Zoneomics Logo
search icon

Seatac City Zoning Code

Division III

Overlay Districts and Zones

15.300.005 Purpose

A.    The following standards are intended to implement the City’s vision for a City Center/central business district as set forth in the City of SeaTac Comprehensive Plan, by promoting integrated development and pedestrian-oriented design, a diversity of uses within close proximity, a linked series of open spaces, and a focal point for community identity.

B.    Each standard includes examples and illustrations of ways in which the intent of the standard could be achieved. The graphic illustrations are meant to be examples, and not the only acceptable means to accomplishing the intent of the illustrated standards. Applicants and project designers are encouraged to consider designs, styles and techniques not pictured in the examples that fulfill the intent of the design standard. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.010 Authority and Application

A.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the City Center Overlay District as delineated in the City Center Overlay District Map at the end of this section. Within the City Center Overlay District, this chapter shall supersede existing regulations elsewhere in this title when in conflict with this chapter.

B.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development meeting one (1) or more of the following thresholds:

1.    All new construction requiring building permits; and/or

2.    Major Redevelopment. Additions or alterations to a building or site, excluding interior-only improvements, which total fifty percent (50%) or more of the gross square footage (GSF) of the existing building(s) or site.

Only the portions of the building or site being altered or added to shall be required to integrate City Center Overlay District standards into the design of the alteration or addition. Project applicants proposing additions or alterations to a building or site conforming to the above criteria for major redevelopment shall arrange a pre-design meeting with planning staff prior to permit application to establish those design standards applicable to the proposed addition or alteration.

C.    Departures. In order to provide flexibility and creativity of project designs, departures from these overlay district standards may be permitted (except to maximum parking requirements in SMC 15.300.410, Off-Street Parking Requirements and Reductions, and 15.300.950, Parking Bonus Incentive Program for Structured Public/Private Parking, subject to the approval of the Director.

1.    If the strict interpretation or application of these special standards would be inconsistent with related provisions of the Zoning Code or would be contrary to the overall purpose or intent of City goals and objectives for the City Center Overlay District or Comprehensive Plan; or

2.    If it can be shown that the overall project design and feasibility can be improved.

D.    Development Agreements. In order to provide flexibility, to permit creativity of design, style, and technique, and to provide for phased development and interim uses, development agreements may be entered into by and between the City and property owners or developers, pursuant to RCW 36.70B.170 through 36.70B.200; provided, that the terms of any such development agreement shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter. Special conditions or exemptions established for a particular site or project through a development agreement shall include criteria or date for the termination of any such agreement.

E.    High Capacity Transit Facilities. Standards for high capacity transit facilities, as identified in Chapter 15.530 SMC, High Capacity Transit Facilities Design Standards, shall apply to all applicable development within the City Center Overlay District.

15.300.050

Figure: CITY CENTER OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.050 Use Chart

A.    Use Chart Guide.

1.    About the Use Chart. The following chart lists all of the permitted and conditional land uses allowed in each zone.

2.    How to Use the Use Chart. The land uses are listed vertically along the left hand side and the zones are listed horizontally across the top. Each square in the chart shows the following possibilities for the use and the zone:

P: The use is permitted.

C: The use is allowed subject to a conditional use permit.

If the square is blank, the use is not permitted in that zone.

3.    Additional Standards According to Use. Additional standards that apply to a particular use and zone are noted by number and described in the column on the far right of the chart. If the standard is not preceded by a number, the standard applies to all zones.

4.    For detached dwelling units that are legally established, pre-existing uses, the standards of Chapter 15.120, Nonconformance and Reuse of Facilities, apply. For properties zoned aviation operations (AVO) and aviation commercial (AVC), the standards and permitted uses of Chapter 15.210 SMC, Uses and Standards for the AVO and AVC Airport Zones, apply. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.055 City Center Overlay District Use Chart

ZONES:

 

URM – Urban Residential Medium

UVH – Urban Village High

MHP – Manufactured Home Park

UVM – Urban Village Medium

URH – Urban Residential High

 

URH-MU – Urban Residential High – Mixed Use

 

CB-C – Community Business in the Urban Center

 

P – Permitted Use; C – Conditional Use Permit required

 

LAND USE

MHP

URM

URH

URH-MU

CB-C

UVH (1)

UVM (1)

Additional Regulations

(1) See ground floor active use standards in SMC 15.300.730(F), Ground Floor Active Uses in Village Zones.

ANIMALS

Kennel/Cattery

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Stables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veterinary Clinic

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P(1)

P(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Airport Support Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial/Industrial Accessory Uses

 

 

 

 

C

C

 

 

Conference/Convention Center

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Construction/Trade

 

 

 

 

C

C

 

 

Distribution Center/Warehouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Rental, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Rental, Small

 

 

 

 

C

P(1)

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Equipment Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Repair, Small

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(2)

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Helipad/Heliport and Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Office

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Storage, Self-Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Truck Terminal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL

Cemetery

 

C

C

 

C

 

 

 

City Hall

 

 

 

P(1)

P

 

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Court

 

C

C

 

P

P

 

 

Fire Facility

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Funeral Home/Crematory

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Police Facility

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Public Agency Office

 

 

P

P

P

P

P

 

Public Agency Yard

 

 

 

 

C

C

C

 

Public Archives

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

Social Service Office

 

 

C

P

P

P

P

 

EDUCATIONAL

College/University

 

C

C

C

P

P

P(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Elementary/Middle School

 

C

C

C

 

 

 

 

High School

 

C

C

C

C

 

 

 

Specialized Instruction School

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P(2)

P(2)

(1) Limited to 3 students per day.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Vocational/Technical School

 

 

 

 

P

P(1)

P(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Day Care I

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

(1) If family day care providing in-home care, regulations in SMC 15.420.200, Family Day Care Facilities apply.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Day Care II

 

P

P(1)

P

P

P(1)

P(1)

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Emergency Housing

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Emergency Shelters

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Hospital

 

 

 

 

P

C

 

 

Medical Office/Outpatient Clinic

 

 

P

P

P

P

P

 

Opiate Substitution Treatment Facility

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

Subject to the CUP-EPF siting process (SMC 15.115.040, Essential Public Facilities).

