HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2023 AgendaI.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Public Participation Information
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II.CASE NO:MIS23-0012
Special Home Occupation for Golden Point Farms
APPLICANT: Ryan Russell
Golden Point Farms LLC
11428 SE 289th Street
Auburn WA 98092
PROPERTY OWNER: Ryan Russell
11428 SE 289th Street
Auburn WA 98092
REQUEST: Special Home Occupation permit using an existing 3,000 square foot
greenhouse built in 1988, accessory to a single-family residence located
on two parcels totaling 4.41 acres. The subject “Property” will be used to
establish Golden Point Farms. The small farm aims to produce fresh
specialty produce and ornamental plants that will be sold at the Auburn
Farmer’s Market. The Property is screened by evergreens along the
HEARING EXAMINER
AGENDA
October 18, 2023
5:30 P.M.
City Council Chambers
25 West Main Street
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entire fence line. Retail sales and/or farm stands open to the public are
not proposed for the site. The Property is zoned Residential 1 DU/Acre
as are surrounding properties that range in size from ½ acre to 6 acres.
PROJECT LOCATION: The Property is located approximately 800 feet northeast of the
intersection of SE 290th Street and 112th Avenue SE. King Co. Assessor
Parcel Nos. 0521059081 and 0521059075. Quarter Section 5
NE/Township 21 N. /Range 5 E. WM,
PARCEL NO(S): King County Assessor Parcel No. . 0521059081 and 0521059075
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Hearing Examiner Agenda
October 18, 2023
5:30 p.m.
________________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
HEARING EXAMINER
Agenda Subject/Title:
Special Home Occupation for
Golden Point Farms
City File No. MIS23-0012
Date:
October 18, 2023
Department:
Community Development
DESCRIPTION:
Request for Special Home Occupation permit to conduct a home business.
ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION:
Hearing Examiner to conduct a public hearing and approve the Special Home Occupation
permit.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Special Home Occupation permit using an existing 3,000 square foot greenhouse built in 1988,
accessory to a single-family residence located on two parcels totaling 4.41 acres. The subject
“Property” will be used to establish Golden Point Farms. The small farm aims to produce fresh
specialty produce and ornamental plants that will be sold at the Auburn Farmer’s Market. The
Property is screened by evergreens along the entire fence line. Retail sales and/or farm stands
open to the public are not proposed for the site. The Property is zoned Residential 1 DU/Acre as
are surrounding properties that range in size from ½ acre to 6 acres.
LOCATION:
The Property is located approximately 800 feet northeast of the intersection of SE 290th Street
and 112th Avenue SE. King Co. Assessor Parcel Nos. 0521059081 and 0521059075. Quarter
Section 5 NE/Township 21 N. /Range 5 E. WM,
APPLICANT:
Ryan Russell, Golden Point Farms LLC, 11428 SE 289th Street, Auburn, WA 98092
PROPERTY OWNER:
Ryan Russell, Golden Point Farms LLC, 11428 SE 289th Street, Auburn, WA 98092
EXHIBIT 1
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 2 of 9
SPECIAL HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT
Golden Point Farms
MIS23-0012
I.GENERAL INFORMATION:
Application Date: June 26, 2023
Applicant/
Property Owner: Ryan Russell, Golden Point Farms LLC, 11428 SE 289th Street,
Auburn, WA 98092
Project Description: Special Home Occupation permit to use an existing 3,000 square
foot greenhouse built in 1988, accessory to a single-family
residence located on two parcels totaling 4.41 acres. The subject
“Property” will be used to establish Golden Point Farms. The small
farm aims to produce fresh specialty produce and ornamental
plants that will be sold at the Auburn Farmer’s Market. The
Property is screened by evergreens along the entire fence line.
Retail sales and/or farm stands open to the public are not
proposed for the site. The Property is zoned Residential 1
DU/Acre as are surrounding properties that range in size from ½
acre to 6 acres.
Proposed Location: The proposal is located at 11428 SE 289th Street within the
Quarter Section 5 NE/Township 21 N. /Range 5 E. WM,
Parcel Numbers: 0521059081 and 0521059075
Subject Property and Adjacent Property Zoning and Land Use:
Comprehensive Plan
designation Zoning classification Current Land Use
Project Site
Single Family
Residential
R-1, Residential One
Dwelling Unit Per Acre Single-family residence
North
Single Family
Residential
R-1, Residential One
Dwelling Unit Per Acre Single-family residence
South
Single Family
Residential
R-1, Residential One
Dwelling Unit Per Acre Single-family residence
West
Single Family
Residential
R-1, Residential One
Dwelling Unit Per Acre Single-family residence
East
Single Family
Residential
R-1, Residential One
Dwelling Unit Per Acre Single-family residence
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 3 of 9
Vicinity Map
II. SEPA STATUS:
The Project is exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) per Washington
Administrative Code (WAC) 197-11-800(13)(a) as a “business or regulatory license”.
III. FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. Ryan Russell (the “Applicant” and property owner) submitted an application for a Special
Home Occupation Permit on June 26, 2023 to use an existing 3,000 square foot
greenhouse built in 1988, accessory to an existing single-family residence. The property
consists of two parcels totaling 4.41 acres.
2. Home occupations authorized by and subject to the standards of Chapter 18.60 ACC
“Home Occupations” are permitted within the R-1 zone.
