The planning commission may authorize a use which is not specifically listed as a permitted use, but is of the same general type and is similar in nature and impact to the uses permitted in the zone. The planning commission may not authorize a similar use if it is specifically listed as a permitted use in another zone.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 6.8), 1998)
Similar use permits are Type II decisions and applications shall be reviewed pursuant to RMC § 18.160.030. Type II decisions shall be determined by designated members of staff. The applicant must provide information necessary to make a proper determination, including information as to clientele, number and working hours of employees, expected traffic generation and characteristics of the use's activities. Staff may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. Appeals shall be reviewed by the planning commission following the procedures spelled out in RMC § 18.160.030(J).
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 6.8), 1998; Ord. 1091 § 2, 2023)
In order to grant a similar use permit, the planning commission shall make findings of fact to support the following conclusions:
A. 
That the use is not specifically listed as a permitted use in another zone;
B. 
That the use is consistent with the purpose of the zone;
C. 
That the use conforms with the applicable standards and limitations of the underlying zoning district; and
D. 
That the type of use is similar in function, nature, character and impact to a permitted use in the zone.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 6.8), 1998)
A similar use authorized by the planning commission shall not be personal to the applicant and shall run with the land. Unlisted uses which the planning commission has determined to be similar to the permitted uses in the underlying zoning district shall no longer require a similar use permit and shall be considered as permitted uses in the applicable zoning district. A similar use determination does not carry to another zone.
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 6.8), 1998)