21A.01.010 Adoption and transference. Pursuant to the requirement of King County Charter Section 880, there is adopted Title 21A of the "King County code" as compiled by the King County council. K.C.C. Chapter 21A.61A of the code is hereby transferred to Title 27. K.C.C. Sections 21A.61.060, .070 are hereby transferred to Title 20. (Ord. 10870 § 1, 1993).

21A.01.020 Zoning code adopted. Under the provisions of Article XI, Section 11 of the Washington State Constitution and Article 2, Section 220.20 of the King County Charter, the zoning code attached to Ordinance 10870, which is referred to hereinafter as the 1993 Zoning Code, is adopted and declared to be the zoning code for King County until amended, repealed or superseded, subject to the provisions of K.C.C. 21A.01.030. This code also is hereby enacted to be consistent with and implement the comprehensive plan in accordance with RCW 36.70A. This code shall be compiled in Title 21A. (Ord. 11621 § 1 (part), 1994: Ord. 10870 § 2, 1993).

21A.01.025 Notification to Tribes. The county recognizes that many actions undertaken pursuant to Title 21A, as amended, may impact treaty fishing rights of federally-recognized tribes. In order to honor and prevent interference with these treaty fishing rights and to provide for water quality and habitat preservation, the county shall provide notice to any federally-recognized tribes whose treaty fishing rights would be affected by an action undertaken pursuant to this title, including but not limited to: development of wetlands, stream and river banks, lakeshore habitat of water bodies, or development directly or indirectly affecting anadromous bearing water bodies, including the promulgation of plans, rules, regulations or ordinances implementing the provisions of this title, whether or not review of such actions is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) RCW 43.21C. (Ord. 11621 § 1 (part), 1994).

21A.01.030 Application of the 1993 Zoning Code.

A. Except as provided in subsection C below, the 1993 Zoning Code shall apply to a specific property when, after the June 28, 1993, the zoning map with respect to such property is amended pursuant to:

1. an individual quasi-judicial zone reclassification;

2. countywide zoning conversion process set out in K.C.C. 21A.01.070; or

3. community planning area zoning proposals accompanying plan updates or amendment studies.

B. Any reclassification requests or proposals for application of area or countywide zoning initiated after June 28, 1993, shall use the new zone classifications adopted in the 1993 Zoning Code.

C. The provisions of King County Code Chapter 21A.24, together with the relevant provisions of Chapters 21A.06 and 21A.12, shall apply to all properties as of January 9, 1994. (Ord. 11621 § 2, 1994: 10870 § 3, 1993).

21A.01.040 Transition to new code.

A. Complete applications for conditional use permits, planned unit developments, binding site plans, right-of-way use permits, commercial site development permits, variances, unclassified use permits, or public agency and utility exceptions which were pending at the time Title 21A took effect shall continue to be processed under those applicable zoning regulations governing review prior to implementation of Title 21A; except when a conditional use permit application has been submitted for a use that under Title 21A no longer requires a conditional use permit, that conditional use permit shall not be a requirement for the vested development proposal. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this title, where approved, these permits shall continue to establish allowable uses on the property until permit expiration. A variance to Title 21 standards which has been approved and has not expired shall be deemed to also vary like standards set forth in Title 21A relating to the same subject matter and development proposal. Planned unit development applications pending on October 1, 1994 shall be deemed to have vested at the time a complete application was filed. Nothing in this subsection is intended to restrict otherwise applicable vested applicant rights.

B. Except for the requirements of K.C.C. 21A.43, any lot created by subdivision or short subdivision for which a complete subdivision or short subdivision application was submitted prior to February 2, 1995, may be developed pursuant to the standards of Resolution 25789, as amended (former K.C.C. Title 21), including any applicable p-suffix conditions in adopted community plans and area zoning in effect on February 1, 1995 for a period of six years from the date of recording of the applicable final plat or short plat. (Ord. 12824 § 19, 1997: Ord. 11765 § 1, 1995: Ord. 11621 § 3, 1994: 10870 § 4, 1993).

21A.01.045 Relationship to certain adopted 1994 development regulations.

A. The King County Council makes the following findings of fact:

1. On December 19, 1994, the King County Council adopted Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 amending Title 16 of the King County Code. The effective date of Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 is January 9, 1995.

2. In drafting Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620, the references to the King County Zoning Code were amended to cite K.C.C. Title 21A, the new zoning code, and at the same time repeal references to K.C.C. Title 21, the old zoning code. This was done in anticipation that Proposed Ordinance 94-737, which adopts new zoning to implement the 1994 Comprehensive Plan and Title 21A, adopted would be on December 19, 1994 concurrent with Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620. Thus, K.C.C. Title 21A would become effective on the same date as Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 [January 9, 1995].

3. However, on December 19, 1994 the King County Council deferred action on Proposed Ordinance 94-737 until January 3, 1995. On January 3, 1995 the action was again deferred to January 9, 1995. As a result of deferring action on Proposed Ordinance 94-737, K.C.C. 21A will not go into effect until some time after January 9, 1995.

4. The problem created by the actions described above is that Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 will go into effect with references to zoning code requirements (K.C.C. Title 21A) that will not be in effect until the adoption and effective date [February 2, 1995] of Proposed Ordinance 94-737. Additionally, the references to the existing zoning code (K.C.C. Title 21) are repealed in Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620. As a result, development applications filed between January 9, 1995, and February 2, 1995, may vest to land use controls that will not include either existing Title 21 or the new Title 21A regulations. Such development may not provide protection for, and be harmful to, the public health, safety and welfare which Title 21 and 21A were adopted to address.

B. Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 shall not take effect, or if in effect shall no longer be in effect, until King County adopts zoning to implement the 1994 King county Comprehensive Plan and to convert zoning to Title 21A (Proposed Ordinance 94-737) and such zoning becomes effective. Prior to January 9, 1995, provisions of law in effect prior to the adoption of January 9, 1995, shall remain in effect until Ordinance 11618, 11619, and 11620 is in effect under the provisions of this section. (Ord. 11652 § 1-2, 1995).

21A.01.050 Tree retention and landscaping effective date. Chapter 21A.16 (Tree Retention and Landscaping) shall be effective as part of the 1993 Zoning Code only if at the time of the adoption of the first area zoning map conversion a new landscaping chapter has not been adopted, in which case chapter 21A.16 will apply in that area until a revised chapter is adopted. (Ord. 10870 § 9, 1993).

21A.01.070 Area zoning conversion guidelines.

A. The council directs the department to prepare proposed new zoning maps applying the 1993 King County Zoning Code and transmit within ten months of June 28, 1993, for council review and adoption.

B. The department shall use the table in subsection C. of this section and the guidelines of this section in preparing an ordinance or ordinances to convert each area zoning document to the 1993 Zoning Code, with modifications appropriate to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan land use map and policies, so as to implement the Comprehensive Plan and convert old outright and potential zoning classifications to new ones in a consistent manner. This section also shall apply to conversion of the resource lands area zoning adopted pursuant to K.C.C. 20.12.390.

C. Conversion table. The following conversion table and criteria contained therein shall be used by the department in converting the zoning maps adopted pursuant to Resolution 25789 to the 1993 Zoning Code:

RESOLUTION 25789 ZONING MAP SYMBOLS	1993 ZONING CODE MAP SYMBOLS	ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
F	F	In Forest Production or Rural Areas
FR	F or RA	Use zone most consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
A, A-10 A-35	A-10 A-35 or A-60	In Agricultural or Rural Areas Use zone most consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
Q-M	M	Designated Mining Sites
AR-2.5 AR-5 AR-10	RA-2.5 RA-5 RA-10 or RA-20	In Rural Areas Use zone most consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
GR-5, GR-2.5, G-5	UR RA	Only in designated urban areas In areas not designated urban
G	R-1 RA	Only in designated urban areas In areas not designated urban
SE, S-C	R-1	Only in designated urban areas or Rural Towns
SR/RS15000,SR/RS 9600	R-4	Only in designated urban areas or Rural Towns
SR7200, RS7200	R-6	Only in designated urban areas or Rural Towns
SR5000, RS5000	R-8	Only in designated urban areas or Rural Towns
RMHP	R-4 through R-48	Use zone closest to zoning on adjacent property or midrange if adjacent zones vary
RD3600, RT3600	R-12
RM2400, RT2400	R-18
RT, RM1800, RT1800	R-24
RM900	O or R-48	Apply zoning closest to Comprehensive Plan land use designations
RM 900 P	O or R-48	According to P-suffix limitations allowing only office or residential uses
B-N, BR-N	NB or RB
B-C, BR-C C-G M-L, M-P, M-H	CB or RB RB I	For all business zones, use zone most consistent with the Comprehensive Plan designation and actual scale of business area

D. Unclassified Use Permit Mining Operations. In addition to the conversions set out in the table in subsection C. of this section, all sites legally operating pursuant to an unclassified use permit for mining operations shall be zoned M (Mineral).

E. Resolution of map conflicts. In cases of ambiguity or conflict between a community or Comprehensive Plan land use designation and the zoning classification applied under the old code, the department shall use the following guidelines and procedures in recommending new zones:

1. As a general rule, the outright or potential zoning classification applied shall be that which is consistent with the 1994 King County Comprehensive Plan; adopted community plans, where they do not conflict, may be used to provide additional guidance;

2. If the application of the guidelines in this subsection leads the department to propose applying an outright or potential zoning classification from the 1993 Zoning Code that is not functionally equivalent to a classification from the old code as defined in the table in subsection C. of this section, the department shall notify the owner of the property proposed for reclassification no later than the council introduction date of the ordinance amending said property, and the property owner may request a change in the area zoning in a manner consistent with the procedures used for council review of a community plan and area zoning.

F. Area-wide P-suffix development conditions. The department shall review all area-wide P-suffix conditions applied through zoning adopted pursuant to Resolution 25789, and recommend legislation removing all such conditions which conflict with the Comprehensive Plan or have been replaced adequately by standards adopted in the 1993 zoning code. If P-suffix conditions implement policies in the Comprehensive Plan, then regulations shall be developed by the end of 1995 and the P-suffix conditions shall be removed. Any P-suffix conditions which implement policies in community plans which are not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan but are not adequately addressed by this code shall be carried forward intact until they are evaluated for replacement by general code revisions in 1995.

G. Site-specific development conditions. Approval conditions for previous zone reclassifications, planned unit developments, unclassified permits, and P-suffix conditions applied to individual properties in land use actions pursuant to Resolution 25789, should be recommended for retention wherever they address conditions unique to a particular property and not addressed by the standards in the Zoning Code.

H. For area zoning documents being converted to the 1993 Zoning Code without amendments to their respective community plan maps and policies, only requests for zone changes which meet one of the following criteria shall be considered during either the department or council review process:

1. As provided in subsection E. of this section;

2. When an applicant can demonstrate that the department's proposal incorrectly implements an adopted Comprehensive Plan map designation or policy in converting existing zoning to a new zoning classification; or

3. The site is the subject of an application for a Master Planned Development or Urban Planned Development, and conversion to the 1993 Zoning Code is requested as part of such application. Rezoning of such sites during the conversion, area zoning otherwise shall be to Urban Reserve with the urban planned development overlay district as provided in K.C.C. chapter 21A.38.

I. Requests which do not meet one of the criteria of subsection H. of this section shall be treated as quasi-judicial reclassification requests which must be formally applied for according to the process provided for such requests and shall be subject to the criteria in K.C.C. 20.22.150.

J. Requests for quasi-judicial reclassification that are consistent with the conversion table illustrated in subsection C. of this section and requests for quasi-judicial reclassification to the M zone, shall not be subject to the criteria in K.C.C. 20.22.150.

K. Bear Creek MPD's. The following transition provisions shall apply to the Master Plan Development applications in the Bear Creek Community Plan (BCCP).

1. An applicant may either continue to utilize the procedural provisions of the BCCP or may utilize the procedural provisions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.39.

2. If an applicant utilizes the procedural provisions of K.C.C. 21A.39, the Pre-Development Applications previously submitted for the Blakely Ridge MPD and the Northridge MPD are deemed the equivalent of and accepted as complete applications for "UPD Permits" under Chapter 21A.39 of the 1993 zoning code.

3. The substantive provisions of the BCCP Area Zoning MPD P-Suffix conditions and conditions precedent to rezoning set forth in Section 1C of the BCCP Area Zoning (page 140) shall remain in effect for purposes of considering the UPD applications, under either the BCCP or K.C.C. chapter 21A.39.

4. The applicants may elect either one base zone pursuant to K.C.C. 21A.39, or multiple zones pursuant to the Bear Creek Community Plan, applying the equivalent zone and potential zoning classifications of the 1993 zoning code.

5. The Novelty Hill Master Plan sites and urban designation adopted and delineated in the Bear Creek Community Plan and Bear Creek Area zoning shall be considered "UPD Special District Overlays" and "UPD boundary delineations" for purposes of applying K.C.C. 21A.38.020, 21A.38.070B.1. and 2. and K.C.C. 21A.39.020. (Ord. 19146 § 15, 2020: Ord. 18230 § 124, 2016: Ord. 11621 § 5, 1994: Ord. 11157 § 1, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 5, 1993).

21A.01.090 Drawings. The department is hereby authorized after June 7, 1993, to incorporate drawings as necessary for the purpose of illustrating concepts and regulatory standards contained in this title, provided that the adopted provisions of the code shall control over such drawings. (Ord. 10870 § 7, 1993).

21A.01.100 Periodic review. The department shall submit an annual written report to the council detailing issues relating to the implementation of the 1993 King County Zoning Code and recommending amendments to address those issues. (Ord. 10870 § 8, 1993).

21A.02 AUTHORITY, PURPOSE, INTERPRETATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Sections:

21A.02.010 Title.

21A.02.020 Authority to adopt code.

21A.02.030 Purpose.

21A.02.040 Conformity with this title required.

21A.02.050 Minimum requirements.

21A.02.055 Covenant of retention of common ownership for lots considered as a site.

21A.02.060 Interpretation: General.

21A.02.070 Interpretation: Standard industrial classification.

21A.02.080 Interpretation: Zoning maps.

21A.02.090 Administration and review authority.

21A.02.110 Classification of right-of-way.

21A.02.010 Title. This title shall be known as the King County Zoning Code. (Ord. 15051 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 11, 1993).

21A.02.020 Authority to adopt code. The King County Zoning Code is adopted by King County ordinance, pursuant to Article XI, Section 11 of the Washington State Constitution; and Article 2, Section 220.20 of the King County Charter. (Ord. 10870 § 12, 1993).

21A.02.030 Purpose. The general purposes of this title are:

A. To encourage land use decision making in accordance with the public interest and applicable laws of the State of Washington.

B. To protect the general public health, safety, and welfare;

C. To implement the King County Comprehensive Plan's policies and objectives through land use regulations;

D. To provide for the economic, social, and aesthetic advantages of orderly development through harmonious groupings of compatible and complementary land uses and the application of appropriate development standards;

E. To provide for adequate public facilities and services in conjunction with development; and

F. To promote general public safety by regulating development of lands containing physical hazards and to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of development. (Ord. 10870 § 13, 1993).

21A.02.040 Conformity with this title required.

A. No development, use or structure shall be established, substituted, expanded, constructed, altered, moved, maintained, or otherwise changed except in conformance with this title.

B. Creation of or changes to lot lines shall conform with the use provisions, dimensional and other standards, and procedures of this title and Title 19, Subdivisions.

C. All land uses and development authorized by this title shall comply with all other regulations and or requirements of this title as well as any other applicable local, state or federal law. Where a difference exists between this title and other county regulations, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

D. Where more than one part of this title applies to the same aspect of a proposed use or development, the more restrictive requirement shall apply.

E. Temporary uses or activities, conducted during an emergency event, or training exercises conducted at emergency sites, designated pursuant to an emergency management plan, shall not be subject to the provisions of this title. (Ord. 16985 § 126, 2010: Ord. 11621 § 8, 1994: 10870 § 14, 1993).

21A.02.050 Minimum requirements. In interpretation and application, the requirements set forth in this title shall be considered the minimum requirements necessary to accomplish the purposes of this title. (Ord. 10870 § 15, 1993).

21A.02.055 Covenant of retention of common ownership for lots considered as a site.

If a development proposal depends on two or more lots to be considered as a site for purposes of complying with the provisions of this title or any other provision of the King County Code, the department may require the applicant to record a covenant to the benefit of the county that requires the retention of the lots under common ownership and control for the duration that the use is maintained on the site. (Ord. 17191 § 18, 2011).

21A.02.060 Interpretation: General.

A. In case of inconsistency or conflict, regulations, conditions or procedural requirements that are specific to an individual land use shall supersede regulations, conditions or procedural requirements of general application.

B. A land use includes the necessary structures to support the use unless specifically prohibited or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

C. In case of any ambiguity, difference of meaning, or implication between the text and any heading, caption, or illustration, the text and the permitted use tables in K.C.C. 21A.08 shall control. All applicable requirements shall govern a use whether or not they are cross-referenced in a text section or land use table.

D. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, words in the present tense shall include past and future tense, and words in the singular shall include the plural, or vice versa. Except for words and terms defined in this title, all words and terms used in this title shall have their customary meanings. (Ord. 10870 § 16, 1993).

21A.02.070 Interpretation: Standard industrial classification.

A. All references to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) are to the titles and descriptions found in the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1987 edition, prepared by United States Office of Management and Budget, which is hereby adopted by reference. The SIC is used, with modifications to suit the purposes of this title, to list and define land uses authorized to be located in the various zones consistent with the land use map.

B. The SIC categorizes each land use under a general two-digit major group number, or under a more specific three- or four-digit industry group or industry number. A use shown on a land use table with a two-digit number includes all uses listed in the SIC for that major group. A use shown with a three-digit or four-digit number includes only the uses listed in the SIC number for that industry group or industry.

C. An asterisk , shown as "*” in the SIC number column of a land use table means that the SIC definition for the specific land use identified has been modified by this title. The definition may include one or more SIC numbers, or may define the use without reference to the SIC.

D. The director shall determine whether a proposed land use not specifically listed in a land use table or specifically included within a SIC number is allowed in a zone. The director's determination shall be based on whether permitting the proposed use in a particular zone is consistent with the purposes of this title and the zone's purpose established in K.C.C. chapter 21A.04, by considering the following factors:

1. The physical characteristics of the use and its supporting structures, including but not limited to scale, traffic and other impacts, and hours of operation;

2. Whether the use complements or is compatible with other uses allowed in the zone; and

3. The SIC number, if any, assigned to the business or other entity that will carry on the primary activities of the proposed use.

E. If a proposed land use subject to subsection D. of this section is an essential public facility under the Growth Management Act, it shall be evaluated using the special use permit process. (Ord. 19881 § 75, 2024: Ord. 11621 § 7, 1994: 10870 § 17, 1993).

21A.02.080 Interpretation: Zoning maps. Where uncertainties exist as to the location of any zone boundaries, the following rules of interpretation, listed in priority order, shall apply:

A. Where boundaries are indicated as paralleling the approximate centerline of the street right-of-way, the zone shall extend to each adjacent boundary of the right-of-way. Non road-related uses by adjacent property owners, if allowed in the right-of-way, shall meet the same zoning requirements regulating the property owners lot;

B. Where boundaries are indicated as approximately following lot lines, the actual lot lines shall be considered the boundaries;

C. Where boundaries are indicated as following lines of ordinary high water, or government meander line, the lines shall be considered to be the actual boundaries. If these lines should change the boundaries shall be considered to move with them; and

D. If none of the rules of interpretation described in subparagraphs A. through C. apply, then the zoning boundary shall be determined by map scaling. (Ord. 10870 § 18, 1993).

21A.02.090 Administration and review authority.

A. The hearing examiner in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 20.22 may hold public hearings and make decisions and recommendations on reclassifications, subdivisions and other development proposals, and appeals.

B. The director may grant, condition or deny applications for variances, conditional use permits, renewals of permits for mineral extraction and processing, alteration exceptions and other development proposals, unless an appeal is filed and a public hearing is required under K.C.C. chapter 20.20, in which case this authority shall be exercised by the hearing examiner.

C. The department shall have authority to grant, condition or deny commercial and residential building permits, grading and clearing permits, and temporary use permits in accordance with the procedures in K.C.C. chapter 21A.42.

D. Except for other agencies with authority to implement specific provisions of this title, the department shall have the sole authority to issue official interpretations and adopt public rules to implement this title, in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 2.98. (Ord. 18230 § 125, 2016: Ord. 15051 § 2, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 19, 1993).

21A.02.110 Classification of right-of-way.

A. Except when such areas are specifically classified on the zoning map as being classified in one of the zones provided in this title, land contained in rights-of-way for streets or alleys, or railroads shall be considered unclassified.

B. Within street or alley rights-of-way, uses shall be limited to street purposes as defined by law.

C. Within railroad rights-of-way, allowed uses shall be limited to tracks, signals or other operating devices, movement of rolling stock, utility lines and equipment, and freight-rail dependent uses.

D. Where such right-of-way is vacated, the vacated area shall have the zoning classification of the adjoining property with which it is first merged. (Ord. 19146 § 16, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 21, 1993).

21A.04 ZONES, MAPS AND DESIGNATIONS

Sections:

21A.04.010 Zoning classifications and zoning map symbols established.

21A.04.020 Zoning classification purpose statements.

21A.04.030 Agricultural zone.

21A.04.040 Forest zone.

21A.04.050 Mineral zone.

21A.04.060 Rural zone.

21A.04.070 Urban reserve zone.

21A.04.080 Urban residential zone.

21A.04.090 Neighborhood business zone.

21A.04.100 Community business zone.

21A.04.110 Regional business zone.

21A.04.120 Office zone.

21A.04.130 Industrial zone.

21A.04.140 Map classification - regional use classification.

21A.04.150 Map classification - property-specific development or P-suffix standards.

21A.04.160 Map classification - special district overlay or SO-suffix classification.

21A.04.170 Map classification - special zone classification.

21A.04.180 Map classification - interim zoning classification.

21A.04.190 Zoning maps and boundaries.

21A.04.010 Zoning classifications and zoning map symbols established. In order to accomplish the purposes of this title the following zoning classifications and zoning map symbols are established:

ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS MAP SYMBOL

Agricultural	A (10 -or 35 acre minimum lot size)
Forest	F
Mineral	M
Rural Area	RA (2.5-acre, 5-acre, 10-acre or 20-acre minimum lot size)
Urban Reserve	UR
Urban Residential	R (base density in dwellings per acre)
Neighborhood Business	NB
Community Business	CB
Regional Business	RB
Office	O
Industrial	I
Regional Use	Case file number following zone's map symbol
Property-specific development standards	-P(suffix to zone's map symbol)
Special District Overlay	-SO(suffix to zone's map symbol)
Potential Zone	------------------------------ \| \| \| \| ------------------------------ (dashed box surrounding zone’s map symbol)
Interim Zone	* (asterisk adjacent to zone's map symbol)

(Ord. 19146 § 17, 2020: Ord. 12929 § 1, 1997: Ord. 12596 § 1, 1997: Ord. 11621 § 9, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 22, 1993).

21A.04.020 Zoning classification purpose statement. The purpose statements for each zoning classification set forth in the following sections shall be used to guide the application of the zoning classifications to all lands in unincorporated King County. The purpose statements also shall guide interpretation and application of land use regulations within the zoning classifications, and any changes to the range of permitted uses within each zoning classification through amendments to this title. (Ord. 19146 § 18, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 23, 1993).

21A.04.030 Agricultural zone.

A. The purpose of the agricultural zone (A) is to preserve and protect irreplaceable and limited supplies of farmland well suited to agricultural uses by their location, geological formation and chemical and organic composition and to encourage environmentally sound agricultural production. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Establishing residential density limits to retain lots sized for efficient farming;

2. Allowing for uses related to agricultural production and limiting nonagricultural uses to those compatible with farming, or requiring close proximity for the support of agriculture; and

3. Allowing for residential development primarily to house farm owners, on-site agricultural employees and their respective families.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate for lands within agricultural production districts designated by the Comprehensive Plan and for other farmlands deemed appropriate for long-term protection. (Ord. 10870 § 24, 1993).

21A.04.040 Forest zone.

A. The purpose of the forest zone (F) is to preserve the forest land base; to conserve and protect the long-term productivity of forest lands; and to restrict uses unrelated to or incompatible with forestry. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Applying the F zone to large contiguous areas where a combination of site, soil and climatic characteristics make it possible to sustain timber growth and harvests over time;

2. Limiting residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses to those uses that are compatible with forestry, to minimize the potential hazards of damage from fire, pollution and land use conflicts; and

3. Providing for compatible outdoor recreation uses and for conservation and protection of municipal watersheds and fish and wildlife habitats.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate for lands within forest production districts designated by the Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 10870 § 25, 1993).

21A.04.050 Mineral zone.

A. The purpose of the mineral zone (M) is to provide for continued extraction and processing of mineral and soil resources in an environmentally responsible manner by:

1. Reserving known deposits of minerals and materials within areas as protection against premature development of the land for non-extractive purposes;

2. Providing neighboring properties with notice of prospective extracting and processing activities; and

3. Providing appropriate location and development standards for extraction and on-site processing to mitigate adverse impacts on the natural environment and on nearby properties.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate for known deposits of minerals and materials on sites that are of sufficient size to mitigate the impacts of operation and that are served or capable of being served at the time of development by adequate roads and other public services; and for sites containing mineral extracting and processing operations that were established in compliance with land use regulations in effect at the time the use was established. (Ord. 10870 § 26, 1993).

21A.04.060 Rural zone.

A. The purpose of the rural zone (RA) is to provide for an area-wide long-term rural character and to minimize land use conflicts with nearby agricultural or forest production districts or mineral extraction sites. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Limiting residential densities and allowed uses to those that are compatible with rural character and nearby resource production districts and sites and are able to be adequately supported by rural service levels;

2. Allowing small-scale farming and forestry activities and tourism and recreation uses that can be supported by rural service levels and that are compatible with rural character;

3. Increasing required setbacks to minimize conflicts with adjacent agriculture, forest or mineral zones; and

4. Requiring tracts created through clustering to be designated as permanent natural area or as permanent resource use.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in the rural area designated by the Comprehensive Plan as follows:

1. RA-2.5 in the rural area where the predominant lot pattern is below five acres in size for lots established before the adoption of the 1994 Comprehensive Plan;

2. RA-5 in the rural area where:

a. the land is more than a quarter mile from designated natural resource lands;

b. the land is physically suitable for development with minimal critical areas; and

c. the density would not harm or diminish the surrounding area, burden infrastructure, increase development pressure, or be inconsistent with the development patterns promoted by the Comprehensive Plan;

3.a. RA-10 in the rural area where:

(1) the land is adjacent to or within one-quarter mile of designated natural resource lands;

(2) the land contains moderate or significant critical areas; or

(3) a density of one dwelling unit per five acres would harm or diminish the surrounding area, burden infrastructure, increase development pressure, or be inconsistent with the development patterns promoted by the Comprehensive Plan; and

b. On Vashon-Maury Island, RA-10 zoning shall be maintained on areas zoned RA-10 as of 1994 and on areas with a predominant lot size of ten acres or greater that are identified on the Areas Highly Susceptible to Groundwater Contamination map; and

4. RA-20 in Rural Forest Focus Areas designated by the King County Comprehensive Plan. This level of density should also be considered when a larger parcel with an agricultural, forestry, or mineral land use designation is redesignated to a rural area land use designation. (Ord. 19881 § 76, 2024: Ord. 14045 § 1, 2001: Ord. 11621 § 10, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 27, 1993).

21A.04.070 Urban reserve zone.

A. The purposes of the urban reserve zone (UR) are to: phase growth and demand for urban services, and to reserve large tracts of land for possible future growth in portions of King County designated by the Comprehensive Plan for future urban growth while allowing reasonable interim uses of property; or to reflect designation by the comprehensive plan of a property or area as part of the Urban Growth Area when a detailed plan for urban uses and densities has not been completed, or where adequate public facilities and services are not available or yet needed. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Allowing for rural, agricultural and other low-density uses;

2. Allowing for limited residential growth, either contiguous to existing urban public facilities or at a density supportable by existing rural public service levels; and

3. Requiring clustering where feasible, to prevent establishment of uses and lot patterns that may foreclose future alternatives and impede efficient later development at urban densities.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in the Urban Growth Area for Cities in the Rural Area designated by the Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 19881 § 77, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 19, 2020: Ord. 13278 § 2, 1998: Ord. 12171 § 2, 1996: Ord. 11621 § 11, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 28, 1993).

21A.04.080 Urban residential zone.

A. The purpose of the urban residential zone (R) is to implement Comprehensive Plan goals and policies for housing quality, diversity, and affordability, and to efficiently use urban residential land, public services, and utilities. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Providing, in the R-1 zone, predominantly single detached residences at a relatively low residential density;

2. Providing, in the R-4 through R-8 zones, for a mix of single detached residences, duplexes, houseplexes, and other development types, with a variety of densities and sizes in locations appropriate for lower or moderate residential densities;

3. Providing, in the R-12 through R-48 zones, for a mix of predominantly apartments and townhouses, mixed-use, and other development types, with a variety of densities and sizes in locations appropriate for moderate to higher residential densities;

4. Allowing only those accessory and complementary nonresidential uses that are compatible with urban residential communities; and

5. Establishing density designations to facilitate advanced area-wide planning for public facilities and services, and to protect critical areas from overdevelopment.

B. Use of these zones is appropriate in urban areas, centers, or rural towns designated by the comprehensive plan as follows:

1. The R-1 zone:

a. on or adjacent to lands with area-wide environmental constraints where clustering is required away from critical areas;

b. on lands designated as urban separators, wildlife habitat network, or critical aquifer recharge areas; or

c. in well-established subdivisions of the same density that are served at the time of development by public or private facilities and services adequate to support planned densities;

2. The R-4 through R-8 zones on lands that are predominantly environmentally unconstrained and are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads and other needed public facilities and services; and

3. The R-12 through R-48 zones on lands in and next to unincorporated activity centers, in community business centers, or neighborhood business centers, in mixed-use development, on small, scattered lots integrated into existing residential areas, or in rural towns, that are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads, and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 19881 § 78, 2024: Ord. 14045 § 2, 2001: Ord. 12822 § 5, 1997: Ord. 12596 § 2, 1997: Ord. 11621 § 12, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 29, 1993).

21A.04.090 Neighborhood business zone.

A. The purpose of the neighborhood business zone (NB) is to provide convenient daily retail and personal services for a limited service area and to minimize impacts of commercial activities on nearby properties and to provide for limited residential development. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Limiting nonresidential uses to those retail or personal services [that]*can serve the everyday needs of a surrounding urban or rural residential area;

2. Allowing for mixed-use developments to provide workforce housing;

3. Allowing for townhouse developments as a sole use on properties in the urban area with the land use designation of commercial outside of center; and

4. Excluding industrial and community/regional business-scaled uses.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in unincorporated activity centers, community business centers, neighborhood business centers, commercial outside of centers, rural towns, or rural neighborhood commercial centers designated by the Comprehensive Plan, on sites that are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers when located in urban areas or adequate on-site sewage disposal when located in rural areas, water supply, roads, and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 19881 § 79, 2024: Ord. 12522 § 2, 1996: Ord. 11621 § 13, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 30, 1993).

*Reviser's note: Added but not underlined in Ordinance 19881. See K.C.C. 1.24.075.

21A.04.100 Community business zone.

A. The purpose of the community business zone (CB) is to provide convenience and comparison retail and personal services for local service areas that exceed the daily convenience needs of adjacent neighborhoods but that cannot be served conveniently by larger unincorporated activity centers, and to provide retail and personal services in locations within activity centers that are not appropriate for extensive outdoor storage or vehicle-related and industrial uses. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Providing for limited small-scale offices as well as a wider range of the retail, professional, governmental and personal services than are found in neighborhood business areas;

2. Allowing for mixed use (housing and retail/service) developments; and

3. Excluding commercial uses with extensive outdoor storage or auto related and industrial uses.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in unincorporated activity centers, community business centers, commercial outside of centers, or rural towns that are designated by the Comprehensive Plan and that are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads, and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 19881 § 80, 2024: Ord. 11621 § 14, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 31, 1993).

