban growth areas and for the rural
areas when a clear public benefit can be demonstrated.
(13) Pavement. See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID techniques.
(14) Parking Area Requirements. The MOP shall site and design commercial,
manufacturing and industrial development to minimize the visual impact of
impervious areas dedicated to parking and/or reduce the effective imperviousness
Page 18 of 42
of parking areas, while still providing adequate parking for various land use
classifications. See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID techniques .
(A) Parking areas shall be located to minimize their visibility from the street.
(8) Parking areas shall be adequately landscaped along the perimeter and in the
interior.
(C) When surface parking areas are adjacent to a public right-of-way the parking
area shall provide a planting strip between the parking area and rights-of-
way. This perimeter screening shall provide year-round visual screening of the
parking area that meets or exceeds the minimum required by the underlying
land use district designation. Screening may include low walls, opaque hedge
walls.
(D) At least ten percent of the parking area, not including driveways and loading
area, must be landscaped . The landscaping must be dispersed throughout the
parking area. Landscaped areas shall be sufficiently large to provide on-site
stormwater management. Filter strips can be designed as landscape features
within parking lots or other areas, to collect flow from large impervious
surfaces. Perimeter landscaping may not substitute for interior landscaping.
(E) One tree shall be planted for every four parking stalls provided. Existing trees
may be used to meet this standard. If existing trees are retained, each tree six
inches or less in diameter counts as one tree. Each tree more than six inches
and up to nine inches in diameter counts as two trees. Each additional three-
inch diameter increment above nine inches counts as one tree.
(F) Protective curbs shall be placed around landscaping. Where stormwater is
intended to run off the parking area into a landscaped area, the curbs must be
discontinuous (as with tire stops) or perforated. Where landscaping is at
higher grade than the parking area, the curbs must be continuous to prevent
soil or other material from washing off the landscaped area onto the vehicle
area.
(G) Minimum off-street parking requirements outlined in Chapter 17.28 for
nonresidential uses shall be used. The total number of parking spaces may
exceed the minimums outlined in Chapter 17 .28 .
(H) The designer shall incorporate alternative paving surfaces into the parking lot
to promote infiltration of the runoff without the need for conventional catch
basins and pipe systems.
(I) Where underlying soils are not conducive to rapid infiltration, bioretention
areas should be incorporated into the parking lot as concaved landscaped
areas (i.e., situated lower than the height of the parking lot surface so that
stormwater runoff is directed as sheet flow into the bioretention area).
Bioretention areas can be used in concert with alternative paving surfaces to
maximize the attenuation of runoff. Spacing and layout of the bioretention
<Page 19 of 42
area should be designed so runoff is maintained as sheet flow from the driving
surfaces into the bioretention area. The travel path of sheet flow across a
parking lot to a bioretention area should be limited to cross only one driving
lane and across one set of parking stalls before arriving at the side slopes of
the bioretention area.
(J) Shared Parking. Utilizing shared parking can reduce the total amount of
impervious area and reduce the total number of required parking spaces. This
strategy is appropriate for land uses with noncompeting hours of operation,
such as a church and a school or office. For proposals with shared parking, the
following requirements must be met:
(i) The peak parking demand for the two uses must occur at different times
of the day or week.
(ii) Properties must be in close proximity to each other.
(iii) Each establishment must have long-term, consistent parking needs.
(iv) Property owners must enter into a legally binding agreement that
outlines the terms of shared parking arrangements, which shall be
approved by the county.
(K) On Street Parking. See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID techniques.
(15) Alleys. Alleyways with garages located at the rear of lots provide more visually
appealing streetscapes, effectively taking vehicle access emphasis from the front
of homes. However, the use of alleys may increase the overall amount of
impervious surface on the site. See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID
techniques. The following standards apply to alleys:
(A) Alleys may not be used in lieu of roads due to access needs of emergency
vehicles.
(B) No parking is allowed within an alley. Alleys shall be posted for no parking.
(C) Alleys shall be paved.
(D) Alleys should be constructed without curb, gutter, or sidewalks.
(E) Alleys shall be limited to a maximum of sixteen feet in width for two-way
traffic and twelve feet for one-way traffic. A minimum five -foot setback from
the rear property line is required for obstructions such as fences and walls for
any alley constructed with widths between twelve to fourteen feet.
(F) Garages accessed from an alley shall be set back a minimum of thirteen feet
from the centerline of the alley.
(G) Residential fences, walls or hedges along rear lot lines of interior lots abutting
alleys shall contain an access gate to the alley.
(16) Driveways. Driveways are typically constructed with impervious surfaces and may
have a significant impact on stormwater quality and quantity. They also affect the
<Page 20 of 42
character of a neighborhood by providing large expanses of pavement, become
storage areas or provide repetitive, closely spaced interruptions of walkways and
paths . See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID techniques. The following
guidelines should be used to limit the number and impact of driveways:
(A) Driveways serving a single-family residence shall be a maximum width of
twelve feet at the front property line. Driveways can be reduced to ten feet in
width with a bulb -out at the garage.
(8) Driveway length should be reduced as much as possible. This may be achieved
by locating the house closer to the road or by using alley access directly into a
garage. Garages accessed from a street, both attached and detached, should
be set back from the front facade of the primary building. Driveway length
shall be designed to accommodate the entire length of an average-sized
passenger vehicle (e.g ., SUVs, pick-up trucks, sedans, vans) for parking. A
minimum length of twenty-two feet shall be provided as measured from the
face of the garage to the back of the sidewalk, back of the concrete curb (no
sidewalk), or back of the roadway vegetated open channel and or bioretention
area or residential stormwater rain gardens.
(C) Plans shall consider the incorporation of common/shared driveways.
