The purpose of this section is to:

(1)

Minimize negative impacts on the streetscape and pedestrian environment;

(2)

Encourage a safe and convenient network of vehicular circulation;

(3)

Create attractive vehicular routes that also accommodate pedestrian access and amenities;

(4)

Minimize negative impacts of parking lots on the streetscape and pedestrian environment;

(5)

Promote shared parking between compatible uses.

(Ord. 133-04 Att. B § 2 (part), 2004).

The following standards apply to all non-single family residential development unless noted otherwise. The Mason County director of the department of community development may waive one or more of these standards where the applicant can demonstrate that such vehicular access standard(s) is not applicable or desirable due to the nature of the site or use (i.e., industrial or mini-storage) and/or incompatibilities with adjacent properties (i.e., connections to an existing incompatible use on an adjacent property).

(1)

For properties adjacent to SR-3 and other defined highways and arterial roadways, new driveways shall be no more than thirty feet wide and shall be defined by a curb, berm, or other pavement element. No more than one driveway per parcel or one driveway per three hundred feet on a single parcel shall be allowed onto or from SR-3.

Exceptions:

(A)

Traffic analysis demonstrates the need for more than one driveway;

(B)

On-site circulation or access to truck loading facilities cannot be accommodated by only one driveway;

(C)

Wider driveways (up to forty feet) would be allowed if traffic volumes generated by the site require two exiting lanes (one left turn and one right turn lane) and/or if the site generates a high volume of large trucks that require a wider driveway;

(D)

Where an additional or wider driveway is required by the fire department for safe fire apparatus access.

(2)

For new commercial development projects, strive to create major driveways that serve more than one property and/or business. Cross-access easements for adjoining properties may be required by the county, where necessary.

(3)

Consider the alignment with driveways on the opposite side of SR-3 when determining driveway location for new and consolidated/shared driveways. Driveways across SR-3 should align or be offset such that the left-turning vehicles out of the driveways do not conflict. This may be required by the county.

(4)

Properties adjacent to SR-3 and other defined highways and arterial roadways shall not locate their parking lots adjacent to street intersections unless the county finds that no other alternative is feasible to accommodate permitted development.

(5)

Developments shall provide automobile connections to adjacent properties, through the use of cross access easements, common entryways, shared internal roadways, and/or shared parking lots, and similar techniques where possible.

Figure 11. Example developments illustrating key vehicular access guidelines.

(6)

Commercial developers and retail property owners are encouraged to share parking lots between adjacent businesses. The construction of walls or other barriers that prohibit pedestrian access is prohibited unless the county determines that such barrier is necessary for safety or environmental reasons.

(7)

Where adjacent parking lots are not consolidated, joint pedestrian access shall be provided between developments.

(Ord. 133-04 Att. B § 2 (part), 2004).