The R-M district is a residential zone classification which permits a higher density of population than the R-1 district. This district provides for the establishment of two-family and multiple-family dwellings, while insuring a high degree of protection from hazards, objectionable influences, traffic and building congestion, undue strain on municipal services, and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and institutions are permitted in this district.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.100, 1998)

The following uses are permitted in the R-M district:

A.

Single-family, two-family and multiple-family dwellings, special needs housing and government housing and their customary uses;

B.

Churches, community clubhouses, noncommercial art galleries, libraries, museums, schools, parks and other public facilities;

C.

Designated manufactured homes, as defined in Section 17.08.010, and with a manufacture date of not more than five years prior to the date of installation. The manufactured home must be installed upon a concrete or masonry foundation in accordance with the building code adopted by the city. A manufactured home shall bear the insignia of approval by the state of Washington or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to occupancy, the manufactured home must be inspected by a city or county building inspector to meet all applicable building code and health and safety requirements and use a design and materials consistent with stick built home construction;

D.

Family day care homes, as defined in RCW 74.15.020 and meeting Washington State licensing requirements and all building and fire code requirements, and subject to the conditions set forth in the performance standards of this title;

E.

Adult family homes and residential care facilities, as defined in RCW 70.128.175 and meeting Washington state licensing requirements and all building and fire code requirements;

F.

Short-term rentals pursuant to Chapter 5.20 provided that no more than one short-term rental shall be allowed on a single parcel. Where a single parcel of property contains a combination of any of the following: Single-family dwelling, guest room) guest house; only one shall be eligible to function as a short-term vacation rental.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.110, 1998)

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (3.110), 12-27-05; Ord. No. 2021-05, § 5, 6-28-2021)

The following uses are permitted in an R-M district after review by the city planning commission as a public meeting to establish conditions necessary to ensure compatibility as set forth in the performance standards section of this title:

A.

Any secondary use permitted in an R-1 district;

B.

Recreational vehicle park, as set forth in the performance standards of this title.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.120, 1998)

A.

Child care centers;

B.

Essential public facilities, as defined in this title and subject to the siting criteria of the city of Morton comprehensive plan and Section 17.52.070 of this title.

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (3.125), 12-27-05)

The following uses and any other use not expressly permitted are prohibited in an R-M district:

A.

Trailer/recreational vehicle used for dwelling purposes, not located within approved trailer/recreational vehicle parks;

B.

Commercial and industrial uses other than home occupations where authorized by this title;

C.

Mobile or manufactured homes not meeting the definition of Section 17.08.010.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.130, 1998)

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (3.030), 12-27-05)

The minimum density, lot area, lot dimensions and yard requirements in the R-M district are as follows:

A.

Density is minimum five units per acre to maximum twenty (20) units per acre. Density may be transferred from critical areas and their buffers to the developable portion of the site.

B.

Minimum lot area is as follows:

1.

Single-family dwellings, single-family special needs housing and single-family government housing — nine thousand (9,000) square feet.

2.

Two-family dwellings, two-family special needs housing and two-family government housing — nine thousand (9,000) square feet

3.

Multifamily dwellings — ten thousand (10,000) square feet for the first two dwelling units, plus one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet for each additional dwelling unit in excess of three.

C.

Usable Open Space. For every multifamily development provided under this section, the project must include an area of usable open space for development residents. The minimum size of the area is five percent of the development parcel acreage, or one hundred (100) square feet per housing unit, whichever is less. For purposes of this section, usable open space means an area that:

1.

Is not encumbered with any substantial structure or utility easement for distribution lines;

2.

Is not devoted to use as a roadway, parking area, or sidewalk;

3.

Is properly vegetated and landscaped for the use and enjoyment of the residents, meaning it is maintained in its natural or undisturbed state or is landscaped for trails, ball fields, picnic areas, or similar facilities;

4.

Is capable of being used and enjoyed for purposes of informal and unstructured recreation and relaxation;

5.

The length of the area shall be no more than twice its width; and

6.

The area is legally and practicably accessible to the residents of the development. Critical areas protection pursuant to Section 17.32.040 may be counted toward the project's usable open space requirement if the regulations permit passive recreation within that critical area or buffer.

The developer must provide a plan for maintaining the open space area at the time of the development application. To assure that usable open space is adequately protected, a note shall be placed on the face of the final plat, if platting is required, which specifies that the area has been classified as permanent usable open space.

D.

Minimum Lot Dimensions. Lot width of seventy-five (75) feet, lot depth of one hundred (100) feet.

E.

Minimum yard requirements:

1.

Front yards shall meet at least one of the following standards:

a.

Each lot shall have a front yard containing a minimum depth of twenty-five (25) feet from any structure to the front property line; or

b.

A lot with its required parking and garage accessible only from a rear alley may have a front yard of only eight feet; or

c.

When at least fifty (50) percent of the lots which front a street are improved with structures and when not all such lots have the minimum front yards required by city ordinances, then any new structure shall have a front yard not less that the average front yard of all such lots; provided to calculate the average front yard vacant lots shall be considered as having twenty-five (25) foot front yard.

2.

Side yard: each lot shall have two side yards, each having a width of not less than twenty (20) feet for one-story structures, and structures over fifteen (15) feet in height shall increase side yard by one foot for each additional one foot of vertical height over fifteen (15) feet.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.140, 1998)

(Ord. No. 05-6, § 3 (3.140), 12-27-05)

On any lot in an R-M district, all buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, but excluding patios with open lattice or similar type roof construction, shall cover not more than fifty (50) percent of the area of such lot.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.150, 1998)

No building in an R-M district shall exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height. No accessory building or structure shall exceed twenty (20) feet in height.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.160, 1998)

Off-street parking shall be provided in any R-M district as set forth in the performance standards of this title.

(Ord. 523 § 1 (part) Exh. A § 3.170, 1998)