Freight-Rail Dependent Uses

PROJECT UPDATE - 10/30/2018

The Clark County Council has postponed public hearings regarding freight rail dependent uses until 2019.

INTERACTIVE MAP

This interactive map allows you to click on your property to see if it is located within the 1 mile corridor, the existing overlay, or the proposed overlay.

Clark County is seeking community feedback on proposed development codes that would allow freight rail-dependent development adjacent to the county’s short line Chelatchie Prairie Railroad.

The 2017 Legislature enacted 3ESB5517 that amended the Growth Management Act to allow “freight rail dependent uses” and gives Clark and Okanogan counties authority to allow such uses adjacent to short line railroads. The county council appointed an advisory committee to develop and recommend regulations that identify types of developments, where they can be built, and development standards to reduce impacts.

PROPOSAL

Freight Rail-Dependent Use Overlay

In January of 2018, the county council approved Phase I of the Freight Rail-Dependent Use Overlay project which included the initial overlay and new policies. The overlay indicates additional uses beyond what is already allowed in the underlying zone for the property.

This proposal identifies uses and development standards for properties within the overlay and also proposes an expansion of the adopted overlay.

Proposed map

Proposed code

Development use list

The proposed development regulations include a list of industrial activities that would be permitted in the railroad overlay. The uses are primarily manufacturing and span a wide range of business sectors including: Agriculture and forestry; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; and transportation and warehousing.

List of proposed Freight Rail Dependent Uses

Building and development standards

The proposal requires applicants to submit the location of buildings in relationship to the railroad and how they will comply with development standards such as building height, property line setbacks, and landscaping.

Proposed development standards

Additional modifications are proposed for the following code sections:

Sewer extension

The proposal would update county code to include the option to extend sewer services to support freight rail-dependent developments.

Sewer and Water Amendments

HOW TO COMMENT

The county wants to hear your comments on the committee’s proposal!
Email
jose.alvarez@clark.wa.gov
Online
Online comment form
Mail
Community Planning
PO Box 9810
Vancouver, WA 98666-9810

*All comments will be part of the official record.

STAY CONNECTED

To receive project updates by email, fill out this form, click the box for "Freight Rail Dependent Uses" and stay connected.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Oct. 3, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. - Council Time, 6th floor hearing room - Public Service Center

Agenda
Audio

Sept. 26, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. - County Council work session, 6th floor - Public Service Center

Comments

Open House materials

CREDC Large Site Inquiries with Rail

News articles

September 20th, 2018 at 7 p.m. - Greater Brush Prairie Neighborhood Association Meeting at Fire District 3 Headquarters, Brush Prairie

Aug. 30, 2018 at 6:30-8 p.m. - Open House at Hockinson High School

July 18, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. - County Council work session in 6th floor training room – Public Service Center

Clark County Code recommendations

June 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. – County Council work session in 6th floor training room – Public Service Center

March 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. - County Council hearing in 6th floor hearing room - Public Service Center

A proposal to adopt a public participation plan, including a scope of work and formation of an advisory group and charge, to implement development regulations regarding freight rail dependent uses per 3ESB5517.

Public Participation Plan Resolution

Feb. 7, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. - County Council Work Session in 6th floor training room - Public Service Center

County Council will hold a work session to begin discussion of Phase II (Development Code) of the implementation of Freight Rail Dependent Uses.

Staff Contact

Jose Alvarez, Project Manager
Jose.Alvarez@clark.wa.gov
564.397.4898