Puyallup City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 20
25 RM MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES
§ 20.25.000 RM zones.
The following RM zones are established; properties so designated shall be subject to the provisions contained herein:
RM-10 | Medium density multiple-family residential zone |
RM-20 | High density multiple-family residential zone |
RM-Core | Regional growth center-oriented high density multiple-family residential zone |
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 3119 § 16, 2016)
§ 20.25.005 Description and purpose.
The RM multiple-family residential zones are intended to reserve appropriately located areas for multiple-family living at a broad range of dwelling unit densities consistent with the Puyallup comprehensive plan. They are intended to protect the public health, safety and general welfare by ensuring that the opportunities to obtain reasonable cost housing exist for households representing a variety of income categories and lifestyles; facilitating the provision of utility services and other public facilities commensurate with anticipated population and dwelling unit densities; providing that multiple-family developments offer the amenities and conveniences necessary to assure the comfort and enhance the lifestyles of their occupants; and assuring the compatibility of multiple-family development with other uses and adjacent zoning districts. The RM multiple-family residential zone districts are further intended to provide housing types that possess attractive architectural and site design characteristics that are complementary to the community character of Puyallup.
The RM-10 multiple-family residential zone is more specifically intended to provide for a mix of single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, fourplex and townhouse residential housing types. This zone is intended to provide an alternative to conventional single-family detached development patterns with many of the same attributes of such patterns including home ownership, distinct identity of dwelling units, and private open space.
The RM-20 and RM-Core multiple-family residential zones allow for a wider range of multifamily uses, including apartments, duplex, triplex, fourplex, townhouse and other multifamily residential housing types. The RM-20 and RM-Core zones are intended to provide for substantially higher density multifamily residential land uses, with RM-Core being specifically the densest and intended to promote a more compact form of residential land use.
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 3119 § 17, 2016)
§ 20.25.010 Permitted uses – RM multiple-family residential zones.
The following uses are permitted for all RM multiple-family residential zones unless otherwise specified:
(1)
Reserved;
(2)
One or more duplexes per lot of record as long as the minimum lot area equals at least 4,800 square feet per building;
(3)
One or more triplexes per lot of record as long as the minimum lot area equals at least 7,200 square feet per building;
(4)
In the RM-20 and RM-Core residential zones only, multiple-family dwellings including apartments, townhouses or other groups of multifamily dwellings;
(5)
In the RM-10 residential zone district only, attached dwellings including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhouses. Apartments are not permitted in the RM-10 zone district;
(6)
Accessory building and uses customarily incidental to a permitted or conditionally permitted use;
(7)
Recreational facilities intended for the use of residents including swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts and exercise rooms;
(8)
Family day care homes;
(11)
Adult family home;
(12)
Bed and breakfast houses with up to two lodging rooms and located within the primary structure, subject to the following standards and criteria:
(a)
Not more than two lodging rooms shall be present and shall be located within the primary structure only;
(b)
The scale, bulk and architectural style of the bed and breakfast structure shall not be altered so as to be incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood. Upon establishment of a bed and breakfast house, the property shall contain landscaping equivalent to 25 percent of the net lot area;
(c)
No exterior signage is permitted other than a single sign, consistent with the standards of Chapter 20.60 PMC, not to exceed eight square feet in area;
(d)
Meals may be prepared only for guests of the bed and breakfast house, as opposed to the general public;
(e)
Other than the proprietors who reside on site, operation of the bed and breakfast house may not involve more than two outside employees;
(f)
Large banquets, weddings, conferences, and similar group gatherings are not permitted at bed and breakfast houses;
(g)
Bed and breakfast houses are subject to applicable business license requirements of PMC Title 5;
(13)
Wireless communication facilities are permitted as principal or accessory uses subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.59 PMC;
(14)
Boardinghomes which provide care to no more than six individuals;
(15)
Residential care facilities which provide care to no more than four individuals;
(17)
Congregate living facilities containing no more than 50 units, subject to the following:
(a)
The overall density of the project shall not exceed twice the allowed density of the underlying zone;
(b)
Parking shall be provided as follows: one space per each two dwelling units;
(c)
Any accessory support use shall be located within a structure containing residential units and shall feature no exterior signage;
(18)
Grocery stores in existence as of November 20, 1995;
(19)
Affordable retirement apartments containing no more than 50 dwelling units, subject to the standards contained within PMC § 20.25.040(16);
(20)
Manufactured/mobile homes located within a manufactured/mobile home park established prior to July 1, 2005;
(21)
Electric vehicle infrastructure, Levels 1 and 2 only, subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.56 PMC;
(22)
Urban agricultural activities on lots less than one acre in size are permitted as follows:
(a)
Horticultural activity for personal use and incidental sales or distribution on site and off site at a farmers market or approved retail area.