(D) Driveways serving two or more single-family residences shall be limited to a
maximum of eighteen feet in width at the front property line or twenty-four
feet for a three-car garage bay .
(E) A shared driveway shall serve no more than four dwelling units unless a
greater number of units are considered acceptable to the county.
(17) Sidewalks and Paths . See MCC Chapter 17.72 for required LID techniques.
(A) Sidewalks and trails should be disconnected from the traveled way portion of
the road, to the greatest extent possible. Every lot shall have pedestrian
access to an abutting trail or to a sidewalk located on at least one side of the
road. Sidewalks and trails may be separated from the roadway by placement
of a vegetated open channel or planter strip.
(8) At the end of cul-de-sacs, pedestrian and bicycle connections should be
encouraged to provide direct access to nearby sidewalks/trails and/or
common open space areas.
(18) Water Systems.
(A) At the time of subdivision application, the applicant shall provide
documentation of the following:
(8) Applicant shall provide adequate evidence of water rights capable of providing
sufficient quantity for identified service area and designated land use from the
Department of Ecology.
P age 21 of 42
(i) Applicant shall obtain source approval from the Department of Health
consistent with approved water rights certificate.
(ii) An approved water system plan consistent with the Department of Health and
WAC 246-290-100 shall be prepared by applicant and approved by the
Department of Health.
(iii) Master development planning and fully contained communities shall be
serviced by a Class A water system and provide fire flow in accordance with
Department of Health guidelines and appropriate District Fire Marshall.
(iv) Level of service standards and concurrency requirements for water supply
system shall be consistent with the most recent update of the Mason County
comprehensive plan.
(v) Future water system expansions and service extensions identified in the
approved water system plan are provided in a manner consistent with
proposed master development plan.
Conditions of approval shall require:
(a) Applicant shall prepare and receive approval from the Department of
Health of a project engineering report consistent with the DOH Water
System Design Manual prior to proceeding with final construction
drawings.
(b) Construction drawings shall adhere to and incorporate the
WSDOT/APWA standard plans and specifications for road, bridge, and
municipal construction.
(c) Applicant shall obtain Department of Health approval for construction
drawings for all water system improvements.
(19) Sanitary Sewer.
(A) All new improvements within master development planning and fully
contained communities shall connect to existing or proposed public sewer
systems when located within the county's urban growth areas. Public sewer
systems are those owned and operated by any legally recognized municipal
organization as a public utility.
(B) Within urban areas, applicant shall provide evidence that the existing publicly
owned treatment plant has adequate capacity or can be expanded to treat
wastewater generated from master development plan service area and
proposed land uses.
(C) Within urban areas, applicant shall provide evidence that the existing publicly
owned collection system has adequate capacity to convey wastewater
generated from master development plan service area and proposed land
uses to the publicly owned treatment plant.
Page 22 of 42
(D) At the time of subdivision application, the applicant shall provide information
demonstrating the following:
(i) Applicant shall provide Mason County with sewer availability certificate for
the proposed collection and treatment of wastewater generated from the
master development plan from the recognized public utility purveyor.
(ii) Level of service standards and concurrency requirements for wastewater
treatment and collections system shall be consistent with the most recent
update of the Mason County comprehensive plan.
(iii) Within rural areas of the county, privately maintained large on-site
community drainfields designed and constructed consistent with the Mason
County health department for systems three thousand five hundred gallons
per day and under, Washington State Health Department for systems greater
than three thousand five hundred gallons per day up to fourteen thousand
gallons per day, and the Department of Ecology for systems greater than
fourteen thousand gallons per day will be allowed in lieu of publicly owned
sewer systems.
(iiv) All on-site systems must be designed by a licensed on-site wastewater
designer or professional engineer.
(v) All private on-site systems require an ongoing operations and maintenance
program consistent with the Mason County on-site standards.
(vi) All new wastewater collection system extensions shall adhere to the
Department of Ecology Design Criteria for Sewage Works Design and
Department of Health for on-site systems only.
Conditions of approval shall require:
(a) Construction drawings shall adhere to and incorporate the
WSDOT/APWA standard plans and specifications for road, bridge, and
municipal construction.
(b) Applicant shall obtain Department of Ecology approval for construction
drawings for all wastewater system improvements.
(20) Stormwater Management. At the time of subdivision application, the applicant
shall provide information demonstrating the following:
(A) Applicant shall comply with Mason County stormwater management
ordinance. The ordinance defines specific minimum requirements and other
approval standards for development on all ranges of parcel size.
(B) Mason County has adopted a stormwater management ordinance located in
Mason County Code Chapter 14.48, which outlines minimum requirements
and best management practices (BMP's) for new development and other
improvements.
Page 23 of 42
(C) Until Mason County develops a stormwater management plan or utility,
stormwater will be managed primarily through on-site control measures
consistent with the county's stormwater management ordinance (MCC
Chapter 14.48).
(D) Public facility development shall minimize impacts to shorelines, preserving
the natural stream environments where possible.
(E) The applicant shall implement practical and effective low impact
development (LID) site design and management strategies to meet flow
control objectives. See MCC Chapter 17.72 for LID techniques.
Conditions of approval shall require:
(F) Construction drawings shall adhere to and incorporate the WSDOT/APWA
standard plans and specifications for road, bridge, and municipal
construction.
(21) Flow Control. At the time of subdivision application, the applicant shall provide
information demonstrating the following:
(A) Create a facility strategy, which preserves and supplements necessary natural
drainage processes and other natural systems to minimize runoff impacts
from development.
(B) Carefully control development in areas of steep slopes where surface water
runoff can create unstable conditions. Maintain natural vegetation for slope
stabilization.
(C) Conservation Measures.
