HomeMy WebLinkAboutJCC_18.30_Development_StandardsChapter 18.30
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Sections:
18.30.010 General provisions.
18.30.020 General development standards.
18.30.030 Water supplies.
18.30.040 Sewage disposal.
18.30.050 Density, dimension, and open space standards.
18.30.060 Grading and excavation standards.
18.30.070 Stormwater management standards.
18.30.080 Roads.
18.30.090 Pedestrian circulation.
18.30.100 Parking.
18.30.110 Off-street loading space requirements.
18.30.120 Utility service lines and facilities.
18.30.130 Landscaping/screening.
18.30.140 Lighting.
18.30.150 Signs.
18.30.160 Archaeological and historic resources.
18.30.170 Mining, quarrying and asphalt/concrete batch plant best management practices in
critical aquifer recharge areas.
18.30.180 On-site sewage disposal best management practices in critical aquifer recharge areas.
18.30.190 Noise.
18.30.010 General provisions.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish provisions to set criteria associated with the
development and redevelopment of land to achieve the goals and policies of the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan. This chapter is intended to accomplish the following purposes:
(a) Facilitate the orderly development of properly designed and constructed public and private
roadways so as to provide a safe, durable and efficient integrated roadway system;
(b) Protect public rights-of-way, natural resources, and open space from degradation due to poor
development practices;
(c) Protect the public interest in management of surface water drainage and related functions of
drainage basins, watercourses, and shoreline areas; and
(d) Fulfill the objectives of the comprehensive planning policies of Jefferson County in promoting
the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
(2) Applicability. The development standards of this chapter are designed to effect the goals and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan, and apply to all development and land use activities subject to
this code and within all land use districts except as may be specified below. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
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18.30.020 General development standards.
The development standards of this chapter shall apply within each land use district and shall be
minimum standards that apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land, except as
hereinafter provided:
(1) No building, structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed,
moved or structurally altered unless in conformity with all of the regulations specified in this chapter
for the land use district in which it is located;
(2) No building or structure shall encroach on any public right-of-way; no building or structure shall
encroach on any private easement or right-of-way unless written permission is obtained from the
easement grantee or right-of-way owner;
(3) No part of a yard, or other open space, or off-street parking or loading space required about or in
connection with any building for the purpose of complying with this chapter, shall be included as part
of a yard, open space or off-street parking or loading space similarly required for any other building or
structure;
(4) Except as may be specifically provided elsewhere in this code, only one dwelling unit and one
accessory dwelling unit per lot is allowed in those districts that permit residential uses; and
(5) All land use activities shall be served by appropriate transportation facilities. Transportation
facilities shall be adequate to meet the level of service standards adopted in the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan and the appropriate design standards referenced in JCC 18.30.080(1)(a). If
transportation facilities would become inadequate, the applicant shall be required to provide
necessary improvements and/or implement alternative measures such as transportation demand
management (TDM), project phasing, or other measures acceptable to Jefferson County that will
maintain the adopted level of service standards and meet design standards. If transportation facilities
are not adequate, Jefferson County shall not approve the proposed development. Transportation
facilities shall be deemed adequate if necessary improvements are planned and designated funding
is secured in the Jefferson County Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. [Ord. 4-07 § 2;
Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.030 Water supplies.
When the development or redevelopment of land requires the availability of a supply of potable water
as determined by the administrator, potable water shall be delivered by a means approved by the
Washington Department of Health and/or Jefferson County health and human services.
(1) All development must conform to the requirements of the Jefferson County health department and
the Jefferson County coordinated water system plan regarding the availability and provision of water.
(2) Water supply facilities shall be adequate to provide potable water from a public or community
water supply source and shall be constructed in conformity to standards of the jurisdictional
governmental authority, unless the Jefferson County department of health approves the use of
individual, on-site water supply wells.
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(3) Water sources and facilities adequate for fire protection purposes shall be provided in all
developments to the satisfaction of the Jefferson County fire marshal. Fire flow shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of JCC Title 15, as amended. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.040 Sewage disposal.
(1) All development shall be provided with an individual, on-site septic system and drainfield approved
by the Jefferson County health department in compliance with Chapter 8.15 JCC, unless the
Jefferson County health department determines that public sewer is available which would then
require connection to the approved public sewer.
(2) Design and construction standards for on-site sewage disposal shall conform to the requirements
of the Jefferson County department of health or the agency having regulatory responsibility for the
system. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.050 Density, dimension, and open space standards.
(1) Purpose. This section establishes: (a) density requirements; (b) bulk, area, and dimensional
standards; and (c) specific rules for all uses. These standards and rules are intended to provide
flexibility in project design and to maintain privacy between adjacent uses.
(2) Development Standards. This section and Table 6-1 contain general density, intensity, and
dimensional standards for the various land use districts. Limitations specific to a particular district are
also specified.
(3) Measurement Methods. The following methods will be used to determine compliance with this
code:
(a) The “maximum density” for a parcel is calculated by dividing the parcel area by the total
number of residential dwelling units allowed according to the density designation. Only whole
density units may be used.
(b) “Parcel area” or “lot area” is the total horizontal land area contained within the boundaries of
a parcel.
(c) Setbacks from roads shall be measured from the edge of the road right-of-way. Side and rear
setbacks are measured from the edge of the property in the same manner as road setbacks.
(d) “Impervious surface” is measured by calculating the horizontal land area of all surface areas
that create a barrier to or retard the entry of water into the soil in comparison with natural
conditions prior to development. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be
considered as impervious surfaces. See also JCC 18.30.070 for storm drainage standards.
(e) The height of buildings and structures shall be calculated by the vertical distance from grade
plane to the average height of the highest roof surface. Story height is calculated by the vertical
distance from the top to top of two successive tiers of beams or finished floor surfaces; and, for
the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joist or, where there is
not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters (cf. International Building Code).
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(4) Density Exemptions. In land use districts with minimum density requirements, additional
substandard or nonconforming lots can be segregated on a legal lot of record containing more than
one primary dwelling unit and septic system consistent with the requirements for a short subdivision
under Article III of Chapter 18.35 JCC; provided, that all conditions set forth in this subsection are
satisfied:
(a) The parcel to be divided contains more than one existing legally permitted residential
structure (not including an approved or functioning accessory dwelling unit), of which all
structures have an individual, legally permitted and installed septic system approved by the
Jefferson County environmental health department, and neither structure was approved as, or
functions as, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU);
(b) If on or before January 20, 1998, the parcel to be divided contained one or more existing
legally permitted residential structures, of which each structure had an installed, individual and
legally permitted septic system approved by the Jefferson County environmental health
department, and the property contained at least one additional legally permitted and installed
septic system not yet dedicated or connected to an existing residential structure;
(c) The following conditions shall apply to all density exemptions authorized under this
subsection:
(i) Each of the existing residential units must have been constructed in compliance with all
applicable building codes, zoning codes, and county, state and federal laws in effect at the
time of construction and/or placement in the case of a manufactured or mobile home, and
none of the residential structures were permitted as an ADU and neither structure consists
of a recreational vehicle or travel trailer.
(ii) Each of the installed septic systems were legally permitted at the time of installation and
are currently functioning properly as determined by the Jefferson County environmental
health department, and are in compliance with the applicable environmental health
regulations as reviewed and approved by the Jefferson County environmental health
department.
(iii) The property may be divided into a number of lots equal to the number of legally
permitted and installed septic systems. In rural residential zones the property shall be
divided in a manner that creates lots of a size which are as equal as possible or as close to
conforming with the minimum lot size or mapped density requirements of this code,
whichever is the more restrictive. Lots divided under this section in resource zones shall not
be larger than one acre, unless additional area is needed for the septic tank and drainfield.
(iv) Lots created under the exemption authorized in this subsection shall be exempt only
from the density or minimum lot size requirements of this code and shall be subject to all
other requirements of this code, including the requirement for its own access or agreed
upon and legally created shared access (shared easement), as well as compliance with all
other applicable county, state and federal laws.
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(v) The responsibility to demonstrate that each residential structure was constructed or sited
under a valid building permit and/or the regulations in effect at the time of construction, or
placement in the case of a manufactured or mobile home, and that each septic system was
approved and inspected by the Jefferson County environmental health department shall be
that of the proponent.
(vi) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any recreational vehicle parks,
mobile home parks, campgrounds, camper clubs, seasonal (vacation) homes, park models,
or any property developed under a binding site plan.
Table 6-1. Density, Dimension and Open Space Standards
Resource Lands Rural Residential Rural Commercial
Agricultural
Resource
Lands
Commercial
Forest
Rural
Forest
Inholding
Forest
1
DU/5
Acres
1
DU/10
Acres
1
DU/20
Acres
Rural
Village
Center
Convenience
Crossroad
Neighborhood/Visitor
Development
Standard9
AP-20 and
AL-20 CF RF IF
RR
1:5
RR
1:10
RR
1:20 RVC CC
Maximum
Density
(DU/Acre)
1/20 1/80 1/40 1/20 1/5 1/10 1/20 None N/A10 N/A
Minimum Lot
Area
None specified. Lot sizes shall be sufficient to meet the public health and environmental protection standards contained in Jefferson County regulations. Ability to subdivide is regulated by the mapped development
density.
Minimum Front
or Road11
Setbacks5,6
(feet)
Minor
Collector and
Local Access
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
Driveway 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Private Road
and
Ingress/Egress
Easement
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20
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Major
Collector
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
Minor Arterial 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 30 35 35
Principal
Arterial
50 50 50 50 501 50 50 35 35 35
Special
Setback from
Resource
Lands
A special setback is required from the adjacent resource land or use as specified in Chapter 18.15
Minimum Rear
and Side
Setbacks5,6
(feet)
5 52 52 52 53,12 53,12 53,12 53,4 53,4 5
Maximum
Building
Dimensions
Building
Height7,8 (feet)
35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
Area of
Impervious
Surface
Coverage15
(%)
10 10 10 10 25 25 25 60 60 60
Area of
Building
Coverage13
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Maximum
Building Size14
(sq. ft.)
Subject to Department of Health on-site septic and water
constraints, lot size and all other applicable requirements
20,000 5,000 7,500
NOTES:
1. To implement the intent of LNG 19.0 of the Comprehensive Plan to protect the forest corridor and tree
canopy in the Glen Cove area, the setback from the right-of-way of SR 20 shall be 50 feet on each side of
the highway (comprised of a 30-foot buffer and a 20-foot setback from the buffer), for new development,
from the intersection of Old Fort Townsend Road and SR 20 to the incorporated boundary of the city of
Port Townsend.
2. Except if subject to the special setbacks required from adjacent resource lands as specified in Chapter
18.15 JCC.
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3. Special Rear and Side Setbacks.
• Wherever a residential use is proposed to abut a commercial use or zone, and vice versa, the setback
shall be 35 feet.
• Wherever a residential use is proposed to abut a light industrial use or zone, and vice versa, the setback
shall be 25 feet, unless otherwise specified in this code.
• Wherever a residential use is proposed to abut a heavy industrial use or zone, and vice versa, the
setback shall be 100 feet, unless otherwise specified in this code.
4. Wherever a commercial use is proposed to abut an industrial use or zone, and vice versa, the setback
shall be 20 feet, unless otherwise specified in this code.
5. Fences are exempt from setback requirements, except in the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master
Program (SMP) or when impairing safe sight lines at intersections, as determined by the county engineer.
6. Setbacks do not apply to mailboxes; wells; pump houses; bus shelters; septic systems and drainfields
(except in the SMP); landscaping (including berms); utility apparatus such as poles, wires, pedestals,
manholes, and vaults. No other structures or accessory uses shall be located in the front setback area
unless approved by the administrator. The administrator may reduce the minimum road setbacks if the
strict application of such setback would render a legal lot of record unbuildable under the provisions of this
code.