21A.04.110 Regional business zone.

A. The purpose of the regional business zone (RB) is to provide for the broadest mix of comparison retail, wholesale, service, and recreational and cultural uses with compatible storage and fabrication uses, serving regional market areas and offering significant employment opportunities. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Encouraging compact development that is supportive of transit and pedestrian travel, through higher nonresidential building heights and floor area ratios than those found in community business centers;

2. Allowing for outdoor sales and storage, regional shopping areas, and limited fabrication uses;

3. Concentrating large-scale commercial and office uses to facilitate the efficient provision of public facilities and services; and

4. Allowing for mixed-use developments in urban areas.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in commercial outside of centers that are designated by the Comprehensive Plan that are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads, and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 19881 § 81, 2024: Ord. 11621 § 15, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 32, 1993).

21A.04.120 Office zone.

A. The purpose of the office zone (O) is to provide for pedestrian and transit-oriented high-density employment uses together with limited complementary retail and urban density residential development in locations where the full range of commercial activities is not desirable. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Allowing for uses that will take advantage of pedestrian-oriented site and street improvement standards;

2. Providing for higher building heights and floor area ratios than those found in community business centers;

3. Reducing the ratio of required parking to building floor area;

4. Allowing for on-site convenient daily retail and personal services for employees and residences;

5. Excluding vehicle -oriented, outdoor, or other retail sales and services that do not provide for the daily convenience needs of on-site and nearby employees or residents; and

6. Allowing for mixed-use developments.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in unincorporated activity centers, community business centers, neighborhood business centers, commercial outside of centers, or rural towns designated by the Comprehensive Plan that are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads, and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 19881 § 82, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 33, 1993).

21A.04.130 Industrial zone.

A. The purpose of the industrial zone (I) is to provide for the location and grouping of industrial enterprises and activities involving manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, processing, bulk handling and storage, research facilities, warehousing and heavy trucking. It is also a purpose of this zone to protect the industrial land base for industrial economic development and employment opportunities. These purposes are accomplished by:

1. Allowing for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing uses;

2. Establishing appropriate development standards and public review procedures for industrial activities with the greatest potential for adverse impacts; and

3. Limiting residential, institutional, commercial, office and other non-industrial uses to those necessary for the convenience of industrial activities.

B. Use of this zone is appropriate in urban activity centers or rural towns designated by the Comprehensive Plan and community plans which are served at the time of development by adequate public sewers, water supply, roads and other needed public facilities and services. (Ord. 11621 § 16, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 34, 1993).

21A.04.140 Map classification - regional use classification. The purpose of the regional use classification (case file number following underlying zone's map symbol) is to provide for individual review of certain proposed uses with unique characteristics and adverse impacts on neighboring properties. Regional uses are of a size and involve activities which require individual review to determine compatibility with surrounding uses. (Ord. 19146 § 20, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 35, 1993).

21A.04.150 Map classification - property-specific development or P-suffix standards. The purpose of the property-specific development standards classification (-P suffix to zone's map symbol) is to indicate that conditions beyond the minimum requirements of this title have been applied to development on the property, including but not limited to increased development standards, limits on permitted uses or special conditions of approval. Property-specific development standards are adopted in either a reclassification or area zoning ordinance and are shown in a geographic information system data layer for an individual property maintained by the department. Regardless of the form in which a property-specific development standard is adopted, the P-suffix shall be shown on the official zoning map maintained by the department and as a notation in a geographic information system data layer, which shall be updated as soon as possible after the effective date of the adopting ordinance adopting a P-suffix standard. (Ord. 19146 § 21, 2020: Ord. 17485 § 12, 2012: Ord. 12824 § 20, 1997: Ord. 11621 § 17 1994: Ord. 10870 § 36, 1993).

21A.04.160 Map classification - special district overlay or SO-suffix classification. The purpose of the special district overlay classification (-SO suffix to zone's map symbol) is to carry out Comprehensive Plan and community, subarea or neighborhood plan policies that identify special opportunities for achieving public benefits by allowing or requiring alternative uses and development standards that differ from the general provisions of this title. Special district overlays are generally applied to a group of individual properties or entire community, subarea or neighborhood planning areas and are classified primarily through the area zoning process. Regardless of the form in which a special district overlay is adopted, the -SO suffix shall be shown on the official zoning map maintained by the department and as a notation in a geographic information system data layer, which shall be updated as soon as possible after the effective date of the adopting ordinance adopting an overlay. (Ord. 19146 § 22, 2020: Ord. 17485 § 13, 2012: Ord. 12823 § 1, 1997: Ord. 11621 § 18, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 37, 1993).

21A.04.170 Map classification - special zone classification.

A. The purpose of the potential zone (dashed box surrounding zone's map symbol) is to classify properties potentially suitable for future changes in land uses or densities once additional infrastructure, project phasing or site-specific public review has been accomplished. Potential zones are classified by either area zoning or individual zone reclassification. Area zoning may classify more than one potential zone on a single property if the community plan designates alternative uses for the site. Potential zones are actualized in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 20.20.

B. The use of a potential zoning classification is appropriate to:

1. Phase development based on availability of public facilities and services or infrastructure improvements, such as roads, utilities and schools;

2. Prevent existing development from becoming a nonconforming use in areas that are in transition from previous uses;

3. Allow for future residential density increases consistent with a community plan; and

4. Provide for public review of proposed uses on sites where some permitted uses in a zoning classification may not be appropriate. (Ord. 19146 § 23, 2020: Ord. 18230 § 126, 2016: Ord. 10870 § 38, 1993).

21A.04.180 Map classification - interim zoning classification. The purpose of the interim zoning classification (* suffix to zone's map symbol) is to identify areas where zoning has been applied for a limited period of time in order to preserve the county's planning options and to protect the public safety, health and general welfare during an emergency or pending a community, comprehensive or functional plan amendment process. Any of the zones set forth in this chapter, with or without -P suffix conditions, may be applied as interim zones. The adopting ordinance shall state the reasons for the interim zoning and provide for its expiration upon a certain date or the adoption of a new plan, plan amendment or area zoning. (Ord. 19146 § 24, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 39, 1993).

21A.04.190 Zoning maps and boundaries.

A. The location and boundaries of the zones defined by this chapter shall be shown and delineated on zoning maps adopted by ordinance.

B. Changes in the boundaries of the zones, including application or amendment of interim zoning, shall be made by ordinance adopting or amending a zoning map.

C. Zoning maps are available for public review at the department of local services, permitting division, permit center during business hours. (Ord. 18791 § 162, 2018: Ord. 17420 § 96, 2012: Ord. 10870 § 40, 1993).

21A.06 TECHNICAL TERMS AND LAND USE DEFINITIONS

Sections:

21A.06.005 Scope of chapter.

21A.06.007 Abandoned vehicle.

21A.06.010 Accessory living quarters.

21A.06.013 Accessory use.

21A.06.015 Accessory use, commercial/industrial.

21A.06.020 Accessory use, residential.

21A.06.025 Accessory use, resource.

21A.06.026 Active recreation space.

21A.06.035 Adult entertainment business.

21A.06.035F Adult family home.

21A.06.036 Agricultural activities.

21A.06.037 Agricultural drainage.

21A.06.039 Agricultural products.

21A.06.040 Agricultural product sales.

21A.06.040S Agricultural support services.

21A.06.042 Agriculture training facility.

21A.06.043 Agricultural waterway.

21A.06.044 Agriculture.

21A.06.045 Aircraft, ship and boat manufacturing.

21A.06.050 Airport/heliport.

21A.06.055 Alley.

21A.06.056 Alteration.

21A.06.057 Alternative water sources.

21A.06.058 AMI.

21A.06.060 Amusement arcades.

21A.06.063 Anaerobic digester.

21A.06.065 Animal, small.

21A.06.067 Antenna.

21A.06.069 Apartment.

21A.06.070 Applicant.

21A.06.072 Application rate.

21A.06.072B Aquaculture.

21A.06.072C Aquatic areas.

21A.06.073 Artist studio.

21A.06.074 At imminent risk of becoming homeless.

21A.06.074C At risk of chronic homelessness.

21A.06.075 Auction house.

21A.06.078 Bank stabilization.

21A.06.080 Base flood.

21A.06.085 Base flood elevation.

21A.06.087 Battery energy storage system.

21A.06.090 Bed and breakfast guesthouse.

21A.06.095 Beehive.

21A.06.097 Berm.

21A.06.098 Best management practice.

21A.06.100 Billboard.

21A.06.105 Billboard face.

21A.06.108 Bioengineering.

21A.06.111 Bioretention.

21A.06.113 Bog.

21A.06.115 Book, stationery, video and art supply store.

21A.06.118 Breakwater.

21A.06.120 Broadleaf tree.

21A.06.122 Buffer.

21A.06.125 Building.

21A.06.135 Building envelope.

21A.06.140 Building facade.

21A.06.145 Building materials and hardware store.

21A.06.155 Bulk retail.

21A.06.156 Bulkhead.

21A.06.158 Camp, agriculture-related special needs.

21A.06.160 Campground.

21A.06.162 Camps, recreational and retreat.

21A.06.163 Cannabis.

21A.06.163C Cannabis greenhouse.

21A.06.163F Cannabis processer.

21A.06.163I Cannabis producer.

21A.06.163L Cannabis retailer.

21A.06.165 Capacity, school.

21A.06.170 Capital facilities plan, school.

21A.06.172 Catastrophic collapse.

21A.06.175 Cattery, commercial.

21A.06.177 Cattery, hobby.

21A.06.180 Cemetery, columbarium or mausoleum.

21A.06.181 Channel.

21A.06.181C Channel edge.

21A.06.181E Channel migration hazard area, moderate.

21A.06.181G Channel migration hazard area, severe.

21A.06.182 Channel migration zone.

21A.06.190 Classrooms, school.

21A.06.195 Clearing.

21A.06.196 Clustering.

21A.06.197 Coal mine by-products stockpile.

21A.06.200 Coal mine hazard area.

21A.06.205 Cogeneration.

21A.06.208 Commercial salmon net pens.

21A.06.210 Communication facility, major.

21A.06.215 Communication facility, minor.

21A.06.216 Community center.

21A.06.217 Community identification sign.

21A.06.219 Community preference.

21A.06.220 Community residential facility ("CRF").

21A.06.223 Commuter parking lot.

21A.06.225 Compensatory storage.

21A.06.230 Conditional use permit.

21A.06.235 Conference center.

21A.06.240 Confinement area.

21A.06.242 Congregate residence.

21A.06.245 Consolidation.

21A.06.247 Construction and trades.

21A.06.250 Construction cost per student, school.

21A.06.251 Consumer-scale renewable energy system.

21A.06.252 Conversion factor.

21A.06.252H Cottage housing.

21A.06.253 County fairground facility.

21A.06.253B Crisis care center.

21A.06.253C Critical aquifer recharge area.

21A.06.254 Critical area.

21A.06.255 Critical drainage area.

21A.06.260 Critical facility.

21A.06.261 Critical saltwater habitat.

21A.06.262 Daily care.

21A.06.265 Daycare.

21A.06.270 Deciduous.

21A.06.275 Development rights, transfer of ("TDR").

21A.06.280 Department.

21A.06.285 Department and variety store.

21A.06.290 Destination resort.

21A.06.300 Development activity.

21A.06.305 Development agreement.

21A.06.310 Development proposal.

21A.06.315 Development proposal site.

21A.06.320 Direct traffic impact.

21A.06.325 Director.

21A.06.326 Ditch.

21A.06.328 Dog training facility.

21A.06.331 Draft flood boundary work map.

21A.06.332 Drainage basin.

21A.06.332C Drainage facility.

21A.06.333 Drainage subbasin.

21A.06.333A Dredging.

21A.06.334 Drift cell.

21A.06.335 Drop box facility.

21A.06.340 Drug store.

21A.06.343 Duplex.

21A.06.345 Dwelling unit.

21A.06.350 Dwelling unit, accessory.

21A.06.352 Dwelling unit, affordable.

21A.06.362 Dwelling unit, market-rate.

21A.06.365 Dwelling unit, single detached.

21A.06.375 Earth station.

21A.06.378 Ecosystem.

21A.06.380 Effective radiated power.

21A.06.385 Electric vehicle.

21A.06.386 Electric-vehicle load management system.

21A.06.387 Electric-vehicle-ready parking space.

21A.06.388 Electric-vehicle supply equipment.

21A.06.389 Electric-vehicle-supply-equipment parking space.

21A.06.390 Electrical substation.

21A.06.392 Emergency.

21A.06.392E Emergency shelter.

21A.06.392G Emergency supportive housing.

21A.06.393 Employee, agricultural.

21A.06.395 Energy resource recovery facility.

21A.06.398 Engineer, civil, geotechnical and structural.

21A.06.400 Enhancement.

21A.06.401 Environment, shoreline.

21A.06.402 Environmental education project.

21A.06.405 Equipment, heavy.

21A.06.410 Erosion.

21A.06.415 Erosion hazard area.

21A.06.420 Evergreen.

21A.06.425 Examiner.

21A.06.427 Expansion.

21A.06.429 Experiencing chronic homelessness.

21A.06.430 Fabric shop.

21A.06.435 Facilities standard.

21A.06.440 Factory-built commercial building.

21A.06.445 Fairground.

21A.06.450F Farm.

21A.06.451 Farm field access drive.

21A.06.451A Farm pad.

21A.06.451M Farmers market.

21A.06.451R Farm residence.

21A.06.452 Feasible.

21A.06.453 Federal Emergency Management Agency.

21A.06.454 FEMA.

21A.06.455 Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") floodway.

21A.06.460 Feed store.

21A.06.464 Fen.

21A.06.465 Fence.

21A.06.467 Financial guarantee.

21A.06.468 Firearm.

21A.06.469 Float.

21A.06.470 Flood fringe, zero-rise.

21A.06.475 Flood hazard areas.

21A.06.478 Flood hazard data.

21A.06.480 Flood Insurance Rate Map.

21A.06.485 Flood Insurance Study.

21A.06.490 Flood protection elevation.

21A.06.492 Flood protection facility.

21A.06.495 Floodplain.

21A.06.497 Floodplain development.

21A.06.500 Floodproofing, dry.

21A.06.505 Floodway, zero-rise.

21A.06.508 Floor area ratio (FAR).

21A.06.510 Florist shop.

21A.06.512 Footprint.

21A.06.513 Footprint, development

21A.06.514 Forecourt.

21A.06.515 Forest land.

21A.06.517 Forest management activity.

21A.06.520 Forest practice.

21A.06.525 Forest product sales.

21A.06.530 Forest research.

21A.06.531 Forestry.

21A.06.531M Formula business.

21A.06.532 Fossil fuel facility.

21A.06.532C Fossil fuels.

21A.06.535 Furniture and home furnishings store.

21A.06.537 Gateway sign.

21A.06.540 General business service.

21A.06.543 Geoduck aquaculture.

21A.06.545 Geologist.

21A.06.555 Golf course facility.

21A.06.558 Grade.

21A.06.560 Grade span.

21A.06.565 Grading.

21A.06.570 Grazing area.

21A.06.573 Groin.

21A.06.575 Groundcover.

21A.06.577 Habitat.

21A.06.578 Habitat, fish.

21A.06.580 Hazardous household substance.

21A.06.582 Hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipeline.

21A.06.585 Hazardous substance.

21A.06.590 Heavy equipment and truck repair.

21A.06.595 Helistop.

21A.06.597 Historic resource.

21A.06.598 Historic resource inventory.

21A.06.599 Historical flood hazard information.

21A.06.600 Hobby, toy, and game shop.

21A.06.603 Home-based animal shelter.

21A.06.605 Home industry.

21A.06.610 Home occupation.

21A.06.613 Homehold.

21A.06.615 Household pets.

21A.06.617 Houseplex.

21A.06.620 Hydroelectric generation facility.

21A.06.625 Impervious surface.

21A.06.628 Impoundment.

21A.06.630 Improved public roadways.

21A.06.635 Individual transportation and taxi.

21A.06.637 Infiltration rate.

21A.06.638 Instream structure.

21A.06.640 Interim recycling facility.

21A.06.641 Interlocal agreement.

21A.06.641C Invasive vegetation.

21A.06.642 Irrigation efficiency.

21A.06.645 Jail.

21A.06.650 Jail farm.

21A.06.653 Jetty.

21A.06.655 Jewelry store.

21A.06.658 Joint use driveway.

21A.06.660 Kennel, commercial.

21A.06.660A Kennel, hobby.

21A.06.661 Kennel-free dog boarding and daycare.

21A.06.662 Kitchen or kitchen facility.

21A.06.665 Landfill.

21A.06.667 Landscape water features.

21A.06.670 Landscaping.

21A.06.675 Landslide.

21A.06.680 Landslide hazard area.

21A.06.685 Level of service ("LOS"), traffic.

21A.06.690 Light equipment.

21A.06.695 Livestock.

21A.06.700 Livestock, large.

21A.06.705 Livestock, small.

21A.06.707 Livestock heavy use area.

21A.06.708 Livestock manure storage facility.

21A.06.710 Livestock sales.

21A.06.715 Loading space.

21A.06.717 Local distribution gas storage tank.

21A.06.720 Log storage.

21A.06.725 Lot.

21A.06.730 Lot line, interior.

21A.06.731 Maintenance.

21A.06.732 Manufactured home.

21A.06.733 Manufactured home community.

21A.06.734 Mapping partner.

21A.06.735 Marina.

21A.06.738 Master program, shoreline.

21A.06.740 Material error.

21A.06.742 Materials processing facility.

21A.06.743 Maximum extent practical.

21A.06.744 Microshelter.

21A.06.744L Microshelter village.

21A.06.745 Microwave.

21A.06.747 Midblock connection.

21A.06.750 Mitigation.

21A.06.751 Mitigation bank.

21A.06.752 Mitigation banking.

21A.06.752M Mixed-use.

21A.06.753 Mixed-use development.

21A.06.755 Mobile home.

21A.06.762 Mobile vendor.

21A.06.765 Monitoring.

21A.06.770 Monuments, tombstones, and gravestones sales.

21A.06.775 Motor vehicle, boat, and mobile home dealer.

21A.06.782 Mulch.

21A.06.785 Municipal water production.

21A.06.787 Music and dance entertainment venue.

21A.06.790 Native vegetation.

21A.06.793 Natural area.

21A.06.795 Naturalized species.

21A.06.796 Navigability or navigable.

21A.06.796A Nearshore.

21A.06.797 Net buildable area.

21A.06.799 No net loss of shoreline ecological function.

21A.06.799A Noncommercial native salmon net pens.

21A.06.800 Nonconformance.

21A.06.805 Non-hydroelectric generation facility.

21A.06.810 Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation ("NIER").

21A.06.812 Nonnative marine finfish aquaculture.

21A.06.815 Noxious weed.

21A.06.817 Off-street required parking lot.

21A.06.820 Open-work fence.

21A.06.825 Ordinary high water mark.

21A.06.830 Outdoor performance center.

21A.06.831 Overburden-cover-to-seam-thickness ratio.

21A.06.832 Overspray.

21A.06.834 Paintball.

21A.06.835 Park.

21A.06.837 Park, recreation or multiuse.

21A.06.845 Parking lot aisle.

21A.06.855 Parking space.

21A.06.860 Parking space angle.

21A.06.865 Party of record.

21A.06.870 Peak hour.

21A.06.875 Permanent school facilities.

21A.06.877 Permanent supportive housing.

21A.06.880 Personal medical supply store.

21A.06.882 Personal wireless services.

21A.06.885 Pet shop.

21A.06.887 Petroleum refining and related industries.

21A.06.890 Photographic and electronic shop.

21A.06.892 Pier or dock.

21A.06.899 Potable water.

21A.06.899C Preliminary flood insurance rate map.

21A.06.899E Preliminary flood insurance study.

21A.06.900 Private.

21A.06.908 Processing operation, waste materials.

21A.06.910 Professional office.

21A.06.913 Public access.

21A.06.915 Public agency.

21A.06.920 Public agency animal control facility.

21A.06.925 Public agency archive.

21A.06.930 Public agency or utility office.

21A.06.935 Public agency or utility yard.

21A.06.940 Public agency training facility.

21A.06.942 Public road right-of-way structure.

21A.06.943 Public transportation amenities.

21A.06.944 Puget Sound counties.

21A.06.944C Racetrack

21A.06.945 Radio frequency.

21A.06.950 Reasonable use.

21A.06.955 Receiving site.

21A.06.957 Reclamation.

21A.06.958 Recreation, active.

21A.06.9585 Recreation, passive.

21A.06.959 Recreation facilities, passive.

21A.06.960 Recreational vehicle ("RV").

21A.06.965 Recreational vehicle parks.

21A.06.967 Recuperative housing.

21A.06.970 Recyclable material.

21A.06.971 Redesignation.

21A.06.973 Regional light rail transit.

21A.06.973C Regional motor sports facility.

21A.06.974 Regional road maintenance guidelines.

21A.06.977 Regional transit authority facility.

21A.06.980 Regional utility corridor.

21A.06.983 Religious facility.

21A.06.985 Relocatable facilities cost per student.

21A.06.990 Relocatable facility.

21A.06.996 Remote tasting room.

21A.06.996C Renewable energy generation facility.

21A.06.997 Repair.

21A.06.998 Replace.

21A.06.1000 Restoration.

21A.06.1002 Resource land tract.

21A.06.1005 Retail comparison.

21A.06.1010 Retail convenience.

21A.06.10105 Retail nursery, garden center and farm supply store.

21A.06.1011 Retaining wall.

21A.06.1011A Road amenities.

21A.06.1011C Roadway.

21A.06.1012 Runoff.

21A.06.1013 Rural equestrian community trail.

21A.06.1014 Rural forest focus areas.

21A.06.1014F Rural public infrastructure maintenance facility.

21A.06.1014P Safe parking.

21A.06.1015 Salmonid.

21A.06.1020 School bus base.

21A.06.1025 School district.

21A.06.1030 School district support facility.

21A.06.1035 Schools, elementary, and middle/junior high.

21A.06.1040 Schools, secondary or high school.

21A.06.1043 Secure community transition facility ("SCTF").

21A.06.1044 Sea level rise protection elevation.

21A.06.1044C Sea level rise risk area.

21A.06.1044H Search and rescue facility.

21A.06.1045 Seismic hazard area.

21A.06.1050 Self-service storage facility.

21A.06.1055 Sending site.

21A.06.1060 Senior.

21A.06.1062 Senior assisted housing.

21A.06.1070 Setback.

21A.06.1080 Shooting range.

21A.06.1081 Shorelands.

21A.06.1082 Shoreline.

21A.06.1082A Shoreline conditional use.

21A.06.1082B Shoreline jurisdiction.

21A.06.1082C Shoreline stabilization.

21A.06.1082D Shoreline variance.

21A.06.1083A Shorelines of statewide significance.

21A.06.1083B Shorelines of the state.

21A.06.1084 Side channel.

21A.06.1085 Sign.

21A.06.1090 Sign, awning.

21A.06.1095 Sign, changing message center.

21A.06.1100 Sign, community bulletin board.

21A.06.1105 Sign, directional.

21A.06.1110 Sign, freestanding.

21A.06.1115 Sign, fuel price.

21A.06.1118 Sign, Heritage Trail.

21A.06.1120 Sign, incidental.

21A.06.1125 Sign, indirectly illuminated.

21A.06.1130 Sign, monument.

21A.06.1135 Sign, off-premise directional.

21A.06.1140 Sign, on-premise.

21A.06.1145 Sign, permanent residential development identification.

21A.06.1150 Sign, portable.

21A.06.1155 Sign, projecting.

21A.06.1160 Sign, time and temperature.

21A.06.1165 Sign, wall.

21A.06.1167 Significant tree.

21A.06.1170 Site.

21A.06.1172 Site area.

21A.06.1175 Site cost per student.

21A.06.1180 Ski area.

21A.06.1181 Sleeping unit.

21A.06.1182 Slope.

21A.06.1184 Social services.

21A.06.1185 Soil recycling facility.

21A.06.1190 Source-separated organic material.

21A.06.1195 Special use permit.

21A.06.1200 Specialized instruction school.

21A.06.1205 Specified sexual activities.

21A.06.1210 Sporting goods store.

21A.06.1215 Sports club.

21A.06.1220 Stable.

21A.06.1225 Standard of service, school districts.

21A.06.1230 Steep slope hazard area.

21A.06.1235 Stream functions.

21A.06.1240 Stream.

21A.06.1245 Street.

21A.06.1250 Street frontage.

21A.06.1255 Structure.

21A.06.1260 Student factor.

21A.06.1263 Subdivision or residential subdivision.

21A.06.1265 Submerged land.

21A.06.1268 Substantial Development.

21A.06.1270 Substantial improvement.

21A.06.1271 Surface water conveyance.

21A.06.1272 Surface water discharge.

21A.06.1273 TDR.

21A.06.1273A TDR amenities.

21A.06.1273B TDR bank fund.

21A.06.1273C TDR conversion ratio.

21A.06.1273D TDR executive board.

21A.06.1274 TDR extinguishment document.

21A.06.1274A Temporary farm worker housing.

21A.06.1275 Temporary use permit.

21A.06.1277 Theater.

21A.06.1278 Theatrical production services.

21A.06.1280 Tightline sewer.

21A.06.1283 Townhouse.

21A.06.1285 Trails.

21A.06.1290 Transfer station.

21A.06.1295 Transit base.

21A.06.1297 Transit comfort facility.

21A.06.1310 Transmission equipment.

21A.06.1315 Transmission line booster station.

21A.06.1320 Transmission support structure.

21A.06.1325 Transmitter building.

21A.06.1330 Transportation system management ("TSM").

21A.06.1331 Tree, hazard.

21A.06.1331C Tree canopy spread.

21A.06.1332 Trough subsidence.

21A.06.1335 Ultimate roadway section.

21A.06.1338 Unsheltered person.

21A.06.1345 Use.

21A.06.1347 Use, established.

21A.06.1348 Utility corridor.

21A.06.1350 Utility facility.

21A.06.1352 Vactor waste.

21A.06.1353 Vactor waste receiving facility.

21A.06.1355 Variance.

21A.06.1360 Vegetation.

21A.06.1365 Vocational school.

21A.06.1370 Volcanic hazard area.

21A.06.1375 Warehousing and wholesale trade.

21A.06.1380 Wastewater treatment facility.

21A.06.1382 Water budget.

21A.06.1385 Water dependent use.

21A.06.1386 Water enjoyment use.

21A.06.1388 Water oriented use.

21A.06.1389 Water related use.

21A.06.1390 Wet meadow, grazed or tilled.

21A.06.1391 Wetland.

21A.06.1392 Wetland complex.

21A.06.1393 Wetland creation.

21A.06.1395 Wetland edge.

21A.06.1397 Wetland enhancement.

21A.06.1400 Wetland, forested.

21A.06.1405 Wetland functions.

21A.06.1414 Wetland reestablishment.

21A.06.1416 Wetland rehabilitation.

21A.06.1418 Wetland vegetation class.

21A.06.1420 Wetpond.

21A.06.1422 Wildlife.

21A.06.1423 Wildlife habitat conservation area.

21A.06.1424 Wildlife habitat network.

21A.06.1425 Wildlife shelter.

21A.06.1427A Winery, brewery, distillery facility I.

21A.06.1427B Winery, brewery, distillery facility II.

21A.06.1427C Winery, brewery, distillery facility III.

21A.06.1430 Work release facility.

21A.06.1432 Wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle.

21A.06.1435 Yard waste processing facility.

21A.06.1440 Zoo animal breeding facility.

21A.06.005 Scope of chapter. This chapter contains definitions of technical and procedural terms used throughout the code and definitions of land uses listed in tables in K.C.C. 21A.08. The definitions in this chapter supplement the standard Industrial Classification Manual (SIC). See K.C.C. 21A.02 for rules on interpretation of the code, including use of these definitions. Development standards are found in K.C.C. 21A.12 through K.C.C. 21A.38. (Ord. 10870 § 41, 1993).

21A.06.007 Abandoned vehicle. An "abandoned vehicle" means any vehicle left upon the property of another without the consent of the owner of such property for a period of twenty-four hours or longer, except that a vehicle shall not be considered abandoned if its owner or operator is unable to remove it from the place where it is located and so notifies law enforcement officials and requests assistance. (Ord. 12024 § 10, 1995).

21A.06.010 Accessory living quarters. Accessory living quarters: living quarters in an accessory building for the use of the occupant or persons employed on the premises, or for temporary use by guests of the occupant. Such quarters do not include an area for the preparation or storage of food and are not used as a separate dwelling unit. (Ord. 19146 § 25, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 42, 1993).

21A.06.013 Accessory use. Accessory use: a use, structure or activity that is:

A. Customarily associated with a principal use;

B. Located on the same site as the principal use; and

C. Subordinate and incidental to the principal use. (Ord. 17841 § 6, 2014).

21A.06.015 Accessory use, commercial/industrial. Accessory use, commercial/industrial: an accessory use to a commercial or industrial use, including, but not limited to:

A. Administrative offices;

B. Employee exercise facilities;

C. Employee food service facilities;

D. Incidental storage of raw materials and finished products sold or manufactured on-site;

E. Business owner or caretaker residence;

F. Cogeneration facilities;

G. Ground maintenance facilities;

H. Consumer-scale renewable energy systems; and

I. Battery energy storage systems meeting the requirements of K.C.C. 21A.08.060.B.41. (Ord. 19824 § 2, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 26, 2020: Ord. 17841 § 7, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 43, 1993).

21A.06.020 Accessory use, residential. Accessory use, residential: an accessory use to a residential use, including, but not limited to:

A. Accessory living quarters and dwellings;

B. Fallout or bomb shelters;

C. Keeping household pets or operating a hobby cattery, hobby kennel, or home-based animal shelter;

D. On-site rental office;

E. Pools, private docks, or piers;

F. Antennae for private telecommunication services;

G. Storage of yard maintenance equipment;

H. Storage of private vehicles, such as motor vehicles, boats, trailers, or planes;

I. Greenhouses;

J. Recreation space and play areas required under K.C.C. 21A.14.180;

K. Home occupations and home industries under K.C.C. chapter 21A.30;

L. Consumer-scale renewable energy systems; and

M. Battery energy storage systems meeting the requirements of K.C.C. 21A.08.030.B.7. (Ord. 19881 § 83, 2024: Ord. 19824 § 3, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 27, 2020: Ord. 17841 § 8, 2014: Ord. 11621 § 29, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 44, 1993).

21A.06.025 Accessory use, resource. Accessory use, resource: an accessory use to a resource use, including, but not limited to:

A. Housing of agricultural workers;

B. Storage of agricultural products or equipment used on site;

C. Consumer-scale renewable energy systems; and

D. Battery energy storage systems meeting the requirements of K.C.C. 21A.08.090.B. (Ord. 19824 § 4, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 28, 2020: Ord. 17841 § 9, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 45, 1993).

21A.06.026 Active recreation space. Active recreation space: recreation space that recognizes a higher level of public use than passive recreation space, and that will be developed for organized or intense recreation. Active recreation site includes both the active recreation uses and all necessary support services and facilities. (Ord. 14045 § 3, 2001).

21A.06.035 Adult entertainment business. Adult entertainment business: An adult club, adult arcade or adult theatre as those terms are defined in the adult entertainment licensing provisions in K.C.C. Title 6. (Ord. 13546 § 2, 1999: Ord. 10870 § 47, 1993).

21A.06.035F Adult family home. Adult family home: a residence in which a person or persons provide personal care, special care, room, and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services. An adult family home may provide services to up to eight adults upon approval from the department of social and health services under RCW 70.128.066. (Ord. 19881 § 84, 2024).