(i) Maximize retention of native forest cover and restore disturbed
vegetation to intercept, evaporate, and transpire precipitation.
(ii) Preserve permeable, native soil and enhance disturbed soils to store and
infiltrate stormwater.
(iii) Retain and incorporate topographic site features that slow, store and
infiltrate stormwater.
(iv) Retain and incorporate natural drainage features and patterns.
(D) Site Planning and Minimization Techniques.
(i) Utilize a multidisciplinary approach that includes planners, engineers,
landscape architects and architects at the initial phases of the project.
(ii) Locate buildings and roads away from critical areas and soils that provide
effective infiltration.
(iii) Minimize total impervious surface area and eliminate effective
impervious surfaces.
(E) Distributed and Integrated Management Practices.
Page 24 of 42
(i) Manage stormwater as close to its origin as possible by utilizing small
scale, distributed hydrologic controls.
(ii) Maintain existing or create a hydrologically rough landscape that slows
storm flows and increases time of concentration.
(iii) Reduce the reliance on traditional conveyance and pond technologies.
(F) Maintenance and Education.
(i) Develop reliable and long-term maintenance programs with clear and
enforceable guidelines.
(22) Water Quality Treatment. At the time of subdivision application, the applicant
shall provide information demonstrating the following:
(A) Protect physical and biological integrity of wetlands, streams, wildlife habitat,
and other identified critical areas.
(B) Maintain water quality within all Shoreline Management Act waterfront areas
through careful design, operation, construction, and placement of public
facilities.
(C) Comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
and state regulations.
(D) Under no circumstances shall hazardous waste be allowed to contaminate
groundwater, surface water, or sewer systems of Mason County. Dispose of
hazardous wastes only in locations designated for that purpose.
(23) Phasing. The phasing plan shall demonstrate how the project development will be
sequenced, including the necessary infrastructure and required project amenities
(i.e., parks, common space, open space). The phasing plan shall indicate
milestones of development that mandate thresholds for completing associated
infrastructure and amenities and shall ensure that a functioning, viable circulation
system will exist during all phases.
(24) Cultural Resources. The removal or disruption of historic uses, structures, or
architectural elements or other cultural resources shall be minimized to the extent
feasible in the development of the MOP, whether on the site or on adjacent
properties.
CHAPTER 17.06 -DEFINITIONS
SECTION 17.06.010
Chapter 17.06 -DEFINITIONS
17.06.010 -Definitions.
Pag e 25 of4 2
Note: The definitions used in the Mason County development regulations are those
terms defined in Moskowitz, Harvey S. and Lindbloom, Carl G.; The New Illustrated Book of
Development Definitions. New Brunswick, NJ, Center for Urban Policy Research, 1993,
except as specifically defined in separate county ordinance(s).
11Accessory building or use 11 means any building or use which:
(a) Is subordinated to, and serves a principal building or principal use; and
(b) Is subordinate in area, extent or purpose to the principal building or principal use
served; and
(c) Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants of the principal
building or principal use served; and
(d) Is located on the same lot as the principal building or principal use served, with the
single exception of such accessory off-street parking facilities as are permitted to
locate elsewhere than on the same lot with the building or use served.
11Accessory dwelling unit or ADU 11 means a second dwelling unit added onto, created
within or detached from an existing single-family detached dwelling for use as a completely
independent or semi-independent unit with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation and
sleeping. See Section 17.03.029 for requirements for ADUs.
11 Accessory uses 11 include signs that are related to and support a business or activity.
11 Adequate public facilities 11 means facilities which have the capacity to serve
development without decreasing levels of service below locally established minimums.
(WAC 365-195-210)
11 Administrator11 means the director of community development for Mason County
shall serve as the administrator. The board may also designate an acting administrator who
shall have all of the duties and powers of the administrator in the absence of or inability of
the administrator to act.
11 Adult day-care facility11 means an establishment providing for regularly-scheduled
care and supervision of adults whose age or medical condition warrants such care, and
where such care is provided for periods of less than twenty-four hours.
11 Adult retirement community11 means a residential development for persons who are
at least fifty-five years of age. Such development may include the following as accessory
uses:
(1) Social and recreation activities;
(2) Communal meal service;
(3) Limited health care facilities;
Page 26 of 42
(4) Transportation facilities; and
(5) Personal services.
11 Agricultural lands 11 means land primarily devoted to the commercial production of
horticultural, viticultural, floricultural, dairy, apiary, vegetable, or animal products or of
berries, grain, hay, straw turf, seed, Christmas trees not subject to the excise tax imposed
by RCW 84.33.100 through 84.33.140, or livestock.
11Agricultural resource lands 11 means land designated by Mason County as agricultural
lands of long-term commercial significance.
11 Agricultural sales sign 11 means a usually seasonal sign used to announce and/or direct
the public to a sale of locally grown agricultural products.
11 Air transportation 11 means commercial air transport service, such as charter and/or
docking facilities.
11Animated sign 11 means any sign which includes action or motion or the optical illusion
of action or motion, or color changes of all or any part of the sign facing, requiring electrical
energy, or set in motion by movement of the atmosphere.
11 Appurtenant structure 11 means a structure that is ordinarily connected to the use and
enjoyment of a single-family residence; normal appurtenant structures include, but are not
limited to, a garage, deck, storage shed, woodshed, pump house, upland retaining wall and
fence.
11Aquaculture 11 means the commercial cultivation of aquatic life, such as fish, shellfish
and seaweed.
11Assisted living facility 11 means an institution or a distinct part of an institution that is
licensed or approved to provide healthcare under medical supervision for twenty-four or
more consecutive hours to two or more patients who are not related to the governing
authority or its members by marriage, blood or adoption.
