30.32C.010 Purpose and applicability.
The purpose of this chapter is to: provide standards for the excavation and processing of minerals; implement notice requirements established by the Growth Management Act (GMA) in RCW 36.70A.060(1), and Land Use Policy 9.C.1 of the comprehensive plan; promote the policy that the use of lands adjacent to designated mineral resource lands shall not interfere with the continued use, in the accustomed manner, and in accordance with best management practices, of lands designated for the extraction of minerals as required by the GMA in RCW 36.70A.060(1); protect adjacent existing and planned land uses from significant conflicts; ensure that mineral excavation, processing and transport are conducted consistent with the public health, safety and general welfare; and provide for the orderly and efficient transition from active mining into post-extraction uses for sites approaching, or at, depletion of commercially significant mineral resources.
(1) Excavation and processing of minerals:
(a) This use shall allow only the primary reduction, treatment, and processing of minerals and materials, together with any necessary accessory buildings.
(b) At least one of the major mineral or material constituents being exploited shall be from the property on which the mineral operations are proposing to locate.
(c) Allowed uses shall include, but not be limited to, extraction, excavation, washing, crushing, stock piling, blasting, transporting, recycling, concrete batching, asphalt mixing, and the manufacturing of terra cotta, tile, brick, and concrete products.
(d) The use shall not be detrimental to the existing, developing, or projected land use.
(2) Excavation and processing of minerals is allowed only on mineral resource lands designated in the comprehensive plan (MRO), or mining claims officially recognized by the state or federal government and recorded with the auditor, with the exception of:
(a) The extraction and processing of rock and gravel exclusively for forest practices shall be permitted in the Forestry (F) zone pursuant to chapter 76.09 RCW.
(b) Existing, legally established non-conforming mineral operations will be allowed to continue subject to the provisions and requirements of chapter 30.28 SCC.
(c) Expansion of existing legally established mineral operations onto adjacent undesignated land where a portion of the existing site has been designated mineral resource land (MRO).
(3) If a parcel contains any portion of designated mineral resource lands it will be considered fully designated for the purpose of determining eligibility to apply for the permits required for excavation and processing of minerals. (Added by Amended Ord. 02-064, Dec. 9, 2002, Eff date Feb. 1, 2003; Amended by Amended Ord. 21-060, Oct. 6, 2021, Eff date Oct. 22, 2021).