Zoning Map- Trying to understand...

[Joe Edwards-Hoff]

I live in Kittitas County of Washington state. I have a map for zoning, but I am having troubles understand 1) if it is current (it is on the county website) and 2) what exactly it means. There are low and medium density properties all around, but I can't find anything stating exactly, how much I can build or add to a lot of X size. I am just trying to look into, if I got a house on a certain lot, could I ever add to it, or build another unit.

http://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/index.aspx?nid=107

Map-
http://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=312

[Jon Holdman]

Your best bet is to pick up the phone, call the planning department and ask to speak with a planner. They won't bite, honest. I've spoken with them in several different cities and they have always been very helpful.

Typically the meanings and allowed uses are described in a city ordnance. Somewhere on the city web site you should find the actual ordnance text. See "Title 13" of the linked web page. Those usually have tables of allowed uses for each zoning code. There may also be planning documents that restate or summarize this information.

In addition to the basic land uses, the ordnance typically covers things like setbacks and height limits. These may have a large effect on what and where you can build. For example, I'd like to put a shed on my lot. But the best locations fall into prohibited areas. When we built a free standing pergola in the back yard last summer, the planning department reviewed the plans to make sure it was not in the prohibited areas.

Some properties may be grandfathered. These codes change over time, and older structures that don't conform with the new codes are typically grandfathered to some extent.

I notice they also have a comprehensive plan document. I'd recommend you have a look at that. These documents typically outline where the city wants to go. These documents may describe ways they want to change zoning in the future. The area where my residence is, for example, is currently zoned R2, which allows duplexes. However, the long range plan changes this zoning to medium high density, which would allow me to build 10 units on my half acre lot. While some of my neighbors would resist such a plan tooth and toenail, I would probably have support from the planing commission if I proposed such a change.