The purpose of the conservation/resource districts is to provide land that should not be developed intensively for urban purposes in order to provide an ample supply of open space, protect natural features and processes, provide active and passive recreational opportunities, conserve agricultural resources, protect and enhance important wildlife corridors, and generally sustain a high quality natural environment.
(Ord. 744 § 2, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 22 (Exh. D), 2017)
The following conservation/resource districts are hereby established:
A. 
Parks and Open Space District (OS). This district is intended to provide areas appropriate for active and passive recreation, certain agricultural uses, peripheral open space greenbelts, critical areas, a viable system of wildlife corridors, floodplain protection, pedestrian and equestrian trails, certain institutional uses, open space for public health and welfare, and protection of lands unsuitable for development. The parks and open space district has three subcategorizations for differing uses, as follows:
1. 
OS-1. The OS-1 district is intended for natural open space preservation, informal low-intensity recreation, and limited agricultural uses. This district includes large tracts of public land, such as the portions of Three Forks Natural Area and Meadowbrook Farm within the city limits, the Two Sisters Return property, as well as additional lands unsuitable for development that should remain in a relatively undeveloped state for wildlife habitat or critical areas protection.
2. 
OS-2. The OS-2 district is intended for formal and active park uses, as well as other recreational uses such as golf courses and riding stables. This district includes the developed parks within the city (outside of mixed use districts), including neighborhood and community parks, pea-patch lots, and the Snoqualmie Point Park property.
3. 
OS-3. The OS-3 district includes land owned by the city and the Northwest Railway Museum on which the Northwest Railway Museum runs its tourist train. This district is intended to accommodate the uses of the museum, while maintaining the overall open space character of the property.
B. 
Utility Park District (UP). The utility park district is an area containing unique natural resources and is intended to provide areas appropriate for hydroelectric generation and associated facilities, public or private parks and open space with appropriate visitor-related commercial services, utility treatment plants and other municipal facilities.
(Ord. 744 § 2, 1995; Ord. 980 § 5, 2005; Ord. 1198 § 22 (Exh. D), 2017)
Use regulations for the conservation/resource districts are found in Chapter 17.55 SMC, Use and Other Regulations.
(Ord. 744 § 2, 1995; Ord. 1198 § 22 (Exh. D), 2017)
The following table indicates restrictions and regulations for the lot area, lot width, setbacks and height for all structures permitted in the conservation/resource districts.
Zoning District
OS
UP
1. Minimum Lot Area (square feet)
10,000
10,000
2. Minimum Lot Width (feet)
100'
100'
3. Minimum Front Yard Setback (feet)
30'
30'
4. Minimum Side Yard Setback (feet)
20'
20'
5. Minimum Rear Yard Setback (feet)
30'
30'
6. Maximum Height of Structure1 (feet)
35'
35'
1 Church spires, church towers, flagpoles, antennas, and fire towers of a safe height may be permitted as a conditional use.
(Ord. 744 § 2, 1995; Ord. 980 § 6, 2005; Ord. 1198 § 22 (Exh. D), 2017)