Permanent Supportive Housing (1)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

(1) Small-scale permanent supportive housing facilities are defined as a community residential facility I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Reentry Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure Community Transition Facility

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

Subject to the CUP-EPF siting process (SMC 15.115.040, Essential Public Facilities).

Transitional Housing (1)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

(1) Small-scale transitional housing facilities are defined as a community residential facility I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

MANUFACTURING

Aerospace Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apparel/Textile Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biomedical Products Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemical/Petroleum Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial/Industrial Machinery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer/Office Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic Assembly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fabricated Metal Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Processing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture/Fixtures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratories, Research, Development and Testing

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

Manufacturing, Light Misc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winery/Brewery/Distillery

 

 

 

 

P

P

C

Micro-winery/brewery/distillery with retail section.

Paper Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Metal Industry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printing/Publishing

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

Recycling Processing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rubber/Plastic/Leather/Mineral Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Textile Mill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wood Products

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTOR VEHICLES

Auto/Boat Dealer

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Auto Service Center

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Auto Supply Store

 

 

 

 

P(1)

C(1)

C(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Auto Wrecking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Marine Supply

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

 

P(1)

P(2)

P(2)

P

P

P

(1) Restricted electric vehicle charging stations only.

(2) Battery charging stations only, limited in use only to the tenants or customers of the development located on site.

Fueling/Service Station

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Mobile Refueling Operation

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P(1)

See Chapter 15.450 SMC, Mobile Refueling Operations.

(1) Permitted only to refuel heavy equipment at a construction site.

Public/Private Parking

 

 

 

 

P(1,2)

 

 

(1) Public/private parking lots (including park-and-fly and other commercial parking) are only permitted within a structure. See SMC 15.300.450(A) for provisions regarding public/private surface parking lot as an interim use. See SMC 15.300.460 for parking structure design and development standards.

(2) Public/private parking lot structures are permitted up to one thousand two hundred (1,200) spaces. (See SMC 15.300.460(A), Parking Structures with Public/Private Parking Uses.) Additional spaces may be added only via the incentive method defined in SMC 15.300.460(A)(2).

Tire Retreading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towing Operation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Rental/Sales

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Vehicle Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Repair, Small

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL

Amusement Park

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

Community Center

 

C

P

P

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Drive-In Theater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Club

 

 

C(1)

P

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Library

 

P

C

P

P

P

P

 

Museum

 

C

C

P

P

P

 

 

Nonprofit Organization

 

P(1)/C(2)

P

P

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as a subsidiary use, subject to criteria in Chapter 15.470 SMC, Subsidiary Uses.

(2) Permitted as a conditional use, subject to criteria under SMC 15.115.020(C), Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Park

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Recreational Center

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Religious Use Facility

 

P(1)/C(2)

P

P

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as a subsidiary use, subject to criteria in Chapter 15.470 SMC, Subsidiary Uses.

(2) Permitted as a conditional use, subject to criteria under SMC 15.115.020(C), Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Religious Use Facility Accessory

 

C(1)

C(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Stadium/Arena

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL

Accessory Dwelling Unit

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

See SMC 15.465.100, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), for standards.

ADUs are allowed on nonconforming detached dwelling unit properties. See SMC 15.120.070, Nonconformance – Uses of Structures.

College Dormitory

 

 

 

 

P

P

P(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Dwelling Unit, Detached

 

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufactured Home

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

See SMC 15.465.600, Manufactured Home Park, for additional development standards.

Manufactured Home Park

P

C(1)

C(1)

C(1)

 

 

 

(1) A park outside established or proposed manufactured home park zone is permitted after approval through the CUP process.

Middle Housing

 

P

P(1)

P(1)

 

P(1)

P

See Maximum Number of Units Per Lot in SMC 15.400.100, Residential Standards Chart.

(1) Only allowed if multi-family development is infeasible due to lot size or critical area constraints.

Multi-Family

 

 

P

P

P(1)

P

P

(1) For designated parcels fronting International Blvd., S. 176th St., or S. 188th St. (see Figure 15.300.730A), at least 50% of a building’s ground floor shall be a retail, service, or commercial use as described in the mixed use standards in SMC 15.300.720 and 15.300.730.

Townhouse

 

 

P

P

 

P

P

See Chapter 15.505 SMC, Townhouse Development Design Standards.

RESIDENTIAL, RETIREMENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

Community Residential Facility I

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

See SMC 15.465.400, Community Residential Facilities Standards.

Community Residential Facility II

 

 

P

P

P

P

P(1)

See SMC 15.465.400, Community Residential Facilities Standards.

(1) Permitted only as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.730, Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects, and arranged on site as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Convalescent Center/Nursing Home

 

 

P

P

 

P

 

 

Retirement Apartments

 

 

P

P

P(1)

P

P

(1) For designated parcels fronting International Blvd., S. 176th St., or S. 188th St. (see Figure 15.300.730A), at least 50% of a building’s ground floor shall be a retail, service, or commercial use as described in the mixed use standards in SMC 15.300.720 and 15.300.730.

RESIDENTIAL, ACCESSORY

Home Occupation

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

See SMC 15.465.500, Home Occupations.

Shed/Garage

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

 

 

(1) Limited to 1,000 gross square feet and a 20 foot height limit (highest point).

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL

Agricultural Crop Sales (Farm Only)

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Arcade (Games/Food)

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P(1)

P(1)

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Beauty Salon/Personal Grooming Service

 

 

P(1)

P(2)

P

C(2)

P(2)

(1) Small, resident-oriented uses only.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Coffee Shop/Retail Food Shop

 

 

P(1)

P(2)

P

P(2)

P(2)

(1) Small, resident-oriented uses only.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Concession Sales

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Dry Cleaner

 

 

P(1,2)

P(2)

P

P(2)

P(2)

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Espresso Stand

 

 

P(1)

P

P

P

P(2)

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Financial Institution

 

 

 

P(1)

P

P

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Forest Products

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

 

(1) Temporary forest product sales related to holidays. Merchandise limited to Christmas trees, wreaths, herbs and associated decorations.

