Copy of the letter sent to our representatives

Dear Representative of the People:

The owners of historic Olalla Bay Market & Landing were recently blindsided by Kitsap County about the need to conform to a 20-foot setback rule that would remove half the spaces used to calculate parking spots required to operate a restaurant (a permitted use of our rural commercial designation). 

County code for a restaurant requires 18 spots. We presented a plan with that number using calculations provided in the code. We asked the county to review our plan for more than a year with no response. During this time, they allowed us to fully operate. Then, out of the blue last week, the 20-foot setback code was imposed, leaving 11 spaces, and ending regular onsite consumption.

At no time preparing OBM for opening had there been a mention of this code by any of the multiple county entities who collected our money, signed off on our kitchen, seating occupancy plans, our menu, or oversaw the implementation of a new water and septic system among other things. 

Since new parking calculations now prohibit our functioning as a restaurant, our patrons now must consume food or drink off the property, thereby cutting them off Puget Sound views and safe beach access provided by OBM. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board permitted OBM to serve inside and on the waterfront patio, but that ceased too. The income from those sales is crucial to the health of a business that employees 15 people in a rural area.

Because services we provide are so needed in our community, we understood that success might make parking a concern.  So, at the suggestion of the county and in good faith, we procured letters of agreement for off-site and overflow parking from our local church and neighbors – more than 30 spaces. Now we are told this will not be a remedy.

More progressive cities, like Tacoma, provide for the exemption of parking quantity for historic buildings and sites. If historic status is a way forward, OBM should be allowed operate as it had up until March 20 while we work that process. Let customers enjoy the only commercial services location along more than twenty-seven miles of shoreline.

On behalf of our community and employees, we are seeking a pause on a condition imposed upon a historic site whose patrons first came by horse and buggy and steamer, and later Model T. 

Sincerely,

Gregg & Claudia Olsen, owners

Kyle Drevniak & Marta Drevniak Olsen, owners