Chapter 17.34
TEMPORARY USES
Sections:
17.34.030 Garage and yard sales.
17.34.040 Special event and temporary signs.
17.34.050 Temporary homeless encampments.
17.34.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the standards and conditions applicable to specific temporary use types. (Ord. 4009 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
17.34.020 Temporary uses.
Temporary uses include limited duration activities on private property that may be permitted for a specific period of time through the issuance of a temporary use permit. Limited duration activities on public property may be permitted through a special event permit or a right-of-way use permit. Temporary uses shall be permitted for a maximum duration of one hundred eighty days in one calendar year.
A. Limited duration activities on private property permitted through a temporary use permit may include, but are not limited to:
1. Carnivals or festivals;
2. Christmas tree sales;
3. Emergency shelters;
4. Fireworks sales;
5. Farmers’ markets (seasonal);
6. Garage/yard sales;
7. Outdoor concerts, or theatrical performances;
8. Outdoor dining areas; or
9. Parking lot/outdoor sales events;
10. Roadside stands;
11. Seasonal sale of agricultural products grown off premises;
12. Temporary sales offices; or
13. Other activities that involve the temporary alteration of a site, temporary changes in ingress and egress, or uses of a limited duration that would not adversely affect the public health and safety.
B. Approval Criteria.
1. The city may approve, approve with conditions, or deny a request for approval of a temporary use subject to compliance with all of the following criteria:
a. The applicant has proof of the property owner’s permission to place the event on his/her property.
b. The operation of the requested use at the location proposed and within the time period specified will not jeopardize, endanger, or otherwise constitute a threat to the public health, safety, or general welfare.
c. The proposed site is adequate in size and shape with appropriate screening or landscaping to accommodate the temporary use without detriment to the use and enjoyment of other properties in the project vicinity.
d. The project makes adequate provisions for access and circulation, water supply, storm drainage, sanitary sewage disposal, solid waste management, recycling, emergency services, and environmental protection as determined by the city.
e. Adequate temporary parking to accommodate vehicular traffic to be generated by the use will be available either on site or at alternate locations acceptable to the city. (Ord. 4009 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 3889 § 3 (Exh. A), 2017. Formerly 17.22.060(A), (B))
17.34.030 Garage and yard sales.
Garage/estate sales may be conducted on private residential properties without a temporary use permit, subject to the following criteria. Any activities not meeting these criteria may be approved through a temporary use permit:
A. Sales shall last no longer than three consecutive days; and
B. Sales are held at the site no more than four times in a calendar year; and
C. Sales are conducted on the owner’s property. Multiple-family sales are permitted if they are held on the property of one of the participants; and
D. All signs are removed immediately after the event. (Ord. 4009 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
17.34.040 Special event and temporary signs.
The city may approve the display of temporary sign(s) through the issuance of a temporary use permit in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.34.020 or a special event permit issued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 12.24. (Ord. 4009 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 3889 § 3 (Exh. A), 2017. Formerly 17.22.060(C))
17.34.050 Temporary homeless encampments.
A. Religious organizations may be permitted to host encampments for the homeless on a temporary basis in accordance with the provisions of RCW 36.01.290; provided, that:
1. The city may impose conditions of approval necessary to protect the public health and safety;
2. Prospective applicants shall submit for city review and approval, plans that at a minimum address:
a. The maximum number of occupants to be allowed in the encampment;
b. Provisions for toilets, running water, and garbage collection that meet local health standards;
c. Provisions for cooking facilities including food storage and dish washing;
d. Provisions for tents or similar sleeping shelters; and
e. Plans for the location of first aid equipment, fire extinguishers, designated smoking areas (if any), maintenance of necessary access, plans for keeping the site free of litter or garbage, and plans for prohibiting open flames.
3. Encampments shall be open for inspection by the city at all times, without prior notice, to determine compliance with the conditions of approval. This shall include but is not limited to the health department, fire department, police department, and the department of community development. (Ord. 4009 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 3889 § 3 (Exh. A), 2017. Formerly 17.22.280)