Community Design Standards
This chapter and Chapters 18.65 through 18.90 HMC contain design standards for the built environment. The standards are intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through multimodal accessibility and interconnectivity, and through the provision of parking, landscaping, adequate public facilities, and appropriate signage. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
These provisions apply to permits and approvals granted under this code, and other City actions, as summarized in Table 18.60.020. The Planning Commission or City Council for Type III or IV decisions, and the City Administrator for Type I or II decisions, may reduce design standards or requirements by up to 25 percent where the proposed development meets the definition of affordable housing or provides five or more FTE jobs that meet the requirements of the Harrisburg extended enterprise zone benefit.
Table 18.60.020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applicability of Design Standards to Approvals and Permits | ||||||
Approvals* | 18.65 Building Design | 18.70 Access Circulation | 18.75 Landscapes and Screening | 18.80 Parking and Loading | 18.85 Public Facilities | 18.90 Signs |
Building permit review | Typically, these standards do not apply unless the City determines that one or more of the land use actions below is required. | |||||
Access or approach permit | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N |
Adjustment | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the adjustment request. | |||||
Annexation | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
Code interpretation | Standards are subject to City interpretation under Chapter 18.30 HMC. | |||||
Code text amendment | Chapters apply where amendment affects design standards. | |||||
Comprehensive plan map amendment | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
Conditional use permit | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Home occupation | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
Legal lot determination | N | Y | N | N | Y | N |
Master planned development | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Modification to approval or condition of approval | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the modification request. | |||||
Nonconforming use or structure, expansion of | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Partition or replat of one to three lots | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | Y (if use exists) | Y | N |
Property line adjustments, including lot consolidations | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | Y (if use exists) | Y | N |
Site design review | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Subdivision, or replat of four or more lots | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | N | Y | N |
Adjustments | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the variance request. | |||||
Zoning district map change | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
* The applicant may be required to comply with the design standards of other agencies, such as a road authority or natural resource regulatory agency. The City’s failure to notify the applicant of any requirement or procedure of another agency shall not invalidate a permit or other decision made by the City under this code.
[Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter regulates the placement, orientation, and aesthetic design of buildings. The regulations are intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare through clear and objective standards that promote a variety of land uses and development, while protecting property values and ensuring predictability in the development process. In summary, this chapter is intended to create and maintain a built environment that:
1. Is conducive to walking and bicycling;
2. Provides natural surveillance of public spaces, or “eyes on the street,” for crime prevention and security;
3. Reduces dependency on the automobile for short trips, thereby conserving energy and reducing unwanted congestion;
4. Encourages the use of water-conserving landscaping;
5. Allows for the integration of surface water management facilities within parking lots and landscape areas;
6. Creates a sense of place that is consistent with the character of the community, including historical development patterns, the community vision, and economic vitality. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter applies to all new buildings in the residential, commercial, and public use zones and major exterior alterations (defined as more than 25 percent of existing exterior or floor space) to existing buildings. The Planning Commission, through a Type II/III procedure, may grant adjustments to this chapter, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. The City Administrator, through a Type I or Type II process, may adjust or revise building orientation and design to better reach the goals of HMC 18.65.010, provided developer or builder total project costs are not increased by more than 10 percent. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The following requirements are intended to create and maintain a built environment that is conducive to walking; reduces dependency on the automobile for short trips; provides natural surveillance of public spaces; and maintains the historic integrity/architectural character of the community.
2. Applicability. All residential buildings in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones shall comply, respectively, with the requirements of this code.
3. Building Orientation. Residential buildings that are subject to the provisions of this chapter, pursuant to HMC 18.65.020, shall conform to all of the following standards:
a. Building Orientation to Street. Except as provided below, dwelling units shall orient toward a street, have a primary entrance opening toward the street, and be connected to the right-of-way with an approved walkway and residential front yard. For purposes of this section, the primary entrance shall face or be within 45 degrees of parallel to an abutting street. A dwelling may have its primary entrance oriented to a yard other than the front or street yards where:
(1) The only permitted access to the property is from a shared driveway or flag lot drive and orienting the dwelling entrance to the street is not practical due to the layout of the lot and driveway;
(2) There is no adjacent street to which a dwelling may be oriented, or it is not practical to orient a dwelling to an adjacent street due to lot layout, topographic, or other characteristics of the site, or if the specific nature of the project or structure as a whole focuses or centers on a feature or area that is not a public street, or the dwelling is designed to face onto a central courtyard or away from the street, then the dwelling may orient to a walkway, courtyard, open space, common area, lobby, or breezeway (i.e., for multiple-family buildings) (see also HMC 18.50.060, Townhomes, attached single-family dwellings, special review criteria); or
(3) Where a flag lot is permitted, building orientation shall conform to the provisions for flag lots under Chapter 19.20 HMC.
4. Garages. The following standards apply to all types of vehicle storage, including, but not limited to, buildings, carports, canopies, and other permanent and temporary structures. The standards are intended to balance residents’ desire for a convenient, safe, and private vehicle access to their homes with the public interest in maintaining safe and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes. The standards therefore promote pedestrian safety and visibility of public ways, while addressing aesthetic concerns associated with street-facing garages.
a. Alleys and Shared Drives. Where a dwelling abuts a rear or side alley, or a shared driveway, including flag lot drives, the garage or carport opening(s) for that dwelling may orient to the alley or shared drive, as applicable, or street. Setbacks for garages facing alleys or shared driveways shall be 20 feet or more from the garage or carport to the closest edge of the alley or driveway easement of right-of-way.
b. Setback for Garage Opening Facing Street. No garage or carport opening shall be placed closer than 20 feet to a street or alley right-of-way except where the City approves a reduced setback and parking in front of garages is restricted.
c. Garages for Duplex Dwellings. Duplex design shall conform to Table 18.45.040.5. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose and Applicability. The following requirements apply to nonresidential development in the C-1 or PUZ zone, including individual buildings and developments with multiple buildings such as shopping centers, office complexes, mixed-use developments, and institutional campuses. The standards are intended to create and maintain a built environment that is conducive to pedestrian accessibility, reducing dependency on the automobile for short trips, while providing civic space for employees and customers, supporting natural surveillance of public spaces, and creating human-scale design. The standards encourage buildings placed close to streets, with storefront windows (where applicable), with large building walls divided into smaller planes, and with architectural detailing. The standards are also intended to promote compatibility with the historic development pattern/architectural character of the community.
a. The standards are intended to enhance/support the continued development of the City, reinforcing it as an attractive place to work, shop, and conduct business.
b. The standards respond to and reconcile the historical context of the City with more contemporary building practices. The standards draw on the architectural vocabulary of the City’s historic districts, while allowing a contemporary interpretation of older building forms and styles scaled to fit the community. It is not the City’s intent to create an architectural theme, but rather to ensure that new buildings and exterior alterations fit within the context of their surroundings and contribute toward the development of compact, walkable commercial and mixed-use districts.
c. Specifically, the standards draw upon the local vocabulary of building styles and elements, including compatibility with locally significant historic structures where applicable:
(1) Create a sense of street enclosure with appropriate building heights and detailing;
(2) Address differences in building scale between different zoning districts;
(3) Encourage a diversity of building facades and rooflines that fall into a consistent rhythm;
(4) Improve the streetscape with adequate civic space, street furnishings and public art;
(5) Focus parking behind or adjacent to structures in order to create a sense of community and promote pedestrian access.
2. Building Orientation. The following standards apply to new buildings and building additions that are subject to site design review. The City Planning Commission may approve adjustments to the standards as part of a site design review approval, pursuant to Chapters 19.15 and 19.40 HMC.
a. Except as provided in subsections (3)(e) and (f) of this subsection, all buildings shall have at least one primary entrance (i.e., tenant entrance, lobby entrance, breezeway entrance, or courtyard entrance) facing an abutting street (i.e., within 45 degrees of parallel to the street property line); or if the building entrance must be turned more than 45 degrees from the street (i.e., front door is on a side or rear elevation) due to the configuration of the site or similar constraints, a paved pedestrian walkway must connect the primary entrance to the sidewalk in conformance with HMC 18.70.030.
b. Off-street parking, trash storage facilities, and ground-level utilities (e.g., utility vaults), and similar obstructions shall not be placed between building entrances and the street(s) to which they are oriented. To the extent practicable, such facilities shall be oriented internally to the block and accessed by alleys or driveways or screened from view by any abutting street, sidewalk, or fencing.
c. Off-street parking shall be oriented internally to the site to the extent practicable and shall meet the access and circulation requirements of Chapter 18.70 HMC, the landscape and screening requirements of Chapter 18.75 HMC, and the parking and loading requirements of Chapter 18.80 HMC.
d. Where a development contains multiple buildings and there is insufficient street frontage to meet the above building orientation standards for all buildings on the subject site, a building’s primary entrance may orient to plaza, courtyard, or similar pedestrian space containing pedestrian amenities and meeting the requirements under Chapter 18.65 HMC, subject to site design review application and approval. When oriented this way, the primary entrance(s), plaza, or courtyard shall be connected to the street by a paved or hardscape pedestrian walkway conforming to HMC 18.70.030.
3. Primary Entrances and Windows. The following standards apply to new buildings and building additions that are subject to site design review. The Planning Commission may approve adjustments to the standards as part of a site design review approval, pursuant to Chapters 19.15 and 19.40 HMC.
a. Pedestrian Entrances. Ground-level entrances oriented to a street shall be at least partly transparent for natural surveillance and to encourage an inviting and successful business environment. This standard may be met by providing a door with a window(s), a transom window above the door, or sidelights beside the door. Where ATMs or other kiosks are proposed on any street-facing elevation, they shall be visible from the street for security and have a canopy, awning, or other weather protection shelter.
b. Corner Entrances. Buildings on corner lots are encouraged to have corner entrances. Where a corner entrance is not provided, the building plan shall provide an architectural element or detailing (e.g., tower, beveled corner, art, special trim, etc.) that accentuates the corner location.
c. Street Level Entrances. All primary building entrances shall open to the sidewalk and shall conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, as applicable. Primary entrances above or below grade may be allowed where ADA accessibility is provided.
d. Windows – General. Except as approved for parking structures or accessory structures, the front/street-facing elevations of buildings shall provide display windows, windowed doors, and, where applicable, transom windows to express a storefront character.
e. Side and Rear Elevation Windows. All side and rear elevations, except for zero-lot line or common wall elevations, where windows are not required, shall provide not less than 30 percent transparency.
f. Window Exceptions. The City Planning Commission may approve an exception to the above standards where existing topography or building function makes compliance impractical. Where an exception to the window transparency requirement is made for parking garages or similar structures, the building design must incorporate openings or other detailing that resembles the window patterns (rhythm and scale).
4. Mechanical Equipment.
a. Building Walls. Where mechanical equipment, such as utility vaults, air compressors, generators, antennas, satellite dishes, or similar equipment, is permitted on a building wall that abuts a public right-of-way or civic space, it shall be screened pursuant to HMC 18.75.030. Standpipes, meters, vaults, and similar equipment need not be screened but shall not be placed on a front elevation when other practical alternatives exist; such equipment shall be placed on a side or rear elevation where practical.
b. Rooftops. Except as provided below, rooftop mechanical units shall be set back or screened behind a parapet wall or other screening so that they are not visible from any public right-of-way or civic space. Where such placement and screening are not practicable, the City Administrator or the Planning Commission may approve painting of mechanical units in lieu of screening; such painting may consist of muted, earth-tone colors that make the equipment visually subordinate to the building and adjacent buildings, if any.
c. Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment. Ground-mounted equipment, such as generators, air compressors, trash compactors, and similar equipment, shall be limited to side or rear yards and screened with fences or walls constructed of materials similar to those on adjacent buildings.
5. Drive-Up and Drive-Through Facilities. Drive-up and drive-through facilities shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 18.70 HMC.
6. Historic District and Historic Buildings. Refer to HMC 18.65.050.
7. Mixed-Use Building Height Bonus. Height bonuses for mixed-use buildings approved or approved with conditions under Table 18.45.040.5 must meet all of the following criteria:
a. The proposed height increase is for the sole purpose of allowing a residential use above a permitted commercial, civic, or institutional use; or is required to accommodate structured parking.
b. The proposed increase in height is compatible with adjacent uses and structures or can be made compatible through reasonable conditions of approval. For the purposes of this subsection, a finding of compatibility means that the proposed height increase does not create a fire hazard; does not conflict with a locally or Federally designated historic landmark or district, or with a building or district the City recognizes as being eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; and does not create excessive glare, shade, noise, or privacy concerns for existing adjacent residential uses.
c. The proposed increase in height does not exceed 15 feet, per Table 18.45.040.5. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The purpose of the historic overlay is to honor and protect the heritage of the community and preserve the historic integrity of the downtown area. The historic overlay will encourage the preservation of existing historical buildings and the construction of compatible structures.
2. Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses. In the historic overlay zone (HOZ), permitted and conditional uses are the same as the underlying zoning district for the property.
3. Signs. All signage shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 18.90 HMC.
4. Setback and Facade Requirements.
a. Setbacks. Setback requirements in the HOZ are the same as the underlying zoning district for the property.
b. Facades. To the greatest extent practicable, building facades in the HOZ shall be aligned with the existing structures on the street, maintaining the traditional pattern established by historic buildings.
5. Height of Buildings. The building height requirements shall be the same as the underlying zone for the property.
6. Lot Coverage. The lot coverage requirements shall be the same as the underlying zone for the property.
7. Historic Overlay Area. The HOZ is defined as the area between Monroe and Macy Streets, and between 1st Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The buildings in the local inventory of historic properties are listed as follows:
a. I.O.O.F. Hall, 190 Smith Street;
b. May and Senders Store, three-bay arcaded facade/rectangular (original portion), 125 Smith Street;
c. E.F. Wyatt House, 353 Smith Street;
d. Hardware Store, 180 Smith Street;
e. Hubbell Building, 286 Smith Street, 294 Smith Street and 146 South 3rd Street;
f. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 203 Smith Street;
g. Moody Building, 206 South 3rd Street;
h. Samuel May Barn, behind 480 Smith Street (demolished on June 2, 2000);
i. Abner Waters/J.P. Schooling House, 206 South 4th Street and outbuilding;
j. Thomas Sommerville House, 196 South 4th Street.
8. Building Scale and Mass. The architectural design, height, width and depth of the buildings shall be compatible with the historic buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent. The vertical lines of columns and piers and the horizontal definition of cornices and other primary structural elements of historic buildings shall be recognized. Historically, the modulation of building facades was determined by lot parceling. Generally, buildings were built at 25-, 50-, and 100-foot widths. Within those general building widths, the building can be divided into a smaller bay storefront system by use of vertical elements.
9. Building Shape. The ratio of height to width of the different elevations of the building shall be compatible with the historic buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
10. Building Orientation. The location of the building entrance and the orientation of the primary facade of the building shall be in the same direction as that of nearby buildings in the HOZ.
11. Facade Components. Repetition of historic facade components creates patterns and alignments that visually link buildings within a block or area, while allowing individual identity of each building. Historic facade components help to establish a sense of scale and context. The application of historic facade components is encouraged to the greatest extent practicable, and a project shall include at least two of the following historic facade components:
a. Cornice or parapet;
b. Awning or canopy;
c. Transom;
d. First-floor display window;
e. Center entry, perhaps recessed.
12. Scale of Openings. The ratio of open surfaces (windows, doors) to enclosed surfaces (walls) of the building exterior shall be similar to that of nearby buildings. The height, width, and shape of door and window openings shall be compatible with buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
13. Roof Form. Historically, downtown commercial buildings were constructed with flat roofs and a parapet or cornice on the facade facing a street. Residential buildings were constructed with pitched roofs at varying angles. New commercial and residential roofs shall be compatible with the roofs of buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
14. Design Standards for New Construction. New commercial and residential construction, facade renovation, or building rehabilitation shall reflect the City’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage. The scale and form, style, material and texture, color, and signage shall follow the design guidelines for the historic downtown beginning on pages 6 through 21 of the Harrisburg Design and Community Action Plan, dated June 27, 1991.
a. Preliminary plans will be submitted to the City Administrator or designee for review.
b. Upon review, the City Planner shall:
(1) Determine whether the plan meets design guidelines and approve the application as presented; or
(2) Determine that the application requires site plan review.
c. The applicant shall be notified of the review decision within 30 days after the submittal of plans for review.
15. Design Guidelines for Commercial Construction. New commercial construction and exterior improvements and rehabilitation shall comply with subsections (3) through (14) of this section, with the following emphasis:
a. The historic downtown commercial buildings shall be maintained and developed to represent a historic riverfront community of the late 1880s to early 1900s. The following buildings currently listed on the local inventory of historic properties best represent buildings from this era:
(1) I.O.O.F. Hall, 190 Smith Street;
(2) Rampy Building, 195 Smith Street;
(3) Hubbell Building, 286 Smith Street; and
(4) May and Senders Store (original three-bay arcaded facade), 125 Smith Street.
16. Building Materials for Commercial Construction. The type of materials used shall be selected from those materials exhibited on the buildings (or similar) representing the targeted era listed in subsection (15)(a) of this section. These include wood, brick, cast iron, and wrought iron.
17. New Residential Construction – Design Guidelines. New residential construction and exterior improvements and rehabilitation shall comply with subsections (3) through (14) of this section, with the following emphasis:
a. The historic downtown residential buildings shall be maintained and developed to represent a historic riverfront community of the late 1880s to early 1900s. The following buildings currently listed on the local inventory of historic properties best represent buildings from this era:
(1) E.F. Wyatt House, 353 Smith Street;
(2) Abner Waters/J.P. Schooling House, 206 South 4th Street and outbuilding;
(3) Thomas Sommerville House, 196 South 4th Street.
18. New Residential Construction – Building Materials. The type of materials for new residential construction and exterior remodeling shall be selected from those historic materials already present in the area. These include wood, brick, concrete, stucco, and cast iron. Wood is also an acceptable material to use for details and ornament.
19. Parking Standards for Historic Overlay. Parking standards generally applicable within the City of Harrisburg may not be appropriate for the historic district. The intent of the historic district is to have an appearance reminiscent of a time before there were automobiles and parking lots. Parking standards within the historic district shall therefore be as follows:
a. Parking shall be accessed from a public alley unless the City Planner determines this cannot reasonably be accomplished.
b. Parking, if provided off-street, shall not front onto a public street other than an alley except for public parking lots or when it is determined to be necessary by the City Planner.
c. There is no minimum number of automobile parking spaces for uses in the Downtown Historic District Zone. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains standards for vehicular and pedestrian access, circulation, and connectivity. The standards promote safe, reasonably direct, and convenient options for walking and bicycling, while accommodating vehicle access to individual properties, as needed. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter applies to new development or changes in land use necessitating a new or modified street or highway connection. Except where the standards of a roadway authority other than the City supersede City standards, this chapter applies to all connections to a street or highway, and to driveways and walkways. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, or Planning Commission, through a Type III procedure, may grant adjustments to Chapter 18.65 HMC, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. This chapter also applies to internal circulation requirements for all projects subject to the site plan review process. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose and Intent. This section implements the street access policies of the City of Harrisburg transportation system plan and serves as the street access management policy of the City of Harrisburg with the City’s Transportation System Plan. It is intended to promote safe vehicle access, circulation, and egress to properties, while maintaining traffic operations in conformance with adopted standards. “Safety,” for the purposes of this chapter, extends to all modes of transportation.