21A.06.036 Agricultural activities. Agricultural activities: those agricultural uses and practices that pertain directly to the commercial production of agricultural products, including, but not limited to:

A. Tilling, discing, planting, seeding, fertilization, composting and other soil amendments and harvesting;

B. Grazing, animal mortality management and on-site animal waste storage, disposal and processing;

C. Soil conservation practices including dust control, rotating and changing agricultural crops and allowing agricultural lands to lie fallow under local, state or federal conservation programs;

D. Maintenance of farm and stock ponds, agricultural drainage, irrigation systems canals and flood control facilities;

E. Normal maintenance, operation and repair of existing serviceable equipment, structures, facilities or improved areas, including, but not limited to, fencing, farm access roads and parking; and

F. Processing, promotion, sale, storage, packaging and distribution. (Ord. 18626 § 10, 2017).

21A.06.037 Agricultural drainage. Agricultural drainage: any ditch, tile system, pipe or culvert primarily used to drain fields for horticultural or livestock activities. (Ord. 17539 § 16, 2013: Ord. 15051 § 3, 2004).

21A.06.039 Agricultural products. Agricultural products: products that include, but are not limited to:

A. Horticultural, viticultural, floricultural and apiary products;

B. Livestock and livestock products;

C. Animal products including, but not limited to, upland finfish, dairy products, meat, poultry and eggs;

D. Feed or forage for livestock;

E. Christmas trees, hybrid cottonwood and similar hardwood trees grown as crops and harvested within twenty years of planting; and

F. Turf, sod, seed and related products. (Ord. 18626 § 11, 2017).

21A.06.040 Agricultural product sales. Agricultural product sales: the retail sale of items resulting from the practice of agriculture, including primary horticulture products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, seed, feed, and plants, primary animal products such as eggs, milk, and meat, or secondary and value-added products resulting from processing, sorting, or packaging of primary agricultural products such as jams, cheeses, dried herbs, or similar items. Agricultural product sales do not include cannabis, usable cannabis, or cannabis -infused products. (Ord. 19881 § 85, 2024: Ord. 17710 § 1, 2013: Ord. 15032 § 1, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 48, 1993).

21A.06.040S Agricultural support services. Agricultural support services: any agricultural activity that is directly related to agriculture and directly dependent upon agriculture for its existence but is undertaken on lands that are not predominately in agricultural use. (Ord. 18626 § 12, 2017).

21A.06.042 Agriculture training facility. Agriculture training facility: an establishment developed for use by the property owner, its employees, and/or agricultural trainees for training activities which are related to or supportive of the agricultural use of the property and surrounding agricultural activities. Agriculture training facilities may include overnight lodging, meeting rooms, and educational activities. (Ord. 12691 § 1, 1997).

21A.06.043 Agricultural waterway. Agricultural waterway: A segment of a modified type F, N or O aquatic area that drains land defined in RCW 84.34.020 as farm and agricultural land or as farm and agricultural conservation land. (Ord. 17539 § 17, 2013).

21A.06.044 Agriculture. Agriculture: the use of land for commercial purposes for either the raising of crops or livestock or the production of agricultural products, or both. (Ord. 18626 § 9, 2017).

21A.06.045 Aircraft, ship and boat manufacturing. Aircraft, ship and boat manufacturing: the fabrication and/or assembling of aircraft, ships or boats, including only uses located in SIC Industry Group Nos.:

A. 372-Aircraft and Parts; and

B. 373-Ship and Boat Building and Repairing. (Ord. 10870 § 49, 1993).

21A.06.050 Airport/heliport. Airport/heliport: any runway, landing area or other facility, excluding facilities for the primary use of the individual property owner which are classified as helistops, designed or used by public carriers or private aircraft for the landing and taking off of aircraft, including the following associated facilities:

A. Taxiways;

B. Aircraft storage and tie-down areas;

C. Hangars;

D. Servicing; and

E. Passenger and air freight terminals. (Ord. 10870 § 50, 1993).

21A.06.055 Alley. Alley: an improved thoroughfare or right-of-way, whether public or private, usually narrower than a street, that provides vehicular access to an interior boundary of one or more lots, and is not designed for general traffic circulation. (Ord. 10870 § 51, 1993).

21A.06.056 Alteration. Alteration: any human activity that results or is likely to result in an impact upon the existing condition of a critical area or its buffer. "Alteration" includes, but is not limited to, grading, filling, dredging, channelizing, applying herbicides or pesticides or any hazardous substance, discharging pollutants except stormwater, grazing domestic animals, paving, constructing, applying gravel, modifying topography for surface water management purposes, cutting, pruning, topping, trimming, relocating or removing vegetation or any other human activity that results or is likely to result in an impact to existing vegetation, hydrology, fish or wildlife or their habitats. "Alteration" does not include passive recreation such as walking, fishing or any other similar activities. (Ord. 15051 § 5, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 466, 1993. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.24.190).

21A.06.057 Alternative water sources. Alternative water sources: stored rainwater, or treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for uses such as landscape irrigation. Such water is not considered potable. (Ord. 11210 § 23, 1994).

21A.06.058 AMI. AMI: Area Medium Income, which is the median household income for King County as established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, adjusted for household size. (Ord. 19555 § 7, 2022).

21A.06.060 Amusement arcades. Amusement arcades: a building or part of a building in which five or more pinball machines, video games, or other such player-operator amusement devices (excluding juke boxes or gambling-related machines) are operated. (Ord. 10870 § 52, 1993).

21A.06.063 Anaerobic digester. Anaerobic digester: an airtight, oxygen-free container that is fed animal manure or other solid waste and that uses a biological process to stabilize organic matter and produce methane gas for energy generation or other beneficial use. (Ord. 19881 § 86, 2024).

21A.06.065 Animal, small. Animal, small: any animal other than livestock or animals considered to be predatory or wild which are kept outside a dwelling unit all or part of the time. Animals considered predatory or wild, excluding those in zoo animal breeding facilities, shall be considered small animals when they are taken into captivity for the purposes of breeding, domestication, training, hunting or exhibition. (Ord. 12709 § 1, 1997: Ord. 10870 § 53, 1993).

21A.06.067 Antenna. Antenna: any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception or radio frequency signals. (Ord. 13129 § 20, 1998).

21A.06.069 Apartment. Apartment: a building consisting of ten or more dwelling units sharing a common roof, wall, or floor. A houseplex with one or more accessory dwelling units is not considered an apartment. (Ord. 19881 § 88, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 87, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 111, 1993: Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.355).

21A.06.070 Applicant. Applicant: a property owner, a public agency, or a public or private utility that owns a right-of-way or other easement or has been adjudicated the right to such an easement in accordance with RCW 8.08.040, or any person or entity designated or named in writing by the property or easement owner to be the applicant, in an application for a development proposal, permit, or approval. (Ord. 19881 § 89, 2024: Ord. 15051 § 6, 2004: Ord. 12196 § 53, 1996: Ord. 11700 § 42, 1995: Ord. 10870 § 54, 1993).

21A.06.072 Application rate. Application rate: the depth of water applied to an area expressed in inches per hour. (Ord. 11210 § 24, 1994).

21A.06.072B Aquaculture. Aquaculture: the culture or farming of finfish, shellfish, algae or other plants or animals in fresh or marine waters. Aquaculture does not include: related commercial or industrial uses such as wholesale or retail sales; or final processing, packing or freezing. "Aquaculture" does not include the harvest of wild geoduck associated with the state-managed wildstock geoduck fishery. (Ord. 19034 § 7, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 133, 2010: Ord. 6511 § 1, 1983: Ord. 4222 § 1, 1979: Ord. 3688 § 202, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.030).

21A.06.072C Aquatic areas.

A. Aquatic areas:

1. Nonwetland water features including: all shorelines of the state, rivers, streams, marine waters and bodies of open water, such as lakes, ponds and reservoirs;

2. Impoundments, such as reservoirs or ponds, if any portion of the contributing water is from a nonwetland water feature listed in subsection A.1. of this section; and

3. Above-ground open water conveyance systems, such as ditches, if any portion of the contributing water is from either a wetland or a nonwetland water feature listed in subsection A.1. or A.2. of this section, or both.

B. "Aquatic areas" does not include water features where the source of contributing water is entirely artificial, including, but not limited to, ground water wells. (Ord. 19034 § 8, 2019: Ord. 17191 § 19, 2011: Ord. 15051 § 7, 2004).

21A.06.073 Artist studio. Artist studio: an establishment providing a place solely for the practice or rehearsal of various performing or creative arts; including, but not limited to, acting, dancing, singing, drawing, painting and sculpting. (Ord. 13022 § 1, 1998).

21A.06.074 At imminent risk of becoming homeless. At imminent risk of becoming homeless: a household that will lose their primary nighttime residence as follows:

A. The residence will be lost within fourteen days of the date of application for homeless assistance;

B. No subsequent residence has been identified; and

C. The household lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing, such as family, friends, or faith-based or other social networks. (Ord. 19881 § 90, 2024).

21A.06.074C At risk of chronic homelessness. At risk of chronic homelessness: a household that includes at least one adult:

A. With a developmental, physical, or behavioral health disability;

B. That is currently experiencing homelessness for at least ten months in the previous three years, or has experienced homelessness for a cumulative total of twelve months within the previous five years; and

C. That has been incarcerated within the previous five years in a jail or prison, has been detained or involuntarily committed under chapter 71.05 RCW, or identifies as a member of a population that is demographically overrepresented among persons experiencing homelessness in King County. (Ord. 19881 § 91, 2024).

21A.06.075 Auction house. Auction house: an establishment where the property of others is sold by a broker or auctioneer to persons who attend scheduled sales periods or events. (Ord. 10870 § 55, 1993).

21A.06.078 Bank stabilization. Bank stabilization: an action taken to minimize or avoid the erosion of materials from the banks of rivers and streams. (Ord. 15051 § 8, 2004).

21A.06.080 Base flood. Base flood: a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, often referred to as the "100-year flood." (Ord. 10870 § 56, 1993).

21A.06.085 Base flood elevation. Base flood elevation: the elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood. (Ord. 19128 § 4, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 57, 1993).

21A.06.087 Battery energy storage system.

Battery energy storage system: A system consisting of one or more rechargeable batteries assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a future time. Such systems typically include battery chargers, controls, power conditioning systems, and associated electrical equipment, and are typically used to provide standby or emergency power, uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing, smoothing and dispatching of intermittent renewable energy sources, or similar capabilities. (Ord. 19824 § 5, 2024).

21A.06.090 Bed and breakfast guesthouse. Bed and breakfast guesthouse: a dwelling unit or accessory building within which bedrooms are available for paying guests. (Ord. 10870 § 58, 1993).

21A.06.095 Beehive. Beehive: a structure designed to contain one colony of honey bees (apis mellifera). (Ord. 10870 § 59, 1993).

21A.06.097 Berm. Berm: a constructed area of compacted earth. (Ord. 12987 § 1, 1998).

21A.06.098 Best management practice. Best management practice: a schedule of activities, prohibitions of practices, physical structures, maintenance procedures and other management practices undertaken to reduce pollution or to provide habitat protection or maintenance. (Ord. 15051 § 10, 2004).

21A.06.100 Billboard. Billboard: a sign, including both the supporting structural framework and attached billboard faces, used principally for advertising a business activity, use, product, or service unrelated to the primary use or activity of the property on which the billboard is located; excluding off-premise directional, or temporary real estate signs. (Ord. 10870 § 60, 1993).

21A.06.105 Billboard face. Billboard face: that portion of a billboard, exclusive of its structural support, on which changeable advertising copy is displayed, either by affixing preprinted poster panels or by painting copy on location; subclassified as follows:

A. Billboard face I -- a billboard face not exceeding a height of 14 feet or a width of 48 feet, and may also include temporary and irregularly shaped extensions subject to the area and duration limitations in K.C.C. 21A.20; and

B. Billboard face II -- a billboard face not exceeding a height of 12 feet or a width of 24 feet. (Ord. 10870 § 61, 1993).

21A.06.108 Bioengineering. Bioengineering: the use of vegetation and other natural materials such as soil, wood and rock to stabilize soil, typically against slides and stream flow erosion. When natural materials alone do not possess the needed strength to resist hydraulic and gravitational forces, "bioengineering" may consist of the use of natural materials integrated with human-made fabrics and connecting materials to create a complex matrix that joins with in-place native materials to provide erosion control. (Ord. 15051 § 11, 2004).

21A.06.111 Bioretention. A. Bioretention: A stormwater best management practice consisting of a shallow landscaped depression designed to temporarily store and promote infiltration of stormwater runoff. (Ord. 18257 § 21, 2016).

21A.06.113 Bog. Bog: a wetland that has no significant inflows or outflows and supports acidophilic mosses, particularly sphagnum. (Ord. 15051 § 13, 2004).

21A.06.115 Book, stationery, video and art supply store. Book, stationery, video and art supply store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of books and magazines, stationery, records and tapes, video and art supplies, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5942-Book Stores;

B. 5943-Stationery Stores;

C. 5999-Architectural Supplies and Artists' Supply and Materials Stores;

D. 7841-Video tape rental;

E. 5735-Record, compact disc and prerecorded tape stores; and

F. 5736-Musical Instrument stores. (Ord. 10870 § 63, 1993).

21A.06.118 Breakwater. Breakwater: an off-shore structure either floating or not that may or may not be connected to the shore, such structure being designated to absorb or reflect back into the water body the energy of the waves. (Ord. 16985 § 65, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 208, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.090).

21A.06.120 Broadleaf tree. Broadleaf tree: a tree characterized by leaves that are broad in width and may include both deciduous and evergreen species. (Ord. 10870 § 64, 1993).

21A.06.122 Buffer. Buffer: a designated area contiguous to a steep slope or landslide hazard area intended to protect slope stability, attenuation of surface water flows and landslide hazards or a designated area contiguous to and intended to protect and be an integral part of an aquatic area or wetland. (Ord. 15051 § 14, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 70, 1993).

21A.06.125 Building. Building: any structure having a roof. (Ord. 10870 § 65, 1993).

21A.06.135 Building envelope. Building envelope: area of a lot that delineates the limits of where a building may be placed on the lot. (Ord. 10870 § 67, 1993).

21A.06.140 Building facade. Building facade: that portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from the grade of the building to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, for the entire width of the building elevation. (Ord. 10870 § 68, 1993).

21A.06.145 Building materials and hardware store. Building materials and hardware store: an establishment engaged in selling lumber and other building materials, paint and glass; including, but not limited to uses located in SIC Major Group No. 52-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply, and Mobile Home Dealers, but excluding retail nursery, garden center and farm supply stores and mobile home dealers. (Ord. 15974 § 2, 2007: 10870 § 69, 1993).

21A.06.155 Bulk retail. Bulk retail: an establishment offering the sale of bulk goods to the general public, including limited sales to wholesale customers. These establishments offer a variety of lines of merchandise including but not limited to: food, building, hardware and garden materials, dry goods, apparel and accessories, home furnishings, housewares, drugs, auto supplies, hobby, toys, games, photographic, and electronics. (Ord. 10870 § 71, 1993).

21A.06.156 Bulkhead. "Bulkhead" means a solid or open pile wall of rock, concrete, steel or timber or other materials or a combination of these materials erected generally parallel to and near the ordinary high water mark for the purpose of protecting adjacent wetlands and uplands from waves or currents. (Ord. 16985 § 68, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 209, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.100).

21A.06.158 Camp, agriculture-related special needs. Camp, agriculture-related special needs: An establishment primarily engaged in operating a camp for youths with special needs due to a disability, as defined by the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, or due to medical conditions, that engages in activities that are related to or coexist with agriculture and agricultural activities onsite. Agriculture-related special needs camps do not include establishments that have as a primary purpose the treatment of addictions, correctional or disciplinary training, or housing for homeless persons. (Ord. 15909 § 1, 2007).

21A.06.160 Campground. Campground: an area of land developed for recreational use in temporary occupancy, such as: tents or recreational vehicles without hook-up facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 72, 1993).

21A.06.162 Camps, recreational and retreat. Camps, recreational and retreat: Establishments primarily engaged in operating recreational and retreat camps that offer a variety of active recreational activities such as trail riding, hiking, hunting, water-related activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and fishing, and other similar outdoor activities, as well as, more passive activities based on the enjoyment of the natural setting. Recreational and retreat camps may provide overnight accommodation facilities, such as cabins and designated campsites, and other amenities for site users, such as meeting and assembly spaces, food services, recreational facilities and equipment and medical/health stations. Recreational and retreat camps do not include establishments that have as a primary purpose the treatment of addictions, correctional or disciplinary training, or housing for homeless persons. (Ord. 15606 § 4, 2006: Ord. 15245 § 1, 2005).

21A.06.163 Cannabis Cannabis: all parts of the plant cannabis, whether growing or not, with a percentage concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol content per dry weight of any part of the plant cannabis, or per volume or weight of cannabis product greater than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. Cannabis does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil, or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant that is incapable of germination. (Ord. 19881 § 93, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 92, 2024: Ord. 17710 § 2, 2013. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.7341).

21A.06.163C Cannabis greenhouse. Cannabis greenhouse: a structure with a glass or rigid plastic roof and glass or rigid plastic walls designed and used to create an artificial climate for the growing of cannabis as licensed by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board for the cannabis production that is of sufficient strength and stability to comply with the structural design load requirements of the building code and that is not used as a place for human habitation or by the general public. (Ord. 19881 § 95, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 94, 2024: Ord. 17710 § 3, 2013. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.7342).

21A.06.163F Cannabis processor. Cannabis processor: a facility licensed by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board to process cannabis into useable cannabis and cannabis -infused products, package, and label useable cannabis and cannabis -infused products for sale in retail outlets, and sell useable cannabis and cannabis -infused products at wholesale to cannabis retailers. cannabis processors are classified as follows:

A. Cannabis processor I -- processing that is limited to:

1. Drying, curing, and trimming; and

2. Packaging.

B. Cannabis processor II -- all elements of processing including:

1. All cannabis processor I activities;

2. Extracting concentrates and infusing products;

3. Mechanical and chemical processing; and

4. Packaging. (Ord. 19881 § 97, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 96, 2024: Ord. 18326 § 10, 2016: Ord. 17710 § 4, 2013. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.7344).

21A.06.163I Cannabis producer. Cannabis producer: a facility licensed by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board for the production and sale at wholesale of cannabis to cannabis processors and other cannabis producers. (Ord. 19881 § 99, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 98, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 97, 2024: Ord. 18326 § 11, 2016: Ord. 17710 § 5, 2013. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.7346).

21A.06.163L Cannabis retailer. Cannabis retailer: a facility licensed by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board where useable Cannabis and Cannabis -infused products may be sold at retail. (Ord. 19881 § 101, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 100, 2024: Ord. 18326 § 12, 2016: Ord. 17710 § 6, 2013. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.7348).

21A.06.165 Capacity, school. Capacity, school: the number of students a school district's facilities can accommodate district-wide, based on the district's standard of service, as determined by the school district. (Ord. 10870 § 73, 1993).

21A.06.170 Capital facilities plan, school. Capital facilities plan, school: a district's facilities plan adopted by the school board consisting of:

A. A forecast of future needs for school facilities based on the district's enrollment projections;

B. The long-range construction and capital improvements projects of the district;

C. The schools under construction or expansion;

D. The proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new school facilities;

E. At least a six-year financing plan component, updated as necessary to maintain at least a six-year forecast period, for financing needed school facilities within projected funding levels, and identifying sources of financing for such purposes, including bond issues authorized by the voters and projected bond issues not yet authorized by the voters;

F. Any other long-range projects planned by the district.

G. The current capacity of the district's school facilities based on the districts adopted standard of service, and a plan to eliminate existing deficiencies, if any, without the use of impact fees; and

H. An inventory showing the location and capacity of existing school facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 74, 1993).

21A.06.172 Catastrophic collapse. Catastrophic collapse: The collapse of the ground surface by overburden caving into underground voids created by mining. Catastrophic collapse does not include the effects from trough subsidence. (Ord. 13319 § 2, 1998).

21A.06.175 Cattery, commercial. Cattery, commercial: an establishment or facility where four or more cats are kept for commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, boarding, breeding and training. (Ord. 17841 § 10, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 75, 1993).

21A.06.177 Cattery, hobby.

A. Cattery, hobby: means a noncommercial cattery at or adjoining a private residence where four or more cats are bred or kept for exhibition for organized shows or the enjoyment of the species.

B. For purposes of this section, "noncommercial purposes" includes:

1. The breeding and sale of no more than two litters per applicable license year per female cat; and

2. The training of cats, but not for compensation. (Ord. 17841 § 11, 2014).

21A.06.180 Cemetery, columbarium or mausoleum. Cemetery, columbarium or mausoleum: land or structures used for interment of the dead or their remains. For purposes of the code, pet cemeteries are considered a subclassification of this use. (Ord. 10870 § 76, 1993).

21A.06.181 Channel. Channel: a feature that contains and was formed by periodically or continuously flowing water confined by banks. (Ord. 15051 § 15, 2004).

21A.06.181C Channel edge. Channel edge: The outer edge of the water's bankfull width or, where applicable, the outer edge of the associated channel migration zone. (Ord. 15051 § 16, 2004).

21A.06.181E Channel migration hazard area, moderate. Channel migration hazard area, moderate: a portion of the channel migration zone, as shown on King County's Channel Migration Zone maps, that lies between the severe channel migration hazard area and the outer boundaries of the channel migration zone. (Ord. 15051 § 17, 2004).

21A.06.181G Channel migration hazard area, severe. Channel migration hazard area, severe: a portion of the channel migration zone, as shown on King County's Channel Migration Zone maps, in which there is a higher level of channel migration hazard due to a high likelihood of continued, progressive bank erosion, rapid shifting of channel location or other imminent channel changes. (Ord. 17485 § 14, 2012: Ord. 15051 § 18, 2004).

21A.06.182 Channel migration zone. Channel migration zone: the area along a river channel within which the channel can be reasonably predicted, based on best available science, to migrate over time as a result of natural and normally occurring hydrological and related processes when considered with the characteristics of the river and its surroundings, as follows:

A. In areas located outside King County's shoreline jurisdiction, channel migration zones are as shown on King County's Channel Migration Zone maps. In those areas, "channel migration zone" means the corridor that includes the present channel, the severe channel migration hazard area and the moderate channel migration hazard area;

B. In areas located in King County's shoreline jurisdiction, the channel migration zone include:

1. Areas shown on King County's Channel Migration zone maps, including both the severe channel migration hazard area and the moderate channel migration hazard area; and

2. Areas not shown on King County's Channel Migration Zone maps but located within the floodplain. (Ord. 17485 § 15, 2012: Ord. 16985 § 130, 2010: Ord. 15051 § 19, 2004: Ord. 11621 § 20, 1994).

21A.06.190 Classrooms, school. Classrooms, school: educational facilities of the district required to house students for its basic educational program. The classrooms are those facilities the district determines are necessary to best serve its student population. Specialized facilities as identified by the district, including but not limited to gymnasiums, cafeterias, libraries, administrative offices, and child care centers, shall not be counted as classrooms. (Ord. 10870 § 78, 1993).

21A.06.195 Clearing. Clearing: cutting, killing, grubbing or removing vegetation or other organic plant material by physical, mechanical, chemical or any other similar means. For the purpose of this definition of "clearing," "cutting" means the severing of the main trunk or stem of woody vegetation at any point. (Ord. 15051 § 20, 2004; Ord. 10870 § 79, 1993).

21A.06.196 Clustering. Clustering: development of a subdivision at the existing zoned density that reduces the size of individual lots and creates one or more natural area tracts for the preservation of critical areas or resource land tracts for forestry or agriculture. (Ord. 15606 § 5, 2006).

21A.06.197 Coal mine by-products stockpile. Coal mine by-products stockpile: an accumulation, greater than five hundred cubic yards and five feet of vertical depth, of undisturbed waste and/or byproduct materials having greater than fifty percent, as measured by weight, of coal or coal shale as a component and which resulted from historic coal mining. (Ord. 19881 § 106, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 33, 2020: Ord. 13319 § 3, 1998).

21A.06.200 Coal mine hazard area. Coal mine hazard area: an area underlain or directly affected by operative or abandoned subsurface coal mine workings. (Ord. 15051 § 21, 2004: Ord. 13319 § 1, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 80, 1993).

21A.06.202 Coastal high hazard area. Coastal high hazard area: Coastal high hazard area means an area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action from storms or seismic sources. The area is designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps as VE or AE zones that are immediately adjacent to the VE zone. (Ord. 19128 § 5, 2020: Ord. 17173 § 1, 2011).

21A.06.205 Cogeneration. Cogeneration: the sequential generation of energy and useful heat from the same primary source or fuel for industrial, commercial, or residential heating or cooling purposes. (Ord. 10870 § 81, 1993).

21A.06.208 Commercial salmon net pens. Commercial salmon net pens: underwater net facilities used for the raising of salmonid species, whether or not they are indigenous to the Puget Sound region for commercial purposes. (Ord. 19034 § 9, 2019).

21A.06.210 Communication facility, major. Major communication facility: a communication facility, not classified as a minor communication facility, for transmission of:

A. Television signals; or

B. FM or AM radio signals. (Ord. 17191 § 23, 2011: Ord. 10870 § 82, 1993).

21A.06.215 Communication facility, minor. Minor communication facility: a communication facility for the:

A. Transmission and reception of:

1. Two-way or citizen band ("CB") radio signals; or

2. Point-to-point microwave signals;

3. Signals through FM radio translators; or

4. Signals through FM radio boosters under ten watts effective radiated power ("ERP"); and

B. Provision of personal wireless services. (Ord. 17191 § 24 2011: Ord. 10870 § 83, 1993).

21A.06.216 Community center.

Community center: An establishment owned by a public agency or private nonprofit entity that provides cultural, recreational, athletic, civic, social, health, or educational activities as its primary function. A community center is open to the general public on equal basis and serves the subarea geography in which it is located. A community center may include meeting areas, senior centers, day cares, teen centers, gymnasiums, dance studios, pools, exercise rooms, meals, counseling services, classes, community programs, social gatherings, or health services such as mobile clinics or vaccination events. A community center may include other accessory uses or activities, outdoor or indoor recreation, community gardens, commercial kitchens and food processing, craft work and maker spaces, cafes, galleries, coworking spaces, health clinics, office spaces, and retail sales of food and goods. A community center does not include a private community clubhouse, or a civil or fraternal association. (Ord. 19881 § 107, 2024).

21A.06.217 Community identification sign. Community identification sign: a sign identifying the location of a community or geographic area such as unincorporated activity centers or rural towns designated by the comprehensive plan. (17416 § 14, 2012: Ord. 13022 § 2, 1998).

21A.06.219 Community preference. Community preference: a process to identify people with a current or past connection to specific community service area subarea geographies, including:

A. People who are current or former residents of that geography;

B. People with a parent, guardian or ancestor who are current or former residents of that geography;

C. People who are current or former residents within one half mile of the inclusionary housing project; or

D. People who use, participate in, volunteer or work for an organization located in that geography, including but not limited to cultural or faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, businesses or community centers. (19555 § 8, 2022).

21A.06.220 Community residential facility ("CRF"). Community residential facility ("CRF"): living quarters meeting applicable federal and state standards that function as a single household and provide supportive services, including but not limited to counseling, rehabilitation, and medical supervision. It does not include drug and alcohol detoxification which is classified as health care services and residential care services in K.C.C. 21A.08.045, or a secure community transition facility as defined in RCW 71.09.020 and in this chapter. For purposes of domestic violence shelters, minors living with a parent shall not be counted as part of the maximum number of residents. Community Residential Facilities are further classified as follows:

A. Community Residential Facility - I -- Nine to ten residents and staff;

B. Community Residential Facility - II -- Eleven or more residents and staff.

If staffed by nonresident staff, each twenty-four staff hours per day equals one full-time residing staff member for purposes of subclassifying CRFs. (Ord. 19881 § 102, 2024: Ord. 16040 § 2, 2008: Ord. 14503 § 1, 2002: Ord. 10870 § 84, 1993).

21A.06.223 Commuter parking lot. Commuter parking lot: vehicle parking specifically for the purpose of access to a public transit system or for users of carpools or vanpools. (Ord. 13022 § 3, 1998).

21A.06.225 Compensatory storage. Compensatory storage: new, excavated storage volume equivalent to any flood storage that is eliminated by building filling or grading within the floodplain. (Ord. 16172 § 2, 2008: Ord. 10870 § 85, 1993).

21A.06.230 Conditional use permit. Conditional use permit: permit granted by the county to locate a permitted use on a particular property subject to conditions placed on the permitted use to ensure compatibility with nearby land uses. (Ord. 10870 § 86, 1993).

21A.06.235 Conference center. Conference center: an establishment developed primarily as a meeting facility, including only facilities for recreation, overnight lodging, and related activities provided for conference participants. (Ord. 10870 § 87, 1993).

21A.06.240 Confinement area. Confinement area. A confinement area is any open land area in which livestock are kept where the forage does not meet the definition of a grazing area. (Ord. 11157 § 2, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 88, 1993).

21A.06.242 Congregate residence. Congregate residence: a building that contains sleeping units or dwelling units, or both, with communal facilities such as sanitation facilities, kitchen facilities, recreation space, or lounges. (Ord. 19881 § 108, 2024).

21A.06.245 Consolidation. Consolidation: the relocation to a consolidated transmission structure of the main transmit antennae of two or more FCC broadcast licensees which prior to such relocation utilized transmission structures located within a 1500 foot radius of the center of the consolidated transmission structure to support their main transmit antennae. (Ord. 10870 § 89, 1993).

21A.06.247 Construction and trades. Construction and trade: establishments that provide services related to construction of buildings and infrastructure, and other improvements to property. Such establishments include SIC Major Groups 15-17 and SIC Industry Group 078-Landscape and Horticultural Services. (Ord. 19881 § 103, 2024: Ord. 12243 § 4, 1996).

21A.06.250 Construction cost per student, school. Construction cost per student, school: the estimated cost of construction of a permanent school facility in the district for the grade span of school to be provided, as a function of the district's facilities standard per grade span and taking into account the requirements of students with special needs. (Ord. 10870 § 90, 1993).

21A.06.251 Consumer-scale renewable energy system. Consumer-scale renewable energy system: a facility that produces on-site energy using renewable resources, such as solar, wind or geothermal, for the property on which the facility is located. A consumer-scale renewable energy system does not include energy generated at a scale for sale or donation to others, excluding net metering. (Ord. 19146 § 29, 2020).

21A.06.252 Conversion factor. Conversion factor: a number that converts the water budget allowance from acre-inches per acre per year to gallons per square foot per year or cubic feet per year. (Ord. 11210 § 25, 1994).

21A.06.252H Cottage housing. Cottage housing: three or more small single detached residences sited around a central common space on a commonly owned parcel. (Ord. 19881 § 105, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 104, 2024: Ord. 15032 § 4, 2004. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.358)

21A.06.253 County fairground facility. County fairground facility: a site permanently designated and improved for holding a county fair, as provided in chapters 15.76 and 36.37 RCW. A county fairground facility may be used for hosting social, educational, recreational, arts and entertainment activities including, but not limited to:

A. Regional and local festivals;

B. Agricultural shows and events;

C. Animal shows;

D. Training, seminars, classes and conferences;

E. Trade and specialty shows;

F. Private and public parties, receptions or banquets;

G. Sporting events;

H. Carnivals;

I. Circuses;

J. Recreational vehicle parks;

K. Campgrounds;

L. Outdoor performance centers; and

M. Retail, rental and services consistent with the fairgrounds. (Ord. 14808 § 1, 2003).

21A.06.253B Crisis care center.

Crisis care center: a facility that provides same-day access to crisis stabilization services for people in behavioral health crisis including walk-in behavioral health urgent care clinic, a twenty-three-hour observation unit or similar facility, a crisis stabilization unit for up to fourteen days of care, and post-crisis support services. (Ord. 19881 § 109, 2024).