3. The comprehensive plan designation of the two parcels is “Single Family Residential”.
This designation is implemented by the zoning classification of the site as “R-1,
Residential 1 dwelling units per acre”.
4. The stated purpose of the R-1 zone is as follows:
Subject Property
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 4 of 9
“ ACC 18.07.010 Intent.
E. R-1 Residential Zone – One Dwelling Unit per Acre. The intent of the R-1
residential zone is to provide areas for estate-type residential development on large
lots. This zone would normally be located in the areas particularly suited for such
development.
5. The home occupation will employ only the residents of the single-family residence. In the
future the owners may hire a part-time employee on a seasonal and temporary basis.
The scale of the operation is small and doesn’t require staff beyond the homeowners.
6. The home occupation will occupy 3,000 square feet of the greenhouse.
7. According to the applicant’s narrative submitted with the application, the greenhouse has
several fans. Some standard homeowner power tools will be used, but primarily the tools
used will be hand pruners and watering hoses. The greenhouse is not sized for a tractor,
nor does the business require a tractor.
8. Staff conducted a site visit on July 24, 2023 to verify the existing site conditions.
9. In accordance with the City’s home occupation regulations (ACC 18.60.040(C)), any
home occupation that requires more than one-fourth of the floor area of any building
requires a “Special Home Occupation Permit”. This same code section also requires
home occupations that can only meet 11 or 12 of the 13 requirements require an
approved Special Home Occupation Permit to be granted by the Hearing Examiner, and
must meet a minimum of 11 out of the 13 criteria ACC 18.60.020(A) through (M), as
follows:
“18.60.020 Requirements
A. Only members of the immediate family residing on the premises and no more than
one non-resident may be employed at any one time; provided that home occupations
with a nonresident employee shall provide off-street parking for the employee on site.
B. No mechanical equipment is used except such as is commonly or customarily
used for domestic, household or personal purposes for a dwelling unit (or as deemed
similar in terms of power, quantity, noise, emissions and type).
C. Not more than one-fourth of the floor area of any building is devoted to such
occupation, except for bed and breakfasts.
D. That such occupation shall not require internal or external alteration or involve
construction features not customarily found in a dwelling.
E. The home occupation shall not involve the use of personal commercial vehicles as
defined in ACC 18.04.245 for the distribution of materials to or from the premises.
Deliveries or pickups by commercial delivery services shall not apply toward this
limitation provided such pickup or delivery does not exceed twice per day.
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 5 of 9
F. The conduct of any home occupation, including but not limited to the storage of
goods and equipment, shall not reduce or render unusable areas provided for the
required off-street parking. Additional parking is not allowed in order to conduct a
home occupation, except what may be required through the issuance of a special
home occupation permit pursuant to ACC 18.60.040.
G. Only one sign is permitted, not to exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in area, non-
illuminated, and attached to a building, except that home occupations in commercial
or industrial zones may have signs consistent with the applicable zoning district.
H.No display pertaining to the occupation, other than the one permitted sign, is
visible from the street or adjacent residences.
I. No more animals are maintained on the premises than what may otherwise be
permitted in the zone.
J. Except for bed and breakfasts, employee and customer visits shall be limited to
the following hours of operation:
1. Employees from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday;
2. Customers from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
K. Traffic generated by the home occupation shall be limited to a maximum of eight
(two-way) client/delivery-related trips per day for those home occupations that
operate by appointment only and do not have overlapping client visits. All other home
occupations shall be limited to five (two-way) client/delivery trips per day.
L. Outdoor storage of materials, goods, products or equipment is not allowed.
M.The home occupation is to be conducted in such a manner that the residence
shall not differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials,
construction, lighting, signs, or the emissions of sounds, noises, vibrations or odors
or result in traffic impacts inconsistent with the character of the area in which the
home occupation is located.”
10.The purpose of the city’s home occupation regulations is as follows:
“18.60.010 Purpose
The purpose of a home occupation is to allow certain activities to be undertaken for
gain or profit within a dwelling or a building accessory to a dwelling in any zone in
which dwellings are present. The home occupation shall be conducted by a resident
of the dwelling unit and is to be conducted in such a manner that the residence shall
not differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials,
construction, lighting, signs or the emissions of sounds, noises, vibrations or odors,
or result in traffic impacts that are inconsistent with the character of the area in which
the home occupation is located.”
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 6 of 9
11.Per ACC Table 18.52.020, “Off-Street Parking Requirements by Land Use”, two (2) off-
street parking spaces are required per single-family dwelling.
12.A combined Notice of Application and Notice of Public Hearing (“Exhibit 4”) was issued
on September 26, 2023.
13.The public hearing notice was issued a minimum of 10 days prior to the public hearing
as required by ACC 2.46.130. The notice was also posted at the Site and mailed to
adjacent property owners within 300 feet of the Site, as required.
IV.CONCLUSIONS:
The city’s home occupation regulations, ACC 18.60.040, provide certain criteria for approval of
a Special Home Occupation Permit. The following is a list of these criteria (in italics) and staff
analysis of how the Project compares to the criteria:
A.Special home occupation permits are required and must be granted by the hearing examiner
for the following uses, even if the use meets all of the requirements of ACC 18.60.020(A)
through (M), but in no case shall any home occupation meet less than 11 of the 13
requirements:
6.Home occupations that can only meet 11 or 12 of the 13 requirements as outlined in
ACC 18.60.020 (A) though (M).
