Gig Harbor City Zoning Code
17.46 Waterfront
Residential WR
17.46.010 Intent.
This district recognizes those areas of the shoreline that are characterized by single-family residences. It is intended that development occur that is respectful of the shoreline and surrounding properties while permitting a limited mix of residential structure types. (Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.020 Permitted uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses permitted in the WR district. (Ord. 1045 § 59, 2006).
17.46.030 Conditional uses.
Refer to Chapter 17.14 GHMC for uses conditionally permitted in the WR district. (Ord. 1045 § 61, 2006).
17.46.040 Development standards.
A minimum lot area for new subdivisions is not specified. The minimum development standards are as follows:
Single-Family Dwelling | Duplex Dwelling | Non-residential Dwelling | |
|---|---|---|---|
A. Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)1 | 7,000 | 14,000 | 12,000 |
B. Minimum lot width | 70' | 50' | 50' |
C. Minimum front yard2 | |||
D. Minimum side yard2 | |||
E. Minimum rear yard2 | |||
F. Minimum yard abutting tidelands | 0' | 0' | 0' |
G. Maximum hard surface coverage | 40% | 45% | 50% |
H. Minimum density | No minimum | ||
I. Maximum density | 4 dwelling units per acre | ||
J. Maximum gross floor area including garages, attached and detached3 | 4,000 square feet per lot | 4,000 square feet per lot | 4,000 square feet per lot |
1An undersized lot or parcel shall qualify as a building site if such lot is a lot of record.
3Historic net sheds as defined in GHMC 17.04.615 shall be excluded from the maximum gross floor area requirements above.
(Ord. 1551 § 16, 2025; Ord. 1393 § 5, 2018; Ord. 1347 § 37, 2016; Ord. 1131 § 13, 2008; Ord. 1070 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1008 § 6, 2005; Ord. 982 § 1, 2005; Ord. 975 § 54, 2004; Ord. 725 § 3, 1996; Ord. 710 § 52, 1996; Ord. 598 § 3, 1991; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.050 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 § 26, 2010; Ord. 1045 § 62, 2006; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.060 Maximum height of structures.
In a WR district, all buildings and structures shall not exceed the height limits defined in GHMC 17.99.510(A)(2) and 17.99.510(B). (Ord. 1194 § 34, 2010; Ord. 975 § 55, 2004; Ord. 710 § 53, 1996; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.070 Parking and loading facilities.
In a waterfront residential district, parking and loading facilities on private property shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 17.72 GHMC. Although historic net sheds are excluded from the maximum gross floor area requirements in GHMC 17.46.040, this exclusion shall not affect the calculation of the parking requirements. (Ord. 1070 § 3, 2007; Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.080 Signs.
In a waterfront residential district, signs may be allowed in conjunction with any permitted or conditional use subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.80 GHMC. (Ord. 573 § 2, 1990).
17.46.090 Performance standards.
In the WR district, performance standards are as follows:
A. Design. All development in the WR district shall conform to the design and development 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. 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 § 45, 2014; Ord. 1194 § 35, 2010; Ord. 1045 § 63, 2006; Ord. 975 § 56, 2004).