2. Permit Required. Vehicular access to a public street (e.g., a new or modified driveway connection to a street or highway) requires an approach permit approved by the applicable roadway authority. The City Administrator reviews permit requests for connections to City streets through a Type I procedure.
3. Traffic Study Requirements. The City, in reviewing a development proposal or other action requiring an approach permit, may require a traffic impact analysis or other traffic engineering analysis, pursuant to HMC 18.85.020, to determine compliance with this code.
4. Approach and Driveway Development and Circulation Standards. Approaches and driveways shall conform to all of the following development standards:
a. The number of approaches on higher classification streets (e.g., collector and arterial streets) shall be minimized; where practicable, access shall be taken first from a lower classification street.
b. Approaches shall conform to the spacing standards of subsections (4)(e) and (f) of this section, and shall conform to minimum sight distance and channelization standards of the roadway authority.
c. Driveways shall be paved and meet applicable construction standards.
d. (1) Private or public driveways exceeding 150 feet and/or as the sole access for three or more homes shall have a paved driving surface of at least 25 feet (26 feet if abutting a fire hydrant, with an unobstructed width of 20 feet) and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet.
(2) Public or private driveways serving as the sole vehicle access to one or two homes and/or less than 150 feet shall have a paved driving surface of at least 25 feet, with an unobstructed width of 20 feet, and a turning radius of not less than 28 feet and a turnaround radius of at least 48 feet, as measured from the same center point.
(3) These requirements are subject to amendments by the Oregon Fire Code Application Guide and upon mutual agreement of the City Engineer and local Fire Marshal or their authorized representatives.
e. The City Engineer may limit the number or location of connections to a street, or limit directional travel at an approach to one-way, right-turn only, or other restrictions, where the roadway authority requires mitigation to alleviate safety or traffic operations concerns.
f. Where the spacing standards of the roadway authority limit the number or location of connections to a street or highway, the City Engineer or authorized City representative may require that a driveway extend to one or more edges of a parcel and be designed to allow for future extension and inter-parcel circulation as adjacent properties develop. The City Engineer or authorized City representative may also require the owner(s) of the subject site to record an access easement for future joint use of the approach and driveway as the adjacent property(ies) develop(s).
g. Where applicable codes require emergency vehicle access, approaches and driveways shall be designed and constructed to accommodate emergency vehicle apparatus and shall conform to applicable fire protection requirements. The City Engineer or authorized City representative may restrict parking, require signage, or require other public safety improvements pursuant to the recommendations of an emergency service provider.
h. As applicable, approaches and driveways shall be designed and constructed to accommodate truck/trailer turning movements.
i. Driveways shall accommodate all projected vehicular traffic on site without vehicles stacking or backing up onto a street.
j. Driveways shall be designed so that vehicle areas, including, but not limited to, drive-up and drive-through facilities and vehicle storage and service areas, do not obstruct any public right-of-way.
k. Approaches and driveways shall not be wider than necessary to safely accommodate projected peak hour trips and turning movements and shall be designed to minimize crossing distances for pedestrians.
l. As it deems necessary for pedestrian safety, the City Engineer or authorized representative, in consultation with the roadway authority, as applicable, may require that traffic-calming features, such as speed tables, textured driveway surfaces (e.g., pavers or similar devices), curb extensions, signage or traffic control devices, or other features, be installed on or in the vicinity of a site as a condition of development approval.
m. Construction of approaches along acceleration or deceleration lanes, and along tapered (reduced width) portions of a roadway, shall be avoided; except where no reasonable alternative exists, and the approach does not create safety or traffic operations concern.
n. Approaches and driveways shall be located and designed to allow for safe maneuvering in and around loading areas, while avoiding conflicts with pedestrians, parking, landscaping, and buildings.
o. Where sidewalks or walkways occur adjacent to a roadway, driveway aprons constructed of concrete shall be installed between the driveway and roadway edge. The roadway authority may require the driveway apron be installed outside the required sidewalk or walkway surface, consistent with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and to manage surface water runoff and protect the roadway surface.
p. Where an accessible route is required pursuant to ADA, approaches and driveways shall meet accessibility requirements where they coincide with an accessible route.
q. The City Engineer or authorized representative may require changes to the proposed configuration and design of an approach, including the number of drive aisles or lanes, surfacing, traffic-calming features, allowable turning movements, and other changes or mitigation, to ensure traffic safety and operations.
r. Where a new approach onto a State highway or a change of use adjacent to a State highway requires ODOT approval, the applicant is responsible for obtaining ODOT approval. The City Engineer may approve a development conditionally, requiring the applicant first obtain required ODOT permit(s) before commencing development, in which case the City will work cooperatively with the applicant and ODOT to avoid unnecessary delays.
s. Where an approach or driveway crosses a drainage ditch, canal, railroad, or other feature that is under the jurisdiction of another agency, the applicant is responsible for obtaining all required approvals and permits from that agency prior to commencing development.
t. Where a proposed driveway crosses a culvert or drainage ditch, the City Engineer or authorized representative may require the developer to install a culvert extending under and beyond the edges of the driveway on both sides of it, pursuant to applicable public works design standards.
u. Except as otherwise required by the applicable roadway authority or waived by the City Engineer, temporary driveways providing access to a construction site or staging area shall be paved or graveled to prevent tracking of mud onto adjacent paved streets.
v. Development that increases impervious surface area shall conform to the storm drainage and surface water management requirements of HMC 18.85.050.
5. Internal, on-site circulation of cars and persons on development in excess of 40,000 square feet or one and one-half acres shall conform to the following standards:
a. Driveway egress and/or ingress shall not impede the unrestricted access of pedestrians to the primary building.
b. At least one curbed pedestrian walkway shall connect the parking lot to the primary structure.
c. The development site parking plan will allow sufficient vehicle turning radius and parking lot spaces to accommodate large, four-wheel drive personal pickups and SUVs as determined by the City Engineer.
d. The development site parking plan will allow sufficient, dedicated area(s) to allow large truck loading and unloading zone(s) that do(es) not interfere with passenger vehicle or pedestrian circulation.
6. Approach Separation from Street Intersections. Except as provided by subsection (8) of this section, the following minimum distances shall be maintained between approaches and street intersections, where distance is measured from the edge of an approach surface to the edge of the roadway at its ultimate designated width:
a. On an arterial street: 100 feet, except as required by ODOT, pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 734-051, for State highways.
b. On a collector street: 50 feet.
c. On a local street: 20 feet.
d. Where existing conditions and easements limit separation distances, the City Engineer may grant reductions of up to 25 percent.
7. Approach Spacing. Except as provided by subsection (8) of this section or as required to maintain street operations and safety, the following minimum distances shall be maintained between approaches, where distance is measured from the edge of one approach to the edge of another:
a. On an arterial street: 150 to 250 feet based on speed limit or posted speed, as applicable, except as otherwise required by ODOT for a State highway, pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 734-051.
b. On a collector street: 50 to 100 feet.
c. On a local street: 20 feet, or the City Engineer or authorized representative may approve closer spacing where necessary to provide for on-street parking (e.g., between paired approaches).
8. Vision Clearance. No visual obstruction (e.g., sign, structure, solid fence, or shrub vegetation) between three feet and eight feet in height shall be placed in “vision clearance areas” at street intersections, as illustrated. The minimum vision clearance area may be modified by the City Engineer through a Type I procedure, upon finding that more or less sight distance is required (i.e., due to traffic speeds, roadway alignment, etc.). Placement of light poles, utility poles, and tree trunks should be avoided within vision clearance areas.
9. Exceptions and Adjustments to Spacing Standards. The City Engineer may approve adjustments to the spacing standards of subsections (5) and (6) of this section, where an existing connection to a City street does not meet the standards of the roadway authority and the proposed development moves in the direction of better code compliance. The City Engineer through a Type I procedure may also approve a deviation to the spacing standards on City streets where it finds that mitigation measures, such as consolidated access (removal of one access), joint use driveways (more than one property uses same access), directional limitations (e.g., one-way), turning restrictions (e.g., right-in/right-out only), or other mitigation, alleviate all traffic operations and safety concerns.
10. Joint Use Access Easement and Maintenance Agreement. Where the City requires and approves a joint use driveway, the property owners shall record an easement with the deed allowing joint use of and cross access between adjacent properties. The owners of the properties agreeing to joint use of the driveway shall record a joint maintenance agreement with the deed, defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners. The applicant shall provide a fully executed copy of the agreement to the City for its records, but the City is not responsible for maintaining the driveway or resolving any dispute between property owners. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains standards for landscaping and screening, fences, accessory walls, and outdoor lighting. The regulations are intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by reducing development impacts (e.g., glare, noise, and visual impacts) on adjacent uses; minimizing erosion; slowing the rate of surface water runoff, thereby reducing infrastructure costs; buffering pedestrians from vehicle maneuvering areas; cooling buildings and parking lots in summer months with shade; and enhancing the City’s appearance. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. HMC 18.75.030 establishes design standards for landscaping and screening. Projects requiring site design review or land division approval shall meet the applicable landscape standards, including the standards in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5 and any special use requirements under Chapter 18.55 HMC, and the requirements of this chapter. Property owners are required to maintain landscaping and screening pursuant to HMC 18.75.030(7).
2. HMC 18.75.040 establishes design standards for when a fence or a wall not attached to a building is to be erected, extended, or otherwise altered. It also applies to situations where this code requires screening or buffering (e.g., outdoor or unenclosed storage uses). The standards of HMC 18.75.040 supplement the development standards in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5 and any applicable special use requirements under Chapter 18.55 HMC.
3. HMC 18.75.050, Outdoor lighting, applies to all new outdoor lighting, i.e., located in new developments that require site design review approval.
4. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, may grant adjustments to this chapter, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Landscape Standard. All portions of a lot not otherwise developed with buildings, accessory structures, vehicle maneuvering areas, or parking shall be landscaped as required by Table 18.45.040.5. All developments requiring site plan review, subdivisions, or partitions shall include a formal landscape plan as part of their application.
2. Minimum Landscape Area. All lots shall conform to the minimum landscape area standards of the applicable zoning district, as contained in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5. The City Administrator, consistent with the purposes in HMC 18.75.010, may allow credit toward the minimum landscape area for existing vegetation that is retained in the development. The City Administrator may apply landscaping credits for features such as patios, large rocks, barked or mulched areas, decorative concrete, etc.
3. Plant Selection. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and ground covers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions, among other factors. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended, and necessary irrigation shall be provided to allow for healthy plant growth. The selection of plants shall be based on all of the following standards and guidelines:
a. Use plants that are appropriate to the local climate, exposure, and water availability. The presence of utilities and drainage conditions shall also be considered. The City may rely on Oregon State University Extension Service bulletins or other expert sources in evaluating landscape plans. Plant species, size, and location shall be included on the landscape plan.
b. Plant species that do not require irrigation once established (naturalized) are preferred over species that require regular irrigation.
c. Trees shall be healthy and disease free and not less than two-inch caliper for street trees and one and one-half-inch caliper for other trees at the time of planting (measured six inches above ground level). Trees to be planted under or near power lines shall be selected so as to not conflict with power lines at maturity. Street trees must be selected from the City’s approved list.
d. Shrubs shall be planted from five-gallon containers, minimum, where they are for required screens or buffers, and two-gallon containers minimum elsewhere.
e. Shrubs shall be spaced in order to provide the intended screen or canopy cover within two years of planting.
f. All landscape areas, whether required or not, that are not planted with trees and shrubs or covered with allowable nonplant material, shall have ground cover plants that are sized and spaced to achieve plant coverage of not less than 75 percent at maturity. The City Administrator may reduce this standard by one-half where a project proposal includes preserving a heritage tree.
g. Bark dust, chips, aggregate, rocks, or other nonplant ground covers may be used, but shall cover not more than 40 percent of any landscape area.
h. Where storm water retention or detention, or water quality treatment facilities are proposed, they shall be planted with water-tolerant species and may be counted toward meeting the landscaping requirement.
i. Existing mature trees that can thrive in a developed area and that do not conflict with other provisions of this code shall be retained where specimens are in good health, have desirable aesthetic characteristics, and do not present a hazard.
j. Evergreen plants shall be used where a sight-obscuring landscape screen is required.
k. Deciduous trees should be used where summer shade and winter sunlight are desirable.
l. Landscape plans shall provide for both temporary and permanent erosion control measures, which shall include plantings where cuts or fills, including berms, swales, storm water detention facilities, and similar grading, is proposed.
m. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended, and irrigation provided until the plants are naturalized and able to grow on their own.
4. Historical Overlay District Streetscape Standard. Developers of projects within the City’s historical district zone can meet the landscape area requirement of subsection (2) of this section, in part, by installing street trees in front of their projects. The City Administrator shall grant credit toward the landscape area requirement using a ratio of one-to-one, where one square foot of planted area (e.g., tree well or planter surface area) receives one square foot of credit. The City Administrator may grant additional landscape area credit by the same ratio where the developer widens the sidewalk, creates a plaza, adds street trees or lighting, or other civic space.
5. Parking Lot Landscaping. All of the following standards shall be met for parking lots in excess of 5,000 square feet. If a development contains multiple parking lots, then the standards shall be evaluated separately for each parking lot.
a. At a minimum, one tree per 15 parking spaces on average shall be planted over and around the parking area.
b. Wheel stops, curbs, bollards, or other physical barriers are required along the edges of all vehicle maneuvering areas to protect landscaping from being damaged by vehicles. Trees shall be planted at least two feet from any such barrier.
c. Trees planted in tree wells within sidewalks or other paved areas shall be installed with root barriers, consistent with applicable nursery standards.
6. Screening Requirements. Screening is required for outdoor storage areas, unenclosed uses, and parking lots in the C-1 and PUZ zones and may be required in other situations as determined by the City Administrator. Landscaping shall be provided pursuant to the standards of subsections (6)(a) through (c) of this section:
a. Outdoor Storage and Unenclosed Uses. All areas of a site containing or proposed to contain outdoor storage of goods, materials, equipment, and vehicles (other than required parking lots and service and delivery areas, per site design review), and areas containing junk, salvage materials, or similar contents, shall be screened from view from adjacent rights-of-way and residential uses by a sight-obscuring fence, wall, landscape screen, or combination of screening methods. See also HMC 18.75.040 for related fence and wall standards.
b. Parking Lots. The edges of parking lots shall be screened to minimize vehicle headlights shining into adjacent rights-of-way and residential yards. Parking lots abutting a sidewalk or walkway shall be screened using a low-growing hedge or low garden wall to a height of between three feet and four feet.
c. Other Uses Requiring Screening. The City Administrator may require screening in other situations as authorized by this code, including, but not limited to, outdoor storage areas, blank walls, accessory dwelling units, special uses pursuant to Chapter 18.55 HMC, and as mitigation where an applicant has requested an adjustment pursuant to Chapter 19.40 HMC.
7. Maintenance. All landscaping shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 1000 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. This section provides general development standards for fences, and walls that are not part of a building, such as screening walls and retaining walls.
2. Applicability. This section applies to all fences, and walls that are not part of a building, including modifications to existing fences and walls. This section supplements the development standards of Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5.
3. Height.
a. Residential Zones. Fences and freestanding walls (i.e., exclusive of building walls) for residential uses shall not exceed the following heights above grade, where grade is measured from the base of the subject fence or wall:
(1) Within front or street-side yard setback: four feet if fence does not obstruct more than 50 percent visual clearance; three feet if sight is obscured more than 50 percent; except the following additional height is allowed:
(a) A fence may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet where it is located on a street-side yard and is set back not less than three feet from the street-side property line behind a landscaped area.
(b) A fence may be constructed to a maximum height of six feet where the fence is of open chain link or other “see-through” composition that allows 90 percent light transmission.
(2) Within an interior side or rear yard setback: seven feet; except the fence or wall height, as applicable, shall not exceed the distance from the fence or wall line to the nearest primary structure on an adjacent property.
(3) A fence, landscaping, or both shall be required for all new, nondetached accessory dwelling units. Required fencing and/or landscaping shall be sufficient to maintain prior existing privacy with adjacent and developed residential uses.
b. Nonresidential Zones. Fences and freestanding walls (i.e., exclusive of building walls) for nonresidential uses shall not exceed the following height above grade, where grade is measured from the base of the subject fence or wall:
(1) Within front or street-side yard setback: four feet if fence does not obstruct more than 50 percent visual clearance; three feet if sight is obscured more than 50 percent, except the following additional height is allowed for properties located within an industrial, public, or institutional zone:
(a) A fence or wall may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet where the fence is set back behind the front or street-side property line behind a five-foot landscape buffer.
(b) A fence or wall may be constructed to a maximum height of eight feet where the fence or wall is set back behind the front or street-side property line behind an eight-foot landscape buffer.
(c) Where approved by the City Administrator, a fence constructed of open chain link or other “see-through” composition that allows 90 percent light transmission may reach a height of up to eight feet.
(2) Within an interior side or rear yard setback: eight feet; except the fence or wall height, as applicable, shall not exceed the distance from the fence or wall line to the nearest primary structure on an adjacent property.
c. All Zones. Fences and walls shall comply with the vision clearance standards of HMC 18.70.030. Other provisions of this code, or the requirements of the roadway authority, may limit allowable height of a fence or wall below the height limits of this section.
4. Materials.
a. Permitted fence and wall materials include weather-treated wood; untreated cedar and redwood; metal (e.g., chain link, wrought iron, and similar fences); bricks, stone, masonry block, formed-in-place concrete, or similar masonry; vinyl and composite (e.g., recycled) materials designed for use as fencing; and similar materials as determined by the City Administrator. In addition, evergreen hedges are considered screening walls for the purpose of this chapter, subject to site design review approval.
b. Prohibited fence and wall materials include straw bales, tarps, barbed or razor wire (except in an industrial zone); scrap lumber, untreated wood (except cedar or redwood), corrugated metal, sheet metal, scrap materials; dead, diseased, or dying plants; and materials similar to those listed herein.
5. Permitting. A permit is required to install a fence of seven feet or more in height, or a wall that is four feet or more in height. All other walls and fences require review and approval by the Public Works Director through a free fence permit. The City Administrator may require installation of walls or fences as a condition of approval for development, as provided by other code sections. A building permit may be required for some fences and walls, pursuant to applicable building codes.
6. Maintenance. Fences and walls shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. This section contains regulations requiring adequate levels of outdoor lighting while minimizing negative impacts of light pollution.
2. Applicability. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the standards of this section.
3. Standards.
a. Light poles, except as required by a roadway authority or public safety agency, shall not exceed a height of 20 feet. Pedestal or bollard-style lighting is the preferred method illuminating walkways. This limitation does not apply to flag poles, utility poles, and streetlights.
b. Where a light standard is placed over a sidewalk or walkway, a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet shall be maintained.
c. Outdoor lighting levels shall be subject to review and approval as part of the site design review, subdivisions, or a Type II commercial or industrial application. Lighting levels shall be sufficient to provide for pedestrian safety, property or business identification, and crime prevention. (See also the City of Harrisburg Sign Code, Chapter 18.90 HMC.)
d. Except as provided for up-lighting of flags and permitted building-mounted signs, all outdoor light fixtures shall be directed downward, and have full cutoff and full shielding to preserve views of the night sky and to minimize excessive light spillover onto adjacent properties.
e. Lighting shall be installed where it will not obstruct public ways, driveways, or walkways.
f. Where a light standard is placed within a walkway, an unobstructed pedestrian through zone not less than 36 inches wide shall be maintained.
g. Lighting subject to this section shall consist of materials approved for outdoor use and shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Permitting. A land use permit is not required to install or replace outdoor lighting. The City Administrator may require lighting as a condition of approval for some projects, pursuant to other code requirements.