(23)
Urban agricultural activities on lots one acre or greater in size are permitted as an accessory use to a residence as follows:
(24)
Community gardens, not to exceed one acre in size, subject to the following standards and criteria:
(a)
Limited animal husbandry of small farm animals is allowed;
(b)
The proposed use does not negatively impact sensitive areas on or adjacent to the subject site;
(c)
The proposed use will not result in excessive noise or emissions that are not typically associated with operation of household mechanical equipment;
(d)
On-site parking needs, if any, are addressed;
(e)
On-site contaminated soils, if any, are addressed; and
(f)
A set of operating rules addressing the governance structure of the garden, hours of operation, maintenance, security requirements, and the name and contact information of the garden coordinator shall be kept on file with the development services department;
(25)
Continued use and expansion of preexisting major commercial recreational uses, subject to the following standards and criteria:
(a)
Proposed improvements consisting of less than 20,000 square feet of new structural area or 40,000 square feet of total affected site development area;
(b)
A nonconforming accessory or primary structure which is nonconforming as to setback location (e.g., encroaching within a prescribed setback area) may be replaced, enlarged or modified in volume, area, or space, subject to the standards in PMC § 20.65.030(2);
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2410 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2468 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2507 § 3, 1997; Ord. 2518 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2525 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2615 § 1, 1999; Ord. 2680 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2754 § 6, 2003; Ord. 2828 § 3, 2005; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 2980 § 10, 2011; Ord. 3051 § 11, 2013; Ord. 3119 § 18, 2016; Ord. 3156 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 3275 § 3, 2023)
§ 20.25.015 Conditionally permitted uses – RM multiple-family residential zones.
The following uses are conditionally permitted uses in all RM multiple-family residential zones unless otherwise specified. A conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 20.80 PMC shall be required and in full force and effect in order to establish said uses:
(1)
Public parks and recreational facilities;
(2)
Community recreational facilities;
(3)
Public and private educational institutions, including schools, religious schools, colleges and universities;
(4)
Churches, convents, monasteries and other religious institutions;
(5)
Day care centers, subject to the following:
(a)
The subject property is bound on at least one side by either a collector or a principal or minor arterial, improved to city design standards;
(b)
The subject property has a minimum net lot area of 15,000 square feet;
(c)
A minimum 10-foot-wide landscape buffer strip shall be provided on the subject property along with any property line that is common to any adjacent RS- or RM-zoned property. Further, adequate fencing shall be located on all rear and interior side yard lot lines of any day care center;
(7)
Convenience markets, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The subject property is a corner lot bounded on at least one side by either a principal or minor arterial, and by either a principal, minor or collector arterial on the other side, provided such streets are improved to city design standards;
(b)
The subject property has a minimum net lot area of 15,000 square feet;
(c)
A minimum 10-foot-wide landscaped buffer strip shall be provided on the subject property along any property line that is common to an adjacent RS- or RM-zoned property;
(e)
Hours of operation shall be restricted to the time period between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.;
(f)
Total gross floor area of all buildings on the property shall not exceed 2,400 square feet;
(g)
Sale of gasoline or diesel fuel shall not be allowed;
(8)
Professional offices and services, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
In the RM-10 zone, the subject property must have frontage on and obtain its principal access from a minor or principal arterial street as designated on the street classification map in the comprehensive plan, provided all such streets are improved to full city standards;
(b)
In the RM-20 or RM-Core zones, the subject property must have frontage on and obtain principal access from a minor or principal arterial, or collector street as designated on the street classification map in the comprehensive plan, provided all such streets are improved to full city standards; or the subject property must be located within 500 feet of a CG (general commercial) or CBD (central business district), or CBD-Core (central business district core) zone;