7. Chimneys, smokestacks, fire or parapet walls, ADA-required elevator shafts, flagpoles, utility lines and
poles, skylights, communication sending and receiving devices, HVAC and similar equipment, public water
towers or tanks, and spires associated with places of worship are exempt from height requirements.
8. Propane fuel storage tanks and containers shall maintain setbacks and separations pursuant to the
currently adopted International Fire Code.
9. Approved subarea plans may establish different bulk and dimensional requirements for those areas.
10. “N/A” = Not Applicable.
11. Road Classifications. To clarify the setbacks for development activities consistent with the
requirements of this chapter, the following road designations shall apply:
• Principal arterials: US 101, SR 104, SR 20.
• Minor arterials: SR 19 (Beaver Valley Road, Rhody Drive, and Airport Cutoff).
• Major collectors: SR 116 (Ness’ Corner Road, Oak Bay Road to Flagler Road and Flagler Road), Center
Road, Chimacum Road, Irondale Road, Quinault-South Shore Road, Upper Hoh Road.
• Minor collectors: Anderson Lake Road, Bee Mill Road, Cape George Road, Clearwater Road, Cooke
Avenue Extension, Coyle Road, Dabob Road, Dabob P.O. Road, Dosewallips Road, Duckabush Road, E.
Quilcene Road, Four Corners Road, Eaglemount Road, Hastings Avenue West, Hazel Point Road, Larson
Lake Road, Oak Bay Road, Paradise Bay Road, Penny Creek Road, Point Whitney Road, S. Discovery
Road, Thorndyke Road, South Point Road.
12. The special side and rear setbacks provided in Table 6-1 shall also apply to outbuildings for residential
or agricultural uses such as detached garages, storage sheds or tool sheds, except for existing lots of
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record less than five acres wherein the minimum rear and side yard setbacks for outbuildings shall be five
feet.
13. Maximum area of building coverage is measured by the percentage of total lot area occupied by the
footprints of all structures.
14. Maximum building size is measured as the area occupied by the footprint of each individual structure.
A parcel may contain more than one structure of the maximum building size.
15. Pre-existing legal lots of record less than one acre in size in rural residential districts are subject to the
stormwater requirements in Chapter 18.30 JCC and must meet the “Area of Impervious Surface Coverage”
to the maximum extent practicable as determined by the administrator.
16. In the Glen Cove light industrial/commercial (LI/C) district, the 20,000-square-foot building size and the
35-foot building height for all “Yes” uses may be exceeded up to a maximum building size of 40,000
square feet (total interior floor space not to exceed 80,000 square feet) and a maximum building height of
50 feet pursuant to the Type III review process contained in Chapter 18.40 JCC and consistent with the
conditional use criteria contained in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
17. In the Glen Cove light industrial/commercial (LI/C) district, the 1,500-square-foot building size for all
“Associated Commercial” uses may be exceeded up to a maximum building size of 3,000 square feet
pursuant to the Type III review process contained in Chapter 18.40 JCC and consistent with the
conditional use criteria contained in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
18. In the Glen Cove light industrial (LI) district, the 10,000-square-foot building size and the 35-foot
building height for all “Yes” uses may be exceeded up to a maximum building size of 20,000 square feet
and a maximum building height of 50 feet pursuant to the Type III review process contained in Chapter
18.40 JCC and consistent with the conditional use criteria contained in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
19. Impervious surface requirements do not apply to public purpose facilities.
[Ord. 10-12 § 1; Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.060 Grading and excavation standards.
(1) General Regulations.
(a) All grading and clearing activities shall be conducted so as to minimize potential adverse
effects of these activities on forested lands, surface water quality and quantity, groundwater
recharge, and fish and wildlife habitat, adjacent properties and downstream drainage channels.
(b) Grading and excavation to construct ponds and reservoirs shall:
(i) Meet all applicable setbacks specified in this code, except for stormwater detention
facilities authorized by the county engineer;
(ii) Maintain in-stream flows of natural drainage courses; and
(iii) Protect adjacent property from damage.
(2) Drainage and Erosion Control. All grading activities shall be accomplished as follows:
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(a) Design and maintain adequate buffers of undisturbed native vegetation to minimize off-site
impacts of surface water runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.
(b) Design and construct all graded surfaces that are to be revegetated so that the graded
surfaces will hold topsoil and to minimize surface runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.
(c) Selectively salvage the upper six to 12 inches of topsoil, stockpile it, and respread over all
disturbed areas to be revegetated. Excess excavated material, if not retained on-site, must be
disposed of at a permitted site approved by the administrator.
(d) Any area cleared or graded and not covered with gravel or an impervious surface shall be
seeded immediately on completion of the project. If erosion is probable, areas with exposed soil
shall be protected by temporary means during and following construction until seeding is
established. All disturbances should at least be revegetated with grasses and forbs; including
shrubs and trees as appropriate in the revegetation effort. Use of plant species native to the
county is encouraged.
(e) Natural vegetation shall be retained to the maximum extent possible in construction and
operation of any use. All development shall ensure that soil erosion and sedimentation of
drainage ways will be controlled to prevent damage to adjoining property and downstream
drainage channels and receiving waters.
(f) Surface drainage shall not be directed to or discharged into county roads or ditches within
county rights-of-way unless approved by the county engineer.
(g) A drainage analysis shall be prepared if required by JCC 18.30.070. Drainage controls may
be required to regulate volume, peak flow and velocities of runoff water and to control pollutants,
erosion, and sedimentation if it is probable that damage could occur downstream to property or
to water quality. Such controls may include landscaping or re-establishing native vegetation,
ponds, catch basins, and other control structures.
(h) For effective long-term weed control, it is suggested that the landowner coordinate with the
county weed control board to eradicate nuisance species.
(3) Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs from the currently adopted Stormwater Management
Manual for Western Washington (SMM) (see JCC 18.30.070) or as specified by the county engineer
shall be employed in the control of erosion and sediment during construction, to permanently stabilize
soil exposed during construction, and in the design and operation of stormwater and drainage control
systems.
(4) Environmentally Sensitive Areas. All clearing and grading activities that will adversely affect
environmentally sensitive areas shall be subject to the regulations of Article VI-D et seq. of Chapter
18.15 JCC, and JCC 18.30.070, without limitation to thresholds found herein:
(a) Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas
are found in Article VI-E of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
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(b) Frequently Flooded Areas. Fills in flood hazard areas as identified on the FIRM (Flood
Insurance Rate Maps) are not permitted unless the administrator finds that no reasonable
alternative exists.
(c) Geologically Hazardous Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas
are found in Article VI-G of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
(d) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Areas. Standards governing development activities in these areas
are found in Article VI-H of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
(e) Regulated Wetlands. Alteration (filling, excavating, or draining) of regulated wetlands shall be
subject to the provisions of Article VI-I of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
(5) Grading.
(a) Project or building permits which involve grading of 500 or more cubic yards are subject to
environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) (see Article X of Chapter
18.40 JCC) unless the grading is SEPA-exempt under WAC 197-11-800.
(Note: this does not apply when grading is associated with a development or activity which is
categorically exempt from SEPA review requirements. Most minor new construction, including
construction of a single-family house and related outbuildings, is exempt from SEPA review; see
WAC 197-11-800.)
(b) All grading of 500 cubic yards or more shall be subject to a stormwater management permit,
as specified in JCC 18.30.070(6), with the exception of:
(i) Maintenance of gravel roads;
(ii) A SEPA-exempt (cf. WAC 197-11-800(2)(d)) residential driveway;
(iii) Construction of a Class I – III logging road (per RCW 76.09.050 and WAC Title 222);
(iv) Drainage improvements constructed in accordance with subsection (2) of this section
and JCC 18.30.070; or
(v) Construction of a pond of one-half acre or less which is not in a regulated wetland. [Ord.
8-06 § 1]
18.30.070 Stormwater management standards.
All new development and redevelopment must conform to the standards and minimum requirements
set by the most current version of the Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Management
Manual for Western Washington (SMM) and obtain a stormwater management permit if required by
subsection (5) of this section. The administrator may require additional measures as indicated by the
environmental review or other site plan review.
(1) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the definitions at Section I-2.3 of the SMM shall
apply:
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(a) “New development” includes land-disturbing activities, including Class IV general forest
practices that are conversions from timber land to other uses; structural development, including
construction or installation of a building or other structure; creation of impervious surfaces; and
subdivision, short subdivision and binding site plans as defined and applied in Chapter 58.17
RCW. Projects meeting the definition of redevelopment shall not be considered new
development.
(b) “Redevelopment” includes, on a site that is already substantially developed (i.e., has 35
percent or more of existing impervious surface coverage), the creation or addition of impervious
surfaces; the expansion of a building footprint or addition or replacement of a structure;
structural development including construction, installation or expansion of a building or other
structure; replacement of impervious surface that is not part of a routine maintenance activity;
and land-disturbing activities.
(c) “Impervious surface” means a hard surface area that either prevents or retards the entry of
water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development, a hard surface area
which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow
from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development. Common impervious
surfaces include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or
storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled,
macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater. Open,
uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces for
purposes of determining whether the thresholds for application of minimum requirements are
exceeded. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall be considered impervious
surfaces for purposes of runoff modeling.
(d) “Land-disturbing activity” is any activity that results in movement of earth, or a change in the
existing soil cover (both vegetative and nonvegetative) and/or the existing soil topography. Land-
disturbing activities include, but are not limited to, clearing, grading, filling, and excavation.
Compaction that is associated with stabilization of structures and road construction shall also be
considered a land-disturbing activity. Vegetation maintenance practices are not considered land-
disturbing activity.
(2) Exemptions. Commercial agriculture, road maintenance activities, and forest practices regulated
under WAC Title 222, except for Class IV general forest practices and COHPs (see JCC 18.20.160),
pursuant to SMM Section I-2.2, are exempt from the provisions of the minimum requirements.
(3) Development and Redevelopment Minimum Requirements. Development and redevelopment
meeting the criteria of subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be required to control erosion and
sediment during construction and to permanently stabilize soil exposed during construction. Such
development shall:
(a) Comply with the minimum requirements for development of small parcels in Section I-2.5 of
the SMM;
(b) Applicants for all development and redevelopment meeting the criteria for subsection (1)(a)
of this section, except for detached single-family residences and duplexes creating or adding
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less than 2,000 square feet and land-disturbing activities of less than 7,000 square feet, shall
prepare a stormwater site plan (or show on other diagrams being prepared for the project, if
appropriate) showing:
(i) Vicinity map;
(ii) Location of the structure and its access;
(iii) All applicable setback requirements;
(iv) Location of all applicable erosion and sediment control BMPs; and
(v) Existing site features and sensitive areas.
(4) New Development Minimum Requirements.
(a) All new development and redevelopment shall be required to comply with Minimum
Requirement No. 2 (Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention) as contained in the SMM.
(b) New development that includes: (i) the creation or addition of 2,000 square feet, or greater,
of new, replaced, or new plus replaced impervious surface area; or (ii) has land-disturbing
activities of 7,000 square feet or greater shall comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1
through 5 as contained in the SMM.
(c) New development that includes: (i) the creation or addition of 5,000 or more square feet of
impervious surface; or (ii) converts three-quarters acre, or more, of native vegetation to lawn or
landscaped areas; or (iii) converts 2.5 acres, or more, of native vegetation to pasture shall
comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1 through 10 as contained in the SMM.