21A.06.253C Critical aquifer recharge area. Critical aquifer recharge area: an area designated on the critical aquifer recharge area map adopted by K.C.C. 21A.24.311 that has a high susceptibility to ground water contamination or an area of medium susceptibility to ground water contamination that is located within a sole source aquifer or within an area approved in accordance with chapter 246-290 WAC as a wellhead protection area for a municipal or district drinking water system, or an area over a sole source aquifer and located on an island surrounded by saltwater. Susceptibility to ground water contamination occurs where there is a combination of permeable soils, permeable subsurface geology and ground water close to the ground surface. (Ord. 15051 § 23, 2004: Ord. 11481 § 1, 1994. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.253C).

21A.06.254 Critical area. Critical area: any area that is subject to natural hazards or a land feature that supports unique, fragile or valuable natural resources including fish, wildlife or other organisms or their habitats or such resources that carry, hold or purify water in their natural state. "Critical area" includes the following areas:

A. Aquatic areas;

B. Coal mine hazard areas;

C. Critical aquifer recharge area;

D. Erosion hazard areas;

E. Flood hazard areas;

F. Landslide hazard areas;

G. Seismic hazard areas;

H. Steep slope hazard areas;

I. Volcanic hazard areas;

J. Wetlands;

K. Wildlife habitat conservation areas; and

L. Wildlife habitat networks. (Ord. 15051 § 24, 2004).

21A.06.255 Critical drainage area. Critical drainage area: an area which has been formally determined by the King County surface water management department to require more restrictive regulation than county-wide standards afford in order to mitigate severe flooding, drainage, erosion or sedimentation problems which result from the cumulative impacts of development and urbanization. (Ord. 10870 § 91, 1993).

21A.06.260 Critical facility. Critical facility: a facility necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare including, but not limited to, a facility defined under the occupancy categories of "essential facilities," "hazardous facilities," and "special occupancy structures" in the structural design chapter in K.C.C. Title 16. Critical facilities also include nursing and personal care facilities, schools, senior assisted housing, county-owned bridges, and sites that produce, use, or store hazardous substances or hazardous waste, not including the temporary storage of consumer products containing hazardous substances or hazardous waste intended for household use or for retail sale on the site. (Ord. 19881 § 110, 2024: Ord. 15051 § 25, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 92, 1993).

21A.06.261 Critical saltwater habitat. Critical saltwater habitat: all kelp beds, eelgrass beds, spawning and holding areas for forage fish, such as herring, smelt and sandlance; and subsistence, commercial and recreational shellfish beds; and mudflats, intertidal habitats with vascular plants and areas with which priority species have a primary association. (Ord. 16985 § 128, 2010).

21A.06.262 Daily care. Daily care: medical procedures, monitoring and attention that are necessarily provided at the residence of the patient by the primary provider of daily care on a 24-hour basis. (Ord. 12523 § 2, 1996).

21A.06.265 Daycare. Daycare: an establishment for group care of non-resident adults or children.

A. Daycare shall include only, SIC Industry No. 835, Child Day Care Services, SIC Industry No. 8322, Adult Daycare Centers and the following:

1.Adult Daycare, such as adult day health centers or social day care as defined by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services;

2. Nursery schools for children under minimum age for education in public schools;

3. Privately conducted kindergartens or prekindergartens when not a part of a public or parochial school; and

4. Programs covering after-school care for school children.

B. Daycare establishments are subclassified as follows:

1. Daycare I -- a maximum of 12 adults or children in any 24 hour period; and

2. Daycare II -- over 12 adults or children in any 24 hour period. (Ord. 10870 § 93, 1993).

21A.06.270 Deciduous. Deciduous: a plant species with foliage that is shed annually. (Ord. 10870 § 94, 1993).

21A.06.275 Development rights, transfer of ("TDR"). Development rights, transfer of ("TDR"): the ability to transfer potentially buildable dwelling units from an eligible sending site to an eligible receiving site as provided in this code. (Ord. 14190 § 25, 2001: Ord. 10870 § 95, 1993).

21A.06.280 Department. Department: the King County department of local services or its successor. (Ord. 18791 § 163, 2018: Ord. 17420 § 97, 2012: Ord. 15051 § 26, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 96, 1993).

21A.06.285 Department and variety store. Department and variety store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of a variety of lines of merchandise, such as; dry goods, apparel and accessories, home furnishings, housewares, including only uses located in SIC Major Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 53-General Merchandise;

B. 5947-Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Shops; and

C. 5948-Luggage and Leather Goods Stores. (Ord. 10870 § 97, 1993).

21A.06.290 Destination resort. Destination resort: an establishment for outdoor resource-based recreation and intended to utilize and provide access to outdoor recreational opportunities. Accessory services, such as retail, eating and drinking places, temporary lodging, recreation equipment, rentals, entertainment, and personal services are allowed as part of a destination resort. (Ord. 19881 § 111, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 98, 1993).

21A.06.300 Development activity. Development activity: any residential construction or expansion of a building, structure or use, any change in use of a building or structure, or any change in the use of land that creates additional demand for school facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 100, 1993).

21A.06.305 Development agreement. Development agreement: an agreement authorized under RCW 36.70B.170 through 36.70B.210. (Ord. 19881 § 112, 2024: Ord. 19648 § 47, 2023: Ord. 10870 § 101, 1993).

21A.06.310 Development proposal. Development proposal: any activities requiring a permit or other approval from King County relative to the use or development of land. (Ord. 10870 § 102, 1993).

21A.06.315 Development proposal site. Development proposal site: the legal boundaries of the parcel or parcels of land for which an applicant has or should have applied for authority from King County to carry out a development proposal. (Ord. 10870 § 103, 1993).

21A.06.320 Direct traffic impact. Direct traffic impact: any increase in vehicle traffic generated by a proposed development which equals or exceeds ten (10) peak hour, peak direction vehicle trips on any roadway or intersection. (Ord. 10870 § 104, 1993).

21A.06.325 Director. Director: the department of local services permitting division manager or designee. (Ord. 18791 § 164, 2018: Ord. 18683 § 48, 2018: Ord. 17420 § 98, 2012: Ord. 10870 § 105, 1993).

21A.06.326 Ditch. Ditch: an artificial open channel used or constructed for the purpose of conveying water. (Ord. 15051 § 27, 2004).

21A.06.328 Dog training facility. Dog training facility: a place for the training of dogs for discipline, agility and other purposes. (Ord. 15032 § 3, 2004).

21A.06.331 Draft flood boundary work map. Draft flood boundary work map: a floodplain map prepared by a mapping partner, reflecting the results of a flood study or other floodplain mapping analysis. The draft flood boundary work map depicts floodplain boundaries, FEMA floodway and zero-rise floodway boundaries, base flood elevations and flood cross-sections, and provides the basis for the presentation of this information on a Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map. (Ord. 19128 § 6, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 28, 2004).

21A.06.332 Drainage basin. Drainage basin: a drainage area that drains to the Cedar river, Green river, Snoqualmie river, Skykomish river, White river, Lake Washington or other drainage area that drains directly to Puget Sound. (Ord. 15051 § 29, 2004).

21A.06.332C Drainage facility. Drainage facility: a feature, constructed or engineered for the primary purpose of providing drainage, that collects, conveys, stores or treats surface water. A drainage facility may include, but is not limited to, a stream, pipeline, channel, ditch, gutter, lake, wetland, closed depression, flow control or water quality treatment facility and erosion and sediment control facility. (Ord. 15051 § 30, 2004).

21A.06.333 Drainage subbasin. Drainage subbasin: an area that drains to a body of water that is named and mapped and contained within a larger basin. (Ord. 19881 § 113, 2024: Ord. 15051 § 31, 2004).

21A.06.333A Dredging. Dredging: the removal, displacement or disposal of unconsolidated earth material such as sand, silt, gravel or other materials, from water bodies, ditches or natural wetlands, whether during submerged conditions or dry conditions. Dredging includes maintenance dredging and support activities. (Ord. 16985 § 70, 2010: Ord. 5734 § 1, 1981. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.175).

21A.06.334 Drift cell. Drift cell: an independent segment of shoreline along which littoral movements of sediments occur at noticeable rates depending on wave energy and currents. Each drift cell typically includes one or more sources of sediment, such as a feeder bluff or stream outlet that spills sediment onto a beach, a transport zone within which the sediment drifts along the shore and an accretion area; an example of an accretion area is a sand spit where the drifted sediment material is deposited. (Ord. 15051 § 32, 2004).

21A.06.335 Drop box facility. Drop box facility: a facility used for receiving solid waste and recyclable from off-site sources into detachable solid waste containers, including the adjacent areas necessary for entrance and exit roads, unloading and vehicle turnaround areas. Drop box facilities normally service the general public with loose loads and may also include containers for separated recyclable. (Ord. 10870 § 107, 1993).

21A.06.340 Drug store. Drug store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of prescription drugs, nonprescription medicines, cosmetics and related supplies, including only uses located in SIC Industry Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 591-Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores;

B. 5993-Tobacco Stores and Stands; and

C. 5999-Cosmetics Stores. (Ord. 10870 § 108, 1993).

21A.06.343 Duplex. Duplex: a building containing two dwelling units designed sharing a common roof, wall, or floor. Individual units may be side-by-side or stacked one on top of the other. A single detached residence with accessory dwelling unit is not considered a duplex. (Ord. 19881 § 114, 2024).

21A.06.345 Dwelling unit. Dwelling unit: one or more rooms designed for occupancy by a household for living and sleeping purposes, containing kitchen facilities and rooms with internal accessibility, for use solely by the dwelling's occupants. Dwelling units include studio apartments, factory-built housing, and manufactured and mobile homes. (Ord. 19881 § 115, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 109, 1993).

21A.06.350 Dwelling unit, accessory. Dwelling unit, accessory: a separate, complete dwelling unit attached to or contained within the structure of the primary dwelling; or contained within a separate structure that is accessory to the primary dwelling unit on the premises. (Ord. 10870 § 110, 1993).

21A.06.352 Dwelling unit, affordable. Dwelling unit, affordable: a dwelling unit reserved for occupancy by households having housing expenses at an affordability level no greater than thirty percent of a given percent of the King County AMI adjusted for household size. (Ord. 19555 § 9, 2022).

21A.06.362 Dwelling unit, market-rate. Dwelling unit, market-rate: a dwelling unit that is not restricted to a specified affordable rent or sale price. (Ord. 19555 § 10, 2022).

21A.06.365 Dwelling unit, single detached. Dwelling unit, single detached: a detached building containing one dwelling unit. (Ord. 10870 § 113, 1993).

21A.06.375 Earth station. Earth station: a communication facility which transmits and/or receives signals to and from an orbiting satellite using satellite dish antennas. (Ord. 10870 § 115, 1993).

21A.06.378 Ecosystem. Ecosystem: the complex of a community of organisms and its environment functioning as an ecological unit. (Ord. 15051 § 33, 2004).

21A.06.380 Effective radiated power. Effective radiated power: the product of the antenna power input and the numerical antenna power gain. (Ord. 10870 § 116, 1993).

21A.06.385 Electric vehicle. Electric vehicle: A vehicle registered for on-road use, primarily powered by an electric motor that draws current from a rechargeable storage source that is charged by being plugged into an electrical current source. (Ord. 19316 § 2, 2021).

21A.06.386 Electric-vehicle load management system. Electric-vehicle load management system: A system designed to allocate charging capacity among multiple electric vehicle supply equipment. (Ord. 19316 § 3, 2021).

21A.06.387 Electric-vehicle-ready parking space. Electric-vehicle-ready parking space: A parking space that is provided with a minimum 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for electric-vehicle supply equipment that is terminated at a receptacle, junction box or electric-vehicle supply equipment within the parking space in order to allow for future installation of electric-vehicle supply equipment. (Ord. 19316 § 4, 2021).

21A.06.388 Electric-vehicle supply equipment. Electric-vehicle supply equipment: The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded and equipment-grounding conductors, and the electric-vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, personnel protection system and all other fittings, devices, power outlets or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises' wiring and an electric vehicle. (Ord. 19316 § 5, 2021).

21A.06.389 Electric-vehicle-supply-equipment parking space. Electric-vehicle-supply-equipment parking space: A parking space with electric-vehicle supply equipment capable of supplying current at a minimum of 208/240 volts, either by electric-vehicle supply equipment that directly serves the parking space or by adjacent electric-vehicle supply equipment capable of serving multiple parking spaces simultaneously. (Ord. 19316 § 6, 2021).

21A.06.390 Electrical substation. Electrical substation: a site containing equipment for the conversion of high voltage electrical power transported through transmission lines into lower voltages transported through distribution lines and suitable for individual users. (Ord. 10870 § 118, 1993).

21A.06.392 Emergency. Emergency: an occurrence during which there is imminent danger to the public health, safety and welfare, or that poses an imminent risk of property damage or personal injury or death as a result of a natural or human-made catastrophe, as determined by the director. (Ord. 15051 § 34, 2004: Ord. 11621 § 21, 1994).

21A.06.392E Emergency shelter. Emergency shelter: a facility providing short-term overnight accommodations. Day, cooling, or warming center services may be offered. (Ord. 19881 § 116, 2024).

21A.06.392G Emergency supportive housing.

Emergency supportive housing: housing where persons experiencing chronic homelessness or at risk of chronic homelessness can reside temporarily, and that offers housing-oriented services, case management, and other support or assistance services. (Ord. 19881 § 117, 2024).

21A.06.393 Employee, agricultural. Employee, agricultural: A person who renders personal services to, or under the direction of, an agricultural employer in connection with the employer's agricultural activity. (Ord. 15974 § 3, 2007).

21A.06.395 Energy resource recovery facility. Energy resource recovery facility: an establishment for recovery of energy in a usable form from mass burning or refuse-derived fuel incineration, pyrolysis or any other means of using the heat of combustion of solid waste. (Ord. 10870 § 119, 1993).

21A.06.398 Engineer, civil, geotechnical and structural. Engineer, civil, geotechnical and structural:

A. Civil engineer: an engineer who is licensed as a professional engineer in the branch of civil engineering by the state of Washington;

B. Geotechnical engineer: an engineer who is licensed as a professional engineer by the state of Washington and who has at least four years of relevant professional employment; and

C. Structural engineer: an engineer who is licensed as a professional engineer in the branch of structural engineering by the state of Washington. (Ord. 15051 § 35, 2004).

21A.06.400 Enhancement. Enhancement: for the purposes of critical area regulation, an action that improves the processes, structure and functions of ecosystems and habitats associated with critical areas or their buffers. (Ord. 15051 § 36, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 120, 1993).

21A.06.401 Environment, shoreline. Environment, shoreline: the categories of shorelines and shorelands established by the King County shoreline master program to differentiate between areas whose features imply differing objectives regarding their use and future development. (Ord. 16985 § 72, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 218, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.190).

21A.06.402 Environmental education project. Environmental education project: A project that facilitates learning where the emphasis is placed on relationships between people and natural resources. Environmental education projects include, but are not limited to:

A. Bird blinds;

B. Observation decks;

C. Boardwalks; and

D. Signs or kiosks (Ord. 16267 § 11, 2008).

21A.06.405 Equipment, heavy. Equipment, heavy: high-capacity mechanical devices for moving earth or other materials, and mobile power units including, but not limited to:

A. Carryalls;

B. Graders;

C. Loading and unloading devices;

D. Cranes;

E. Drag lines;

F. Trench diggers;

G. Tractors;

H. Augers;

I. Bulldozers;

J. Concrete mixers and conveyers;

K. Harvesters;

L. Combines; or

M. Other major agricultural equipment and similar devices operated by mechanical power as distinguished from human-powered equipment. (Ord. 18683 § 49, 2018: Ord. 10870 § 121, 1993).

21A.06.410 Erosion. Erosion: the wearing away of the ground surface as the result of the movement of wind, water or ice. (Ord. 15051 § 37, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 122, 1993).

21A.06.415 Erosion hazard area. Erosion hazard area: an area underlain by soils that is subject to severe erosion when disturbed. These soils include, but are not limited to, those classified as having a severe to very severe erosion hazard according to the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, the 1990 Snoqualmie Pass Area Soil Survey, the 1973 King County Soils Survey or any subsequent revisions or addition by or to these sources such as any occurrence of River Wash ("Rh") or Coastal Beaches ("Cb") and any of the following when they occur on slopes inclined at fifteen percent or more:

A. The Alderwood gravely sandy loam ("AgD");

B. The Alderwood and Kitsap soils ("AkF");

C. The Beausite gravely sandy loam ("BeD" and "BeF");

D. The Kitsap silt loam ("KpD");

E. The Ovall gravely loam ("OvD" and "OvF");

F. The Ragnar fine sandy loam ("RaD"); and

G. The Ragnar-Indianola Association ("RdE"). (Ord. 15051 § 38, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 123, 1993).

21A.06.420 Evergreen. Evergreen: a plant species with foliage that persists and remains green year round. (Ord. 10870 § 124, 1993).

21A.06.425 Examiner. Examiner: the office of the hearing examiner as established by K.C.C. chapter 20.22. (Ord. 19881 § 119, 2024: Ord. 18230 § 127, 2016: Ord. 10870 § 125, 1993).

21A.06.427 Expansion. Expansion: the act or process of increasing the size, quantity or scope. (Ord. 15051 § 39, 2004).

21A.06.429 Experiencing chronic homelessness. Experiencing chronic homelessness: a household that includes at least one adult with a disability, that is currently experiencing homelessness for at least twelve consecutive months or has experienced multiple episodes homelessness for a cumulative twelve months within the previous three years. (Ord. 19881 § 118, 2024).

21A.06.430 Fabric shop. Fabric shop: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of sewing supplies and accessories, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5949-Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores; and

B. Awning Shops, Banner Shops, and Flag Shops found in 5999. (Ord. 10870 § 126, 1993).

21A.06.435 Facilities standard. Facilities standard: the space required by grade span, and taking into account the requirements of students with special needs, which is needed in order to fulfill the educational goals of the school district as identified in the district's capital facilities plan. (Ord. 10870 § 127, 1993).

21A.06.440 Factory-built commercial building. Factory-built commercial building: any structure that is either entirely or substantially prefabricated or assembled at a place other than a building site; and designed or used for non-residential human occupancy. (Ord. 10870 § 128, 1993).

21A.06.445 Fairground. Fairground: a site permanently constructed for holding a fair, except a county fair or for holding similar events, including, but not limited to:

A. Carnivals;

B. Circuses;

C. Expositions;

D. Animal shows; and

E. Either exhibitions or demonstrations, or both, of farm and home products with accompanying entertainment and amusements. (Ord. 14808 § 2, 2003: Ord. 10870 § 129, 1993).

21A.06.450F Farm. Farm: the land, buildings equipment and infrastructure used in the raising and production of agricultural products for commercial sales. (Ord. 18626 § 13, 2017).

21A.06.451 Farm field access drive. Farm field access drive: an impervious surface constructed to provide a fixed route for moving livestock, produce, equipment or supplies to and from farm fields and structures. (Ord. 15051 § 41, 2004).

21A.06.451A Farm pad. Farm pad; an artificially created mound of earth or an elevated platform placed within a flood hazard area and constructed to an elevation that is above the base flood elevation to provide an area of refuge for livestock or small animals, and for storage of farm vehicles, agricultural equipment and shelter for farm products including, but not limited to, feed, seeds, flower bulbs and hay. (Ord. 16172 § 1, 2008).

21A.06.451M Farmers market. Farmers market: a regular assembly of vendors at a defined location for the purpose of promoting the sale of agricultural products grown or produced in Washington state. (Ord. 17191 § 21, 2011).

21A.06.451R Farm residence. Farm residence: a single detached dwelling unit that serves as the primary residence for a farm. (Ord. 18626 § 14, 2017).

21A.06.452 Feasible. Feasible: capable of being done or accomplished. (Ord. 15051 § 40, 2004).

21A.06.453 Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal Emergency Management Agency: the federal agency that, among other responsibilities, oversees the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program. (Ord. 19128 § 7, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 42, 2004).

21A.06.454 FEMA. FEMA: the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (Ord. 15051 § 43, 2004).

21A.06.455 FEMA floodway. FEMA floodway: the channel of the stream or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height at any point. The FEMA floodway is delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map and on King County Surface Water Design Manual major floodplain or floodway studies. (Ord. 19128 § 8, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 44, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 131, 1993).

21A.06.460 Feed store. Feed store: an establishment engaged in retail sale of supplies directly related to the day to day activities of agricultural production. (Ord. 10870 § 132, 1993).

21A.06.464 Fen. Fen: a wetland that receives some drainage from surrounding mineral soil and includes peat formed mainly from Carex and marsh-like vegetation. (Ord. 15051 § 45, 2004).

21A.06.465 Fence. Fence: a barrier for the purpose of enclosing space or separating lots, composed of:

A. Masonry or concrete walls, excluding retaining walls; or

B. Wood, metal or concrete posts connected by boards, rails, panels, wire or mesh. (Ord. 10870 § 133, 1993).

21A.06.467 Financial guarantee. Financial guarantee means a form of financial security posted to ensure timely and proper completion of improvements, to ensure compliance with the King County Code, and/or to warranty materials, quality of work of the improvements, and design. Financial guarantees include assignments of funds, cash deposit, and surety bonds, and or other forms of financial security acceptable to the director. For the purposes of this title, the terms performance guarantee, maintenance guarantee, and defect guarantee are considered sub-categories of financial guarantee. (Ord. 18683 § 50, 2018: Ord. 12020 § 32, 1995).

21A.06.468 Firearm. Firearm: a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder. Firearm does not include a flare gun or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling device, or a powder-actuated tool or other device designed solely to be used for construction purposes. (Ord. 19146 § 30, 2020).

21A.06.469 Float. Float: a structure or device that is not a breakwater and that is moored, anchored or otherwise secured in the waters of King County and is not connected to the shoreline. (Ord. 16985 § 74, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 220, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.210).

21A.06.470 Flood fringe, zero-rise. Flood fringe, zero-rise: that portion of the floodplain outside of the zero-rise floodway. The zero-rise flood fringe is generally associated with standing water rather than rapidly flowing water. (Ord. 15051 § 46, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 134, 1993).

21A.06.475 Flood hazard area. Flood hazard area: any area subject to inundation by the base flood or risk from channel migration including, but not limited to, an aquatic area, wetland or closed depression. A flood hazard area may contain one or more of the following components:

A. Floodplain;

B. Special flood hazard area, as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps;

C. Zero-rise flood fringe;

D Zero-rise floodway;

E. FEMA floodway; and

F. Channel migration zones. (Ord. 19128 § 9, 2020: Ord. 17841 § 12, 2014: Ord. 15051 § 47, 2004: Ord. 11621 § 31, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 135, 1993).

21A.06.478 Flood hazard data. Flood hazard data: data or any combination of data available from federal, state or other sources including, but not limited to, maps, critical area studies, reports, historical flood hazard information, channel migration zone maps or studies or other related engineering and technical data that identify floodplain boundaries, FEMA floodway or zero-rise floodway boundaries, base flood elevations or flood-cross sections. (Ord. 19128 § 10, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 49, 2004).

21A.06.480 Flood Insurance Rate Map. Flood Insurance Rate Map: the official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated the FEMA Floodway, special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. (Ord. 19128 § 11, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 50, 2004: Ord. 11157 § 3, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 136, 1993).

21A.06.485 Flood Insurance Study. Flood Insurance Study: the official report entitled Flood Insurance Study for King County, Washington and Incorporated Areas, dated August 19, 2020, provided by FEMA that includes flood profiles and the Flood Insurance Rate Map, and revisions thereto. (Ord. 19128 § 12, 2020: Ord. 17841 § 13, 2014: Ord. 15051 § 51, 2004: Ord. 11157 § 4, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 137, 1993).

21A.06.490 Flood protection elevation. Flood protection elevation: an elevation that is three feet above the base flood elevation. (Ord. 19128 § 13, 2020: Ord. 16686 § 1, 2009: Ord. 16267 § 12, 2008: Ord. 15051 § 52, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 138, 1993).

21A.06.492 Flood protection facility. Flood protection facility: a structure that provides protection from flood damage. Flood protection facility includes, but is not limited to, the following structures and supporting infrastructure:

A. Dams or water diversions, regardless of primary purpose, if the facility provides flood protection benefits;

B. Flood containment facilities such as levees, dikes, berms, walls and raised banks, including pump stations and other supporting structures; and

C. Bank stabilization structures, often called revetments. (Ord. 15051 § 53, 2004).

21A.06.495 Floodplain. Floodplain: the total area subject to inundation by the base flood. (Ord. 10870 § 139, 1993).

21A.06.497 Floodplain development.

A. Floodplain development: any human-made change to improved or unimproved real estate in the floodplain, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, storage of equipment or materials, subdivision or short subdivision of land and removal of more than five percent of the native vegetation on the site.

B. Examples of human-made changes that are not considered "floodplain development" include:

1. Routine maintenance of landscaping that does not involve grading, excavation or filling;

2. Removal of noxious weeds or invasive vegetation and replacement of nonnative vegetation with native vegetation;

3. Removal of a hazard tree;

4. Maintenance of the public road right-of-way outside of the floodplain as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, unless otherwise specified in K.C.C. Title 9 or the Surface Water Design Manual; and

5. Agricultural activities with a low-impact on flood hazards, including tilling, discing, planting, seeding, harvesting, preparing soil, rotating crops, fertilizing, grazing and related activity that does not include grading or fill. (Ord. 19128 § 14, 2020: Ord. 17539 § 18, 2013).

21A.06.500 Floodproofing, dry. Floodproofing, dry: adaptations that make a structure that is below the flood protection elevation watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components capable of and with sufficient strength to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads including buoyancy. (Ord. 15051 § 54, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 140, 1993).

21A.06.505 Floodway, zero-rise. Floodway, zero-rise: the channel of a stream and that portion of the adjoining floodplain that is necessary to contain and discharge the base flood flow without any measurable increase in base flood elevation.

A. For the purpose of this definition, "measurable increase in base flood elevation" means a calculated upward rise in the base flood elevation, equal to or greater than 0.01 foot, resulting from a comparison of existing conditions and changed conditions directly attributable to alterations of the topography or any other flow obstructions in the floodplain. "Zero-rise floodway" is broader than that of the FEMA floodway but always includes the FEMA floodway.

B. "Zero-rise floodway" includes the entire floodplain unless a critical areas report demonstrates otherwise. (Ord. 15051 § 55, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 141, 1993).

21A.06.508 Floor area ratio (FAR). Floor area ratio (FAR): the proportion of total amount of usable floor area within a building, excluding basement or underground areas, and the total area of the site. This ratio is determined by dividing the total usable floor area by the site area. (Ord. 19881 § 120, 2024).

21A.06.510 Florist shop. Florist shop: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of flowers and plants, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5992-Florists; and

B. 5999-Artificial Flowers. (Ord. 10870 § 142, 1993).

21A.06.512 Footprint. Footprint: the area encompassed by the foundation of a structure including building overhangs if the overhangs do not extend more than eighteen inches beyond the foundation and excluding uncovered decks. (Ord. 15051 § 56, 2004).

21A.06.513 Footprint, development. Footprint, development: the area encompassed by the foundations of all structures including paved and impervious surfaces. (Ord. 15051 § 57, 2004)

21A.06.514 Forecourt. Forecourt: The open area forming an entrance plaza for a single building or several buildings in a group. (Ord. 19687 § 5, 2023).

21A.06.515 Forest land. Forest land: land devoted primarily to growing and harvesting forest and timber products and designated as a forest production district by the King County Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 10870 § 143, 1993).

21A.06.517 Forest management activity. Forest management activity: a forest practice regulated as a Class I, II, III or IV-S forest practice under chapter 76.09 RCW and Title 222 WAC or that is conducted in accordance with a forest management plan approved by the department of natural resources and parks. (Ord. 17539 § 19, 2013).

21A.06.520 Forest practice. Forest practice: any forest practice as defined in RCW 76.09.020. (Ord. 19881 § 121, 2024: Ord. 15051 § 58, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 144, 1993).

21A.06.525 Forest product sales. Forest product sales: the sale of goods produced, extracted, consumed, gathered or harvested from a forest including, but not limited to:

A. Trees;

B. Wood chips;

C. Logs;

D. Fuelwood;

E. Cones;

F. Christmas trees;

G. Berries;

H. Herbs; or

I. Mushrooms. (Ord. 10870 § 145, 1993).

21A.06.530 Forest research. Forest research: the performance of scientific studies relating to botany, hydrology, silviculture, biology and other branches of science in relation to management of forest lands, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 8731-Commercial Physical and Biological Research;

B. 8733-Noncommercial Research Organizations; and

C. 8734-Testing Laboratories. (Ord. 10870 § 146, 1993).

21A.06.531 Forestry. Forestry: the science and practice of planting, cultivating, managing, using and conserving trees, forests and associated resources. "Forestry" includes, but is not limited to, scientific research related to forests and forest management for the harvesting of timber, production of forest products, recreation, aesthetics and ecological enhancement. (Ord. 17539 § 20, 2013).

21A.06.531M Formula business. Formula business: a type of nonresidential land use which is under common ownership or control or is a franchise, and is one of thirty or more other businesses or establishments worldwide maintaining two or more of the following features:

A. Standardized menu or standardized array of merchandise with fifty percent or more of in-stock merchandise from a single distributor bearing uniform markings;

B. Trademark or service mark, defined as a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods from one party from those of others, on products or as part of store design, such as cups, napkins, bags, boxes, wrappers, straws, store signs, or advertising devices;

C. Standardized color scheme used throughout the interior or exterior of the establishment, including, but not limited to, graphics, awnings, or signage, visible from the exterior of the structure;

D. Standardized interior decor, including, but not limited to, style of furniture, wall coverings, permanent fixtures, displays, or window treatments; and

E. Standardized uniform, including but not limited to aprons, pants, shirts, smocks or dresses, hats, and pins, but excluding name tags. (Ord. 19881 § 122, 2024).

21A.06.532 Fossil fuel facility. Fossil fuel facility: a commercial facility used primarily to receive, store, refine, process, transfer, wholesale trade or transport fossil fuels, such as, but not limited to, bulk terminals, bulk storage facilities, bulk refining and bulk handling facilities. Fossil fuel facilities do not include: individual storage facilities of up to thirty thousand gallons and total cumulative facilities per site of sixty thousand gallons for the purposes of retail or direct-to-consumer sales, facilities or activities for local consumption; noncommercial facilities, such as storage for educational, scientific or governmental use; or uses preempted by federal rule or law. (Ord. 19146 § 35, 2020).

21A.06.532C Fossil fuels. Fossil fuels: petroleum and petroleum products, coal and natural gas, such as methane, propane and butane, derived from prehistoric organic matter and used to generate energy. Fossil fuels do not include:

A. Petrochemicals that are used primarily for non-fuel products, such as asphalt, plastics, lubricants, fertilizer, roofing and paints;

B. Fuel additives, such as denatured ethanol and similar fuel additives, or renewable fuels, such as biodiesel or renewable diesel with less than five percent fossil fuel content; or

C. Methane generated from the waste management process, such as wastewater treatment, anaerobic digesters, landfill waste management, livestock manure and composting processes. (Ord. 19146 § 34, 2020).

21A.06.535 Furniture and home furnishings store. Furniture and home furnishings store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of household furniture and furnishings for the home, including only uses located in SIC Major Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 57-Home Furniture, Furnishings, and Equipment Stores, except Industry Group No. 573; and

B. Baby carriages, Cake Decorating Supplies, Hot Tubs, Picture Frames (ready made), Swimming Pools (above-ground, not site-built), Telephone Stores and Typewriter Stores found in 5999. (Ord. 10870 § 147, 1993).

21A.06.537 Gateway sign. Gateway sign: A sign or fixed display where the content is adopted by ordinance as government speech with King County acting in its capacity as the general government for unincorporated King County. (Ord. 18659 § 1, 2018).