(c)
No single office building shall contain interior floor area in excess of 5,000 square feet in the RM-10 zone and 10,000 square feet in the RM-20 zone. Multiple office buildings on a single lot with a total square footage in excess of these square footages are permitted;
(9)
Public fire and police stations, including accessory radio transmission facilities;
(10)
Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, boardinghouses, clubs and fraternity houses;
(11)
Bed and breakfast houses with more than two lodging rooms and/or located within a detached accessory structure, subject to the following standards:
(a)
Not more than eight lodging rooms shall be present;
(b)
The scale, bulk and architectural style of the bed and breakfast structure shall not be altered so as to be incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood;
(c)
One off-street parking space shall be required for each bedroom to be occupied by guests over the initial two guest bedrooms. All off-street parking shall be consistent with the standards of Chapter 20.55 PMC;
(d)
No exterior signage is permitted other than a single sign, consistent with the standards of Chapter 20.60 PMC, not to exceed eight square feet in area;
(e)
Meals may be prepared only for guests of the bed and breakfast house, as opposed to the general public;
(f)
Large banquets, weddings, conferences, and similar group gatherings are not permitted at bed and breakfast houses;
(g)
Bed and breakfast houses are subject to applicable business license requirements of PMC Title 5;
(12)
Retirement apartments, congregate living facilities and senior housing complexes of greater than 50 dwelling units, subject to the following:
(b)
Any accessory support use shall be located within a structure containing residential units and shall feature no exterior signage;
(c)
The density of a retirement apartment shall not exceed one and one-half times the allowed density of the underlying zone;
(d)
The density of a congregate living facility shall not exceed twice the density of the underlying zone;
(e)
For a senior housing complex, the overall density of the project shall be determined by the mix of uses contained therein, according to the following standards:
(13)
Residential treatment facility, subject to the following:
(a)
A residential treatment facility shall be located no nearer than 1,000 feet from another residential treatment facility;
(b)
In no way shall the appearance of the structure or premises and properties be so altered, or the conduct of the facility be such that the structure or premises may be reasonably recognized as serving other than a residential function;
(16)
Affordable retirement apartments of greater than 50 dwelling units, subject to the standards contained within PMC § 20.25.040(16);
(17)
Continued use and expansion of preexisting major commercial recreational uses, subject to the following standards and criteria:
(a)
An approved administrative conditional use permit for improvements which consist of 20,000 square feet or more of new structural area or 40,000 square feet or more of total affected site development area;
(b)
A nonconforming accessory or primary structure which is nonconforming as to setback location (e.g., encroaching within a prescribed setback area) may be replaced, enlarged or modified in volume, area, or space, subject to the standards in PMC § 20.65.030(2).
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2316 § 1, 1992; Ord. 2346 § 1(5), 1993; Ord. 2393 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2410 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2518 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2680 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 3051 § 12, 2013; Ord. 3119 § 19, 2016; Ord. 3192 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019)
§ 20.25.018 Commercial leasing prohibited – Clustering of sex offenders and felons in RM zone.
No owner, occupant, or other person or entity in control of a dwelling shall knowingly lease to or allow two or more persons to reside in a dwelling located in RM zone when such persons are required to register as a sex offender pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130 and/or have been convicted of any of the following offenses: a serious violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030(45), a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030(54), residential burglary (RCW 9A.52.025), burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.020), malicious mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070), or theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030).
(Ord. 3044 § 3, 2013)
§ 20.25.020 Property development standards – RM zones.
