Exec's home | News | Site map | E-mail
	Oct. 20, 2003 Wineries in rural areas match of agriculture, jobs King County Executive Ron Sims today commended the County Council for adopting his proposal that would allow wineries to operate in the rural areas to promote tourism, agriculture and create jobs. Under the measure, King County will allow small-scale wineries to operate in the rural areas. Previous winery regulations had required all such facilities to use only grapes produced in King County. However, with the cool, wet climate in this region, that had been an impossibility. "The Washington State wine industry provides jobs, promotes agri-tourism and enhances the rural character," said Sims, who negotiated the final compromise that was adopted. "We wanted to do the same in King County, as this industry is very compatible with our goals for the rural areas. "Wine makers, environmentalists and agricultural interests worked with us to ensure that the wineries permitted will fit with our unique rural areas." Wineries can use grapes grown in other areas until research develops grapes suited to this area's wet and cool climate. "This legislation sets a tough standard for allowing any processing of agricultural products in rural King County," said Sims. In areas zoned for agricultural crops, wineries could be up to 3,500 square foot, or, if located in an existing farm building, up to the size of the structure. In the rural area, wineries can be up to 8,000 square feet with an additional 8,000 square feet for underground storage, but on Vashon Island, the maximum size would be up to 6,000 square feet Councilmember Dow Constantine, who represents Vashon and Maury Islands commented, "This ordinance establishes numerous environmental standards for non-residential uses in rural King County. The ordinance recognizes that Vashon and Maury Islands are unique due to their geographic isolation and the islands' sole source aquifer." "This is an invaluable opportunity for the success of small, rural businesses in King County. It brings the producer closer to the customer, which is a major reason that our farmers' markets have been so successful, " said Councilmember David Irons. "This preserves rural character while promoting economic development and meeting the challenges of protecting the environmental quality of the rural area." Under the measure, all wineries will be subject to receiving a condition use permit, and special events at each location will be limited to two per month. Parking will be limited as well as the amount of land able to be cleared. Wineries will be able to have tasting rooms and can sell products produced on site. Updated: Oct. 20, 2003 Executive's home Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.