21A.06.540 General business service. General business service: an establishment engaged in providing services to businesses or individuals, with no outdoor storage or fabrication, including only uses located in SIC Major Groups and Industry Groups:

A. 60-Depository Institutions;

B. 61-Nondepository Credit Institutions;

C. 62-Security and Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges, and Services;

D. 63-Insurance Carriers;

E. 65-Real Estate, except 653-Real Estate Agents and Directors;

F. 67-Holding and Other Investment Offices;

G. 7299-Miscellaneous Personal Services, not elsewhere classified;

H. 73-Business Services, except 7312-Outdoor Advertising Services; and

J. 86-Membership Organizations, including administrative offices of organized religions found in 8661, but excluding religious facilities. (Ord. 19881 § 123, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 148, 1993).

21A.06.543 Geoduck aquaculture. Geoduck aquaculture: the culture or farming of geoduck, excluding the harvest of wild geoduck associated with the state-managed wildstock geoduck fishery, including planting and harvesting activities. (Ord. 19034 § 10, 2019).

21A.06.545 Geologist. Geologist: a person who holds a current license from the Washington state Geologist Licensing Board. (Ord. 15051 § 60, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 149, 1993).

21A.06.555 Golf course facility. Golf course facility: a recreational facility, under public or private ownership, designed and developed for golf activities with accessory uses including, but not limited to:

A. A driving range;

B. Miniature golf;

C. Pro shops;

D. Caddyshack buildings;

E. Swimming pools, tennis courts and other related recreational facilities;

F. Restaurants;

G. Office and meeting rooms; and

H. Related storage facilities. (Ord. 11157 § 5, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 152, 1993).

21A.06.558 Grade. Grade: the elevation of the ground surface. "Existing grade," "finish grade" and "rough grade" are defined as follows:

A. "Existing grade" means the grade before grading;

B. "Finish grade" means the final grade of the site that conforms to the approved plan as required under K.C.C. 16.82.060; and

C. "Rough grade" means the grade that approximately conforms to the approved plan as required under K.C.C. 16.82.060. (Ord. 15051 § 62, 2004).

21A.06.560 Grade span. Grade span: the categories into which a district groups its grades of students; i.e., elementary, middle or junior high school, and high school. (Ord. 10870 § 152, 1993).

21A.06.565 Grading. Grading: any excavation, filling, or land disturbing activity, or combination thereof. (Ord. 19881 § 124, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 153, 1993).

21A.06.570 Grazing area. Grazing area: a grazing area is any open land area used to pasture livestock in which suitable forage is maintained over 80% of the area at all times of the year. (Ord. 11157 § 6, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 154, 1993).

21A.06.573 Groin. Groin: a barrier type structure extending from the backshore into the water across the beach. The purpose of a groin is to interrupt sediment movement along the shore. (Ord. 16985 § 76, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 222, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.230).

21A.06.575 Groundcover. Groundcover: living plants designed to grow low to the ground (generally one foot or less) and intended to stabilize soils and protect against erosion. (Ord. 10870 § 155, 1993).

21A.06.577 Habitat. Habitat: the locality, site and particular type of environment occupied by an organism at any stage in its life cycle. (Ord. 15051 § 63, 2004).

21A.06.578 Habitat, fish. Habitat, fish: habitat that is used by anadromous or resident salmonids at any life stage at any time of the year including potential habitat likely to be used by anadromous or resident salmonids. "Fish habitat" includes habitat that is upstream of, or landward of, human-made barriers that could be accessible to, and could be used by, fish upon removal of the barriers. This includes off-channel habitat, flood refuges, tidal flats, tidal channels, streams and wetlands. (Ord. 16267 § 13, 2008: Ord. 15051 § 64, 2004).

21A.06.580 Hazardous household substance. Hazardous household substance: a substance as defined in RCW 70.105.010. (Ord. 10870 § 156, 1993).

21A.06.582 Hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipeline. Hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipeline: Hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines, as defined by RCW 81.88.040 and WAC 480-93-005. (Ord. 14045 § 4, 2001).

21A.06.585 Hazardous substance. Hazardous substance: a substance as defined in RCW 70.105.010. (Ord. 10870 § 157, 1993).

21A.06.590 Heavy equipment and truck repair. Heavy equipment and truck repair: the repair and maintenance of self-powered, self-propelled or towed mechanical devices, equipment and vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as tandem axle trucks, graders, backhoes, tractor trailers, cranes, lifts, but excluding automobiles and pick-up trucks under 10,000 pounds, recreational vehicles, boats and their trailers. (Ord. 11621 § 32, 1994: 10870 § 158, 1993).

21A.06.595 Helistop. Helistop: an area on a roof or on the ground used for the takeoff and landing of helicopters for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or cargo but not including fueling service, hangers, maintenance or overhaul facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 159, 1993).

21A.06.597 Historic resource. Historic resource: a district, site, building, structure or object significant in national, state or local history, architecture, archaeology, and culture. (Ord. 11621 § 22, 1994).

21A.06.598 Historic resource inventory. Historic resource inventory: An organized compilation of information on historic resources considered to be potentially significant according to the criteria listed in K.C.C. 20.62.040A. The historic resource inventory is kept on file by the historic preservation officer and is updated from time to time to include newly eligible resources and to reflect changes to resources. (Ord. 11621 § 23, 1994).

21A.06.599 Historical flood hazard information. Historical flood hazard information: information that identifies floodplain boundaries, FEMA floodway or zero-rise floodway boundaries, base flood elevations or flood cross-sections, including, but not limited to, photos, video recordings, high water marks, survey information or news agency reports. (Ord. 19128 § 15, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 65, 2004).

21A.06.600 Hobby, toy, and game shop. Hobby, toy, and game shop: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of toys, games, hobby and craft kits, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5945-Hobby, Toy and Game Shops; and

B. 5999-Autograph and Philatelist Supply Stores, Coin Shops, and Stamps, philatelist-retail (except mail order). (Ord. 10870 § 160, 1993).

21A.06.603 Home-based animal shelter. Home-based animal shelter: A single-detached residence where a nonprofit animal welfare organization takes custody of small animals for interim care or to find permanent adoptive homes for them. (Ord. 19881 §125, 2024).

21A.06.605 Home industry. Home industry: a limited-scale sales, service or fabrication activity undertaken for financial gain, which occurs in a dwelling unit or residential accessory building, or in a barn or other resource accessory building and is subordinate to the primary use of the site as a residence. (Ord. 13022 § 7, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 161, 1993).

21A.06.610 Home occupation. Home occupation: a limited-scale service or fabrication activity undertaken for financial gain, which occurs in a dwelling unit or accessory building and is subordinate to the primary use of the site as a residence. (Ord. 13022 § 8, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 162, 1993).

21A.06.613 Household. Household: one or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit. (Ord. 19881 § 126, 2024).

21A.06.615 Household pets. Household pets: small animals that are kept within a dwelling unit. (Ord. 10870 § 163, 1993).

21A.06.617 Houseplex. Houseplex: a building containing between three and nine dwelling units sharing a common roof, wall, or floor. A single detached residence or duplex with one or more accessory dwelling units is not considered a houseplex. (Ord. 19881 § 127, 2024).

21A.06.620 Hydroelectric generation facility. Hydroelectric generation facility: an establishment for the generation of electricity using water sources. (Ord. 10870 § 164, 1993).

21A.06.625 Impervious surface. Impervious surface: A nonvertical surface artificially covered or hardened so as to prevent or impede the percolation of water into the soil mantle at natural infiltration rates including, but not limited to, roofs, swimming pools and areas that are paved, graveled or made of packed or oiled earthen materials such as roads, walkways or parking areas. "Impervious surface" does not include landscaping and surface water flow control and water quality treatment facilities. (15051 § 66, 2004: Ord. 13190 § 14, 1998: Ord. 11978 § 3, 1995: Ord. 11802 § 2, 1995: Ord. 10870 § 165, 1993).

21A.06.628 Impoundment. Impoundment: a body of water collected in a reservoir, pond or dam or collected as a consequence of natural disturbance events. (Ord. 15051 § 67, 2004).

21A.06.630 Improved public roadways. Improved public roadways: public road rights-of-way that have been improved with at least two travel lanes and are maintained by either King County or the state of Washington. (Ord. 10870 § 166, 1993).

21A.06.635 Individual transportation and taxi. Individual transportation and taxi: an establishment engaged in furnishing individual or small group transportation by motor vehicle, including only uses located in SIC Industry Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 412-Taxicabs; and

B. 4119-Local Passenger Transportation, not elsewhere Classified. (Ord. 10870 § 167, 1993).

21A.06.637 Infiltration rate. Infiltration rate: the rate of water entry into the soil expressed in inches per hour. (Ord. 11210 § 27, 1994).

21A.06.638 Instream structure. Instream structure: anything placed or constructed below the ordinary high water mark, including, but not limited to, weirs, culverts, fill and natural materials and excluding dikes, levees, revetments and other bank stabilization facilities. (Ord. 15051 § 68, 2004).

21A.06.640 Interim recycling facility. Interim recycling facility: a site or establishment engaged in collection or treatment of recyclable materials, which is not the final disposal site, and including:

A. Drop boxes;

B. Collection, separation and shipment of glass, metal, paper or other recyclables. (Ord. 15032 § 5, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 168, 1993).

21A.06.641 Interlocal agreement. Interlocal agreement: for purposes of K.C.C. 21A.28, interlocal agreement means any agreement between the county, the district, and any city setting forth certain terms relating to the collection of impact fees by the county and distribution of those fees to the district. An interlocal agreement shall not be required where the county is the sole jurisdiction within the boundaries of the district that is assessing impact fees. (Ord. 11621 § 24, 1994).

21A.06.641C Invasive vegetation. Invasive vegetation: a plant species listed as obnoxious weeds on the noxious weed list adopted King County department of natural resources and parks. (Ord. 15051 § 69, 2004).

21A.06.642 Irrigation efficiency. Irrigation efficiency: is the coefficient of the amount of water beneficially used divided by the amount of water applied. This coefficient is derived from actual measurements and an evaluation of the general characteristics of the type of irrigation system and management practices proposed. (Ord. 11210 § 26, 1994).

21A.06.645 Jail. Jail: a facility operated by a governmental agency; designed, staffed and used for the incarceration of persons for the purposes of punishment, correction and rehabilitation following conviction of an offense. (Ord. 10870 § 169, 1993).

21A.06.650 Jail farm. Jail farm: a farm or camp on which persons convicted of minor law violations are confined and participate in agriculture and other work activities of the facility. (Ord. 10870 § 170, 1993).

21A.06.653 Jetty. Jetty: an artificial barrier used to change the natural littoral drift to protect inlet entrances from clogging by excess sediment. (Ord. 16985 § 78, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 224, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.250).

21A.06.655 Jewelry store. Jewelry store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of a variety of jewelry products, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5944-Jewelry Stores; and

B. Gem stones and Rock specimens found in 5999. (Ord. 10870 § 171, 1993).

21A.06.658 Joint use driveway. Joint use driveway: A jointly owned and/or maintained vehicular access to two residential properties. (Ord. 11621 § 25, 1994).

21A.06.660 Kennel, commercial. Kennel, commercial: an establishment or facility where four or more dogs are kept for commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, boarding, breeding, and training. A commercial kennel does not include a dog daycare facility. (Ord. 19881 § 128, 2024: Ord. 17841 § 14, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 172, 1993).

21A.06.660A Kennel, hobby.

A. Kennel, hobby: a noncommercial kennel at or adjoining a private residence where four or more adult dogs are bred or kept for any combination of hunting, training and exhibition for organized shows, for field, working or obedience trials or for the enjoyment of the species.

B. For purposes of this section, "noncommercial purposes" includes:

1. The breeding and sale of no more than one litter per applicable license year per female dog; and

2. The training of dogs, but not for compensation. (Ord. 17841 § 15, 2014).

21A.06.661 Kennel-free dog boarding and daycare. Kennel-free dog boarding and daycare: Dog boarding or daycare facility that utilizes rooms or outdoor exercise area, rather than cages or cement floored runs, to allow for and encourage the socialization, interaction and exercise of dogs. (Ord. 15816 § 3, 2007).

21A.06.662 Kitchen or kitchen facility. Kitchen or kitchen facility: an area within a building intended for the preparation and storage of food and containing:

A. An appliance for the refrigeration of food;

B. An appliance for the cooking or heating of food; and

C. A sink. (Ord. 12786 § 1, 1997).

21A.06.665 Landfill. Landfill: a disposal site or part of a site at which refuse is deposited. (Ord. 10870 § 173, 1993).

21A.06.667 Landscape water features. Landscape water features: a pond, pool or fountain used as a decorative component of a development. (Ord. 11210 § 28, 1994).

21A.06.670 Landscaping. Landscaping: live vegetative materials required for a development. Said materials provided along the boundaries of a development site is referred to as perimeter landscaping. (Ord. 11210 § 36, 1994: Ord. 10870 § 174, 1993).

21A.06.675 Landslide. Landslide: episodic downslope movement of a mass including, but not limited to, soil, rock or snow. (Ord. 10870 § 175, 1993).

21A.06.680 Landslide hazard area. Landslide hazard area: an area subject to severe risk of landslide, such as:

A. An area with a combination of:

1. Slopes steeper than fifteen percent of inclination;

2. Impermeable soils, such as silt and clay, frequently interbedded with granular soils, such as sand and gravel; and

3. Springs or ground water seepage;

B. An area that has shown movement during the Holocene epoch, which is from ten thousand years ago to the present, or that is underlain by mass wastage debris from that epoch;

C. Any area potentially unstable as a result of rapid stream incision, stream bank erosion or undercutting by wave action;

D. An area that shows evidence of or is at risk from snow avalanches; or

E. An area located on an alluvial fan, presently or potentially subject to inundation by debris flows or deposition of stream-transported sediments. (Ord. 15051 § 70, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 176, 1993).

21A.06.685 Level of service ("LOS"), traffic. Level of service ("LOS") traffic: a quantitative measure of traffic congestion identified by a declining letter scale (A-F) as calculated by the methodology contained in the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209 or as calculated by another method approved by the department of local services. LOS "A" indicates free flow of traffic with no delays while LOS "F" indicates jammed conditions or extensive delay. (Ord. 18791 § 165, 2018: Ord. 14199 § 231, 2001: Ord. 10870 § 177, 1993).

21A.06.690 Light equipment. Light equipment: hand-held tools and construction equipment, such as chain saws, wheelbarrows and post-hole diggers. (Ord. 10870 § 178, 1993).

21A.06.695 Livestock. Livestock: grazing animals kept either in open fields or structures for training, boarding, home use, sales, or breeding and production, including but not limited to:

A. Cattle;

B. Riding and draft horses;

C. Hogs, excluding pigs weighing under 120 lbs. and standing 20 inches or less at the shoulder which are kept as pets or small animals;

D. Sheep; and

E. Goats. (Ord. 10870 § 179, 1993).

21A.06.700 Livestock, large. Livestock, large: cattle, horses, and other livestock generally weighing over 500 pounds. (Ord. 10870 § 180, 1993).

21A.06.705 Livestock, small. Livestock, small: hogs, excluding pigs weighing under 120 lbs. and standing 20 inches or less at the shoulder which are kept as household pets or small animals, sheep, goats, miniature horses, llamas, alpaca and other livestock generally weighing under 500 pounds. (Ord. 10870 § 181, 1993).

21A.06.707 Livestock heavy use area. Livestock heavy use area: an enclosure, typically constructed with footing material, such as gravel, used to keep grazing livestock off pasture from late fall through early spring or when pastures are grazed down to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality and improve pasture productivity, aesthetics and livestock health. (Ord. 17539 § 21, 2013).

21A.06.708 Livestock manure storage facility. Livestock manure storage facility: an impoundment made by constructing an embankment, pit or structure for the purpose of temporarily storing manure, liquid or slurry manure, agricultural wastewater or other organic agricultural waste before agronomic use to facilitate nutrient management and protect water quality. (Ord. 17539 § 22, 2013).

21A.06.710 Livestock sales. Livestock sales: the sale of livestock but not including auctions. (Ord. 10870 § 182, 1993).

21A.06.715 Loading space. Loading space: a space for the temporary parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading cargo or passengers. (Ord. 10870 § 183, 1993).

21A.06.717 Local distribution gas storage tank. Local distribution gas storage tank: a tank from which illuminating, heating, or liquefied gas is distributed by piping directly to individual users. A local distribution gas storage tank is not a fossil fuel facility. (Ord. 19146 § 32, 2020: Ord. 11157 § 29, 1993: Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.150).

21A.06.720 Log storage. Log storage: a facility for the open or enclosed storage of logs which may include repair facilities for equipment used on-site or operations offices. (Ord. 10870 § 184, 1993).

21A.06.725 Lot. Lot: a physically separate and distinct parcel of property, which has been created pursuant to K.C.C. Title 19, Subdivision. (Ord. 10870 § 185, 1993).

21A.06.730 Lot line, interior. Lot line, interior: lot lines that delineate property boundaries along those portions of the property which do not abut a street. (Ord. 10870 § 186, 1993).

21A.06.731 Maintenance. Maintenance: the usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse or cessation from a lawfully established condition without any expansion of or significant change from that originally established condition. Activities within landscaped areas within areas subject to native vegetation retention requirements may be considered "maintenance" only if they maintain or enhance the canopy and understory cover. "Maintenance" includes repair work but does not include replacement work. When maintenance is conducted specifically in accordance with the Regional Road Maintenance Guidelines, the definition of "maintenance" in the glossary of those guidelines supersedes the definition of "maintenance" in this section. (Ord. 15051 § 73, 2004).

21A.06.732 Manufactured home. Manufactured home: A factory-built dwelling built in accordance with regulations adopted under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Manufactured home does not include a recreational vehicle. (Ord. 19881 § 129, 2024: Ord. 15606 § 6, 2006: Ord. 15051 § 74, 2004).

21A.06.733 Manufactured home community. Manufactured home community: a development with two or more pads or spaces designed to accommodate manufactured homes or mobile homes. Manufactured home communities may include utilities, parking, common spaces, and other shared amenities. (Ord. 19881 § 130, 2024).

21A.06.734 Mapping partner. Mapping partner: any organization or individual that is involved in the development and maintenance of a draft flood boundary work map, Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map or Flood Insurance Rate Map. (Ord. 15051 § 75, 2004).

21A.06.735 Marina. Marina: an establishment providing docking, moorage space and related activities limited to the provisioning or minor repair of pleasure boats and yachts; and accessory facilities including, but not limited to:

A. Showers;

B. Toilets; and

C. Self-service laundries. (Ord. 10870 § 187, 1993).

21A.06.738 Master program, shoreline. Master program, shoreline: the comprehensive shoreline use plan for King County consisting of:

A. The King County shoreline management goals and policies, set forth in King County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6, that guide environmental designations, shoreline protection, shoreline use and shoreline modifications; and

B. The development regulations identified in K.C.C. 20.12.200. (Ord. 18767 § 2, 2018: Ord. 16985 § 80, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 228, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.290).

21A.06.740 Material error. Material error: substantive information upon which a permit decision is based that is submitted in error or is omitted at the time of permit application. (Ord. 10870 § 188, 1993).

21A.06.742 Materials processing facility. Materials processing facility:

A. A site or establishment, not accessory to a mineral extraction or sawmill use, that is primarily engaged in crushing, grinding, pulverizing or otherwise preparing earth materials, vegetation, organic waste, construction and demolition materials or source separated organic materials and that is not the final disposal site; and
B. A site or establishment lawfully established before October 10, 2004, as an interim recycling facility for processing source separated, organic materials. (Ord. 17539 § 23, 2013: Ord. 15032 § 6, 2004)

21A.06.743 Maximum extent practical. Maximum extent practical: the highest level of effectiveness that can be achieved through the use of best available science or technology. In determining what is the "maximum extent practical," the department shall consider, at a minimum, the effectiveness, engineering feasibility, commercial availability, safety and cost of the measures. (Ord. 15051 § 76, 2004).

21A.06.744 Microshelter. Microshelter: a structure that is less than two hundred square feet and designed for people to temporarily reside. (Ord. 19881 § 131, 2024).

21A.06.744L Microshelter village. Microshelter village: a permanent site containing multiple microshelters and may provide cooking facilities or meals, hygiene facilities, including restrooms and showers, and a shared gathering space. (Ord. 19881 § 132, 2024).

21A.06.745 Microwave. Microwave: electromagnetic waves with a frequency range of 300 megahertz (MHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). (Ord. 10870 § 189, 1993).

21A.06.747 Midblock connection. Midblock connection: An at-grade pedestrian, cycling, or vehicle connection that is accessible to the public and extends through a block, parcel, or lot, and includes but is not limited to a walkway, path, street, or limited access route through public or private land. (Ord. 19687 § 6, 2023).

21A.06.750 Mitigation. Mitigation: an action taken to compensate for adverse impacts to the environment resulting from a development activity or alteration. (Ord. 15051 § 77, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 190, 1993).

21A.06.751 Mitigation bank. Mitigation bank: a property that has been protected in perpetuity and approved by appropriate county, state and federal agencies expressly for the purpose of providing compensatory mitigation in advance of authorized impacts through any combination of restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands and, in exceptional circumstances, preservation of adjacent wetlands and wetland buffers or protection of other aquatic or wildlife resources. (Ord. 15051 § 78, 2004: Ord. 11621 § 26, 1994).

21A.06.752 Mitigation banking. Mitigation banking: a system for providing compensatory mitigation in advance of authorized wetland impacts of development in King County in which credits are generated through restoration, creation, and/or enhancement of wetlands, and in exceptional circumstances, preservation of adjacent wetlands, wetland buffers, and/or other aquatic resources. (Ord. 11621 § 27, 1994).

21A.06.752M Mixed-use. Mixed-use: a site containing one or more dwelling units and nonresidential uses. (Ord. 19881 § 133, 2024).

21A.06.753 Mixed-use development. Mixed-use development: a combination of residential and non-residential uses within the same building or site as part of an integrated development project with functional interrelationships and coherent physical design. (Ord. 14045 § 5, 2001).

21A.06.755 Mobile home. Mobile home: a factory-built dwelling built prior to June 15, 1976, to standards other than the United States department of housing and urban development code, and acceptable under applicable state codes in effect at the time of construction or introduction of the home into the state. Mobile home does not include a recreational vehicle. (Ord. 19881 § 134, 2024: Ord. 15606 § 7, 2006: Ord. 10870 § 191, 1993).

21A.06.762 Mobile vendor. Mobile vendor: a business that sells food, drinks, goods, or merchandise from a motor vehicle, cart, trailer, tent, or table, that is capable of being set up and taken down in one day, is readily movable, and would not qualify as a structure under K.C.C. 21A.06.1255. (Ord. 19881 § 135, 2024).

21A.06.765 Monitoring. Monitoring: evaluating the impacts of development proposals on biologic, hydrologic and geologic systems and assessing the performance of required mitigation through the collection and analysis of data for the purpose of understanding and documenting changes in natural ecosystems, functions and features including, but not limited to, gathering baseline data. (Ord. 10870 § 193, 1993).

21A.06.770 Monuments, tombstones, and gravestones sales. Monuments, tombstones, and gravestones sales: the retail sale of custom stonework products including only uses located in SIC Industry No. 5599-Monuments, finished to custom order, Tombstones and Gravestones finished. (Ord. 10870 § 194, 1993).

21A.06.775 Motor vehicle, boat, and mobile home dealer. Motor vehicle, boat, and mobile home dealer: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of new and/or used automobiles, motor homes, motorcycles, trailers, boats, or mobile homes, including only uses located in SIC Industries:

A. 5511-Motor Vehicle Dealers (New and Used);

B. 5521-Motor Vehicle Dealers (Used Only);

C. 5551-Boat Dealers;

D. 5561-Recreational Vehicle Dealers;

E. 5571-Motorcycle Dealers;

F. 5599, Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified, except Aircraft Dealers;

G. 5271-Mobile Home Dealers; and

H. 7389, limited to Yacht brokers. (Ord. 19881 § 137, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 195, 1993).

21A.06.782 Mulch. Mulch: any material such as leaves, bark, straw left loose and applied to the soil surface to reduce evaporation. (Ord. 11210 § 29, 1994).

21A.06.785 Municipal water production. Municipal water production: the collection and processing of surface water through means of dams or other methods of impoundment for municipal water systems. (Ord. 11157 § 7, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 197, 1993).

21A.06.787 Music and dance entertainment venue. Music and dance entertainment venue: a business in which the primary purpose of the business is to provide entertainment to its patrons in the form of dancing and live or electronic music. (Ord. 17178 § 4, 2011).

21A.06.790 Native vegetation. Native vegetation: plant species indigenous to the Puget Sound region that reasonably could be expected to naturally occur on the site. (Ord. 15051 § 79, 2004; Ord. 10870 § 198, 1993).

21A.06.793 Natural area. Natural area: Properties or tracts whose primary purpose is to conserve and restore ecological value. They may not be completely natural and undisturbed but may be important in preserving rare or vanishing flora, fauna, geological sites, or features of scientific, traditional, cultural, or educational value. These sites may allow public use in ways that avoid and minimize harm to the ecological resources of the site to the maximum extent feasible. (Ord. 19881 § 137, 2024).

21A.06.795 Naturalized species. Naturalized species: non-native species of vegetation that are adaptable to the climatic conditions of the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest. (Ord. 10870 § 199, 1993).

21A.06.796 Navigability or navigable. Navigability or navigable: the capability of susceptibility of a body of water of having been or being used for the transport of useful commerce. The state of Washington considers all bodies of water meandered by government surveyors as navigable unless otherwise declared by a court. (Ord. 16985 § 81, 2010).

21A.06.796A Nearshore. Nearshore: the area beginning at the crest of coastal bluffs and extending seaward through the marine photics zone, and to the head of tide in coastal rivers and streams. Nearshore includes estuaries. (Ord. 16985 § 82, 2010).

21A.06.797 Net buildable area. Net buildable area: the "site area" less the following areas:

A. Areas within a project site that are required to be dedicated for public rights-of-way in excess of sixty feet in width;

B. Critical areas and their buffers to the extent they are required by K.C.C. chapter 21A.24 to remain undeveloped;

C. Areas required for storm water control facilities other than facilities that are completely underground, including, but not limited to, retention or detention ponds, biofiltration swales and setbacks from such ponds and swales;

D. Areas required to be dedicated or reserved as on-site recreation areas;

E. Regional utility corridors; and

F. Other areas, excluding setbacks, required to remain undeveloped. (Ord. 15051 § 80, 2004: Ord. 11798 § 3, 1995: Ord. 11555 § 2, 1994).

21A.06.799 No net loss of shoreline ecological function. No net loss of shoreline ecological function: the maintenance of the aggregate total of King County shoreline ecological functions over time. The no net loss standard in WAC 173-26-186 requires that the impacts of shoreline use or development, whether permitted or exempt from permit requirements, be identified and mitigated such that there are no resulting adverse impacts on ecological functions or processes. (Ord. 16985 § 127, 2010).

21A.06.799A Noncommercial native salmon net pens. Noncommercial native salmon net pens: underwater net facilities used for the raising of salmonid species indigenous to the Puget Sound region for the purposes of species recovery and restoration, or tribal or recreational catch. (Ord. 19034 § 12, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 127, 2010).

21A.06.800 Nonconformance. Nonconformance: a use, improvement or structure established in conformance with King County's rules and regulations and other applicable local and state rules and regulations in effect at the time the use, improvement or structure was established that no longer conforms to King County's rules and regulations or other applicable local and state rules and regulations due to changes in the rules and regulations or their application to the subject property. (Ord. 17841 § 16, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 200, 1993).

21A.06.805 Non-hydroelectric generation facility. Non-hydroelectric generation facility: an establishment for the generation of electricity by nuclear reaction, burning fossil fuels or other electricity generation methods, excluding renewable energy. (Ord. 19146 § 36, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 201, 1993).

21A.06.810 Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation ("NIER"). Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation ("NIER"): electromagnetic radiation of low photon energy unable to cause ionization. (Ord. 10870 § 202, 1993).

21A.06.812 Nonnative marine finfish aquaculture. Nonnative marine finfish aquaculture: the culture or farming of marine finfish that are not indigenous to the Puget Sound region. (Ord. 19034 § 11, 2019).

21A.06.815 Noxious weed. Noxious weed: a plant species that is highly destructive, competitive or difficult to control by cultural or chemical practices, limited to any plant species listed on the state noxious weed list in chapter 16-750 WAC, regardless of the list's regional designation or classification of the species. (Ord. 15051 § 81, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 203, 1993).

21A.06.817 Off-street required parking lot. Off-street required parking lot; parking facilities constructed to meet the off-street parking requirements of K.C.C. 21A.18 for land uses located on a lot separate from the parking facilities. (Ord. 13022 § 4, 1998).

21A.06.820 Open-work fence. Open-work fence: a fence in which the solid portions are evenly distributed and constitute no more than fifty (50) percent of the total surface area. (Ord. 10870 § 204, 1993).

21A.06.825 Ordinary high water mark. Ordinary high water mark: the mark found by examining the bed and banks of a stream, lake, pond or tidal water and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and long maintained in ordinary years as to mark upon the soil a vegetative character distinct from that of the abutting upland. In an area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the line of mean high water in areas adjoining freshwater or mean higher high tide in areas adjoining saltwater is the "ordinary high water mark." In an area where neither can be found, the top of the channel bank is the "ordinary high water mark." In braided channels and alluvial fans, the ordinary high water mark or line of mean high water include the entire water or stream feature. (Ord. 15051 § 82, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 205, 1993).

21A.06.830 Outdoor performance center. Outdoor performance center: an establishment for the performing arts with open-air seating for audiences. Such establishments may include related services such as food and beverage sales and other concessions. (Ord. 10870 § 206, 1993).

21A.06.830K Outdoor resource-based recreation. Outdoor resource-based recreation: recreational activities that rely upon their setting in or near natural resource lands for their enjoyment, including but not limited to, hiking, rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, climbing, or similar activities necessitating an outdoor setting. (Ord. 19881 § 138, 2024).

21A.06.831 Overburden-cover-to-seam-thickness ratio. Overburden-cover-to-seam-thickness ratio: the thickness as measured from the ground surface to the top of the abandoned mine working divided by the extracted thickness of the coal seam, expressed as a ratio. A ten foot extracted coal seam will have a 10:1 overburden-cover-to-seam-thickness ratio at a depth of one hundred feet and a 15:1 overburden-cover-to-seam-thickness ratio at a depth of one hundred fifty feet. (Ord. 13319 § 4, 1998).

21A.06.832 Overspray. Overspray: irrigation water applied beyond the landscape area. (Ord. 11210 § 30, 1994).

21A.06.834 Paintball. A sport in which participants eliminate opponents from play by hitting them with paintballs shot from a compressed-gas-powered paintball gun. (Ord. 16267 § 14, 2008)

21A.06.835 Park. Park: a site owned by the public for recreational, exercise or amusement purposes. Park facilities include, but are not limited to:

A. Indoor facilities, such as:

1. Gymnasiums

2. Swimming pools; or

3. Activity centers;

B. Outdoor facilities, such as:

1. Playfields;

2. Fishing areas;

3. Picnic and related outdoor activity areas; or

4. Approved campgrounds;

C. Areas and trails for:

1. Hikers;

2. Equestrians;

3. Bicyclists; or

4. Off-road recreational vehicle users; and

D. Facilities for on-site maintenance. (Ord. 17841 § 17, 2014: Ord. 13022 § 9, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 207, 1993).

21A.06.837 Park, recreation or multiuse. Park, recreation or multiuse: a park owned by King County that is designated by the department of natural resources and parks in the recreation category or the multiuse category. (Ord. 17841 § 18, 2014).

21A.06.845 Parking lot aisle. Parking lot aisle: that portion of the off-street parking area used exclusively for the maneuvering and circulation of motor vehicles and in which parking is prohibited. (Ord. 10870 § 209, 1993).