The following table (Table 20.25.020) sets forth the required development standards applicable for properties located in the RM zones. Except where otherwise indicated, the standards set forth in this section represent feet:
Table 20.25.020 Property Development Standards – RM Zones | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
RM-10 | RM-20 | RM-Core | ||
(1) | Min. lot area per building site in square feet | |||
Inside downtown planned action area | Not applicable | – | – | |
Outside downtown planned action area | 2,400 | 4,000 | 4,000 | |
(2) | Minimum lot width | 30 | 40 | 40 |
(3) | Minimum lot depth | 70 | 70 | 70 |
(4) | Minimum front yard setback | 15 Refer to § 20.25.021 | 20, except in downtown planned action area, refer to § 20.25.0215 | Refer to § 20.25.0215 |
(5) | Minimum rear yard setback | 15 | 20 | 0 |
(6) | Minimum interior side yard setback | 3 | 15 See 20.25.027 | 0 |
(7) | Minimum street side yard setback | 10 | 15 | Refer to § 20.25.0215 |
(8) | Maximum building height | 28* Refer to § 20.25.0205 and § 20.25.0216 | 36* Refer to § 20.25.0205 and § 20.25.0216 | 50 Refer to § 20.25.0205 and § 20.25.0216 |
*See PMC § 20.25.040(9) for height exceptions | ||||
(9) | Maximum lot coverage by percentage of net lot area | 60% | 55%, except in Downtown Planned Action Area, then 75% | 90% |
(10) | Minimum street frontage | 15 | 20 | 20 |
(11) | Minimum distance between buildings | 10 | 10 | 10 |
(12) | Minimum setback from principal or minor arterial as designated in the comprehensive plan | 25 | 25, except in downtown planned action area, refer to § 20.25.0215 | Refer to § 20.25.0215 |
(13) | Minimum landscaped area by percentage of net lot area for attached units | 25% | 20% | 10% |
(14) | Common open space for attached units | 20% | 30% | – |
(15) | Private open space per ground floor dwelling unit in square feet | 200 | 100 | 60 |
(16) | Private open space per upper story dwelling unit dimensions (on east, west and south elevations) | 10 X 8' | 10 X 6' | 10 X 6' |
(17) | For setbacks along abutting property line with an RS zone district, see PMC § 20.26.200(9) | |||
(18) | Maximum floor area | 1.5 | 3 | |
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 3031 § 9, 2013; Ord. 3119 § 20, 2016; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.0205 RM zones menu options to achieve bonus height.
In projects where one of the following features are selected, the height limitation established in PMC § 20.25.020(8) may be exceeded as follows. Bonus height shall not be allowed for the portion of a building located within 100 feet of an RS single-family zone district.
(1)
Five-foot increase when parking is located under the building utilizing a minimum of 60 percent of the building footprint area; or
(2)
Ten-foot increase when parking is underground utilizing a minimum of 60 percent of the building footprint area.
(Ord. 2694 § 1, 2001; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.021 Front yard setback traditional street orientation option.
The minimum front yard setback shall be set at 10 feet where the traditional street system organization option in PMC § 20.26.200(3) is utilized.
(Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.0215 Front yard and side-street setback options.
The following front yard and side-street setback options are available in the RM-Core zone. The following front yard and side-street setback options are also available in the RM-20 zone when located in the downtown planned action area:
(1)
Ten-foot minimum setback.
(2)
Five-foot minimum setback, subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Entrances serving single units shall have either a minimum 50-square-foot outdoor entrance landing or an entrance threshold that is at least seven inches above the abutting sidewalk level.
(b)
Entrances serving multiple units shall have an outdoor entrance landing that is at least 50 square feet per unit served by said entrance or 100 square feet, whichever is less.
(c)
Entrance landings are at least three feet higher than the elevation of the street or street sidewalk level and do not extend into the required setback.
(d)
Entrance steps may extend into the required setback to give visual emphasis to entries and to connect entrance landings with the right-of-way sidewalk.
(e)
The area between the front or side-street lot line and the building shall be landscaped with a mixture of shrubbery and trees sufficient to achieve 75 percent ground coverage within a three-year period. At least 20 percent of the vegetation necessary to achieve required coverage shall consist of deciduous and/or evergreen trees.
(Ord. 2851 § 4, 2006; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018; Ord. 3193 § 1, 2019; Ord. 3302 § 4, 2024; Ord. 3303 § 4, 2024)
§ 20.25.0216 Building height reduction for RM-Core structures within 100 feet of an RS-zoned property.
Notwithstanding development standards otherwise applicable under PMC § 20.25.020, the maximum building height in the RM-Core zone shall be 36 feet within 100 feet of any RS-zoned property.
(Ord. 2851 § 4, 2006; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.022 Maximum density – RM zones.
