Chapter 23.728 — Outdoor Display, Sales, And Storage

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate permanent and temporary outdoor display, sales, and storage uses. The intent of these regulations is to encourage outdoor displays and activities that are compatible with associated and nearby uses and do not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle circulation or create an unsightly appearance of unrestricted clutter.

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 4.10.010); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2018 § 3 (Exh. A))

The following outdoor activities shall be subject to the permit requirements listed herein:

• A. Permanent Outdoor Display and Sales. Permanent outdoor display and sales are permitted (consistent with the allowed use provisions of the underlying zoning district), subject to zoning certification, when all related activities are developed and operated consistent with the standards of this chapter.

• B. Permanent Outdoor Storage. Permanent outdoor storage is permitted as an incidental use to a principal use in all zoning designations, except for agricultural and residential zoning districts. If not part of the original development permit for the principal use, permanent outdoor storage may be permitted subject to a zoning certification, when consistent with the development standards of this chapter. A storage yard as a primary use may be permitted subject to a minor design review, when consistent with the development standards of this chapter.

• C. Temporary Outdoor Storage, Display, and Sales. A temporary use permit is required for all temporary outdoor storage, displays, and sales, unless otherwise specified in Chapter 23.922 RCMC (Temporary Uses). Such uses shall be consistent with the development standards of this chapter and shall also be consistent with the standards for temporary uses (Chapter 23.922 RCMC, Temporary Uses).

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 4.10.020); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2018 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 3-2019 § 5 (Exh. A))

• A. General Development Standards for All Activities. The following development standards apply to all outdoor display, sales, and storage activities:

  1. Location. Outdoor display, sales, and storage activities shall not be located within any public right-of-way (unless an encroachment permit has been issued), in required parking spaces or within designed vehicle drive aisles, or within required landscape planter areas. Outdoor display, sales, and storage activities may also not disrupt or impede required pedestrian circulation paths as required by Chapter 23.722 RCMC (Standards for Pedestrian-Oriented Spaces) or the building code.

  2. Hours of Operation. Except as otherwise provided, hours of operation for outdoor display, sales, and storage activities shall be consistent for the hours of operation for the corresponding primary use.

  3. Noise. Any noise generated by the outdoor display, sales, or storage activity shall be consistent with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 6.68 RCMC, Noise Control).

  4. Signs. No additional business identification or advertising signs for the outdoor display, sales, or storage activity may be permitted above the maximum allowable sign area for the corresponding primary use, except when the outdoor activity is the primary use, as determined by the director (e.g., Christmas tree lot).

  5. Maintenance. Outdoor activity areas shall be kept free of garbage and other debris.

• B. Standards for Outdoor Display and Sales. The following development standards shall apply to all permanent and temporary outdoor display and sales activities:

  1. Associated with the Primary Use. All outdoor display and sales activities shall be associated with the primary use of the property. Only those goods and services associated with the primary use may be stored, sold, or displayed. All outdoor display and sales activities that are independent of the primary use shall be considered their own primary use and regulated as such (e.g., seasonal sales as a temporary use requiring a temporary use permit).

  2. Maximum Area. Unless otherwise approved in conjunction with development permits, the area used for permanent outdoor display and sales of materials shall not exceed 10 percent of the gross floor area of the corresponding commercial building. The following uses and activities are specifically exempt from this requirement, provided all other development standards are satisfied:

     • a. Vehicle and equipment sales and rentals (e.g., automobile, boat, RV, construction equipment, etc.), provided storage and display is limited to vehicles offered for sale or rental only.

  3. Time Limit for Temporary Activities. See the provisions of Chapter 23.922 RCMC (Temporary Uses) for duration and permit requirements for temporary promotional sales.

• C. Standards for Outdoor Storage. The following development standards shall apply to all permanent and temporary outdoor storage activities:

  1. Location. Outdoor storage may not be located within any required front or street side yard for the underlying zoning district within which the activity is located.

• a. Outdoor storage yards may be located within 500 feet of residential uses if the storage area is designed in a manner that cannot be seen from any portion of the residential use, including multi-story buildings. This can be achieved by utilizing a combination of solid screening materials, mature or fast-growing landscaping and building placement. Compliance will be verified through a zoning certification for existing development or a design review for new developments.

  2. Height Limitation. The height of stacked materials and goods shall be no greater than that of any building, wall, fence, or gate enclosing the storage area. For additional height limitations for recycling and junk tire facilities, see RCMC § 23.916.020 (Junk tire facility). For additional height limitations for automotive dismantling, see RCMC § 23.913.020 (Automobile dismantling).

  3. Screening. Screening of outdoor storage shall be consistent with RCMC § 23.731.080(A)(7) (Outdoor Equipment, Storage, and Work Areas).

4. Cargo Shipping Containers. Cargo shipping containers may be utilized for outdoor storage of goods and materials in all zoning districts, except agricultural and residential zoning districts, and subject to the development standards of this chapter.

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 4.10.030); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 4-2018 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1-2020 § 3 (Exh. A))