(d) Redevelopment that includes: (i) new, replaced, or total of new plus replaced impervious
surface of 2,000 square feet or more; or (ii) 7,000 square feet or more of land-disturbing activity
shall comply with Minimum Requirements Nos. 1 through 5 as contained in the SMM.
(e) Stormwater Site Plan. Stormwater site plans shall be developed to the standards of Volume
I, Chapter 3 of the SMM, and include:
(i) Project overview;
(ii) Plot plan, including the elements of subsection (3)(b) of this section;
(iii) Locations of structures and other impervious surfaces;
(iv) Locations of stormwater runoff treatment and flow control facilities;
(v) Road rights-of-way and easements;
(vi) Preliminary conditions summary;
(vii) Analysis of off-site water quality impacts (including groundwater) resulting from the
project, and mitigation measures;
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(viii) Analysis and design of proposed stormwater runoff control facilities, including flow
control, treatment, and source control BMPs (cf. Volume I, Section I-4 of the SMM, which
provides a list of and selection process for BMPs);
(ix) Construction stormwater pollution prevention plan;
(x) Special reports and studies;
(xi) Stormwater and drainage system maintenance specifications.
(f) Commercial and industrial developments, subdivisions or other projects requiring stormwater
management facilities including collection, conveyance, treatment, detention, and infiltration
facilities shall enter into a stormwater management facility maintenance agreement with
Jefferson County to operate and maintain the facilities as per the approved plans. The public
works department will prepare the agreement after approval of the project stormwater site plan
and submit it to the applicant. The applicant shall file the agreement with the Jefferson County
auditor prior to final project approval by Jefferson County.
(5) Stormwater Management Permit and Plan Review. All grading of 500 cubic yards or more (not
exempted under subsection (5)(b) of this section), land-disturbing activities of 7,000 square feet or
more, or creation of 2,000 square feet or more of impervious surface shall be subject to a stormwater
management permit. Prior to issuance of a stormwater management permit, the applicant shall
submit the required stormwater management plans to the administrator for review and approval. The
administrator shall issue the stormwater management permit consistent with a Type I permit process
(as specified in Chapter 18.40 JCC) only upon a finding that the proposed use or activity meets all
applicable requirements of JCC 18.30.060 and this section, and any other applicable requirements of
this code.
(a) Applications for grading projects or land-disturbing activities which require a stormwater
management permit shall include the following information. The administrator may waive specific
submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review of the application.
(i) Source of fill material and deposition of excess material;
(ii) Physical characteristics of fill material;
(iii) Proposed methods of placement and compaction consistent with the applicable
standards in of the International Building Code;
(iv) Proposed surfacing material;
(v) Proposed method(s) of drainage and erosion control;
(vi) Methods for restoration of the site;
(vii) Demonstration that in-stream flow of water will remain unobstructed;
(viii) Demonstration that erosion and sedimentation from outflow channels will be minimized
by vegetation or other means; and
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(ix) Demonstration that pond runoff will be controlled to protect adjacent property from
damage. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.080 Roads.
(1) General. The following shall apply to all public and private roads, including any road in a
development subject to Chapter 18.35 JCC, Land Divisions:
(a) Transportation facilities shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the following
reference manuals and standards of the Jefferson County department of public works which are
hereby adopted by reference in this code, including:
(i) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), A Policy
on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, Standard Specifications for Highway
Bridges, and Roadside Design Guide;
(ii) Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Local Agency Guidelines,
Highway Design Manual, Bridge Manual, Construction Manual, Highway Runoff Manual,
Hydraulics Manual, Plans Preparation Manual, Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge,
and Municipal Construction, and Standard Plans for Road, Bridge, and Municipal
Construction;
(iii) Washington Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual;
(iv) Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;
(v) Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual; and
(vi) Transportation Research Board (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report No.
209.
(b) Bridges shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the standards of the
department of public works identified by reference in this code. Bridge design and construction
shall be certified by a licensed engineer.
(c) Road signs and traffic signs shall be installed in conformance with the standards of the
department of public works identified by reference in this title.
(d) Drainage, erosion control, and stormwater management facilities shall comply with the
requirements of the storm drainage standards contained in JCC 18.30.070 and the Washington
Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual, and any other applicable Jefferson
County standards.
(e) The applicant shall submit plans for construction of roads, bridges, stormwater management
facilities, and/or land disturbing activities regulated by this code to the department of public
works for review and approval prior to commencing construction.
(f) Clearing, grading, and construction of roads, bridges, utilities, and stormwater management
facilities shall be inspected by the department of public works. In order to enable the department
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to conduct inspections in a timely manner, the applicant shall notify the department in a timely
manner regarding the project construction schedule.
The following road inspections are typically required:
(i) Installation of temporary erosion and sediment control measures;
(ii) Clearing and road subgrade preparation;
(iii) Placing roadway gravel base;
(iv) Placing roadway crushed surfacing top course;
(v) Placing improved roadway surface (chip seal or asphalt concrete);
(vi) Construction of stormwater management facilities; and
(vii) Final plat review.
Additional inspections may be necessary based on site-specific conditions or the nature of the
project.
(g) The department of public works may require development applicants to submit a traffic
analysis prepared by a licensed engineer in order to determine the potential off-site impacts to
public and private transportation facilities from proposed subdivisions.
(h) Subdivision road systems shall provide access to the public road system at two locations,
when feasible. One access location may be allowed based on a finding by the department of
public works that a single access location is adequate to protect the public health, safety, and
welfare.
(i) Access to subdivisions from arterial and collector roads shall be restricted. Lots shall be
accessed from an internal access road system, unless the lots are accessed from a local access
road.
(j) Developments shall make appropriate provision to ensure safe walking conditions for
pedestrians and for students who walk to and from school. Construction of road improvements,
sidewalks, trails, or bicycle facilities may be required in order to meet this standard.
(k) Subdivisions shall make appropriate provision for transit and school bus stops.
(l) When a proposed subdivision is adjacent to a county road, a right-of-way 30 feet in width from
the roadway centerline shall be conveyed to Jefferson County by either statutory warranty deed
or dedication in fee simple on the plat, if such right-of-way has not been previously conveyed.
(m) Easements for private roads providing access to and/or internal circulation within
subdivisions shall be 60 feet in width. Easement width may be reduced on the recommendation
of the department of public works based on a finding that the public health, safety, and welfare
will be protected and that the easement width is adequate for the construction and maintenance
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of roads and utilities. Where reduced access easement widths are proposed, parallel utilities
easements may be required.
(n) Access easements from the county road system to the subdivision shall be provided
consistent with the requirements of this code. Access from the public road system shall be
depicted on the final plat.
(o) Subdivision road names shall be approved by the board of county commissioners based on a
recommendation by the department of public works.
(p) Subdivisions shall establish an agreement for the continuing maintenance of private roads
either by recording a separate instrument and referencing said instrument on the plat or by
declaring a maintenance agreement on the plat. The applicant shall submit the maintenance
agreement to the department of public works for review and approval prior to final plat approval.
(q) All required construction of roads, bridges, utilities, and stormwater management facilities
shall be inspected and approved by the department of public works prior to final development
approval.
(r) Developments proposing access to county collector roads and state highways shall make
appropriate access improvements to ensure that mobility on these roadways is not degraded.
The design of access improvements shall be reviewed and approved by the Jefferson County
engineer for county roads and by the Washington Department of Transportation for state routes.
(s) Subdivision applicants may post a surety guaranteeing completion of subdivision
improvements within one year of final plat approval. The surety shall be reviewed and approved
by the department of public works. The surety shall be for 200 percent of the cost of constructing
the improvements based on an estimate prepared by a licensed engineer. In the event that the
applicant does not complete construction of improvements within one year, the department of
public works shall be authorized to complete the construction and pay for the work from the
surety account. Surety shall not be accepted for water supply development other than
distribution facilities.
(t) A maintenance bond guaranteeing any improvements required by this code for two years may
be required by Jefferson County as a condition of final plat approval. Maintenance bonds shall
be approved by the department of public works.
(u) Applications requiring review by the department of public works to meet the requirements of
this section shall be assessed hourly review fees in accordance with the Jefferson County fee
schedule. By making application, the applicant agrees to reimburse the department for its
expenses even if the proposal is denied by subsequent action of the county or the proposal is
otherwise not completed.
(v) Modifications to design and construction standards for a specific road project may be
approved by the county engineer.
(2) Public Roads.
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(a) General.
(i) The Jefferson County engineer is responsible for the design and construction of all
county roads.
(ii) The standard right-of-way width is 60 feet for all public roads.
(iii) Roadway monumentation shall be approved by the department of public works.
(iv) Road access permits are required for access to county roads. Applications will be
reviewed by the administrator for the requirements of the environmentally sensitive areas
overlay district (see Article VI-D of Chapter 18.15 JCC) and of the State Environmental
Policy Act (Article X of Chapter 18.40 JCC) prior to being approved by the county engineer.
Such permits shall be limited as follows:
(A) The number of access points along roads shall be limited to one per parcel, except:
• For agricultural access;
• When the parcel topography makes a single access point impractical for the entire
parcel;
• When access is being provided for commercial uses with 20 or more parking
spaces; or
• When additional access points are required or approved by the county engineer.
(B) New access points to arterial roads shall not be allowed if reasonable access from
any other road is available.
(C) Road access points shall have a clear and unobstructed sight distance in both
directions adequate to ensure public safety. Appropriate site distances shall be
determined by the county engineer, based on speed limit, roadway surface, and other
pertinent factors.
(D) Storm drainage and culvert sizing shall be based upon engineering analysis and
the standards of JCC 18.30.060(2) and 18.30.070. Maximum length of surface
drainage for roadside ditches before discharging onto adjacent property or into natural
drainageway shall be 1,000 feet.
(E) The permits shall be conditioned to address impacts to environmentally sensitive
areas or as indicated by SEPA analysis, if applicable.
(F) The county engineer shall have the authority to approve or deny all road access
permits, which decision is final and not subject to administrative appeal.
(b) Road and Right-of-Way Dedication.
(i) Where any public road right-of-way abutting a property proposed for a development is
subject to a conditional use permit or to Chapter 18.35 JCC, Land Divisions, and has
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insufficient width to conform to the county’s adopted road standards for the class of road
involved, the county engineer may:
(A) Require the dedication of sufficient additional right-of-way to bring the abutting half
of the right-of-way (measured from the existing county road centerline) into
conformance with the adopted standards; and
(B) Obtain additional easements to cut and fill on the subject property adjacent to the
county road, and to provide for drainage of surface and stormwater runoff by directing
the runoff along or into natural drainageways on lots adjacent to the county road. Such
drainage should be designed and mitigated to avoid or minimize impacts to the
environment and to the affected properties.
(ii) The county may accept the dedication of new county roads and rights-of-way subject to
the following standards:
(A) Only if all of the following criteria are met:
• The road right-of-way is at least 60 feet in width and is dedicated to Jefferson
County in fee simple;
• The road meets all other county standards; and
• An evaluation by the county engineer deems the road to be of general public
benefit.
(B) When roads are proposed to be dedicated to Jefferson County, the county engineer
shall make a report to the board of county commissioners regarding the practicality and
necessity of accepting the dedication, the effect of the dedication on traffic circulation,
and any other matters deemed to be material by the county engineer.
(C) All road rights-of-way dedications shall be processed in accordance with final plat
procedures contained in Chapter 18.35 JCC, Land Divisions.
(c) Road Vacations. All applications to the board of county commissioners seeking vacation of a
county road right-of-way or any portion of one shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter
12.10 JCC, Road Vacations. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.090 Pedestrian circulation.
(1) All development shall provide for separate easements and paths when the easement will provide
links to a public trail referenced in any adopted county plan for public trails.
