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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 Page I of 2 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 Page 2 of 2 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