5. Maintenance. For public health and safety, outdoor lighting shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains requirements for automobile and bicycle parking. The code is intended to be flexible in requiring adequate parking, rather than a minimum number of parking spaces, for each use. It provides standards for the location, size, and design of parking areas to ensure such areas can be accessed safely and efficiently. This chapter also encourages nonmotorized transportation by requiring bicycle parking for some uses. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Where the Regulations Apply. The regulations of this chapter apply to all parking areas in all zones, at all times, whether a parking area is required by this code or created for the convenience of property owners or users.
2. Occupancy. All required parking areas must be developed in accordance with the requirements of this code prior to occupancy of any structure on the subject site. Where landscaping, screening or other improvements are required pursuant to this code, all such improvements must be installed and approved by the City Administrator prior to occupancy.
3. Calculations of Amounts of Required and Allowed Parking.
a. When computing parking spaces based on floor area, parking structures and nonleasable floor spaces, such as storage closets, mechanical equipment rooms, and similar spaces, are not counted.
b. The number of parking spaces is computed based on the primary uses on the site only, except as stated in subsection (3)(c) of this section. When there are two or more separate primary uses on a site, the minimum and maximum parking for the site is the sum of the required or allowed parking for the individual primary uses. For shared parking, see HMC 18.80.030(3).
c. When more than 20 percent of the floor area on a site is in an accessory use, the required or allowed parking is calculated separately for the accessory use. An example would be a 10,000-square-foot building with a 7,000-square-foot warehouse and a 3,000-square-foot accessory retail area. The minimum and maximum parking would be computed separately for the retail and warehouse uses.
d. Required parking spaces periodically used for the storage of equipment or goods may be counted toward meeting minimum parking standards; provided, that such storage is an allowed use under HMC 18.45.030 and is permitted as a temporary use under HMC 18.50.140.
4. Use of Required Parking Spaces. Except as otherwise provided by this section, required parking spaces must be available for residents, customers, or employees of the use. Fees may be charged for the use of required parking spaces. Required parking spaces may not be assigned in any way to a use on another site, except as approved by the City for shared parking pursuant to HMC 18.80.030.
5. Proximity of Parking to Use. Required parking spaces for residential uses must be located on the site of the use or on a parcel or tract owned in common by all the owners of the properties that will use the parking area. Required parking spaces for nonresidential uses must be located on the site of the use or in an approved parking area that has its closest pedestrian access point within 400 feet of the site.
6. Improvement of Parking Areas. Motorized vehicle parking is allowed only on streets with an improved shoulder of sufficient width; within garages, carports, and other approved structures; and on driveways or parking lots that have been developed in conformance with this code. For applicable design standards, see Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, Chapter 18.75 HMC, Landscaping, Fences and Walls, Outdoor Lighting, and Chapter 18.85 HMC, Public Facilities. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Minimum Number of Off-Street Automobile Parking Spaces. Except as provided by this subsection, or as required for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance under subsection (6) of this section, off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to one of the following three standards:
a. Standards in Table 18.80.030.1;
b. A standard from Table 18.80.030.1 for a use that the City Administrator determines is similar to the proposed use; or
c. Subsection (2) of this section, Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking, which includes a parking demand analysis option.
Table 18.80.030.1 – Automobile Parking Spaces by Use | |
|---|---|
Use Categories (Chapter 19.55 HMC contains examples of uses and definitions.) | Minimum Parking per Land Use (Fractions are rounded down to the closest whole number.) |
Residential Categories |
|
Household Living |
|
Single-family dwelling, including manufactured homes on lots | Two spaces per dwelling |
Duplex | Two spaces per dwelling unit |
Multifamily | Two spaces per dwelling unit |
Group living, such as nursing or convalescent homes, rest homes, assisted living, congregate care, and similar special needs housing | One-half space per four bedrooms |
Commercial Categories |
|
Commercial outdoor recreation | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Bed and breakfast inn | Two spaces per use, plus one space for each bedroom offered as lodging |
Educational services, not a school (e.g., tutoring or similar services) | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Entertainment, major event | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Hotels, motels, and similar uses | Three-quarters space per guest room. See also parking requirements for associated uses, such as restaurants, entertainment uses, drinking establishments, assembly facilities. One space per two employees |
Mortuary or funeral home | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Offices | General office: one space per 500 square feet floor area |
Medical or dental office: one space per 500 square feet floor area | |
Outdoor recreation, commercial | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Surface parking lot, when not accessory to a permitted use | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Quick vehicle servicing or vehicle repair | Two spaces, excluding vehicle service or queuing area, or per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Retail sales and commercial service | Bank: one space per 300 square feet floor area |
Retail: one space per 300 square feet floor area, except one space per 1,000 square feet for bulk retail (e.g., auto sales, nurseries, lumber and construction materials, furniture, appliances, and similar sales) | |
Restaurants and bars: one space per 200 square feet floor area | |
Health clubs, gyms, continuous entertainment (e.g., bowling alleys): one space per 300 square feet | |
Theaters and cinemas: one space per six seats | |
Self-service storage | Two spaces, plus adequate space for loading and unloading |
Industrial Categories |
|
Industrial service | One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Manufacturing and production | One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Warehouse and freight movement | One-half space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Waste-related | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Wholesale sales, e.g., building materials, heavy equipment, agricultural supplies, etc. | One space per 750 square feet |
Institutional Categories |
|
Basic utilities | Parking based on applicant’s projected parking demand, subject to City approval |
Community service, including government offices and services | Parking based on applicant’s projected parking demand, subject to City approval, except as specifically required elsewhere in this table for individual uses (See public assembly, office, retail, housing, etc.) |
Daycare | Family daycare: one space, plus required parking for dwelling |
Daycare center: one space per 400 square feet of floor area | |
Medical center or hospital | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Parks and open space | Parking based on projected parking demand for planned uses |
Public assembly | One space per 75 square feet of public assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Religious institutions and houses of worship | One space per 75 square feet of main assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Schools | Preschool through middle school: one space per classroom |
High schools: seven spaces per classroom | |
Colleges: one space per 400 square feet of floor area exclusive of dormitories, plus one space per two dorm rooms | |
Other Categories |
|
Accessory Uses | See HMC 18.80.020(3)(b) and (c). |
Agriculture | None, except as required for accessory uses |
Radio frequency transmission facilities | None, except as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Temporary uses | Parking standards for temporary uses are the same as for primary uses, except that the City Administrator may reduce or waive certain development and design standards for temporary uses. |
Transportation facilities (operation, maintenance, preservation, and construction) | None, except for park-and-ride facilities; and where temporary parking is required for construction staging areas |
2. Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking.
a. There is no minimum number of required automobile parking spaces for uses within the downtown historic district zone.
b. The applicant may propose a parking standard that is different than the standard under subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section for review and action by the City Administrator through a Type II procedure. The applicant’s proposal shall consist of a written request and a parking analysis, prepared by a qualified professional. The parking analysis, at a minimum, shall assess the average current or anticipated parking demand and available supply for existing and proposed uses on the subject site; opportunities for shared parking with other uses in the vicinity; existing public parking in the vicinity; transportation options existing or planned near the site, such as frequent bus service, carpools, or private shuttles; and other relevant factors.
c. The City Planning Commission through a Type III procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 for sites with one or more of the following features:
(1) Site has a bus stop with frequent transit service located adjacent to it, and the site’s frontage is improved with a bus stop waiting shelter, consistent with the standards of the applicable transit service provider: allow up to a 20 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(2) Site has dedicated parking spaces for carpool or vanpool vehicles: allow up to a 10 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(3) Site has dedicated parking spaces for bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, or electric carts: allow reductions to the standard dimensions for parking spaces;
(4) Site is located in the C-1 zone bounded by 3rd Street, Monroe, Kesling and 1st Street.
(5) Site has more than the minimum number of required bicycle parking spaces: Allow up to a five to 10 percent reduction to the number of automobile parking spaces.
d. Met through the provision of shared parking, pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
e. The City Administrator through a Type II procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 by one parking space for every two on-street parking spaces located adjacent to the subject site, provided the parking spaces meet the dimensional standards of subsection (4) of this section.
f. The City Administrator or Planning Commission may authorize the payment of a fee to the City for future development or management of public parking areas to offset up to 50 percent of the requirements of Table 18.80.030.1.
3. Shared Parking. Required parking facilities for two or more uses, structures, or parcels of land may be satisfied by the same parking facilities used jointly, to the extent that the owners or operators show that the need for parking facilities does not materially overlap. Shared parking requests shall be subject to review and approval through a Type II process.
4. Parking Stall Design and Minimum Dimensions. Where a new off-street parking area is proposed, or an existing off-street parking area is proposed for expansion, the entire parking area shall be improved in conformance with this code. At a minimum, except as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, parking spaces and drive aisles shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other City-approved materials, provided the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are met, and shall conform to the minimum dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 and the figures below.
a. In M-1 and M-2 Industrial zones, all areas for parking or maneuvering vehicles that are within 200 feet of a residence or residentially zoned property, or within 50 feet of commercially zoned property, or a public street, shall be hard surfaced.
b. All off-street parking areas shall contain wheel stops, perimeter curbing, bollards, or other edging as required to prevent vehicles from damaging buildings or encroaching into walkways, landscapes, or the public right-of-way. Parking areas shall also provide for surface water management, pursuant to HMC 18.85.050.
Table 18.80.030.5 – Parking Area Minimum Dimensions* | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PARKING ANGLE < ° | CURB LENGTH | STALL DEPTH | AISLE WIDTH | BAY WIDTH | STRIPE LENGTH | |||
SINGLE D1 | DOUBLE D2 | ONE-WAY A1 | TWO-WAY A2 | ONE-WAY B1 | TWO-WAY B2 | |||
90° | 8' 6" | 18' | 36' | 23' | 23' | 59' | 59' | 18' |
60° | 10' | 20' | 40' | 17' | 18' | 57' | 58' | 23' |
45° | 12' | 18' 6" | 37' | 13' | 18' | 50' | 55' | 26' 6" |
30° | 17' | 16' 6" | 33' | 12' | 18' | 45' | 51' | 32' 8" |
0° | 22' | 8' 6" | 17' | 12' | 18' | 29' | 35' | 8' 6" |
* See also Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, for parking location requirements for some types of development; Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, for driveway standards; and Chapter 18.75 HMC for requirements related to landscaping, screening, fences, walls, and outdoor lighting.
5. Adjustments to Parking Area Dimensions. The dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 are minimum standards. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, may adjust the dimensions based on evidence that a particular use will require more or less maneuvering area, where the criteria in Section 19.40.030(2) are met. For example, the City Administrator may approve an adjustment where an attendant will be present to move vehicles, as with valet parking. In such cases, a form of guarantee must be filed with the City ensuring that an attendant will always be present when the lot is in operation.
6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parking shall be provided consistent with ADA requirements, including, but not limited to, the minimum number of spaces for automobiles, van-accessible spaces, location of spaces relative to building entrances, accessible routes between parking areas and building entrances, identification signs, lighting, and other design and construction requirements.
7. Electric Charging Stations. Charging stations for electric vehicles are allowed as an accessory use to parking areas developed in conformance with this code, provided the charging station complies with applicable building codes and any applicable State or Federal requirements. Charging stations are considered accessory to a permitted use and are not considered a quick vehicle service use where such parking comprises less than 10 percent of all on-site parking. Electric charging stations shall count toward meeting parking requirements. [Ord. 1000 § 2 (Exh. B), 2023; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate loading areas for commercial and industrial uses that do not interfere with the operation of adjacent streets.
2. Applicability. This section applies to uses that are expected to have service or delivery truck visits as part of their normal operations. It applies only to uses visited by trucks with a 40-foot or longer wheelbase, at a frequency of one or more vehicles per week. The City Planning Commission shall determine through site design review the number, size, location, and design, access and circulation and other requirements of required loading areas, if any. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Standards are applicable to new multifamily residential developments of four units or more, new retail, office and institutional developments, and all transit transfer stations and park-and-ride lots.
a. Multifamily residential of four units or more: one space per dwelling unit.
b. Retail/office/institutional, transit transfer stations, park-and-ride lots, and general parking lots: two spaces or one space per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
c. Parks: four spaces per facility.
d. Schools: two spaces per classroom.
e. Places of worship/institutional uses: two spaces per primary use or one per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
2. Design. Bicycle parking shall consist of staple-design steel racks or other City-approved racks, lockers, or storage lids providing a safe and secure means of storing a bicycle.
3. Exemptions. This section does not apply to single-family and duplex housing, home occupations, and agricultural uses. The City may exempt these requirements without a land use review upon finding that, due to the nature of the use or its location, it is unlikely to have any patrons or employees arriving by bicycle.
4. Hazards. Bicycle parking shall not impede or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, and shall be located so as to not conflict with pedestrian and/or auto movement. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025.]
1. Purpose. The standards of this chapter implement the public facility policies of the City of Harrisburg comprehensive plan and the City’s adopted public facility master plans.
2. Applicability. This chapter applies to developments subject to land division (subdivision or partition) approval and developments subject to site design review where public facility improvements are required. All public facility improvements within the City shall occur in accordance with the standards and procedures of this chapter and the Transportation System Plan.
3. Public Works/Engineering Design Standards. All public facility improvements, including, but not limited to, sanitary sewer, water, transportation, surface water and storm drainage, and parks projects, whether required as a condition of development or provided voluntarily, shall conform to the City of Harrisburg “design manual.” Where a conflict occurs between this code and the manual, the provisions of the design manual shall govern.
4. Public Improvement Requirement. No building permit may be issued until all required public facility improvements are in place and approved by the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer, or otherwise bonded. The City may allow deferral of required public improvements and require the applicant to record certification of nonremonstrance in conformance with the provisions of this code and the design manual.
5. Improvements required as a condition of development approval, when not voluntarily provided by the applicant, shall be roughly proportional to the impact of the development on public facilities. Findings in the development approval shall indicate how the required improvements directly relate to and are roughly proportional to the impact of development. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Requirements.
a. Except as provided by subsection (1)(e) of this section, existing substandard streets and planned streets within or abutting a proposed development shall be improved in accordance with the standards of this chapter as a condition of development approval.
b. All street improvements, including the extension or widening of existing streets and public access ways, shall conform to this section, and shall be constructed consistent with the City of Harrisburg Engineering Design Standards Manual and the Transportation System Plan.
c. All new publicly owned streets shall be contained within a public right-of-way. Public pedestrian access ways may be contained within a right-of-way or a public access easement, as required by the City Engineer.
d. The purpose of this subsection is to coordinate the review of land use applications with roadway authorities and to implement Section 660-012-0045(2)(e) of the State Transportation Planning Rule, which requires the City to adopt a process to apply conditions to development proposals in order to minimize impacts and protect transportation facilities.
(1) When a Traffic Impact Analysis Is Required. The City or other road authority with jurisdiction may require a traffic impact analysis (TIA) as part of an application for development, a change in use, or a change in access. A TIA may be required by the City Administrator where a change of use or a development would involve one or more of the following:
(a) A change in zoning or a plan amendment designation, as may be required to determine compliance with OAR 660-012-0060, Transportation Planning Rule;
(b) Operational or safety concerns documented in writing by a road authority;
(c) An increase in site traffic volume generation by 300 average daily trips (ADT) or more;
(d) An increase in peak hour volume of a particular movement to and from a street or highway by 20 percent or more;
(e) An increase in the use of adjacent streets by vehicles exceeding the 20,000-pound gross vehicle weights by 10 vehicles or more per day;
(f) Existing or proposed approaches or access connections that do not meet minimum spacing or sight distance requirements or are located where vehicles entering or leaving the property are restricted, or such vehicles are likely to queue or hesitate at an approach or access connection, creating a safety hazard;
(g) A change in internal traffic patterns that may cause safety concerns; or
(h) A TIA required by ODOT pursuant to OAR 734-051;
(i) Other potential transportation needs or concerns as requested by City Engineer, or County or State Road Authority.
(2) Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation. A professional engineer registered by the State of Oregon, in accordance with the requirements of the road authority, shall prepare the traffic impact analysis.
e. The City Engineer or authorized representative may waive or allow deferral of standard street improvements, including sidewalk, roadway, bicycle lane, undergrounding of utilities, and landscaping, as applicable, where one or more of the following conditions in subsections (1)(e)(1) through (1)(e)(4) of this section is met. Where the City Engineer or authorized representative agrees to defer a street improvement, it shall do so only where the property owner agrees not to remonstrate against the formation of a local improvement district in the future.
(1) The standard improvement conflicts with an adopted capital improvement plan.
(2) The standard improvement would create a safety hazard.
(3) It is unlikely due to the developed condition of adjacent property that the subject improvement would be extended in the foreseeable future, and the improvement under consideration does not by itself significantly improve transportation operations or safety.
(4) The improvement under consideration is part of an approved minor partition in the R-1 or R-2 zone and the proposed partition does not create any new street.
(5) The City Administrator may accept development of a privately owned street in lieu of a standard public street improvement where the private street is designed to serve pedestrian, bicycle, and local automobile traffic and is not contrary to the City’s Transportation System Plan or other development code standard.
2. Street Location, Alignment, Extension, and Grades.
a. All new streets, to the extent practicable, shall connect to the existing street network and allow for the continuation of an interconnected street network, consistent with adopted public facility plans and pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, Transportation Connectivity and Future Street Plans, and the Transportation System Plan.
b. Specific street locations and alignments shall be determined in relation to existing and planned streets, topographic conditions, public convenience and safety, and in appropriate relation to the proposed use of the land to be served by such streets.
c. Grades of streets shall conform as closely as practicable to the original (predevelopment) topography to minimize grading.
d. New streets and street extensions exceeding a grade of 15 percent over a distance more than 200 feet, to the extent practicable, shall be avoided. Where such grades are unavoidable, the Planning Commission may approve an exception to the 200-foot standard and require mitigation, such as a secondary access for the subdivision, installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in dwellings, or other mitigation to protect public health and safety.
e. Where the locations of planned streets are shown on a local street network plan, the development shall implement the street(s) as shown on the plan.
f. Where required local street connections are not shown on an adopted City street plan, or the adopted street plan does not designate future streets with sufficient specificity, the development shall provide for the reasonable continuation and connection of existing streets to adjacent developable properties, conforming to the standards of this code and approval of the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer.
g. Existing street-ends that abut a proposed development site shall be extended within the development, unless prevented by environmental or topographical constraints, existing development patterns, or compliance with other standards in this code. In such situations, the applicant must provide evidence that the environmental or topographic constraint precludes reasonable street connection.
h. Proposed streets and any street extensions required pursuant to this section shall be located, designed, and constructed to allow continuity in street alignments and to facilitate future development of vacant or redevelopable lands.
