Gig Harbor City Zoning Code
17.21 Planned
Community Development Medium Density Residential RMD
17.21.010 Intent.
The intent of the planned community development medium density residential district is to:
A. Provide for greater population densities to facilitate high quality affordable housing, a greater range of lifestyles and income levels.
B. Provide for the efficient delivery of public services and to increase residents’ accessibility to employment, transportation and shopping.
C. Serve as a buffer and transition area between more intensively developed areas and lower density residential areas. (Ord. 747 § 2, 1997).
17.21.020 Permitted uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses permitted in the RMD district. (Ord. 1045 § 19, 2006).
17.21.030 Conditional uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses conditionally permitted in the RMD district. (Ord. 1045 § 21, 2006).
17.21.040 Performance standards.
A. Density. The minimum base density is eight and the maximum is 16 dwelling units per acre.
B. General.
1. Single-family attached dwelling units must have individual private yards or courts enclosed by a wall, berm or dense landscaping. Easements shall be required for all zero lot line developments to facilitate access from the adjoining lot for necessary maintenance and repair activities.
2. Minimum Yards (From the Property Line). Nonresidential, multifamily or multiple units of single-family on one parcel:
a. Front, 10 feet.
b. Side, 30 feet.
c. Rear, 30 feet.
Single-family on individual parcels:
a. Front yard setback | House/Accessory Structures: 15' Porch: 12' Garage: 15' |
b. Rear yard setback | 15', except that garages may be within 3' of an alley easement. |
c. Side yard setback | 5' |
3. Maximum Height. The maximum height is 45 feet, except as provided under GHMC 17.99.390(A)(3).
4. Maximum Lot Area Coverage. Sixty-five percent, excluding driveways, private walkways and similar hard surfaces. Hard surface coverage of individual parcels may exceed the 65 percent maximum when included within a subdivision; provided, that the overall hard surface coverage of the subdivision does not exceed 65 percent.
5. Landscaping. Landscaping shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 17.78 and 17.99 GHMC, except that buffer dimensions shall be reduced to 10 feet when the proposed use is adjacent to a similar use or zone which includes a platted buffer of equal or greater width.
6. Circulation/Roads/Streets. Residential development which provides pedestrian linkages to and within common open space trails systems may be waived from the requirements in the city’s public works standards for public sidewalks, curbs and gutters within the residential development, in whole or in part, upon approval of the public works director.
7. Design. All development shall comply with the standards of Chapter 17.99 GHMC.
8. Signage. Signage must comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.80 GHMC.
9. Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking and loading areas meeting the requirements of Chapter 17.72 GHMC shall be provided.
10. Site Plans. The site plan review process established under Chapter 17.96 GHMC shall apply to all uses and development within this district.
11. Additional Performance Standards for Site Plan Review. Projects requiring site plan review under Chapter 17.96 GHMC shall also meet the following performance standards:
a. Exterior Mechanical Devices. Air conditioners, heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, pumps and heaters and all other mechanical devices shall be screened.
b. Outdoor Lighting. Outdoor lighting shall conform to the standards of GHMC 17.99.350 and 17.99.460. Such lighting shall be shielded so that direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries of the light source. Ground-mounted floodlighting and light projection above the horizontal plane are prohibited between midnight and sunrise.
c. Outdoor Storage of Materials. Outdoor storage of materials and supplies shall be completely screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
d. Trash Receptacles. Trash receptacles shall be screened from view. Screening shall be complementary to building design and materials. (Ord. 1551 § 9, 2025; Ord. 1347 § 28, 2016; Ord. 1307 § 35, 2014; Ord. 1197 § 16, 2010; Ord. 1194 § 18, 2010; Ord. 1086 § 14, 2007; Ord. 1085 § 5, 2007; Ord. 977 §§ 1, 2, 3, 2004; Ord. 975 § 28, 2004; Ord. 747 § 2, 1997).