11Available public facilities 11 means that facilities or services are in place or that a
financial commitment has been made to provide that facilities or services within a specified
time. In the case of transportation, the specified time is six years from the time of
development. (WAC 365-195-210)
11 Bed and breakfast 11 means overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a room
or suite of rooms provided to guests for compensation, where such room or suite is located
in a building occupied by the owner of the facility.
11 Best management practices 11 means a physical, structural, or managerial practice
which has gained general acceptance for its ability to prevent or reduce environmental
impacts.
Page 27 of 42
11 Billboard 11 means the same as an off-premises sign.
11 Board 11 means the Mason County board of commissioners.
"Bufferyard" means an area of plantings surrounding a land use which screens or
blocks vision, noise pollutants, or other negative by-products associated with that use. The
bufferyard might consist of open space, landscaped areas, undisturbed areas of natural
vegetation, fences, walls, berms or any combination thereof.
"Building" means a structure intended for use or occupancy by humans.
"Building face" means the wall on the side of the building facing the road accessing the
property; the size of sign is the portion (i.e. ten percent) of the area value resulting from the
product of the wall height times the wall width.
"Building size" is determined by measuring the building footprint from the outside
walls. Does not include roof overhangs up to two feet. Roof overhangs larger than two feet
from outside wall will be included in the overall size of the building.
"Capacity" means the measure of the ability to provide a level of service on a public
facility.
"Capital improvement" means land, improvements to land, structures (including
design, permitting, and construction), initial furnishings and selected equipment. Capital
improvements have an expected useful life of at least ten years.
"Carrying capacity" means the intrinsic constraints on the development of an area.
The development that may be allowed without an (unacceptable) significant adverse
impact, on a cumulative basis, on an environmental or social value intended to be
protected by the comprehensive plan. Carrying capacity in the biological sciences is the
population of a species in a particular environment which can be sustained on an on-going
basis. "The maximum number of inhabitants that an environment can support without
detrimental effects." (Websters 11) For human populations, this concept less useful in the
sense that resources which are locally in short supply can be transferred from anywhere in
the world, and the level of impact that human society has on the environment is variable
based on the technology used and the way that technology and other human activities are
managed. Humans do not have the limited range of behaviors other species have.
Examples of values to be protected in the plan would be native fisheries or rural character.
"Cemetery" means in accordance with R.C.W. 68.40, any one or combination of the
following land uses in a place used for, or intended to be used and dedicated, for cemetery
purposes: (1) burial park for earth interment; (2) mausoleum for crypt interment; and
columbarium for permanent cinerary interment.
"Changing message center sign" means an electrically or electronically controlled sign
where different automatic .changing messages are shown on the same lamp blank.
Page 28 of42
"Child care center, commercial." "Commercial child care center" means an
establishment providing for regularly-scheduled care, supervision and protection of
children for periods less than twenty-four hours. Such establishment shall be subject to
licensing and regulation requirements pursuant to WAC 388-155.
"Child care center, family." "Family child care center" means an establishment
providing for regularly-scheduled care, supervision and protection of children for periods
less than twenty-four hours, in a dwelling, where such care and supervision is provided by a
resident of the dwelling, and where no nonresident is regularly employed. Such
establishment shall be subject to licensing and regulation requirements pursuant to WAC
388-150.
"City" means any city or town, including a code city. (RCW 36.70A.030)
"Clustered development" means grouping the allowed development on only a portion
of the site in such a way that a significant proportion of the site remains in common open
space, recreation, resource-based use, any combination of those uses, or remains
undeveloped with some kind of restriction on additional development.
"Commercial uses" means businesses involved in: (1) the sale, lease or rent of new or
used products to the consumer publici (2) the provision of personal services to the
consumer publici (3) the provision of leisure services in the form of food or drink and
passive or active entertainmenti or (4) the provision of product repair or servicing of
consumer goods.
"Commission" means the Mason County planning advisory commission.
"Community on-site septic systems" means a sewage system used to serve
multifamily residential complexes or groups of individual residences.
"Comprehensive land use plan, comprehensive plan, or plan" means the Mason
County comprehensive plan, as adopted pursuant to the Growth Management Act, and as
thereafter may be amended.
"Concurrency" means adequate public facilities are available when the impacts of
development occur. This definition includes the two concepts of "adequate public facilities"
and of "available public facilities" as defined in this section. (WAC 365-195-210)
"Consistency" means a term which means that no feature of a plan or regulation is
incompatible with any other feature of a plan or regulation. Consistency is indicative of a
capacity for orderly integration or operation with other elements in a system. (WAC 365-
195-210)
"Construction sign" means any sign used to identify the architects, engineers,
contractors or other individuals or firms involved with the construction of a building and
announce the character of the building or the purpose for which the building is intended.
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11 Contiguous development11 means development of areas immediately adjacent to one
another. (WAC 365-195-210)
11 Convenience store 11 means any retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged
food products, household items, newspapers and magazines, and sandwiches and other
freshly prepared foods, such as salads, for off-site consumption.
\\Cottage housing" is generally defined as a grouping of small, single family dwelling
units clustered around a common area and developed with a coherent plan for the entire
site.2
11 Cottage industry 11 means a business, occupation, or profession that is incidental to a
residential use and is carried on by a member or members of the household living in the
residential unit on the site. There may be up to five employees working on the site who do
not reside on the site. Cottage industries may be conducted within the residential dwelling
or within an accessory structure.
11 County 11 means Mason County, Washington.
11 Critical areas 11 means areas which include the following areas and ecosystems: (a)
wetlands; (b) areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water; (c)
fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas; (d) frequently flowed areas; and (e)
geologically hazardous areas. (RCW 36.70A.030)
11 Density" means a measure of the intensity of development, generally expressed in
terms of dwelling units per acre. Density can also be expressed in terms of population (i.e.,
people per acre).
