Chapter 18.30
GB GREENBELT ZONE DISTRICT
Sections:
18.30.010 Intent.
The intent of the GB greenbelt zone district is to:
A. Ensure that certain areas of Tumwater that are characterized by environmental sensitivity and value be preserved, for the most part, in their original undisturbed state.
B. Provide and protect open space and other natural, physical assets of the community to improve the aesthetic and functional features of the community.
C. Protect areas of environmental sensitivity and provide habitat for wildlife.
D. Preserve significant natural areas for passive recreational use.
E. Provide open space areas throughout the city and urban growth area to enhance the aesthetic quality of the community.
F. Ensure the care and stewardship of open spaces in the city and urban growth area for future generations to enjoy.
G. Provide for viable agricultural uses in the near term while realizing that, over time, these types of uses will be phased out of the greenbelt zone district.
(Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)
18.30.020 Appropriate areas.
Areas appropriate for the greenbelt zone district are characterized by undeveloped public or private land that is permanently protected from development (except for trails and other passive recreational uses). These areas may include but are not limited to wetlands; wetland buffers; creek, stream or river corridors; open water bodies; forested areas; and ravines, bluffs or other geologically hazardous areas. The city recognizes the value of agricultural uses, but over time, it is expected that these uses will be phased out of areas under the greenbelt zone district. When a greenbelt is established to protect a wetland, the greenbelt zone district shown on the map(s) shall follow the actual delineated wetland edge.
(Ord. O2017-022, Amended, 12/05/2017; Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)
18.30.030 Permitted uses.
Permitted uses in the GB district are as follows:
A. Passive recreation facilities;
B. Trails;
C. Wildlife and nature preserves;
D. Wells and wellfields;
E. Agricultural uses subject to the requirements of TMC Chapter 16.08 (Protection of Trees and Vegetation) and the drainage design and erosion control manual for Tumwater;
F. Temporary research and education facilities related to water-dependent wetland-oriented research and education;
G. Residences existing prior to the adoption of this chapter;
H. Utility support facilities;
I. Permanent supportive housing in a residence existing prior to the adoption of TMC Chapter 18.30, subject to TMC 18.42.150;
J. Transitional housing in a residence existing prior to the adoption of TMC Chapter 18.30, subject to TMC 18.42.150;
K. Adult family homes and residential care facilities in a residence existing prior to the adoption of TMC Chapter 18.30.
(Ord. O2022-013, Amended, 10/04/2022; Ord. O2021-019, Amended, 01/18/2022; Ord. O2017-006, Amended, 07/18/2017; Ord. O2003-001, Amended, 02/18/2003; Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)
18.30.040 Accessory uses.
Accessory uses in the GB district are as follows:
A. Residential uses, located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain, as an accessory use to agricultural uses;
B. Detached garages or carports, located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain, subject to TMC 18.42.015;
C. Storage sheds, tool sheds, and greenhouses, located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain, subject to TMC 18.42.015;
D. Accessory wireless communication antenna not exceeding the height of the principal building on the property.*
*Use may also be subject to applicable provisions of TMC Chapter 11.20, Wireless Communication Facilities.
(Ord. O2018-025, Amended, 12/18/2018; Ord. O2018-007, Amended, 10/16/2018; Ord. O97-019, Amended, 06/17/1977; Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)
18.30.050 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses in the GB district are as follows:
A. Structures as an accessory use to agricultural uses;
B. Single-family residence located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain on a parcel no smaller than five acres;
C. Transitional housing in a single-family residence located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain on a parcel no smaller than five acres, subject to TMC 18.42.150;
D. Adult family homes and residential care facilities in a single-family residence located outside of the one-hundred-year floodplain on a parcel no smaller than five acres.
(Ord. O2022-013, Amended, 10/04/2022; Ord. O2021-019, Amended, 01/18/2022; Ord. O2017-006, Amended, 07/18/2017; Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)
18.30.060 Landscaping.
The preservation or enhancement of existing native plant materials shall be the predominant characteristic of landscape treatment in this district. Clearing of plant materials shall be subject to the requirements of TMC Chapter 16.08 (Protection of Trees and Vegetation).
(Ord. O95-035, Added, 12/19/1995)