Laundromat

 

 

P(1)

P

P

P

P(2)

(1) Small, resident-oriented uses only, as part of a residential mixed use project.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Mobile Food Vending

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

See SMC 15.415.300, Mobile Food Vending.

Restaurant

 

 

C(1,2)

P(2,3)

P

P(2,3)

P(2,3)

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

(3) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Retail, Big Box

 

 

 

P(1)

C(1)

C(1)

P(1)

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Retail, General

 

 

P(1)

P(2)

P

P(2)

 

(1) Small, resident-oriented uses only, as part of a residential mixed use project.

(2) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Restaurant, Fast Food

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

Sexually Oriented Business

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

See SMC 15.415.200, Sexually Oriented Business.

Tavern

 

 

 

P(1)

P

P(2)

C

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) Small, resident-oriented uses only.

Theater, Movie

 

 

 

 

P

P

 

 

Theater/Entertainment Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL, LODGING

Bed and Breakfast

 

P

P

P

 

P

P

See SMC 15.465.300, Bed and Breakfast Standards.

Hotel/Motel and Associated Uses

 

 

C(1)

 

P

 

 

(1) Only allowed on URH zoned properties south of S. 184th Street.

Short-Term Rental

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

See SMC 15.465.320, Short-Term Rentals.

UTILITIES

Utility Substation

 

 

C

C

C

C

C

 

Utility Use

 

C

C

C

C

C

C

 

Wireless Communications Facility

 

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

See Chapter 15.480 SMC, Wireless Communication Facilities, for specific use and development standards.

(Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C*); Ord. 23-1003 § 6; Ord. 22-1002 § 8 (Exh. B); Ord. 21-1031 § 14 (Exh. B); Ord. 21-1008 § 11; Ord. 20-1026 § 9; Ord. 18-1019 § 1; Ord. 18-1009 § 4; Ord. 17-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

*Code reviser’s note: This section has been updated to correct inadvertent omissions from Ordinance 24-1022, Exhibit C, to properly implement City Council’s adopted policy direction.

15.300.100 Circulation

Purpose: Sufficient vehicular circulation should be provided through the establishment of an adequate network of collectors and minor arterials. Pedestrian corridors should be inviting in their overall design, such as through the provision of street furniture and landscaping, and should feel secure by providing adequate safety measures, such as lighting. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.110 Vehicular Circulation Requirements

A.    All new City Center Overlay District streets shall be constructed within a minimum forty-eight (48) foot wide corridor (including streetfront pedestrian zones), and shall generally conform to the adopted City Center Plan. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the City Center Overlay District is intended to provide for public access, safe traffic flow, and connections to established vehicular and pedestrian routes, and is not intended to be applied prescriptively. Vehicular circulation shall be as approved by both the Director and the Director of Public Works.

1.    All collector streets shall be constructed within a minimum forty-eight (48) foot wide corridor (including streetfront pedestrian zones) and meet all applicable City road standards.

2.    All minor arterials shall be a minimum of sixty (60) feet in width and meet all City Department of Public Works specifications.

B.    All streets shall be designed to create blocks which are no greater than four hundred (400) feet on a side. In cases where topographic or other environmental constraints preclude the creation of a four hundred (400) foot by four hundred (400) foot block size, the four hundred (400) foot maximum block length shall apply to only two (2) sides of a block, and the maximum block length may be waived by the Director.

C.    An owner or developer shall coordinate with owners of adjacent parcels and consolidate, wherever possible, vehicular circulation routes to interconnect public and/or private streets in conformance with the adopted City Center Plan. Where appropriate, circulation corridors shall extend to the boundary line of the site parcel in order to provide for future development of adjacent parcels and connections with existing public and/or private streets.

D.    Dead-end streets shall be permitted only where there is no feasible connection with an adjacent public and/or private street.

E.    Half-streets shall not be allowed, except as an interim circulation route as approved by both the Director and the Director of Public Works, in which the other half of the public or private street shall be developed on an adjacent parcel.

F.    Public and private streets should not be enclosed. In cases where buildings are allowed to span public or private streets, the following standards shall apply:

1.    The minimum ceiling height shall meet highway standards;

2.    Lighting sufficient to provide a safe pedestrian environment shall be in operation at all times;

3.    At the time of development, ground level retail space shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of SMC 15.300.730, Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects, except as provided below:

a.    Ground level retail space shall be constructed either on one (1) side of City Center Overlay District streets (collectors or minor arterials), for the full length of the enclosed area; or

b.    Shall be constructed on both sides of the collector or minor arterial for fifty percent (50%) of the length of the enclosed area; and

c.    Shall be served by the minimum utilities necessary for occupancy. These utilities include electricity, and sewer and water service;

4.    Ground level retail space shall conform to the ground level transparency requirements specified in SMC 15.300.610(A), Ground Floor Transparency Requirements;

5.    A minimum of one (1) piece of public art, approved by the Director, shall be included for every fifty (50) feet of enclosed length. Art work may include, but is not limited to, the following suggestions:

a.    Artistic wall treatments such as painted murals, bas-relief murals, photographic montages, mosaics;

b.    Artistic pavement or ceiling treatments as approved by the Director;

c.    Neon lighting sculptures or other artistic lighting displays;

6.    Ventilation systems to provide air inside the covered area that is at least as clean as ambient levels in the City Center Overlay District outside the enclosure shall be in operation at all times;

7.    The interior space of the covered area shall appear in all aspects to be “pedestrian-oriented.” (Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.120 Pedestrian Circulation Requirements

A.    All site plans proposing multiple buildings designed for residential occupancy or business access shall connect building entrances to one another and to pedestrian ways on adjacent public and/or private streets via a minimum four (4) foot wide walkway system separated from vehicular traffic. Public sidewalks may be considered part of the walkway system if they provide convenient movement between structures. Fences, landscaping and other site improvements shall be located so as not to impede safe and convenient pedestrian circulation.

B.    On-site pedestrian ways shall be designed to connect to off-site pedestrian way systems on adjoining properties and public and/or private streets. On-site extensions of pedestrian circulation systems shall align with existing pedestrian off-site links.