3. Rights-of-Way and Street Section Widths. The standards contained in Table 18.85.020.3 are intended to provide for streets of suitable location, width, and design to accommodate expected vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic; to afford satisfactory access to law enforcement, fire protection, sanitation, and road maintenance equipment; and to provide a convenient and accessible network of streets, avoiding undue hardships to adjoining properties. Where a range of street width or improvement options is indicated, the City Administrator or Planning Commission shall determine requirements based on the advice of a qualified professional and all of the following factors:
a. Street classification and requirements of the roadway authority, if different than the City’s street classifications and requirements;
b. Existing and projected street operations relative to applicable standards;
c. Safety of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, including consideration of accident history;
d. Convenience and comfort for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users;
e. Provision of on-street parking;
f. Placement of utilities;
g. Street lighting;
h. Slope stability, erosion control, and minimizing cuts and fills;
i. Surface water management and storm drainage requirements;
j. Emergency vehicles or apparatus and emergency access, including evacuation needs;
k. Transitions between varying street widths (i.e., existing streets and new streets); and
l. Other factors related to public health, safety, and welfare.
Table 18.85.020.3 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Width of each of the following (in feet) | Alleys | Neighborhood/Local | Collector | Arterial | Transit/Rail Corridor | Recreational Street | ||||||
| R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street |
Extra R/W | 2 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – |
Planter or utility | – | – | 5 | – | 6 | – | 6 | – | – | – | 6 | – |
Sidewalk | – | – | 5 | – | 6 | – | 6 | – | 5 | 5 | 6 | – |
Bike lane | – | – | – | – | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | – | – | 6 | 6 |
Parking lane | – | – | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Travel or turn lane | – | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | – | 11 |
Railroad corridor | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 14-20 | 14-20 | – | – |
Minimum street width | 12 | 29 | 36 | 48 | 48 | 36 | ||||||
Right-of-way | 14 | 45-50 | 60 | 60-72 | 60-72 | 60 | ||||||
* All streets shall be improved in accordance with the construction standards and specifications of the applicable roadway authority, including requirements for pavement, curbs, drainage, striping, and traffic control devices. Where a parking strip is provided it shall consist of a planter/utility strip between the sidewalk and the curb or roadway. Where a swale is provided, it shall either be placed between the roadway and sidewalk or behind the sidewalk on private property, subject to City approval and recording of required public drainage way and drainage way maintenance easements. Streets with parking on one side only should be avoided. When used, they must be posted NO PARKING.
The schematic below is representative of a typical street section in relation to a transit conflict.

4. Transportation Connectivity and Future Street Plans. The following standards apply to the creation of new streets:
a. Intersections. Streets shall be located and designed to intersect as nearly as possible to a right angle. Street intersections shall have a minimum intersection angle of 75 degrees. All legs of an intersection shall meet the above standard for at least 100 feet back from the point of intersection. No more than two streets shall intersect, i.e., creating a four-legged intersection, at any one point. Street jogs and intersection offsets of less than 125 feet are not permitted. Intersections shall be designed to facilitate storm water runoff into City-approved storm water facilities.
b. Access Ways. The Planning Commission, in approving a land use application with conditions, may require a developer to provide an access way where the creation of a cul-de-sac or dead-end street is unavoidable, and the access way connects the end of the street to another street, a park, or a public access way. Access ways shall be contained within a public right-of-way or public access easement, as required by the City.
c. Connectivity to Abutting Lands. The street system of a proposed subdivision shall be designed to connect to existing, proposed, and planned streets adjacent to the subdivision. Wherever a proposed development abuts unplatted land or a future development phase of an existing development, street stubs shall be provided to allow access to future abutting subdivisions and to logically extend the street system into the surrounding area. Street ends shall contain turnarounds constructed to Uniform Fire Code standards, as the City deems applicable, and shall be designed to facilitate future extension in terms of grading, width, and temporary barricades.
d. Street Connectivity and Formation of Blocks. In order to promote efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation throughout the City, subdivisions and site developments shall be served by an interconnected street network, pursuant to the standards in subsections (4)(d)(1) through (4) of this section. Distances are measured from the edge of street rights-of-way. Where a street connection cannot be made due to physical site constraints, approach spacing requirements, access management requirements, or similar restrictions, where practicable, a pedestrian access way connection shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 18.70 HMC.
(1) Residential zones: minimum of 200-foot block length and maximum of 750-foot length; maximum 2,000-foot block perimeter;
(2) Downtown/Main Street zone: minimum of 200-foot length and maximum of 400-foot length; maximum 1,200-foot perimeter;
(3) General commercial zone and light industrial zone: minimum of 100-foot length and maximum of 1,000-foot length; maximum 2,600-foot perimeter; and
(4) Not applicable to general industrial zone.
e. A Cul-De-Sac Street. Where the City determines that a cul-de-sac is allowed, all of the following standards shall be met:
(1) The cul-de-sac shall not exceed a length of 400 feet, except where the Planning Commission through a Type III procedure determines that topographic or other physical constraints of the site require a longer cul-de-sac. The length of the cul-de-sac shall be measured along the centerline of the roadway from the near side of the intersecting street to the farthest point of the cul-de-sac.
(2) The cul-de-sac shall terminate with a circular or hammerhead turnaround meeting the Uniform Fire Code and the standards of Table 18.85.020.3.
(3) The cul-de-sac shall provide, or not preclude the opportunity to later install, a pedestrian and bicycle access way between it and adjacent developable lands. Such access ways shall conform as specified in this chapter.
5. Engineering Design Standards. Street design shall conform to the standards of the applicable roadway authority; for City streets that is the Engineering/Public Works Design Standards Manual. Where a conflict occurs between this code and the manual, the provisions of the Engineering/Public Works Design Manual shall govern.
6. Fire Code Standards. Where fire code standards conflict with City standards, the City shall consult with the Fire Marshal in determining appropriate requirements. The City shall have the final determination regarding applicable standards.
7. Substandard Existing Right-of-Way. Where an existing right-of-way adjacent to a proposed development is less than the standard width, the Planning Commission may require the dedication of additional rights-of-way at the time of subdivision, partition, or site plan review, to mitigate the impacts of development pursuant to the standards in Table 18.85.020.3.
8. Traffic Calming. The City may require the installation of traffic calming features to mitigate the impacts of development and slow traffic in neighborhoods or commercial areas with high pedestrian traffic.
9. Sidewalks, Planter Strips, and Bicycle Lanes. Except where the City Administrator grants a deferral of public improvements, pursuant to Chapter 19.15 or 19.20 HMC, sidewalks, planter strips, and bicycle lanes shall be installed concurrent with development or widening of new streets, pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. Maintenance of sidewalks and planter strips in the right-of-way is the continuing obligation of the adjacent property owner.
10. Streets Adjacent to Railroad Right-of-Way. When a transportation improvement is proposed within 300 feet of a railroad crossing, or a modification is proposed to an existing railroad crossing, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the rail service provider shall be notified and City design standards required.
11. Street Names. No new street name shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing streets in the City of Harrisburg or vicinity.
12. Survey Monuments. Upon completion of a street improvement and prior to acceptance by the City, it shall be the responsibility of the developer’s registered professional land surveyor to provide certification to the City that all boundary and interior monuments have been reestablished and protected.
13. Street Signs. The City shall install all signs for traffic control and street names, which shall conform to existing City design standards and the MUTCD. The cost of signs required for new development shall be the responsibility of the developer. Street name signs shall be installed at all street intersections. Stop signs and other signs may be required. All required signs must be installed and paid for prior to the issuance of a CO.
14. Streetlight Standards. Streetlights shall be relocated or new lights installed, as applicable, with street improvement projects. Streetlights shall conform to City standards, or the requirements of the roadway authority, if different than the City.
15. Mailboxes. Mailboxes shall conform to the requirements of the United States Postal Service and the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
16. Street Cross-Sections. The final lift of pavement shall be placed on all new constructed public roadways prior to final City acceptance of the roadway unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Dedication of Public Use Areas.
a. Where a proposed park, playground, or other public use shown in a plan adopted by the City is located in whole or in part in a subdivision or the PUZ zone, the City may require the dedication or reservation of this area on the final plat for the subdivision or major plat to mitigate development impacts, provided the open space dedication or reservation is roughly proportionate to the impacts of development on the City park system.
b. The City may purchase or accept voluntary dedication or reservation of areas, either within or near the proposed subdivision, that are suitable for the development of parks and other public uses; however, the City is under no obligation to accept such areas offered for dedication or sale. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Sewers and Water Mains Required. All new development requiring land use approval is required to connect to City water and sanitary sewer systems. Sanitary sewer and water system improvements shall be installed to serve each new development and to connect developments to existing mains in accordance with the adopted facility master plans and applicable engineering/public works design standards. Where streets are required to be stubbed to the edge of the subdivision, sewer and water system improvements and other utilities shall also be stubbed with the streets, except as approved by the City Engineer where alternate alignment(s) are provided consistent with the adopted public facility master plan.
2. Sewer and Water Plan Approval. Development permits for sewer and water improvements shall not be issued until the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer has approved all sanitary sewer and water plans in conformance with City standards and State regulatory authority, if needed.
3. Over-Sizing. The City may require as a condition of development approval that sewer and water lines serving new development be sized to accommodate future development within the area as projected by the applicable facility master plans. In these instances, the City may authorize cost-recovery or cost-sharing methods as provided under State law.
4. Inadequate Facilities. Development permits may be restricted or rationed by the Planning Commission where a deficiency exists in the existing water or sewer system that cannot be rectified by the development and which, if not rectified, will result in a threat to public health or safety, surcharging of existing mains, or violations of State or Federal standards pertaining to operation of domestic water and sewerage treatment systems. The City Administrator may require water booster pumps, sanitary sewer lift stations, and other critical facilities be installed with backup power. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Provisions. The City shall issue a development permit only where adequate provisions for storm water runoff have been made in conformance with a 25-year storm plan. All applications for developments that increase impervious surface must submit a specific storm water plan with their application unless waived by the City Engineer.
2. Accommodation of Upstream Drainage. Culverts and other drainage facilities shall be large enough to accommodate existing and potential future runoff from the entire upstream drainage area, whether inside or outside the development. Such facilities shall be subject to review and approval by the City Engineer.
3. Effect on Downstream Drainage. Where it is anticipated by the City Engineer that the additional runoff resulting from the development will overload an existing drainage facility, the City shall withhold approval of the development until provisions have been made for improvement of the potential condition or until provisions have been made for retention of additional runoff caused by the development in accordance with City standards.
4. Over-Sizing. The City may require as a condition of development approval that sewer, water, or storm drainage systems serving new development be sized to accommodate future development within the area as projected by the applicable facility master plan. In these instances, the City may authorize cost-recovery or cost-sharing methods as provided under State law.
5. Existing Watercourse. Where a proposed development is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, swale, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse and such further width as will be adequate for conveyance and maintenance to protect the public health and safety. All applications for site plan review, subdivision, and partitions must submit a specific storm water plan with their application unless waived by the City Engineer. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
The following standards apply to new development where extension of electric power, natural gas or communication lines is required:
1. General Provision. The developer of a property is responsible for coordinating the development plan with the applicable utility providers and paying for the extension and installation of utilities not otherwise available to the subject property.
2. Underground Utilities.
a. General Requirement. The requirements of the utility service provider shall be met. All utility lines in new subdivisions, including, but not limited to, those required for electric, communication, lighting, and related facilities, shall be placed underground, except where the City Administrator or Planning Commission determines that placing utilities underground would adversely impact adjacent land uses. The City Administrator or Planning Commission may require screening and buffering of aboveground facilities to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
b. Subdivisions and Partitions. In order to facilitate underground placement of utilities, the following additional standards apply to all new subdivisions:
(1) The developer shall make all necessary arrangements with the serving utility to provide the underground services. Care shall be taken to ensure that no aboveground equipment obstructs vision clearance areas for vehicular traffic, per Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation.
(2) The City Engineer reserves the right to approve the location of all surface-mounted facilities.
(3) All underground utilities installed in streets must be constructed and approved by the applicable utility provider prior to the surfacing of the streets.
(4) Stubs for service connections shall be long enough to avoid disturbing the street improvements when service connections are made.
3. Exception to Undergrounding Requirement. The City or Planning Commission may grant exceptions to the undergrounding standard where existing physical constraints, such as geologic conditions, streams, or existing development conditions make underground placement impractical. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Provision. The developer shall coordinate with the City and applicable utility providers in meeting the needs of each utility franchise for the provision and dedication of utility easements necessary to provide full services to the development.
2. Standards. Utility easements shall conform to the requirements of the utility service provider. All other easements shall conform to the City of Harrisburg engineering design standards/public works design standards.
3. Recordation. All easements for sewers, storm drainage and water quality facilities, water mains, electric lines, natural gas lines, or other utilities shall be recorded and referenced on a survey or final plat, as applicable. See Chapter 19.15 HMC, Site Design Review, and Chapter 19.20 HMC, Land Divisions and Property Line Adjustments. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
No development, including sanitary sewers, water, streets, utilities, parking areas, buildings, or other development, shall be undertaken without plans having been approved by the City of Harrisburg, permit fees paid, and permits issued. Permit fees are required to defray the cost and expenses incurred by the City for construction and other services in connection with the improvement. Permit fees are as set by City Council resolution. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Conformance Required. Improvements installed by the developer, either as a requirement of these regulations or at the developer’s option, shall conform to the requirements of this chapter, approved construction plans, and to improvement standards and specifications adopted by the City.
2. Adopted Installation Standards. The City of Harrisburg has adopted various engineering/public works design standards for public improvements and private utility installation within the public right-of-way. All adapted engineering/public works design standards shall be met unless one or more partial waivers are granted by the City Engineer and City Administrator.
3. Commencement. Work in a public right-of-way shall not begin until all applicable agency permits have been approved and issued.
4. Resumption. If work is discontinued for more than six months, it shall not be resumed until the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer grants written approval for the recommencement of work or a hiatus of more than six months.
5. City Inspection. Improvements shall be constructed under the inspection of the City Engineer or Public Works Director. The City Engineer or Public Works Director may approve minor changes in typical sections and details if unusual conditions arising during construction warrant such changes in the public interest, except those substantive changes to the approved design shall be subject to review under Chapter 19.30 HMC, Modifications to Approved Plans and Conditions of Approval. (Any survey monuments that are disturbed before all improvements are completed by the developer or subdivider shall be replaced prior to final acceptance of the improvements.) Any new or disturbed monuments must be replaced by a certified land surveyor.
6. Engineer’s Certification and As-Built Plans. A registered civil engineer shall provide written certification in a form required by the City that all improvements, workmanship, and materials are in accordance with current and standard engineering and construction practices, conform to approved plans and conditions of approval, and are of high grade, prior to City’s acceptance of the public improvements, or any portion thereof, for operation and maintenance. The developer’s engineer shall also provide two sets of “as-built” plans for permanent filing with the City. If required by the City, the developer or subdivider shall provide a warranty bond pursuant to HMC 18.85.100. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Performance Guarantee Required. The City at its discretion may approve a final plat or building permit when it determines that at least 50 percent of the public improvements required for the site development or land division, or phase thereof, are complete and the applicant has posted an acceptable assurance of performance bond for the balance of said improvements.
2. Determination of Sum. The assurance of performance bond shall be for a sum determined by the City Engineer as required to cover the cost of the improvements and repairs, including related engineering and incidental expenses, plus reasonable inflationary costs. The assurance bond shall not be less than 110 percent of the estimated improvement costs.
3. Itemized Improvement Estimate. The applicant shall furnish to the City an itemized improvement estimate, certified by a registered civil engineer, to assist the City in calculating the amount of the performance assurance.
4. Development Agreement. A written agreement between the City and applicant shall be signed and recorded. The agreement may include a provision for the construction of the improvements in stages and for the extension of time under specific conditions. The agreement shall contain all of the following:
a. The period within which all required improvements and repairs shall be completed;
b. A provision that if work is not completed within the period specified, the City may complete the work and recover the full cost and expenses from the applicant directly or an applicant-provided bond.
c. The required improvement fees and deposits.
5. When Applicant Fails to Perform. In the event the applicant fails to carry out all provisions of the agreement and the City has unreimbursed costs or expenses resulting from such failure, the City shall call on the bond, cash deposit, or letter of credit for reimbursement or take other appropriate action to recover all unreimbursed costs.
6. Termination of Performance Guarantee. The applicant shall not cause termination, nor allow expiration, of the guarantee/bond without first securing written authorization from the City.
7. Warranty Bond. A warranty bond good for two years is required on all public improvements and landscaping when installed in the public right-of-way. The warranty bond shall equal 15 percent of the total cost of improvements and begin upon acceptance of said improvements by the City. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Permit required, except as provided by HMC 18.90.020, Exempt signs. All home businesses, commercial and industrial businesses shall obtain a City of Harrisburg sign permit prior to erecting, placing, replacing or changing a business sign, as defined herein.
2. Definition of Business Signs. Words, letters, pictorial device, logo or other graphic means intended to convey information regarding a business, occupation, or commercial/industrial activity of any kind.
3. Existing Signs. All signs, with correct information, in good repair and consistent with Chapter 18.70 HMC shall, upon adoption of this chapter, and if in violation of this chapter, be granted “existing nonconforming use” status consistent with Chapter 18.25 HMC.
4. Upon discontinuation or abandonment of nonconforming use status in accordance with HMC 18.25.020, the sign shall be either removed or brought into conformance with this chapter within 60 days of written notice by the City. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
1. Government and traffic control/safety signs.
2. Temporary signs (not to exceed 60 days) for a civic, charitable or public event or activity.
3. U.S. or State flags.
4. Painted nonilluminated signs.
5. Small (less than two square feet) directional or public notice signs that indicate the existence or a direction to facilities open to the public, including sport facilities, schools, civic/fraternal organizations, churches, etc.
6. Any temporary signs in commercial or industrial zoned areas that are in place for less than 60 days, are less than 12 square feet, and do not cover more than 15 percent of the wall and window space of the building side closest to the public right-of-way. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Residential Zones R-1, R-2, R-3.
a. One nonilluminated sign per lot or parcel, not to exceed 12 square feet.
b. Said sign to be constructed of durable materials (wood, plastic, metal), permanently mounted.
c. All residential zone signs shall be mounted on a pedestal or base not more than two feet high. The total height of the sign shall not exceed six feet.
d. Signs shall be set back from public right-of-way, or an adjoining property not less than four feet.
2. Commercial and Industrial Zones.
a. One illuminated sign not to exceed 32 square feet and not more than 10 feet in height.
b. One nonilluminated sign not to exceed 64 square feet and not more than 12 feet in height.
c. All signs must be set back from public right-of-way and neighboring property lines four feet. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. All signs must be in good condition.
2. All commercial and industrial zone signs must be legible from the nearest public right-of-way and display the following:
a. The current and correct business name; if there is more than one business at the address then all must display their own sign or be part of a larger sign not to exceed 12 square feet per business/organization included on the sign.
b. Contain a legible street address for the business(es). [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Signs that conflict with the City’s vision clearance standards.
2. Any sign attached to a tree, utility pole, or another sign.
3. Any sign that no longer reflects current conditions or circumstances, is in disrepair or is no longer legible, or in any way hazardous.
4. Roof signs.
5. Any sign on public property or right-of-way.
6. Any nonpermitted sign. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
In the case of an approved conditional use, the sign limitations of a zone may be exceeded. Said signs shall pertain to the approved conditional use as specifically defined in the conditional use permit. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
Community Design Standards
This chapter and Chapters 18.65 through 18.90 HMC contain design standards for the built environment. The standards are intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through multimodal accessibility and interconnectivity, and through the provision of parking, landscaping, adequate public facilities, and appropriate signage. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
These provisions apply to permits and approvals granted under this code, and other City actions, as summarized in Table 18.60.020. The Planning Commission or City Council for Type III or IV decisions, and the City Administrator for Type I or II decisions, may reduce design standards or requirements by up to 25 percent where the proposed development meets the definition of affordable housing or provides five or more FTE jobs that meet the requirements of the Harrisburg extended enterprise zone benefit.