"Density transfer11 means the transfer of all or part of the permitted residential density
on a parcel to another parcel.
"Design guidelines" means a set of guidelines defining parameters to be followed in
site and/or building design and development.
"Design standards" means a set of standards defining parameters to be followed in
site and/or building design and development.
"Development" means the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural
alteration, relation or enlargement of any structure, and any mining, excavation, filling, or
other associated land disturbance.
"Development districts" means areas in which a variety of development options are
allowed if they are consistent with the purpose of the district.
2 "What is Cottage Housing?" MRSC.Org, 30 November 2016, http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Planning/Specific-
Planning-Subjects,-Plan-Elements/Cottage-Housing.aspx
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"Development regulations" means any controls placed on development or land use
activities by a county or city. Including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, subdivision
ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances. (RCW 36.70A.030)
"Director" means the director of community development, and whose responsibilities
may be delegated when not contrary to law or ordinance.
"Domestic water system" means any system providing a supply of potable water
which is deemed adequate pursuant to RCW 19.27.097 for the intended uses of a
development. (WAC 365-195-210)
"Easement" means a covenant which grants or restricts a specific right of use.
"Educational learning center" means a facility dedicated to environmental and
resource education and research. This land use would be permitted on lands designated for
long term agricultural use in urban growth areas with a special use permit. This land use
would be permitted on agricultural resource lands with a special use permit, using the
special use permit criteria and meeting the standard that the proposed land use shall have
no more cumulative impacts than if the land remained in traditional agricultural
production.
"Environmental impact statement (EIS)" means a document detailing the expected
environmental impacts of a proposed action.
"Erosion" means the wearing away of the earth's surface as a result of the movement
of wind, water or ice.
"Erosion hazard areas" means those areas that because of natural characteristics,
including vegetative cover, soil texture, slope gradient, and rainfall patterns, or human-
induced changes to such characteristics, are vulnerable to erosion.
"Essential public facilities" means and includes facilities such as prisons, correctional
facilities, juvenile detention centers, courthouses, wastewater/sanitary treatment facilities
and systems, solid waste facilities, transportation facilities (including public works
operations and vehicle maintenance facilities), airports and hospitals.
"Facility" means the physical structure or structures in which a service is provided.
"Fire flow" means the amount of water volume needed to provide fire suppression.
Adequate fire flows are based on industry standards, typically measure in gallons per
minute (gpm). Continuous fire flow volumes and pressures are necessary to insure public
safety. The fire flow volume shall be in addition to the requirements of the water system
for domestic demand.
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11 Flashing sign 11 means any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source
or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an
externally mounted intermittent light source.
11 Floodplain 11 means that area of land adjoining a body of water that has been or may
be covered by floodwater.
11 Floor area ratio 11 is determined by summing the gross horizontal areas of all the floors
of a building, measured from the exterior walls, or the centerline of walls separating two
buildings, and dividing that sum by the gross area of the parcel proposed for use or
development. Space devoted to off-street parking or loading is not included in this
calculation.
11 Front yard 11 and 11 front yard setback11 mean the space extending the full width of the
lot between a structure or building and the front lot line or road easement boundary,
whichever is closer. The setback is measured from the building to the closest point of the
front lot line or road easement boundary, whichever is closer. See Figure 17.06 A.
11 Fully contained community (FCC)11 means a reserved capacity . for new urban
development that will be characterized by urban densities and intensities, urban
governmental services, and meets the criteria established in the comprehensive plan and in
RCW 36.70A.350.
11 Garage sale signs (yard sales, moving sales, patio sales)" means temporary signs used
to announce and/or direct the public to a sale of used items.
11 Geologically hazardous areas 11 means areas that because of the susceptibility to
erosion, sliding, earthquake, or other geological events, are not suited to the siting of
commercial, residential, or industrial development consistent with public health or safety
concerns. (RCW 36.70A.030)
11 Greenbelt11 means a linear corridor of open space which often provides passive
recreation and nonmotorized transportation opportunities, serves as a buffer between
developments and varying land uses, or creates a sense of visual relief from urban
landscapes.
11 Groundwater11 means water that fills all the unblocked pores of material lying
beneath the water table.
11 Group homes 11 means a nonprofit or for-profit boarding home for the sheltered care
of persons with special needs, which may provide food, shelter, and a combination of
personal care, social and counseling services and transportation.
11 Growth Management Act (GMA), or Act 11 means the Growth Management Act as
enacted in 1990 and subsequently amended by the state of Washington.
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11 Hamlets 11 are intended to provide a focal point and community identity for
surrounding rural area, while they meet some of the immediate needs of rural residents,
resource dependent industry, and visitors. They may include one or two civic, community,
or retail uses such as post office, community center, church, grange, gas station, or small
convenience store. Residential uses are not included in Hamlets. They may be served by
community water systems and community sewage treatment facilities but have only rural
governmental services.
11 Height 11 shall be measured using average grade level. The average of the natural or
existing topography of the portion of the lot, parcel, or tract of real property which will be
directly under the proposed structure and shall be determined by averaging the ground
elevations at the midpoint of all exterior walls of the proposed structure.
11 Hobby farm 11 means rural parcel(s) with a principal residential land use and secondary
noncommercial or small-scale commercial farming, livestock raising, aquaculture, or
forestry activities conducted on the property.
11 Home occupation 11 means a business, occupation, or profession that is incidental to
and carried on within a portion of a residential dwelling unit by a member or members of
the household. The business may have up to three employees in addition to members of
the household.
11 Hotel 11 means a facility offering guest lodging accommodations to the general public
and providing additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment and
recreational facilities.
