Yakima County commissioners voted Monday to authorize the chair to sign an objection letter to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board over a liquor license renewal application for Elk Ridge Campground, while adding language offering the owner help to come into zoning compliance.

The action came after county staff told the board that the property had longstanding building and shoreline code violations dating to approvals in the 1990s, and that the current owner had not completed required permits after purchasing the property. Public Services staff said the county’s only option in the license process was to advise the Liquor and Cannabis Board that the site is not in compliance with county zoning code.

Tommy, a Yakima County public services representative, explained why the county was taking the step. “So this is kind of the result of what happens when these don't get resolved. As these liquor licenses come in in the future. We have no other option but to just indicate they're not in compliance with the zoning code,” he said. Commissioners discussed adding a sentence to the letter to confirm the county’s willingness to work with the owner toward compliance; Commissioner Curtis moved to approve the letter with that addition, Commissioner Linde seconded, and the board voted unanimously in favor.

County staff said the property first received approvals for a phased operation in 1990 but repeatedly failed to meet permitting conditions in 1997 and 1999; the facility closed in 2003 and the current owner purchased the property around 2016. Staff told commissioners the new owner was notified of outstanding violations and had indicated in 2023 that she would consult an attorney; staff said the owner did not re-contact the county after that and the county did not pursue additional follow-up until the liquor notice raised the matter again.

During discussion, staff identified building-code and shoreline permitting as the primary unresolved issues. Tommy said portions of the existing operation where alcohol would be sold may not be subject to shoreline violations or building-code restrictions, but that county staff need permit applications and voluntary cooperation from the owner before the county can sign off on local compliance.

The chair was authorized to send the letter with the added sentence offering assistance to the owner to come into compliance. The county’s letter goes to the Liquor and Cannabis Board; staff said the board has on occasion issued licenses despite county objections.

The county did not record a separate vote tally beyond the commissioners’ unanimous “aye.” The letter will be filed with the Liquor and Cannabis Board and county staff said they will continue to offer to meet with the owner to pursue voluntary compliance.