What is a Conditional Use?

Conditional Uses are those uses which may or may not be compatible with permitted uses in a specific zoning designation. Conditional uses must be approved by the Skamania County Hearing Examiner.

Conditional Use Review Process

Conditional uses must be reviewed and approved pursuant to the process described in SCC 21.16.080 and 21.16.090. This process will not begin until the EIS process has been completed.

1. Notice of public hearing is published in the Skamania County Pioneer at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. All adjacent property owners within 500 feet of the subject property lines are sent notification of the public hearing at least 20 days prior to the hearing date. Parties of record who participated in the SEPA process will also be notified.
2. Public comments are accepted before the hearing in writing and at the hearing orally. (This is the third and final opportunity to comment on the proposal.)
3. The hearing will occur. The Hearing Examiner will issue a decision within ten (10) business days of the close of the record and may approve, approve with conditions or deny the proposal.

In order to be approved, conditional uses must satisfy the following criteria. The Hearing Examiner will also consider the information in the Final EIS.

1. Be either compatible with other uses in the surrounding area or is no more incompatible than are other outright permitted uses in the applicable zoning district;
2. Not materially endanger the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding community to an extent greater than that associated with other permitted uses in the applicable zoning district;
3. Not cause the pedestrian and vehicular traffic associated with the use to conflict with existing and anticipated traffic in the neighborhood to an extent greater than that associated with other permitted uses in the applicable zoning district
4. Be supported by adequate service facilities and would not adversely affect public services to the surrounding area;
5. Not hinder or discourage the development of permitted uses on neighboring properties in the applicable zoning district as a result of the location, size or height of the buildings, structures, walls, or required fences or screening vegetation to a greater extent than other permitted uses in the applicable zoning district;
6. Not be in conflict with the goals and policies expressed in the current version of the County’s comprehensive plan.

Criteria for determining conditions to be imposed on conditional uses shall be based on the health, safety and general welfare of the public, any environmental standards in force in Skamania County, and other applicable provisions set forth in this title, and shall be subject to conditions which may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Limiting the manner in which the use is conducted including restricting the time an activity may take place and restraints to minimize such environmental effects as noise, vibration, air pollution, glare and odor;
2. Establishing a special yard, open space, lot area or lot dimensions;
3. Limiting the height, size, or location of a building or other structure;
4. Designating the size, number, location, and nature of vehicle access points;
5. Increasing the amount of street dedication, roadway with, or improvements within the street right-of-way;
6. Limiting or otherwise designating the number, size, location, height and lighting of signs;
7. Requiring berming, screening, landscaping or another facility to protect adjacent of nearby properties and designating standards for its installation and maintenance;
8. Designating the size, height, location, and materials for a fence;
9. Protecting and preserving existing trees, vegetation, water resources, wildlife habitat, or other significant natural, historic or cultural resources.