21A.06.855 Parking space. Parking space: an area accessible to vehicles, improved, maintained and used for the sole purpose of parking a motor vehicle. (Ord. 10870 § 211, 1993).

21A.06.860 Parking space angle. Parking space angle: the angle measured from a reference line, generally the property line or center line of an aisle, at which motor vehicles are to be parked. (Ord. 10870 § 212, 1993).

21A.06.865 Party of record. Party of record ("POR"): a person who has submitted written comments, testified, asked to be notified or is the sponsor of a petition entered as part of the official county record on a specific development proposal. (Ord. 10870 § 213, 1993).

21A.06.870 Peak hour. Peak hour: the hour during the morning or afternoon when the most critical level of service occurs for a particular roadway or intersection. (Ord. 10870 § 214, 1993).

21A.06.875 Permanent school facilities. Permanent school facilities: facilities of a school district with a fixed foundation which are not relocatable facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 215, 1993).

21A.06.877 Permanent supportive housing. Permanent supportive housing: subsidized housing with comprehensive support services, such as healthcare, treatment, or employment services, and that is designed for persons experiencing homelessness and living with a complex and disabling behavioral or physical health condition. (Ord. 19881 § 139, 2024).

21A.06.880 Personal medical supply store. Personal medical supply store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and artificial limbs, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5995-Optical Goods Stores; and

B. 5999-Hearing Aids and Orthopedic and Artificial Limb Stores. (Ord. 10870 § 216, 1993).

21A.06.882 Personal wireless services. Personal wireless services: commercial mobile radio services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services, as defined by federal laws and regulations. (Ord. 17191 § 25, 2011).

21A.06.885 Pet shop. Pet shop: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of pets, small animals, pet supplies, or grooming of pets, including only uses located in SIC Industry No. 5999-Pet shops. (Ord. 10870 § 217, 1993).

21A.06.887 Petroleum refining and related industries. Petroleum refining and related industries: uses in SIC Industry No. 2911, excluding fossil fuel facilities. (Ord. 19146 § 37, 2020).

21A.06.890 Photographic and electronic shop. Photographic and electronic shop: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of cameras and photographic supplies, and a variety of household electronic equipment, including only uses located in SIC Industry No.:

A. 5946 - Camera and Photographic Supply Stores;

B. 5999 - Binoculars and Telescopes;

C. 5731 - Radio, Television, and Consumer Electronics Stores; and

D. 5734 - Computer and Computer Software Stores. (Ord. 10870 § 218, 1993).

21A.06.892 Pier or dock. Pier or dock: a structure built in or over, or floating upon, the water extending from the shore, that may be used as a landing place for air or water craft or recreational activities. (Ord. 16985 § 84, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 234, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.370).

21A.06.899 Potable water. Potable water: water suitable for human consumption. (Ord. 11210 § 32, 1994).

21A.06.899C Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map. Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map: the initial map issued by FEMA for public review and comment that delineates areas of flood hazard. (Ord. 15051 § 83, 2004).

21A.06.899E. Preliminary Flood Insurance Study. Preliminary Flood Insurance Study: the preliminary report provided by FEMA for public review and comment that includes flood profiles, text, data tables and photographs. (Ord. 15051 § 84, 2004).

21A.06.900 Private. Private: solely or primarily for the use of residents or occupants of the premises; e.g., a non-commercial garage used solely by residents or their guests is a private garage. (Ord. 10870 § 220, 1993).

21A.06.908 Processing operation, waste materials. Processing operation waste materials: a site or establishment, accessory to mineral extraction or sawmill use, that is primarily engaged in crushing, grinding, pulverizing or otherwise preparing earth materials, vegetation, organic waste, construction and demolition materials or recycled and source separated nonhazardous waste materials and that is not the final disposal site. (Ord. 15032 § 7, 2004).

21A.06.910 Professional office. Professional office: an office used as a place of business by licensed professionals, or persons in other generally recognized professions, which use training or knowledge of a technical, scientific or other academic discipline as opposed to manual skills, and which does not involve outside storage or fabrication, or on-site sale or transfer of commodities; including only the following SIC Major Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 64-Insurance Agents, Brokers and Service;

B. 653-Real Estate Agents and Directors;

C. 7291-Income Tax Return Preparation Services;

D. 81-Legal Services;

E. 871-Engineering, Architectural and Surveying Services;

F. 872-Accounting, Auditing and Bookkeeping Services; and

G. 874-Management and Public Relations Services. (Ord. 10870 § 222, 1993).

21A.06.913 Public access. Public access: the ability of the general public to reach, touch or enjoy the water's edge, to travel on the waters of the state and to view the water and the shoreline from adjacent locations. (Ord. 18767 § 3, 2018: Ord. 16985 § 86, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 201, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.020).

21A.06.915 Public agency. Public agency: any agency, political subdivision or unit of local government of this state including, but not limited to, municipal corporations, special purpose districts and local service districts, any agency of the State of Washington, the United States or any state thereof or any Indian tribe recognized as such by the federal government. (Ord. 10870 § 223, 1993).

21A.06.920 Public agency animal control facility. Public agency animal control facility: a facility for the impoundment and disposal of stray or abandoned small animals. (Ord. 10870 § 224, 1993).

21A.06.925 Public agency archive. Public agency archive: a facility for the enclosed storage of public agency documents or related materials, excluding storage of vehicles, equipment, or similar materials. (Ord. 10870 § 225, 1993).

21A.06.930 Public agency or utility office. Public agency or utility office: an office for the administration of any governmental or utility activity or program, with no outdoor storage and including, but not limited to uses located in SIC Major Group, Industry Group and Industry Nos.:

A. 91-Executive, Legislative, and General Government, except Finance;

B. 93-Public Finance, Taxation, and Monetary Policy;

C. 94-Administration of Human Resource Programs;

D. 95-Administration of Environmental Quality and Housing Program;

E. 96-Administration of Economic Programs;

F. 972-International Affairs;

G. 9222-Legal Counsel and Prosecution; and

H. 9229-Public Order and Safety. (Ord. 10870 § 226, 1993).

21A.06.935 Public agency or utility yard. Public agency or utility yard: a facility for open or enclosed storage, repair, and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, or related materials, excluding document storage. (Ord. 10870 § 227, 1993).

21A.06.940 Public agency training facility. Public agency training facility: an establishment or school for training state and local law enforcement, fire safety, national guard or transit personnel and facilities including but not limited to:

A. Dining and overnight accommodations;

B. Classrooms;

C. Shooting ranges;

D. Auto test tracks; and

E. Fire suppression simulations. (Ord. 10870 § 228, 1993).

21A.06.942 Public road right-of-way structure. Public road right-of-way structure: the existing, maintained, improved road right-of-way, regional light rail transit or railroad or light rail transit prism and the roadway drainage features including ditches and the associated surface water conveyance system, flow control and water quality treatment facilities and other structures that are ancillary to those facilities including catch-basins, access holes and culverts. (Ord. 16985 § 118, 2010: Ord. 16267 § 16, 2008: Ord. 15051 § 86, 2004).

21A.06.943 Public transportation amenities. Public transportation amenities: transfer of development rights (TDR) amenities financed by public transportation funds that shall provide transportation improvement or programs. (Ord. 14190 § 26, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 1, 2000).

21A.06.944 Puget Sound counties. Puget Sound counties: the twelve counties that border the waters of Puget Sound. (Ord. 15032 § 8, 2004).

21A.06.944C Racetrack. Racetrack: an establishment offering services and uses located in:

A. SIC Industry No. 7948; or

B. A regional motor sports facility. (Ord. 17287 § 8, 2012).

21A.06.945 Radio frequency. Radio frequency: the number of times the current from a given source of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation changes from a maximum positive level through a maximum negative level and back to a maximum positive level in one second; measured in cycles per second or Hertz ("Hz"). (Ord. 10870 § 229, 1993).

21A.06.950 Reasonable use. Reasonable use: a legal concept articulated by federal and state courts in regulatory taking cases. (Ord. 10870 § 230, 1993).

21A.06.955 Receiving site. Receiving site: land for which allowable residential density is increased over the base density permitted by the underlying zone, by virtue of permanently securing and dedicating to King County, or another qualifying agency, the development potential of an associated sending site. (Ord. 10870 § 231, 1993).

21A.06.957 Reclamation. Reclamation: the final grading and restoration of a site to establish the vegetative cover, soil surface water, and groundwater conditions appropriate to accommodate and sustain all allowed uses of the proposed zone appropriate for the site. (Ord. 19881 § 140, 2024: Ord. 15051 § 87, 2004).

21A.06.958 Recreation, active. Recreation, active: structured individual or team activity that requires the use of special facilities, courses, fields or equipment. Active recreation requires a significant level of development, use and programming. Active recreation includes, but is not limited to, organized sporting events, such as baseball, football, soccer, golf, hockey, tennis and skateboarding, and to large-scale group picnics, gatherings and social events. (Ord. 15606 § 8, 2006).

21A.06.9585 Recreation, passive. Recreation, passive: recreational activities that do not require prepared facilities like sports fields or pavilions. Passive recreational activities place minimal stress on a site's resources and are highly compatible with natural resource protection. Passive recreation include, but is not limited to, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, observing and photographing nature, picnicking, walking, bird watching, historic and archaeological exploration, swimming, bicycling, running/jogging, climbing, horseback riding and fishing. (Ord. 15606 § 9, 2006).

21A.06.959 Recreation facilities, passive. Recreation facilities, passive: facilities to support passive recreation that do not involve significant levels of infrastructure or development, including, but not limited to, open fields, trails, children's play equipment and picnic sites for a small number of people. (Ord. 15606 § 10, 2006).

21A.06.960 Recreational vehicle ("RV"). Recreational vehicle ("RV"): a vehicle designed primarily for recreational camping, travel or seasonal use which has its own motive power or is mounted on or towed by another vehicle, including but not limited to:

A. Travel trailer;

B. Folding camping trailer;

C. Park trailer;

D. Truck camper;

E. Park trailer;

F. Motor home; and

G. Multi-use vehicle. (Ord. 10870 § 232, 1993).

21A.06.965 Recreational vehicle parks. Recreational vehicle parks: the use of land upon which two or more recreational vehicle sites, including hook up facilities, are located for occupancy by the general public of recreational vehicles as temporary living quarters for recreation or vacation purposes. (Ord. 10870 § 233, 1993).

21A.06.967 Recuperative housing. Recuperative housing: housing that is designed for persons experiencing homelessness who require continued treatment or medical care but do not require hospitalization. (Ord. 19881 § 141, 2024).

21A.06.970 Recyclable material. Recyclable material: a non-toxic, recoverable substance that can be re-processed for the manufacture of new products. (Ord. 10870 § 234, 1993).

21A.06.971 Redesignation. Redesignation: a change in the shoreline environment designation by the procedures provided in K.C.C. chapter 20.18. (Ord. 16985 § 88, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 237, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.400).

21A.06.973 Regional light rail transit. Regional light rail transit: A public rail transit line that operates at grade level, above grade level or in a tunnel and that provides high capacity, regional transit service owned or operated by a regional transit authority authorized under chapter 81.112 RCW. A regional light rail transit system may be designed to share a street right-of-way although it may also use a separate right-of-way. (Ord. 16985 § 117, 2010).

21A.06.973C Regional motor sports facility.

Regional motor sports facility. A racetrack established through a master planning demonstration project that may include only the following uses:

A. Motor vehicle racing and driving, subject to the conditions established by the master planning demonstration project, and shall not exceed the following racing surfaces:

1. A road course;

2. A kart course;

3. A motocross course;

4. Five-sixteenth-mile oval track; and

5. Up to two drag strips;

B. The following accessory uses, if authorized by the master planning demonstration project, shall be subject to the conditions established in the development and operating agreement:

1. Fire station;

2. Driving school; and

3. Police and fire safety training; and

C. Limited uses accessory to racing activities may be allowed. Any accessory uses shall be limited to racing and racing-related vehicle uses and shall be appurtenant to the facility by providing either a service or product only to the facility or require use of the facility in connection with the use. Assembly-line or mass production, including but not limited to vehicles and vehicle parts, permanent lodging facilities and general commercial, industrial and manufacturing uses are not permitted. Accessory uses are limited to the following:

1. On-site sale of racing- or event-related items;

2. Repair, service, modification or storage of motor vehicles used primarily at the facility;

3. Custom fabrication of racing motor vehicles, or vehicle parts to be incorporated into those vehicles, that will be used primarily at the facility;

4. Motor vehicle fuel sales for event participants;

5. Daycare for people employed at the facility and event participants and spectators;

6. Food service and concessions for event participants and spectators; and

7. Short-term recreational vehicle parking for persons attending or participating in events at the facility. (Ord. 17287 § 9, 2012).

21A.06.974 Regional road maintenance guidelines. Regional road maintenance guidelines: the National Marine Fisheries Service-published Regional Road Maintenance Endangered Species Act Program Guidelines. (Ord. 15051 § 88, 2004).

21A.06.977 Regional transit authority facility. Regional transit authority facility: a light rail facility serving more than one jurisdiction. (Ord. 18671 § 2, 2018).

21A.06.980 Regional utility corridor. Regional utility corridor: a right-of-way tract or easement other than a street right-of-way which contains transmission lines or pipelines for utility companies. Right-of-way tracts or easements containing lines serving individual lots or developments are not regional utility corridors. (Ord. 10870 § 236, 1993).

21A.06.983 Religious facility. Religious facility: a place where religious services are conducted, including a church, synagogue, temple, or mosque. Religious facilities includes those uses located in SIC Industry Group 866 and accessory uses in the primary or accessory buildings, such as religious education facilities, reading rooms, assembly rooms, and residences for nuns and clergy. Religious facilities [does]* not include facilities for training of religious orders. (Ord. 19881 §143, 2024: Ord. 19881 §142, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 77, 1993. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.185).

*Reviser’s note: “does” changed to “do” in Ordinance 19881 without any strikethrough or underlining. See K.C.C. 1.24.075.

21A.06.985 Relocatable facilities cost per student. Relocatable facilities cost per student: the estimated cost of purchasing and siting a relocatable facility in a school district for the grade span of school to be provided, as a function of the district's facilities standard per grade span and taking into account the requirements of students with special needs. (Ord. 10870 § 237, 1993).

21A.06.990 Relocatable facility. Relocatable facility: any factory-built structure, transportable in one or more sections that is designed to be used as an education space and is needed to prevent the overbuilding of school facilities, to meet the needs of service areas within a district or to cover the gap between the time that families move into new residential developments and the date that construction is completed on permanent school facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 238, 1993).

21A.06.996 Remote tasting room. Remote tasting room: A small facility licensed by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board and limited to the following non-retail liquor licenses: a Craft Distillery; a Tasting Room - Additional Location for a winery licensed as a Domestic Winery; or a Microbrewery, including, but not limited to, a Microbrewery operating in accordance with an off-site tavern license subject to the retail sale limitations for a Microbrewery in WAC 314-20-015(1). "Remote tasting room" does not include any additional privileges allowed for such licenses or approvals or any use that would require a license under chapter 314-02 WAC, except as specifically set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 19030 § 13, 2019).

21A.06.996C Renewable energy generation facility. Renewable energy generation facility: a solar energy system, including a community solar project, geothermal system or a wind generator, used for generating electricity. Renewable energy generation facility does not include consumer-scale renewable energy systems. (Ord. 19146 § 38, 2020).

21A.06.997 Repair. Repair: to fix or restore to sound condition after damage. "Repair" does not include replacement of structures or systems. (Ord. 15051 § 90, 2004).

21A.06.998 Replace. Replace: to take or fill the place of a structure, fence, deck or paved surface with an equivalent or substitute structure, fence, deck or paved surface that serves the same purpose. "Replacement" may or may not involve an expansion. (Ord. 15051 § 91, 2004).

21A.06.1000 Restoration. Restoration: for purposes of critical areas regulation, an action that reestablishes the structure and functions of a critical area or any associated buffer that has been altered. (Ord. 15051 § 92, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 240, 1993).

21A.06.1002 Resource land tract. Resource land tract: a tract of land, created through a subdivision or short subdivision cluster development in the RA zone, that may be used as a working forest or farm. (Ord. 14045 § 9, 2001).

21A.06.1005 Retail, comparison. Retail, comparison: provides for the sale of comparison good and services and is centrally located in the community or region. (Ord. 10870 § 241, 1993).

21A.06.1010 Retail, convenience. Retail, convenience: provides for daily living goods, is easy to access and use and is close to residential neighborhoods. (Ord. 10870 § 242, 1993).

21A.06.10105 Retail nursery, garden center and farm supply store. Retail nursery, garden center and farm supply store: an establishment primarily engaged in retailing to the general public:

A. Trees, shrubs, other plants, seeds, bulbs, mulches, soil conditioners, fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, landscaping materials and other garden supplies; and

B. Animal feeds, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, pesticides, seeds and other farm supplies. (Ord. 15974 § 4, 2007).

21A.06.1011 Retaining wall. Retaining wall: any wall used to resist the lateral displacement of any material. (Ord. 12987 § 2, 1998).

21A.06.1011A Road amenities. Road amenities: transfer of development rights (TDR) amenities financed by road CIP or operating funds that shall provide transportation improvements or programs. (Ord. 14190 § 27, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 2, 2000).

21A.06.1011C Roadway. Roadway: the maintained areas cleared and graded within a road right-of-way or railroad prism. For a road right-of-way, "roadway" includes all maintained and traveled areas, shoulders, pathways, sidewalks, ditches and cut and fill slopes. For a railroad prism, "roadway" includes the maintained railbed, shoulders, and cut and fill slopes. "Roadway" is equivalent to the "existing, maintained, improved road right-of-way or railroad prism" as defined in the regional road maintenance guidelines. (Ord. 15051 § 93, 2004).

21A.06.1012 Runoff. Runoff: water not absorbed by the soil in the landscape area to which it is applied. (Ord. 11210 § 34, 1994).

21A.06.1013 Rural equestrian community trail. Rural equestrian community trail: an existing trail located in the A, F, or RA zones that has historically been used by the public for riding horses, and that may also have historically been used by or is suitable for use by other active transportation, as defined in K.C.C. 14.01.005 trail users. (Ord. 19881 § 144, 2024: Ord. 17841 § 19, 2014: Ord. 14045 § 7, 2001).

21A.06.1014 Rural forest focus areas. Rural forest focus areas: Mapped geographic areas where special efforts to maintain forest cover and the practice of sustainable forestry are warranted. (Ord. 14045 § 8, 2001).

21A.06.1014F Rural public infrastructure maintenance facility. Rural public infrastructure maintenance facility: a facility operated by a public agency primarily for the maintenance of public roads, parks, regional trails and other public infrastructure located outside of the urban growth area. Uses within the facility may include the following, if primarily devoted to rural public infrastructure maintenance:

A. Public agency office;

B. Public agency yard;

C. Materials processing facility;

D. Vactor waste receiving facility;

E. Sand and gravel extraction;

F. Soil recycling; and

G. Renewable energy facilities, such as solar panels and wind turbines. (Ord. 15938 § 1, 2007).

21A.06.1014P Safe parking. Safe parking: a site designated for unsheltered people to reside in a recreational vehicle or vehicle and may provide on-site services and utilities. (Ord. 19881 § 145, 2024).

21A.06.1015 Salmonid. Salmonid: a member of the fish family Salmonidae, including, but not limited to:

A. Chinook, coho, chum, sockeye and pink salmon;

B. Rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat salmon, which are also known as trout;

C. Brown trout;

D. Brook, bull trout, which is also known as char, and Dolly Varden char;

E. Kokanee; and

F. Pygmy whitefish. (Ord. 15051 § 94, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 243, 1993).

21A.06.1020 School bus base. School bus base: an establishment for the storage, dispatch, repair and maintenance of coaches and other vehicles of a school transit system. (Ord. 10870 § 244, 1993).

21A.06.1025 School district. School district: any school district in King County whose boundaries include unincorporated areas of the county. (Ord. 10870 § 245, 1993).

21A.06.1030 School district support facility. School district support facility: uses (excluding schools and bus bases) that are required for the operation of a school district. This term includes school district administrative offices, centralized kitchens, and maintenance or storage facilities. (Ord. 10870 § 246, 1993).

21A.06.1035 Schools, elementary, and middle/junior high. Schools, elementary, and middle/junior high: public or private institutions of learning offering instruction in the several branches of learning and study required by the Education Code of the State of Washington in grades kindergarten through nine, including associated meeting rooms, auditoriums and athletic facilities. (Ord. 17191 § 26, 2011: Ord. 10870 § 247, 1993).

21A.06.1040 Schools, secondary or high school. Schools, secondary or high school: public or private institutions of learning offering instruction in the several branches of learning and study required by the Education Code of the State of Washington in grades nine through twelve, including associated meeting rooms, auditoriums and athletic facilities. (Ord. 17191 § 27, 2011: Ord. 10870 § 248, 1993).

21A.06.1043 Secure community transition facility ("SCTF"). Secure community transition facility ("SCFT"): A facility for persons civilly committed and conditionally released to a less restrictive alternative in accordance with chapter 71.09 RCW. A secure community transition facility has supervision and security, and either provides or ensures the provision of sex offender treatment services. (Ord. 14503 § 2, 2002).

21A.06.1044 Sea level rise protection elevation. Sea level rise protection elevation: three feet above the base flood elevation identified in the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map, dated August 19, 2020, for the adjacent coastal high hazard area flood zone. The sea level rise protection elevation only applies to Vashon-Maury Island. (Ord. 19146 § 39, 2020).

21A.06.1044C Sea level rise risk area. Sea level rise risk area: lands on Vashon-Maury Island adjacent to a coastal high hazard area that extend landward to an elevation three feet above the base flood elevation identified in the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Map, dated August 19, 2020, for the adjacent coastal high hazard area flood zone. (Ord. 19146 § 40, 2020).

21A.06.1044H Search and rescue facility. Search and rescue facility: a multiuse facility operated by a nonprofit organization or organizations that, under direction from or in collaboration with a law enforcement agency, utilize emergency workers to conduct search and rescue operations as described in chapter 118-04 WAC. A search and rescue facility may include areas and spaces used for search and rescue activities and operations, such as:

A. Indoor and outdoor training areas;

B. Administrative offices and associated food preparation and dining facilities;

C. Equipment storage and maintenance areas;

D. Vehicle storage and maintenance areas;

E. Meeting space;

F. An assembly hall, which is a large room used for the assembly of persons without fixed seats or a permanent stage; and

G. Helistops and helicopter fueling, maintenance and storage, including hangars. (Ord. 19331 § 2, 2021)

21A.06.1045 Seismic hazard area. Seismic hazard area: an area subject to severe risk of earthquake damage from seismically induced settlement or lateral spreading as a result of soil liquefaction in an area underlain by cohesionless soils of low density and usually in association with a shallow groundwater table. (Ord. 15051 § 95, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 249, 1993).

21A.06.1050 Self-service storage facility. Self-service storage facility: an establishment containing separate storage spaces that are leased or rented as individual units. (Ord. 10870 § 250, 1993).

21A.06.1055 Sending site. Sending site: land designated in K.C.C. 21A.36 as capable of providing a public benefit if permanently protected by virtue of having its zoned development potential transferred to another property. (Ord. 10870 § 251, 1993).

21A.06.1060 Senior. Senior: a person aged sixty-two years or older. (Ord. 19881 § 146, 2024: Ord. 11157 § 8, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 252, 1993).

21A.06.1062 Senior assisted housing. Senior assisted housing: a building consisting of two or more dwelling units or sleeping units restricted to occupancy by seniors, and may include the following support services:

A. Food preparation and dining areas;

B. Group activity areas;

C. Medical supervision; and

D. Similar activities. (Ord. 19881 § 147, 2024: Ord. 11157 § 9, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 634 (part), 1993 [Originally Ord. 10870 § 112]).

21A.06.1070 Setback. Setback: the minimum required distance between a structure and a specified line such as a lot, easement or buffer line that is required to remain free of structures. (Ord. 10870 § 254, 1993).

21A.06.1080 Shooting range. Shooting range: a facility designed to provide a confined space for safe target practice with firearms, archery equipment, or other weapons. (Ord. 10870 § 256, 1993).

21A.06.1081 Shorelands. Shorelands:

A. Lands extending landward two hundred feet in all directions as measured on a horizontal plane from the ordinary high water mark;

B. Floodways and contiguous floodplain areas landward two hundred feet from such floodways;

C. All wetlands and river deltas associated with streams, lakes and tidal waters; and

D. The one-hundred-year floodplain. (Ord. 19034 § 13, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 89, 2010).

21A.06.1082 Shoreline. Shoreline: all of the water areas of the state, including reservoirs, and their associated shorelands, together with the lands underlying them; except:

A. Shorelines of statewide significance;

B. Shorelines on segments of streams upstream of a point where the mean annual flow is twenty cubic feet per second or less and the wetlands associated with such upstream segments; and

C. Shorelines on lakes less than twenty acres in size and wetlands associated with such small lakes. (Ord. 19034 § 14, 2019: Ord. 15051 § 97, 2004).

21A.06.1082A Shoreline conditional use. Shoreline conditional use: a shoreline use that is allowed only if it meets the criteria established in K.C.C. 21A.44.100. (Ord. 18767 § 4, 2018: Ord. 16985 § 91, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 247, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.460).

21A.06.1082B Shoreline jurisdiction. Shoreline jurisdiction: all shorelines of the state, including shorelines, shorelines of statewide significance, shorelands and the one-hundred-year floodplain. (Ord. 19034 § 15, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 92, 2010).

21A.06.1082C Shoreline stabilization. Shoreline stabilization: a structure, device, or action used to address erosion impacts or to alter normal currents, wave actions, or other natural forces or actions of a waterbody. Shoreline stabilization falls on a spectrum of measures from nonstructural, soft structural, and hard, including, but not limited to, relocation of structures, building setbacks, upland drainage control, revegetation, beach nourishment, drift log placement, riprap, groins, revetments, bulkheads, and seawalls. Shoreline stabilization does not include flood protection facilities. (Ord. 19881 § 148, 2024: Ord. 16985 § 94, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 251, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.480).

21A.06.1082D Shoreline variance. Shoreline variance: an adjustment in the application of the regulations of the shoreline management master program consistent with WAC 173-27-170 and K.C.C. 21A.44.090. (Ord. 19034 § 16, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 96, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 248, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.470).

21A.06.1083A Shorelines of statewide significance. Shorelines of statewide significance: those shorelines described in RCW 90.58.030(2)(f) that are within the unincorporated portion of King County. (Ord. 19034 § 19, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 100, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 249, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.510).

21A.06.1083B Shorelines of the state. Shorelines of the state: the total of all shorelines and shorelines of statewide significance, including the one hundred year floodplain. (Ord. 19034 § 18, 2019).

21A.06.1084 Side channel. Side channel: a channel that is secondary to and carries water to or from the main channel of a stream or the main body of a lake or estuary, including a back-watered channel or area and oxbow channel that is still connected to a stream by one or more aboveground channel connections or by inundation at the base flood. (Ord. 15051 § 98, 2004).

21A.06.1085 Sign. Sign: any device, structure, fixture, or placard that is visible from a public right-of-way or surrounding properties and uses graphics, symbols, or written copy for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods, or service. (Ord. 10870 § 257, 1993).

21A.06.1090 Sign, awning. Sign, awning: a sign painted on or attached directly to and supported by an awning. An awning may be constructed of rigid or non-rigid materials and may be retractable or non-retractable. (Ord. 13014 § 1, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 258, 1993).

21A.06.1095 Sign, changing message center. Sign, changing message center: an electrically controlled sign that contains advertising messages that changes more frequently than once every three minutes. (Ord. 16267 § 15, 2008: Ord. 10870 § 259, 1993).

21A.06.1100 Sign, community bulletin board. Sign, community bulletin board: a permanent sign used to notify the public of community events and public services, and which contains no commercial advertising. (Ord. 10870 § 260, 1993).

21A.06.1105 Sign, directional. Sign, directional: a sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to an area, place or convenience, and may include incidental graphics such as trade names and trademarks. (Ord. 10870 § 261, 1993).

21A.06.1110 Sign, freestanding. Sign, freestanding: a sign standing directly upon the ground or having one or more supports standing directly upon the ground, and being detached from any building or fence. (Ord. 10870 § 262, 1993).

21A.06.1115 Sign, fuel price. Sign, fuel price: a sign utilized to advertise the price of gasoline and/or diesel fuel. (Ord. 10870 § 263, 1993).

21A.06.1118 Sign, Heritage Trail. Sign, Heritage Trail: A sign that provides information, guidance, or educational content regarding sites of historical, cultural, or natural importance along a specific route identified by a special purpose district, chamber of commerce, historical society, or similar entity, regardless of whether the route or individual sites are designated historic sites. (Ord. 19881 § 149, 2024).

21A.06.1120 Sign, incidental. Sign, incidental: a sign, emblem or decal designed to inform the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, and may include but not limited to signs designating:

A. Restrooms;

B. Hours of operation;

C. Acceptable credit cards;

D. Property ownership or management;

E. Phone booths; and

F. Recycling containers. (Ord. 10870 § 264, 1993).

21A.06.1125 Sign, indirectly illuminated. Sign, indirectly illuminated: a sign that is illuminated entirely from an external artificial source. (Ord. 10870 § 265, 1993).

21A.06.1130 Sign, monument. Sign, monument: a freestanding sign that is above ground level and is anchored to the ground by a solid base, with no open space between the sign and the ground. (Ord. 10870 § 266, 1993).

21A.06.1135 Sign, off-premise directional. Sign, off-premise directional: a sign which contains no advertising of a commercial nature which is used to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic circulation to a facility, service or business located on other premises within six hundred and sixty feet of the sign. (Ord. 10870 § 267, 1993).

21A.06.1140 Sign, on-premise. Sign, on-premise: a sign which displays a message which is incidental to and directly associated with the use of the property on which it is located. (Ord. 10870 § 268, 1993).

21A.06.1145 Sign, permanent residential development identification. Sign, permanent residential development identification: a permanent sign identifying the residential development upon which the sign is located. (Ord. 10870 § 269, 1993).

21A.06.1150 Sign, portable. Sign, portable: a sign which is capable of being moved and is not permanently affixed to the ground, a structure or building. (Ord. 10870 § 270, 1993).

21A.06.1155 Sign, projecting. Sign, projecting: any sign which is attached to and supported by the exterior wall of a building with the exposed face of the sign on a plane perpendicular to the wall of the building; projecting more than one foot from the wall of a building and vertical to the ground. (Ord. 13014 § 2, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 271, 1993).

21A.06.1160 Sign, time and temperature. Sign, time and temperature: an electrically controlled sign that contains messages for date, time, and temperature, which changes at intervals of one minute or less. (Ord. 10870 § 272, 1993).

21A.06.1165 Sign, wall. Sign, wall: any sign painted on, or attached directly to and supported by, a building or structure; with the exposed face of the sign on a plane parallel to the portion of the building or structure to which it is attached; projecting no more than one foot from the building or structure; including window signs which are permanently attached. (Ord. 13014 § 3, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 273, 1993).

21A.06.1167 Significant tree: an existing healthy tree that is not a hazard tree (i.e. a tree that does not have a high probability of imminently falling due to a debilitating disease or structural defect) and that, when measured four and one-half feet above grade, has a minimum diameter of:

A. Eight inches for evergreen trees; or

B. Twelve inches for deciduous trees. (Ord. 13576 § 1, 1999).

21A.06.1170 Site. Site: A single lot or parcel of land, or two or more contiguous lots that are under common ownership or documented legal control, used as a single parcel for a development proposal in order to calculate compliance with the standards and regulations of this title. (Ord. 19881 § 150, 2024: Ord. 11922 § 2, 1995).

21A.06.1172 Site area. Site area: the total horizontal area of a project site. (Ord. 15051 § 99, 2004: Ord. 11555 § 1, 1994).