(2) Public pedestrian paths shall meet the following minimum design standards:
(a) Paths shall be visually distinguished from roads, driveways, and parking spaces.
(b) Paths shall have a standard unobstructed width of six feet or the minimum standards
contained in the Jefferson County nonmotorized transportation and recreational trails plan,
whichever is greater. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
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18.30.100 Parking.
(1) General Parking Standards. The following standards shall apply to all development under this
code.
(a) Off-street parking shall be established prior to occupancy of any new or expanded building or
before a change occurs in the use of an existing building. Parking space requirements shall be
determined from Table 6-2, and as follows:
(i) Off-street parking ratios expressed as the number of spaces per square feet means the
usable or net square footage of floor area, exclusive of nonpublic areas, such as building
maintenance areas, storage areas, closets, or restrooms. If the formula for determining the
number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, the number of spaces shall be
rounded to the nearest higher whole number;
(ii) Where other provisions of this UDC stipulate maximum parking allowed, or increase or
reduce minimum parking requirements, those provisions shall apply;
(iii) An applicant may request a modification of the minimum number of parking spaces by
providing a study prepared by a qualified professional that substantiates that parking
demand can be met with a reduced parking requirement. In such cases, the administrator
may approve a reduction of the minimum number of spaces required;
(iv) The current edition of the International Building Code shall be used to determine the
number of occupants of a use;
(v) The administrator may refer to the current edition of the ITE Trip Generation Manual to
determine the number of trips used to determine parking demand and may increase or
reduce the required number of parking spaces based on actual usage or projected demand;
and
(vi) For unnamed uses, the administrator may require a study prepared by a licensed civil
engineer that substantiates an acceptable parking requirement.
(b) Parking for physically handicapped needs shall be provided consistent with state standards
at a rate of not less than two percent of the total number of parking spaces, or a minimum of one
parking space, whichever is greater. Single-family residences, including duplexes, are exempt
from this requirement. Parking spaces for physically handicapped needs shall comply with ANSI
117.1-2003 (502.2 and 502.4.2). Such spaces shall be not less than 12 feet, six inches wide.
(c) A parking layout plan shall be submitted to the administrator for approval consistent with
requirements of Table 6-2 for all multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and
small-scale recreation and tourist uses, at the time of application for any permit or land use
activity required by this code. The layout plan shall conform to the general parking standards
contained in this subsection. The administrator may refer any parking plan to the county
engineer for technical review.
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(d) Required off-street parking located within the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master Program
shall also be consistent with applicable provisions of this section.
(e) Off-street parking areas containing five or more spaces shall be landscaped according to
JCC 18.30.130(6).
(f) The minimum parking space and aisle dimensions for the most common parking angles are
shown in Table 6-3. For parking angles other than those shown on the chart, the minimum
parking space and aisle dimensions shall be approved by the county engineer.
(g) Owners of two or more adjoining uses, structures or lots may utilize jointly the same parking
or loading area when the hours of operation do not overlap. In the event that owners of one or
more adjoining uses, structures or lots desire to utilize jointly the same parking concurrently, the
total requirement for parking spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for each individual
use, unless the applicants can demonstrate to the administrator that a lower number of parking
spaces are justified through implementation of transportation demand management strategies,
off-peak use, availability and use of public transit or alternative modes of travel or other
measures.
(h) If lighting is provided, it shall be designed to minimize direct illumination of abutting
properties and adjacent streets.
(2) Parking Access Standards. All parking facilities shall be developed consistent with the following
access standards:
(a) Joint accesses for commercial, industrial and multifamily residential uses should be utilized
whenever feasible.
(b) All ingress and egress to a parking lot accessing an arterial or collector roadway shall be
developed so vehicles entering and leaving the parking lot are headed in a forward motion.
(c) Access points shall be located in a manner consistent with the standards of the Jefferson
County department of public works or WSDOT, where applicable.
(d) Limited access provisions shall be required when deemed necessary by the Jefferson
County department of public works or WSDOT, where applicable.
(3) General Off-Street Parking Construction Standards.
(a) All required off-street parking shall be provided with an all-weather surface as required by the
Jefferson County department of public works.
(b) Grading work for parking areas shall meet the requirements of the International Building
Code. Drainage and erosion or sedimentation control facilities shall be provided in accordance
with JCC 18.30.060(2) and 18.30.070.
(c) Wheel stops, striping, or similar measures are required where a parked vehicle would
encroach on adjacent property, pedestrian access or circulation areas, rights-of-way, or
landscaped areas.
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(d) Any lighting installed in parking areas shall be consistent with the requirements of JCC
18.30.140.
Table 6-2. Minimum Number of Parking Spaces Required for Different Land Uses
Land Use Minimum Number of Parking Spaces Required(1)
COMMERCIAL USES
Animal shelters, commercial kennels and
catteries
1 per 750 square feet plus 1 per employee
Automotive service and repair 2 spaces per bay or stall plus 1 space per employee
Bed and breakfast inn or residence 1 per guest room, plus 2 per facility
Day care, group care, and residential care
facilities
1 space per 10 people enrolled plus 1 for each staff member or
volunteer on-site, but not fewer than 3 spaces
Drinking and/or eating establishments 1 per 100 square feet or 1 per 3 seats, whichever is greater.
Seasonal outside seating does not require additional parking
Hotel/motel 1 per guest room plus 1 per employee
Indoor entertainment facilities 1 per 4 seats or per 100 square feet of assembly area, whichever
is greater
Nursing homes/assisted living facilities 5 plus 1 per 6 beds
Personal and professional services and
offices
1 space per 300 square feet plus 1 per employee, but not fewer
than 3 spaces
Retail sales and services 1 per 300 square feet
Unnamed commercial uses [Determined by the administrator]
Industrial Uses
For all industrial uses (except as listed
below)
1 per employee plus 1 per 300 square feet of any associated
retail sales area
Heavy equipment rental services 1 per 750 square feet plus 1 per employee
Recycling center 1 per 750 square feet plus 1 per employee
Solid waste handling facilities 1 per 750 square feet plus 1 per employee
INSTITUTIONAL USES
College or technical school/adult education
facility
1 per classroom, plus 1 per 2 students
Community club or community organization
facility
1 space per 300 square feet but not fewer than 5 spaces
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Emergency services [Determined by the administrator]
Government offices 1 space per 300 square feet but not fewer than 5 spaces
Library 1 per 300 square feet
Museum 1 per 800 square feet
Post office 1 space per 300 square feet but not fewer than 5 spaces
Religious assembly facility 1 per 5 fixed seats, plus 1 per 50 square feet of gross floor area
without fixed seats used for assembly purposes
School, primary and secondary 1 per 10 students enrolled plus 1 per employee
Unnamed institutional uses [Determined by the administrator]
SMALL-SCALE RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST USES
For all small-scale recreational and tourist
uses
[Determined by the administrator]
Unnamed small-scale recreational and
tourist uses
[Determined by the administrator]
RESIDENTIAL USES
Cottage industry 1 per 2 employees
Group homes 1.5 per tenant
Home business 2 per dwelling unit for each home business
Mobile home parks 2 per dwelling unit
Multifamily residential (3+ units) 1.5 per dwelling unit
Single-family residential unit 2 per dwelling unit
Two-family residential (duplex)2 per dwelling unit
Unnamed residential uses [Determined by the administrator]
TRANSPORTATION USES
All transportation-related uses [Determined by the administrator]
UTILITIES USES
All utilities and related uses [Determined by the administrator]
AGRICULTURAL USES
Agricultural activities None
Accessory uses Parking fully accommodated on-site, unless otherwise permitted
Forest products, processing activities 1 per employee
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Nurseries 1 per employee
Unnamed agricultural uses [Determined by the administrator]
Note:
1. At least one parking space must be provided, unless indicated by “None.”
Table 6-3. Minimum Dimensions for Parking Stalls and Aisles
Parking
Angle (A)
Stall
Width (B)
Curb
Length (C)
Stall
Depth (D)
Aisle Width (E)Unit Depth (F)
1-Way 2-Way 1-Way 2-Way
0 9.0 22.5 9.0 12.0 20.0 30.0 38.0
45 9.0 12.5 17.5 14.0 20.0 49.0 55.0
60 9.0 10.5 18.0 18.0 20.0 54.0 56.0
90 9.0 9.0 18.0 23.0 26.0 59.0 62.0
[Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.110 Off-street loading space requirements.
Every nonresidential building used for retail, wholesale, manufacturing, or storage activities, excluding
self-service storage facilities, shall provide off-street loading spaces in accordance with the standards
listed below:
(1) One loading space shall be required for each building containing 7,500 or more square feet of
gross floor area.
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(2) Each loading space must be a minimum of 10 feet wide, 25 feet long, have an unobstructed
vertical clearance of 14 feet, six inches, and be surfaced, improved, and maintained as required by
this section. Loading spaces must be located so that trucks do not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle
traffic movement or project into any public right-of-way. All loading space areas shall be separated
from required parking areas and shall be designated as truck loading spaces.
(3) Any loading space located within 100 feet of areas designated for residential use shall be
screened and operated as necessary to reduce noise and visual impacts. Noise mitigation measures
may include architectural or structural barriers, beams, walls, or restrictions on the hours of operation.
(4) Loading areas and dumpsters shall be screened from adjacent residential uses by walls, trellises,
arcades, or landscaping. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.120 Utility service lines and facilities.
(1) General Regulations.
(a) Environmental impacts resulting from installation or maintenance of utilities should be
minimized. Areas disturbed during construction shall be replanted with native vegetation and
maintained until firmly established. Clearing shall be confined to that necessary to allow
installation and to prevent interference by vegetation once the system is in operation.
(b) Utilities and transportation facilities should be installed in the same rights-of-way when the
effect will be to reduce the adverse impacts on the physical environment.
(c) Solid waste transfer and disposal facilities shall be located and designed in accordance with
Chapter 173-301 WAC, Department of Ecology Minimum Functional Standards for Solid Waste
Handling, and applicable local health, safety, and fire protection codes. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.130 Landscaping/screening.
(1) Application. Landscaping or screening shall be provided for all multifamily residential, commercial
and industrial land uses, small-scale recreational and tourist uses, and as required in other sections
of this code, except that landscaping will not be required of industrial uses within the resource-based
industrial district when the development is sufficiently screened from public view.
(2) General Provisions.
(a) Existing trees, vegetative plantings, undisturbed open space, and/or topographic or natural
features which meet or exceed these standards shall be considered to fulfill the landscaping or
screening requirements of this section and any other applicable reference to these screening
requirements in other sections of this code.
(b) The administrator may authorize variations to the landscaping/screening requirements of this
section to:
(i) Provide consideration of topography, natural features, existing native vegetation and soils
on the site and site location in relation to adjacent and surrounding uses;
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(ii) Allow alternative plant mixes or berming that accomplish the purposes of the type of
landscape screening required;
(iii) Conserve water through the concept of xeriscaping;
(iv) Provide flexibility in the size of initial plantings; and
(v) Ensure that any nonresidential use, structure or activity when proposed in a rural
residential (RR) district shall be compatible with that of existing and anticipated future uses
in the district.
(3) Landscape Screening. The three types of landscaping screens are described and applied as
follows.
(a) “Screen-A” landscaping:
(i) Is a “full screen” that functions as a visual barrier. This landscaping is typically found
between residential and nonresidential areas;
(ii) Shall at a minimum consist of:
(A) A mix of primarily evergreen trees and shrubs generally interspersed to form a
continuous year-round screen that grows to at least eight feet in height within two
growing seasons.
