Chapter 18.30
COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Sections:
18.30.020 General regulations.
18.30.030 Downtown commercial (C-1) district.
18.30.040 Office/tourist commercial (C-2) district.
18.30.050 General commercial (C-3) district.
18.30.060 Commercial riverfront (C-R) district.
18.30.070 Industrial (I) district.
18.30.010 Intent.
(1) It is the express intent of the town council to foster the public health, safety, general welfare and interests of the town by promoting an accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment in all commercial districts, including those where the primary circulation between establishments is vehicular and parking areas are supplied for customer use.
(2) It is the express intent of the town council to foster the public health, safety, general welfare and interests of the town by supporting commercial development that respects qualities of privacy, physical and psychological comfort, and aesthetics conducive to neighborhood and community life while at the same time fostering creativity and innovation and accommodating the needs of new and emerging industries.
(3) Proposals for residential and commercial development must include a process for ensuring that potential property owners are provided adequate notice regarding adjacent existing industrial and heavy commercial uses that may be in conflict with residential and light commercial uses. (Ord. 620 § 6(1), 2010)
18.30.020 General regulations.
(1) Uses Allowed. Uses allowed in each of the commercial zoning districts are shown in the district use chart in Appendix A of this title.
(2) Dimensional Requirements. Lot sizes, allowable densities, lot coverage, height and setbacks in each of the commercial zoning districts shall be as set forth in Table 6.
(3) All uses shall comply with all applicable basic provisions in Chapter 18.15 TMC, including requirements related to development and performance standards.
(4) All uses shall comply with all applicable general regulations in Chapter 18.20 TMC, including requirements for off-street parking, clear vision, fences, landscaping, buffers, signs, and site clearing. (Ord. 620 § 6(2), 2010)
18.30.030 Downtown commercial (C-1) district.
(1) Intent. The C-1 district is a pedestrian-oriented commercial district designed to foster a vibrant downtown business area supporting a mix of residential and commercial uses. The C-1 designation is intended for the central business district. In creating regulations for the C-1 district, consideration has been given to the need to promote pedestrian circulation, while recognizing the need to provide for adequate fire protection and emergency vehicle access. Parking requirements for the district acknowledge that the downtown is an area of shared parking and walking between stores, with limited space for off-street parking areas adjacent to most commercial uses. The C-1 district should provide adequate parking for residents, employees, and visitors with minimal curb cuts. Off-street parking areas should generally be located at the back of the lot, with access via alleys. Design and uses that will foster community life and social use of outdoor areas are to be encouraged. Compact scale is a defining characteristic of the C-1 district. The size, distribution, site design, and landscaping of uses that display goods in outdoor lots should be such that the impact on the surrounding neighborhood is negligible and the area remains attractive to pedestrians.
(2) Special Regulations.
(a) Single, duplex, and multifamily residential uses are permitted by administrative permit; provided, that 50 percent of the ground floor be dedicated to commercial use, and the commercial use dominates the street frontage facade of the building. Residential frontage shall be limited to access only. This standard shall be applied on corner lots as well.
(b) Outdoor display of merchandise is limited to the area immediately along the building frontage a maximum of 12 feet from the building frontage. Outdoor displays of merchandise on public sidewalks or rights-of-way shall not protrude into or over said sidewalks or rights-of-way in such a manner as to create a hazard or nuisance to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
(c) Outdoor seating and other outdoor use areas shall not protrude into or over public sidewalks or rights-of-way in such a manner as to create a likelihood of endangering the use of such public place by vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
(d) No single structure shall exceed a 25,000 square foot footprint. No single structure shall exceed 25,000 square feet of retail space.
(3) Lincoln Street Corridor. The Lincoln Street corridor is a special mixed use zone that allows more flexible residential development than typically provided for in the C-1 zone. The area extends from midway between Massey Wills Lane and Twisp Avenue south to Fifth Avenue along the west side of Lincoln Street. While the intent of the Lincoln Street corridor is to gradually transition to commercial use and is thus zoned C-1, the historic and current residential character along Lincoln Street lends itself to be a transition from the commercial center of Glover Street to the residential neighborhood east of Lincoln Street. Development of single-family residences and duplexes shall be allowed along the west side of Lincoln Street; provided, that the structures adhere to C-1 setbacks, bulk height, and densities and are subject to an administrative permit. (Ord. 620 § 6(3), 2010)
18.30.040 Office/tourist commercial (C-2) district.
(1) Intent. C-2 districts are intended to provide areas outside of the downtown business area for uses that do not generate large volumes of traffic or traffic circulation and turning patterns that would disrupt the smooth flow of traffic on adjacent arterial streets or the Highway 20 corridor, including low- to medium-intensity, generally nonretail commercial and service uses and residential uses (including single-family and multifamily dwellings; provided, that commercial uses are located on the ground level and occupy a minimum of 50 percent of the ground level and the majority of street frontage, as well as tourist accommodations). While the primary circulation between commercial establishments in C-2 districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customers’ and employees’ use, commercial users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. C-2 districts provide areas for small office buildings and uses and for tourist accommodations and related uses. It is the intent of the town council to establish C-2 districts as areas conducive to repose during nighttime hours, and as areas that will be attractive to and convenient for overnight visitors.