Staff Analysis
The home occupation is for a farm established in an existing greenhouse that can meet at
least 12 of the 13 requirements per ACC 18.60.020(A) though (M).
A.The Applicant is the only employee but may employ one nonresident part-time/seasonal
employee, and to include a parking space on the site. Staff finds that the home
occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(A).
B.The Applicant states that no mechanical equipment will be used in the operation of the
home occupation. Staff finds that the home occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(B).
C.The Applicant states that the entire 3,000 square feet of the existing greenhouse is
required for the home occupation. Staff finds that the home occupation does not meet
criteria ACC 18.60.020(C). This exceedance can be authorized as one of the allowed
exceptions to the 13 criteria.
D.No interior or exterior alternations to the home are proposed. Staff finds that the home
occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(D).
E.The Applicant states that the home occupation will not involve the use of commercial
vehicles, which are defined in ACC 18.04.245 as semi-truck tractors and/or semi-trailers
over 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight. Staff finds that the home occupation meets
criteria ACC 18.60.020(E).
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 7 of 9
F. The home occupation will not reduce or render unusable areas provided for required off-
street parking. The Applicant does not plan to make changes to existing structures or
yard area. The Property has ample space for parking if needed. The home occupation
will not be open to the public or receive commercial deliveries. The home occupation will
be conducted in a manner that will reserve two off-street parking spaces for the home
and thus not reduce the home’s required two parking spaces. Staff finds that the home
occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(F).
G. The applicant does not propose to have signage. The applicant has indicated that they
do not want to provide access to customers to the property or draw attention to their
home. Staff finds that the home occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(G).
H. The home occupation will not involve any display of signs. Staff finds that the home
occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(H).
I. The applicant does not propose animals as part of the home occupation. Staff finds that
the home occupation meets criteria ACC 18.60.020(I).
J. The applicant does not intend to allow customers to the home, accept on a rare by-
appointment-only occasion, and does not intend to have employees except a part-
time/seasonal employee. The applicant shall comply with the hours of operation:
1) Employees from 8:00 am – to 6:00 pm. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am
– to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday,
2) Customers from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Staff finds that the home occupation meets ACC 18.60.020(J).
K. Traffic generated by the home occupation shall be limited to a maximum of eight (two-
way) client/delivery-related trips per day for those home occupations that operate by
appointment only and do not have overlapping client visits. All other home occupations
shall be limited to five (two-way) client/delivery trips per day. The applicant provided in
the narrative that they would not exceed these limits. Potentially an additional two-way
trip could occur to go to a second farmers market on a weekend. Staff finds that the
home occupation meets ACC 18.60.020(K).
L. The Applicant indicates that materials, goods, and products will be stored inside the
greenhouse for the home occupation. Staff finds that the home occupation meets criteria
ACC 18.60.020(L).
M. No exterior changes are proposed. The applicant has stated in the narrative that they do
not intend to make changes to the existing greenhouse, that the property is fully
screened by evergreen trees, and the business does not emit noise that can be heard
from a neighboring property.
Staff conducted a site visit of the property on July 24, 2023 in the afternoon. The home
and greenhouse are located down a private drive that is not visible from the public street.
The 4.41 acres is maintained with grass and landscaping. The greenhouse is located
adjacent to and north of the residence and is in good condition. The site has ample
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 8 of 9
parking for the residents and an employee or visitor to the property. Staff finds that the
home occupation meets ACC 18.60.020(M).
Staff finds the request meets the criterion, as conditioned herein.
B. In considering applications for special home occupation permits, the hearing examiner shall
consider the nature and conditions of all adjacent uses and structures. No such special
home occupation permit shall be authorized by the hearing examiner unless the hearing
examiner finds that:
1. The authorizing of such special home occupation permit will not be materially detrimental
to the public welfare or injurious to the property in the zone or vicinity in which the
property is located; and
2. The authorization of such special home occupation permit will be consistent with the
spirit and purpose of this title.
Staff Analysis
Authorization of the Special Home Occupation Permit for the home occupation will not be
materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property in the zone or vicinity
in which the property is located, with observance of the staff recommended conditions. The
home occupation meets 12 out of the 13 criteria of ACC 18.60.020(A) though (M), and the
business license will be conditioned to either ensure that at least 12 out of the 13 criteria are
met or to account for any potential materially detrimental impacts from the inabili ty to meet 1
of the 13 criteria as, as addressed in ‘Staff Analysis of Section IV. “CONCLUSIONS”.
As consistent with the purpose of home occupations, the home occupation is undertaken for
gain or profit within the greenhouse accessory to the dwelling, the home occupation is
conducted by a resident of the existing dwelling, and the home occupation will not differ in
character from that of a residence, as conditioned. As a result, it is also not detrimental to
single-family residential environment and consistent with the intent of the R-1 zone.
STAFF FINDS THE REQUEST MEETS THE CRITERION, AS CONDITIONED HEREIN.
V. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Based upon the application, accompanying materials, Findings of Fact, and Conclusions of
the staff report, staff recommends that the Hearing Examiner approve the Special Home
Occupation Permit, MIS23-0012, with the following Conditions of Approval.