Table 18.60.020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applicability of Design Standards to Approvals and Permits | ||||||
Approvals* | 18.65 Building Design | 18.70 Access Circulation | 18.75 Landscapes and Screening | 18.80 Parking and Loading | 18.85 Public Facilities | 18.90 Signs |
Building permit review | Typically, these standards do not apply unless the City determines that one or more of the land use actions below is required. | |||||
Access or approach permit | N | Y | N | Y | Y | N |
Adjustment | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the adjustment request. | |||||
Annexation | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
Code interpretation | Standards are subject to City interpretation under Chapter 18.30 HMC. | |||||
Code text amendment | Chapters apply where amendment affects design standards. | |||||
Comprehensive plan map amendment | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
Conditional use permit | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Home occupation | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
Legal lot determination | N | Y | N | N | Y | N |
Master planned development | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Modification to approval or condition of approval | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the modification request. | |||||
Nonconforming use or structure, expansion of | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Partition or replat of one to three lots | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | Y (if use exists) | Y | N |
Property line adjustments, including lot consolidations | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | Y (if use exists) | Y | N |
Site design review | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Subdivision, or replat of four or more lots | N | Y | Y (for flag lot) | N | Y | N |
Adjustments | Individual chapters may apply, depending on the variance request. | |||||
Zoning district map change | N | N | N | N | Y | N |
* The applicant may be required to comply with the design standards of other agencies, such as a road authority or natural resource regulatory agency. The City’s failure to notify the applicant of any requirement or procedure of another agency shall not invalidate a permit or other decision made by the City under this code.
[Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter regulates the placement, orientation, and aesthetic design of buildings. The regulations are intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare through clear and objective standards that promote a variety of land uses and development, while protecting property values and ensuring predictability in the development process. In summary, this chapter is intended to create and maintain a built environment that:
1. Is conducive to walking and bicycling;
2. Provides natural surveillance of public spaces, or “eyes on the street,” for crime prevention and security;
3. Reduces dependency on the automobile for short trips, thereby conserving energy and reducing unwanted congestion;
4. Encourages the use of water-conserving landscaping;
5. Allows for the integration of surface water management facilities within parking lots and landscape areas;
6. Creates a sense of place that is consistent with the character of the community, including historical development patterns, the community vision, and economic vitality. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter applies to all new buildings in the residential, commercial, and public use zones and major exterior alterations (defined as more than 25 percent of existing exterior or floor space) to existing buildings. The Planning Commission, through a Type II/III procedure, may grant adjustments to this chapter, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. The City Administrator, through a Type I or Type II process, may adjust or revise building orientation and design to better reach the goals of HMC 18.65.010, provided developer or builder total project costs are not increased by more than 10 percent. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The following requirements are intended to create and maintain a built environment that is conducive to walking; reduces dependency on the automobile for short trips; provides natural surveillance of public spaces; and maintains the historic integrity/architectural character of the community.
2. Applicability. All residential buildings in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones shall comply, respectively, with the requirements of this code.
3. Building Orientation. Residential buildings that are subject to the provisions of this chapter, pursuant to HMC 18.65.020, shall conform to all of the following standards:
a. Building Orientation to Street. Except as provided below, dwelling units shall orient toward a street, have a primary entrance opening toward the street, and be connected to the right-of-way with an approved walkway and residential front yard. For purposes of this section, the primary entrance shall face or be within 45 degrees of parallel to an abutting street. A dwelling may have its primary entrance oriented to a yard other than the front or street yards where:
(1) The only permitted access to the property is from a shared driveway or flag lot drive and orienting the dwelling entrance to the street is not practical due to the layout of the lot and driveway;
(2) There is no adjacent street to which a dwelling may be oriented, or it is not practical to orient a dwelling to an adjacent street due to lot layout, topographic, or other characteristics of the site, or if the specific nature of the project or structure as a whole focuses or centers on a feature or area that is not a public street, or the dwelling is designed to face onto a central courtyard or away from the street, then the dwelling may orient to a walkway, courtyard, open space, common area, lobby, or breezeway (i.e., for multiple-family buildings) (see also HMC 18.50.060, Townhomes, attached single-family dwellings, special review criteria); or
(3) Where a flag lot is permitted, building orientation shall conform to the provisions for flag lots under Chapter 19.20 HMC.
4. Garages. The following standards apply to all types of vehicle storage, including, but not limited to, buildings, carports, canopies, and other permanent and temporary structures. The standards are intended to balance residents’ desire for a convenient, safe, and private vehicle access to their homes with the public interest in maintaining safe and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes. The standards therefore promote pedestrian safety and visibility of public ways, while addressing aesthetic concerns associated with street-facing garages.
a. Alleys and Shared Drives. Where a dwelling abuts a rear or side alley, or a shared driveway, including flag lot drives, the garage or carport opening(s) for that dwelling may orient to the alley or shared drive, as applicable, or street. Setbacks for garages facing alleys or shared driveways shall be 20 feet or more from the garage or carport to the closest edge of the alley or driveway easement of right-of-way.
b. Setback for Garage Opening Facing Street. No garage or carport opening shall be placed closer than 20 feet to a street or alley right-of-way except where the City approves a reduced setback and parking in front of garages is restricted.
c. Garages for Duplex Dwellings. Duplex design shall conform to Table 18.45.040.5. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose and Applicability. The following requirements apply to nonresidential development in the C-1 or PUZ zone, including individual buildings and developments with multiple buildings such as shopping centers, office complexes, mixed-use developments, and institutional campuses. The standards are intended to create and maintain a built environment that is conducive to pedestrian accessibility, reducing dependency on the automobile for short trips, while providing civic space for employees and customers, supporting natural surveillance of public spaces, and creating human-scale design. The standards encourage buildings placed close to streets, with storefront windows (where applicable), with large building walls divided into smaller planes, and with architectural detailing. The standards are also intended to promote compatibility with the historic development pattern/architectural character of the community.
a. The standards are intended to enhance/support the continued development of the City, reinforcing it as an attractive place to work, shop, and conduct business.
b. The standards respond to and reconcile the historical context of the City with more contemporary building practices. The standards draw on the architectural vocabulary of the City’s historic districts, while allowing a contemporary interpretation of older building forms and styles scaled to fit the community. It is not the City’s intent to create an architectural theme, but rather to ensure that new buildings and exterior alterations fit within the context of their surroundings and contribute toward the development of compact, walkable commercial and mixed-use districts.
c. Specifically, the standards draw upon the local vocabulary of building styles and elements, including compatibility with locally significant historic structures where applicable:
(1) Create a sense of street enclosure with appropriate building heights and detailing;
(2) Address differences in building scale between different zoning districts;
(3) Encourage a diversity of building facades and rooflines that fall into a consistent rhythm;
(4) Improve the streetscape with adequate civic space, street furnishings and public art;
(5) Focus parking behind or adjacent to structures in order to create a sense of community and promote pedestrian access.
2. Building Orientation. The following standards apply to new buildings and building additions that are subject to site design review. The City Planning Commission may approve adjustments to the standards as part of a site design review approval, pursuant to Chapters 19.15 and 19.40 HMC.
a. Except as provided in subsections (3)(e) and (f) of this subsection, all buildings shall have at least one primary entrance (i.e., tenant entrance, lobby entrance, breezeway entrance, or courtyard entrance) facing an abutting street (i.e., within 45 degrees of parallel to the street property line); or if the building entrance must be turned more than 45 degrees from the street (i.e., front door is on a side or rear elevation) due to the configuration of the site or similar constraints, a paved pedestrian walkway must connect the primary entrance to the sidewalk in conformance with HMC 18.70.030.
b. Off-street parking, trash storage facilities, and ground-level utilities (e.g., utility vaults), and similar obstructions shall not be placed between building entrances and the street(s) to which they are oriented. To the extent practicable, such facilities shall be oriented internally to the block and accessed by alleys or driveways or screened from view by any abutting street, sidewalk, or fencing.
c. Off-street parking shall be oriented internally to the site to the extent practicable and shall meet the access and circulation requirements of Chapter 18.70 HMC, the landscape and screening requirements of Chapter 18.75 HMC, and the parking and loading requirements of Chapter 18.80 HMC.
d. Where a development contains multiple buildings and there is insufficient street frontage to meet the above building orientation standards for all buildings on the subject site, a building’s primary entrance may orient to plaza, courtyard, or similar pedestrian space containing pedestrian amenities and meeting the requirements under Chapter 18.65 HMC, subject to site design review application and approval. When oriented this way, the primary entrance(s), plaza, or courtyard shall be connected to the street by a paved or hardscape pedestrian walkway conforming to HMC 18.70.030.
3. Primary Entrances and Windows. The following standards apply to new buildings and building additions that are subject to site design review. The Planning Commission may approve adjustments to the standards as part of a site design review approval, pursuant to Chapters 19.15 and 19.40 HMC.
a. Pedestrian Entrances. Ground-level entrances oriented to a street shall be at least partly transparent for natural surveillance and to encourage an inviting and successful business environment. This standard may be met by providing a door with a window(s), a transom window above the door, or sidelights beside the door. Where ATMs or other kiosks are proposed on any street-facing elevation, they shall be visible from the street for security and have a canopy, awning, or other weather protection shelter.
b. Corner Entrances. Buildings on corner lots are encouraged to have corner entrances. Where a corner entrance is not provided, the building plan shall provide an architectural element or detailing (e.g., tower, beveled corner, art, special trim, etc.) that accentuates the corner location.
c. Street Level Entrances. All primary building entrances shall open to the sidewalk and shall conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, as applicable. Primary entrances above or below grade may be allowed where ADA accessibility is provided.
d. Windows – General. Except as approved for parking structures or accessory structures, the front/street-facing elevations of buildings shall provide display windows, windowed doors, and, where applicable, transom windows to express a storefront character.
e. Side and Rear Elevation Windows. All side and rear elevations, except for zero-lot line or common wall elevations, where windows are not required, shall provide not less than 30 percent transparency.
f. Window Exceptions. The City Planning Commission may approve an exception to the above standards where existing topography or building function makes compliance impractical. Where an exception to the window transparency requirement is made for parking garages or similar structures, the building design must incorporate openings or other detailing that resembles the window patterns (rhythm and scale).
4. Mechanical Equipment.
a. Building Walls. Where mechanical equipment, such as utility vaults, air compressors, generators, antennas, satellite dishes, or similar equipment, is permitted on a building wall that abuts a public right-of-way or civic space, it shall be screened pursuant to HMC 18.75.030. Standpipes, meters, vaults, and similar equipment need not be screened but shall not be placed on a front elevation when other practical alternatives exist; such equipment shall be placed on a side or rear elevation where practical.
b. Rooftops. Except as provided below, rooftop mechanical units shall be set back or screened behind a parapet wall or other screening so that they are not visible from any public right-of-way or civic space. Where such placement and screening are not practicable, the City Administrator or the Planning Commission may approve painting of mechanical units in lieu of screening; such painting may consist of muted, earth-tone colors that make the equipment visually subordinate to the building and adjacent buildings, if any.
c. Ground-Mounted Mechanical Equipment. Ground-mounted equipment, such as generators, air compressors, trash compactors, and similar equipment, shall be limited to side or rear yards and screened with fences or walls constructed of materials similar to those on adjacent buildings.
5. Drive-Up and Drive-Through Facilities. Drive-up and drive-through facilities shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 18.70 HMC.
6. Historic District and Historic Buildings. Refer to HMC 18.65.050.
7. Mixed-Use Building Height Bonus. Height bonuses for mixed-use buildings approved or approved with conditions under Table 18.45.040.5 must meet all of the following criteria:
a. The proposed height increase is for the sole purpose of allowing a residential use above a permitted commercial, civic, or institutional use; or is required to accommodate structured parking.
b. The proposed increase in height is compatible with adjacent uses and structures or can be made compatible through reasonable conditions of approval. For the purposes of this subsection, a finding of compatibility means that the proposed height increase does not create a fire hazard; does not conflict with a locally or Federally designated historic landmark or district, or with a building or district the City recognizes as being eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; and does not create excessive glare, shade, noise, or privacy concerns for existing adjacent residential uses.
c. The proposed increase in height does not exceed 15 feet, per Table 18.45.040.5. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The purpose of the historic overlay is to honor and protect the heritage of the community and preserve the historic integrity of the downtown area. The historic overlay will encourage the preservation of existing historical buildings and the construction of compatible structures.
2. Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses. In the historic overlay zone (HOZ), permitted and conditional uses are the same as the underlying zoning district for the property.
3. Signs. All signage shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 18.90 HMC.
4. Setback and Facade Requirements.
a. Setbacks. Setback requirements in the HOZ are the same as the underlying zoning district for the property.
b. Facades. To the greatest extent practicable, building facades in the HOZ shall be aligned with the existing structures on the street, maintaining the traditional pattern established by historic buildings.
5. Height of Buildings. The building height requirements shall be the same as the underlying zone for the property.
6. Lot Coverage. The lot coverage requirements shall be the same as the underlying zone for the property.
7. Historic Overlay Area. The HOZ is defined as the area between Monroe and Macy Streets, and between 1st Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The buildings in the local inventory of historic properties are listed as follows:
a. I.O.O.F. Hall, 190 Smith Street;
b. May and Senders Store, three-bay arcaded facade/rectangular (original portion), 125 Smith Street;
c. E.F. Wyatt House, 353 Smith Street;
d. Hardware Store, 180 Smith Street;
e. Hubbell Building, 286 Smith Street, 294 Smith Street and 146 South 3rd Street;
f. Farmers and Merchants Bank, 203 Smith Street;
g. Moody Building, 206 South 3rd Street;
h. Samuel May Barn, behind 480 Smith Street (demolished on June 2, 2000);
i. Abner Waters/J.P. Schooling House, 206 South 4th Street and outbuilding;
j. Thomas Sommerville House, 196 South 4th Street.
8. Building Scale and Mass. The architectural design, height, width and depth of the buildings shall be compatible with the historic buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent. The vertical lines of columns and piers and the horizontal definition of cornices and other primary structural elements of historic buildings shall be recognized. Historically, the modulation of building facades was determined by lot parceling. Generally, buildings were built at 25-, 50-, and 100-foot widths. Within those general building widths, the building can be divided into a smaller bay storefront system by use of vertical elements.
9. Building Shape. The ratio of height to width of the different elevations of the building shall be compatible with the historic buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
10. Building Orientation. The location of the building entrance and the orientation of the primary facade of the building shall be in the same direction as that of nearby buildings in the HOZ.
11. Facade Components. Repetition of historic facade components creates patterns and alignments that visually link buildings within a block or area, while allowing individual identity of each building. Historic facade components help to establish a sense of scale and context. The application of historic facade components is encouraged to the greatest extent practicable, and a project shall include at least two of the following historic facade components:
a. Cornice or parapet;
b. Awning or canopy;
c. Transom;
d. First-floor display window;
e. Center entry, perhaps recessed.
12. Scale of Openings. The ratio of open surfaces (windows, doors) to enclosed surfaces (walls) of the building exterior shall be similar to that of nearby buildings. The height, width, and shape of door and window openings shall be compatible with buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
13. Roof Form. Historically, downtown commercial buildings were constructed with flat roofs and a parapet or cornice on the facade facing a street. Residential buildings were constructed with pitched roofs at varying angles. New commercial and residential roofs shall be compatible with the roofs of buildings identified in subsection (7) of this section, especially those most adjacent.
14. Design Standards for New Construction. New commercial and residential construction, facade renovation, or building rehabilitation shall reflect the City’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural heritage. The scale and form, style, material and texture, color, and signage shall follow the design guidelines for the historic downtown beginning on pages 6 through 21 of the Harrisburg Design and Community Action Plan, dated June 27, 1991.
a. Preliminary plans will be submitted to the City Administrator or designee for review.
b. Upon review, the City Planner shall:
(1) Determine whether the plan meets design guidelines and approve the application as presented; or
(2) Determine that the application requires site plan review.
c. The applicant shall be notified of the review decision within 30 days after the submittal of plans for review.
15. Design Guidelines for Commercial Construction. New commercial construction and exterior improvements and rehabilitation shall comply with subsections (3) through (14) of this section, with the following emphasis:
a. The historic downtown commercial buildings shall be maintained and developed to represent a historic riverfront community of the late 1880s to early 1900s. The following buildings currently listed on the local inventory of historic properties best represent buildings from this era:
(1) I.O.O.F. Hall, 190 Smith Street;
(2) Rampy Building, 195 Smith Street;
(3) Hubbell Building, 286 Smith Street; and
(4) May and Senders Store (original three-bay arcaded facade), 125 Smith Street.
16. Building Materials for Commercial Construction. The type of materials used shall be selected from those materials exhibited on the buildings (or similar) representing the targeted era listed in subsection (15)(a) of this section. These include wood, brick, cast iron, and wrought iron.
17. New Residential Construction – Design Guidelines. New residential construction and exterior improvements and rehabilitation shall comply with subsections (3) through (14) of this section, with the following emphasis:
a. The historic downtown residential buildings shall be maintained and developed to represent a historic riverfront community of the late 1880s to early 1900s. The following buildings currently listed on the local inventory of historic properties best represent buildings from this era:
(1) E.F. Wyatt House, 353 Smith Street;
(2) Abner Waters/J.P. Schooling House, 206 South 4th Street and outbuilding;
(3) Thomas Sommerville House, 196 South 4th Street.
18. New Residential Construction – Building Materials. The type of materials for new residential construction and exterior remodeling shall be selected from those historic materials already present in the area. These include wood, brick, concrete, stucco, and cast iron. Wood is also an acceptable material to use for details and ornament.
19. Parking Standards for Historic Overlay. Parking standards generally applicable within the City of Harrisburg may not be appropriate for the historic district. The intent of the historic district is to have an appearance reminiscent of a time before there were automobiles and parking lots. Parking standards within the historic district shall therefore be as follows:
a. Parking shall be accessed from a public alley unless the City Planner determines this cannot reasonably be accomplished.
b. Parking, if provided off-street, shall not front onto a public street other than an alley except for public parking lots or when it is determined to be necessary by the City Planner.
c. There is no minimum number of automobile parking spaces for uses in the Downtown Historic District Zone. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains standards for vehicular and pedestrian access, circulation, and connectivity. The standards promote safe, reasonably direct, and convenient options for walking and bicycling, while accommodating vehicle access to individual properties, as needed. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter applies to new development or changes in land use necessitating a new or modified street or highway connection. Except where the standards of a roadway authority other than the City supersede City standards, this chapter applies to all connections to a street or highway, and to driveways and walkways. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, or Planning Commission, through a Type III procedure, may grant adjustments to Chapter 18.65 HMC, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. This chapter also applies to internal circulation requirements for all projects subject to the site plan review process. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose and Intent. This section implements the street access policies of the City of Harrisburg transportation system plan and serves as the street access management policy of the City of Harrisburg with the City’s Transportation System Plan. It is intended to promote safe vehicle access, circulation, and egress to properties, while maintaining traffic operations in conformance with adopted standards. “Safety,” for the purposes of this chapter, extends to all modes of transportation.
2. Permit Required. Vehicular access to a public street (e.g., a new or modified driveway connection to a street or highway) requires an approach permit approved by the applicable roadway authority. The City Administrator reviews permit requests for connections to City streets through a Type I procedure.
