HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-027 - Ord. Amending Mason County Code Title 17 ORDINANCE NUMBER
AMENDMENTTO MASON COUNTY CODE TITLE 17
ORDINANCE amending Mason County Code relating to Title 17; Chapter 17.11 and 17.22;
Sections 17.11.510 — "R-3" - High Density Multifamily Residential District (Allyn) and
17.22.110-"R-10" Multi-family residential district (Belfair).
WHEREAS, under the authority of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA)
(RCW 36.70A) Mason County is taking legislative action to revise its development regulations;
and
WHEREAS, both zoning districts(R-3 in Allyn and R-10 in Belfair)currently requires a minimum
density of 10 dwelling units per acre, while also allowing detached residential development;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments were recommended by staff to allow for more
flexibility in the development of residential units in both the R-3 zone in Allyn and the R-10
zone in Belfair; and
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2026 the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission held a public
hearing to consider the amendments and passed a motion to recommend approval of said
amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners considered the proposed amendment at a duly advertised
public hearing on June 9, 2026; and
WHEREAS,the Board of County Commissioners took public testimony from interested parties,
considered all the written and oral arguments,testimony and comments presented; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners also considered the Staff Report and
recommendations of the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that the proposed amendment to Title
17, relating to the high density zones of Allyn and Belfair complies with all applicable
requirements of the Growth Management Act, the Comprehensive Plan, and the Mason
County Code,and that it is in the best public interest; and
BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED, the Mason County Board of Commissioners hereby approves and
ADOPTS amendments to the Mason County Code Title 17, relating to density in the R-3 zone
in Allyn as described in Attachment A, and R-10 zone in Belfair as described in Attachment B.
DATED this Or` day of a 2026.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
2 flJr'tly .1 Pat Tarzwell,Chair
McKenzie Smith,Clerk of the Board
APPROVED.AS TO FORM: Sharon Trask,Commissioner
lJ %
Tim W itehead, Chief DPA Randy eat erlin,Commissioner
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Title 17-ZONING
Chapter 17.11-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE ALLYN UGA
Article V. "R-3"—High Density Multifamily Residential District
Article V. "R-3"—High Density Multifamily Residential District
17.11.510 Purpose.
The purpose and function of the R-3 District is to allow for the development of dense residential housing,
recreation amenities, parking and open space.This district is typically located near services and transit routes and
serves to promote affordable housing.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part), 2007).
17.11.520 Allowed uses.
(a) Residential apartment complexes.
(b) Detached residential projects.
(c) Group homes and residential care facilities:twelve or fewer.
(d) Artist studios.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part), 2007).
17.11.530 Accessory uses.
(a) Common facilities of an apartment,condominium,or townhouse development,such as recreational areas,
playgrounds,club houses,and laundry facilities.
(b) Parking lots and garages.
(c) Storage units.
(d) Family day care.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part),2007).
17.11.540 Uses allowed subject to obtaining a special use permit.
(a) Churches.
(b) Fraternal and community service clubs.
(c) Public schools.
(d) Private academic schools.
(e)' Commercial child care center.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part),2007).
Mason County,Washington,Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-12-01 14:28:52 [EST]
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17.11.550 Bulk and dimension standards.
The following standards may be altered without a variance only through use of an overlay zone, PD
regulations as adopted in Article V of Chapter 17.10 or as a master development plan in conformance with
adopted Mason County regulations. Height and setback standards allow for minor deviations by architectural
treatments such as chimneys,copulas,bay windows,entry covers,and door landings.
Density Minimum 5 units per net developable acres. Maximum of 20 dwelling units per net acre.
Lot coverage 70%maximum lot coverage
Min.lot area 4,000 sq.ft.
Lot dimensions Minimum lot width is 50 feet.
Lots shall be regular in shape with side property lines roughly parallel.
Height Primary building:35 feet,or as reviewed by special use permit.
Setbacks Yard setbacks refer to the setback of structures from the property line.Additional standards
for setbacks in special situations are in Section 17.10.460.
Front yard 10 feet
Side yard 5 feet.
Street side yard 7 feet
Rear yard 10 feet
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part),2007;Ord. No.52-19,att.A,6-4-2019;Ord. No.2022-006,Atts.A,C, 1-18-2022)
17.11.560 Off-street parking.
See Chapter 17.14 and Section 17.10.490 Vehicle Parking for additional requirements.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part),2007).
17.11.570 Additional development and design criteria.
(Reserved)
17.11.580 Approval of plans.
In addition to other required permits all developments in the R-3 district shall require binding site plan
approval.
(Ord.63-07 Exh.A(part),2007).
