HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-042 Extending a Special Event for the COVID Reopening of the City of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees as Part of That Event Resolution 21®042
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RESOLUTION NO. 21-042
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON EXTENDING A SPECIAL EVENT FOR THE COVID REOPENING OF
THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND AND WAIVING TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
FEES AS PART OF THAT EVENT
WHEREAS, the current COVID-19 public health crisis required the closure of many
restaurants and business in the City of Port Townsend; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Washington, Jefferson County, and the City of Port Townsend
are in Phase Two of Governor Inslee's Safe Start Plan; and,
WHEREAS, Safe Start Phase Two allows certain businesses, including retail businesses
and dine-in restaurants, to resume operations provided they can provide for safe physical
distancing and other COVID-19 related safety measures; and
WHEREAS, many of the business locations in Port Townsend are physically small and
struggling financially due to the extended closures; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to strengthen the local economy while promoting
compliance with public health directives; and
WHEREAS, Port Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.60 allows the City to grant
temporary use permits that allow for activities on an interim basis without requiring full
compliance with development standards for applicable zoning districts or allow for seasonal or
transient uses that would not otherwise be permitted; and
WHEREAS, the Shoreline Master Program allows for special events within the City's
shorelines; and
WHEREAS, the City Council passed resolution 20-030 creating a special event program
set to expire on October 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with resolution 20-030, the City Council reviewed the
program at the September 14, 2020 regularly scheduled workshop.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend, Washington,
Sctioli I. The City will have a COVID-19 recovery special event beginning on the first
day of Port Townsend's Safe Start Phases Two and Three. This special event will allow
businesses and restaurants in the City shorelines to conduct business on sidewalks and streets
adjacent to their locations with a properly issued temporary use permit as outlined in Port
Townsend Municipal Code Chapter 17.60.
Resolution 21-042
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Section 2. The City of Port Townsend will waive fees for all temporary use permit
applications until December 31, 2021. The City hopes this will allow businesses and restaurants
to use the streets and sidewalks for sidewalk cafes, waiting areas, and retail space as a measure to
assist with COVID recovery. This fee waiver does not guarantee that the City will grant the
permit. As a condition of the fee waiver, City staff will review any granted temporary use permit
after sixty days to ensure compliance with the permit and program requirements. If the
temporary use is not consistent with the permit and program requirements, the City may revoke
the permit, require a change in location, or require any other conditions necessary for public
health and safety.
Section 3. The City established weather-proofing of the outdoor spaces. Weather-
proofing is recommended to be removed and may be reinstated after Nov. 1, 2021.
Section 4. The City Council also finds that this action is necessary to combat the effects
of COVID-19.
ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 7th day of June 2021.
Michelle Saudovz
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
Joanna Sanders MMC f god
City Clerk City Attorney