East Wenatchee City Zoning Code
17.46 WMU
Waterfront Mixed Use District
17.46.010 Purpose.
The WMU waterfront mixed use designation allows a mixture of uses including moderate to high density residential, recreational, and commercial activities to increase the variety of development opportunities where people can enjoy shopping, working, and living in the same area. This district takes advantage of the proximity to the Columbia River. There are three distinct neighborhoods that have been designated as waterfront mixed use.
A. Downtown Waterfront District. This area is envisioned to contain principally mid-rise, higher density residential development with a minor amount of services and retail to serve the immediate area:
1. Public access along the river would be provided;
2. The relatively narrow amount of land available for development, as a result of the highway extension and dramatic topography might produce unusual building forms.
B. Uptown District.
1. This district is seen as gradually developing over time into a full-scale village, with an array of residential types from low-rise medium density to mid-rise higher density;
2. There would be a wide range of neighborhood-oriented retail and services;
3. In addition to public access along the riverfront, there would be a substantial public space for active and passive recreation;
4. The pattern of streets and blocks would encourage walking. Transit service would be easily available;
5. The riverfront area would include a protected zone for habitat.
C. North Bridge District.
1. This district is intended to attract large commercial uses having more of a regional draw, due to its proximity to major transportation linkages and a major crossroads;
2. Low-rise, medium density residential might also be found in certain locations;
3. Public access to the river would also be a component. (Ord. 07-05 § 6, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001)
17.46.020 Permitted uses.
17.46.030 Prohibited uses.
All uses not listed above as permitted uses, accessory uses, or conditional uses shall be prohibited uses. Upon application to the hearing examiner, the hearing examiner may rule that a use not specifically named in the permitted uses of a district shall be included among the allowed uses if the use is of the same general type and is similar to the permitted uses; however, this section does not authorize the inclusion of a use in a district where it is not listed when the use is specifically listed in another district. (Ord. 20-13 § 6, 2020; Ord. 07-05 § 6, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001)
17.46.040 Dimensional standards.
The following are dimensional standards in the WMU district:
Standard | Downtown Waterfront District | Uptown District | North Bridge District |
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum building height | 75' | 35' | 65' |
Maximum floor area ratio (not including parking) | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Maximum impervious coverage | 90% | 80% | 75% |
Minimum setback from R-L district | n/a | 20' | 20' |
Maximum building footprint/building* (see explanation below) | n/a | 20,000 sq. ft. | n/a |
Maximum continuous building length* (see explanation below) | n/a | 300' | n/a |
*The uptown district mixed use designation is located within an established single-family neighborhood. The purpose of the footprint and building length dimensional standard is:
A. To break up the mass and scale of buildings to ensure that development in that area is compatible with the character, scale and sense of place in the neighborhood;
B. To help integrate large-scale development with its surroundings;
C. To promote and facilitate a safe and comfortable pedestrian-scale environment;
D. To encourage a mixture of sizes and structures;
E. To reduce the visual impact of large buildings. (Ord. 08-09 § 3 Exh. A-1(7), 2008; Ord. 07-05 § 6, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001)
17.46.050 Design standards and guidelines.
A. Development shall be by master plan for projects greater than 10 acres in area to address:
1. Integrated street and access plan to ensure internal and external connectivity;
2. A unified thematic approach to design characteristics;
3. Nonmotorized and transit accessibility;
4. Signage;
5. Utility plans and stormwater management.
B. All development within the WMU district shall comply with the Greater East Wenatchee Urban Area Design Standards and Guidelines which are adopted by this reference as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 07-05 § 6, 2007)