Chapter 18.80
ZONING DISTRICTS

Sections:

18.80.010    Zoning districts established.

18.80.020    Unclassified areas.

18.80.030    Boundary interpretations.

18.80.040    Overlay requirements.

18.80.050    Table of permitted uses.

18.80.010 Zoning districts established.

In order to classify, segregate, and regulate the use of land, buildings and structures, the following zoning districts are created:

A. Residential. The residential (R) zone is a designation given to Roslyn’s residential neighborhoods consisting principally of single-family homes. Overall the housing stock in Roslyn is simple, functional, and vernacular in nature. The construction materials employed in the building of Roslyn were of local origin. The sturdy frame dwellings, similar in shape and roof type, were adapted to sloping sites. The intent of this zone is to preserve the historic character of these residential neighborhoods.

B. Commercial. The commercial (C) zone is the central business district of the community. Due to its centralized location, concentration of existing goods and services, pedestrian orientation and commercial site availability, the C zone is designated as the area in which commercial development shall occur. The intent of this zone is to maintain and enhance the historic character and development pattern of the central business district area through the preservation and renovation of historic buildings, in-filling vacant sites with new construction in accordance with architectural and historic preservation design standards, and maintaining the pedestrian orientation with a diversity of retail shops and eating establishments.

C. Light Industrial (LI). This zone allows for industrial uses which have a minimum impact on the community as regards to air, traffic, water and especially noise pollution; while providing employment opportunities for the residents of Roslyn.

D. Urban Forest (UF). The intent of this zone is to return the modern landscape to historic conditions: a mosaic of open ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and grand fir, with varying degrees of tree densities and canopy closures, low volumes of hazardous fuel, and adequate habitat opportunity for many species, in accordance with the provisions of the most recent version of the “Roslyn Forest Land Stewardship Plan.”

E. Historic Cemetery Zone (HC). The intent of this zoning district is to preserve and enhance the character of Roslyn’s historic cemeteries in accordance with the “Forest Land Stewardship Plan Roslyn Urban Forest Adjacent to Roslyn’s Historic Cemeteries,” and adopted city policies.

F. Watershed (W). The intent of this zone is to preserve and protect the source of the city’s water supply which is located in the Domerie Creek Drainage Basin. The boundaries of this zoning district coincide with the legal description of the Domerie Creek Drainage Basin found in Exhibit A of Ordinance 559, which was approved by the Roslyn city council on April 8, 1980. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1166 § 2 (Exh. C), 2019; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.80.010)), 2010.]

18.80.020 Unclassified areas.

Parcels not classified on the official zoning map are subject to a Class 1 code interpretation and shall be subject to the regulations of the residential (R) zone pending further classification. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1166 § 2 (Exh. C), 2019; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.80.020)), 2010.]

18.80.030 Boundary interpretations.

When uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any use zone shown on the zoning maps, the planning official shall use the following rules of interpretation:

A. Where zone boundaries are indicated as approximately following the centerline of streets, alleys or highways, the centerline shall be construed to be the boundary;

B. Where zone boundaries are indicated as running approximately parallel to the centerline of a street or alley, the boundary line shall be construed to be parallel to the centerline of the street;

C. Where zone boundaries are indicated on such map as approximately following the lot or tract lines, the actual lot or tract line shall be construed to be the boundary of such use district;

D. Where a zone boundary on such zoning map divides a parcel, the location of such use zone boundary, unless the same is indicated by dimensions thereon, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on such zoning map; and

E. In case uncertainty exists which cannot be determined by application of the foregoing rules, the planning official may determine the location of such use zone boundaries. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.80.030)), 2010.]

18.80.040 Overlay requirements.

In addition to the requirements applicable to each zoning district, parcels located within the following overlay districts are subject to additional requirements as noted:

A. Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. The entire city has been designated as a critical aquifer recharge area and is subject to the provisions of this title.

B. Public Lands Overlay. The entire city has been designated as a public lands overlay zone. Changes of use to any publicly owned land in the city shall require a conditional use permit.

C. Master Planned Development Overlay Zone. The city council may designate a parcel or contiguous parcels as a unique community asset subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.160 RMC, Master Planned Developments. For more information about the boundaries of these areas, recently designated areas, areas under consideration, and/or the process for designating areas contact the planning official. Designated unique community assets include, but are not limited to:

1. Number 4 mine area.

D. Commercial Overlay. Commercial uses may be permitted on designated parcels; provided, that existing residential structures or newly constructed buildings meet the historic design standards for residential buildings. [Ord. 1205 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.80.040)), 2010.]