VI. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The home occupation shall only have employees between the hours of 8:00 am – 6:00
pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Customers from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm in accordance with ACC 18.60.020(J).
2. The home occupation shall only employ one nonresident employee at any one time and
an off-street parking space shall be provided for said employee.
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Agenda Subject: Special Home Occupation Permit for Golden Point
Farms – MIS23-0012
Date: October 3, 2023
Page 9 of 9
3.Traffic generated to the home occupation shall be limited to a maximum of eight (two-
way) client/delivery-related trips per day for those home occupations that operate by
appointment only and do not have overlapping client visits.
Staff reserves the right to supplement the record of the case to respond to matters and
information raised subsequent to the writing of this report.
VII.EXHIBIT LIST:
Exhibit 1 Staff Report to Hearing Examiner
Exhibit 2 Special Home Occupation Permit Application Materials
Exhibit 3 Applicant's Supplemental Info
Exhibit 4 Notice of Application/Notice of Public Hearing
Exhibit 5 Documentation of Noticing
Exhibit 6 Site Plan
Exhibit 7 Presentation to Hearing Examiner
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Page 1 of 2
CITY OF AUBURN
Land Use Application #1311429 - GPF Greenhouse Approval
EXHIBIT 2
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Project Contact
Company Name:Golden Point Farms LLC
Name:Ryan Russell Email:ryan@dolpheus.com
Address:11428 SE 289th St Phone #:(210) 865-9645
Auburn WA 98092
Project Type Activity Type Scope of Work
New None Home Occupation
Project
Name:GPF Greenhouse Approval
Description
of Work:
The greenhouse already exists and is a permitted structure since ~1988. The purpose of this
application is for my small farm (Golden Point Farms) to be able to use the entirety of the
greenhouse rather than ~840 square feet which would otherwise be the max given the 25%
standard. We aim to provide specialty produce (e.g.: tomatoes, peppers, citrus, etc.) for sale at
the Auburn Farmers Market. We see our greenhouse as a great way to have produce ready for
market on opening day rather than having to wait until nearly the end of the season for a great
tomato or a hot pepper. There is, however, an economy of scale that's required to make this
tenable: we need to be able to use the entire greenhouse that's already on the site -- using just a
small fraction of it would be prohibitively expensive to operate and wouldn't provide sufficient
gross sales to allow our small farm to provide to the local community. Regarding impact to the
neighbors, the property is fully fenced and fully screened in by evergreen trees, and the
greenhouse is incredibly quiet -- just a few fans run, and they're not on the exterior walls anyway.
We do not use grow lights at night, so there is no significant light pollution to speak of. Finally, we
do not intend to place any signage, receive deliveries, have a farm stand onsite, or similar. So, we
respectfully ask that the greenhouse that's already on site that was formerly Species West
Orchids, can be approved for full use for our farm.
Project Details
Development Type
Residential
Page 2 of 2
CITY OF AUBURN
Land Use Application #1311429 - GPF Greenhouse Approval
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Supplemental Name: Special Home Occupation Review Criteria
Per ACC 18.60.020, Home Occupations are required to meet the following requirements, please address each of them and state how
this proposal is consistent. Note that a minimum of 11 of the 13 criteria need to be met to qualify for a Special Home Occupation.
Provide a complete description of the proposed use.
Golden Point Farms ("GPF") is our small farm that aims to bring high quality, fresh, specialty produce and some ornamental plants to the
Auburn Farmer's Market to sell. Our property has on it our house and a greenhouse that was built in 1988 and was used for Species West
Orchids. Our goal is to be able to use the full space of the pre-existing greenhouse for our home-based business. Currently the standards for
home based businesses would limit the use to ~840 square feet given the size of our home; however, the greenhouse is 3000 square feet, so
having to cut the business operation down to approx 1/4 the size of the structure would make the operational expense untenable, and we
wouldn't be able to produce enough to make going to market worthwhile. The property is a 4.5 acre, private, screened in (evergreens along the
entire fence line) area on the old Kearns farm. Our neighbors have similar properties. Notably, since we plan to sell at the Farmers Market and
do not have any desire to have any retail or wholesale sales from the site address, traffic should remain essentially unchanged. Since this is
our home as well, we don't want to have people coming in and out, don't have the scale or desire for commercial deliveries, etc.
Only members of the immediate family residing on the premises and no more than one nonresident may be employed at any one
time; provided, that home occupations with a nonresident employee shall provide off-street parking for the employee on site.
We do not have any employees and do not intend to have any in the near future. If we were to later on want to hire a part-time employee, it
would be seasonal or temporary -- the scale of this operation is quite small and doesn't justify having staff beyond the homeowners.
No mechanical equipment is used except such as is commonly or customarily used for domestic, household or personal purposes
for a dwelling unit (or as deemed similar in terms of power, quantity, noise, emissions and type).
The greenhouse has several fans. Aside from that, while one could conceive using standard homeowner-type power tools, the majority of the
tools used for this business will involve hand pruners and a watering hose. The greenhouse isn't sized for a tractor & the business doesn't use
a tractor. In short, I believe I comply with this section.
Not more than one-fourth (25%) of the floor area of any building is devoted to such occupation, except for bed and breakfasts.
