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<br /> <br />neighboring areas will not be negatively influenced by the proposed plans. Residents will be benefited by <br />increasing their options for fresh local products and prepared foods. Farmers will also be benefited by <br />increasing their avenues to bring their products to the public. The business will also engage in small scale <br />farming itself to supplement local products used in its kitchen. Neither business would be positively <br />impacted by limiting the ability to farm for itself or its neighbors. The agricultural processing facility is <br />small scale and has very little foot traffic since the business sells mainly to other stores. Therefore, the <br />processing will not interfere with its neighbors.” <br /> <br />Staff Response: <br />Agriculture processing, farm visits providing enhanced agricultural sales, and a small-scale event facility <br />limited to a maximum of eight (8) events per year for community gatherings and educational seminars are <br />uses compatible with the Rural Working character in this area. The proposal is only approximately 1250 <br />feet way from the Thorp I-90 Interchange, there is also a Fruit and Antique Mall and gas station located <br />near the interchange. Additionally, this proposal is in an area where agriculture and mineral lands is the <br />dominate land use with little residential development. The proposal is compatible with the existing <br />neighboring land uses. <br /> <br />6. The proposed use is consistent with the intent and character of the zoning district in which it is located. <br /> <br />Applicant Response: <br />“Ag 20 zoning is meant to preserve fertile farmland for future generations. The proposed business is <br />located in a rural county and zoned as Ag 20. The business will fit into the restrictions placed on the land <br />with said zoning. The business will grow crops to prepare and sell to its customers. It will also <br />repackage crops from other farmers in order to make ready to make dinners. It is in the best interest of <br />the business to use the land available to grow crops and food stuffs.” <br /> <br />Staff Response: <br />Staff agrees with the applicant’s response. As discussed in other sections of this staff report, the proposed <br />use is consistent with the Agriculture 20 zoning designation. <br /> <br />7. For conditional uses outside of Urban Growth Areas, the proposed use: <br /> <br />A. Is consistent with the intent, goals, policies, and objectives of the Kittitas County Comprehensive <br />Plan, including the policies of Chapter 8, Rural and Resource Lands; <br /> <br />Applicant Response: <br />“The businesses are consistent with the Kittitas County comprehensive plan for a number of reasons. <br />Rural working lands are supposed to encourage “commercial and industrial uses compatible with rural <br />environment” (KCCP 2-16). The proposed businesses both encourage economic growth and work within <br />the rural character of the Kittitas County. <br /> <br />The KCCP seek to preserve the rural character of the valley and enhance the community. Both businesses <br />will preserve the rural character of the town and add to of Thorp. The businesses will keep land open for <br />a traditional rural life style and rural based activities (KCCP 8-2) by preserving the acreage for larger <br />scale farming and by participating in small scale farming to supplement crops bought from other local <br />farmers. <br /> <br />The Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan states that a purpose of rural lands is to provide rural economic <br />opportunity (KCCP 8-6). Both businesses provide jobs and economic opportunity in Thorp, a small <br />unincorporated community dominated by farms and farmers. Both businesses are built on the ideals of <br />wholesome meals made from fresh unprocessed products. <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />Index #35