(b) “Screen-B” landscaping:
(i) Is a “filtered screen” that functions as a visual separator. This landscaping is typically
found between commercial and industrial uses; between differing types of residential
development; and to screen industrial uses from the road;
(ii) Shall at a minimum consist of:
(A) A mix of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs generally interspersed to
create a filtered screen that grows to at least eight feet in height within two growing
seasons.
(c) “Screen-C” landscaping:
(i) Is a “see-through screen” that functions as a partial visual separator to soften the
appearance of parking areas and building elevations. This landscaping is typically found
along road frontage or between multiple-family developments;
(ii) Shall at a minimum consist of:
(A) A mix of evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubs generally interspersed to create
a continuous canopy.
(4) Landscaping Road Frontages. The average width or depth of perimeter landscaping along road
frontages and required locations on private property shall be provided as follows:
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(a) Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be provided for an industrial development.
(b) Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be provided for all above-ground utility facilities or
development, excluding distribution and transmission corridors, located outside a public right-of
way.
(c) Ten feet of Screen-C landscaping shall be provided for all commercial or multiple-family
residential development.
(5) Landscaping of Interior Lot Lines. The average width or depth of perimeter landscaping along
interior lot lines shall be provided as follows:
(a) Fifteen feet of Screen-A landscaping shall be included in all commercial, industrial, or small-
scale recreational and tourist development along any portion adjacent to a residential use or
district, except as may be varied by the administrator under subsection (2)(b) of this section.
(b) Ten feet of Screen-B landscaping shall be included in all multiple-family development along
any portion adjacent to a single-family residential use and in an industrial development along
any portion adjacent to a nonindustrial development, except as provided in subsection (5)(a) of
this section.
(6) Landscaping for Parking Lots. Landscaping shall be provided for commercial, industrial, small-
scale recreational and tourist uses, and multifamily residential use surface parking lots, with five or
more parking stalls, as follows:
(a) Screening shall be provided on each side, front, and/or rear of a parking lot where such side,
front, and/or rear abuts any residential use or district, except that no screening is required where
the elevation of the parking area lot line is four feet higher than the finished elevation of the
parking area surface.
(b) Parking lot screening and landscaping shall be kept in good condition and shall meet the
following conditions:
(i) It shall be continuous where required along a side, front or rear of a parking area and
shall not be less than four feet in height above the grade of the parking lot surface, broken
only for accessways and aisles; provided, that the screening shall not be permitted for a
distance of 20 feet on each side of a parking area accessway to ensure proper sight
distance. Where screening is prohibited by the above provisions, low lying shrubs or other
similar plantings shall be placed; such plantings shall not be allowed to exceed three feet in
height.
(ii) Screening shall not be installed in such a manner as to obstruct the free use of any fire
hydrant.
(iii) The space between the landscaping screen and the right-of-way, except for any
pedestrian access improvements, shall be landscaped with grass, shrubs, trees, or
evergreen groundcover. On the sides and rear of parking areas not facing a street, such
landscaping shall be required between screening and the lot line.
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(7) Landscape Plan. When screening is required, a landscaping plan shall be submitted with the
project application to indicate how the minimum screening requirements are met. The plan must meet
the following requirements:
(a) The landscape plan shall be drawn on the same base map as the development plans or on a
separate sheet properly labeled and shall identify the following:
(i) Total landscape area;
(ii) Landscape materials, plant names, and applicable size;
(iii) Property lines;
(iv) Impervious surfaces;
(v) Existing or proposed structures, fences, and retaining walls; and
(vi) Natural features or vegetation left in natural state.
(b) The required landscaping shall be installed prior to project occupancy. However, a certificate
of occupancy may be issued prior to installation of the required landscaping if a bond or other
form of appropriate surety is posted in a manner acceptable to the administrator. The time limit
for compliance may be extended to allow installation of such required landscaping during the
next planting season.
(8) Maintenance.
(a) All landscaping and necessary support systems shall be maintained for the life of the project.
(b) All landscape materials shall be pruned and trimmed as necessary to maintain a healthy
growing condition.
(c) Landscape areas shall be kept free of trash. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.140 Lighting.
(1) Exterior Lighting. Exterior lighting shall not exceed 30 feet in height from the finished grade for
commercial and industrial uses, and 20 feet for residential uses (except when such lighting is an
integral part of the building). Exterior lighting shall be energy-efficient and shielded or recessed so
that direct glare and reflections are contained within the boundaries of the parcel. Exterior lighting
shall be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way. No lighting
shall blink, flash, or be of unusually high intensity or brightness. All lighting fixtures shall be
appropriate in scale, intensity, and height to the use they are serving. Any lighting installed in parking
areas shall be of direct cutoff design so that the source is not visible from adjacent property.
(2) Street Lighting. Street lighting may be provided by private parties on county roads, provided the
design and location shall be approved by the county engineer, and a method to cover the cost of
operation and maintenance is approved by the county engineer. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.150 Signs.
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(1) Purpose. These regulations are intended to balance the need to protect public safety and welfare,
the need for a well-maintained and attractive community, and the need for adequate methods of
communication through signs. Specific objectives are:
(a) To allow for and encourage the effective use of signs;
(b) To improve and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety by reducing distractions and hazards
from signs;
(c) To maintain public and private property values, scenic resources and “rural character” in
accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan;
(d) To ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free expression is protected;
(e) To disavow any regulatory distinctions or restrictions on speech based on the content of
signs. No part of this section shall be construed to favor one type of speech over another and if
any provision of this section is ambiguous, it shall be interpreted as to not regulate on the basis
of speech content.
(2) Applicability. No sign shall hereafter be erected or used for any purpose or in any manner except
as permitted by the regulations of this section or as specified elsewhere in this code. All non-exempt
signs shall be subject to review and approval and may require issuance of a sign permit and or a
building permit by the administrator according to a Type I permit approval process as specified in
Chapter 18.40 JCC.
(3) Definitions.
(a) “Abatement” means to repair, fix, rebuild, demolish and/or remove any sign or sign structure
to remove any feature that is noncompliant with this section.
(b) “Abandoned sign” means any sign that, for a period of more than six months, no longer
correctly identifies, exhorts, or advertises any person, business, product, event or activity
conducted or available on or off the premises on which the sign is located.
(c) “Administrator” means the planning manager of the Jefferson County department of
community development or his/her designee.
(d) “Banner sign” means a temporary sign composed of lightweight, flexible, nonrigid material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.
(e) “Billboard sign” means any outdoor sign containing advertising which is not related to any
use or activity on the premises on which the sign is located, but not including directional signs as
defined in this title.
(f) “Commercial sign” means signs that exhort a viewer to patronize a business.
(g) “Community signs” mean signs which identify a recognized community or unincorporated
place.
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(h) “Directional sign” means a sign which serves solely to designate the location of any place,
area, organization, or businesses, whether on premises or off premises.
(i) “Changing message sign” means a type of “moving sign” where only the display of words,
symbols, graphics or images can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or
automatic means, and where the image and/or message remains fixed for at least three
seconds, and where only the changing message exhibits movement and where the brightness or
illuminance of the sign does not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured
during the night between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. using a foot-candle meter at a
preset distance depending on sign size. The measuring distance in feet shall be determined by
the product of the square root of the sign area and 100. In addition, illuminated moving signs
with changing messages shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology which
automatically adjusts brightness due to ambient light conditions.
(j) “Event signs” means signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special
events, and grand openings.
(k) “Foot-candle” means a unit of luminance or illumination, equal to one lumen incident per
square foot.
(l) “Freestanding sign” means a sign which is supported by one or more permanent uprights,
pole or braces to the ground and which is not connected to a building. Freestanding signs
include “monument signs,” meaning a sign attached to a solid base measuring 50 percent or
more of the total sign width and which connects the sign to the ground.
(m) “Governmental sign” means a sign installed or placed by any political subdivision, municipal
corporation or junior taxing district of the state or any entity having taxing authority granted to it
by state statute.
(n) “Hand held sign” means a sign held or worn by a person.
(o) “Moving sign” means signage that exhibits movement, including inflatable structures,
fluttering material, revolving or moving parts or lights to provide motion or the optical illusion of
motion, animation or changing images. Moving signs may employ one or more of the following
methods to provide motion or the illusion of motion: (i) naturally occurring energy, such as the
wind; (ii) electrical energy; (iii) mechanical energy; or (iv) human power.
(p) “Nonconforming sign” means any sign in existence within the county on the date of adoption
of the ordinance codified in this section which does not conform with the provisions of this
section, but which did conform to all applicable laws in effect on the date the sign was originally
erected.
(q) “Noncommercial signs” means signs that do not exhort a viewer to patronize a business,
including, but not limited to, political signs as that term is defined in this section.
(r) “On-site sign” means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
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(s) “Off-site sign” means a sign relating, through its message and content, to an activity, use,
product, or service which is not available on the premises on which the sign is erected.
(t) “Political sign” means any sign which serves to influence, is intended to influence, or appears
to be the type of sign which is commonly erected to influence the results of an election or ballot
proposition.
(u) “Portable sign” means any sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure
or building. This definition includes movable reader boards, banners and sandwich boards that
are placed so as to be seen from private property or public rights-of-way.
(v) “Projection sign” means a sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support
and which projects more than 12 inches from such building.
(w) “Real estate sign” means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale, lease, or
rental of a particular building, property, or premises, whether located at the premises to be sold,
leased or rented or not.
(x) “Roof base” means the point at which the walls of a building meet the roof structure,
excluding any eaves, parapets, cupolas, chimneys, towers, other projections, and any roof
height caused by the pitch of a roof.
(y) Sandwich Board Sign. See “portable sign.”
(z) “Sign” means any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors which
is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution,
organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words,
letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Excluded from
this definition are signs required by law, such as handicapped parking signs, and the flags of
national and state governments.
(aa) “Subdivision real estate sign” means a temporary sign which directs attention to the sale,
lease or rental of more than one lot, house or premises within a subdivision.
(bb) “Temporary sign” means a sign associated with a particular short-term event or activity,
such as but not limited to community festival, parade, grand opening, garage or rummage sale,
political campaign and real estate signs, which are to be removed within 10 days of when the
event or activity ends. For political signs, as that term is defined in this section, election day shall
be considered the measuring event. Temporary signs are limited to a maximum time of not more
than 180 days in any one calendar year, unless otherwise noted.
(cc) “Wayfinding signs” means, upon its establishment by the county, a program of uniform signs
that are designed, installed and maintained by the county intended to assist the public in finding
goods, services, events and places. Private or public entities may be approved to locate their
messages on the wayfinding signs, upon payment of a fee intended to defray the cost of the
program.
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(dd) “Use” means the purpose that land or building or structures now serve or for which they are
or may be occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, or intended.
(4) Exemptions. The following signs are exempt from the requirements to apply for and receive a land
use sign permit or building permit; provided, that exempt signs must meet all other applicable
requirements of this section, and any other applicable requirements of this title:
(a) Traffic and standardized public signs installed by a government entity;
(b) Window and merchandise displays, point of purchase advertising displays such as product
dispensers, illuminated displays located inside buildings and barber poles;
(c) National flags, flags of a political subdivision, and symbolic flags of an institution or business;
(d) Legal notices required by law;
(e) Historic site plaques and markers and gravestones;
(f) Noncommercial signs on private property;
(g) Structures with messages or lettering affixed and intended for separate use, such as
recycling containers and phone booths;
(h) Real estate signs;
(i) Signage of any kind affixed to any licensed motorized vehicle;
(j) Seasonal displays or decorations, which are clearly incidental and customary and commonly
associated with any national or local event, occasion or holiday or religious or cultural
observance;
(k) Murals or signs consisting solely of paint or other colored media that is applied on existing
structures;
(l) Portable signs;
(m) Temporary signs.
