Chapter 21.68
SWIFT SUBAREA FINAL ZONING1
Sections:
21.68.040 Relationship to balance of SCC Title 21.
21.68.050 Zone classifications.
21.68.060 Mountain recreational 5 zone classification (MR5).
21.68.070 Mountain recreational 10 zone classification (MR10).
21.68.080 Mountain recreational 20 zone classification (MR20).
21.68.090 Swift forest lands 20 zone classification (SW-FL20).
21.68.100 Swift commercial resource lands 40 zone classification (SW-CRL40).
21.68.110 Swift recreational zone classification (SR).
21.68.010 Applicability.
This chapter applies to all lands in that portion of unincorporated Skamania County located within Township 6 North, Range 5 East; Township 6 North, Range 6 East; Township 7 North, Range 5 East; and Township 7 North, Range 6 East, Willamette Meridian. Commonly known as the “Swift Subarea” of Skamania County and depicted on the Geographic Location of Subarea Map (Figure 2-1) in the Swift Subarea Plan. (Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.020 Effective date.
This chapter shall become effective upon adoption hereof by the board of county commissioners. (Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.030 Zoning map.
A zoning map will be made a part of this chapter and shall be known as the “Swift Subarea Zoning Map”. The zoning map shall show the zone classifications assigned to specific parcels of property. (Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.040 Relationship to balance of SCC Title 21.
Except to the extent that the provisions of this chapter are in conflict with or contradict the provisions of the balance of SCC Title 21, the provisions set out in SCC Title 21 shall remain in full force and effect in the Swift Subarea planning area. When conflict arises, the provisions of this chapter are controlling. (Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.050 Zone classifications.
Zones shall be shown on the Swift Subarea Zoning Map and its revisions. Where the abbreviated designation is used it has the same meaning as the entire zone classification title.
Abbreviated Designation/Zone Classification Title |
Mapping Symbol |
---|---|
Mountain Recreational 5 |
MR5 |
Mountain Recreational 10 |
MR10 |
Mountain Recreational 20 |
MR20 |
Swift Forest Lands 20 |
S-FL20 |
Swift Commercial Resource Lands 40 |
S-CRL40 |
Swift Recreational |
SR |
(Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.060 Mountain recreational 5 zone classification (MR5).
A. Purpose—Intent. The mountain recreational 5 (MR5) zone classification is intended to provide areas of recreational uses at very low density to preserve the primitive recreational character of the area and to provide opportunities for limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities. These lands are proposed to be dividable into a minimum of five acres.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings;
2. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
3. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use;
4. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Cottage occupations (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
6. Light home industries (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
7. Professional services;
8. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop, including but not limited to timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
9. Domestic agriculture;
10. Residential care facilities (in accordance with Chapter 21.85);
11. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and water resource management facilities;
12. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
13. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
14. Cluster developments (in accordance with Section 21.70.150);
a. Any land division utilizing the cluster development concept shall not be granted a change in comprehensive plan designation or zoning classification for a minimum of ten years from the date of recording the land division;
b. All clustered lots within the land division shall be at least two acres in size;
c. The total number of allowable lots within the land division shall not exceed the overall density set by the comprehensive plan and the zoning classification; and
d. All open space/common areas shall be owned in common by all landowners within the land division, with each land owner listed on the recorded deed;
15. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
16. Resource enhancement projects, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes;
17. Outdoor recreational facilities.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160).
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Meeting halls (such as religious, civic, social, and fraternal);
2. Small- and large-scale recreational vehicle parks;
3. Camping cabin facilities (in accordance with Section 21.70.170);
4. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Expansion of existing legally established mineral resource extraction and/or processing sites;
6. Limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities;
7. Nature resource training/research facilities;
8. Indoor recreational facilities;
9. Campgrounds;
10. Group camps;
11. Rural event centers;
12. Retreat centers;
13. Large-scale recreational facility.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.070 Mountain recreational 10 zone classification (MR10).
A. Purpose—Intent. The mountain recreational 10 (MR10) zone classification is intended to provide areas of recreational uses at very low density to preserve the primitive recreational character of the area and to provide opportunities for limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities. These lands are proposed to be dividable into a minimum of ten acres.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings;
2. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
3. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use;
4. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Cottage occupations (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
6. Light home industries (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
7. Professional services;
8. Domestic agriculture;
9. Residential care facilities (in accordance with Chapter 21.85);
10. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop including, but not limited to, timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
11. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and water resource management facilities;
12. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
13. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
14. Cluster developments (in accordance with Section 21.70.150);
a. Any land division utilizing the cluster development concept shall not be granted a change in comprehensive plan designation or zoning classification for a minimum of ten years from the date of recording the land division;
b. All clustered lots within the land division shall be at least two acres in size;
c. The total number of allowable lots within the land division shall not exceed the overall density set by the comprehensive plan and the zoning classification; and
d. All open space/common areas shall be owned in common by all landowners within the land division, with each landowner listed on the recorded deed;
15. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
16. Resource enhancement projects, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes;
17. Outdoor recreational facilities.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160).
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Meeting halls (such as religious, civic, social, and fraternal);
2. Small- and large-scale recreational vehicle parks;
3. Camping cabin facilities (in accordance with Section 21.70.170);
4. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Expansion of existing legally established mineral resource extraction and/or processing sites;
6. Limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities;
7. Nature resource training/research facilities;
8. Indoor recreational facilities;
9. Campgrounds;
10. Group camps;
11. Rural event centers;
12. Retreat centers;
13. Large-scale recreational facility.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.080 Mountain recreational 20 zone classification (MR20).