3. Traffic Study Requirements. The City, in reviewing a development proposal or other action requiring an approach permit, may require a traffic impact analysis or other traffic engineering analysis, pursuant to HMC 18.85.020, to determine compliance with this code.
4. Approach and Driveway Development and Circulation Standards. Approaches and driveways shall conform to all of the following development standards:
a. The number of approaches on higher classification streets (e.g., collector and arterial streets) shall be minimized; where practicable, access shall be taken first from a lower classification street.
b. Approaches shall conform to the spacing standards of subsections (4)(e) and (f) of this section, and shall conform to minimum sight distance and channelization standards of the roadway authority.
c. Driveways shall be paved and meet applicable construction standards.
d. (1) Private or public driveways exceeding 150 feet and/or as the sole access for three or more homes shall have a paved driving surface of at least 25 feet (26 feet if abutting a fire hydrant, with an unobstructed width of 20 feet) and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 14 feet.
(2) Public or private driveways serving as the sole vehicle access to one or two homes and/or less than 150 feet shall have a paved driving surface of at least 25 feet, with an unobstructed width of 20 feet, and a turning radius of not less than 28 feet and a turnaround radius of at least 48 feet, as measured from the same center point.
(3) These requirements are subject to amendments by the Oregon Fire Code Application Guide and upon mutual agreement of the City Engineer and local Fire Marshal or their authorized representatives.
e. The City Engineer may limit the number or location of connections to a street, or limit directional travel at an approach to one-way, right-turn only, or other restrictions, where the roadway authority requires mitigation to alleviate safety or traffic operations concerns.
f. Where the spacing standards of the roadway authority limit the number or location of connections to a street or highway, the City Engineer or authorized City representative may require that a driveway extend to one or more edges of a parcel and be designed to allow for future extension and inter-parcel circulation as adjacent properties develop. The City Engineer or authorized City representative may also require the owner(s) of the subject site to record an access easement for future joint use of the approach and driveway as the adjacent property(ies) develop(s).
g. Where applicable codes require emergency vehicle access, approaches and driveways shall be designed and constructed to accommodate emergency vehicle apparatus and shall conform to applicable fire protection requirements. The City Engineer or authorized City representative may restrict parking, require signage, or require other public safety improvements pursuant to the recommendations of an emergency service provider.
h. As applicable, approaches and driveways shall be designed and constructed to accommodate truck/trailer turning movements.
i. Driveways shall accommodate all projected vehicular traffic on site without vehicles stacking or backing up onto a street.
j. Driveways shall be designed so that vehicle areas, including, but not limited to, drive-up and drive-through facilities and vehicle storage and service areas, do not obstruct any public right-of-way.
k. Approaches and driveways shall not be wider than necessary to safely accommodate projected peak hour trips and turning movements and shall be designed to minimize crossing distances for pedestrians.
l. As it deems necessary for pedestrian safety, the City Engineer or authorized representative, in consultation with the roadway authority, as applicable, may require that traffic-calming features, such as speed tables, textured driveway surfaces (e.g., pavers or similar devices), curb extensions, signage or traffic control devices, or other features, be installed on or in the vicinity of a site as a condition of development approval.
m. Construction of approaches along acceleration or deceleration lanes, and along tapered (reduced width) portions of a roadway, shall be avoided; except where no reasonable alternative exists, and the approach does not create safety or traffic operations concern.
n. Approaches and driveways shall be located and designed to allow for safe maneuvering in and around loading areas, while avoiding conflicts with pedestrians, parking, landscaping, and buildings.
o. Where sidewalks or walkways occur adjacent to a roadway, driveway aprons constructed of concrete shall be installed between the driveway and roadway edge. The roadway authority may require the driveway apron be installed outside the required sidewalk or walkway surface, consistent with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and to manage surface water runoff and protect the roadway surface.
p. Where an accessible route is required pursuant to ADA, approaches and driveways shall meet accessibility requirements where they coincide with an accessible route.
q. The City Engineer or authorized representative may require changes to the proposed configuration and design of an approach, including the number of drive aisles or lanes, surfacing, traffic-calming features, allowable turning movements, and other changes or mitigation, to ensure traffic safety and operations.
r. Where a new approach onto a State highway or a change of use adjacent to a State highway requires ODOT approval, the applicant is responsible for obtaining ODOT approval. The City Engineer may approve a development conditionally, requiring the applicant first obtain required ODOT permit(s) before commencing development, in which case the City will work cooperatively with the applicant and ODOT to avoid unnecessary delays.
s. Where an approach or driveway crosses a drainage ditch, canal, railroad, or other feature that is under the jurisdiction of another agency, the applicant is responsible for obtaining all required approvals and permits from that agency prior to commencing development.
t. Where a proposed driveway crosses a culvert or drainage ditch, the City Engineer or authorized representative may require the developer to install a culvert extending under and beyond the edges of the driveway on both sides of it, pursuant to applicable public works design standards.
u. Except as otherwise required by the applicable roadway authority or waived by the City Engineer, temporary driveways providing access to a construction site or staging area shall be paved or graveled to prevent tracking of mud onto adjacent paved streets.
v. Development that increases impervious surface area shall conform to the storm drainage and surface water management requirements of HMC 18.85.050.
5. Internal, on-site circulation of cars and persons on development in excess of 40,000 square feet or one and one-half acres shall conform to the following standards:
a. Driveway egress and/or ingress shall not impede the unrestricted access of pedestrians to the primary building.
b. At least one curbed pedestrian walkway shall connect the parking lot to the primary structure.
c. The development site parking plan will allow sufficient vehicle turning radius and parking lot spaces to accommodate large, four-wheel drive personal pickups and SUVs as determined by the City Engineer.
d. The development site parking plan will allow sufficient, dedicated area(s) to allow large truck loading and unloading zone(s) that do(es) not interfere with passenger vehicle or pedestrian circulation.
6. Approach Separation from Street Intersections. Except as provided by subsection (8) of this section, the following minimum distances shall be maintained between approaches and street intersections, where distance is measured from the edge of an approach surface to the edge of the roadway at its ultimate designated width:
a. On an arterial street: 100 feet, except as required by ODOT, pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 734-051, for State highways.
b. On a collector street: 50 feet.
c. On a local street: 20 feet.
d. Where existing conditions and easements limit separation distances, the City Engineer may grant reductions of up to 25 percent.
7. Approach Spacing. Except as provided by subsection (8) of this section or as required to maintain street operations and safety, the following minimum distances shall be maintained between approaches, where distance is measured from the edge of one approach to the edge of another:
a. On an arterial street: 150 to 250 feet based on speed limit or posted speed, as applicable, except as otherwise required by ODOT for a State highway, pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 734-051.
b. On a collector street: 50 to 100 feet.
c. On a local street: 20 feet, or the City Engineer or authorized representative may approve closer spacing where necessary to provide for on-street parking (e.g., between paired approaches).
8. Vision Clearance. No visual obstruction (e.g., sign, structure, solid fence, or shrub vegetation) between three feet and eight feet in height shall be placed in “vision clearance areas” at street intersections, as illustrated. The minimum vision clearance area may be modified by the City Engineer through a Type I procedure, upon finding that more or less sight distance is required (i.e., due to traffic speeds, roadway alignment, etc.). Placement of light poles, utility poles, and tree trunks should be avoided within vision clearance areas.
9. Exceptions and Adjustments to Spacing Standards. The City Engineer may approve adjustments to the spacing standards of subsections (5) and (6) of this section, where an existing connection to a City street does not meet the standards of the roadway authority and the proposed development moves in the direction of better code compliance. The City Engineer through a Type I procedure may also approve a deviation to the spacing standards on City streets where it finds that mitigation measures, such as consolidated access (removal of one access), joint use driveways (more than one property uses same access), directional limitations (e.g., one-way), turning restrictions (e.g., right-in/right-out only), or other mitigation, alleviate all traffic operations and safety concerns.
10. Joint Use Access Easement and Maintenance Agreement. Where the City requires and approves a joint use driveway, the property owners shall record an easement with the deed allowing joint use of and cross access between adjacent properties. The owners of the properties agreeing to joint use of the driveway shall record a joint maintenance agreement with the deed, defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners. The applicant shall provide a fully executed copy of the agreement to the City for its records, but the City is not responsible for maintaining the driveway or resolving any dispute between property owners. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains standards for landscaping and screening, fences, accessory walls, and outdoor lighting. The regulations are intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by reducing development impacts (e.g., glare, noise, and visual impacts) on adjacent uses; minimizing erosion; slowing the rate of surface water runoff, thereby reducing infrastructure costs; buffering pedestrians from vehicle maneuvering areas; cooling buildings and parking lots in summer months with shade; and enhancing the City’s appearance. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. HMC 18.75.030 establishes design standards for landscaping and screening. Projects requiring site design review or land division approval shall meet the applicable landscape standards, including the standards in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5 and any special use requirements under Chapter 18.55 HMC, and the requirements of this chapter. Property owners are required to maintain landscaping and screening pursuant to HMC 18.75.030(7).
2. HMC 18.75.040 establishes design standards for when a fence or a wall not attached to a building is to be erected, extended, or otherwise altered. It also applies to situations where this code requires screening or buffering (e.g., outdoor or unenclosed storage uses). The standards of HMC 18.75.040 supplement the development standards in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5 and any applicable special use requirements under Chapter 18.55 HMC.
3. HMC 18.75.050, Outdoor lighting, applies to all new outdoor lighting, i.e., located in new developments that require site design review approval.
4. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, may grant adjustments to this chapter, pursuant to the criteria of Chapter 19.40 HMC, Adjustments and Variances. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Landscape Standard. All portions of a lot not otherwise developed with buildings, accessory structures, vehicle maneuvering areas, or parking shall be landscaped as required by Table 18.45.040.5. All developments requiring site plan review, subdivisions, or partitions shall include a formal landscape plan as part of their application.
2. Minimum Landscape Area. All lots shall conform to the minimum landscape area standards of the applicable zoning district, as contained in Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5. The City Administrator, consistent with the purposes in HMC 18.75.010, may allow credit toward the minimum landscape area for existing vegetation that is retained in the development. The City Administrator may apply landscaping credits for features such as patios, large rocks, barked or mulched areas, decorative concrete, etc.
3. Plant Selection. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and ground covers shall be used for all planted areas, the selection of which shall be based on local climate, exposure, water availability, and drainage conditions, among other factors. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended, and necessary irrigation shall be provided to allow for healthy plant growth. The selection of plants shall be based on all of the following standards and guidelines:
a. Use plants that are appropriate to the local climate, exposure, and water availability. The presence of utilities and drainage conditions shall also be considered. The City may rely on Oregon State University Extension Service bulletins or other expert sources in evaluating landscape plans. Plant species, size, and location shall be included on the landscape plan.
b. Plant species that do not require irrigation once established (naturalized) are preferred over species that require regular irrigation.
c. Trees shall be healthy and disease free and not less than two-inch caliper for street trees and one and one-half-inch caliper for other trees at the time of planting (measured six inches above ground level). Trees to be planted under or near power lines shall be selected so as to not conflict with power lines at maturity. Street trees must be selected from the City’s approved list.
d. Shrubs shall be planted from five-gallon containers, minimum, where they are for required screens or buffers, and two-gallon containers minimum elsewhere.
e. Shrubs shall be spaced in order to provide the intended screen or canopy cover within two years of planting.
f. All landscape areas, whether required or not, that are not planted with trees and shrubs or covered with allowable nonplant material, shall have ground cover plants that are sized and spaced to achieve plant coverage of not less than 75 percent at maturity. The City Administrator may reduce this standard by one-half where a project proposal includes preserving a heritage tree.
g. Bark dust, chips, aggregate, rocks, or other nonplant ground covers may be used, but shall cover not more than 40 percent of any landscape area.
h. Where storm water retention or detention, or water quality treatment facilities are proposed, they shall be planted with water-tolerant species and may be counted toward meeting the landscaping requirement.
i. Existing mature trees that can thrive in a developed area and that do not conflict with other provisions of this code shall be retained where specimens are in good health, have desirable aesthetic characteristics, and do not present a hazard.
j. Evergreen plants shall be used where a sight-obscuring landscape screen is required.
k. Deciduous trees should be used where summer shade and winter sunlight are desirable.
l. Landscape plans shall provide for both temporary and permanent erosion control measures, which shall include plantings where cuts or fills, including berms, swales, storm water detention facilities, and similar grading, is proposed.
m. When new vegetation is planted, soils shall be amended, and irrigation provided until the plants are naturalized and able to grow on their own.
4. Historical Overlay District Streetscape Standard. Developers of projects within the City’s historical district zone can meet the landscape area requirement of subsection (2) of this section, in part, by installing street trees in front of their projects. The City Administrator shall grant credit toward the landscape area requirement using a ratio of one-to-one, where one square foot of planted area (e.g., tree well or planter surface area) receives one square foot of credit. The City Administrator may grant additional landscape area credit by the same ratio where the developer widens the sidewalk, creates a plaza, adds street trees or lighting, or other civic space.
5. Parking Lot Landscaping. All of the following standards shall be met for parking lots in excess of 5,000 square feet. If a development contains multiple parking lots, then the standards shall be evaluated separately for each parking lot.
a. At a minimum, one tree per 15 parking spaces on average shall be planted over and around the parking area.
b. Wheel stops, curbs, bollards, or other physical barriers are required along the edges of all vehicle maneuvering areas to protect landscaping from being damaged by vehicles. Trees shall be planted at least two feet from any such barrier.
c. Trees planted in tree wells within sidewalks or other paved areas shall be installed with root barriers, consistent with applicable nursery standards.
6. Screening Requirements. Screening is required for outdoor storage areas, unenclosed uses, and parking lots in the C-1 and PUZ zones and may be required in other situations as determined by the City Administrator. Landscaping shall be provided pursuant to the standards of subsections (6)(a) through (c) of this section:
a. Outdoor Storage and Unenclosed Uses. All areas of a site containing or proposed to contain outdoor storage of goods, materials, equipment, and vehicles (other than required parking lots and service and delivery areas, per site design review), and areas containing junk, salvage materials, or similar contents, shall be screened from view from adjacent rights-of-way and residential uses by a sight-obscuring fence, wall, landscape screen, or combination of screening methods. See also HMC 18.75.040 for related fence and wall standards.
b. Parking Lots. The edges of parking lots shall be screened to minimize vehicle headlights shining into adjacent rights-of-way and residential yards. Parking lots abutting a sidewalk or walkway shall be screened using a low-growing hedge or low garden wall to a height of between three feet and four feet.
c. Other Uses Requiring Screening. The City Administrator may require screening in other situations as authorized by this code, including, but not limited to, outdoor storage areas, blank walls, accessory dwelling units, special uses pursuant to Chapter 18.55 HMC, and as mitigation where an applicant has requested an adjustment pursuant to Chapter 19.40 HMC.
7. Maintenance. All landscaping shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 1000 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. This section provides general development standards for fences, and walls that are not part of a building, such as screening walls and retaining walls.
2. Applicability. This section applies to all fences, and walls that are not part of a building, including modifications to existing fences and walls. This section supplements the development standards of Tables 18.45.040.4 and 18.45.040.5.
3. Height.
a. Residential Zones. Fences and freestanding walls (i.e., exclusive of building walls) for residential uses shall not exceed the following heights above grade, where grade is measured from the base of the subject fence or wall:
(1) Within front or street-side yard setback: four feet if fence does not obstruct more than 50 percent visual clearance; three feet if sight is obscured more than 50 percent; except the following additional height is allowed:
(a) A fence may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet where it is located on a street-side yard and is set back not less than three feet from the street-side property line behind a landscaped area.
(b) A fence may be constructed to a maximum height of six feet where the fence is of open chain link or other “see-through” composition that allows 90 percent light transmission.
(2) Within an interior side or rear yard setback: seven feet; except the fence or wall height, as applicable, shall not exceed the distance from the fence or wall line to the nearest primary structure on an adjacent property.
(3) A fence, landscaping, or both shall be required for all new, nondetached accessory dwelling units. Required fencing and/or landscaping shall be sufficient to maintain prior existing privacy with adjacent and developed residential uses.
b. Nonresidential Zones. Fences and freestanding walls (i.e., exclusive of building walls) for nonresidential uses shall not exceed the following height above grade, where grade is measured from the base of the subject fence or wall:
(1) Within front or street-side yard setback: four feet if fence does not obstruct more than 50 percent visual clearance; three feet if sight is obscured more than 50 percent, except the following additional height is allowed for properties located within an industrial, public, or institutional zone:
(a) A fence or wall may be constructed to a maximum height of seven feet where the fence is set back behind the front or street-side property line behind a five-foot landscape buffer.
(b) A fence or wall may be constructed to a maximum height of eight feet where the fence or wall is set back behind the front or street-side property line behind an eight-foot landscape buffer.
(c) Where approved by the City Administrator, a fence constructed of open chain link or other “see-through” composition that allows 90 percent light transmission may reach a height of up to eight feet.
(2) Within an interior side or rear yard setback: eight feet; except the fence or wall height, as applicable, shall not exceed the distance from the fence or wall line to the nearest primary structure on an adjacent property.
c. All Zones. Fences and walls shall comply with the vision clearance standards of HMC 18.70.030. Other provisions of this code, or the requirements of the roadway authority, may limit allowable height of a fence or wall below the height limits of this section.
4. Materials.
a. Permitted fence and wall materials include weather-treated wood; untreated cedar and redwood; metal (e.g., chain link, wrought iron, and similar fences); bricks, stone, masonry block, formed-in-place concrete, or similar masonry; vinyl and composite (e.g., recycled) materials designed for use as fencing; and similar materials as determined by the City Administrator. In addition, evergreen hedges are considered screening walls for the purpose of this chapter, subject to site design review approval.
b. Prohibited fence and wall materials include straw bales, tarps, barbed or razor wire (except in an industrial zone); scrap lumber, untreated wood (except cedar or redwood), corrugated metal, sheet metal, scrap materials; dead, diseased, or dying plants; and materials similar to those listed herein.
5. Permitting. A permit is required to install a fence of seven feet or more in height, or a wall that is four feet or more in height. All other walls and fences require review and approval by the Public Works Director through a free fence permit. The City Administrator may require installation of walls or fences as a condition of approval for development, as provided by other code sections. A building permit may be required for some fences and walls, pursuant to applicable building codes.
6. Maintenance. Fences and walls shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. This section contains regulations requiring adequate levels of outdoor lighting while minimizing negative impacts of light pollution.
2. Applicability. All outdoor lighting shall comply with the standards of this section.
3. Standards.
a. Light poles, except as required by a roadway authority or public safety agency, shall not exceed a height of 20 feet. Pedestal or bollard-style lighting is the preferred method illuminating walkways. This limitation does not apply to flag poles, utility poles, and streetlights.
b. Where a light standard is placed over a sidewalk or walkway, a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet shall be maintained.
c. Outdoor lighting levels shall be subject to review and approval as part of the site design review, subdivisions, or a Type II commercial or industrial application. Lighting levels shall be sufficient to provide for pedestrian safety, property or business identification, and crime prevention. (See also the City of Harrisburg Sign Code, Chapter 18.90 HMC.)
d. Except as provided for up-lighting of flags and permitted building-mounted signs, all outdoor light fixtures shall be directed downward, and have full cutoff and full shielding to preserve views of the night sky and to minimize excessive light spillover onto adjacent properties.
e. Lighting shall be installed where it will not obstruct public ways, driveways, or walkways.
f. Where a light standard is placed within a walkway, an unobstructed pedestrian through zone not less than 36 inches wide shall be maintained.
g. Lighting subject to this section shall consist of materials approved for outdoor use and shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Permitting. A land use permit is not required to install or replace outdoor lighting. The City Administrator may require lighting as a condition of approval for some projects, pursuant to other code requirements.
