HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-053 Extending a Special Event for the Phase Two and Three Reopening of the City of Port Townsend and Waiving Temporary Use Permit Fees as Part of That Event Resolution 20®053
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RESOLUTION NO. 20-053
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON EXTENDING A SPECIAL EVENT FOR THE PHASE TWO AND THREE
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,
Section 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 20-053
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Section 2. The City of Port Townsend will waive fees for all temporary use permit
applications until Jefferson County enters Safe Start Phase Four or until occupancy of restaurants
and retail occupancy reaches 75% or greater, whichever is later. 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
lenij.)or°ary use permit after sixty days to ensure compliance with the permit and pr°ograni
regUirenicills. If the temporary use is not consistent with the permit and program rcgUimments, 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 Manager will explore options that will allow for weather-proofing of
the outdoor spaces.
Section 4. The City Manager will update the City Council on the status of special event and
fee waivers in January 2021.
Section 4. 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 19th day of October 2020.
ichell'e Sandoval
Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form:
Joanna Sanders, MMC 1 crClr Greenwo d
City Clerk City Attorney