This is the area in which we are seeking a special permit for. The greenhouse as-built is 100' x 30' and has been there since 1988. The
request here is to be allowed to utilize its entire square footage for our small farm. For some context, our property is 4.5 acres, and the
neighborhood is zoned R-1, with many properties >2 acres each. This is the old Kearns farm, so one might even suggest that we're keeping
with the land's historical use.
That such occupation shall not require internal or external alteration or involve construction features not customarily found in a
dwelling.
No alterations are proposed to the dwelling. The structure in question has been in place and in the same format for ~34 years.
The home occupation shall not involve the use of personal commercial vehicles as defined in ACC 18.04.245 for the distribution of
materials to or from the premises. Deliveries or pickups by commercial delivery services shall not apply toward this limitation
provided such pickup or delivery does not exceed twice per day.
We comply with this -- We do not propose deliveries/pickups by commercial vehicles. Our small business does own an old pickup truck, and
that's what we intend to use to carry our produce, tent, and tables to the Farmer's Market.
The conduct of any home occupation, including but not limited to the storage of goods and equipment, shall not reduce or render
unusable areas provided for the required off-street parking. Additional parking is not allowed in order to conduct a home occupation,
except what may be required through the issuance of a Special Home Occupation permit pursuant to ACC 18.60.040.
We would be compliant on this -- we do not intend to allow client onsite visits (perhaps a rare by-appointment-only visit at most), we do not
intend to have employees or commercial deliveries, and all the business's goods/equipment will remain inside the greenhouse. We do not
require any additional parking.
Only one sign is permitted, not to exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in area, nonilluminated, and attached to a building, except that home
occupations in commercial or industrial zones may have signs consistent with the applicable zoning district.
We do not intend to put up any signs at all, as we do not want to bring customers to our property or draw any additional attention to our home.
No display pertaining to the occupation, other than the one permitted sign, is visible from the street or adjacent residences.
We do not intend to put up any signs at all, as we do not want to bring customers to our property or draw any additional attention to our home.
No more animals are maintained on the premises than what may otherwise be permitted in the zone.
Our farm does not propose having animals as part of it, so we are not requesting for and do not have intend to maintain animals beyond
standard zone permitting. While we do some limited dog boarding, we are compliant with all regulations on quantity for the zoning.
Jurisdiction:Auburn
Project Name: GPF Greenhouse Approval
Application ID: 1311429
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EXHIBIT 3
Except for bed and breakfasts, employee and customer visits shall be limited to the following hours of operation:
Employees from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday,
Customers from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
We do not intend to allow customer visits to the home at this time beyond a potential for by-appointment-only on rare occasion (not likely at this
time). If we were to in the future, we would abide by the listed times. Further - we do not have employees or intend to have employees. Our farm
isn't large enough to support that cost.
Traffic generated by the home occupation shall be limited to a maximum of eight (two-way) client/delivery-related trips per day for
those home occupations that operate by appointment only and do not have overlapping client visits. All other home occupations
shall be limited to five (two-way) client/delivery trips per day.
We would not exceed these limits. Our potential "scale up" might be to go to a second farmer's market on the weekend, but each would be one
2-way trip. As mentioned in a previous section, we do not intend to allow client visits.
Outdoor storage of materials, goods, products or equipment is not allowed.
We do not intend to store any business materials outside. All would be inside the greenhouse.
The home occupation is to be conducted in such a manner that the residence shall not differ from its residential character either by
the use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, signs, or the emissions of sounds, noises, vibrations or odors or result in traffic
impacts inconsistent with the character of the area in which the home occupation is located.
We do not intend to make changes which would cause anything to change beyond the last 34 years of use. When Species West closed, the
owner of this property continued using the greenhouse, just not commercially. Similarly, I have maintained using the greenhouse personally for
the last year since purchasing the property; the only proposed change is just in whether we can sell what we grow or not. That said -- we take
steps to be good neighbors. Our property is fully screened in by evergreen trees, the business does not emit noise that can be heard from
neighbor's houses, and GPF does not run unusual lighting which would be inconsistent with the area.
Per ACC 18.60.040(B), in reviewing applications for special home occupations, the Hearing Examiner will consider the following
criteria. Please provide a response to these criteria and explain how your Special Home Occupation (or proposal) complies.
The nature and condition of all adjacent uses and structures.
The use will be materially detrimental impacts to public welfare or injurious to property in the zone or vicinity in which the
property is located; and
Consistency with the spirit and purpose of ACC Title 18 (Zoning).
For the first item, I would propose that since the greenhouse has been here for 34 years (permitted) and was a licensed business for ~1/3 of
that, there's no substantial change since we intend to reuse the existing building. Additionally, the neighbor immediately adjacent to the
greenhouse itself has a horse barn directly across the fence from the greenhouse. From my perspective, using the pre-existing greenhouse to
grow produce for the community not only fits with the community -- it fits the history of Auburn. This is the old Kearns farm, and Lea Hill was
historically comprised of a bunch of small farms. It's precisely that charm and history that drew us here, and that I know our neighbors love.
Regarding the public welfare, our property is fully fenced, and the produce we intend to grow (tomatoes, greens, peppers, etc.) is something I'd
consider a great contribution to public welfare! Since the operations of the business are inside it, there should be no property injury either; this
is not some large scale tilling or broad pesticide spraying sort of ordeal. Our objective is to provide healthy, organically-grown produce.