11 Household 11 means all persons who occupy a housing unit which is intended as
separate living quarters and having direct access from the outside of the building or
through a common hall. The occupants may be a single-family, one person living alone,
two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated persons
who share living arrangements. (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census)
11 lmpact mitigation 11 means the mitigation of the negative impacts of a development
proposal. Mitigation includes, but is not limited to the following: avoiding the impact
through change in the proposal, minimizing the impact through changes to the proposal,
rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected environment,
reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations
during the life of the action, compensating for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or
providing substitute resources or environments, and monitoring the impact and taking
appropriate corrective measures. The term includes to voluntary and mandatory actions to
compensate for the costs of reducing impacts; including traffic impacts.
11 lnfill" means the development of housing or other buildings in vacant sites in an
already developed area.
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11 lnfrastructure 11 means facilities and services needed to sustain industry, residential,
and commercial activities. Infrastructure may include, but not be limited to, water and
sewer lines, streets, and power and communication lines .
11 lnholding land 11 means blocks of land that are surrounded on all sides by designated
long-term commercial forest lands and are crucial for conservation of those lands, but are
not directly of long-term commercial significance for forestry.
11 lnn 11 means a commercial facility for the housing and feeding of guests, where the
principal structure of such facility has been converted from a residential use.
11 lntensity11 means a measure of land use activity based on density, use, mass, size and
impact .
11 Level of service (LOS)" means an established minimum capacity of public facilities or
services that must be provided per unit demand or other appropriate measure of need.
(WAC 365-195-210); a qualitative measure describing the operational conditions within the
traffic stream, and their perception by motorists and passengers.
11 Local and community recreation centers" or 11 community centers 11 means places and
buildings primarily designed for use by local residences for sports, leisure-time activities, or
assembly for the public or for community service groups.
11 Long-term commercial forests 11 or 11 long-term commercial forest land 11 means land so
designated by the county in order to provide special protection for the continued use of the
land for the production of timber. Land primarily devoted to growing trees for long-term
commercial timber production on land that can be economically and practically managed
for such production as defined in RCW 36.70A.30(8) and (10).
11 Lot 11 means a designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by plat, subdivision,
or as otherwise permitted by law, to be used, developed or built upon as a unit. See Figure
17.06 A to see location of lot lines and setbacks.
11 Major arterial 11 or 11 principal arterial 11 means roads which convey traffic along corridors
to areas of a high density of commercial or industrial activity. Major arterial or principal
arterial emphasize mobility and de-emphasize access.
11 Master planned resort 11 means a self-contained and fully integrated development in a
setting of significant natural amenities that includes short-term visitor accommodations
associated with a range of developed on-site indoor or outdoor recreation facilities. It may
also include permanent residential uses as an integrated plan of the overall resort
development. (WAC 365-195-210)
11 Minerals 11 means a term which includes gravel, sand, and valuable metallic
substances. (RCW 36.70A.030)
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11 Minor arterial 11 or 11 secondary arterial 11 means roads which link activity centers and
convey traffic onto major arterial. Minor arterial provide both mobility and access.
11 Mixed use 11 means development that combines two or more different land uses in the
same project. For example, a mixed use project may include both commercial uses and
residential uses.
11 Mobile home 11 means a factory-assembled structure, transportable in one or more
sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or
without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the
plumbing, heating, and electrical systems contained therein.
11 Mobile home park 11 means a tract of land occupied or designed for occupancy by two
or more mobile homes.
11 Modular housing,11 or 11 modular home 11 refers to a dwelling that is designed for human
habitation and is either entirely or substantially prefabricated or assembled at a place other
than a building site. Modular homes or modular housing, commonly referred to as factory
built housing, are placed on permanent foundations. For the purposes of this chapter,
modular homes shall be treated the same as any other single-family dwelling units.
11 Multifamily 11 means a structure containing four or more, joined dwelling units.
11 Nonconforming land use 11 means a use or activity that was lawful prior to the
adoption, revision or amendment of the ordinance codified in this chapter but fails by
reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present performance
standards of the Mason County development regulations.
11 Nonconforming structure'1 means a structure that was lawful prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment to the ordinance codified in this chapter but fails by reason by such
adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present performance standards of the
Mason County development regulations.
11 Nontraditional housing types 11 means dwelling types other than on-site built housing
units. Nontraditional housing types include, but are not limited to, manufactured housing,
mobile homes and houseboats.
11 0ffice 11 means a structure that generally houses a business, government,
professional, medical or financial institution for the nondaily needs of individuals, groups or
organizations.
11 0ff-premises sign 11 means a sign that directs attention to a business, commodity,
service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises
on which the sign is located.
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"On -premises sign" means any communication device, structure or fixture that is
intended to aid in identification and to advertise and/or promote a business, service,
activity, interest or view at the location on which the sign is located.
"Open space." There are three kinds of open space land: private, common use, and
public open space. Private open space includes farms, forest lands, and other parcels of
undeveloped land. Common use open space is land within a residential development or
other development which is designated for common access by the residents of the
development or by the general community. Public open space is publicly -owned land
available for recreational use of the entire community. Open water areas, such as the hood
canal or lakes, is also often considered as open space because it creates a sense of
openness.
"Performance standards" means criteria that are established and must be met before
a certain use or intensity of use will be permitted. These measures are designed to guide
development of property and include, but are not limited to, open space requirements, site
design, bufferyards, screening, size and heights limits for buildings, noise, vibration, glare,
heat, air or water contaminants and traffic.
"Performance subdivision" means a subdivision or short subdivision in which the
applicant seeks to gain additional residential density by designing the proposed
development in clusters of development and areas of open space which recognizes and
preserves those land elements which are deemed worthy of protection. Within this
chapter, performance subdivisions include those authorized under Chapters 16.22 and
16.23 of this code.