The following formulas shall be used to calculate the maximum number of dwelling units permissible for each RM zone. Where the calculation of allowable density results in a fraction 0.50 or above, the allowed dwelling unit count shall be rounded up. For density calculations resulting in 0.49 or less, the allowed dwelling unit count shall be rounded down:
(1)
RM-10. The base density shall be 10 dwelling units per acre without utilization of density bonus allowed through PMC § 20.25.0235. With utilization of density bonus, the maximum density shall be 14 units per acre.
(2)
RM-20. Outside the downtown planned action area, the base density shall be 16 dwelling units per acre without utilization of density bonus allowed through PMC § 20.25.0235. With utilization of density bonus, the maximum density shall be 22 units per acre. Within the planned action area in the RM-20 zone, residential uses are permitted with no unit-per-acre density limit. All structures shall comply with design standards in the downtown design guidelines.
(3)
RM-Core. In the RM-Core zone, residential uses are permitted with no unit-per-acre density limit. All structures shall comply with design standards in the downtown design guidelines.
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2694 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2851 § 3, 2006; Ord. 3119 § 21, 2016; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.023 Minimum density – RM zones.
The minimum number of dwelling units per acre shall be established as follows for each RM zone:
(1)
RM-10: eight units per acre;
(2)
RM-20: 14 units per acre outside the downtown planned action area; within the downtown planned action area, 0.75 FAR.
(3)
RM-Core: 16 units per acre outside the downtown planned action area; within the downtown planned action area, 1.5 FAR.
In the event that the applicant can clearly demonstrate that due to environmental and/or physical constraints on the subject parcel that the minimum density cannot be achieved, the minimum density requirement shall not be applied.
(Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2509 § 1, 1997; Ord. 3119 § 22, 2016; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.0235 RM zones menu options to achieve bonus density.
In cases where one or more of the following features are provided on the site and the decision criteria for administrative design review are met, residential density allowed in the RM zones outside of the downtown planned action area may be increased on the site of a multiple-family project from the base density to the maximum density specified in PMC § 20.25.022. A combination of multiple selections may be cumulatively added up, but shall not exceed the cap herein imposed.
Maximum percentage (%) of additional density per feature | ||
|---|---|---|
25% | (1) | Transfer of density from lands containing buffers associated with environmentally critical areas as provided in PMC § 21.06.160; |
15% | (2) | Active open space, enhancing the common open space for the residents of the multiple-family project, such as a park, community garden, or seating where there is a view of Mount Rainier, Olympic Mountains, with a public amenity such as landscaping, public art or a water feature. The open space shall be no smaller than 10,000 square feet in addition to the common open space requirement established in PMC § 20.25.020(15); |
5% | (3) | A transit stop with covered seating determined to be needed because the stop is located on a Pierce Transit and public school district route where safe and/or convenient stops are not existing. The transit stop must meet specifications as established by Pierce Transit. Sidewalks shall be provided to access residential units of the multiple-family project to transit facilities. Liability for public access and use on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner. On-going maintenance of facilities on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner; |
10% | (4) | Provision of handicapped accessible dwelling units and at least one parking stall per unit designated for handicapped use adjacent to the dwelling units such that 100% of said bonus units are in addition to the number required through the building code and Americans with Disabilities Act. |
(Ord. 2694 § 1, 2001; Ord. 3172 § 1, 2018)
§ 20.25.024 Interior side yard setback zero lot line option.
Repealed by Ord. 2866.
(Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995)
§ 20.25.025 RM-10 dwelling unit mix.
Repealed by Ord. 2866.
(Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995)
§ 20.25.027 RM-20 side yard setbacks.
The following side yard setback minimums shall apply in the RM-20 zone district:
(1)
The minimum side yard setback for an RM-20 zoned parcel when abutting another RM-20 or RM-Core parcel (not containing existing single-family development) shall be five feet;
(2)
The minimum side yard setback for an RM-20 zoned parcel when it abuts an RM zoned parcel where existing single-family development is present shall be 15 feet; and
(3)
For RM-20 zoned parcels abutting any RS zone district, please refer to PMC § 20.26.200(9).
(Ord. 3031 § 10, 2013)
§ 20.25.028 Property development standards – Single-family uses.
(1)
Preexisting single-family residences and duplexes are subject to those development and performance standards in the RS-04 zone district.