Regarding the Zoning ACC section, I believe this is within the spirit, because as I read the section it seemed to consider most home-based
businesses to be in a more typical suburban neighborhood or similar. Those properties couldn't typically have a large greenhouse of similar
square footage to the house without it being rather strange in a regular neighborhood. In this case, I think it fits well given the size of the
property, the historical use, and the privacy afforded by being in a fully fenced and gated property. Additionally, I believe the spirit of Title 18
was also intended to prevent nuisances of excessive noise/traffic/chemicals/etc from causing neighbors undue burden. Our proposed use
doesn't create any of these burdens, so I'm inclined to believe that this would be a representative example of the sort of case that would make
sense to approve for special home occupations
Jurisdiction:Auburn
Project Name: GPF Greenhouse Approval
Application ID: 1311429
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION (NOA)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (NOH)
Golden Point Farms Greenhouse Special Home Occupation
MIS23-0012
The City of Auburn is issuing a Notice of Application (NOA), and a Notice of Public Hearing (NOH) for the
following described project. The applications and listed studies may be reviewed at the Auburn
Department of Community Development at One E Main St., 2nd Floor, Customer Service Center, Auburn,
WA 98001 and by visiting www.auburnwa.gov/landuse.
Proposal: Special Home Occupation permit using an existing 3,000 square foot greenhouse built in
1988, accessory to a single-family residence located on two parcels totaling 4.41 acres. The subject
“Property” will be used to establish Golden Point Farms. The small farm aims to produce fresh specialty
produce and ornamental plants that will be sold at the Auburn Farmer’s Market. The Property is screened
by evergreens along the entire fence line. Retail sales and/or farm stands open to the public are not
proposed for the site. The Property is zoned Residential 1 DU/Acre as are surrounding properties that
range in size from ½ acre to 6 acres.
Location: The Property is located approximately 800 feet northeast of the intersection of SE 290th Street
and 112th Avenue SE. King Co. Assessor Parcel Nos. 0521059081 and 0521059075. Quarter Section 5
NE/Township 21 N. /Range 5 E. WM,
Notice of Application: September 26, 2023
Application Complete: July 24, 2023
Permit Application: June 26, 2023
File Nos. MIS23-0012
Property Owner/Applicant: Ryan Russell
Golden Point Farms LLC
11428 SE 289th Street
Auburn, WA 98092
Studies/Plans Submitted With Application:
•Site Plan, Golden Point Farms LLC, June 26, 2023
•Floor Plan, Golden Point Farms LLC, June 26, 2023
Statement of Consistency and List of Applicable Development Regulations: This proposal is
subject to and shall be consistent with the Auburn City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Public Works
Design and Construction Standards.
Public Comment Period All persons may comment on this application. Comments must be in writing and
received by the end of the 15-day comment period at 5:00pm October 11, 2023 to the mailing address of
25 W Main St., Auburn, WA, 98001 or to the contact email address below. Any person wishing to become
a party of record, shall include in their comments that they wish to receive notice of and participate in any
hearings, request a copy of decisions once made, and be made aware of appeal rights. For questions
regarding this project, please contact Dinah Reed, Senior Planner, at planning@auburnwa.gov or 253-
931-3092.
Public Hearing: The meeting of the City of Auburn Hearing Examiner scheduled for October 18, 2023 at
5:30 PM at 25 W Main St. will be held virtually and telephonically. To attend the meeting virtually please
enter the meeting ID into the ZOOM app or call into the meeting at the phone number listed below.
EXHIBIT 4
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION and NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
MIS23-0012 (Continued)
Page 2 of 2
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87633805542
Meeting ID: 87633805542
One tap mobile
12532158782,,87633805542# US (Tacoma)
+12532050468,,87633805542# US
Any interested person is invited to appear and express comments or opinions on the proposed project.
Written comments may be emailed or mailed to the contact person above, at 25 W Main St., Auburn WA,
98001, or submitted at the public hearing.
For citizens with speech, sight, or hearing disabilities wishing to review documents pertaining to this
hearing, should contact the City of Auburn within 10 calendar days prior to the meeting, as to the type of
service or equipment needed. Each request will be considered individually according to the type of
request, the availability of resources, and the financial ability of the City to provide the requested services
or equipment.
Vicinity Map
Project Area
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AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING OF LEGAL APPLICATION NOTICE
Application Number: MIS23-0012
Property Owner/Applicant: Ryan Russell
11428 SE 289th Street
Auburn, WA 98092
Location: The subject property is located at 11428 SE 289th
Street, Auburn, WA 98092, King County Assessor
Parcel No. 0521059081
Closing Date for Public Comments: January 9, 2023
I certify that on or before ___09/26/2023_____, I did send a Notice of Application for the above
referenced application, as required by Auburn City Code 16.06.090 and 14.07.040, to all property
owners located within 300 feet of the affected site. Said Notice was mailed pre-paid stamped
through the United States Postal Service at least 15 days prior to the closing date for public
comments noted above.
I declare under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true
and correct.
Dinah Reed, Senior Planner
EXHIBIT 5
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1
Dinah Reed
Subject:FW: RE: 63847 - Request to Publish
Attachments:63847.jpg
Dinah Reed, Senior Planner
Department of Community Development
City of Auburn | www.auburnwa.gov
Office 253-931-3092 | DReed@auburnwa.gov
Mailing Address: 25 W Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001
Permit Center Address: 1 E Main Street, Auburn, WA 98002 (Click Here for Map)
Customer Service Survey | Application Forms | Zoning Maps
Planning or Land Use Questions?