"Permitted use" means any use which is authorized or allowed outright, not requiring
a special use permit or the approval of the board.
11 Person.11 Within the context of this chapter, "person" means and intended to include
an individual, firm, partnership, association or corporation; or a state, or any political
subdivision of a state, or any agency thereof.
"Personal services" means establishments primarily engaged in providing services
involving the care of a person, or his or her personal goods or apparel.
"Planned unit development (PUD)" means a residential development that includes a
mix of housing types such as single-family, townhouses, and other multi-family, and groups
uses to provide common open space or to include recreation such as golfing as part of the
development.
"Plat" means a map or plan, especially of a piece of land dividing into building lots.
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11 Political sign 11 means a sign advertising a candidate or candidates for public elective
office, or a political party, or sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by
ballot.
11 Primary treatment11 means the first step in wastewater treatment in which solids in a
wastewater stream are allowed to settle out. The suspended solids and the BOD
(biochemical oxygen demand) are reduced by twenty-five to forty percent.
11 Public services 11 means and includes fire protection and suppression, law
enforcement, public health, education, recreation, environmental protection and other
governmental services . (RCW 36.70A.030)
11 Public water system 11 means any systems of water supply intended or used for human
consumption or other domestic uses, including source, treatment, storage, transmission,
and distribution facilities where water is being furnished to any community, collection, or
number of individuals, but excluding a water systems serving on single-family residence.
(WAC 248.54)
11 RCW11 means Revised Code of Washington.
11 Real estate signs 11 means any sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or
buildings.
11 Rear yard 11 and 11 rear yard setback.11 The 11 rear yard 11 means the space extending the
full width of the lot between a structure or building and the rear lot line and measured
perpendicular to the building to the closest point of the rear lot line. The 11 setback11 means
the closest distance from the structure to the rear lot line. See Figure 17.06 A.
11 Recreation storage 11 means the storage of recreational vehicles, boats, boat trailers,
camper trailers, personal water craft, and similar outdoor recreational equipment.
11 Recreational vehicle (RV) park.11 As defined in the mobile home and recreational parks
Ordinance No. 118-91.
11 Rehabilitation 11 means the physical improvement, remodeling, or partial
reconstruction of existing structures rather than their demolition and replacement.
11 Residential development11 means the development of land, or the construction or
placement of dwelling units for residential occupancy or appurtenant structures and for
accessory uses. This definition shall not be construed to authorize any use under the
variance criteria.
11 Resource lands 11 means those lands which are suitable for agriculture, forest mineral
extraction and protected by resource lands regulations.
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"Resource-based" means a use that is dependent upon, or supports uses that are
dependent upon, natural resources including, but not limited to, forestry, agriculture,
aquaculture, horticulture and mineral extraction.
"Resource-based industry" means a manufacturing, industrial, or commercial business
which requires a location near agricultural land, forest land, or mineral resource land or
aquacultural area upon which it is dependent or supports. Examples include sawmills, plant
nurseries, feed stores.
"Retail" means the selling of goods or merchandise to the public and providing
services incidental to the sale of such goods. Retail does not include new and used auto
sales, boat sales, recreational vehicle sales, or mobile/modular home sales.
"Right-of-way" means land owned by a government or an easement for a certain
purpose over the land of another, used for a road, ditch, electrical transmission line,
pipeline, or public facilities such as utility or transportation corridors.
"Road adequacy standards" means standards by which government agencies can
assess whether adequate road facilities are being provided and regulated.
"Roof sign" means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of
or above the parapet of a building.
"Runoff" means water from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation that flows over the ground
surface and returns to streams.
"Rural activity center (RAC)" means concentrated settlements within rural lands that
may include a variety of residential, small scale commercial, resource-based and rural light
industrial, recreation and public uses. They may also include a compact, pedestrian-
oriented core. They may be served by community water systems and have community
sewage treatment facilities but have only rural governmental services . They reflect an
existing development pattern, but they are not intended to expand. RAC boundaries are
established in the comprehensive plan.
"Rural areas" means rural areas in Mason County include those areas not designated
as urban areas, resource lands, RACs or hamlets. They currently provide for rural
residential, farming, forestry, recreation, and single-purpose commercial, retail and
industrial uses. These uses are expected to continue and increase over the next twenty
years. In rural areas, the rural landscape will remain dominant, and include a variety of
protected natural features.
"Rural lands" means those areas outside of designated resource lands and urban
growth areas. Natural features contribute significantly to rural character of these lands.
These features include, but are not limited to, forests, farmlands, and farm buildings,
pastures, meadows, shorelines, wetlands, streams, lakes, hills and mountains. Types of
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uses within rural lands include resource-based land uses, recreational uses, residential uses,
and low intensity nonresidential uses. Rural lands can be served by rural governmental
services and included districts such as rural activity centers, hamlets and rural areas.
"Sandwich board sign" means an "a-framed" portable sign measured by height X
width.
"Sanitary sewer systems" means all facilities, including approved on-site disposal
facilities, used in the collection, transmission, storage, treatment or discharge of any
waterborne waste, whether domestic in origin or a combination of domestic, commercial
or industrial waste. (WAC 365-195-210)
"Secondary treatment" means the second step in purifying sewage which uses
biological processes in additional to settling and provides purification from eighty-five to
ninety-five percent.
"Seismic hazard areas" means areas subject to severe risk of damage as a result of
earthquake induced ground shaking, slope failure, settlement or soil liquefaction.
\\Self-Storage Facility11 means a building or group of buildings containing separate,
individual, and private storage spaces of varying sizes available for lease or rent for varying
periods of time.3
11 Sewage 11 means the total of organic waste and wastewater generated by residential,
industrial and commercial establishments.