5. Maintenance. For public health and safety, outdoor lighting shall be maintained in good condition, or otherwise replaced by the property owner. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
This chapter contains requirements for automobile and bicycle parking. The code is intended to be flexible in requiring adequate parking, rather than a minimum number of parking spaces, for each use. It provides standards for the location, size, and design of parking areas to ensure such areas can be accessed safely and efficiently. This chapter also encourages nonmotorized transportation by requiring bicycle parking for some uses. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Where the Regulations Apply. The regulations of this chapter apply to all parking areas in all zones, at all times, whether a parking area is required by this code or created for the convenience of property owners or users.
2. Occupancy. All required parking areas must be developed in accordance with the requirements of this code prior to occupancy of any structure on the subject site. Where landscaping, screening or other improvements are required pursuant to this code, all such improvements must be installed and approved by the City Administrator prior to occupancy.
3. Calculations of Amounts of Required and Allowed Parking.
a. When computing parking spaces based on floor area, parking structures and nonleasable floor spaces, such as storage closets, mechanical equipment rooms, and similar spaces, are not counted.
b. The number of parking spaces is computed based on the primary uses on the site only, except as stated in subsection (3)(c) of this section. When there are two or more separate primary uses on a site, the minimum and maximum parking for the site is the sum of the required or allowed parking for the individual primary uses. For shared parking, see HMC 18.80.030(3).
c. When more than 20 percent of the floor area on a site is in an accessory use, the required or allowed parking is calculated separately for the accessory use. An example would be a 10,000-square-foot building with a 7,000-square-foot warehouse and a 3,000-square-foot accessory retail area. The minimum and maximum parking would be computed separately for the retail and warehouse uses.
d. Required parking spaces periodically used for the storage of equipment or goods may be counted toward meeting minimum parking standards; provided, that such storage is an allowed use under HMC 18.45.030 and is permitted as a temporary use under HMC 18.50.140.
4. Use of Required Parking Spaces. Except as otherwise provided by this section, required parking spaces must be available for residents, customers, or employees of the use. Fees may be charged for the use of required parking spaces. Required parking spaces may not be assigned in any way to a use on another site, except as approved by the City for shared parking pursuant to HMC 18.80.030.
5. Proximity of Parking to Use. Required parking spaces for residential uses must be located on the site of the use or on a parcel or tract owned in common by all the owners of the properties that will use the parking area. Required parking spaces for nonresidential uses must be located on the site of the use or in an approved parking area that has its closest pedestrian access point within 400 feet of the site.
6. Improvement of Parking Areas. Motorized vehicle parking is allowed only on streets with an improved shoulder of sufficient width; within garages, carports, and other approved structures; and on driveways or parking lots that have been developed in conformance with this code. For applicable design standards, see Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, Chapter 18.75 HMC, Landscaping, Fences and Walls, Outdoor Lighting, and Chapter 18.85 HMC, Public Facilities. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Minimum Number of Off-Street Automobile Parking Spaces. Except as provided by this subsection, or as required for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance under subsection (6) of this section, off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to one of the following three standards:
a. Standards in Table 18.80.030.1;
b. A standard from Table 18.80.030.1 for a use that the City Administrator determines is similar to the proposed use; or
c. Subsection (2) of this section, Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking, which includes a parking demand analysis option.
Table 18.80.030.1 – Automobile Parking Spaces by Use | |
|---|---|
Use Categories (Chapter 19.55 HMC contains examples of uses and definitions.) | Minimum Parking per Land Use (Fractions are rounded down to the closest whole number.) |
Residential Categories |
|
Household Living |
|
Single-family dwelling, including manufactured homes on lots | Two spaces per dwelling |
Duplex | Two spaces per dwelling unit |
Multifamily | Two spaces per dwelling unit |
Group living, such as nursing or convalescent homes, rest homes, assisted living, congregate care, and similar special needs housing | One-half space per four bedrooms |
Commercial Categories |
|
Commercial outdoor recreation | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Bed and breakfast inn | Two spaces per use, plus one space for each bedroom offered as lodging |
Educational services, not a school (e.g., tutoring or similar services) | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Entertainment, major event | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Hotels, motels, and similar uses | Three-quarters space per guest room. See also parking requirements for associated uses, such as restaurants, entertainment uses, drinking establishments, assembly facilities. One space per two employees |
Mortuary or funeral home | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Offices | General office: one space per 500 square feet floor area |
Medical or dental office: one space per 500 square feet floor area | |
Outdoor recreation, commercial | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Surface parking lot, when not accessory to a permitted use | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Quick vehicle servicing or vehicle repair | Two spaces, excluding vehicle service or queuing area, or per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Retail sales and commercial service | Bank: one space per 300 square feet floor area |
Retail: one space per 300 square feet floor area, except one space per 1,000 square feet for bulk retail (e.g., auto sales, nurseries, lumber and construction materials, furniture, appliances, and similar sales) | |
Restaurants and bars: one space per 200 square feet floor area | |
Health clubs, gyms, continuous entertainment (e.g., bowling alleys): one space per 300 square feet | |
Theaters and cinemas: one space per six seats | |
Self-service storage | Two spaces, plus adequate space for loading and unloading |
Industrial Categories |
|
Industrial service | One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Manufacturing and production | One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Warehouse and freight movement | One-half space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Waste-related | Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Wholesale sales, e.g., building materials, heavy equipment, agricultural supplies, etc. | One space per 750 square feet |
Institutional Categories |
|
Basic utilities | Parking based on applicant’s projected parking demand, subject to City approval |
Community service, including government offices and services | Parking based on applicant’s projected parking demand, subject to City approval, except as specifically required elsewhere in this table for individual uses (See public assembly, office, retail, housing, etc.) |
Daycare | Family daycare: one space, plus required parking for dwelling |
Daycare center: one space per 400 square feet of floor area | |
Medical center or hospital | One space per 300 square feet floor area |
Parks and open space | Parking based on projected parking demand for planned uses |
Public assembly | One space per 75 square feet of public assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Religious institutions and houses of worship | One space per 75 square feet of main assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Schools | Preschool through middle school: one space per classroom |
High schools: seven spaces per classroom | |
Colleges: one space per 400 square feet of floor area exclusive of dormitories, plus one space per two dorm rooms | |
Other Categories |
|
Accessory Uses | See HMC 18.80.020(3)(b) and (c). |
Agriculture | None, except as required for accessory uses |
Radio frequency transmission facilities | None, except as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC) |
Temporary uses | Parking standards for temporary uses are the same as for primary uses, except that the City Administrator may reduce or waive certain development and design standards for temporary uses. |
Transportation facilities (operation, maintenance, preservation, and construction) | None, except for park-and-ride facilities; and where temporary parking is required for construction staging areas |
2. Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking.
a. There is no minimum number of required automobile parking spaces for uses within the downtown historic district zone.
b. The applicant may propose a parking standard that is different than the standard under subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section for review and action by the City Administrator through a Type II procedure. The applicant’s proposal shall consist of a written request and a parking analysis, prepared by a qualified professional. The parking analysis, at a minimum, shall assess the average current or anticipated parking demand and available supply for existing and proposed uses on the subject site; opportunities for shared parking with other uses in the vicinity; existing public parking in the vicinity; transportation options existing or planned near the site, such as frequent bus service, carpools, or private shuttles; and other relevant factors.
c. The City Planning Commission through a Type III procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 for sites with one or more of the following features:
(1) Site has a bus stop with frequent transit service located adjacent to it, and the site’s frontage is improved with a bus stop waiting shelter, consistent with the standards of the applicable transit service provider: allow up to a 20 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(2) Site has dedicated parking spaces for carpool or vanpool vehicles: allow up to a 10 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(3) Site has dedicated parking spaces for bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, or electric carts: allow reductions to the standard dimensions for parking spaces;
(4) Site is located in the C-1 zone bounded by 3rd Street, Monroe, Kesling and 1st Street.
(5) Site has more than the minimum number of required bicycle parking spaces: Allow up to a five to 10 percent reduction to the number of automobile parking spaces.
d. Met through the provision of shared parking, pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
e. The City Administrator through a Type II procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 by one parking space for every two on-street parking spaces located adjacent to the subject site, provided the parking spaces meet the dimensional standards of subsection (4) of this section.
f. The City Administrator or Planning Commission may authorize the payment of a fee to the City for future development or management of public parking areas to offset up to 50 percent of the requirements of Table 18.80.030.1.
3. Shared Parking. Required parking facilities for two or more uses, structures, or parcels of land may be satisfied by the same parking facilities used jointly, to the extent that the owners or operators show that the need for parking facilities does not materially overlap. Shared parking requests shall be subject to review and approval through a Type II process.
4. Parking Stall Design and Minimum Dimensions. Where a new off-street parking area is proposed, or an existing off-street parking area is proposed for expansion, the entire parking area shall be improved in conformance with this code. At a minimum, except as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, parking spaces and drive aisles shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other City-approved materials, provided the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are met, and shall conform to the minimum dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 and the figures below.
a. In M-1 and M-2 Industrial zones, all areas for parking or maneuvering vehicles that are within 200 feet of a residence or residentially zoned property, or within 50 feet of commercially zoned property, or a public street, shall be hard surfaced.
b. All off-street parking areas shall contain wheel stops, perimeter curbing, bollards, or other edging as required to prevent vehicles from damaging buildings or encroaching into walkways, landscapes, or the public right-of-way. Parking areas shall also provide for surface water management, pursuant to HMC 18.85.050.
Table 18.80.030.5 – Parking Area Minimum Dimensions* | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PARKING ANGLE < ° | CURB LENGTH | STALL DEPTH | AISLE WIDTH | BAY WIDTH | STRIPE LENGTH | |||
SINGLE D1 | DOUBLE D2 | ONE-WAY A1 | TWO-WAY A2 | ONE-WAY B1 | TWO-WAY B2 | |||
90° | 8' 6" | 18' | 36' | 23' | 23' | 59' | 59' | 18' |
60° | 10' | 20' | 40' | 17' | 18' | 57' | 58' | 23' |
45° | 12' | 18' 6" | 37' | 13' | 18' | 50' | 55' | 26' 6" |
30° | 17' | 16' 6" | 33' | 12' | 18' | 45' | 51' | 32' 8" |
0° | 22' | 8' 6" | 17' | 12' | 18' | 29' | 35' | 8' 6" |
* See also Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, for parking location requirements for some types of development; Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, for driveway standards; and Chapter 18.75 HMC for requirements related to landscaping, screening, fences, walls, and outdoor lighting.
5. Adjustments to Parking Area Dimensions. The dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 are minimum standards. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, may adjust the dimensions based on evidence that a particular use will require more or less maneuvering area, where the criteria in Section 19.40.030(2) are met. For example, the City Administrator may approve an adjustment where an attendant will be present to move vehicles, as with valet parking. In such cases, a form of guarantee must be filed with the City ensuring that an attendant will always be present when the lot is in operation.
6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parking shall be provided consistent with ADA requirements, including, but not limited to, the minimum number of spaces for automobiles, van-accessible spaces, location of spaces relative to building entrances, accessible routes between parking areas and building entrances, identification signs, lighting, and other design and construction requirements.
7. Electric Charging Stations. Charging stations for electric vehicles are allowed as an accessory use to parking areas developed in conformance with this code, provided the charging station complies with applicable building codes and any applicable State or Federal requirements. Charging stations are considered accessory to a permitted use and are not considered a quick vehicle service use where such parking comprises less than 10 percent of all on-site parking. Electric charging stations shall count toward meeting parking requirements. [Ord. 1000 § 2 (Exh. B), 2023; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate loading areas for commercial and industrial uses that do not interfere with the operation of adjacent streets.
2. Applicability. This section applies to uses that are expected to have service or delivery truck visits as part of their normal operations. It applies only to uses visited by trucks with a 40-foot or longer wheelbase, at a frequency of one or more vehicles per week. The City Planning Commission shall determine through site design review the number, size, location, and design, access and circulation and other requirements of required loading areas, if any. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Standards are applicable to new multifamily residential developments of four units or more, new retail, office and institutional developments, and all transit transfer stations and park-and-ride lots.
a. Multifamily residential of four units or more: one space per dwelling unit.
b. Retail/office/institutional, transit transfer stations, park-and-ride lots, and general parking lots: two spaces or one space per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
c. Parks: four spaces per facility.
d. Schools: two spaces per classroom.
e. Places of worship/institutional uses: two spaces per primary use or one per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
2. Design. Bicycle parking shall consist of staple-design steel racks or other City-approved racks, lockers, or storage lids providing a safe and secure means of storing a bicycle.
3. Exemptions. This section does not apply to single-family and duplex housing, home occupations, and agricultural uses. The City may exempt these requirements without a land use review upon finding that, due to the nature of the use or its location, it is unlikely to have any patrons or employees arriving by bicycle.
4. Hazards. Bicycle parking shall not impede or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, and shall be located so as to not conflict with pedestrian and/or auto movement. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025.]
1. Purpose. The standards of this chapter implement the public facility policies of the City of Harrisburg comprehensive plan and the City’s adopted public facility master plans.
2. Applicability. This chapter applies to developments subject to land division (subdivision or partition) approval and developments subject to site design review where public facility improvements are required. All public facility improvements within the City shall occur in accordance with the standards and procedures of this chapter and the Transportation System Plan.
3. Public Works/Engineering Design Standards. All public facility improvements, including, but not limited to, sanitary sewer, water, transportation, surface water and storm drainage, and parks projects, whether required as a condition of development or provided voluntarily, shall conform to the City of Harrisburg “design manual.” Where a conflict occurs between this code and the manual, the provisions of the design manual shall govern.
4. Public Improvement Requirement. No building permit may be issued until all required public facility improvements are in place and approved by the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer, or otherwise bonded. The City may allow deferral of required public improvements and require the applicant to record certification of nonremonstrance in conformance with the provisions of this code and the design manual.
5. Improvements required as a condition of development approval, when not voluntarily provided by the applicant, shall be roughly proportional to the impact of the development on public facilities. Findings in the development approval shall indicate how the required improvements directly relate to and are roughly proportional to the impact of development. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Requirements.
a. Except as provided by subsection (1)(e) of this section, existing substandard streets and planned streets within or abutting a proposed development shall be improved in accordance with the standards of this chapter as a condition of development approval.
b. All street improvements, including the extension or widening of existing streets and public access ways, shall conform to this section, and shall be constructed consistent with the City of Harrisburg Engineering Design Standards Manual and the Transportation System Plan.
c. All new publicly owned streets shall be contained within a public right-of-way. Public pedestrian access ways may be contained within a right-of-way or a public access easement, as required by the City Engineer.
d. The purpose of this subsection is to coordinate the review of land use applications with roadway authorities and to implement Section 660-012-0045(2)(e) of the State Transportation Planning Rule, which requires the City to adopt a process to apply conditions to development proposals in order to minimize impacts and protect transportation facilities.
(1) When a Traffic Impact Analysis Is Required. The City or other road authority with jurisdiction may require a traffic impact analysis (TIA) as part of an application for development, a change in use, or a change in access. A TIA may be required by the City Administrator where a change of use or a development would involve one or more of the following:
(a) A change in zoning or a plan amendment designation, as may be required to determine compliance with OAR 660-012-0060, Transportation Planning Rule;
(b) Operational or safety concerns documented in writing by a road authority;
(c) An increase in site traffic volume generation by 300 average daily trips (ADT) or more;
(d) An increase in peak hour volume of a particular movement to and from a street or highway by 20 percent or more;
(e) An increase in the use of adjacent streets by vehicles exceeding the 20,000-pound gross vehicle weights by 10 vehicles or more per day;
(f) Existing or proposed approaches or access connections that do not meet minimum spacing or sight distance requirements or are located where vehicles entering or leaving the property are restricted, or such vehicles are likely to queue or hesitate at an approach or access connection, creating a safety hazard;
(g) A change in internal traffic patterns that may cause safety concerns; or
(h) A TIA required by ODOT pursuant to OAR 734-051;
(i) Other potential transportation needs or concerns as requested by City Engineer, or County or State Road Authority.
(2) Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation. A professional engineer registered by the State of Oregon, in accordance with the requirements of the road authority, shall prepare the traffic impact analysis.
e. The City Engineer or authorized representative may waive or allow deferral of standard street improvements, including sidewalk, roadway, bicycle lane, undergrounding of utilities, and landscaping, as applicable, where one or more of the following conditions in subsections (1)(e)(1) through (1)(e)(4) of this section is met. Where the City Engineer or authorized representative agrees to defer a street improvement, it shall do so only where the property owner agrees not to remonstrate against the formation of a local improvement district in the future.
(1) The standard improvement conflicts with an adopted capital improvement plan.
(2) The standard improvement would create a safety hazard.
(3) It is unlikely due to the developed condition of adjacent property that the subject improvement would be extended in the foreseeable future, and the improvement under consideration does not by itself significantly improve transportation operations or safety.
(4) The improvement under consideration is part of an approved minor partition in the R-1 or R-2 zone and the proposed partition does not create any new street.
(5) The City Administrator may accept development of a privately owned street in lieu of a standard public street improvement where the private street is designed to serve pedestrian, bicycle, and local automobile traffic and is not contrary to the City’s Transportation System Plan or other development code standard.
2. Street Location, Alignment, Extension, and Grades.
a. All new streets, to the extent practicable, shall connect to the existing street network and allow for the continuation of an interconnected street network, consistent with adopted public facility plans and pursuant to subsection (4) of this section, Transportation Connectivity and Future Street Plans, and the Transportation System Plan.
b. Specific street locations and alignments shall be determined in relation to existing and planned streets, topographic conditions, public convenience and safety, and in appropriate relation to the proposed use of the land to be served by such streets.
c. Grades of streets shall conform as closely as practicable to the original (predevelopment) topography to minimize grading.
d. New streets and street extensions exceeding a grade of 15 percent over a distance more than 200 feet, to the extent practicable, shall be avoided. Where such grades are unavoidable, the Planning Commission may approve an exception to the 200-foot standard and require mitigation, such as a secondary access for the subdivision, installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in dwellings, or other mitigation to protect public health and safety.
e. Where the locations of planned streets are shown on a local street network plan, the development shall implement the street(s) as shown on the plan.
f. Where required local street connections are not shown on an adopted City street plan, or the adopted street plan does not designate future streets with sufficient specificity, the development shall provide for the reasonable continuation and connection of existing streets to adjacent developable properties, conforming to the standards of this code and approval of the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer.
g. Existing street-ends that abut a proposed development site shall be extended within the development, unless prevented by environmental or topographical constraints, existing development patterns, or compliance with other standards in this code. In such situations, the applicant must provide evidence that the environmental or topographic constraint precludes reasonable street connection.
h. Proposed streets and any street extensions required pursuant to this section shall be located, designed, and constructed to allow continuity in street alignments and to facilitate future development of vacant or redevelopable lands.