Book an online meeting: Virtual Permit Center - City of Auburn (auburnwa.gov)
From: Legals <legals@seattletimes.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2023 10:37 AM
To: Dinah Reed <DReed@auburnwa.gov>
Subject: RE: 63847 - Request to Publish
CAUTION: The following message originated from outside the City of Auburn. Be careful opening links and attachments
This noƟce is scheduled to publish on Sept. 26, the total is $169.48. Thank you!
Proof is aƩached.
19 of 40
2
Holly Botts (she/her)
Legal Advertising Representative
p: (206) 652-6604
e: hbotts@seattletimes.com
From: Dinah Reed <DReed@auburnwa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 4:07 PM
To: Legals <legals@seattletimes.com>
Subject: 63847 - Request to Publish
Hello,
Please publish the aƩached by September 26, 2023.
Thank you,
Dinah Reed
Dinah Reed, Senior Planner
Department of Community Development
City of Auburn | www.auburnwa.gov
Office 253-931-3092 | DReed@auburnwa.gov
Mailing Address: 25 W Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001
Permit Center Address: 1 E Main Street, Auburn, WA 98002 (Click Here for Map)
Customer Service Survey | Application Forms | Zoning Maps
Planning or Land Use Questions?
Book an online meeting: Virtual Permit Center - City of Auburn (auburnwa.gov)
The information contained in this electronic communication is personal, privileged and/or confidential information intended only for the use of the individual(s)
or entity(ies) to which it has been addressed. If you read this communication and are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination,
20 of 40
3
distribution or copying of this communication, other than delivery to the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in
error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
”footer”" style="”background-color:" #ffeb9c;="" width:="" 100%;="" border:="" 1px="" solid="" #FFEB9C;="" padding:="" 2pt;="" border-style:="" solid;=""
border-color:="" #9C6500;?=""> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
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PUBLIC POSTING INSTRUCTIONS
RELATED APPLICATION NO.: MIS23-0012 T.R. RECEIPT:
PURCHASE PRICE: SEE CURRENT CITY OF AUBURN FEE SCHEDULE
STAFF USE ONLY
Staff informed applicant sign will be ready for posting (date):__September 21, 2023 Staff initials DSR
Pursuant to Auburn City Code 1.27.030, the following public notice sign(s) are required:
Type I Type III (Note: total number of signs 1 2 3)(circle)
The above referenced project requires public notification for the following processes:
Notice of Application Notice of Public Hearing Reconsideration Period
Environmental Determination Appeal Period
Other
The sign must be posted on or before: September 26, 2023
FAILURE TO POST SIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTION AND AUBURN CITY CODE 1.27 WILL
DELAY THE CONTINUED PROCESSING OF YOUR APPLICATION(S).
The sign must remain posted for the duration of:
10 days 14 days 15 days 21 days Other:
*Note: If multiple boxes are checked, the comment periods do not run concurrently. Do not remove the sign(s)
until all public notification periods are exhausted. Sign(s) must be maintained until conclusion of all processes.
Point of contact for the sign:
Ryan Russell
Golden Point Farms LLC
11428 SE 289the Street
Auburn, WA
Staff noted sign fee on ProjectTrak (date): 9/23/23
Affidavit of posting received from applicant (date): September 25, 2023
Staff noted the following noncompliance:
Staff modified posting (date): , for the reason of:
I received the number of signs indicated above. I understand that the signs must be posted in accordance
with Auburn City Code (ACC) 1.27. I have received a copy of ACC 1.27 and understand the applicant/owner
responsibilities outlined in section 1.27.040 and the specifications outlined in section 1.27.050.
9/26/2023
Signature Date
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SITE POSTING INSTRUCTIONS
1.Posting signs shall be mounted on plywood or similar backing and posted with two stakes or
posts. Should a fence exist at the front property line, the sign can be posted on the fence.
2.The bottom of the sign shall be approximately 3 ft. off the ground; maximum sign height shall not
exceed 7 ft. above the ground.
3.The sign shall be placed facing the adjacent public street directly along the property’s street
frontage. If the site does not abut a public street, the sign shall posted as directed by Planning
staff.
4.Post the sign in a location that provides opportunity for passing motorists to safely pull out of
moving traffic to view the sign and/or obtain information from the notice board.
5.If more than one sign is required, staff will indicate on a copy of the site plan where multiple signs
should be posted.
6.You are responsible to return a signed “Affidavit of Posting” to verify the sign was erected in
conformance with Auburn City Code requirements.
7.A delay in posting a site could delay issuance of permits and/or a scheduled public hearing.
Please contact staff if you are unsure of the deadline for posting the site.
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EXHIBIT 6
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AUBURN
VALUES
S E R V I C E
ENVIRONMENT
E C O N O M Y
C H A R A C T E R
SUSTAINABILITY
W E L L N E S S
C E L E B R AT I O N
GOLDEN POINT FARMS
SPECIAL HOME
OCCUPATION PERMIT
MIS23-0012
HEARING EXAMINER MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 2023
DINAH REED
Community Development and Public Works Department
Engineering Services ⚫ Administrative Services ⚫Environmental Services
Community Development Services ⚫Maintenance & Operations Services
EXHIBIT 7
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Special Home Occupation permit to use an existing ~3,000 square
foot greenhouse built in 1988, accessory to a single -family
residence located on two parcels totaling 4.41 acres.
