HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-079 Extending a Special Event for the COVID Reopening of the City of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees and Time Restrictions as Part of That Event Resolution 21-079
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RESOLUTION NO. 21-079
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
AND TIME RESTRICTIONS 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
taking measures to promote COVID safety; 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 best public health practices; 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; and
WHEREAS, the City Council passed resolution 21-042 on June7, 2021 extending the
special event program set to expire on December 31, 2021;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend, Washington,
Section l.. 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.
Section 2. The City of Port Townsend will waive fees for temporary use permit
applications for streateries, sidewalk cafes, waiting areas and retail space until May 9, 2022. The
City hopes this will allow businesses and restaurants to use the streets and sidewalks for sidewalk
Resolution 21-079
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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 Council also waives the time limitation of Port Townsend Municipal
Code 17.60.060 for sidewalk cafes, waiting areas, retail space, and food carts until May 9, 2022.
Section 4. The City Council also finds that this action is necessary to combat the effects of
COVID-19 and encourage vitality of Downtown and Uptown through active use of the City Streets.
ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 6th day of December 2021.
Michelle Sandova
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
..,.
Joanna Sanders MMC I I �
City Clerk City Attorney