(5) Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:
(a) Abandoned signs;
(b) Billboard signs;
(c) Moving signs, excepting signs where the movement is induced entirely by naturally occurring
causes, such as the wind or human power, and also excepting signs that display changing
messages, may be allowed pursuant to subsection (6)(c) of this section;
(d) Off-site signs which advertise a business; except as provided in subsection (6)(m) of this
section;
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(e) Signs or sign structures which by coloring, shape, working, or location resemble or conflict
with traffic-control signs or devices;
(f) Signs which impede or create a safety hazard for pedestrians or vehicular traffic;
(g) Signs attached to utility poles or traffic signs, except with the permission of the utility or
agency;
(h) Signs shall not be placed in the public right-of-way, except for governmental signs, portable
signs and temporary signs as defined in subsection (3) of this section and as further regulated in
subsections (6) and (8) of this section; and
(i) Signs that are not in compliance with this section.
(6) Design Standards. All signs must meet the following standards:
(a) The illumination of signs shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so the light intensity or
brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding properties or public and private rights-of-way or
create a hazard or nuisance to the traveling public, or to surrounding properties.
(b) No sign or part thereof shall consist of rotating, revolving, or moving parts; consist of
banners, streamers, or spinners; or involve flashing, blinking, or alternating lights; provided, that
exceptions to this standard are temporary signs associated with local festivals, fairs, parades, or
special events pursuant to subsection (8)(b) of this section; moving signs where the movement
is induced wholly by naturally occurring causes, such as wind or human power; and changing
message signs allowed pursuant to subsection (6)(c) of this section.
(c) Changing message signs are allowed only in rural commercial, rural industrial, urban
commercial, and master planned resort commercial zones and must be directed away from
adjacent property zoned residential or open space, including properties across a public right-of-
way; except that changing message signs which are also governmental signs, as defined
elsewhere in this code, are allowed in other zoning designations not listed here, through a
conditional use permit (C) process, if the parcel where the proposed changing message sign
would be built, installed or placed is owned by a municipal corporation or other public entity, and
the sign is placed or installed within 150 feet of the logical outer boundary of a LAMIRD. No
changing message sign may be located closer than 200 feet from adjacent property zoned
residential or open space, as measured from the sign location to the nearest property line of the
residential or open space zoned property; provided, that a changing message sign may be
closer than 200 feet to a residential or open space zone with review and approval through a
conditional discretionary use permit process (C(d)) if proposed by a nongovernmental entity, or
with review and approval through a conditional use permit (C) process if proposed by a
governmental entity as described above.
(d) For any uses within any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use
district, the total square footage of signs shall not exceed 64 square feet; provided, that any sign
size may be increased up to 50 percent larger than the standard size, upon approval of the
administrator, based on a finding that the larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of
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subsection (1) of this section. Multitenant developments may have one freestanding sign for
each access point, commonly identifying the businesses within multitenant developments,
provided such signs total no more than 64 square feet in aggregate. The maximum aggregate
size for projection signs placed on a building is limited to one percent of the floor areas of the
building, except that each occupant is allowed a sign of at least two square feet. In no case may
an individual occupant’s sign be larger than 15 square feet. The size of signs in square footage
shall be calculated by the outside dimensions necessary to frame the information displayed. Any
sign projecting beyond six inches from a perpendicular wall shall be at least eight feet above
grade as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
(e) Signs for any use located in any rural residential district shall not exceed 32 square feet of
total sign area, with the exception of government signs, including community signs, which shall
not exceed 64 square feet; provided, that any sign size may be increased up to 50 percent
larger than the standard size, upon approval of the administrator, based on a finding that the
larger sign size is consistent with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.
(f) Uses located in any rural commercial, rural industrial, resource, public or UGA land use
districts shall have no more than two on-site signs, except as allowed in this section for
multitenant developments; provided, that the number of signs may be increased upon approval
of the administrator, based on a finding that the increased number of signs is consistent with
provisions of subsection (1) of this section. In no event shall the number of signs that may be
added by the administrator for a particular parcel exceed the lesser of four signs or the least
number of additional signs that would equal or exceed 100 percent of the signs that may be
lawfully placed at that parcel prior to the administrator authorizing for the first time any additional
signs. While an applicant may make more than one request for bonus signs, the maximum
number of bonus signs available for authorization at a particular parcel shall never exceed four
in addition to those lawfully allowed before the administrator authorized any bonus signs at that
parcel.
(g) All signs shall be maintained to be structurally sound, so as to not present a public hazard.
Pursuant to subsection (5)(f) of this section, signs that present a public hazard are prohibited
and shall be subject to abatement.
(h) The design of freestanding signs shall include measures to restrict vehicles from passing
beneath them. All freestanding pole signs or projecting signs shall provide pedestrian clearance
to a minimum of eight feet, as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign, where
applicable.
(i) No signs located on property immediately adjacent to bodies of water, other than those
related to water dependent uses, such as a marina, or noncommercial signs on private property,
are permitted to face waterward, excepting governmental signs and signs relating to safety
concerns, such as cable-crossing, construction-dredging, fuel area, etc.
(j) No sign shall be placed in a way as to obstruct a driver’s vision of motor vehicle traffic,
bicyclists or pedestrians, or traffic signs.
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(k) Community signs are permitted at each entrance to the community. Said signs are limited to
one per entrance, and may not exceed 64 square feet in area or eight feet in height as
measured from the ground to the top of the sign. Signs relating to clubs, societies, orders,
fraternities and the like shall be permitted as part of the community sign.
(l) Portable sandwich board signs subject to the following criteria:
(i) No more than two sandwich board signs may be erected per business;
(ii) Sandwich board signs shall not exceed three feet in width and four feet in height, from
the ground to the top of the sign;
(iii) Sandwich board signs shall be displayed during business hours only;
(iv) Sandwich board signs, where located on sidewalks, shall provide a minimum of 36
inches of continuous horizontal clear space between the sign and any building or the edge
of the sidewalk, to provide for the free passage of pedestrian traffic; and
(v) Sandwich board signs shall have a maximum area per side of 12 square feet.
(m) Off-site signs may only be allowed when they meet all of the following standards:
(i) Are directional in nature as defined in subsection (3)(h) of this section;
(ii) Located on private property along a major or minor arterial;
(iii) Located not less than 600 feet from an intersection;
(iv) No larger than 32 square feet for noncommercial signs and not more than six square
feet for commercial signs. Noncommercial signs, except for government signs, are limited to
a maximum height above ground of eight feet, from the ground to the top of the sign; and
(v) Only three off-site directional commercial signs per commercial destination may be
allowed; not more than eight feet tall, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign;
not more than six square feet in sign area, and located not more than 1,320 linear feet from
the turn-off to the destination of the sign; and, if applicable, one sign located at the nearest
“T” intersection on the same road to the commercial destination.
(n) Banner signs shall be no larger than 64 square feet and not placed on utility poles without
the permission of the utility. Banner signs placed over roadways, including the height above the
roadway, must have approval of the appropriate roadway managing agency.
(o) Hand held signs shall not exceed 16 square feet; provided, that the size may be increased
up to 50 percent larger than the standard size, upon approval of the administrator, based on a
finding that the larger size is consistent with provisions of subsection (1) of this section.
(p) Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground to the
top of the sign for any sign attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural commercial,
rural industrial, resource, public or UGA is the sum of the square root of the maximum sign size
in square feet for the sign type and the land use zone as identified in this section, plus the height
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of the building at the roof base. For example, for a building 20 feet high to the roof base and an
allowable sign size of 32 square feet, the maximum sign height would be: square root of 32 feet
= 5.6 feet + 20 feet = 25.6 feet above ground level.
(q) Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any
on-site sign not attached to a building on any parcel of land zoned rural commercial, rural
industrial, resource, or UGA is 35 feet from the ground to the top of the sign.
(r) Unless otherwise stated in this section, the maximum height in feet above the ground for any
sign in a rural residential zone is eight feet from the ground to the top of the sign.
(7) Nonconforming Signs. Legally established signs in place prior to the adoption of these standards
and not in conformance with these standards shall be considered legal, nonconforming signs, and
may remain as provided below:
(a) Legal nonconforming off-site signs shall be removed within five years of adoption of an
ordinance establishing a “wayfinding sign” program, which is intended to provide off-site sign
locations where businesses can place signs. Until adoption of a wayfinding sign ordinance, legal
nonconforming signs must be continually maintained, not relocated, and not structurally altered.
Nonconforming off-site signs may be replaced by off-site directional signs as allowed in
subsection (6)(m) of this section.
(b) Legal nonconforming on-site signs may remain provided they are continually maintained, not
relocated, and not structurally altered.
(8) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are exempt from the requirements to obtain a sign permit,
subject to the following standards:
(a) Temporary signs shall be limited in size to 64 square feet; except that temporary signs in the
public right-of-way are subject to size and height limits of subsection (8)(g) of this section and
shall not obstruct safe visibility of any motorist or pedestrian traffic. Temporary signs shall be
secured in their location so as to not collapse, become airborne or otherwise cause a safety
hazard. Temporary signs, except for banner signs placed across roadways, and signs mounted
within the public right-of-way, shall not exceed eight feet in height from the ground to the top of
the sign.
(b) Event signs and banners promoting public festivals, community or special events, and grand
openings may be displayed for up to 30 days prior to the event and shall be removed no later
than 10 days after the event. The sponsoring entity is responsible for sign removal. Event signs
may be located “off site.” To ensure consistency with this section, “event” signs subject to the
requirements of Chapter 8.20 JCC shall be reviewed by the administrator for a “special event
permit.”
(c) Garage or rummage sale signs may be displayed for up to seven days prior to the event and
shall be removed no later than one day after the event.
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(d) Political signs may be displayed upon the date of official filing of a candidate for elective
office or upon certification by the county of a ballot measure, and must be removed not later
than 10 days after the final election for the candidate or ballot measure.
(e) Real estate signs may be displayed upon execution of a formal listing agreement between
seller and real estate agent, or a listing “for sale by owner,” and removed within 10 days of
either: (1) the date the new owner or lessee takes possession of the property, or (2) the date of
the expiration of the listing, and (3) shall not be more than 12 square feet in size and not exceed
eight feet above existing grade, as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
(f) Subdivision Real Estate Sales Signs. Real estate signs advertising the sale of lots or dwelling
units located within an approved subdivision shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be no
more than one sign per subdivision entrance, and each sign shall be no greater than 32 square
feet in area and no greater than eight feet in height, as measured from the ground to the top of
the sign. These signs shall be removed within 10 days following the initial sale of all lots or
dwelling units within the subdivision.
(g) Temporary signs and portable signs in the public right-of-way, excepting governmental signs,
must not exceed four square feet in size, not exceed three feet above existing grade to the top
of the sign and must include the name and contact information of the party posting the sign and
must be removed by the party who posted the sign or their agent not later than 10 days after the
sign is no longer serving its purpose, including but not limited to the end of the temporary event,
festival, election, or sale. All nongovernmental signs in the public right-of-way are limited to a
maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
(9) Signs along State Highways. All signs along state highways in Jefferson County are also subject
to any sign regulations and permit requirements established by the state of Washington.
