A PU public use zone is established with standards and regulations by which certain land uses may be permitted therein.

(Ord. No. 25-1708, § 1, 6-2-2025)

The purpose for a public use zone is to provide regulations for public and quasi-public uses such as parks, public buildings, public utility sites, and quasi-public lands such as the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds.

(Ord. No. 25-1708, § 1, 6-2-2025)

A.

Setbacks.

1.

Buildings in a public use zone shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet from the street property line and ten feet from any other property line.

2.

Water and wastewater treatment facilities are subject to the setbacks for the ID zone.

B.

Height.

1.

Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, buildings shall not exceed a height of forty-eight feet.

2.

Water and wastewater treatment facilities are subject to the height limits for the ID zone.

3.

Existing utility structures may be replaced at a height equal to or less than the previously existing height.

C.

Design Review. Structures within public use zoning categories are not subject to the design review process but must comply with the following requirements at the time of building permit:

1.

Landscape buffers as described LMC 19.61.090.

2.

Parking lot landscape as described in LMC 19.61.100(A).

3.

Screening. All mechanical equipment, including roof mounted, must be screened so as not to be visible from the street, shared access easement, recreational trails or common green spaces. Screening can be accomplished by fencing, architectural screening, or evergreen landscape material. Equipment to be screened includes, but is not limited to, heating and air conditioning units, venting associated with commercial grade cooking facilities

4.

Trash Enclosures. Large trash and recycling receptacles such as dumpsters or compactors must be contained in an enclosed/screened area so as not be visible from public or private streets or recreational trails.

5.

Street Trees.

a.

The installation or replacement of street trees is required unless it isn't feasible due to existing structures or hardscape which will not be altered by the proposed project or if factors exist which would significantly hinder the survival of a tree.

b.

Street trees must be from the city's approved street tree list or an approved alternative.

c.

Street trees located under utility lines must be species which will not conflict with overhead lines even when reaching maturity.

d.

Street trees must be installed with root barrier protection as specified in the engineering design standards.

e.

Street trees shall be a minimum caliper of one and one-half inch at the time of installation except that small trees used under overhead lines shall be a minimum a caliper of one inch. Refer to the city of Lynden Engineering Design Standards for a full description of street tree requirements.

6.

Lighting.

a.

Building entryways shall have exterior lighting.

b.

Site lighting is not permitted to broadcast beyond the lot boundary or directed in such a way as to impair passing drivers.

7.

Addressing. To facilitate first responders in the event of an emergency, address numerals on all structures must be located near exterior lighting and in an area which is plainly visible when approached from the primary access point.

8.

Foundation Planting. Unless a structure is located within a public park, foundation planting is required around all areas of the building except where entries prevent this from occurring. Installation of plant material is required prior to issuance of final occupancy unless a bond or assignment of savings is secured at one hundred fifty percent of the value of the landscape materials and installation.

a.

Buildings with a first-floor footprint of ten thousand square feet or less must provide a planting area a minimum of four feet in width. The required area of foundation planting may be averaged but in no case may the width be less than two feet.

b.

Buildings with a first-floor footprint greater than ten thousand square feet must provide a planting area a minimum of six feet in width. The required area of foundation planting may be averaged but in no case may the width be less than three feet.

(Ord. No. 25-1708, § 1, 6-2-2025)