18.80.050 Table of permitted uses.

Land uses shall be permitted in accordance with the following table of permitted uses; provided, that:

A. Only those uses identified with a P (permitted), C (permitted only through the issuance of a conditional use permit), or S (permitted only through a special use permit) may be approved. Those uses identified with an X are not permitted; provided, that other uses not specifically identified as permitted may be determined to be not permitted through an administrative interpretation.

B. Uses not specifically identified as permissible (P, C, or S), or authorized through a Class 1 code interpretation or a master planned development per Chapter 18.160 RMC, may not be approved.

C. The permissibility of uses not specifically listed, or any questions about the interpretation of this table, shall be addressed through a Class 1 code interpretation utilizing the intent of each zoning district.

 

Table of Permitted Uses 

X: Use or activity not permitted;

P: Use or activity may be permitted subject to conformance with applicable codes and standards;

C: Use or activity may be permitted through the issuance of a conditional use permit and subject to conformance with applicable codes and standards;

S: Use or activity may be permitted through the issuance of a special use permit.

 

Residential Zone (R)

Commercial Zone (C)

Light Industrial Zone (LI)

Urban Forest (UF)

City Watershed (W)

Historic Cemetery District (HC)

Residential

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accessory buildings, structures, and uses

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

X

X

P(1), (11)

Accessory dwelling unit

P(1)

P(1)

X

X

X

X

Adult family home

P

P

X

X

X

X

Dwelling unit – multifamily

P(2)

P(3)

X

X

X

X

Dwelling unit – single-family

P

X(15)

X

X

X

X

Dwelling unit – duplex

P

X(15)

X

X

X

X

Home business

P(4)

P(4)

X

X

X

X

Mobile home

X

X

X

X

X

X

RV park

X

X

X

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public/Semi-Public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Animal shelter, kennel

X

X

C

X

X

X

Cemetery

X

X

X

X

X

P

Child day care center

X

P(14)

X

X

X

X

Churches, temples, places of worship

P

C

X

X

X

C(11)

Community center

C

P

X

X

X

X

Family day care center

P(14)

P(14)

X

X

X

X

Farmers market

X

P

P

X

X

X

Home school

P

X

X

X

X

X

Museum

P(7)

P

P

X

X

C(11)

Parking facility

X

P

P

X

X

C(11)

Private school

C

X

X

X

X

X

Private utility facility

P(6)

P(6)

P(6)

P(5), (6)

X

C(11)

Public building

C

P

P

X

X

C(11)

Public library

C

P

C

X

X

X

Public facility and utilities

C

C

C

C(5)

P

C(11)

Public park and playground

C

C

C

C(5)

X

X

Public restrooms

X

C

C

X

X

C(11)

Public school

C

X

X

X

X

X

Public trails and associated facilities

P

P

P

P(5)

X

C(11)

Public transportation facility

X

P

P

X

X

X

Reuse of public school building

P(16)

X

X

X

X

X

Visitor center

P(7)

P

P

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adult entertainment business

X

X

C

X

X

X

Artist studio and gallery

P(8)

P

P

X

X

X

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

X

P

P

X

X

X

Automobile repair and maintenance

X

C

P

X

X

X

Bed and breakfast lodging

P(9)

P(9)

X

X

X

X

Chain stores (formula business)

X

X

P(19)

X

X

X

Counseling and social services

X

P

P

X

X

X

Drive-through windows and services

X

C

X

X

X

X

Eating and drinking establishment

X

P

P

X

X

X

Gas station

X

C

P

X

X

X

Home accommodation

P(9), (18)

P(9), (18)

P(9), (18)

X

X

X

Hostel

X

C

X

X

X

X

Hotel

X

P

P

X

X

X

Medical and health care

X

P

P

X

X

X

Mixed use development

X

P

P

X

X

X

Motel

X

P

P

X

X

X

New and used vehicle and boat sales

X

X

C

X

X

X

Nonconforming commercial use

X

X

X

X

X

X

Private classes, studios, and exercise facilities

X

P

P

X

X

X

Professional and technical services

X

P

P

X

X

X

Professional offices

X

P

C

X

X

X

Retail business

X

P

P

X

X

X

Storage facility

X

X

X

X

X

X

Temporary or seasonal sales

S(10)

S(10)

S(10)

X

X

X

Vacation rental

X

P(9)