C.    Pedestrian-only corridors separate from the vehicular street system, as specified by the adopted City Center Plan (see “Pedestrian Connections” in City Center Plan, Figure 5.1), shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet wide with a minimum twelve (12) foot pathway of an approved surfacing material.

D.    Buildings or structures approved by the Director to be built across a designated pedestrian-only corridor, as specified in the City Center Plan (see “Pedestrian Connections” in City Center Plan, Figure 5.1), shall provide public pedestrian access through said structures at least between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily.

E.    Public easements for pedestrian circulation shall be open to the public twenty-four (24) hours a day, except as specified in subsection (D) of this section. Private easements for pedestrian circulation should remain open to the maximum extent possible.

F.    Primary pedestrian circulation and access shall be at grade. Elevated pedestrian walkways, if approved by the Director, may be permitted for the following purposes:

1.    To provide an extension to or direct connection with an elevated walkway/moving sidewalk;

2.    To overcome obstacles of terrain;

3.    To connect immediately adjacent components of a single development; or

4.    To connect with elevated transit stations.

G.    To promote public transit use, paved sidewalks or walkways shall be provided between building entrances and the nearest transit stop located within or adjacent to the subject property. Wherever possible, buildings shall be sited adjacent to or connected with transit stop facilities. Lighting shall be provided along pedestrian walkway connections and adjacent to transit stop facilities.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.200 Site Planning and Building Orientation

Purpose: Design structures to have both an external orientation, to the streetscape, and an internal orientation, to the pedestrian environment with unifying open space and pedestrian pathways. Design emphasis should be given to the pedestrian, rather than the auto environment, through placement of parking in a less prominent location (such as underground, or to the rear of the building, rather than in front), the requirement of pedestrian-level retail space; treatment of blank walls and facades and incorporation of prominent architectural features. Site layout should emphasize coordination of open spaces and pedestrian access with adjacent development or public places and compatibility with adjacent development with regard to scale, proximity and landscaping. Lighting and landscaping should allow for safety and visibility of public and semi-public areas. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.210 Building Placement/Setbacks

A.    Maximum Front Yard Setback. For City Center Overlay District properties zoned URH-MU, CB-C, UVM and UVH, the maximum front yard setbacks shall be as follows, except as provided under SMC 15.300.460(B), Parking Structure Placement and/or Setbacks:

1.    Twenty (20) feet adjacent to International Boulevard, for at least fifty percent (50%) of the building’s front facade;

2.    Ten (10) feet adjacent to all other City Center Overlay District public and/or private streets, as specified in the City Center Plan (see City Center Plan, Figures 5.1 – 5.1b), for at least fifty percent (50%) of the building’s front facade.

B.    Building Orientation. The front facade of the primary building(s) on site shall be oriented toward the front property line, with the main pedestrian entrance(s) located on this front facade. Additional building entrances may be oriented toward the rear or side of the building for access to and from parking lots.

C.    Minimum Building Frontage. At least fifty percent (50%) of the building’s front facade shall be located within the maximum front yard setback, as specified in subsections (A)(1) and (A)(2) of this section. The remaining portions of the front facade may be stepped back a maximum of twenty (20) feet more than the established maximum setback, as approved by the Director, for the purpose of accommodating public open space, porte-cocheres, or recessed building entries.

D.    Building Placement/Setbacks and Open Space. Building placement and setback shall be arranged to accommodate the front yard open space requirement as specified in SMC 15.300.320, Front Yard Open Space.

E.    Setbacks and Landscaping Standards for CB-C Zone. For projects in the CB-C zone, where the side and rear setbacks in the dimensional standards chart in SMC 15.400.100 conflict with the required landscaping in Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention, the side and rear yard setbacks in the landscaping standards in SMC 15.400.100 shall supersede. This shall not apply where side and rear property lines abut a residential zone.

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.220 Development Abutting Two (2) or More Street Frontages

A.    Buildings on corner lots shall orient front facades to both the corner and adjacent public and/or private street fronts. Pedestrian entries near or on the corner are encouraged.

1.    Corner Buildings and Architectural Focal Points. Development at the intersection of a principal arterial with either a principal or minor arterial shall include architectural focal points that increase the visibility and landmark status of corner buildings, such as one (1) or more of the following:

a.    Transparent glazing incorporated into corner building design;

b.    Tower elements and/or rooflines that accentuate the corner;

c.    Balconies or building terraces at or near the corner.

B.    If the subject property abuts public and/or private streets classified as principal arterials by the SeaTac Comprehensive Plan along both its front and rear property lines, then the property owner shall either:

1.    Design a single building with facade entries oriented toward both the front and rear property lines; or

2.    Orient one (1) or more buildings toward the front property line along with a designated location for a current or future building or buildings oriented toward the rear property line.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.230 Relation to Adjacent Development

Proposed developments shall coordinate with current site planning and development efforts on adjoining parcels to take advantage of opportunities to mutually improve development design.

A.    Adjacent developments shall link open spaces and landscaping whenever possible.

B.    Proposed developments shall provide publicly accessible pedestrian connections to adjacent residential neighborhoods wherever possible, via a through-block walkway or links to sidewalks. Provide stairs or ramps where necessary when topographic barriers, such as steep slopes, inhibit direct access to surrounding development or destination points, such as transit stops.

C.    Where multi-family residential development is located adjacent to retail, commercial, employment, or institutional uses, side and/or rear yard landscape buffers shall be intersected by approved pedestrian circulation routes in order to facilitate convenient walking connections to adjacent uses or services.

