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Planning Commission considers allowing county-run animal shelter in Event Center District, narrows access to Perrigale Lane activities
Summary
Staff proposed zoning language that would permit animal shelters in the Event Center District only if run by a governmental entity or a contractor to one; commissioners raised noise, traffic and public-rights-of-way concerns and asked staff to craft standards tied to LMC 6.07 and development-review conditions for Perrigale Lane access.
Longview City — Planning staff presented proposed code text to adjust uses in the Event Center District, saying the changes would allow animal shelters only when operated by a governmental entity or an operator under contract to government and when the use complies with existing municipal standards for kennels and shelters.
Staff explained the Event Center District was established in 1983, covers about 50 acres with two landowners and is predominantly owned by Cowlitz County. The proposed amendment would add 'animal shelter' as an outright use in the district but limit that allowance to government-run or government-contracted operators and require compliance with LMC 6.07 standards covering indoor and outdoor kennels, heating, ventilation, lighting, setbacks and, for indoor facilities, sound attenuation.
"It would have to be operated by a governmental entity or an operator contracted to a governmental entity," said the staff member presenting the zoning change, noting noise, traffic and screening are the three key considerations for shelters. The staffer said the county has expressed interest in operating a shelter on county-owned property within the district.
Commissioners asked for technical clarity about noise standards and enforcement. Staff pointed to state noise regulations and municipal code references (LMC/Lehi 7.06 as cited in the record) as fallback decibel standards when LMC does not include numeric limits. Commissioners also asked about the nearest residences and potential traffic increases; staff gave a parcel-level description, noting roughly 39 residences and a condominium cluster on Perrigale Lane and said access could be conditioned through development review (signing, limited event access, and other controls).
Why it matters: The change would allow the county to site an animal shelter inside the Event Center District without triggering additional quasi-judicial use review if it meets LMC standards, but commissioners signaled they want clearer operational standards and greater control over access and traffic mitigation.
What’s next: Staff said SEPA review and extensive on-site and neighborhood notification will occur prior to any hearing; the commission discussed timing to meet a 90-day ordinance timeline and scheduled the legislative hearing phase to follow further edits.
Sources: Staff presentation and commissioner Q&A during the Longview City Planning Commission workshop (transcript).