A. Purpose—Intent. The mountain recreational 20 (MR20) zone classification is intended to provide areas of recreational uses at very low density to preserve the primitive recreational character of the area and to provide opportunities for limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities. These lands are proposed to be dividable into a minimum of twenty acres.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Single-family dwellings;
2. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
3. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use;
4. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Cottage occupations (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
6. Light home industries (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
7. Professional services;
8. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and water resource management facilities;
9. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
10. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
11. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop including, but not limited to, timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
12. Cluster developments (in accordance with Section 21.70.150);
a. Any land division utilizing the cluster development concept shall not be granted a change in comprehensive plan designation or zoning classification for a minimum of ten years from the date of recording the land division;
b. All clustered lots within the land division shall be at least two acres in size;
c. The total number of allowable lots within the land division shall not exceed the overall density set by the comprehensive plan and the zoning classification; and
d. All open space/common areas shall be owned in common by all landowners within the land division, with each landowner listed on the recorded deed;
13. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
14. Resource enhancement projects, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes;
15. Outdoor recreational facilities.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160).
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Meeting halls (such as religious, civic, social, and fraternal);
2. Small- and large-scale recreational vehicle parks;
3. Camping cabin facilities (in accordance with Section 21.70.170);
4. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
5. Expansion of existing legally established mineral resource extraction and/or processing sites;
6. Limited small-scale commercial uses related to recreational activities;
7. Nature resource training/research facilities;
8. Indoor recreational facilities;
9. Campgrounds;
10. Group camps;
11. Rural event centers;
12. Retreat centers;
13. Large-scale recreational facility.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.090 Swift forest lands 20 zone classification (SW-FL20).
A. Purpose—Intent. The Swift forest lands 20 (SW-FL20) zone classification is intended to provide land for present and future non-industrial forestry operations. A secondary purpose is to provide buffers between commercial resource lands and rural lands designations.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop including, but not limited to, timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
2. Log sorting and storage areas, scaling stations, and forest industry storage and maintenance facilities, provided the intent of the processing is initial reduction in bulk and/or to facilitate transport of products to a secondary processing center. These uses shall not include commercial and manufacturing uses such as, but not limited to: manufacture of finished wood products such as furniture, lumber, or plywood, nor the retail sales of products from the site;
3. Commercial and domestic agriculture;
4. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and/or water resource management facilities;
5. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
6. Storage of explosives, fuels, and chemicals, as allowed by state and federal laws;
7. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
8. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
9. Group camps;
10. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use;
11. One single-family dwelling per legal lot of record;
12. Cottage occupations (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
13. Light home industries (in accordance with Chapter 21.70);
14. Professional services;
15. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
16. Extraction of gravel and rock for road and trail construction and maintenance purposes, and the operation of portable rock crushers, provided the material is used within the Swift subarea or on the forest owners’ property. This does not include commercial rock sources supplying rock outside of the area;
17. Cluster developments (in accordance with Section 21.70.150);
a. Any land division utilizing the cluster development concept shall not be granted a change in comprehensive plan designation or zoning classification for a minimum of ten years from the date of recording the land division;
b. All clustered lots within the land division shall be at least two acres in size;
c. The total number of allowable lots within the land division shall not exceed the overall density set by the comprehensive plan and the zoning classification; and
d. All open space/common areas shall be owned in common by all landowners within the land division, with each landowner listed on the recorded deed;
18. Resource enhancement projects, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
2. Temporary crew quarters and/or farm labor housing in conjunction with forest or agricultural activities.
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
2. Sawmills, shake and shingle mills, and chipper facilities;
3. Natural resource training/research facilities;
4. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
5. Outdoor recreational facilities;
6. Indoor recreational facilities;
7. Campgrounds;
8. Rural event centers;
9. Retreat centers;
10. Large-scale recreational facility.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.100 Swift commercial resource lands 40 zone classification (SW-CRL40).