D.    Buildings or structures that terminate view corridors shall include architectural features that increase the visibility and landmark status of the subject building facade, such as a clearly defined building modulation, pedestrian entry feature, and/or roofline that accentuates the building as a focal point.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.240 Projects on or Near the Edge of an RL, RM or URM Residential Zone

Careful siting and design treatment is necessary to achieve a compatible transition between two (2) zones of differing height, bulk and scale requirements. In order to mitigate potential impacts of CB-C and URH zone development on neighboring residential districts, the following standards shall apply:

A.    Adjacent to RL Zone. Properties abutting an RL zone shall incorporate the following:

1.    A maximum building height of thirty-five (35) feet, relative to the base elevation of the adjacent RL zoned parcel(s) where that base elevation is higher than the base elevation of the proposed project, shall apply to all portions of a structure within sixty (60) feet of an RL zone, including access roadway widths; provided, that the overall height of any structure shall not exceed the maximum structure height specified in the dimensional standards charts in SMC 15.400.100; and

2.    A minimum side and/or rear yard building setback of twenty (20) feet shall apply if the side or rear property boundaries are adjacent to an RL zone. Side/rear yard landscaping shall occupy all or part of the required building setback, as specified in the landscaping chart in SMC 15.445.210.

3.    Parking shall not be permitted within the side and/or rear yard building setback adjacent to an RL zone.

B.    Adjacent to RM or URM Zone. Properties abutting an RM or URM zone shall maintain a minimum side and/or rear yard building setback of twenty (20) feet, if the side or rear yard property boundaries are adjacent to an RM or URM zone. Side/rear yard landscaping shall occupy all or part of the required building setback, as specified in the landscaping chart in SMC 15.445.210.

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.250 The Layout and Width of Streetfront Pedestrian Zone

Within the City Center Overlay District, all new sidewalks and street improvements shall include a streetfront pedestrian zone, consisting of street landscaping and a sidewalk clear-through zone.

A.    Sidewalk Clear-Through Zone. A pedestrian sidewalk clear-through zone shall be created along the public and/or private street frontage consisting of a minimum eight (8) foot wide paving area free of physical obstructions to pedestrian movement.

1.    The combination of street landscaping and sidewalk clear-through zones shall form a minimum twelve (12) foot wide pedestrian zone between the street curb and any building edge or facade landscaping bed.

B.    Street Landscaping Zone. A minimum four (4) foot wide street landscaping zone shall be required adjacent to the street curb, consisting of a combination of trees, landscaping, light poles, and street furniture in a manner to be approved by the Director.

1.    The street landscaping zone will include either tree wells and grates for street trees; or shrubs, ground cover and/or lawn in addition to street trees.

2.    Street trees shall be deciduous shade trees capable of at least twenty-five (25) feet in height. Street trees shall be planted within the street landscaping zone along public and/or private streets and be spaced no more than thirty (30) feet apart as described in street landscaping standards in Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention, except where variations in tree spacing, as approved by the Director, may be considered to enhance plaza areas, emphasize building focal points or avoid visually blocking retail storefront entrances.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.260 Driveway Entrances

A.    Automobile access shall be consolidated with no more than one (1) driveway per one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of street frontage.

B.    Pedestrian entry routes interrupted by driveways shall be distinguished from the driveway surface by decorative paving to the building entrance.

C.    Driveways serving front yard porte-cochere building entries shall be approved by the Director and include only the short-term parking that can be accommodated along one (1) double-loaded drive aisle.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.270 Location of Drive-Through Stacking Lanes

Driveway stacking lanes associated with drive-through facilities shall not be located between the building and any property line adjacent to a public and/or private street. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.280 Exterior Lighting

A.    Lighting standards shall be no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height, and used to illuminate surfaces intended for pedestrians or vehicles, as well as building entries. Light fixtures shall be sited and directed to minimize glare around residences.

B.    Exterior lighting shall be used to identify and distinguish the pedestrian walkway network from car or transit circulation. Along pedestrian circulation corridors, lighting standards shall be placed between pedestrian ways and public and/or private streets, driveways or parking areas. The level of lighting shall conform with the requirements of Chapter 17.40 SMC, Walkway, Bikeway and Park Lighting.

C.    Light standard designs shall be approved by the Director, and be in conformance with a consistent lighting standard design throughout the City Center Overlay District.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.300 Open Space and Amenities

Purpose: Break up dense development patterns with passive or active open spaces such as plazas, parks, trails and other means and link them wherever possible. Open spaces should be usable, have good access and take advantage of local amenities such as Bow Lake. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.310 Minimum Open Space Area Required

A.    A minimum of ten percent (10%) of net site area shall be set aside as usable outdoor open space accessible to the public.

1.    Areas That Do Not Qualify as Open Space. The following shall not be included toward meeting the minimum open space requirement:

a.    Portions of a parcel classified as wetland; storm water facility; provided, that such storm water facilities are at grade and not covered; or open water.

b.    Required landscaping and sensitive area buffers without common access links, such as pedestrian trails.

c.    Driveways, parking, or other auto uses.

d.    Areas of a parcel with slopes greater than eight percent (8%) shall not qualify as usable outdoor open space, unless the area has been developed with an enhanced accessibility system of stairs, ramps, terraces, trails, seating areas, or other site improvements as approved by the Director.

e.    Parcels adjacent to Bow Lake may not count areas of open water for the purpose of calculating the open space area requirement.

f.    Wetland buffer and setback areas shall also be excluded for the purpose of calculating the open space requirement.

B.    Areas That Qualify as Open Space. Usable open space that qualifies toward meeting the minimum open space requirement shall include one (1) or more of the following:

1.    Active outdoor recreation areas;

2.    Multi-purpose green spaces;

3.    Publicly accessible pathways that are part of a vegetated roof design;

4.    Permeable pavement trails;

5.    Pedestrian-only corridors separate from the public or private roadway system and dedicated to passive recreation, including access links in sensitive area buffers. The square footage (length times width) of pedestrian-only corridors shall be counted as usable open space; and/or

6.    Publicly accessible plazas, courtyards, pocket parks and decorative or permeable paving areas constructed contiguous with a new or existing sidewalk located either within the front yard setback or elsewhere on site. Publicly accessible courtyard designs shall conform to the following standards:

a.    The courtyard dimension is a measurement of the usable open space between two (2) buildings or to a property line, and shall have a width equal to the height of the building, up to a maximum of seventy-five (75) feet, but in no case less than twenty (20) feet.

b.    If the enclosing walls of a courtyard terrace upward and back with succeeding stories, the courtyard dimension shall be measured from the lowest enclosing floor or projection.