21A.06.1175 Site cost per student. Site cost per student: the estimated cost of a site in the district for the grade span of school to be provided, as a function of the district's facilities standard per grade span and taking into account the requirements of students with special needs. (Ord. 10870 § 275, 1993).

21A.06.1180 Ski area. Ski area: an establishment for cross-country or downhill ski runs and including, but not limited to:

A. Chair lifts;

B. Warming huts; and

C. Supporting services. (Ord. 10870 § 276, 1993).

21A.06.1181 Sleeping unit. Sleeping unit: A room designed for occupancy by a household for living and sleeping purposes, and may contain a sanitation facility or kitchen facility, but not both. Such rooms that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units. (Ord. 19881 § 151, 2024).

21A.06.1182 Slope. Slope: an inclined ground surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance. (Ord. 16267 § 17, 2008: Ord. 15051 § 100, 2004).

21A.06.1184 Social services. Social services: An establishment providing social services and rehabilitation services, including only uses located in SIC Industry Groups:

A. 832-Individual and Family Social Services;

B. 833-Job Training and Vocational Rehabilitation Services; and

C. 839-Social Services, Not Elsewhere Classified. (Ord. 19881 § 152, 2024).

21A.06.1185 Soil recycling facility. Soil recycling facility: an establishment engaged in the collection, storage and treatment of contaminated soils to remove and reuse organic contaminants. (Ord. 10870 § 277, 1993).

21A.06.1190 Source-separated organic material. Source-separated organic material: vegetative material, scrap lumber or wood, or other materials that provide a source for recycled or composted products. This does not include chemically treated wood products and/or toxic organic substances. (Ord. 10870 § 278, 1993).

21A.06.1195 Special use permit. Special use permit: a permit granted by the County to locate a regional land use at a particular location, subject to conditions placed on the proposed use to ensure compatibility with adjacent land uses. (Ord. 10870 § 279, 1993).

21A.06.1200 Specialized instruction school. Specialized instruction school: establishments engaged in providing specialized instruction in a designated field of study, rather than a full range of courses in unrelated areas; including, but not limited to:

A. Art;

B. Dance;

C. Music;

D. Cooking; and

E. Driving. (Ord. 15032 § 9, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 280, 1993).

21A.06.1205 Specified sexual activities. Specified sexual activities: human genitalia in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; or erotic fondling, touching or display of human genitalia, pubic region, buttock or breast. (Ord. 18683 § 51, 2018: Ord. 10870 § 281, 1993).

21A.06.1210 Sporting goods store. Sporting goods store: an establishment engaged in the retail sale of sporting goods and equipment, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 5941-Sporting Goods Stores and Bicycle Shops; and

B. 5999-Tent Shops and Trophy Shops. (Ord. 10870 § 282, 1993).

21A.06.1215 Sports club. Sports club: an establishment engaged in operating physical fitness facilities and sports and recreation clubs, including only uses located in SIC Industry Nos.:

A. 7991-Physical Fitness Facilities; and

B. 7997-Membership Sports and Recreation Clubs. (Ord. 10870 § 283, 1993).

21A.06.1220 Stable. Stable: a structure or facility in which horses or other livestock are kept for:

A. Boarding;

B. Training;

C. Riding lessons;

D. Breeding;

E. Rental; or

F. Personal use. (Ord. 10870 § 284, 1993).

21A.06.1225 Standard of service, school districts. Standard of service, school districts: the standard adopted by each school district which identifies the program year, the class size by grade span and taking into account the requirements of students with special needs, the number of classrooms, the types of facilities the district believes will best serve its student population, and other factors as identified by the school district. The district's standard of service shall not be adjusted for any portion of the classrooms housed in relocatable facilities which are used as transitional facilities or for any specialized facilities housed in relocatable facilities. Except as otherwise defined by the school board pursuant to a board resolution, transitional facilities shall mean those facilities that are used to cover the time required for the construction of permanent facilities; provided that, the "necessary financial commitments" as defined in Section 21A.28 are in place to complete the permanent facilities called for in the capital plan. (Ord. 10870 § 285, 1993).

21A.06.1230 Steep slope hazard area. Steep slope hazard area: an area on a slope of forty percent inclination or more within a vertical elevation change of at least ten feet. For the purpose of this definition, a slope is delineated by establishing its toe and top and is measured by averaging the inclination over at least ten feet of vertical relief. Also for the purpose of this definition:

A. The "toe" of a slope means a distinct topographic break in slope that separates slopes inclined at less than forty percent from slopes inclined at forty percent or more. Where no distinct break exists, the "toe" of a slope is the lower most limit of the area where the ground surface drops ten feet or more vertically within a horizontal distance of twenty five feet; and

B. The "top" of a slope is a distinct topographic break in slope that separates slopes inclined at less than forty percent from slopes inclined at forty percent or more. Where no distinct break exists, the "top" of a slope is the upper-most limit of the area where the ground surface drops ten feet or more vertically within a horizontal distance of twenty-five feet. (Ord. 15051 § 101, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 286, 1993).

21A.06.1235 Stream functions. Stream functions: natural processes performed by streams including functions which are important in facilitating food chain production, providing habitat for nesting, rearing and resting sites for aquatic, terrestrial and avian species, maintaining the availability and quality of water, such as purifying water, acting as recharge and discharge areas for groundwater aquifers, moderating surface and storm water flows and maintaining the free flowing conveyance of water, sediments and other organic matter. (Ord. 10870 § 287, 1993).

21A.06.1240 Stream. Stream: an aquatic area where surface water produces a channel, not including a wholly artificial channel, unless it is:

A. Used by salmonids; or

B. Used to convey a stream that occurred naturally before construction of the artificial channel. (Ord. 15051 § 102, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 288, 1993).

21A.06.1245 Street. Street: a public or recorded private thoroughfare providing pedestrian and vehicular access through neighborhoods and communities and to abutting property. (Ord. 10870 § 289, 1993).

21A.06.1250 Street frontage. Street frontage: any portion of a lot or combination of lots which directly abut a public right-of-way. (Ord. 10870 § 290, 1993).

21A.06.1255 Structure. Structure: anything permanently constructed in or on the ground, or over the water; excluding fences six feet or less in height, decks less than 18 inches above grade, paved areas, and structural or non-structural fill. (Ord. 12987 § 3, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 291, 1993).

21A.06.1260 Student factor. Student factor: the number derived by a school district to describe how many students of each grade span are expected to be generated by a dwelling unit. Student factors shall be based on district records of average actual student generated rates for new developments constructed over a period of not more than five years prior to the date of the fee calculation; if such information is not available in the district, data from adjacent districts, districts with similar demographics, or county wide averages shall be used. Student factors shall be separately determined for single detached and multiunit dwelling units, and for grade spans. (Ord. 19881 § 153, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 292, 1993).

21A.06.1263 Subdivision or residential subdivision. Subdivision or residential subdivision: Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, includes a subdivision as defined in K.C.C. 19A.04.320 and a short subdivision as defined K.C.C. 19A.04.310. (Ord. 17191 § 28, 2011: Ord. 16950 § 13, 2010).

21A.06.1265 Submerged land. Submerged land: any land at or below the ordinary high water mark of an aquatic area. (Ord. 15051 § 103, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 293, 1993).

21A.06.1268 Substantial development. Substantial development: any development that requires a shoreline substantial development permit, as defined in WAC 173-27-040. (Ord. 19034 § 20, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 102, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 255, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.570).

21A.06.1270 Substantial improvement. Substantial improvement:

A.1. Any maintenance, repair, structural modification, addition or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the structure either:

a. before the improvement or repair is started; or

b. if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred.

2. For purposes of this definition, the cost of any improvement is considered to begin when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building begins, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure; and

B. Does not include:

1. Improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications that have been identified by the local code enforcement official and that are the minimum necessary to ensure safe living conditions; or

2. Alteration of a structure listed on the national Register of Historic Places or a state or local inventory of historic resources. (Ord. 19128 § 16, 2020: Ord. 17191 § 29, 2011: Ord. 15051 § 104, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 294, 1993).

21A.06.1271 Surface water conveyance. Surface water conveyance: a drainage facility designed to collect, contain and provide for the flow of surface water from the highest point on a development site to receiving water or another discharge point, connecting any required flow control and water quality treatment facilities along the way. "Surface water conveyance" includes but is not limited to, gutters, ditches, pipes, biofiltration swales and channels. (Ord. 15051 § 105, 2004).

21A.06.1272 Surface water discharge. Surface water discharge: the flow of surface water into receiving water or another discharge point. (Ord. 15051 § 106, 2004).

21A.06.1273 TDR. TDR transfer of development rights. (Ord. 14190 § 28, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 3, 2000).

21A.06.1273A TDR amenities. TDR amenities: improvements or programs that are implemented to facilitate increased densities on or near receiving sites inside cities or in the urban unincorporated area. (Ord. 14190 § 29, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 4, 2000).

21A.06.1273B TDR bank fund. TDR bank fund: the fund established under K.C.C. 4A.200.730. (Ord. 19881 § 154, 2024: Ord. 14190 § 30, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 5, 2000).

21A.06.1273C TDR conversion ratio. TDR conversion ratio: the ratio by which development rights purchased from a sending site are converted into additional development capacity for use on a receiving site. (Ord. 14190 § 31, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 6, 2000).

21A.06.1273D TDR executive board. TDR executive board: the board established K.C.C. chapter 21A.37. (Ord. 14190 § 32, 2001: Ord. 13733 § 7, 2000).

21A.06.1274 TDR extinguishment document. TDR extinguishment document: a document prepared by King County and signed and recorded by the owner of transfer of development rights (TDR) that documents the transfer of development rights from one property to another and permanently prohibits any future use of these rights. (Ord. 14190 § 20, 2001).

21A.06.1274A Temporary farm worker housing. Temporary farm worker housing: a place, area or piece of land, where sleeping places or housing sites are provided for temporary, seasonal occupancy by an agricultural employer for the employer's agricultural employees or by another person who is providing such accommodations for agricultural employees. (Ord. 17539 § 24, 2013).

21A.06.1275 Temporary use permit. Temporary use permit: permit to allow a use of limited duration and/or frequency, or to allow multiple related events over a specified period. (Ord. 10870 § 295, 1993).

21A.06.1277 Theater. Theater: an establishment primarily engaged in the indoor exhibition of motion pictures or of live theatrical presentations. (Ord. 13022 § 5, 1998).

21A.06.1278 Theatrical production services. Theatrical production services: an establishment engaged in uses located in SIC Industry No. 792 - Theatrical Producers (Except Motion Picture), Bands, Orchestras, and Entertainers, except establishments primarily engaged in providing live theatrical presentations, such as road companies and summer theaters. (Ord. 13022 § 6, 1998).

21A.06.1280 Tightline sewer. Tightline sewer: a sewer trunk line designed and intended specifically to serve only a particular facility or place, and whose pipe diameter should be sized appropriately to ensure service only to that facility or place. It may occur outside the local service area for sewers, but does not amend the local service area. (Ord. 10870 § 296, 1993).

21A.06.1283 Townhouse. Townhouse: a site with one or more buildings containing a total of ten or more dwelling units that occupy space from the ground to the roof and that share common walls with one or more dwelling units. A houseplex with one or more accessory dwelling units is not considered a townhouse. (Ord. 19881 § 156, 2024: Ord. 19881 § 155, 2024: Ord. 10870 § 114, 1993. Formerly K.C.C. 21A.06.370).

21A.06.1285 Trails. Trails: human-made pathways, including elevated boardwalks, bridges, and stairs, designed and intended for one or more forms of active transportation, as defined in K.C.C. 14.01.005. (Ord. 19881 § 157, 2024: Ord. 18767 § 5, 2018: Ord. 18683 § 52, 2018: Ord. 16267 § 18, 2008: Ord. 10870 § 297, 1993).

21A.06.1290 Transfer station. Transfer station: a staffed collection and transportation facility used by private individuals and route collection vehicles to deposit solid waste collected off-site into larger transfer vehicles for transport to permanent disposal sites; and may also include recycling facilities involving collection or processing for shipment. (Ord. 10870 § 298, 1993).

21A.06.1295 Transit base. Transit base: an establishment for the storage, dispatch, repair and maintenance of coaches, light rail trains, and other vehicles of a public transit system. (Ord. 10870 § 299, 1993).

21A.06.1297 Transit comfort facility. Transit comfort facility: a restroom for public transit employees. (Ord. 18861 § 1, 2019).

21A.06.1310 Transmission equipment. Transmission equipment: equipment, such as antennae and satellite, or point-to-point microwave dishes, that transmit or receive radio signals. (Ord. 10870 § 302, 1993).

21A.06.1315 Transmission line booster station. Transmission line booster station: an establishment containing equipment designed to increase voltage of electrical power transported through transmission and/or distribution lines to compensate for power loss due to resistance. (Ord. 10870 § 303, 1993).

21A.06.1320 Transmission support structure. Transmission support structure: a pole or lattice-work structure specifically designed and intended to support antenna and related communication equipment. The term does not include poles or lattice-work towers supporting above-ground distribution or transmission lines for utility services such as electric, telephone, cable, etc. (Ord. 13129 § 19, 1998: Ord. 10870 § 304, 1993).

21A.06.1325 Transmitter building. Transmitter building: building used to contain communication transmission equipment. (Ord. 10870 § 305, 1993).

21A.06.1330 Transportation system management ("TSM"). Transportation System Management ("TSM"): low-cost projects that can be implemented in a short time frame designed to increase the efficiency of existing transportation facilities. This also includes transit and/or ride sharing measures to decrease single occupancy vehicle trips. (Ord. 10870 § 306, 1993).

21A.06.1331 Tree, hazard. Tree, hazard: any tree with a structural defect, combination of defects or disease resulting in structural defect that, under the normal range of environmental conditions at the site, will result in the loss of a major structural component of that tree in a manner that will:

A. Damage a residential structure or accessory structure, place of employment or public assembly or approved parking for a residential structure or accessory structure or place of employment or public assembly;

B. Damage an approved road or utility facility; or

C. Prevent emergency access in the case of medical hardship. (Ord. 15051 § 107, 2004).

21A.06.1331C Tree canopy spread. Tree canopy spread: Diameter of the tree crown delineated by the outermost branches of the tree. (Ord. 19687 § 7, 2023).

21A.06.1332 Trough subsidence. Trough subsidence: a readily predictable or historically observed surface depression phenomena caused by coal extraction which is generally characterized by a gentle and continuous dish shape which may extend beyond the subsurface area in which coal mining has occurred. (Ord. 13319 § 5, 1998).

21A.06.1335 Ultimate roadway section. Ultimate roadway section: a designation by King County that the maximum roadway or intersection capacity has been reached and further right-of-way acquisition and/or improvements are not feasible to increase peak hour vehicle capacity. (Ord. 10870 § 307, 1993).

21A.06.1338 Unsheltered person. Unsheltered person: An individual sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation. (Ord. 19881 § 158, 2024).

21A.06.1345 Use. Use: the purpose for which land or a structure is designed, built, arranged, intended, occupied, maintained, let or leased. (Ord. 17841 § 20, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 309, 1993).

21A.06.1347 Use, established. Use, established: a use that has been in continuous operation for more than sixty days and that conformed to King County's rules and regulations and to other applicable local and state rules and regulations at the time it began operation and throughout the sixty days. (Ord. 17841 § 21, 2014).

21A.06.1348 Utility corridor. Utility corridor: a narrow strip of land containing underground or above-ground utilities and the area necessary to maintain those utilities. A "utility corridor" is contained within and is a portion of any utility right-of-way or dedicated easement. (Ord. 15051 § 108, 2004).

21A.06.1350 Utility facility. Utility facility: a facility for the distribution or transmission of services, including:

A. Telephone exchanges;

B. Water pipelines, pumping or treatment stations;

C. Electrical substations;

D. Water storage reservoirs or tanks;

E. Municipal groundwater well-fields;

F. Regional surface water flow control and water quality facilities;

G. Natural gas pipelines, gate stations and limiting stations, limited to local distribution service and excluding fossil fuel facilities;

H. Propane, compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas storage tanks serving multiple lots or uses from which fuel is distributed directly to individual users, limited to local distribution service and excluding fossil fuel facilities;

I. Wastewater pipelines, lift stations, pump stations, regulator stations or odor control facilities; and

J. Communication cables, electrical wires and associated structural supports. (Ord. 19146 § 41, 2020: Ord. 15051 § 109, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 310, 1993).

21A.06.1352 Vactor waste. Vactor waste means liquid or solid waste material collected from catch basins, retention/detention facilities or drainage pipes. (Ord. 12018 § 1, 1995).

21A.06.1353 Vactor waste receiving facility. Vactor waste receiving facility means a facility where vactor waste is brought for treatment and storage prior to final disposal. (Ord. 12018 § 2, 1995).

21A.06.1355 Variance. Variance: an adjustment in the application of standards of a zoning code to a particular property. (Ord. 10870 § 311, 1993).

21A.06.1360 Vegetation. Vegetation: any and all plant life growing at, below or above the soil surface. (Ord. 10870 § 312, 1993).

21A.06.1365 Vocational school. Vocational school: establishments offering training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career, including only uses located in SIC Industry Group No.:

A. 824-Vocational Schools; and

B. 8222-Technical Institutes. (Ord. 10870 § 313, 1993).

21A.06.1370 Volcanic hazard area. Volcanic hazard area: an area subject to inundation by mudflows, lahars or related flooding resulting from volcanic activity on Mount Rainier, delineated based on recurrence of an event equal in magnitude to the prehistoric Electron mudflow. (Ord. 15051 § 110, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 314, 1993).

21A.06.1375 Warehousing and wholesale trade. Warehousing and wholesale trade: establishments involved in the storage or sale of bulk goods for resale or assembly, excluding establishments offering the sale of bulk goods to the general public which is classified as a retail use in K.C.C. 21A.08.070 and excluding local distribution gas storage tanks. These establishments shall include only SIC Major Groups 50 and 51 and SIC Industry Groups 422 and 423, excluding fossil fuels and fossil fuel facilities. (Ord. 19881 § 159, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 42, 2020: Ord. 10870 § 315, 1993).

21A.06.1380 Wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater treatment facility: a plant for collection, decontamination and disposal of sewage, including residential, industrial and agricultural liquid wastes, and including any physical improvement within the scope of the definition of "water pollution control facility" set forth in WAC 173-90-015(4) as amended. (Ord. 10870 § 316, 1993).

21A.06.1382 Water budget. Water budget: the upper limit of irrigation water applied to the established landscape area. (Ord. 11210 § 35, 1994).

21A.06.1385 Water dependent use. Water dependent use: a use or portion of a use that cannot exist in a location that is not adjacent to the water and is dependent on the water by reason of the intrinsic nature of its operations. (Ord. 118767 § 6, 2018: Ord. 17485 § 16, 2012: Ord. 10870 § 317, 1993).

21A.06.1386 Water enjoyment use. Water enjoyment use: a recreational use or other use that facilitates public access to the shoreline as a primary characteristic of the use; or a use that provides for recreational use or aesthetic enjoyment of the shoreline for a substantial number of people as a general characteristic of the use and which through location, design and operation ensures the public's ability to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the shoreline. A water enjoyment use must be open to the general public and the shoreline-oriented space within the project must be devoted to the specific aspects of the use that fosters shoreline enjoyment. (Ord. 16985 § 105, 2010).

21A.06.1388 Water oriented use. Water oriented use: a use that is water dependent, water related or water enjoyment, or a combination of such uses. (Ord. 16985 § 106, 2010).

21A.06.1389 Water related use. Water related use: a use or portion of a use that is not intrinsically dependent on a waterfront location but whose economic viability is dependent upon a waterfront location because:

A. The use has functional requirement for a waterfront location, such as the arrival or shipment of materials by water or the need for large quantities of water; or

B. The use provides a necessary service supportive of the water-dependent uses and the proximity of the use to its customers makes it services less expensive or more convenient, or both. (Ord. 16985 § 108, 2010: Ord. 3688 § 258, 1978. Formerly K.C.C. 25.08.600).

21A.06.1390 Wet meadow, grazed or tilled. Wet meadow, grazed or tilled: an emergent wetland that has grasses, sedges, rushes or other herbaceous vegetation as its predominant vegetation and has been previously converted to agricultural activities. (Ord. 15051 § 111, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 318, 1993).

21A.06.1391 Wetland. Wetland:

A. An area that is inundated or saturated by ground or surface water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

B. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas created to mitigateconversion of wetlands.

C. Wetlands do not include those artificially created wetlands intentionally created from nonwetlands sites, including, but not limited to:

1. Surface water conveyances for drainage or irrigation;

2. Grass-lined swales;

3. Canals;

4. [A]* flow control facilities or wetponds;

5. Wastewater treatment facilities;

6. Farm ponds;

7. Landscape amenities; or

9. Those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street or highway. (Ord. 19034 § 21, 2019: Ord. 16985 § 119, 2010: Ord. 15051 § 119, 2004: Ord. 12122 § 1, 1996: Ord. 11621 § 34, 1994: 10870 § 323, 1993).

*Reviser's note: Changed to "Detention facilities such as" without showing the amendment as required under K.C.C. 1.24.075, in Ordinance 19034.

21A.06.1392 Wetland complex. Wetland complex: a grouping of two or more wetlands, not including grazed wet meadows, that meet the following criteria:

A. Each wetland included in the complex is within five hundred feet of the delineated edge of at least one other wetland in the complex;

B. The complex includes at least:

1. one wetland classified category I or II;

2. three wetlands classified category III; or

3. four wetlands classified category IV;

C. The area between each wetland and at least one other wetland in the complex is predominately vegetated with shrubs and trees; and

D. There are not any barriers to migration or dispersal of amphibian, reptile or mammal species that are commonly recognized to exclusively or partially use wetlands and wetland buffers during a critical life cycle stage, such as breeding, rearing or feeding. (Ord. 15051 § 112, 2004).

21A.06.1393 Wetland creation. Wetland creation: For purposes of wetland mitigation, the manipulation of the physical, chemical or biological characteristics present to develop a wetland on an upland or deepwater site, where a wetland did not previously exist. Activities to create a wetland typically involve excavation of upland soils to elevations that will produce a wetland hydroperiod, create hydric soils and support the growth of hydrophytic plant species. Wetland creation results in a gain in wetland acres. (Ord. 15051 § 113, 2004).

21A.06.1395 Wetland edge. Wetland edge: the line delineating the outer edge of a wetland, consistent with the wetland delineation manual required by RCW 90.58.380. (Ord. 19034 § 22, 2019: Ord. 15051 § 114, 2004: Ord. 11977 § 1, 1995: Ord. 10870 § 319, 1993).

21A.06.1397 Wetland enhancement. Wetland enhancement: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a wetland site to heighten, intensify or improve specific functions or to change the growth state or composition of the vegetation present. Enhancement is undertaken for specified purposes such as water quality improvement, flood water retention or wildlife habitat. Wetland enhancement activities typically consist of planting vegetation, controlling nonnative or invasive species, modifying site elevations or the proportion of open water to influence hydroperiods or some combination of these. Wetland enhancement results in a change in some wetland functions and can lead to a decline in other wetland functions, but does not result in a gain in wetland acres. (Ord. 15051 § 115, 2004).

21A.06.1400 Wetland, forested. Wetland, forested: a wetland that is dominated by mature woody vegetation or a wetland vegetation class that is characterized by woody vegetation at least twenty feet tall. (Ord. 15051 § 116, 2004: Ord. 10870 § 320, 1993).

21A.06.1405 Wetland functions. Wetland functions: natural processes performed by wetlands including functions which are important in facilitating food chain production, providing habitat for nesting, rearing and resting sites for aquatic, terrestrial and avian species, maintaining the availability and quality of water, acting as recharge and discharge areas for groundwater aquifers and moderating surface and storm water flows, as well as performing other functions including, but not limited to, those set forth in 33 CFR 320.4(b)(2), 1988. (Ord. 10870 § 321, 1993).

21A.06.1414 Wetland reestablishment. Wetland reestablishment: For purposes of wetland mitigation, the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural or historic functions to a former wetland. Activities to reestablish a wetland include removing fill material, plugging ditches, or breaking drain tiles. Wetland reestablishment results in a gain in wetland acres. (Ord. 15051 § 120, 2004).

21A.06.1416 Wetland rehabilitation. Wetland rehabilitation: For purposes of wetland mitigation, the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of repairing natural or historic functions of a degraded wetland. Activities to rehabilitate a wetland include breaching a dike to reconnect wetlands to a floodplain or return tidal influence to a wetland. Wetland rehabilitation results in a gain in wetland function but does not result in a gain in wetland acres. (Ord. 15051 § 121, 2004).

21A.06.1418 Wetland vegetation class. Wetland vegetation class: a wetland community classified by its vegetation including aquatic bed, emergent, forested and shrub-scrub. To constitute a separate wetland vegetation class, the vegetation must be at least partially rooted within the wetland and must occupy the uppermost stratum of a contiguous area or comprise at least thirty percent areal coverage of the entire wetland. (Ord. 15051 § 122, 2004).

21A.06.1420 Wetpond. Wetpond: an artificial water body constructed as a part of a surface water management system. (Ord. 10870 § 324, 1993).

21A.06.1422 Wildlife. Wildlife: birds, fish and animals, that are not domesticated and are considered to be wild. (Ord. 15051 § 123, 2004).

21A.06.1423 Wildlife habitat conservation area. Wildlife habitat conservation area: an area for a species whose habitat the King County Comprehensive Plan requires the county to protect that includes an active breeding site and the area surrounding the breeding site that is necessary to protect breeding activity. (Ord. 15051 § 124, 2004).

21A.06.1424 Wildlife habitat network. Wildlife habitat network: the official wildlife habitat network defined and mapped in the King County Comprehensive Plan that links wildlife habitat with critical areas, critical area buffers, priority habitats, trails, parks, open space and other areas to provide for wildlife movement and alleviate habitat fragmentation. (Ord. 15051 § 125, 2004).

21A.06.1425 Wildlife shelter. Wildlife shelter: a facility for the temporary housing of sick, wounded or displaced wildlife. (Ord. 10870 § 325, 1993).

21A.06.1427A Winery, brewery, distillery facility I. Winery, brewery, distillery facility I: A very small-scale production facility licensed by the state of Washington to produce adult beverages such as wine, cider, beer and distilled spirits, and that includes an adult beverage production use such as crushing, fermentation, distilling, barrel or tank aging, and finishing. A winery, brewery, distillery facility I may include additional production-related uses such as vineyards, orchards, wine cellars or similar product-storage areas as authorized by state law. On-site tasting of products or retail sales are not allowed. "Winery, brewery, distillery facility I" does not include any retail liquor licenses that would be authorized by chapter 314-02 WAC. (Ord. 19030 § 14, 2019).

21A.06.1427B Winery, brewery, distillery facility II. Winery, brewery, distillery facility II: A small-scale production facility licensed by the state of Washington to produce adult beverages such as wine, cider, beer and distilled spirits and that includes an adult beverage production use such as crushing, fermentation, distilling, barrel or tank aging, and finishing. A winery, brewery, distillery facility II may include additional production-related uses such as vineyards, orchards, wine cellars or similar product-storage areas as authorized by state law, on-site tasting of products and sales as authorized by state law and sales of merchandise related to products available for tasting as authorized by state law. "Winery, brewery, distillery facility II" does not include any retail liquor licenses that would be authorized by chapter 314-02 WAC. (Ord. 19030 § 15, 2019).

21A.06.1427C Winery, brewery, distillery facility III. Winery, brewery, distillery facility III: A production facility licensed by the state of Washington to produce adult beverages such as wine, cider, beer and distilled spirits and that includes an adult beverage production use such as crushing, fermentation, distilling, barrel or tank aging, and finishing. A winery, brewery, distillery facility III may include additional production-related uses such as vineyards, orchards, wine cellars or similar product-storage areas as authorized by state law, on-site tasting of products and sales as authorized by state law and sales of merchandise related to products available as authorized by state law. "Winery, brewery, distillery facility III" does not include any retail liquor licenses that would be authorized by chapter 314-02 WAC. (Ord. 19030 § 16, 2019).

21A.06.1430 Work release facility. Work release facility: a facility which allows the opportunity for convicted persons to be employed outside of the facility, but requires confinement within the facility when not in the place of employment. (Ord. 10870 § 326, 1993).

21A.06.1432 Wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle. Wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle: a motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.320 or a boat that meets at least three of the following:

A. Is three years old or older;

B. Is extensively damaged, with the damage including, but not limited, to:

1. A broken window or windshield; or

2. Missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission;

C. Is apparently inoperable; and

D. Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

(Ord. 17539 § 25, 2013: Ord. 14309 § 14, 2002: Ord. 12024 § 11, 1995).

21A.06.1435 Yard or organic waste processing facility. Yard or organic waste processing facility: a site where yard and garden wastes, including wood and landclearing debris, are processed into new products such as soil amendments and wood chips. (Ord. 11157 § 10, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 327, 1993).

21A.06.1440 Zoo animal breeding facility. Zoo animal breeding facility: a non-profit farm which is owned by an American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited zoo, is accredited by the AZA and is operated in conformance with all licensing requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture for the purposes of long-term species survival, propagation, conservation, research, and husbandry of native and exotic wildlife and for training zoo professionals, biologists, veterinarians and other zoo-related researchers. (Ord. 12709 § 3, 1997).

21A.08 PERMITTED USES

Sections:

21A.08.010 Uses are subject to other rules and regulations.

21A.08.020 Interpretation of land use tables.

21A.08.025 Accessory uses prohibited if not expressly permitted.

21A.08.030 Residential land uses.

21A.08.040 Recreational and cultural land uses.

21A.08.045 Health care services and residential care services land uses.

21A.08.050 Personal services and temporary lodging land uses.

21A.08.055 Government and education land uses.

21A.08.060 Business services land uses.

21A.08.070 Retail land uses.

21A.08.080 Manufacturing land uses.

21A.08.090 Resource land uses.

21A.08.100 Regional land uses.

21A.08.110 Shoreline jurisdiction - permitted uses - exceptions.

21A.08.900 Applicability - Ordinance 13694.

21A.08.010 Uses are subject to other rules and regulations. Uses permitted under this chapter are subject to all applicable King County rules and regulations and other applicable local, state or federal rules and regulations. (Ord. 17841 § 22, 2014: Ord. 10870 § 328, 1993).

21A.08.020 Interpretation of land use tables.

A. The land use tables in this chapter determine whether a specific use is allowed in a zone district. The zone district is located on the vertical column and the specific use is located on the horizontal row of these tables.

B. If no symbol appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is not allowed in that district, except for certain temporary uses.

C. If the letter "P" appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is allowed in that district subject to the review procedures specified in K.C.C. 21A.42 and the general requirements of the code.

D. If the letter "C" appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is allowed subject to the conditional use review procedures specified in K.C.C. 21A.42 and the general requirements of the code.

E. If the letter "S" appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the regional use is permitted subject to the special use permit review procedures specified in K.C.C. 21A.42 and the general requirements of the code.

F. If a number appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use may be allowed subject to the appropriate review process indicated above, the general requirements of the code and the specific conditions indicated in the development condition with the corresponding number immediately following the land use table.

G. If more than one letter-number combination appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is allowed in that zone subject to different sets of limitation or conditions depending on the review process indicated by the letter, the general requirements of the code and the specific conditions indicated in the development condition with the corresponding number immediately following the table.

H. All applicable requirements shall govern a use whether or not they are cross-referenced in a section. (Ord. 10870 § 329, 1993).

21A.08.025 Accessory uses prohibited if not expressly permitted. Any accessory use not expressly permitted by this chapter or by the director shall be prohibited. The director may determine whether any accessory use on a site is incidental or subordinate to a principal use on the same site and whether uses not listed as accessory uses are customarily associated with a principal use. The director shall consider the purpose of the zone in K.C.C. chapter 21A.04 in making these determinations. (Ord. 17841 § 23, 2014).

21A.08.030 Residential land uses.