(2)
All preexisting single-family dwellings in the RM zones shall have at least two on-site automobile parking spaces. Each required space is to be located so as to be independent of any other required space and access drives. Further, all such required spaces for single-family dwellings shall be located within the building site area and not within the required setback areas. Required spaces shall be a minimum of nine feet by 20 feet. Spaces and access drives shall be paved.
(Formerly 20.25.025; Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2487 § 1(Att. A § 3), 1996; Ord. 2866 § 2, 2006; Ord. 3119 § 23, 2016)
§ 20.25.030 Required parking – Multiple-family and conditionally permitted uses.
All permitted multiple-family and conditionally permitted uses in the RM zones shall provide on-site automobile parking pursuant to Chapter 20.55 PMC. No dwelling units within the RM zone shall park or store vehicles, operable or inoperable, within the front yard or street side yard setback areas so as to be visible from public rights-of-way or neighboring properties outside of those parked within designated driveways or approved parking areas.
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2565 § 1, 1998)
§ 20.25.035 Signs.
All signing within the RM zones shall conform to the provisions set forth in Chapter 20.60 PMC.
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987)
§ 20.25.040 Performance standards – RM zones.
The following special requirements and performance standards shall apply to properties located in the RM zones:
(1)
Panhandle Lot Setbacks. For panhandle lots, front yard and rear yard setbacks may be reduced to 15 feet deep each; provided, that side yard setbacks maintain a minimum width of 20 feet.
(2)
Landscaping Required.
(a)
In all RM zones there shall be landscaping of an area equivalent to or greater than the percentage of the net lot area as set forth in Table 20.25.020(13). In residential projects, at least 10 percent of the net lot area shall be devoted to amenity areas for active use by residents of site units and shall be centrally located, and/or configured in an accessible and functional manner depending on topography, except that projects devoting at least 500 square feet of private open space per unit shall be exempt from this requirement. Specific site amenities (e.g., picnic areas, recreational areas, etc.) are encouraged within said areas. All required landscaping shall be maintained in a neat condition.
(b)
All residential developments that front on a public street shall provide a minimum 15-foot-wide landscaped buffer area along collectors and arterials and 10-foot-wide buffer along residential streets and local roads. The buffer shall be a significant mix of trees, shrubs, and earth berms to reduce views of moving and parked vehicles.
(3)
Outdoor Storage of Vehicles. The personal, noncommercial outdoor storage of vehicles and vehicle accessories is permitted in the RM zones, provided the following standards are met. For purposes of this section, storage shall mean the keeping of such vehicles and accessories on any portion of any parcel of property for a period of 72 continuous hours.
(a)
Recreational Vehicles. The storage of recreational vehicles shall be located no closer than 10 feet from the front and street side lot lines, except that for multiple-family uses of five or more units, such storage shall comply with the provisions of subsection (3)(b) of this section. The storage area for such vehicles shall be improved with a durable and dustless surface.
(b)
Inoperable Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Accessories. The outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles, or parts thereof, and vehicle accessories such as camper shells and equipment trailers shall be screened from neighboring properties and public rights-of-way and prohibited from required front and street side yards.
(c)
In no event shall any RM-zoned property be used for the purpose of storing for any period of time any vehicle intended for commercial use such as a truck tractor, truck trailer or other truck having more than two axles, unless such vehicle is stored within a building or is otherwise screened so as not to be visible from another property or from any public right-of-way.
(4)
Yard Projections. Every required front, rear and side yard shall be open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky unless otherwise provided:
(a)
Fences and walls as specified and limited in subsection (5) of this section may project into said front, rear and side yards.
(b)
Cornices, sills, eaves projections, and awnings without enclosing walls or screening may project into a required yard by not more than two feet provided the width of any required interior side yard is not reduced to less than two feet, six inches, and any yard abutting a street is not reduced to less than five feet.
(c)
Open unenclosed decks not covered by a roof may project into any required yard, providing, however, that said decks are constructed to grade elevation, or in no event, exceed 30 inches above adjoining grade.