C.    Front Yard and Lakefront Open Space and Minimum Requirement. The front yard open space requirement as per SMC 15.300.320, and lakefront open space requirement as per SMC 15.300.325 may be counted toward the minimum open space area requirement. (Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.320 Front Yard Open Space

The following front yard open space regulation shall supersede the street frontage landscape requirement as specified in SMC 15.445.010(C) and 15.445.210. The building facade landscaping requirement shall continue to apply to uses in the City Center, except under pedestrian weather protection structures, as specified in SMC 15.300.610(B).

A.    Front Yard Open Space Requirements. Front yard open space area equal to the square footage of a five (5) foot strip along the length of the street-facing front facade(s) shall be developed and arranged as described in SMC 15.300.340(B), Arrangement and Design of Front Yard Open Space. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.325 Incorporating Bow Lake as a Focal Point

New development and major redevelopment adjacent to Bow Lake shall be designed to increase opportunities for the public to both view and access the lakefront area, while at the same time minimizing impacts on the waterway’s biologic and hydrologic functions.

A.    The Bow Lake waterfront buffer and building setback area, as required in Chapter 15.700 SMC, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, SMC 15.700.180, Building Setbacks, should be made publicly accessible through the construction of pedestrian access trail links, seating areas, and shoreline viewing points, in conformance with SMC 15.700.290, Wetlands – Permitted Alterations.

B.    Adjacent lakefront developments shall link waterfront open spaces and associated pedestrian circulation systems.

C.    Properties adjacent to Bow Lake shall provide a pedestrian access corridor to the lakefront area from an adjacent public or private street. Side yard pedestrian access links may be shared between adjacent properties.

1.    All nonresidential properties abutting Bow Lake and associated wetlands shall provide at least one (1) clearly marked public entry facing the lake designed to connect with the planned pedestrian trail.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.330 Alternative Methods for Meeting Open Space Requirement

Developments have the option of contributing to a City Center open space fund in lieu of setting aside additional on-site open space area greater than the minimum required in both the front yard, as per SMC 15.300.320, Front Yard Open Space, and along lakefronts, as per SMC 15.300.325, Incorporating Bow Lake as a Focal Point.

A.    The City shall use the funds contributed to the City Center open space fund within six (6) years on an approved open space/park project or return said funds to contributors.

B.    Revenue from the City Center open space fund may be applied only to open space/park projects within the defined City Center area.

C.    To receive exemption for an amount of on-site open space totaling less than the required open space area, a contribution to the City Center open space fund shall be made in an amount that equals the monetary value of that portion of site area which is less than the required open space. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.340 Open Space Design Standards

A.    General Open Space Design Requirements.

1.    Integration with Adjacent Parcels. Usable open space areas on site shall be organized and designed in a manner that allows for maximum integration with open space on adjacent parcels, as specified in SMC 15.300.230.

2.    Linkage of Open Space Elements. Developments proposing on site plazas and pocket parks as publicly accessible project amenities shall link the open space elements with adjacent sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and/or bikeways.

B.    Arrangement and Design of Front Yard Open Space. Front yard open space shall be developed and arranged in a manner that is accessible to the public at all times, directly connected to a sidewalk or pedestrian pathway, and bordered on at least one (1) side by, or readily accessible from, approved structure(s) on site. Front yard open space shall be placed in one (1) or more of the following ways, as approved by the Director:

1.    Plaza, Courtyard, or Pocket Park. Publicly accessible open space of a minimum two hundred (200) square feet that is adjacent to a pedestrian building entrance and consisting of at least fifty percent (50%) decorative paving. The remaining percentage of required open space area may be installed as plantings within or immediately adjacent to the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park. One (1) tree shall be required for every two hundred (200) square feet of decorative paving area. Decorative paving areas shall be constructed of such materials as stamped, broom finish, or scored concrete; brick or modular pavers;

2.    Multi-Purpose Green Space. A combination of grass, pedestrian ways, and seating areas of a minimum two hundred (200) square feet. One (1) tree shall be required for every two hundred (200) square feet of green space area; and/or

3.    Decorative Paving Contiguous with Sidewalk. A minimum five (5) foot wide decorative paving area constructed contiguous with a new or existing sidewalk along the length of the front yard building facade, coupled with a direct connection between the building entrance and sidewalk.

C.    Performance Standards for Open Space.

1.    Outdoor Seating. Publicly accessible plazas, courtyards, and pocket parks shall include at least one (1) linear foot of seating per each forty (40) square feet of plaza, courtyard, or pocket park space on site. Outdoor seating shall be in the form of:

a.    Freestanding outdoor benches of a minimum sixteen (16) inches wide; or

b.    Seating incorporated into low walls, raised planters or building foundations at least twelve (12) inches wide and eighteen (18) inches high.

2.    Focal Point for Plazas, Courtyards and Pocket Parks. In addition to seating, publicly accessible plazas, courtyards, and pocket parks should incorporate one (1) or more of the following open space amenities in order to encourage pedestrian use and activity:

a.    Public art, such as a water feature or sculpture;

b.    Transit stops;

c.    Performance/stage areas; or

d.    Other public amenities, as approved by the Director.

3.    Accessory Site Furnishing. Accessory site furnishings shall be located so as not to obstruct pedestrian access along sidewalks and to businesses.

a.    Waste receptacles, movable planters and other accessory site furnishings shall be of a design which is compatible with the design of the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park, through the use of similar detailing or materials.

 

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.400 Parking Standards

A.    Purpose. Minimize parking as a dominant land use. Parking should be screened through its placement behind structures and via landscaping.

B.    The following parking standards shall be in addition to, or, in some cases, supersede applicable parking provisions required in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.410 Off-Street Parking Requirements and Reductions

A.    Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

1.    Minimum Parking Requirements. The minimum parking spaces required shall be those established in the parking chart in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

a.    In cases where the minimum parking standards established in SMC 15.455.120 are greater than the maximum spaces allowed in subsection (A)(2) of this section, then the parking standards within this chapter as specified in subsection (A)(2) of this section shall supersede and also serve as the minimum number of parking spaces required.