X

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemicals or explosives

X

X

X

X

X

X

Coal mining

X

X

C

X

X

X

Computers and electronics

X

X

C

X

X

X

Food and beverage

X

P

C

X

X

X

Furniture and related products

X

C

C

X

X

X

Hazardous materials

X

X

X

X

X

X

Health and medical equipment

X

X

C

X

X

X

Printing

X

P

C

X

X

X

Recycling facility – indoors

X

C

C

X

X

X

Recycling facility – outdoors

X

X

C

X

X

X

Textiles, leather, and apparel

X

X

C

X

X

X

Transportation equipment

X

X

C

X

X

X

Welding, fabrication, and/or machine shop

X

X

C

X

X

X

Wood and paper products

X

X

C

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial livestock

X

X

X

X

X

X

Contractor yard and equipment storage

X

X

C

X

X

X

Information services

X

X

C

X

X

X

Junk or salvage yard

X

X

X

X

X

X

Special uses and events

S(10)

S(10)

S(10)

S(5), (10)

X

S(10), (11)

Temporary uses

S(10)

S(10)

S(10)

S(5), (10)

X

S(10), (11)

Warehouse and distribution

X

X

C

X

X

X

Wholesale sales

X

P

C

X

X

X

Wireless communication facilities – major

X

X

X

X

X

X

Wireless communication facilities – minor

C(12)

C(12)

C(12)

X

X

X

Wireless communication facilities – personal

P(13)

P(13)

P(13)

X

X

X

Footnotes:

(1) Accessory buildings, structures, dwelling units, and uses must also comply with the provisions of RMC 18.50.030.

(2) Multifamily dwellings are permitted in the residential zone only in an existing structure or an approved reconstruction that meets the historic district design standards and the provisions of Chapter 18.50 RMC.

(3) Multifamily dwellings are permitted in the commercial zone only as a part of a mixed use development and not at street level fronting the main street.

(4) Home businesses must also comply with the provisions of RMC 18.140.020.

(5) Activities and uses in the urban forest zone must comply with the provisions of the forest land stewardship plan as approved by the city.

(6) Private utilities may only be permitted in accordance with the provisions of a city franchise agreement or license.

(7) Museums or a visitor center may be permitted in the residential zone only upon the submission of a parking and management plan for city review and approval.

(8) Artist studios and galleries may be permitted in the residential zone in conformance with the provisions of RMC 18.140.020(A).

(9) Short-term rentals must comply with the provisions of RMC 18.140.040.

(10) Special uses and events and temporary uses must comply with the provisions of Chapter 8.40 RMC.

(11) Activities or uses proposed for the historic cemetery district must comply with the provisions of the land stewardship plan for the Roslyn forest adjacent to the historic cemeteries and policies approved by the city council.

(12) Minor wireless communication facilities must comply with the provisions of Chapter 18.170 RMC.

(13) Personal wireless communication facilities may be permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 18.50 RMC, Architectural Design Review.

(14) Must also comply with the provisions of Chapter 43.215 RCW.

(15) Existing single-family and duplex residences are permitted.

(16) The following uses are permitted:

a. Child care facilities;

b. Educational activities; and

c. Community events.

(17) Livestock may be permitted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6.15 RMC, Livestock.

(18) Home accommodations shall be owner occupied dwelling units and are limited to two bedrooms per dwelling unit for use as transient lodging for less than a 30-day period.

(19) Chain stores and formula businesses must also comply with the provisions of subsection D of this section.

D. Chain stores or formula businesses within the light industrial zone shall meet all of the following criteria:

1. Any chain store or formula business shall not exceed 3,000 square feet and shall be located in a building that is shared with at least one other business, as defined by RMC 5.05.010(C), that is not a chain store or formula business. Only one chain store or formula business is permitted per parcel, lot or tract on which all or a portion of a building is located. No drive-through facilities are allowed.

2. The building and site design shall comply with Chapter 18.50 RMC.

3. Outdoor storage areas, mechanical equipment, and utility vaults shall not be visible from abutting streets and pedestrian walkways.

4. Site services shall be located on the least visible side of a building or site or within interior building spaces to the maximum extent feasible.

5. All signs shall comply with Chapter 15.25 RMC.

a. Neon signs are prohibited.

6. There shall be no exterior vending machines, including, but not limited to, soft drink dispensers, ice cube freezers, and the like.

7. Trash receptacles shall be placed at the entrances to any building containing chain stores or formula businesses, and shall be maintained by those businesses. Exterior receptacles shall not exhibit logos, company colors/contours, or advertising. [Ord. 1192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1166 § 3 (Exh. B), 2019; Ord. 1143 § 3 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1096 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1073 § 7, 2011; Ord. 1060 §§ 5, 6, 2010; Ord. 1059 § 2 (Exh. A (12.80.050)), 2010.]