(5)
Fences and Walls. Except as regulated in subsection (10) of this section, and as regulated in PMC § 20.58.005(2), fences and walls constructed in the RM zones shall not exceed a maximum height above the adjoining grade as set forth in this subsection:
(a)
Fences and walls located within 20 feet of a front lot line shall not exceed a height of three and one-half feet, except that open-wire, welded-wire, chain-link, split-rail or similar fences may be as tall as five feet in height.
(b)
Fences and walls located within the rear yard or interior side yard shall not exceed a total height of six feet.
(c)
Fences and walls located within the street side yard shall not exceed a total height of six feet; provided, however, that any portion of a fence or wall from the corner of the front and street side lot line for a distance of 20 feet along the street side lot line shall not exceed the height limitations outlined in subsection (5)(a) of this section.
(d)
Fences and walls constructed within the building area of a lot may be as high as the building existing within said area.
(e)
Except as regulated by subsection (5)(a) of this section, whenever any multiple-family or office use is to be established on property adjacent to RS-zoned property, there shall be a 10-foot landscaped yard setback and a six-foot masonry wall or solid wood fence shall be established and maintained between such uses and the RS-zoned property. Additionally, required landscaping adjacent to this wall or fence shall include trees or other vegetation that will within five years of planting exceed the height of the fence or wall. For purposes of this paragraph, "adjacent" means that the properties share a common property line.
(6)
Residential Antennas. Residential antennas located in the RM zones shall not be located in the front yard area of any lot, and shall be limited to a height of not more than 50 feet. The dish diameter of all parabolic residential antennas shall not exceed one foot for each 10 feet the antenna is set back from the nearest property line, unless the antenna is located in the rear half of the lot and screened from view of neighboring properties and public rights-of-way.
(7)
Swimming Pools. All swimming pools having a depth of 12 or more inches shall maintain a protective fence, wall or enclosure not less than six feet in height, with no opening greater than four inches wide and equipped with self-closing gate surrounding said pool. Hot tubs or other manmade bodies of water shall maintain a similar enclosure or shall be covered when not in use so as to prevent access to the water.
(8)
Trash and Recycling Receptacles. Except on trash pick-up days, all trash receptacles shall be screened from neighboring properties and public rights-of-way by an opaque visual barrier no lower than the maximum height of the receptacles. For multiple-family uses of five or more dwelling units and conditional uses, trash receptacles shall be permanently maintained within such opaque visual barrier. Proposed multifamily residential projects of five or more dwelling units shall provide at least one on-site recycling area for each 25 dwelling units. Each recycling area shall be located not more than 200 feet from the intended user units and, at a minimum, shall include separate receptacles for glass, newspaper, aluminum and cardboard. All recycling areas shall be screened in a manner consistent with trash receptacles under this subsection.
(9)
School and Church Height Exceptions. Conditionally permitted school and church uses as described by PMC § 20.25.015(3) and (4) may exceed building height requirements to a maximum of 36 and 50 feet in the RM-10 and the RM-20 zones, respectively; provided, that for each one foot of building height above that prescribed by subsection (8) of Table 20.25.020 in PMC § 20.25.020, that portion of the building be set back one foot in addition to the required yard setback.
(10)
Sight Distance Requirements. At all street, alley and driveway intersections there shall be a triangular yard area within which no tree, sight-obscuring fence, shrub, wall or other visual obstruction shall be permitted higher than 30 inches above the adjacent street, alley or driveway grade. This triangular area shall measure as follows:
(a)
At any intersection of two street rights-of-way, two sides of the triangular area shall extend 20 feet along both property lines abutting the street right-of-way lines, measured from their point of intersection. For the purpose of this paragraph an alley shall be considered as a street.
(b)
At any intersection of a driveway with a street or alley, the sides of the triangle shall extend 10 feet along the street or alley right-of-way and 15 feet along the edge of the driveway, measured from their point of intersection.
(c)
The provision of this subsection shall be in addition to any other sight distance protection requirements of the city, and in the event of conflict between requirements, the more restrictive shall apply.
(11)
Exterior Mechanical Equipment. Large mechanical equipment shall be screened from surrounding residentially zoned properties and public rights-of-way. Minor utility equipment, such as small generators, utility meters, air conditioners, or junction boxes, which are less than three and one-half feet in height, shall be exempt from screening requirements. Alternative methods for screening may include the use of building or parapet walls, sight-obscuring fencing and/or landscaping, equipment enclosures, consolidation and orientation of devices towards the center of the rooftop, and/or the use of neutral color surfaces.
