Cle Elum City Zoning Code
17.24 DC
Downtown Commercial District
A. Height. The height of structures shall be consistent with those of existing buildings and not over three stories or thirty-five feet in height. Design features consistent with the historic context of the area such as building names in the cornice or block corner turrets may exceed the height limit by ten percent if approved through design review.
B. Yards.
1. Buildings shall be built to the property line adjacent to a public sidewalk at the street.
17.24.010 Purpose and design objectives.
The purpose and intent of the downtown commercial district is to create an active, vibrant, intense, pedestrian-oriented retail core which reflects the historic character of the city and which is a nexus for civic and community functions. Existing historic buildings should be preserved and serve as the benchmark for new construction and infill development in the historic city core. Additionally, this zoning district is well suited for traditional mixed-use development (i.e., dwelling units on the upper floors of buildings) which promotes patronage to local businesses and further diversifies housing options. Design review standards should be established that pay special attention to signs, viewshed protection, ambient lighting and landscaping, historic characteristics, and architectural consistency. The downtown commercial district is as established by Ordinance No. 1620, adopted on November 22, 2021, and shall not be further expanded.
17.24.040 Dimensional standards.
A. Height. The height of structures shall be consistent with those of existing buildings and not over three stories or thirty-five feet in height. Design features consistent with the historic context of the area such as building names in the cornice or block corner turrets may exceed the height limit by ten percent if approved through design review.
B. Yards.
1. Buildings shall be built to the property line adjacent to a public sidewalk at the street.
2. No yards are required except for lots the side lines of which are adjacent to any “R” – Residential or “MFR” – Multiple-family residential district, in which case the side yard setback shall be twenty feet or ten feet, respectively. The setback area shall be fenced and landscaped.
C. Lot Coverage. The entire lot (one hundred percent) may be covered subject to setback, retained stormwater, and other requirements.
17.24.050 Parking and loading zones.
A. No on-site parking is required, except for residential uses when proposed with a new building; however, properties may be required to participate in programs to provide common parking through fees in lieu of parking, local improvement districts (LID) or other programs adopted by the city.
EXISTING BUILDINGS | NEW BUILDINGS (NEW CONSTRUCTION) |
|---|---|
No parking requirements | For residential uses, 1 space/unit |
B. When on-site parking is provided, it must be accessed only from an alley and meet the standards of CEMC Chapter 17.56. In the event that alley access is not available, entry from a side street (i.e., Oaks Street) or Railroad Street may be permitted.
17.24.060 Landscaping.
Landscaping is not required except for parking areas. Landscaping provided shall be consistent with Chapter 17.64.
17.24.080 Lighting.
A. Outdoor lighting shall be arranged so as not to produce direct light or glare on public roadways and/or neighboring properties; and
B. Outdoor lighting shall be directed downward and shielded to reduce unnecessary light and glare; and
C. Lighting should be used to accent key architectural elements of the buildings.
17.24.090 Design standards.
The objective of these design standards is to create a strong identity for the downtown area and create interesting streets which are visually attractive and easy to use by pedestrians. These standards will be applied to a particular development during the design review process. These design standards are mandatory unless the imposition of the standards will result in construction that is less consistent with the historical character of the area.
A. Building facades facing public streets and/or sidewalks shall create a continuous, interesting facade along the length of the facade. Buildings shall be constructed adjacent to the public sidewalk with no setbacks between the right-of-way and the structure permitted.
B. New structures on corner lots shall be designed to emphasize their prominent location.
C. Service and delivery access shall be located away from the pedestrian streets with access from the alley where possible.
D. New structures and improvements shall incorporate design elements which will maintain the integrity of the existing historic structures and respect the historic character of the downtown area. The following design characteristics shall be included for new or remodeled structures:
1. Reflect the cornice line of existing historic structures.
2. Use windows, materials and details similar to the historic properties.
3. Use similar building modulation and proportions.
4. Large ground level display windows.
5. Clearstory windows above the display windows should be used.
6. Retractable fabric or self-supported awnings. Awnings and overhangs shall be supported by the building and not by supports placed in or upon the public right-of-way. No awning or overhang shall extend more than forty percent of the distance between the property line and the outside edge of the curb and shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of ten feet.
7. Roof designs should accommodate heavy winter snow loads. Traditional flat roofs with parapets are encouraged, but alternative roof styles that effectively manage snow accumulation, shedding, and structural load distribution are also permitted. Roof structures must prioritize safety, durability, and functionality to address seasonal weather conditions.
8. Constructed of brick or wood frame with brick or stone facades.
9. Two-story construction with retail on the bottom floor and office or residential uses above is encouraged.
10. Second-story windows should be double-hung windows that are taller than they are wide.
11. Any proposed fencing should be ornamental, complementing the surrounding architecture and landscape. To maintain aesthetic quality and cohesion with the design character of the DC downtown area chain-link or similar industrial-style fencing is not permitted.
E. Protect and preserve buildings of special historic significance and merit (see city list) by:
1. Retaining or restoring as many historic features as possible outside and inside, if appropriate.
2. Maintaining or restoring original proportions, dimensions or architectural elements.
3. Selecting paint and materials (often brick) which are historically accurate, coordinate the entire facade, and respecting adjacent buildings.
4. Consulting available historic resources for assistance and detailed information.
5. Incorporate historical photographs and information about the building, if available.
F. Off-street parking shall be located behind buildings and screened from streets by landscaping or structural elements.