A. Residential land uses.

SIC #

SPECIFIC LAND USE

R-1

R-4 – R-8

R12– R -48

HOUSING TYPES:

Single Detached Residence

P17

P16

Duplex

P12

Houseplex

Townhouse

Apartment

Manufactured Home Community

S13

Cottage Housing

P15

Congregate Residence

P10

P11

Senior Assisted Housing

ACCESSORY USES:

Residential Accessory Uses

Home Occupation

P18

Home Industry

B. Development conditions.

1. Repealed.

2. In the forest production district, the following conditions apply:

a. Site disturbance associated with development of any new residence shall be limited to three acres. Site disturbance shall mean all land alterations including, but not limited to, grading, utility installation, landscaping, clearing for crops, on-site sewage disposal systems, and driveways. Additional site disturbance for agriculture, including raising livestock, up to the smaller of thirty-five percent of the lot or seven aces, may be approved only if a farm management plan is prepared in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 21A.30. Animal densities shall be based on the area devoted to animal care and not the total area of the lot;

b. A forest management plan shall be required for any new residence in the forest production district, that shall be reviewed and approved by the King County department of natural resources and parks before building permit issuance; and

c. The forest management plan shall incorporate a fire protection element that includes fire safety best management practices developed by the department.

3. Only as part of a mixed-use development subject to the conditions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.14, except that:

a. in the NB zone on properties with a land use designation of commercial outside of center in the urban areas, stand alone townhouse developments are allowed subject to K.C.C. K.C.C. 21A.09.040, and K.C.C. 21A.09H.040, and K.C.C. chapter 21A.14; and

b. in the rural area outside of rural towns on historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a King County landmark, mixed-use is not required.

4. Only in a building listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a King County landmark.

5.a. Repealed.

6. Only as accessory to a school, college, university, or religious facility.

7.a. Accessory dwelling units are subject to the following standards:

(1) The accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed one thousand square feet of heated floor area and one thousand square feet of unheated floor area except:

(a) when the accessory dwelling unit is wholly contained within a basement or attic of the primary dwelling unit, this limitation does not apply;

(b) for detached accessory dwelling units, the floor area contained in a basement does not count toward the floor area maximum; and

(c) in the urban area, accessory dwelling units that do not provide the maximum amount of unheated floor area allowed in subsection B.7.a.(1) of this section may increase their heated floor area by one square foot for each square foot of allowed unheated floor area not provided, up to a maximum of one thousand five hundred square feet of heated floor area. For example, an accessory dwelling unit could include one thousand two hundred fifty square feet of heated floor space if only seven hundred fifty square feet of unheated floor space was included.

(2) Accessory dwelling units that are not wholly contained within an existing dwelling unit shall not exceed the base height for the applicable zone as established by this title;

(3) Attached accessory dwelling units shall have at least one common wall with the primary dwelling unit and appear to be contained within one structure. Connection through a breezeway or covered pathway shall not constitute an attached accessory dwelling unit unless the breezeway or covered pathway is:

(a) is less than ten feet in length;

(b) shares a common wall with both the accessory dwelling unit and primary residence;

(d) is heated space;

(4) No additional off-street parking spaces are required for accessory dwelling units;

(5) An applicant seeking to build an accessory dwelling unit shall file a notice approved by the department of executive services, records and licensing services division, that identifies the dwelling unit as accessory. The notice shall run with the land. The applicant shall submit proof that the notice was filed before the department approves any permit for the construction of the accessory dwelling unit. The required contents and form of the notice shall be established in administrative rules;

(6) Accessory dwelling units are prohibited in the F zone;

(7) For lots in the urban area:

(a) Two accessory dwelling units are allowed per lot in the following configurations:

(i) one attached accessory dwelling unit and one detached accessory dwelling unit;

(ii) two attached accessory dwelling units; or

(iii) two detached accessory dwelling units, which may be either one or two detached structures;

(b) Accessory dwelling units may be converted from existing structures, including but not limited to garages, even if the existing structure is legally nonconforming with respect to setbacks or maximum impervious surface percentage; and

(8) For lots in the rural area or on natural resource lands:

(a) One accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot;

(b) Only allowed in the same building as the primary dwelling unit, except that detached accessory dwelling units are allowed when:

(i) there is no more than one primary dwelling unit on the lot; and

(ii) the lot is three thousand two hundred square feet or greater if located in a rural town or meets the minimum lot area for the applicable zone if located in the rural area but not in a rural town or on natural resource lands;

(c) When the primary and accessory dwelling unit are located in the same building, or in multiple buildings connected by a breezeway or covered pathway, only one entrance may front a street;

(d) Accessory dwelling units should be designed to be compatible with the primary dwelling unit and the surrounding properties, including material, colors, and building forms;

(e) The applicant should consider a siting alternatives study that analyzes placement options of the accessory dwelling unit on the property to minimize impacts to privacy and views for surrounding property owners; and

(f) Accessory dwelling units in structures detached from the primary dwelling unit shall be counted as a separate dwelling unit for the purpose of lot calculations in place at the time of a proposed subdivision. If an accessory dwelling unit in a detached building in the RA zone is subsequently converted to a primary unit on a separate lot, neither the original lot nor the new lot may have an additional detached accessory dwelling unit constructed unless the lot is at least twice the minimum lot area required by the applicable zone as established by this title.

b. Accessory living quarters:

(1) are limited to one per lot;

(2) are allowed only on lots of three thousand two hundred square feet or greater when located in the urban area or a rural town;

(3) shall not exceed the base height for the applicable zone as established by this title;

(4) shall not exceed one thousand square feet of heated floor area and one thousand square feet of unheated floor area; and

(5) are prohibited in the F zone.

c. One single or twin engine, noncommercial aircraft shall be allowed only on lots that abut, or have a legal access that is not a county right-of-way, to a waterbody or landing field, but only if there are:

(1) no aircraft sales, service, repair, charter, or rental; and

(2) no storage of aviation fuel except that contained in the tank or tanks of the aircraft.

d. Battery energy storage systems are considered a residential accessory use when the total system capacity is two megawatts or less, and:

(1) the system provides electricity for on-site use only, with "on-site use" including net metering as well as charging of vehicles on-site or in the right-of-way immediately adjacent to the site; or

(2) the system is intended primarily for on-site use, but also participates in load sharing or another grid-connected electricity-sharing arrangement.

e. Hobby kennels, hobby catteries, and home-based animal shelters are subject to K.C.C. 21A.30.020.

f. Buildings for residential accessory uses in the RA and A zone shall not exceed five thousand square feet of gross floor area, except for buildings related to agriculture or forestry.

8. Repealed.

9. Repealed.

10. Allowed when meeting the provisions in K.C.C. 21A.14.105.

11. Allowed as part of a mixed-use development and meeting provisions in

K.C.C. 21A.14.105.

12. A duplex is allowed if meeting the density requirements established in this title. A duplex is also allowed on a lot that is four thousand five hundred square feet or greater, despite base density requirement for the applicable zone as established in this title, if under K.C.C. chapter 21A.37:

a. The lot is located in Snoqualmie Pass Rural Town and one transferable development right is purchased from the rural area or natural resource lands; or

b. The lot is located in the urban area and one-half transferable development right is purchased from the rural area or natural resource lands, or one transfer of development right is purchased from the urban area.

13. No new manufactured home communities are allowed in the RA zone.

14. Repealed.

15. Subject to the following standards:

a. Developments shall contain only cottage housing units with no fewer than three units. If the site contains an existing residence that is not being demolished, the existing residence is not required to comply with the height limitation or the floor area and footprint limits in K.C.C. 21A.14.025.B.; and

b. Cottage housing developments should consider including a variety of housing sizes, such as units with a range of bedroom sizes or total floor area.

16. The development for a single detached residence shall be consistent with the following:

a. The lot legally existed before March 1, 2005;

b. The lot has a Comprehensive Plan land use designation of rural neighborhood commercial center or rural area; and

c. The dimensional standards of this title for the RA-5 zone shall apply.

17.a. Only farm residences, accessory to active, ongoing use of the site for agriculture, are allowed, except as provided for farm worker housing in K.C.C. 21A.08.090. The property owner shall file with the department of executive services, records and licensing services division, a notice approved by the department identifying the residence as a farm residence and stating that the housing shall be occupied only by the owner or operator of the commercial agriculture operation, their families, and their employees while employed on-site by the owner. The notice shall run with the land.

b. Farm residences shall be located on portions of agricultural lands that are unsuitable for agricultural purposes, such as areas within the already developed portion of such agricultural lands that are not available for direct agricultural production or areas without prime agricultural soils.

18. Allowed if consistent with K.C.C. chapter 21A.30. (Ord. 19881 § 160, 2024: Ord. 19824 § 6, 2024: Ord. 19146 § 43, 2020: Ord. 19040 § 1, 2019: Ord. 18626 § 1, 2017: Ord. 18427 § 9, 2016: Ord. 17841 § 24, 2014: Ord. 17539 § 26, 2013: Ord. 17191 § 30, 2011: Ord. 16950 § 14, 2010: Ord. 16267 § 19, 2008: Ord. 16040 § 3, 2008: Ord. 15974 § 6, 2007: Ord. 15971 § 93, 2007: Ord. 15606 § 11, 2006: Ord. 15032 § 10, 2004: Ord. 14279 § 1, 2002: Ord. 14199 § 232, 2001: Ord. 14045 § 10, 2001: Ord. 12786 § 2, 1997: Ord. 12596 § 3, 1997: Ord. 12522 § 3, 1996: Ord. 12273 § 1, 1996: Ord. 12243 § 1, 1996: Ord. 11621 § 135, 1994: Ord. 11157 § 11, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 330, 1993).

21A.08.040 Recreational and cultural land uses. A. Recreational and cultural land uses.

SIC#

SPECIFIC LAND USE

RA (18)

R-1

R-4 – R-8

R12– R -48

PARK/RECREATION:

Park

P13

Trails

Campgrounds

P16 C16a

P16

P16 C16a

Destination Resorts

S17

Marina

C 3

Recreational Vehicle Park

P19

C2 P19

Ski Area

Recreational Camp

P24 C

Golf Course Facility

AMUSEMENT/ENTERTAINMENT:

Adult Entertainment Business

Theater

P25

7833

Theater, Drive-in

793

Bowling Center

7999

(14)

Amusement and Recreation Services

P21

P8 P21 C15

P8 P21 P22 C15

P21 P22

P21

Indoor Paintball Range

P26

Outdoor Paintball Range

C27

Shooting Range

C10

P10

Amusement Arcades

7996

Amusement Park

Outdoor Performance Center

C12 S

P20

CULTURAL:

823

Library

P11

P11 C

P28

841

Museum

C23

P11

P11 C

P28

842

Arboretum

Conference Center

P29C12

P29 C

P29

Community Center

C30

C32

P31

C32

P31

C32

P31

C32

P31

C32

B. Development conditions.

1. The following conditions and limitations shall apply, where appropriate:

a. No stadiums on sites less than ten acres;

b. Lighting for structures and fields shall be directed away from RA, UR, and R zones;

c. Structures or service yards shall maintain a minimum distance of fifty feet from property lines adjoining RA, UR, and R zones, except for fences and mesh backstops;

d. Facilities in the A zone shall be limited to trails and trailheads, including related accessory uses such as parking and sanitary facilities; and

e. Overnight camping is allowed only in an approved campground.

2. Recreational vehicle parks are subject to the following conditions and limitations:

a. The maximum length of stay of any vehicle shall not exceed one hundred eighty days during a three-hundred-sixty-five-day period;

b. The minimum distance between recreational vehicle pads shall be no less than ten feet; and

c. Sewage shall be disposed in a system approved by public health - Seattle & King County.

3. Limited to day moorage. The marina shall not create a need for off-site public services beyond those already available before the date of application.

4. Only in the urban area, and only as:

a. a reuse of a public school facility or surplus nonresidential facility subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32; or

b. accessory to publicly owned park.

5. Limited to day moorage.

6.a. Adult entertainment businesses shall be prohibited within three hundred thirty feet of any property zoned RA, UR, or R or containing schools, licensed daycare centers, public parks or trails, community centers, public libraries, or religious facilities. In addition, adult entertainment businesses shall not be located closer than three thousand feet to any other adult entertainment business. These distances shall be measured from the property line of the parcel or parcels proposed to contain the adult entertainment business to the property line of the parcels zoned RA, UR, or R or that contain the uses identified in this subsection B.6.a.

b. Adult entertainment businesses shall not be allowed within an area likely to be annexed to a city subject to an executed interlocal agreement between King County and a city declaring that the city will provide opportunities for the location of adult businesses to serve the area. The areas include those identified in the maps attached to Ordinance 13546.

7.a. Clubhouses, maintenance buildings, equipment storage areas, and driving range tees shall be at least fifty feet from RA, UR, and R zoned property lines.

b. Lighting for practice greens and driving range ball impact areas shall be directed away from adjoining RA, UR, and R zones.

c. Applications shall comply with adopted best management practices for golf course development.

d. Within the RA zone, those facilities shall be allowed only in the RA-5 and RA-2.5 zones.

e. Not allowed in designated rural forest focus area.

f. Ancillary facilities associated with a golf course are limited to practice putting greens, maintenance buildings, and other structures housing administrative offices or activities that provide convenience services to players. These convenience services are limited to a pro shop, food services, and dressing facilities and shall occupy a total of no more than ten thousand square feet.

g. The residential density that is otherwise allowed by the zone shall not be used on other portions of the site through clustering or on other sites through the transfer of density provision. This clustering or transfer limitation shall be reflected in a deed restriction that is recorded at the time applicable permits for the development of the golf course are issued; and

h. In addition to ancillary facilities, an organizational hotel/lodging house shall be allowed as an accessory use, subject to the following:

(1) only allowed in the R-1 zone;

(2) only allowed with a privately owned golf course facility that legally existed as of January 1, 2019;

(3) only allowed as an incidental or subordinate use to a principal golf course facility use;

(4) a maximum of twenty-four sleeping units is allowed; and

(5) shall be connected to and served by public sewer.

8. Limited to golf driving ranges, only as:

a. accessory to golf courses; or

b. accessory to a recreation or multiuse park.

9.a. New structures and outdoor ranges shall maintain a minimum distance of fifty feet from property lines adjoining RA, UR, and R, but existing facilities shall be exempt.

b. Ranges shall be designed to prevent stray or ricocheting projectiles, pellets, or arrows from leaving the property.

c. Site plans shall include: safety features of the range; provisions for reducing sound produced on the firing line; elevations of the range showing target area, backdrops, or butts; and approximate locations of buildings on adjoining properties.

d. Subject to the licensing provisions of K.C.C. Title 6.

10.a. Only in an enclosed building, and subject to the licensing provisions of K.C.C. Title 6;

b. Indoor ranges shall be designed and operated so as to provide a healthful environment for users and operators by:

(1) installing ventilation systems that provide sufficient clean air in the user's breathing zone, and

(2) adopting appropriate procedures and policies that monitor and control exposure time to airborne lead for individual users.

11. Only as accessory to a park or in a building listed in the National Register of Historic Places as an historic site or designated as a King County landmark subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32.

12. Only as accessory to a nonresidential use established through a discretionary permit process, if the scale is limited to ensure compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.

13. Subject to the following:

a. The park shall abut an existing park on one or more sides, intervening roads notwithstanding;

b. No bleachers or stadiums are allowed if the site is less than ten acres, and no public amusement devices for hire are allowed;

c. Any lights provided to illuminate any building or recreational area shall be so arranged as to reflect the light away from any premises upon which a dwelling unit is located; and

d. All buildings or structures or service yards on the site shall maintain a distance not less than fifty feet from any property line and from any public street.

14.a. Excluding amusement and recreational uses classified elsewhere in this chapter.

b. Fireworks display services, also known as public displays of fireworks, are allowed in all zones, subject to the requirements of K.C.C. chapter 17.11.

15. For amusement and recreation services not otherwise provided for in this chapter:

a. In the RA zones, not subject to regulation under K.C.C. Title 6 and only on sites at least five acres or larger;

b. Retail sales are limited to incidental sales to patrons of the amusement or recreation service; and

c. Does not involve the operation of motor vehicles or off-road vehicles, including, but not limited to, motorcycles and gocarts.

16. Subject to the following conditions:

a. The length of stay per party in campgrounds shall not exceed one hundred eighty days during a three-hundred-sixty-five-day period; and

b. Only for campgrounds that are part of a proposed or existing county park, that are subject to review and public meetings through the department of natural resources and parks.

17. Before submitting an application, the applicant shall hold a community meeting consistent with K.C.C. 20.20.035.

b. Except for trails, residential and recreational structures and facilities shall be setback at least one hundred feet from adjacent roadways and access easements; and at least three hundred feet from F, M, A, RA, UR, and R zoned properties.

c. The site area shall be a minimum of ten acres and shall be at least five miles from the Urban Growth Area boundary;

d. Temporary lodging units shall:

(1) not exceed two units per acre and one hundred units total;

(2) be proportionately scaled and limited based on developed site area, availability of recreation opportunities, and distance to urban area zones allowing for temporary lodging;

e. The site shall be within ten miles of at least three off-site, outdoor resource-based recreation activities;

f. The destination resort shall provide at least two on-site outdoor resource-based recreation activities;

g. Applications shall identify all aspects of the proposal, including residential, commercial, and recreational uses;

h. Accessory on-site uses shall be at a size and scale to serve primarily the guests of the destination resort;

i. When occurring in the forest zone, forest production district, or rural forest focus areas, the proposal shall demonstrate that the predominate land area will remain viable for forest resource-based uses or preservation of forestry resources, or both; and

j. When occurring in the forest production district, only allowed if compatible with long-term forestry, protection of Indian tribal cultural resources, and other resource management goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

18. Subject to review and approval of conditions to comply with trail corridor provisions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.14.

19. Only as an accessory to a recreation or multiuse park.

20. Only as an accessory to a recreation or multiuse park of at least twenty acres located within the urban area, or on a site immediately adjacent to the Urban Growth Area boundary with the floor area of an individual outdoor performance center stage limited to three thousand square feet.

21. Limited to rentals of sports and recreation equipment with a total floor area of no more than seven hundred fifty square feet and only as accessory to a park, or in the RA zones, to a recreation or multiuse park.

22. Only as accessory to a large active recreation and multiuse park and limited to:

a. water slides, wave pools, and associated water recreation facilities; and

b. rentals of sports and recreation equipment.

23. Limited to natural resource and heritage museums and only allowed in a farm or forestry structure, including, but not limited to, barns or sawmills, existing as of December 31, 2003.

24. Use is allowed without a conditional use permit only when in compliance with all of the following conditions:

a. The use is limited to camps for youths or for persons with special needs due to a disability, as defined by the American With Disabilities Act of 1990, or due to a medical condition and including training for leaders for those who use the camp;

b. Active recreational activities shall not involve the use of motorized vehicles such as cross-country motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles or the use of firearms. The prohibition on motorized vehicles does not apply to such vehicles that may be necessary for operation and maintenance of the facility or to a client-specific vehicle used as a personal mobility device;

c.(1) Except as provided in subsection B.24.c.(2)(b) of this section, the number of overnight campers, not including camp personnel, in a new camp shall not exceed:

(a) one hundred and fifty for a camp between twenty and forty acres; or

(b) for a camp greater than forty acres, but less than two hundred and fifty acres, the number of users allowed by the design capacity of a water system and on-site sewage disposal system approved by public health - Seattle & King County, up to a maximum of three hundred and fifty; and

(2) Existing camps shall be subject to the following:

(a) For a camp established before August 11, 2005, with a conditional use permit and that is forty acres or larger, but less than one hundred and sixty acres, the number of overnight campers, not including camp personnel, may be up to one hundred fifty campers over the limit established by subsection B.24.c.(1)(b) of this section.

(b) For a camp established before August 11, 2005, with a conditional use permit and that is one hundred sixty acres or larger, but less than two hundred acres, the number of overnight campers, not including camp personnel, may be up to three hundred fifty campers over the limit established by subsection B.24.c.(1)(b) of this section. The camp may terminate operations at its existing site and establish a new camp if the area of the camp is greater than two hundred fifty acres and the number of overnight campers, not including camp personnel, shall not exceed seven hundred.

d. The length of stay for any individual overnight camper, not including camp personnel, shall not exceed ninety days during a three-hundred-sixty-five-day period;

e. The camp facilities, such as a medical station, food service hall, and activity rooms, shall be of a scale to serve overnight camp users;

f. The minimum size of parcel for such use shall be twenty acres;

g. Except for any permanent caretaker residence, all new structures where camp users will be housed, fed, or assembled shall be no less than fifty feet from properties not related to the camp;

h. In order to reduce the visual impacts of parking areas, sports and activity fields or new structures where campers will be housed, fed, or assembled, the applicant shall provide a Type 3 landscape buffer no less than twenty feet wide between the nearest property line and such parking area, field, or structures, by retaining existing vegetation or augmenting as necessary to achieve the required level of screening;

i. If the site is adjacent to an arterial roadway, access to the site shall be directly onto the arterial unless direct access is unsafe due inadequate sight distance or extreme grade separation between the roadway and the site;

j. If direct access to the site is via local access streets, transportation demand management measures, such as use of carpools, buses, or vans to bring in campers, shall be used to minimize traffic impacts;

k. Any lights provided to illuminate any building or recreational area shall be so arranged as to reflect the light away from any adjacent property; and

l. A community meeting shall be convened by the applicant before submittal of an application for permits to establish a camp, or to expand the number of camp users on an existing camp site as provided in subsection B.24.c.(2)(b) of this section. Notice of the meeting shall be provided at least two weeks in advance to all property owners within five hundred feet, or at least twenty of the nearest property owners, whichever is greater. The notice shall at a minimum contain a brief description of the project and the location, as well as contact persons and numbers.

25. Limited to theaters primarily for live productions located within a rural town designated by the King County Comprehensive Plan.

26.a. Only in an enclosed building; and

b. A copy of the current liability policy of not less than one million dollars for bodily injury or death shall be maintained in the department.

27. Minimum standards for outdoor paintball recreation fields:

a. The minimum site area is twenty-five acres;

b. Structure shall be no closer than one hundred feet from any lot line adjacent to a RA, UR, and R zoned property;

c. The area where paintballs are discharged shall be located more than three hundred feet of any lot line and more than five hundred feet from the lot line of any adjoining RA, UR, and R zoned property. The department may allow for a lesser setback if it determines through the conditional use permit review that the lesser setback in combination with other elements of the site design provides adequate protection to adjoining properties and rights-of-way;

d. A twenty-foot high nylon mesh screen shall be installed around all play areas and shall be removed at the end of each day when the play area is not being used. The department may allow for the height of the screen to be lowered to no less than ten feet if it determines through the conditional use permit review that the lower screen in combination with other elements of the site design provides adequate protection from discharged paintballs;

e. All parking and spectator areas, structures and play areas shall be screened from adjoining RA, UR, and R zoned property and public rights-of-way with Type 1 landscaping at least ten feet wide;

f. Any retail sales conducted on the property shall be accessory and incidental to the allowed activity and conducted only for the participants of the site;

g. A plan of operations specifying days and hours of operation, number of participants and employees, types of equipment to be used by users of the site, safety procedures, type of compressed air fuel to be used on the site, and storage and maintenance procedures for the compressed air fuel shall be provided for review in conjunction with the conditional use permit application. All safety procedures shall be reviewed and approved by department of public safety before submittal of the conditional use permit application. All activities shall be in compliance with National Paintball League standards;

h. The hours of operation shall be limited to Saturdays and Sundays and statutory holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and further restricted as applicable to daylight hours;

i. No more than one hundred paintball players shall be allowed on the site at any one time;

j. Outdoor lights or amplified sounds are prohibited;

k. The facility shall have direct access to a road designated as a major collector (or higher) in the Comprehensive Plan unless the department determines through the conditional use permit review that the type and amount of traffic generated by the facility is such that it will not cause an undue impact on the neighbors or adversely affect safety of road usage;

l. The facility shall be secured at the close of business each day;

m. All equipment and objects used in the paintball activities shall be removed from the site within ninety days of the discontinuance of the paintball use; and

n. A copy of the current liability policy of not less than one million dollars for bodily injury or death shall be submitted with the conditional use permit application and shall be maintained in the department.

28. Before filing an application with the department, the applicant shall hold a community meeting in accordance with K.C.C. 20.20.035.

29. Only as accessory to a recreation or multiuse park of least twenty acres located within the urban area or on a site immediately adjacent to the Urban Growth Area boundary or in a building listed in the National Register of Historic Places as an historic site or designated as a King County landmark subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32.

30. Only:

a. in the RA-10 zone;

b. as a reuse of a nonresidential facility subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32;

c. on a parcel within one thousand feet of a rural town; and

d. if owned and operated by a public agency or nonprofit.

31. Only in the urban area.

32. Only in a rural town. (Ord. 19881 § 161, 2024: Ord. 19276 § 11, 2021: Ord. 19040 § 2, 2019: Ord. 18626 § 2, 2017: Ord. 17841 § 25, 2014: Ord. 17539 § 27, 2013: Ord. 17191 § 31, 2011: Ord. 16950 § 15, 2010: Ord. 16333 § 2, 2008: Ord. 16267 § 20, 2008: Ord. 15606 § 12, 2006: Ord. 15245 § 3, 2005: Ord. 15032 § 11, 2004: Ord. 14807 § 4, 2003: Ord. 14185 § 2, 2001: Ord. 14045 § 11, 2001: Ord. 13546 § 3, 1999: Ord. 13278 § 3, 1998: Ord. 13022 § 11, 1998: Ord. 12930 § 1, 1997: Ord. 12596 § 4, 1997: Ord. 12303 § 1, 1996: Ord. 12243 § 3, 1996: Ord. 11821 § 1, 1995: Ord. 11621 § 35, 1994: Ord. 11288 § 1, 1994: Ord. 11177 § 2, 1993: Ord. 10870 § 331, 1993).

21A.08.045 Health care services and residential care services land uses.

A. Health care services and residential care services land uses.

SIC #

SPECIFIC LAND USE

RA (1)

R-1

R-4 – R-8

R-12 – R-48

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

801-04

Doctor's Office/Outpatient Clinic

806

Hospital

807

Medical/Dental Lab

808-09

Miscellaneous Health

Social Services

Crisis Care Center

P10

RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES

805

Nursing and Personal Care Facilities

Adult Family Home

P11

P12

Community Residential Facility I

P13.a

P12

Community Residential Facility II

P13.b

P12

Permanent Supportive Housing

C14

P15

Recuperative Housing

C16

P16

Emergency Supportive Housing

C16

P16

Emergency Shelter

C16

P16

Microshelter Villages

C17

P17

Safe Parking

C18

P18

836

Other Residential Care (19)

P20

B. Development conditions.

1. Subject to review and approval of conditions to comply with trail corridor provisions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.14.

2. Only as a reuse of a public school facility or surplus nonresidential facility subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32.

3. Only in the urban area, as a reuse of a public school facility or surplus nonresidential facility subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32.

4. Outside the urban area, only as a reuse of a public school facility and subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32. Before filing an application with the department, the applicant shall hold a community meeting in accordance with K.C.C. 20.20.035.

5. Only in the urban area.

6. Outside of the urban area, only as a reuse of a surplus nonresidential facility subject to K.C.C. chapter 21A.32.

7. Outside of the urban area, subject to the requirements in K.C.C. 21A.12.250.

8. Only in the R-24 and R-48 zones, and limited to SIC Industries 8063-Psychiatric Hospitals and 8069-Specialty Hospitals, Except Psychiatric.

9.a. Not allowed in the RA-2.5, RA-10, or RA-20 zone;

b. Only allowed on lots of at least four and one-half acres;

c. Located within one mile of an interstate highway; and

d. Limited to sixteen beds.

10. Only allowed in the Preston Industrial Area.

11. In the forest production district, the following conditions apply:

a. Site disturbance shall be limited to three acres. Site disturbance shall mean all land alterations including, but not limited to, grading, utility installation, landscaping, clearing for crops, on-site sewage disposal systems, and driveways. Additional site disturbance for agriculture, including raising livestock, up to the smaller of thirty-five percent of the lot or seven acres, may be approved only if a farm management plan is prepared in accordance with K.C.C. chapter 21A.30. Animal densities shall be based on the area devoted to animal care and not the total area of the lot;

b. A forest management plan shall be required in the forest production district, that shall be reviewed and approved by the King County department of natural resources and parks before building permit issuance; and

c. The forest management plan shall incorporate a fire protection element that includes fire safety best management practices developed by the department.

12. Only as part of a mixed-use development subject to the conditions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.14, except in the rural area outside of rural towns on historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a King County landmark.

13.a. Limited to domestic violence shelter facilities.

b. Limited to domestic violence shelter facilities with no more than eighteen residents and staff.

14. Subject to the following standards:

a. Allowed only in the urban area;

b. Located on the same site as a religious facility, public agency, or social services use; and

c. Exempt from bicycle parking requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.030.E. and electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.140.

15. Subject to the following standards:

a. Allowed only in the urban area;

b. Only as part of a mixed-use development subject to the conditions of K.C.C. chapter 21A.14, except in the rural area outside of rural towns on historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a King County landmark; and

c. Exempt from bicycle parking requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.030.E. and electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.140.

16. Subject to the following standards:

a. Allowed only in the urban area;

b. In the R-4 through R-8 zones, only when located on the same site as a religious facility, public agency, or social service use;

c. Exempt from bicycle parking requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.030.E, and electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.140; and

d. The application shall include:

(1) A description of the staffing and operational characteristics, including sanitation and basic safety measures required for the facility;

(2) Occupancy policies, including a description of the population to be served and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a prohibition of threatening or unsafe behavior;

(3) A plan for managing the exterior appearance of the site, including keeping the site litter free;

(4) A plan for addressing reported concerns and making this information publicly available, including a phone number, email, and point of contact at the site of the facility for the community to report concerns;

(5) A plan for outreach with surrounding property owners and residents addressing items such as noise, smoking areas, parking, security procedures, and litter; and

(6) Plans and narrative documenting compliance with all applicable codes, including:

(a) an elevation of the building or buildings to be occupied;

(b) a floor plan that describes the capacities of the buildings for the uses intended, room dimensions, and a designation of the rooms to be used for nonambulatory residents, if any; and

(c) a site plan showing property lines, buildings, driveways, parking, fences, storage areas, gardens, recreation areas, and site improvements.

17. Subject to the following standards:

a. Allowed in the urban area;

b. In the R-4 through R-8 zones, only when located on the same site as a religious facility, public agency, or social service use;

c. Exempt from landscaping requirements in K.C.C. chapter 21A.16 except as required by this section, bicycle parking requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.030.E., and electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirements in K.C.C. 21A.18.140;

d. The application shall include:

(1) A description of the staffing and operational characteristics, including sanitation and basic safety measures required for the facility;

(2) Occupancy policies, including a description of the population to be served and a code of conduct that includes, at a minimum, a prohibition of threatening or unsafe behavior;

(3) A plan for managing the exterior appearance of the site, including keeping the site litter free;

(5) A plan for outreach with surrounding property owners and residents addressing items such as noise, smoking areas, parking, security procedures, and litter; and

(6) Plans and narrative documenting compliance with all applicable codes, including:

(a) an elevation of the building or buildings to be occupied;

(b) a floor plan that describes the capacities of the buildings for the uses intended, room dimensions, and a designation of the rooms to be used for nonambulatory residents, if any; and

(c) a site plan showing property lines, buildings, driveways, parking, fences, storage areas, gardens, recreation areas, and site improvements;

e. A setback of ten feet shall be along any property line adjoining a UR or R zone; and

f. The use shall be buffered with:

(1) ten feet of Type II landscaping consistent with K.C.C. 21A.16.040; or

(2) a six-foot high, view-obscuring fence.

18. Subject to the following standards:

a. Allowed in the urban area;

b. In the R-4 through R-8 zones, only when located on the same site as a religious facility, public agency, or social services use;