(2) Special Regulations.
(a) All uses in the C-2 district shall be conducted wholly within an entirely enclosed building, except:
(i) Permitted residential uses.
(ii) Outdoor seating for food and beverage service associated with tourist accommodations.
(iii) Public utility installations.
(iv) Parking, loading, storage, mechanical and trash areas. Outdoor trash areas and storage of materials and supplies shall be completely contained on private property and fully screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
(v) Signs.
(b) Outdoor display of merchandise is prohibited in C-2 districts.
(c) Traffic. The administrator may authorize uses for C-2 zoning districts that have traffic characteristics similar to the traffic characteristics of uses permitted in C-2 zoning districts, as shown in the district use chart in Appendix A of this title, when those uses are compatible with the intent of the district. In making a determination that the traffic characteristics of a use are similar to those of allowed uses, the administrator must find that the proposed use will cause no more than a 10 percent increase in trip generation and parking as compared to a permitted use, and that the type of traffic and circulation needs of the proposed use are comparable to those of a permitted use. It shall be the responsibility of the operator and/or the proprietor of the proposed use to provide such reasonable evidence and technical data as the administrator may require to demonstrate that the traffic characteristics of the proposed use or activity meet the standards of this subsection.
(d) No single structure shall exceed a 25,000 square foot footprint. No single structure shall exceed 25,000 square feet of retail space.
(e) An existing single-family dwelling located within a C-2 district may be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed for human occupancy. Accessory structures appurtenant to an existing single-family dwelling, such as garages, carports, storage sheds, and fences, may likewise be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed. In addition to the above provisions, any improvements shall comply with the development regulations specified for the C-2 zoning district for single-family dwellings and accessory structures. (Ord. 818 § 3, 2024; Ord. 620 § 6(4), 2010)
18.30.050 General commercial (C-3) district.
(1) Intent. The C-3 zoning district is intended to allow for a wide variety of commercial uses outside of the downtown business area. While the primary circulation between commercial establishments in C-3 districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customers’ and employees’ use, all users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. C-3 districts are suitable for higher-intensity uses such as automobile sales, retail sales outlets, and large or mid-size office buildings. The town will encourage uses and site development that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood.
(2) Special Regulations.
(a) Residential Uses.
(i) New residential uses are not allowed in C-3 districts.
(ii) An existing single-family dwelling located within a C-3 district may be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed for human occupancy. Accessory structures appurtenant to an existing single-family dwelling, such as garages, carports, storage sheds, and fences, may likewise be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed. In addition to the above provisions, any improvements shall comply with the development regulations specified for the C-3 zoning district for single-family dwellings and accessory structures.
(b) Outdoor storage of materials and supplies, except authorized displays of merchandise, shall be completely screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. The storage of goods typically displayed in outdoor parking lots, including automobiles, motorcycles, farm equipment, and boats, is authorized and shall be allowed.
(c) Outdoor displays of merchandise shall not protrude into or over public sidewalks or rights-of-way.
(d) No single structure shall exceed a 25,000 square foot footprint. No single structure shall exceed 25,000 square feet of retail space. (Ord. 620 § 6(5), 2010)
18.30.060 Commercial riverfront (C-R) district.
(1) Intent. C-R districts are intended to provide areas for high-density, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development that takes advantage of the special qualities of the town’s riverfront and promotes pedestrian access and use of the riverfront and its business amenities. The town will encourage developments meeting high aesthetic standards and offering a mix of uses including pedestrian-oriented retail, multifamily housing (including condominiums, multifamily dwellings, and townhouses) and tourist accommodations (including bed and breakfast inns, hotels, motels, overnight rentals, resorts, and time-share condominiums), entertainment and cultural activities, restaurants, and conference facilities with parking spaces provided for customers’ and employees’ use.
(2) Special Regulations.
(a) Residential Uses.
(i) New single-family residential, detached dwellings are not allowed in C-R districts.
(ii) An existing single-family dwelling located within a C-R district may be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed for human occupancy. Accessory structures appurtenant to an existing single-family dwelling, such as garages, carports, storage sheds, and fences, may likewise be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed. In addition to the above provisions, any improvements shall comply with the development regulations specified for the C-R zoning district for single-family dwellings and accessory structures.
(b) Outdoor storage of materials and supplies shall be completely screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. The use Type II buffers listed in TMC 18.20.160 may be used as guidelines for screening.
(c) Outdoor display of merchandise is limited to the area immediately adjacent to the building frontage, a maximum of 12 feet from the building frontage. Outdoor displays of merchandise on public sidewalks or rights-of-way shall not protrude into or over said sidewalks or rights-of-way in such a manner as to create a likelihood of endangering the use of such public place by vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
(d) Outdoor seating and other outdoor use areas shall not protrude into or over public sidewalks or rights-of-way in such a manner as to create a likelihood of endangering the use of such public place by vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
(e) All proposals that include residential use shall be by planned development.