(10) Substitution. Noncommercial signs are allowed in all districts and may be substituted for any sign
expressly allowed under this code. [Ord. 1-16 § 1; Ord. 10-14 § 1 (Att. A)]
18.30.160 Archaeological and historic resources.
(1) When an application for a permit is received for an area known to contain archaeological artifacts
and data as identified by appropriate state, federal or tribal agencies, the county shall not take action
on the application and shall inform the applicant thereof, and the applicant shall not initiate any
excavation or development activity until the site has been inspected and a written evaluation is
provided by a qualified archaeologist. Significant archaeological data or artifacts must be recovered
before work begins or resumes on a project. No application will be delayed more than 10 working
days for such an inspection. If the application is approved by the county, conditions shall be attached
reflecting the recommendations of the archaeologist regarding preservation or protection of the site.
(2) All permits shall contain a special provision advising the permit holder that if during excavation or
development of the site an area of potential archaeological significance is uncovered, all activity in the
immediate vicinity of the find must be halted immediately and the administrator must be notified at
once. Activities authorized by the permit will not be delayed more than five working days for a finding
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of significance by the administrator, following the administrator’s receipt of notification, unless the
permit holder agrees to an extension of that time period.
(3) All development proposed for location adjacent to sites which are listed, or are determined by the
appropriate state or federal authority to be eligible for listing in the state or national registers of
historic places, must be located so as to complement the historic site. Development which degrades
or destroys the historical character of such sites is not permitted.
(4) Archaeological sites are subject to Chapter 27.44 RCW (Indian Graves and Records) and Chapter
27.53 RCW (Archaeological Sites and Records) and must comply with Chapter 25-48 WAC
(Archaeological Excavation and Removal Permit). Archaeological excavations are allowed subject to
applicable state laws.
(5) Identified historical or archaeological resources must be considered in site planning for public
parks, public open space, and public access and site planning, with access to such areas designed
and managed so as to give maximum protection to the resource. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.170 Mining, quarrying and asphalt/concrete batch plant best management
practices in critical aquifer recharge areas.
The following shall be considered minimum development standards necessary only for mineral
extraction, quarrying and asphalt/concrete batch plant operations located in susceptible aquifer
recharge areas or special aquifer recharge protection areas as defined in Article VI-E of Chapter
18.15 JCC. See also the performance and use-specific standards requirements of JCC 18.20.070
(Asphalt and Concrete Batch Plants) and JCC 18.20.240 (Mineral Extraction, Mining, Quarrying and
Reclamation) for general mining, quarrying and asphalt/concrete batch plant operations. Asphalt
batch plants are prohibited in special aquifer recharge protection areas (JCC 18.15.250(1)(b)).
(1) Best Management Practices.
(a) Concrete and Asphalt Production at Stationary Sites. This activity applies to any activity that
mixes raw materials on-site to produce or enhance concrete or asphalt. It also applies to
subsequent activities such as pouring concrete structures, and making other concrete and
asphalt products. Mishandling of raw materials on concrete production can introduce suspended
solids and heavy metals to stormwater runoff and cause pH increases in receiving waters. In
addition, stormwater pollution can result from washing of waste concrete from trucks, forms,
wheelbarrows, buckets, and other equipment in the work area. The loose chunks of aggregate
resulting from washing of equipment can easily reach storm drains, either in the wash water
itself or in stormwater runoff. Asphalt emulsion and chunks of aggregate can easily wash off of
equipment used in mixing and production in a similar manner as concrete. Mobile concrete
pouring and asphalt application are covered under a separate activity in these administrative
rules. Concrete production at mining sites is also covered by this activity.
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods, or
practices, are required if you are engaged in concrete and asphalt mixing and production:
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(A) Discharge all process water from production, pouring, and equipment cleaning
activities to a sump, process water treatment or recycling system, or sanitary sewer
system.
(B) Contain the production and pouring area to prevent stormwater from entering the
area and carrying pollutants away.
(C) Routine maintenance.
(I) Sweep the production and pouring areas weekly, if it is paved, to collect loose
chunks of aggregate and raw material particles for recycling or proper disposal.
(II) Do not hose down area to a storm drain.
(ii) Additional BMPs. The following BMPs, intended to provide improved pollution control,
may be required of an applicant by the administrator in a manner consistent with Chapter
18.40 JCC:
(A) Use an oil control device in the catch basins to treat stormwater runoff.
(B) Cover the production area with provisions for prevention of stormwater run on.
(C) Pave the mixing, production and/or pouring area(s) with a slope to a central
collection area. For concrete production and pouring activities, a sump drain should not
be provided because it would be quickly clogged with hardened concrete. It may not be
wise to segregate the mixing and pouring area from the curing area because
wastewater from curing applications could be collected by a drain. By sloping the
pavement to a central location, loose chunks of concrete or asphalt aggregate can be
collected more easily and recycled or disposed of properly.
(b) Storage of Liquid Materials in Stationary Tanks. This section applies to any activity that
stores any type of liquid chemicals, waste oils, solvents, or petroleum products in above-ground
storage tanks. Leaking tanks on these sites can contribute toxic compounds, oils and greases,
heavy metals, abnormal pH, and nutrients to stormwater runoff. In addition, spills may occur
during liquid transfer operations to and from the tanks.
This activity does not apply to underground storage tanks or to businesses permitted by the
Washington State Department of Ecology to treat, store, or dispose of dangerous wastes.
Storage of reactive, combustible, or flammable liquids must comply with the fire code
requirements and may need to comply with the Washington State Department of Ecology
regulations.
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods or
practices are required if you are engaged in storage of liquid materials in stationary tanks:
(A) Store and contain liquid materials in such a manner that if the tank is ruptured, the
contents will not discharge, flow or be washed into the storm drainage system, surface
waters, or groundwater.
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OR
(B) If the liquid is oil, gas or other material that separates from and floats on water,
install a spill control device (such as a tee section) in the catch basins that collect runoff
from the storage tank area.
(C) Routine Maintenance.
(I) Place drip pans or absorbent materials beneath all mounted taps, and at all
potential drip and spill locations during filling and unloading of tanks. Any collected
liquids or soiled absorbent materials must be reused/recycled or properly
disposed.
(II) Store and maintain appropriate spill cleanup materials in a location known to all
near the tank storage area; and ensure that employees are familiar with the site’s
spill control plan and/or proper spill cleanup procedures.
(III) Sweep and clean the storage area monthly if it is paved; do not hose down the
area to a storm drain.
(IV) Check tanks (and any containment sumps) daily for leaks and spills. Replace
tanks that are leaking, corroded, or otherwise deteriorating with tanks in good
condition. Collect all spilled liquids and properly dispose of them.
(c) Storage of Any Liquid Material in Portable Containers. This section applies to any activity that
stores any type of liquid chemicals, waste oils, solvents or petroleum products in portable
containers (such as drums). This activity covers permanent storage as well as temporary
storage areas at temporary sites. Spills and drips of these liquids, or overtopping of storage
containers, can contribute toxic compounds, oils and greases, heavy metals, abnormal pH, and
nutrients to stormwater runoff.
This section does not apply to businesses that are permitted by the Washington State
Department of Ecology to treat, store, or dispose of dangerous waste. Storage of reactive,
combustible, or flammable liquids must comply with the Washington State Department of
Ecology regulations.
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods, or
practices, are required if you are engaged in storage of liquid materials in portable
containers:
(A) Place tight-fitting lids on all containers.
(B) Enclose or cover the containers where they are stored. The local fire district must
be consulted for limitations on clearance of roof covers over containers used to store
flammable materials.
(C) Raise the containers off the ground by use of pallet or similar method, with
provisions for spill control.
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OR
(D) Contain the material in such a manner that if the container leaks or spills, the
contents will not discharge, flow, or be washed into the storm drainage system, surface
waters, or groundwater.
(E) Place drip pans or absorbent materials beneath all mounted container taps, and all
potential drip and spill locations during filling and unloading of containers. Any collected
liquids or soiled absorbent materials must be reused/recycled or properly disposed.
(F) Routine Maintenance.
(I) Store and maintain appropriate spill cleanup materials in a location that is
known to all employees near the tank storage areas, and ensure that employees
are familiar with the site’s spill control plan and/or proper spill cleanup procedures.
(II) Sweep and clean storage area monthly if it is paved; do not hose down the
area to a storm drain.
(III) Check containers (and any containment sumps) daily for leaks and spills.
Replace containers that are leaking, corroded, or otherwise deteriorating with ones
in good condition. If the liquid chemicals are corrosive, containers made of
compatible materials must be used instead of metal drums. New or secondary
containers must be labeled with the product name and hazards.
(IV) Collect all spilled liquids and properly dispose of them.
(d) Storage of Soil, Sand, Salt and Other Erodible Materials. This section applies to stockpiling
erodible raw materials such as soil, sawdust, gravel, sand and road de-icing salts. It covers
permanent sites as well as temporary construction sites and other temporary locations. Raw
material stockpiles can easily erode due to wind or precipitation and contribute suspended
solids, nutrients, heavy metals, and abnormal pH to stormwater runoff.
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods, or
practices, are required if you are engaged in the storage or stockpiling of erodible material
on a normal or temporary basis:
(A) Site and contain the stockpiles of raw material in such a manner so as to prevent
off-site impacts of surface water runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.
(B) Routine Maintenance.
(I) Sweep paved storage areas monthly for collection and disposal of loose solid
materials; do not hose down the area to a storm drain or conveyance ditch.
(II) Stock cleanup materials, such as brooms, dust pans, and vacuum sweepers (if
desired) near the storage unit.
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(ii) Additional BMPs. The following BMPs, intended to provide improved pollution control,
may be required of an applicant by the administrator in a manner consistent with Chapter
18.40 JCC:
(A) A catch basin insert, configured for sediment removal, may remove some of the
pollutants in runoff from this activity. (Catch basin inserts require frequent maintenance
to be effective. Carefully consider this when making your decision.)
(e) Engine Repair and Maintenance. This activity applies to operations that conduct engine
repair and maintenance in vehicles and other equipment. It also applies to mobile vehicle
maintenance operations, such as at construction sites. This common activity can lead to
immediate stormwater contamination if it is not done in a controlled manner. This activity can
contaminate stormwater with toxic hydrocarbons, other toxic organic compounds, oils and
greases, abnormal pH, and heavy metals. Related vehicle maintenance activities are covered
under the following activity headings in these administrative rules: “Painting, Finishing, and
Coating of Vehicles, Products and Equipment,” “Vehicle Washing and Stream Cleaning,”
“Fueling Operations, and Vehicle and Equipment Parking and Storage.”
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods, or
practices, are required if you are engaged in engine repair and maintenance:
(A) If temporary work is being conducted outside, use tarp, ground cloth, or drip pans
beneath the vehicle or equipment to capture all spills and drips. The collected drips and
spills must be disposed of, reused, or recycled properly.
(B) If the work is done on a regular basis at a stationary business location, move the
activity indoors.
(C) Routine Maintenance.
(I) Employees must be educated on proper handling and disposal of engine fluids.
(II) Store and maintain appropriate spill clean up materials in a location known to
all; and ensure that employees are familiar with the site’s spill control plan and/or
proper spill cleanup procedures (reusable cloth rags can be used to clean up small
drips and spills instead of disposables; these can be washed by a permitted
industrial laundry; do not clean them at home or a coin-operated laundry
business).
(III) Sweep the maintenance area weekly, if it is not paved, to collect loose
particles, and wipe up all spills with rags and other absorbent material immediately;
do not hose down the area to a storm drain.
(ii) Additional BMPs. The following BMPs, intended to provide improved pollution control,
may be required of an applicant by the administrator in a manner consistent with Chapter
18.40 JCC:
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(A) Absorbent material such as pillows or brooms can be used around storm drains or
in catch basins to absorb oil and other substances. A qualified disposal contractor must
pick up used absorbent material containing oil or other engine fluids.