2.    Maximum Parking Requirements.

LAND USE

MAXIMUM SPACES ALLOWED

NOTES

Where calculations result in fractions of parking spaces, the maximum number of parking stalls shall be determined by rounding up to the next whole number.

Residential Uses

College Dormitory

1 per bedroom unit

---

Duplex/Townhouse

2 per dwelling unit

---

Multi-Family

1 per bedroom, up to 2 per dwelling unit maximum

Unless modified by a parking plan demonstrating an increased need to serve residents.

Community Residential Facility

1 per bed

Convalescent Center/Nursing Home

1 per 3 beds

Retirement Apartments

1 per unit

Recreational/Cultural Uses

Conference/Convention Center

5 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Library/Museum/Cultural Facility

4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Community Center/Recreation Center

4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Sports/Fitness/Health Club

4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Theater

0.75 per fixed seat, plus 1 per employee

---

General, Educational and Health Services Uses

General Service Uses

4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Educational Uses

1 per employee, plus 1 per 2 students

---

Health Services Uses

4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Transitional Housing

1 per 2 bedrooms

Unless modified by a parking plan demonstrating an increased need to serve residents.

Government/Office, Business Uses

Business Service/Office Uses

5 per 1,000 SF of building area

Maximum parking for business service/office uses may be increased to seven and one-half (7-1/2) per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building area through the establishment of a development agreement between the city and a developer.

Retail/Commercial/Manufacturing Uses

Retail Uses

4 per 1,000 SF of leasable space

---

Bed and Breakfast

1 per bedroom, plus 2 for residents

---

Hotel/Motel and Associated Uses

1 per bedroom, plus the following for associated uses:

---

• with restaurant/lounge/bar

• 4 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

• with banquet/meeting room

• 5 per 1,000 SF of gross building area

---

Manufacturing Uses

1 per employee, plus 2 per 1,000 SF of building area

---

Motor Vehicles

Public/Private Parking

See SMC 15.300.450 for provisions regarding public/private surface parking as an interim use.

See SMC 15.300.460(A) for provisions related to public/private parking in structures.

B.    Parking Reductions. See Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation, for available parking reductions. (Ord. 17-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.420 Off-Street Loading Requirements

Off-street loading requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.430 Bicycle Parking

Bicycle parking facility requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.440 General Parking Design and Construction Standards

Parking design and construction requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.450 Surface Parking

A.    Public/Private Surface Parking as an Interim Use. Public/private surface parking, as the main activity on a site, may only be allowed as an interim use subject to a development agreement specifying additional conditions as needed.

B.    Location of Surface Parking Lots.

1.    No parking shall be located between the building and the front property line, other than a driveway for passenger loading and off-loading only in conformance with SMC 15.300.260, Driveway Entrances, and approved by the Director. Surface parking shall be located behind a building or to the side of a building.

2.    Parking Next to Building. Parking located next to a building and within forty (40) feet of the front property line shall not occupy more than the width of two (2) lengthwise parking stalls and one (1) travel lane, or sixty-two (62) feet, whichever is less.

3.    Parking on Corner Lots. On corner lots, no parking shall be located between the building and either of the two (2) front property lines. If a parcel abuts more than two (2) public or private streets, no parking shall be located between the building and the front property line abutting the two (2) public and/or private streets with the highest classification.

C.    Pedestrian Circulation Through Parking Lots.

1.    Surface parking lots containing one hundred (100) parking spaces or more shall provide pedestrian walkways through the parking field.

2.    Pedestrian Walkway Locations.

a.    For parking rows perpendicular to the principal building facade, pedestrian ways shall be located between two (2) rows of parking spaces at a minimum of one (1) pedestrian way every two hundred (200) feet.

b.    For parking rows parallel to the principal building facade, pedestrian ways shall be incorporated adjacent to a series of aligned landscape islands at a minimum of one (1) walkway every twenty-one (21) parking spaces. Landscape island siting and design may be modified to accommodate LID BMPs.

3.    Pedestrian Walkway Design.

a.    Pedestrian walkways shall be raised, and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide, separated from vehicular travel lanes to the maximum extent possible and designed to provide safe access to nonstreetfront building entrances or existing pedestrian ways.

b.    Clearly distinguish the pedestrian way network from car or transit circulation. This is particularly important in areas where these various travel modes intersect, such as at driveway entrances and in parking lots.

c.    Where sidewalks or walkways cross vehicular driveways, provide a continuous raised crossing, or distinguish the crossing from the driveway surface by marking with a contrasting paving material (such as permeable pavement).

(Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.460 Structured Parking

Purpose: Design parking structures to blend in with adjacent development. Emphasize design features that minimize the obtrusiveness of the parking use and encourage architectural compatibility with adjacent development.

A.    Parking Structures with Public/Private Parking Uses. Public/private parking is only permitted within a structure. Parking structures with public/private parking uses shall comply with the following requirements:

1.    Parking Stall Maximum. A parking structure containing public/private parking uses is limited to not more than one thousand two hundred (1,200) parking stalls unless additional spaces are allowed under subsection (A)(2) of this section, Parking Bonus Incentive Program for Structured Public/Private Parking.

2.    Parking Bonus Incentive Program for Structured Public/Private Parking

a.    A parking allowance bonus, beyond the maximum parking specified in subsection (A)(1) of this section, will be granted to those developments which provide retail/commercial, or service space beyond the requirements of subsection (B) of this section, Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures, residential space, or a public benefit in the form of:

i.    Dedicated public right-of-way, in an arrangement and amount per parcel that conforms to the City Center vehicular and pedestrian access plan; and/or

ii.    Publicly accessible on-site open space greater than the minimum five percent (5%) of net site area required; and/or

iii.    A public art display visible from the sidewalk or incorporated into publicly accessible on-site open space, as approved by the director.

b.    Calculation of Bonus. The formula for calculating parking bonuses above maximum allowed for on-site land uses shall be as follows:

Retail/Commercial/Service/Residential Space

Except for hotel uses, one (1) additional parking stall shall be awarded for each twenty-five (25) square feet of retail/commercial, service, or residential space, in addition to the minimum ground floor retail/commercial or service space required under subsection (B) of this section, Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures, included on the same site as part of a mixed use development at the time of construction.

