Nightclub design standards were sent to the Planning Commission after discussion Aug. 18 during a Bonney Lake City Council workshop.

The design standards were added to the commission’s annual workplan.

The city has design standards for the Downtown and East Town areas, but no design standards for the Midtown area seperate from the municipal code in regards to commercial development and nuisances.

Community Development Director John Vodopich said the Commercial Performance Standards in the city code apply to commercial or industries districts, but do not address noise.

Vodopich went over a memorandum to the council from the Planning Commission. The commission stated the design standards for nightclubs could be addressed and would like more direction from the council.

According to the memo, alternatives the commission has considered include:

• adding language to Commercial Performance Standards with regard to activities that produce noise. Currently, city code prohibits glare, vibration and odor from permeating beyond property lines.

• adding the Downtown Mixed and Downtown Core zones to city code requirements.

• adding language to the Downtown and/or East Town Design Standards that would prohibit or limit speakers on the outside of buildings, outdoor cooking or other activities that produce loud noises.

• adopt a new section of city code that would separate set of designs standards for nightclubs and other uses with similar impacts.

• require outdoor seating to be considered a conditional, special or temporary use with a specialized permit.

The commission recommended outdoor activities associated with commercial uses not be prohibited, since outdoor eating and music can be important.

Councilwoman Laurie Carter said she liked all the suggestions and wanted to know why Midtown wasn’t included.

Vodopich said there are currently no design standards for Midtown, but they could be added. He added that any development in Midtown would fall under citywide design standards.

“There are no unique, specific design standards such as Downtown and East Town,” Vodopich said.

Carter said she’s not opposed to outdoor seating area, but not next to a residential area.

Councilman Mark Hamilton said the critical issue is establishments like nightclubs near residential areas.

“That’s where we need sound-proofing as a mandate for these businesses and restrictions on outdoor eating where there is noise,” Hamilton said. “It’s not an issue building a business like this in East Town; that is industrial, the problem is when it’s against residential.”

Hamilton said if the Washington State University forest property is developed into residential neighborhoods, homes will need to be protected from noise.

Councilman James Rackley suggested the citywide code includes language addressing noise, then adjusted to different sections of the city.

Mayor Neil Johnson pointed out the biggest issue with noise has been from The Diamond Lounge.

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