(B) A catch basin insert, configured for oil removal, may remove some of the pollutants
in runoff from this activity. (Catch basin inserts require frequent maintenance to be
effective. Carefully consider this when making your decisions.)
(f) Vehicle Washing and Steam Cleaning. This activity applies to operations that receive
shipments of bulk liquid materials by truck or rail and transfer those liquids into storage tanks or
containers or handle the truck or rail loading of liquid materials from tanks. Spills and drips of
these liquids can potentially contribute toxic organic compounds, oils and greases, nutrients,
heavy metals, and abnormal pH to stormwater runoff.
(i) Minimum Requirements. The following BMPs, or equivalent measures, methods, or
practices, are required if you are engaged in vehicle washing and steam cleaning:
(A) It is allowable to rinse down the body of a vehicle, including the bed of a truck, with
just water without doing any washwater control BMPs.
(B) If you wash (with mild detergents) on an area that infiltrates water, such as gravel,
grass or loose soil, it is acceptable to let the washwater infiltrate as long as you only
wash the body of the vehicles.
(C) However, if you wash on a paved area and use detergents or other cleaners, or if
you wash/rinse the engine compartment or the underside of the vehicles, you must do
one of the following options:
(I) Designate and pave wash area to wash all vehicles in. Discharge wash water
from vehicle cleaning operations to a sanitary sewer, holding tank, or process
treatment system or process through an enclosed recycling system. The local
sewer authority may have limits on the types and amounts of pollutants, such as oil
and heavy metals that can be discharged to a sanitary sewer. Absolutely no
untreated wash water can enter storm drains.
OR
(II) Designate and pave wash area to wash all vehicles in. Use a storm drain cover
or other effective method of preventing all wash and rinse water from entering a
storm drain or other drainage system feature. All runoff from the activity must be
collected from proper disposal to a sanitary sewer. A wet vacuum or pump can be
used for this. There are several products commercially available that enable
collection of runoff. This requirement also applies to mobile vehicle washing
services.
OR
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(III) Take the vehicles to a commercial car wash or use a mobile washing service
that complies with either of the previous options.
(D) Designated wash area must be well-marked with signs indicated where and how
washing must be done.
(E) Oil changes and other engine maintenance cannot be conducted in the designated
washing area.
(g) Optional BMPs. The BMPs listed below are measures that should be considered at all times
for improving pollution control. While these BMPs are not mandatory, applicants are encouraged
to incorporate them in their plan for implementing BMPs, and the administrator may, in a manner
that is consistent with Chapter 18.40 JCC, require that an applicant implement one, several or all
of the BMPs listed in this section. Implementing one, some or all of these BMPs may reduce or
eliminate the need to implement other more complex or costly BMPs.
(i) Locate activities as far as possible from surface drainage paths. Locating activities on
high ground, far from drainage paths, ditches, gutters and storm drains allows more time to
recognize spills and act to prevent water contamination.
(ii) Avoid the activity or reduce its occurrence. Often an alternative production process or
material application process can be used to substitute for another, more polluting, process.
Ideally, a polluting activity can be avoided altogether, or its frequency of occurrence
reduced. An example is washing vehicles less often or taking vehicles to commercial car
washes or detail shops rather than washing on-site.
(iii) Use less material. Improper disposal of excess material or increased application of
materials simply because excess is available can cause pollution. Purchase only the
amount of material that will be needed for foreseeable use. In most cases you will see cost
savings in both purchasing and disposal.
(iv) Use the least toxic materials available. All applications of solid and liquid materials
should use the least toxic products and raw materials available, whether in production;
cleaning; pesticide applications; or other uses.
(v) Create and/or maintain vegetated areas near activity location. Grass and types of
vegetation can filter out many pollutants in stormwater runoff. Vegetated areas should be
maintained around areas where polluting activities occur, especially down slope of activity
areas. Routine maintenance will keep vegetated areas healthy and capable of filtering
pollutants.
(vi) Recycle as much as possible. Recycling is always preferable to disposal of unwanted
materials. Leftover paints, finishes, cleaning materials, building materials, etc., may be used
by someone else, so don’t throw them away. Contact a neighbor, friend, school, church,
community group, theater group, etc., to see if your leftover materials can be used. Many
empty containers and other common items are recyclable. Contact the Jefferson County
Recycling Center for recycling options.
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(vii) Educate others about stormwater pollution prevention. Educate your employees,
business associates, contractors, family, and friends about stormwater pollution control.
Encourage others to find solutions to stormwater pollution problems, and to continue
learning about pollution control techniques.
(viii) Implement treatment BMPs. Treatment BMPs are used to remove pollutants from
stormwater before being discharged from a site. These include oil separators and other
catch basin inserts that control pollutants in the piped system and as well as numerous
biological systems such as a biofiltration swales, infiltration, and constructed wetlands.
These BMPs may be a preferred option in certain circumstances.
(2) Best Management Practices (BMP) Report Criteria. The following criteria shall apply when
preparing a best management practices (BMP) report:
(a) The report shall be prepared by, or done under the direction of or designed by, a qualified
person with demonstrated expertise in the industry or field as demonstrated by a statement of
qualifications.
(b) The report will identify appropriate BMPs and how they will be employed to prevent
degradation of groundwater. Examples of BMPs are found in subsection (1) of this section. All
necessary technical data, drawings, calculations, and other information to describe application of
the BMPs must be supplied.
(c) The report shall identify how the applicant will satisfy the requirements of the Dangerous
Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC, in the event that hazardous material is released into
the ground or groundwater.
(d) The report shall be reviewed by the department of community development or a consultant
hired by the county, at the applicant’s expense, for this review. The county may consult with the
Jefferson County health department, State of Washington Departments of Health or Ecology,
independent reviewer, or any parties as it sees fit. [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.180 On-site sewage disposal best management practices in critical aquifer
recharge areas.
The following best management practices (BMPs) are required to meet minimum on-site sewage
standards within susceptible aquifer recharge areas or special aquifer recharge protection areas, as
identified in Article VI-E of Chapter 18.15 JCC, from the Jefferson County health department, when
the following conditions are present:
(1) The contaminants of concern, bacteria and nitrogen, are not fully treated (removed) from
wastewater in Type 1A and 2A soils (excessively coarse) with conventional gravity fed on-site
sewage systems. To more adequately protect the groundwater in these areas from contamination by
these elements the standards in this section have been developed utilizing a combination of
treatment systems and land use density parameters.
(2) Where land use densities are such that adequate aquifer protection is not ensured, best
management practices for on-site sewage shall apply to new development, or expansion (as defined
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in WAC 246-272-01001) of existing development when an on-site sewage disposal system is
installed.
(a) Tables 1 and 2 shall be used to determine the type of on-site sewage disposal system
required and the minimum lot size in different soil types where public water is available. Lot size
requirements are taken from the Washington State On-Site Sewage Code, Chapter 246-272
WAC, Table VII. Soil textural classifications and minimum standards for methods of effluent
distribution for soil types and depths are taken from Chapter 246-272 WAC, Tables II and VI,
respectively.
(b) In critical aquifer recharge areas, no on-site sewage permit will be issued where public water
systems are not available on lots less than one acre, except as permitted in subsection (2)(c) of
this section.
(c) When lots sizes do not meet the area requirements specified in Tables 1 and 2, and lot
consolidation is impracticable, an approved composting toilet and greywater treatment system
may be permitted. Permits for composting toilets shall include a condition requiring further
treatment of toilet waste at the Port Townsend composting facility or other approved site. On-site
use or disposal of the toilet-generated compost shall not be allowed.
(d) BMPs shall be updated as new technologies are reviewed and approved by Jefferson County
environmental health and/or Washington State Department of Health. Criteria for review of new
or existing systems will include, but not be limited to adequate laboratory evidence provided by
the system proprietor of a minimum of 50 percent total nitrogen reduction prior to final disposal.
Currently, acceptable BMPs include:
(i) Intermittent sand filter followed by a shallow pressure distribution system (also meets
Treatment Standard 2);
(ii) Recirculating gravel filter;
(iii) Composting and incinerating toilets – if these are used, greywater from the facility shall
be treated by the method normally required by the site and soil conditions required under
Chapter 246-272 WAC. For example: Type 1A soils require Treatment Standard 2 under
Chapter 246-272 WAC. Only composting or incinerating toilets listed as approved
proprietary devices by the Washington Department of Health may be permitted.
(e) Systems that meet Treatment Standard 2 are listed and approved by the Washington State
Department of Health and are available in the Guidelines for the Application of Treatment
Standards 1 and 2. Only those systems that meet Treatment Standard 2 and are listed as
nitrogen reduction BMPs (in subsection (2)(c) of this section) meet the standard for critical
aquifer recharge area requirements in Type 1A soils.
(f) Where a question/disagreement regarding the soil texture exists the following procedure shall
be used:
(i) Sample will be taken in the presence of Jefferson County health department staff.
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(ii) Chain of custody protocol shall be followed.
(iii) Lab reports shall be sent to Jefferson County environmental health division and the
applicant, or applicant’s representative, for review.
Table 1
On-Site Sewage System Requirements for Sites Using Public Water Sources and Having Three
Feet Vertical Separation in Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
1
Note: “NO3 BMP” refers to the nitrogen reduction best management practices listed in JCC 18.30.180
(2)(d).
Soil Type (as defined in Table II of Chapter 246-272 WAC)
Minimum
Lot Size2 1A 1B 2A 2B 3 4 5
>1.0 ac Treatment
Standard
2
Conventional
Gravity
Pressure
Distribution
Conventional
Gravity
Conventional
Gravity
Conventional
Gravity
Conventional
Gravity
Conventional
Gravity
22,000
sq. ft.
Treatment
Standard
2 that is
also listed
as NO3
BMP
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
0.5 ac
(21,780
sq. ft.)
Treatment
Standard
2 that is
also listed
as NO3
BMP
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
20,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
18,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
15,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
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12,500
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP
1As defined in Article VI-E of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
2Per unit volume of sewage (450 gallons per day), WAC 246-272-01001.
Table 2
On-Site Sewage System Requirements for Sites Using Public Water Sources and Having Two
Feet But Less Than Three Feet of Vertical Separation, for Development in Critical Aquifer
Recharge Areas
3
Note: “NO3 BMP” refers to the nitrogen reduction best management practices listed in JCC 18.20.180
(2)(d).
Soil Type (as defined in Table II of Chapter 246-272 WAC)
Minimum
Lot Size4 1A 1B 2A 2B 3 4 5 6
>1.0 ac Treatment
Standard 2
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
Pressure
Distribution
22,000
sq. ft.
Treatment
Standard 2
that is also
listed as
NO3 BMP
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
0.5 ac
(21,780
sq. ft.)
Treatment
Standard 2
that is also
listed as
NO3 BMP
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
20,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
18,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
15,000
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP Shallow
Pressure
Distribution
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12,500
sq. ft.
NO3 BMP NO3 BMP
3As defined in Article VI-E of Chapter 18.15 JCC.
4Per unit volume of sewage (450 gallons per day), WAC 246-272-01001.
[Ord. 8-06 § 1]
18.30.190 Noise.
The intensity of sound emitted by any commercial or industrial activity shall not exceed levels
established by the Washington State Department of Ecology under Chapter 173-60 WAC, and by
Jefferson County under Resolution No. 67-85, “Establishment of Environmental Designations for
Noise Abatement Areas for Jefferson County.” [Ord. 8-06 § 1]
The Jefferson County Code is current through Ordinance
1-18, passed February 20, 2018.
Disclaimer: The Clerk of the Board's Office has the official version
of the Jefferson County Code. Users should contact the Clerk of
the Board's Office for ordinances passed subsequent to the
ordinance cited above.
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