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Ocean Shores hearing covers 'Dig at Shores' demonstration garden and an 8‑foot fence request
Summary
The hearing examiner heard testimony March 10 on CUP 26000004, a proposal for a WSU Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden on Ocean Shores Methodist Church land; staff recommended conditions, the applicant presented a library letter of support and proposed initially installing a 6‑foot fence with cameras while retaining an 8‑foot fence variance request; the examiner will issue a written decision within 10 business days.
On March 10 the City of Ocean Shores hearing examiner heard testimony on a conditional‑use permit for a public demonstration garden called "Dig at Shores," proposed at the Ocean Shores Methodist Church property at 553 Pointe Brown Avenue NW in partnership with Washington State University Extension master gardeners.
City planner Christina Breault described the project and associated memorandum of agreement between WSU Extension (Grays Harbor/Grays Harbor County master gardener program) and the church. Staff said the demonstration garden would be located on a parcel adjacent to mixed commercial, multifamily and public recreation uses and that the proposed garden area is approximately 50 by 70 feet (with a possible expansion to about 100 feet). Staff recommended conditions similar to other CUPs (compliance with building, planning and fire codes, adequate parking consistent with OSMC 17.54.06, approved storm drainage, and landscaping per the municipal code) and noted the project meets objectives in the comprehensive plan related to stormwater, environmental preservation and community education.
A prominent issue in the staff report is the requested 8‑foot fence. Breault explained the municipal code generally limits fences to 6 feet but provides exceptions for safety or security and for certain public grounds; staff said the garden may qualify for an exception because it abuts the golf course and serves a public function. The applicant nevertheless requested a variance for an 8‑foot fence to increase protection from deer and other animals and to reduce vandalism risk.
Applicant Gwendolyn Gates described a design combining a greenhouse and storage into a single accessory structure so the site would have only one additional accessory building. Gates also read a letter of support from the Ocean Shores Public Library (Keith Owen, library director), and explained parking and program expectations: the church and library have a mutual parking agreement covering 31 spaces (five handicap), and Gates said most workshops will not exceed about 20 participants. Gates told the examiner the project team intends to install a 6‑foot fence initially with game cameras for monitoring; if animal predation becomes a problem they would add a 2‑foot extension later. “So what we propose is that we’re gonna put up a 6‑foot fence. We’re going to have game cameras to monitor any deer activity… If we do have an issue with that, then we’re proposing to then put a 2‑foot extension on top of the fence that we have installed,” Gates said.
The examiner asked whether the fence variance had been noticed separately and whether a greenhouse counts as an accessory structure; staff agreed a safety/security exception might apply to the fence and confirmed that a greenhouse can qualify as an accessory structure under the code (three accessory structures allowed). Gates asked that the library letter be admitted as an exhibit; the examiner admitted it and closed the hearing for this item, stating he will issue a written decision within 10 business days.
Background and next steps: the record includes the CUP application, site plan, MOA between WSU Extension and the church, staff report and public notice materials; the applicant may submit engineered drawings and sign permit materials to staff for later administrative review.