(f) All proposals along the Methow River shall include a right-of-way or easement for public access along the entirety of the shoreline.
(g) No single structure shall exceed a 25,000 square foot footprint. No single structure shall exceed 25,000 square feet of retail space. (Ord. 620 § 6(6), 2010)
18.30.070 Industrial (I) district.
(1) Intent. I districts are intended to provide areas for high-intensity uses, new industries, and uses requiring large amounts of space, including outdoor yards, storage areas, and parking areas. Retail operations are limited to activities that are incidental to a permitted use and a small number of bulk retail uses that involve outdoor storage and display. I districts shall be located where utilities, street capacity, and other services are adequate to support the intended uses. While the primary circulation in I districts is expected to be vehicular, with parking areas supplied for customer and employee use, all users should also provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists, pedestrians, and differently abled people. The town will encourage uses and site development that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood. I districts are suitable for industrial and manufacturing uses and uses such as research and development, high-tech facilities, storage, wholesale trade, distribution, and auto, truck, and equipment repair services.
(2) Special Regulations.
(a) Residential Uses.
(i) New residential uses other than accessory dwellings are not allowed in I districts.
(ii) An existing single-family dwelling located within an I district may be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed for human occupancy. Accessory structures appurtenant to an existing single-family dwelling, such as garages, carports, storage sheds, and fences, may likewise be rebuilt, repaired, expanded, and otherwise changed. In addition to the above provisions, any improvements shall comply with the development regulations specified for the I zoning district for single-family dwellings and accessory structures.
(b) All service, processing, or storage on property abutting or facing a residential district shall be wholly within an enclosed building, shall not be conducted within a required yard setback or buffer area, and shall be screened from view from the residential district by an approved Type V buffer, as described in TMC 18.20.160(9)(e).
(c) Access from a public street to properties in an industrial district shall be so located as to minimize traffic congestion and avoid directing industrial traffic onto residential streets.
(d) Building entrances or other openings adjacent to a residential district shall be prohibited if they cause glare or excessive noise or otherwise adversely affect the use or value of the adjacent property.
(e) The storage, treatment, processing and manufacture of hazardous materials and/or waste shall only be allowed if such activities are appurtenant to an existing or proposed permitted use. The development of a use specifically for such purposes shall be prohibited.
(f) In order to prevent vehicle congestion, all service bays, loading docks, and shipping areas shall be configured so as not to encroach on public rights-of-way, public easements, and required off-street parking areas.
(g) Outdoor displays of merchandise shall not protrude into or over public sidewalks or rights-of-way.
(h) No single structure shall exceed a 25,000 square foot footprint. No single structure shall exceed 25,000 square feet of retail space. (Ord. 620 § 6(7), 2010)
|
|
C-1 |
C-2 |
C-3 |
I |
C-R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Minimum lot size, commercial |
2,500 sq. ft. |
5,000 sq. ft. |
5,000 sq. ft. |
5,000 sq. ft. |
5,000 sq. ft.3 |
|
Minimum lot size, residential1 |
Lincoln St. Overlay 5,000 sq. ft. |
– |
– |
– |
By PD only |
|
Maximum density, with PD permit4 |
16 dua |
16 dua |
– |
– |
Multifamily: 16 dua |
|
Maximum lot coverage5 |
100% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
80% |
|
Front yard setback |
0 |
06 |
05 |
0 |
0 |
|
Side yard setback7 |
0 |
05 |
05 |
05 |
05 |
|
Rear yard setback7 |
05 |
05 |
05 |
06 |
05 |
|
Maximum height |
30 feet |
30 feet |
38 feet |
60 feet |
45 feet9 |
|
Minimum lot size, accessory dwelling unit |
7,500 sq. ft. |
7,500 sq. ft. |
7,500 sq. ft. |
– |
– |
LEGEND: dua = dwelling units per acre; sq. ft. = square feet
1 Where residential uses are permitted, lot coverage, setback, and height requirements shall be the same as those listed in Table 5 for R-3 districts unless otherwise stated.
2 Smaller lot sizes may be permitted with a planned development permit.
3 Densities in commercial zoning districts only apply to allowed residential uses.
4 Determined by setback and off-street parking requirements in all zoning districts except C-R.
5 Except where property abuts a residential zone; then setback shall be 10 feet.
6 Except where property abuts a residential zone; then setback shall be 20 feet.
7 In all cases where an interior lot line requires a landscaping buffer between differing uses, the width of the setback shall be determined by whichever requirement is widest (e.g., if a 20-foot buffer is required for an industrial use adjoining a residential use, that 20 feet shall be considered the setback).
8 All uses in commercial zoning districts shall comply with the clear vision requirements in TMC 18.20.130. In some cases compliance may require establishment of setbacks greater than those shown in the table above.
9 Three stories not to exceed 45 feet.
(Ord. 620 § 6(Table 6), 2010)