CU-15-00003 Wheatley Master File

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The Comprehensive plan states, “A certain level of mixed uses in rural areas and rural service centers is acceptable and may include limited commercial, service and industrial uses.” (GPO 8.8). According to GPO 8.16, planning will give preference to uses that are related to agriculture. Both businesses support agriculture by buying from local farmers and by growing crops for the kitchen and prepared foods.” Staff Response: Staff agrees with the applicant’s response. As discussed in other sections of this staff report, the proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan. B. Preserves “rural character” as defined in the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.030(15)); Applicant Response: “The businesses at 9201 N Thorp Hwy will not hurt the rural character of the valley or the town of Thorp. By using a building that is already standing and remodeled from an old hay barn we are keeping space open and preserving the visual and natural landscape. Both businesses create opportunities for rural based economic growth while keeping space for Thorp’s rural lifestyle to persist.” Staff Response: Staff agrees with the applicant’s response. The applicant is proposing to run agriculture based businesses that are consistent with rural character, use existing buildings that are compatible with the rural character of the area, and is consistent with our comprehensive plan and zoning regulations as described in other sections of this staff report. C. Requires only rural government services; and Applicant Response: “The businesses require only rural governmental services. Thorp will not need to be included in any urban government because of these businesses.” Staff Response: Staff does not anticipate an increased need for any rural government services. D. Does not compromise the long term viability of designated resource lands. Applicant Response: “By working in buildings that are already in place and using the open land for growing food stuffs and crops, the businesses in Thorp will not compromise long term viability of resource lands. They will, in fact, preserve the land in order to continue to reap gains off the land.” Staff Response: Staff agrees with the applicant’s response. The subject property is designated as rural working lands and not as resource lands. Regardless, the proposal is compatible with the existing character of the area and meets the rural element of Kittitas County’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations, thereby not compromising the long term viability of designated resource lands. Consistency with the provisions of KCC Title 17A, Critical Areas: This proposal is consistent with the provisions of KCC Title 17A, Critical Areas. Staff conducted an administrative critical area review in accordance with KCC 17A and found that this proposal is located within the buffer of Elwin Gibson’s Mineral Resource Land designation (Index #6). Staff has determined that this proposed activity will not have a negative impact on the Mineral Resource Land designation that is separated from this 7 Index #35