(12)
For all zero lot line projects, the following standards shall apply:
(a)
The minimum project site for a zero lot line development shall be four lots.
(b)
The zero lot line development option may only be utilized on lots interior to the project. End lots of a zero lot line project shall not be allowed to site the zero lot line adjacent to the external lot line.
(c)
A perpetual five-foot wall-maintenance easement shall be provided on the lot adjacent to the zero lot line property line, which, with the exception of walls and fences built approximately perpendicular to the exterior wall of the dwelling for achieving privacy, shall be kept clear of structures. This easement shall be shown on the plat and incorporated into each deed transferring title to the property. This wall shall be maintained in its original color and treatment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the two affected lot owners.
(d)
The wall of the dwelling located on the zero lot line shall have no windows, doors, air conditioning units, or other type of opening; provided, however, that atriums or courts may be permitted on the zero lot line side when the court or atrium is enclosed by three walls of the dwelling unit and a solid wall of at least eight feet in height is provided on the zero lot line. Fixed windows above seven feet in height from the floor elevation and translucent windows shall be allowed on the zero lot line.
(e)
Roof overhangs may penetrate the easement on the adjacent lot a maximum of two feet, but the roof shall be so designed that water runoff from the dwelling placed on the lot line is limited to the roof area within the easement area.
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(13)
Repealed by Ord. 2694.
(14)
Repealed by Ord. 2694.
(15)
Grocery Stores. Grocery stores in existence as of November 20, 1995, shall be allowed to continue with all the rights of other permitted uses in this zone. Normal maintenance and upkeep of these establishments can occur without requiring compliance with the off-street parking or landscaping requirements of this code. Expansion of these stores shall be subject to the following:
(a)
If the use expands but remains within the property limits as in existence on November 20, 1995;
(b)
No additional site improvements (such as parking and landscaping) shall be required; conformance with the setback standards of the applicable zone shall be required;
(c)
All signs for the development shall comply with the provisions of the CL zone.
Conversions of existing grocery stores to other uses shall be subject to the standards of Chapter 20.65 PMC, Nonconforming Uses and Structures.
(16)
Affordable retirement apartments shall comply with the following standards:
(a)
The overall density of the project shall not exceed twice the maximum density of the applicable zone district as defined in PMC § 20.25.022;
(b)
On-site parking shall be provided at a ratio of 0.75 stalls per unit;
(c)
Any accessory support use shall be located within a structure containing residential units and shall feature no exterior signage;
(17)
Shipping Containers. No person shall place or cause to be placed any shipping container on any portion of a property located within this zone.
(18)
Limited Density Transfer from Critical Area Buffers. The city shall allow transfer of density for residential uses from critical area buffers to noncritical area portions of the same site; provided, that the resultant density calculated on the noncritical area land does not exceed 125 percent of the maximum developable density from that land otherwise allowed under zoning. No resultant lot area, width or depth shall be less than 25 percent that which otherwise would be required in the zone district.
(19)
Outdoor Lighting. Building-mounted lighting shall be directed away from other residential structures and/or windows as to not create direct illumination, shall be shielded as to avoid glare from exposed bulbs off site and shall use necessary means to avoid excessive light throw. Light illumination shall not be cast beyond the premises and shall be limited to illumination of surfaces intended for pedestrians or vehicles. Light fixtures shall include all necessary refractors within the housing to direct lighting to areas intended to be illuminated. The director shall retain the right to require a photometric plan to ensure compliance with these standards.
(20)
Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage on vacant residential lots is prohibited.
(Ord. 2147 Exh. A, 1987; Ord. 2212 § 2, 1989; Ord. 2316 § 1, 1992; Ord. 2346 § 1(6), 1993; Ord. 2454 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2525 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2541 § 1, 1998; Ord. 2680 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2694 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2754 § 6, 2003; Ord. 2859 § 2, 2006; Ord. 3073 § 9, 2014; Ord. 3119 § 24, 2016; Ord. 3203 § 14, 2019; Ord. 3302 § 5, 2024; Ord. 3303 § 5, 2024)