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Title 17-ZONING
Chapter 17.22-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS IN THE BELFAIR UGA
Sections 17.22.110-17.22.160"R-10"—Multifamily Residential District
17.22.110 "R-10" Multi-family residential district—Purpose.
The purpose of the R-10 district is to provide a high-density residential-area housing option within the Belfair
urban growth area. Locations should be within or adjacent to development nodes and commercially zoned areas
within a normal walking distance of one-half to three-quarters of a mile. Locations generally are areas not
significantly impacted by critical areas and slopes.The district allows for a density of ten dwelling units per gross
acre,and a minimum density of five dwelling units per net developable acre.Clustering of the dwelling units and
properties is encouraged to protect open space and water quality, reduce infrastructure needs,and enhance
energy efficiency. Design standards are important to minimize environmental and visual impacts of developments
and provide amenities for residents. Protection of creeks and wetlands is critical—these features should be
preserved and integrated into the development as an asset and amenity for residents.Open space and play areas
will be important, particularly for young families. Pedestrian access—between developments and to provide access
to parks,open space,commercial,and civic uses—is also very important.
(Ord. 133-04 Att. B§2(part),2004).
(Ord. No.23-19,Att.A,3-19-2019)
17.22.120 Allowed uses.
Uses allowed in the R-10 district shall be as follows:
(1) Detached dwellings;
(2) Duplexes;
(3) Multi-family dwelling units;
(4) Public parks;
(5) Public utility service lines;
(6) Townhouses;
(7) Triplexes.
(Ord. 133-04 Att. B§2(part),2004).
17.22.130 Accessory uses.
The following uses are permitted only as they are ancillary to the primary allowed uses and may or may not
require a special license or permit in addition to holding a building permits:
(1) Home occupations;
(2) Accessory dwelling units;
(3) Club houses;
(4) Recreation areas;
(5) Family child care centers;
(6) Group homes;
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(7) Outdoor vehicle parking;
(8) Well heads and water treatment facilities;
(9) Community drain fields.
(Ord. 133-04 Att. B§2(part),2004).
17.22.140 Special uses.
(a) Churches.
(b) Schools.
(c) Bed and breakfast inns.
(d) Commercial child care center.
(e) Other essential public facilities.
(f) All uses permitted in the mixed use district(MU) provided the following conditions are met:
(1) Applicant successfully demonstrates to the county that the general commercial(GC)zoned lands east
of the Burlington Northern Railroad line are built-out.
(2) Development must comply with all bulk,dimensional, and design standards and guidelines of the
mixed use district.
(g) Recreational vehicle/trailer parks.
(h) Manufactured home parks.
(Ord. 133-04 Att. B§2(part),2004).
(Ord.No.23-19,Att.A,3-19-2019;Ord. No.2022-093,Att.C,12-20-2022)
17.22.145 Reserved.
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No.2022-093,Att.C,adopted Dec.20, 2022, repealed §17.22.145,which pertained to
prohibited uses and derived from Ord. 133-04,adopted 2004.
17.22.150 Bulk.and dimensional standards.
Density: Maximum average of 10 dwelling units per gross acre,and a minimum density of five units
per net developable acre.
Intensity: 70%lot coverage.
Minimum Lot 4,000 square feet.
Area:
Lot Dimensions: All lots shall have a minimum width of 50 feet.
Height: The maximum height of structures in the district shall be as follows: Buildings containing the
permitted use:45 feet,or as reviewed by special use permit.
Accessory structure:20 feet.
Setbacks: A roof overhang,chimneys,copulas, bay windows, porch covers,and door landings are
allowed to project a maximum of two feet into a minimum setback.
Front yard:10 feet.
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Side yard:5 feet for accessory structures and 5 feet for the dwelling unit.Side yard reduction
may be granted with review and approval of a building administrative variance,but in no
case shall the setback be less than the minimum required by building or fire codes.
Street side yard:7 feet.
Rear yard:5 feet for accessory structures and 10 feet for the dwelling unit.
Street rear yard:10 feet.
(Ord.133-04 Att. B§2(part), 2004;Ord. No.23-19,Att.A, 3-19-2019;Ord. No.52-19,att.A,6-4-2019;Ord. No.
2020-35,Att.A,5-5-2020;Ord. No.2022-006,Atts.A,C,1-18-2022;Ord. No.2022-093,Att.C, 12-20-2022)
17.22.160 Reserved.
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No.2022-093,Att.C,adopted Dec.20,2022,repealed§17.22.160,which pertained to retail
overlay area and derived from Ord.133-04,adopted 2004.
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