Gig Harbor City Zoning Code
17.24 Multiple-Family
Residential R-3
17.24.010 Intent.
An R-3 district is intended to provide areas suitable for multiple-family dwellings and to serve as a buffer and transition between more intensively developed areas and residential properties of a lower density. An R-3 district is suitable in areas which are served by municipal services and in areas readily accessible to freeway access. (Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.24.020 Permitted uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses permitted in the R-3 district. (Ord. 1045 § 23, 2006).
17.24.030 Conditional uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses conditionally permitted in the R-3 district. (Ord. 1045 § 25, 2006).
17.24.040 Site plans.
The site plan review process established under Chapter 17.96 GHMC shall apply to all uses and development within this district. (Ord. 1197 § 17, 2010; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.24.050 Development standards.
In an R-3 district, the minimum lot requirements are as follows:
Single-Family and Duplex Dwellings | Other Residential and Nonresidential | ||
|---|---|---|---|
A. Short subdivision: | |||
1. Minimum lot area | 5,400 sq. ft./dwelling unit | ||
2. Minimum lot width | 50' | ||
B. Subdivision: | |||
1. Minimum lot area | 4,400 sq. ft./dwelling unit | ||
2. Minimum lot width | 0.7 percent of the lot area, in lineal feet | ||
C. Minimum front yard2 | House: 20' Porch: 12' Garage: 26' | 20' | |
D. Minimum side yard1 | 8' | 7' | |
E. Minimum rear yard1 | 30' | 25' | |
F. Maximum hard surface coverage | 60% of the total lot area | ||
G. Minimum density | 12 dwelling units/acre | ||
H. Maximum density | 32 dwelling units/acre | ||
1Garages accessory to single-family and duplex dwellings may be located in the defined side and rear yards, provided they conform to the criteria in GHMC 17.99.490(A)(1).
2Accessory structures to single-family and duplex dwellings shall meet the minimum front yard for a house.
(Ord. 1551 § 10, 2025; Ord. 1433 § 3, 2019; Ord. 1347 § 29, 2016; Ord. 1307 § 36, 2014; Ord. 1194 § 19, 2010; Ord. 1131 § 12, 2008; Ord. 1085 § 6, 2007; Ord. 710 § 17, 1996; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.24.060 Maximum height of structures.
In an R-3 district, all buildings and structures shall not exceed a height of 35 feet as provided for in GHMC 17.99.370(D), except as restricted under Chapter 17.62 GHMC, Height Restriction Area, and as provided under GHMC 17.99.390(A)(3), 17.99.510(A)(2) and 17.99.510(B). (Ord. 1194 § 20, 2010; Ord. 975 § 29, 2004; Ord. 710 § 18, 1996; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.24.070 Performance standards.
In the R-3 district, performance standards are as follows:
A. Design. All development shall conform to the applicable design standards contained in Chapter 17.99 GHMC.
B. Landscaping. Landscaping is required and shall be installed in conformance with Chapter 17.78 GHMC and/or by conditions of approval of discretionary applications required by this title; such landscaping shall be maintained for the life of the project. In no event shall such landscaped areas be used for storage of materials or parking of vehicles.
C. Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking and loading areas meeting the requirements of Chapter 17.72 GHMC shall be provided.
D. Signage. Signage must comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.80 GHMC.
E. Additional Performance Standards for Site Plan Review. Projects requiring site plan review under Chapter 17.96 GHMC shall also meet the following performance standards:
1. Exterior Mechanical Devices. Air conditioners, heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, pumps and heaters and all other mechanical devices shall be screened.
2. 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.
3. Outdoor Storage of Materials. Outdoor storage of materials and supplies shall be completely screened from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
4. Trash Receptacles. Trash receptacles shall be screened from view. Screening shall be complementary to building design and materials. (Ord. 1307 § 37, 2014; Ord. 1194 § 21, 2010; Ord. 975 § 30, 2004).