3. Rights-of-Way and Street Section Widths. The standards contained in Table 18.85.020.3 are intended to provide for streets of suitable location, width, and design to accommodate expected vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic; to afford satisfactory access to law enforcement, fire protection, sanitation, and road maintenance equipment; and to provide a convenient and accessible network of streets, avoiding undue hardships to adjoining properties. Where a range of street width or improvement options is indicated, the City Administrator or Planning Commission shall determine requirements based on the advice of a qualified professional and all of the following factors:
a. Street classification and requirements of the roadway authority, if different than the City’s street classifications and requirements;
b. Existing and projected street operations relative to applicable standards;
c. Safety of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, including consideration of accident history;
d. Convenience and comfort for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users;
e. Provision of on-street parking;
f. Placement of utilities;
g. Street lighting;
h. Slope stability, erosion control, and minimizing cuts and fills;
i. Surface water management and storm drainage requirements;
j. Emergency vehicles or apparatus and emergency access, including evacuation needs;
k. Transitions between varying street widths (i.e., existing streets and new streets); and
l. Other factors related to public health, safety, and welfare.
Table 18.85.020.3 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Width of each of the following (in feet) | Alleys | Neighborhood/Local | Collector | Arterial | Transit/Rail Corridor | Recreational Street | ||||||
| R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street | R/W | Street |
Extra R/W | 2 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – | 1 | – |
Planter or utility | – | – | 5 | – | 6 | – | 6 | – | – | – | 6 | – |
Sidewalk | – | – | 5 | – | 6 | – | 6 | – | 5 | 5 | 6 | – |
Bike lane | – | – | – | – | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | – | – | 6 | 6 |
Parking lane | – | – | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Travel or turn lane | – | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | – | 11 |
Railroad corridor | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 14-20 | 14-20 | – | – |
Minimum street width | 12 | 29 | 36 | 48 | 48 | 36 | ||||||
Right-of-way | 14 | 45-50 | 60 | 60-72 | 60-72 | 60 | ||||||
* All streets shall be improved in accordance with the construction standards and specifications of the applicable roadway authority, including requirements for pavement, curbs, drainage, striping, and traffic control devices. Where a parking strip is provided it shall consist of a planter/utility strip between the sidewalk and the curb or roadway. Where a swale is provided, it shall either be placed between the roadway and sidewalk or behind the sidewalk on private property, subject to City approval and recording of required public drainage way and drainage way maintenance easements. Streets with parking on one side only should be avoided. When used, they must be posted NO PARKING.
The schematic below is representative of a typical street section in relation to a transit conflict.

4. Transportation Connectivity and Future Street Plans. The following standards apply to the creation of new streets:
a. Intersections. Streets shall be located and designed to intersect as nearly as possible to a right angle. Street intersections shall have a minimum intersection angle of 75 degrees. All legs of an intersection shall meet the above standard for at least 100 feet back from the point of intersection. No more than two streets shall intersect, i.e., creating a four-legged intersection, at any one point. Street jogs and intersection offsets of less than 125 feet are not permitted. Intersections shall be designed to facilitate storm water runoff into City-approved storm water facilities.
b. Access Ways. The Planning Commission, in approving a land use application with conditions, may require a developer to provide an access way where the creation of a cul-de-sac or dead-end street is unavoidable, and the access way connects the end of the street to another street, a park, or a public access way. Access ways shall be contained within a public right-of-way or public access easement, as required by the City.
c. Connectivity to Abutting Lands. The street system of a proposed subdivision shall be designed to connect to existing, proposed, and planned streets adjacent to the subdivision. Wherever a proposed development abuts unplatted land or a future development phase of an existing development, street stubs shall be provided to allow access to future abutting subdivisions and to logically extend the street system into the surrounding area. Street ends shall contain turnarounds constructed to Uniform Fire Code standards, as the City deems applicable, and shall be designed to facilitate future extension in terms of grading, width, and temporary barricades.
d. Street Connectivity and Formation of Blocks. In order to promote efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation throughout the City, subdivisions and site developments shall be served by an interconnected street network, pursuant to the standards in subsections (4)(d)(1) through (4) of this section. Distances are measured from the edge of street rights-of-way. Where a street connection cannot be made due to physical site constraints, approach spacing requirements, access management requirements, or similar restrictions, where practicable, a pedestrian access way connection shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 18.70 HMC.
(1) Residential zones: minimum of 200-foot block length and maximum of 750-foot length; maximum 2,000-foot block perimeter;
(2) Downtown/Main Street zone: minimum of 200-foot length and maximum of 400-foot length; maximum 1,200-foot perimeter;
(3) General commercial zone and light industrial zone: minimum of 100-foot length and maximum of 1,000-foot length; maximum 2,600-foot perimeter; and
(4) Not applicable to general industrial zone.
e. A Cul-De-Sac Street. Where the City determines that a cul-de-sac is allowed, all of the following standards shall be met:
(1) The cul-de-sac shall not exceed a length of 400 feet, except where the Planning Commission through a Type III procedure determines that topographic or other physical constraints of the site require a longer cul-de-sac. The length of the cul-de-sac shall be measured along the centerline of the roadway from the near side of the intersecting street to the farthest point of the cul-de-sac.
(2) The cul-de-sac shall terminate with a circular or hammerhead turnaround meeting the Uniform Fire Code and the standards of Table 18.85.020.3.
(3) The cul-de-sac shall provide, or not preclude the opportunity to later install, a pedestrian and bicycle access way between it and adjacent developable lands. Such access ways shall conform as specified in this chapter.
5. Engineering Design Standards. Street design shall conform to the standards of the applicable roadway authority; for City streets that is the Engineering/Public Works Design Standards Manual. Where a conflict occurs between this code and the manual, the provisions of the Engineering/Public Works Design Manual shall govern.
6. Fire Code Standards. Where fire code standards conflict with City standards, the City shall consult with the Fire Marshal in determining appropriate requirements. The City shall have the final determination regarding applicable standards.
7. Substandard Existing Right-of-Way. Where an existing right-of-way adjacent to a proposed development is less than the standard width, the Planning Commission may require the dedication of additional rights-of-way at the time of subdivision, partition, or site plan review, to mitigate the impacts of development pursuant to the standards in Table 18.85.020.3.
8. Traffic Calming. The City may require the installation of traffic calming features to mitigate the impacts of development and slow traffic in neighborhoods or commercial areas with high pedestrian traffic.
9. Sidewalks, Planter Strips, and Bicycle Lanes. Except where the City Administrator grants a deferral of public improvements, pursuant to Chapter 19.15 or 19.20 HMC, sidewalks, planter strips, and bicycle lanes shall be installed concurrent with development or widening of new streets, pursuant to the requirements of this chapter. Maintenance of sidewalks and planter strips in the right-of-way is the continuing obligation of the adjacent property owner.
10. Streets Adjacent to Railroad Right-of-Way. When a transportation improvement is proposed within 300 feet of a railroad crossing, or a modification is proposed to an existing railroad crossing, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the rail service provider shall be notified and City design standards required.
11. Street Names. No new street name shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing streets in the City of Harrisburg or vicinity.
12. Survey Monuments. Upon completion of a street improvement and prior to acceptance by the City, it shall be the responsibility of the developer’s registered professional land surveyor to provide certification to the City that all boundary and interior monuments have been reestablished and protected.
13. Street Signs. The City shall install all signs for traffic control and street names, which shall conform to existing City design standards and the MUTCD. The cost of signs required for new development shall be the responsibility of the developer. Street name signs shall be installed at all street intersections. Stop signs and other signs may be required. All required signs must be installed and paid for prior to the issuance of a CO.
14. Streetlight Standards. Streetlights shall be relocated or new lights installed, as applicable, with street improvement projects. Streetlights shall conform to City standards, or the requirements of the roadway authority, if different than the City.
15. Mailboxes. Mailboxes shall conform to the requirements of the United States Postal Service and the State of Oregon Structural Specialty Code.
16. Street Cross-Sections. The final lift of pavement shall be placed on all new constructed public roadways prior to final City acceptance of the roadway unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission. [Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Dedication of Public Use Areas.
a. Where a proposed park, playground, or other public use shown in a plan adopted by the City is located in whole or in part in a subdivision or the PUZ zone, the City may require the dedication or reservation of this area on the final plat for the subdivision or major plat to mitigate development impacts, provided the open space dedication or reservation is roughly proportionate to the impacts of development on the City park system.
b. The City may purchase or accept voluntary dedication or reservation of areas, either within or near the proposed subdivision, that are suitable for the development of parks and other public uses; however, the City is under no obligation to accept such areas offered for dedication or sale. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Sewers and Water Mains Required. All new development requiring land use approval is required to connect to City water and sanitary sewer systems. Sanitary sewer and water system improvements shall be installed to serve each new development and to connect developments to existing mains in accordance with the adopted facility master plans and applicable engineering/public works design standards. Where streets are required to be stubbed to the edge of the subdivision, sewer and water system improvements and other utilities shall also be stubbed with the streets, except as approved by the City Engineer where alternate alignment(s) are provided consistent with the adopted public facility master plan.
2. Sewer and Water Plan Approval. Development permits for sewer and water improvements shall not be issued until the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer has approved all sanitary sewer and water plans in conformance with City standards and State regulatory authority, if needed.
3. Over-Sizing. The City may require as a condition of development approval that sewer and water lines serving new development be sized to accommodate future development within the area as projected by the applicable facility master plans. In these instances, the City may authorize cost-recovery or cost-sharing methods as provided under State law.
4. Inadequate Facilities. Development permits may be restricted or rationed by the Planning Commission where a deficiency exists in the existing water or sewer system that cannot be rectified by the development and which, if not rectified, will result in a threat to public health or safety, surcharging of existing mains, or violations of State or Federal standards pertaining to operation of domestic water and sewerage treatment systems. The City Administrator may require water booster pumps, sanitary sewer lift stations, and other critical facilities be installed with backup power. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. General Provisions. The City shall issue a development permit only where adequate provisions for storm water runoff have been made in conformance with a 25-year storm plan. All applications for developments that increase impervious surface must submit a specific storm water plan with their application unless waived by the City Engineer.
2. Accommodation of Upstream Drainage. Culverts and other drainage facilities shall be large enough to accommodate existing and potential future runoff from the entire upstream drainage area, whether inside or outside the development. Such facilities shall be subject to review and approval by the City Engineer.
3. Effect on Downstream Drainage. Where it is anticipated by the City Engineer that the additional runoff resulting from the development will overload an existing drainage facility, the City shall withhold approval of the development until provisions have been made for improvement of the potential condition or until provisions have been made for retention of additional runoff caused by the development in accordance with City standards.
4. Over-Sizing. The City may require as a condition of development approval that sewer, water, or storm drainage systems serving new development be sized to accommodate future development within the area as projected by the applicable facility master plan. In these instances, the City may authorize cost-recovery or cost-sharing methods as provided under State law.
5. Existing Watercourse. Where a proposed development is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, swale, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse and such further width as will be adequate for conveyance and maintenance to protect the public health and safety. All applications for site plan review, subdivision, and partitions must submit a specific storm water plan with their application unless waived by the City Engineer. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
The following standards apply to new development where extension of electric power, natural gas or communication lines is required:
1. General Provision. The developer of a property is responsible for coordinating the development plan with the applicable utility providers and paying for the extension and installation of utilities not otherwise available to the subject property.
2. Underground Utilities.
a. General Requirement. The requirements of the utility service provider shall be met. All utility lines in new subdivisions, including, but not limited to, those required for electric, communication, lighting, and related facilities, shall be placed underground, except where the City Administrator or Planning Commission determines that placing utilities underground would adversely impact adjacent land uses. The City Administrator or Planning Commission may require screening and buffering of aboveground facilities to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.
b. Subdivisions and Partitions. In order to facilitate underground placement of utilities, the following additional standards apply to all new subdivisions:
(1) The developer shall make all necessary arrangements with the serving utility to provide the underground services. Care shall be taken to ensure that no aboveground equipment obstructs vision clearance areas for vehicular traffic, per Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation.
(2) The City Engineer reserves the right to approve the location of all surface-mounted facilities.
(3) All underground utilities installed in streets must be constructed and approved by the applicable utility provider prior to the surfacing of the streets.
(4) Stubs for service connections shall be long enough to avoid disturbing the street improvements when service connections are made.
3. Exception to Undergrounding Requirement. The City or Planning Commission may grant exceptions to the undergrounding standard where existing physical constraints, such as geologic conditions, streams, or existing development conditions make underground placement impractical. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Provision. The developer shall coordinate with the City and applicable utility providers in meeting the needs of each utility franchise for the provision and dedication of utility easements necessary to provide full services to the development.
2. Standards. Utility easements shall conform to the requirements of the utility service provider. All other easements shall conform to the City of Harrisburg engineering design standards/public works design standards.
3. Recordation. All easements for sewers, storm drainage and water quality facilities, water mains, electric lines, natural gas lines, or other utilities shall be recorded and referenced on a survey or final plat, as applicable. See Chapter 19.15 HMC, Site Design Review, and Chapter 19.20 HMC, Land Divisions and Property Line Adjustments. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
No development, including sanitary sewers, water, streets, utilities, parking areas, buildings, or other development, shall be undertaken without plans having been approved by the City of Harrisburg, permit fees paid, and permits issued. Permit fees are required to defray the cost and expenses incurred by the City for construction and other services in connection with the improvement. Permit fees are as set by City Council resolution. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Conformance Required. Improvements installed by the developer, either as a requirement of these regulations or at the developer’s option, shall conform to the requirements of this chapter, approved construction plans, and to improvement standards and specifications adopted by the City.
2. Adopted Installation Standards. The City of Harrisburg has adopted various engineering/public works design standards for public improvements and private utility installation within the public right-of-way. All adapted engineering/public works design standards shall be met unless one or more partial waivers are granted by the City Engineer and City Administrator.
3. Commencement. Work in a public right-of-way shall not begin until all applicable agency permits have been approved and issued.
4. Resumption. If work is discontinued for more than six months, it shall not be resumed until the Public Works Director and/or City Engineer grants written approval for the recommencement of work or a hiatus of more than six months.
5. City Inspection. Improvements shall be constructed under the inspection of the City Engineer or Public Works Director. The City Engineer or Public Works Director may approve minor changes in typical sections and details if unusual conditions arising during construction warrant such changes in the public interest, except those substantive changes to the approved design shall be subject to review under Chapter 19.30 HMC, Modifications to Approved Plans and Conditions of Approval. (Any survey monuments that are disturbed before all improvements are completed by the developer or subdivider shall be replaced prior to final acceptance of the improvements.) Any new or disturbed monuments must be replaced by a certified land surveyor.
6. Engineer’s Certification and As-Built Plans. A registered civil engineer shall provide written certification in a form required by the City that all improvements, workmanship, and materials are in accordance with current and standard engineering and construction practices, conform to approved plans and conditions of approval, and are of high grade, prior to City’s acceptance of the public improvements, or any portion thereof, for operation and maintenance. The developer’s engineer shall also provide two sets of “as-built” plans for permanent filing with the City. If required by the City, the developer or subdivider shall provide a warranty bond pursuant to HMC 18.85.100. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Performance Guarantee Required. The City at its discretion may approve a final plat or building permit when it determines that at least 50 percent of the public improvements required for the site development or land division, or phase thereof, are complete and the applicant has posted an acceptable assurance of performance bond for the balance of said improvements.
2. Determination of Sum. The assurance of performance bond shall be for a sum determined by the City Engineer as required to cover the cost of the improvements and repairs, including related engineering and incidental expenses, plus reasonable inflationary costs. The assurance bond shall not be less than 110 percent of the estimated improvement costs.
3. Itemized Improvement Estimate. The applicant shall furnish to the City an itemized improvement estimate, certified by a registered civil engineer, to assist the City in calculating the amount of the performance assurance.
4. Development Agreement. A written agreement between the City and applicant shall be signed and recorded. The agreement may include a provision for the construction of the improvements in stages and for the extension of time under specific conditions. The agreement shall contain all of the following:
a. The period within which all required improvements and repairs shall be completed;
b. A provision that if work is not completed within the period specified, the City may complete the work and recover the full cost and expenses from the applicant directly or an applicant-provided bond.
c. The required improvement fees and deposits.
5. When Applicant Fails to Perform. In the event the applicant fails to carry out all provisions of the agreement and the City has unreimbursed costs or expenses resulting from such failure, the City shall call on the bond, cash deposit, or letter of credit for reimbursement or take other appropriate action to recover all unreimbursed costs.
6. Termination of Performance Guarantee. The applicant shall not cause termination, nor allow expiration, of the guarantee/bond without first securing written authorization from the City.
7. Warranty Bond. A warranty bond good for two years is required on all public improvements and landscaping when installed in the public right-of-way. The warranty bond shall equal 15 percent of the total cost of improvements and begin upon acceptance of said improvements by the City. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Permit required, except as provided by HMC 18.90.020, Exempt signs. All home businesses, commercial and industrial businesses shall obtain a City of Harrisburg sign permit prior to erecting, placing, replacing or changing a business sign, as defined herein.
2. Definition of Business Signs. Words, letters, pictorial device, logo or other graphic means intended to convey information regarding a business, occupation, or commercial/industrial activity of any kind.
3. Existing Signs. All signs, with correct information, in good repair and consistent with Chapter 18.70 HMC shall, upon adoption of this chapter, and if in violation of this chapter, be granted “existing nonconforming use” status consistent with Chapter 18.25 HMC.
4. Upon discontinuation or abandonment of nonconforming use status in accordance with HMC 18.25.020, the sign shall be either removed or brought into conformance with this chapter within 60 days of written notice by the City. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
1. Government and traffic control/safety signs.
2. Temporary signs (not to exceed 60 days) for a civic, charitable or public event or activity.
3. U.S. or State flags.
4. Painted nonilluminated signs.
5. Small (less than two square feet) directional or public notice signs that indicate the existence or a direction to facilities open to the public, including sport facilities, schools, civic/fraternal organizations, churches, etc.
6. Any temporary signs in commercial or industrial zoned areas that are in place for less than 60 days, are less than 12 square feet, and do not cover more than 15 percent of the wall and window space of the building side closest to the public right-of-way. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Residential Zones R-1, R-2, R-3.
a. One nonilluminated sign per lot or parcel, not to exceed 12 square feet.
b. Said sign to be constructed of durable materials (wood, plastic, metal), permanently mounted.
c. All residential zone signs shall be mounted on a pedestal or base not more than two feet high. The total height of the sign shall not exceed six feet.
d. Signs shall be set back from public right-of-way, or an adjoining property not less than four feet.
2. Commercial and Industrial Zones.
a. One illuminated sign not to exceed 32 square feet and not more than 10 feet in height.
b. One nonilluminated sign not to exceed 64 square feet and not more than 12 feet in height.
c. All signs must be set back from public right-of-way and neighboring property lines four feet. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. All signs must be in good condition.
2. All commercial and industrial zone signs must be legible from the nearest public right-of-way and display the following:
a. The current and correct business name; if there is more than one business at the address then all must display their own sign or be part of a larger sign not to exceed 12 square feet per business/organization included on the sign.
b. Contain a legible street address for the business(es). [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
1. Signs that conflict with the City’s vision clearance standards.
2. Any sign attached to a tree, utility pole, or another sign.
3. Any sign that no longer reflects current conditions or circumstances, is in disrepair or is no longer legible, or in any way hazardous.
4. Roof signs.
5. Any sign on public property or right-of-way.
6. Any nonpermitted sign. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]
In the case of an approved conditional use, the sign limitations of a zone may be exceeded. Said signs shall pertain to the approved conditional use as specifically defined in the conditional use permit. [Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022.]