11 Sewer11 means the closed pipe which carries raw sewage from a home or business to a
treatment facility.
11 Sewerage 11 means the entire system of sewage collection, treatment and disposal.
"Side yard" and "side yard setback" mean the space extending the full width of the lot
between a structure or building and the side lot line and measured perpendicular to the
building to the closest point of the side lot line. The side yard setback is the closest distance
from the structure to the side lot line. See Figure 17.06 A.
"Sight distance" means the length of a roadway required which is sufficient enough to
ensure safe operation of a motor vehicle at posted speeds.
11 Sign 11 means any communication device, structure or fixture that is intended to aid in
identification and to advertise and/or promote a business, service, activity or interest. For
the purpose of this chapter, a sign shall not be considered to be building or structural
3 Moskowitz, Harvey S. (2004) The latest illustrated book of development definitions (new expanded ed.) Rutgers, the
State University of New Jersey
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design, but shall be restricted solely to graphics, symbols or written copy that is meant to
be used in the aforementioned way.
"Single-family dwelling" means a detached building containing one dwelling unit.
"Small scale" means a term which indicates that development regulations will limit the
intensity, size, scale, number of uses and other factors of a particular development.
"Small scale business" means any business entity, including a sole proprietorship,
corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, that is owned and operated independently
from all other businesses, that has the purpose of making a profit, and that has twenty or
fewer employees.
"Solid waste" means all putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semisolid wastes,
including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition
and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof and recyclable materials.
(RCW 70.95 .030)
"Special needs housing" means all housing that is designed for an individual or family
who requires supportive social services in order to live independently or semi-
independently. These households require all types of housing including emergency,
transitional and permanent housing. Special needs groups include, but are not limited to,
the homeless; elderly; AIDS victims; single parents; runaway and homeless youth; severely
physically handicapped; mentally and emotionally disturbed; chronically mentally ill,
developmentally disabled; farm workers (migrant labor households) and persons with
substance abuse problems. (Washington State Department of Community Development,
Assessing your Community's Needs, a Practical Guide to Preparing Housing Assessments
under the GMA and CHAS Requirements, June 1992.)
"Special use permit" means a "special use" refers to a land use that are found to
possess characteristics relating to their size, numbers of people involved, the traffic
generated, and their immediate impact on the area which makes impractical their being
identified exclusively with any particular performance district as defined in this chapter. In
order to determine that the location of these uses will not be unreasonably incompatible
with uses permitted in the surrounding areas; and to permit the planning commission to
recommend stipulations and conditions as may reasonably assure that the basic intent of
this chapter will be served, these uses will be subject to review and recommendation by the
planning commission and final determination by the board regarding the approval, denial
or approval with conditions for the issuance of a special use permit by the Mason County
community department of community development.
"State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)" means a Washington state law requiring the
systematic assessment of the environmental impacts of any action that is expected to
significantly affect the environment.
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11Structure 11 means anything constructed in the ground, or anything erected which
requires location on the ground, or is attached to something having location on or in the
ground, but not including fences or signs seven feet or less in height, driveways, or other
paved areas.
11Subdivision 11 means the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots,
plats, sites, or other divisions of land for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of
ownership, unless specifically exempted in RCW Chapter 58.17.040.
11Surface waters 11 means streams, rivers, ponds, lakes or other waters designated as
11waters of the state by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WAC 222-16-
030).11
11Temporary sign 11 means those signs associated with a particular event or short-term
activity, such as, but not limited to; agricultural or garage sales signs, festival, carnival or
parade signs, political signs and real estate signs, which are to be removed within ten days
when the event or activity ends.
11Tertiary treatment11 means the third step in purifying sewage that removes additional
nutrient levels.
11Urban governmental services 11 means and includes those governmental service
historically and typically delivered by cities, and include storm and sanitary sewer services,
fire and police protection services, public transit services and other public utilities
associated with urban areas and normally not associated with non-urban areas. (RCW
36-70A.030)
11Urban growth 11 means growth that makes intensive use of land for the location of
buildings, structures, and impermeable surfaces to such a degree as to be incompatible
with the primary use of such land for the production of food, other agricultural products, or
fiber, or the extraction of mineral resources. When allowed to spread over wide areas,
urban growth typically requires urban governmental services. 11Characterized by urban
growth 11 refers to land having urban growth located on it, or to land located in relationship
to an area with urban growth on it as to be appropriate for urban growth. (RCW
36.70A.030)
11Urban growth area 11 means those areas designated by a county pursuant to RCW
36.70A.110.
11 Urban level of facilities and services 11 means those services defined as 11 urban
governmental services 11 with levels of service as defined within capital facilities element of
the Mason County comprehensive plan.
11 Utilities or public utilities 11 means enterprises or facilities serving the public by means
of an integrated systems of collection, transmission, distribution, and processing facilities
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through more or less permanent physical conditions between the plant of the serving
entity and the premises of the customer. Included are systems for the delivery of natural
gas, electricity, telecommunications services, and water for the disposal of sewage. (WAC
365-195-210)
"Water dependent use" means a use or portion of a use which cannot exist in any other
location and is dependent on the water by reason of the intrinsic nature of its operations.
Examples of some water dependent uses include: boat ramps, swimming areas,
aquaculture, marinas, water intakes and outfalls, fish pens and fish screens.
11Watershed 11 means region drained by or contributing water to a stream, lake or other
body of water.
"Wetland or wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water
or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated
soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swaps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland
sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales,
canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape
amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created
as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands may include those
artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas created to mitigate
conversion of wetlands. (RCW 36.70A.030)
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