18A.50.040 General Provisions.
A. Rural and Urban Open Space Location and Designation Criteria.
1. The location and designation of a proposed classification of rural or urban open space shall be determined utilizing the following criteria. Prior to receiving an Open Space designation, the subject property shall meet one of the following criteria:
a. Tract(s) which are identified in the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan for a proposed new trail or extension of an existing trail system;
b. Tract(s) which create a linkage to another classified open space or public park on an adjacent parcel;
c. Tract(s) which create a linkage to a critical area and its associated buffer(s);
d. Tract(s) which provide access to marine, lake, river, or stream shoreline areas;
e. Tract(s) which preserve sensitive areas for aquifer recharge and enhancement of water quality or provide flood water storage capacity;
f. Tract(s) which serve as a buffer between the urban/rural line;
g. Tract(s) which serve as a buffer between the road and a proposed development in a rural or resource designation;
h. Tract(s) which provide consolidated common open lawn areas for residents or employees in a development with an emphasis on access, visibility, and usability;
i. Tract(s) which preserve rural prime agricultural soils for agricultural land use activities;
j. Tract(s) which preserve critical areas such as steep slopes, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitat areas;
k. Tract(s) which preserve forested land; or
l. Tract(s) which preserve prairie land.
2. Tract(s) should be contiguous or form a linear system unless separation into multiple tracts would be more beneficial in fulfilling the locational criteria herein established.
3. Within the Gig Harbor Peninsula Community Plan area, any obstacles that impair fish or wildlife movement, such as undersized culverts in streams or fencing in wildlife corridors, shall be removed, repaired or modified to permit fish or wildlife passage prior to acceptance of an open space dedication.
B. Permitted Uses. The following uses shall be permitted in areas which have been classified for rural or urban open space:
1. Rural Open Space.
a. Passive recreation and associated accessory structures;
b. Golf course (excluding areas devoted to maintenance buildings, commercial structures, and parking areas);
c. Agricultural practices and associated agricultural structures;
d. Forestry practices based on an approved timber management plan as determined by the Department of Natural Resources or Natural Resource Conservation Service;
e. Pervious and impervious surface trails; and
f. Drainfields.
2. Urban Open Space.
a. Pervious and impervious surface trails;
b. Passive recreation and associated accessory structures;
c. Agricultural practices and associated agricultural structures;
d. Utility easements; and
e. Drainfields.