The subject property will be used to establish Golden Point Farms.
The small farm aims to produce fresh specialty produce and
ornamental plants that will be sold at the Auburn Farmer’s Market.
The property is screened by evergreens along the entire fence
line. Retail sales and/or farm stands open to the public are not
proposed for the site.
The Property is zoned Residential 1 DU/Acre as are surrounding
properties that range in size from ½ acre to 6 acres.
HOME OCCUPATION
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (MIS23 -0012)
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SITE PLAN - BASEMAP
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SITE PLAN - AERIAL
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SITE PLAN
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SERVICE ⚫ ENVIRONMENT ⚫ ECONOMY ⚫ CHARACTER ⚫ SUSTAINABILITY ⚫ WELLNESS ⚫ CELEBRATION
MIS23 -0012 GOLDER POINT FARMS
EXISTING GREENHOUSE ON SITE
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GREENHOUSE INTERIOR
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SERVICE ⚫ ENVIRONMENT ⚫ ECONOMY ⚫ CHARACTER ⚫ SUSTAINABILITY ⚫ WELLNESS ⚫ CELEBRATION
MIS23 -0012 GOLDEN POINT
GREENHOUSE
PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS
In accordance with ACC 14.07.030 and .040
➢Application deemed complete on July 24, 2023
➢Notice of Application (NOA) and Notice of Public Hearing (NOPH)
issued September 26, 2023
➢Notices posted :
❑at site
❑mailed to adjacent property owners within 300 feet
❑published in the Seattle Times
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18.60.040(A).Special home occupation permits are required
and must be granted by the hearing examiner for the following
uses, even if the use meets all of the requirements of ACC
18.60.020 (A) through (M), but in no case shall any home
occupation meet less than 11 of the 13 requirements.
SPECIAL HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT
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18.60.020 Requirements.
A.Only members of the immediate family residing on the
premises and no more than one nonresident may be employed
at any one time; provided, that home occupations with a
nonresident employee shall provide off -street parking for the
employee on site;
B.No mechanical equipment is used except such as is
commonly or customarily used for domestic, household or
personal purposes for a dwelling unit (or as deemed similar in
terms of power, quantity, noise, emissions and type);
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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C.Not more than one -fourth of the floor area of any building is
devoted to such occupation, except for bed and breakfasts;
▪The application does not meet this criteria. This exceedance can be
authorized as one of the allowed exceptions to the 13 criteria.
D.That such occupation shall not require internal or external
alteration or involve construction features not customarily found
in a dwelling;
E.The home occupation shall not involve the use of personal
commercial vehicles as defined in ACC 18.04.245 for the
distribution of materials to or from the premises. Deliveries or
pickups by commercial delivery services shall not apply toward
this limitation provided such pickup or delivery does not exceed
twice per day;
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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F.The conduct of any home occupation, including but not
limited to the storage of goods and equipment, shall not
reduce or render unusable areas provided for the required off -
street parking. Additional parking is not allowed in order to
conduct a home occupation, except what may be required
through the issuance of a special home occupation permit
pursuant to ACC 18.60.040 ;
G.Only one sign is permitted, not to exceed 18 inches by 24
inches in area, nonilluminated , and attached to a building,
except that home occupations in commercial or industrial
zones may have signs consistent with the applicable zoning
district;
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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H.No display pertaining to the occupation, other than the one
permitted sign, is visible from the street or adjacent
residences;
I.No more animals are maintained on the premises than what
may otherwise be permitted in the zone;
J.Except for bed and breakfasts, employee and customer
visits shall be limited to the following hours of operation:
▪1.Employees from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and
from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday,
▪2.Customers from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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K.Traffic generated by the home occupation shall be limited
to a maximum of eight (two -way) client/delivery -related trips
per day for those home occupations that operate by
appointment only and do not have overlapping client visits. All
other home occupations shall be limited to five (two -way)
client/delivery trips per day;
L.Outdoor storage of materials, goods, products or equipment
is not allowed;
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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M.The home occupation is to be conducted in such a manner
that the residence shall not differ from its residential
character either by the use of colors, materials, construction,
lighting, signs, or the emissions of sounds, noises, vibrations
or odors or result in traffic impacts inconsistent with the
character of the area in which the home occupation is
located. (Ord. 6419 §6, 2012; Ord. 6141 §1, 2007; Ord.
5897 §21, 2005; Ord. 4229 § 2, 1987.)
HOME OCCUPATION CODE
REQUIREMENTS
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Staff recommends that the Hearing Examiner approve the
Special Home Occupation Permit, MIS23 -0012, with the following
Conditions of Approval.
▪No. 1: The home occupation shall only have employees between the
hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Friday and from 9:00 am
–6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Customers from 9:00 am – 6:00
pm in accordance with ACC 18.60.020(J).
▪No. 2: The home occupation shall only employ one nonresident
employee at any one time and an off -street parking space shall be
provided for said employee.
▪No. 3: Traffic generated to the home occupation shall be limited to a
maximum of eight (two -way) client/delivery -related trips per day for
those home occupations that operate by appointment only and do not
have overlapping client visits.
RECOMMENDATION AND
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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