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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-030 Creating a Special Event for the Phase Two Reopening of the City of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees as Part of That Event Resolution 20-030 RESOLUTION NO. 20-030 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON CREATING A SPECIAL EVENT FOR THE PHASE TWO 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 may shortly transition to Phase Two of Governor Inslee's Safe Start Plan; and, WHEREAS, Safe Start Phase 2 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 development standard 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; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington, Section 1. The City will have a COVID-19 recovery special event beginning on the first day of Port Townsend's Safe Start Phase 2. 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. Sectiori 2. The City of Port Townsend will waive fees for all temporary use permit applications until October 31, 2020. The City hopes this will allow businesses and restaurants to use the streets and sidewalks as part of their COVID-19 safety plans for sidewalk cafes, waiting areas, and retail space. 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 safe physical distancing guidelines and the public health and safe use of the right-of-way. If the temporary use is not consistent with the safe physical distancing guidelines and the public health and safe use of the right-of-way, the City may revoke the permit, require a Resolution 20-030 change in location, or require any other conditions necessary for public health and safety. Section 3. The City Council also finds that this action is necessary to combat COVID-19. ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, Washington, at a regular meeting thereof, held this 1St day of June 2020. Michelle Sandoval Mayor Attest: Approved as to form: w =,an Joanna Sanders, MMC Heidi Gr�t en#od - - ...... City Clerk City At,oniey