A. Purpose—Intent. The Swift commercial resource lands 40 (SW-CRL40) zone classification is intended to designate and protect forest, agricultural, and mineral resource lands of long-term significance and for the harvesting and use of all other natural resources.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop including, but not limited to, timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
2. Log sorting and storage areas, scaling stations, and forest industry storage and maintenance facilities, sawmills, shake and shingle mills, and chipper facilities; provided, that the retail sales of products from the site shall be prohibited;
3. Commercial and domestic agriculture;
4. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and/or water resource management facilities;
5. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
6. Storage of explosives, fuels, and chemicals, as allowed by state and federal laws;
7. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
8. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
9. Historic sites open to the public that do not interfere with the management of resource lands;
10. Group camps;
11. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use;
12. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
13. Extraction of gravel and rock for road and trail construction and maintenance purposes, and the operation of portable rock crushers provided the material is used within the Swift subarea or on the forest owners’ property. This does not include commercial rock sources supplying rock outside of the area;
14. Resource enhancement projects, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
2. Temporary crew quarters and/or farm labor housing in conjunction with forest or agricultural activities.
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
2. Commercial sand and/or gravel pit, stone quarry, mining, crushing, stockpiling of mineral resources and similar uses for the development of natural resources extracted on site, not otherwise allowed under Section 21.68.100(B);
3. Aircraft landing field, private; as an accessory use to forest management or an existing legal nonconforming use;
4. Natural resource training/research facilities;
5. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
6. Outdoor recreational facilities;
7. Indoor recreational facilities;
8. Campgrounds;
9. Rural event centers;
10. Retreat centers.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited.
G. Minimum Development Standards.
1. Lot Size. The standard minimum lot size, dimensions, and proportions shall be as follows (unless the local health authority requires a greater lot size):
a. Minimum lot size shall be forty acres.
2. Density Requirements.
a. No dwelling units are allowed in the Swift commercial resource lands 40 (S-CRL40) zone.
3. Setbacks. The following are the minimum lot line setbacks for all buildings and accessory buildings:
a. Front Yard. No building or accessory building shall be constructed closer than fifty feet from the centerline of the public road right-of-way or private access easement (not including private driveways), or twenty feet from the front property line, whichever is greater.
b. Side Yard. No building or accessory building shall be constructed closer than twenty feet from the property line on each side of the structure.
c. Rear Yard. No building or accessory building shall be constructed closer than twenty feet from the rear property line.
d. Nonconforming Lots. Lots of less than two acres in size shall conform to standard building code setback requirements.
e. A Yard That Fronts on More Than One Road. The setback requirement for the front yard of a lot that fronts on more than one road shall be the required setback for that zone classification. All other frontages shall have a setback of fifteen feet from the property line, the edge of the public road right-of-way, or private road easement, whichever is greater if the parcel is less than two acres. If the parcel is greater than two acres the setback shall be twenty feet from the property line, the edge of the public road right-of-way, or private road easement, whichever is greater.
f. Cul-de-Sacs and Hammerhead Turnarounds. The setback requirement for a cul-de-sac or hammerhead turnaround shall be twenty feet from the property line, the edge of the public road right-of-way, or private road easement, whichever is greater.
4. Other Standards.
a. Building height limit for permitted uses shall not exceed thirty-five feet above grade, with the exception of Sections 21.70.050 and 21.70.160.
b. No building or structure shall be located within any easement, except structures related to recreational activity may be allowed in flowage easements if written permission is granted by the easement holder and submitted with a complete application. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
21.68.110 Swift recreational zone classification (SR).
A. Purpose—Intent. The Swift recreational (SR) zone classification is intended to promote recreational opportunities within the Swift subarea.
B. Allowable Uses.
1. Public, semi-public, and/or private facilities and/or utility systems;
2. Existing retail stores and service establishments where merchandise is displayed and sold and/or services are provided within an enclosed building;
3. Outdoor recreational facilities;
4. Indoor recreational facilities;
5. Campgrounds;
6. Group camps;
7. Rural event centers;
8. Retreat centers;
9. Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations;
10. Forest practices and associated management activities of any forest crop, including but not limited to timber harvest, harvesting of forest resources (mushrooms, bear grass, boughs, berries, etc.), Christmas trees, and nursery stock;
11. Attached communication facilities located on BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
12. Replacement of any of the two hundred four legally established privately owned cabins in the Northwoods development;
13. A single new cabin on each of the four vacant cabin spaces in the Northwoods development;
14. Management and enhancement of unique biological areas, propagation of fish and wildlife, and water resource management facilities;
15. Resource enhancement project, subject to compliance with other applicable federal, state, and county codes;
16. Scientific monitoring or research devices;
17. Landscaping features (not located within a critical area);
18. Accessory uses normally associated with an allowable use.
C. Administrative Review Uses.
1. Attached communication facilities located on non-BPA towers (in accordance with Section 21.70.160).
D. Conditional Uses.
1. Small- and large-scale recreational vehicle parks;
2. Camping cabin facilities (in accordance with Section 21.70.170);
3. Communication tower(s) (in accordance with Section 21.70.160);
4. Expansion of existing legally established mineral resource extraction and/or processing sites;
5. Large-scale recreational facility.
E. Temporary Uses Permitted.
1. Temporary uses shall be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Section 21.70.120.
F. Prohibited Uses.
1. Any uses not listed above are prohibited. (Ord. 2024-02, 7-18-24; Ord. 2021-02, 6-22-21; Ord. 2012-02, 5-1-12)
Editor’s note—Ord. 2012-02, adopted May 1, 2012, amended Chapter 21.68 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Chapter 21.68, §§ 21.68.010—21.67.120, pertained to Swift Interim Zoning and derived from Ord. 2007-12(part); and Ord. 2010-02, adopted Jan. 26, 2010.