Hotel Units

Hotel uses shall be awarded one and one-half (1-1/2) parking space per hotel unit, in addition to the minimum ground floor retail/commercial or service space required under subsection (B) of this section, Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures, included on the same site as part of a mixed use development at the time of construction.

Dedicated Right-of-Way

One (1) additional parking stall shall be awarded for each one hundred (100) square feet of interconnected public right-of-way dedicated according to the City Center vehicular and pedestrian access plan.

Open Space

One (1) additional parking stall shall be awarded for each fifty (50) square feet of publicly accessible on-site open space greater than the minimum five percent (5%) of net site area required.

Public Art

Up to sixty (60) additional parking stalls may be awarded for a public art display visible from the sidewalk or incorporated into publicly accessible on-site open space. To be awarded the maximum of sixty (60) stalls, the value of the public art shall be equivalent to one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the total cost of the portions of the structure containing the public/private parking uses. The director shall establish an administrative process for the consideration of public art.

3.    Location of Off-Street Parking Spaces for Non-Parking Uses. Public/private parking structures shall locate all required off-street parking spaces for any retail/commercial, service, or residential use(s) adjacent to such uses. The spaces shall be reserved and clearly designated for the customers of those uses.

4.    Open Space Requirements. Except for the following, the open space requirements in SMC 15.300.300 through 15.300.340 apply to parking structures with public/private parking uses.

a.    Minimum Open Space Area Required. For public/private parking structures, the minimum requirement for usable outdoor open space accessible to the public shall be equivalent to five percent (5%) of net site area.

b.    Location of Open Space. Required open space shall be located at the front of a property, or to the side of the property provided it is contiguous to the required front yard open space. Exceptions shall be made for open space incorporating Bow Lake as a focal point as described in SMC 15.300.325, Incorporating Bow Lake as a Focal Point.

B.    Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures.

1.    Parking structures shall be designed so that a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facade(s) facing a street provides ground floor area built out as retail/commercial or service uses as defined in SMC 15.300.730, Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects.

a.    Minimum Depth. The applicable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior parking structure facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

b.    Minimum Ceiling Height. The minimum clear interior ceiling height standard for the retail/commercial or service use portion of parking structures shall be thirteen (13) feet for all street level building space.

c.    Fire Suppression. Parking structure ground floors shall include fire suppressing sprinkler systems at the time of construction.

C.    Parking Structure Placement and/or Setbacks.

1.    Parking Structures on Properties Adjacent to International Boulevard. Except as otherwise specified below, the provisions of this subsection shall supersede the setback standards specified in SMC 15.300.210, Building Placement/Setbacks. No parking structures shall be located within thirty-five (35) feet of the International Boulevard ROW, except as specified below:

a.    Parking Structures Located Behind Non-Parking Buildings. Parking structures located behind additional non-parking buildings facing International Boulevard may be located in a manner that meets developer needs, within the setback requirements (SMC 15.300.210, Building Placement/Setbacks) and other applicable building codes, except that portions of parking garages exceeding the height of fronting buildings shall meet the thirty-five (35) foot requirement specified above.

b.    Parking Structures Integrated into Non-Parking Buildings. Parking structures may be integrated into buildings built within the maximum setback (SMC 15.300.210, Building Placement/Setbacks); provided, that a retail/commercial, service, office, or residential use, or a combination of these uses, comprises the building’s face for its full height on International Boulevard.

c.    Corner Lots on International Boulevard. For corner lots on International Boulevard, the parking structure must be faced with other uses as specified in subsection (C)(1)(b) of this section on all sides adjacent to public and/or private streets for a distance of thirty-five (35) feet from International Boulevard.

2.    Parking Structures on Properties Adjacent to All Other City Center Public and/or Private Streets. Parking structures shall be located within the maximum front yard setback, as specified in SMC 15.300.210, Building Placement/Setbacks, or built to the rear of the subject property when located behind additional buildings on site.

D.    Parking Structure Design.

1.    The following parking structure design standards shall be in addition to or, in some cases, supersede applicable design standards in other sections in this chapter, and in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

2.    Appearance and Integrated Design.

a.    Parking structure facades facing or visible from the street shall have the appearance of a general commercial use in order to mask the building as a parking structure.

b.    Parking structures shall be architecturally integrated or designed with an architectural theme similar to other buildings on the same site.

3.    Parking Structure Character and Massing. Parking structure elevations shall incorporate vertical and horizontal variation in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of any street-facing facade.

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. Intervals of architectural variation shall be incorporated at least every forty (40) feet over the length of any street-facing facade, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of garage floor openings;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials;

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the parking structure facade.

b.    Horizontal Facade Changes. Parking structures shall be designed to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors, such as:

i.    A horizontal projecting (or visible thickening) of the wall surface on the ground floor;

ii.    Changing materials between the parking structure base and upper floors; and/or

iii.    Including a continuous cornice line between the ground floor and upper floors.

4.    Parking Structure Top Floor Wall Design. Parking structure top floor wall designs must conform to one (1) or more of the following options:

a.    Top Floor Wall with Architectural Focal Point. A top floor wall focal point refers to a prominent wall edge feature.

b.    Top Floor Wall Line Variation.

i.    Projecting Cornice. Top floor wall line articulated through a variation or step in cornice height or detail. Cornices must be located at or near the top of the wall or parapet.

ii.    Articulated Parapet. Top floor wall line parapets shall incorporate angled, curved or stepped detail elements.

5.    Parking Structure Facade Design.

a.    Facades Visible from the Street. Facades of parking structures visible from a street shall be designed without continuous horizontal parking floor openings.

b.    Upper Floors of Parking Structures. Minimize views into the upper floors of parking structures through one (1) or more of the following methods:

i.    Screening as architectural elements on the parking structure upper floor facades; and/or

ii.    Upper parking floors designed as a pattern of window-like openings on the parking structure facade.

c.    Street Frontage Screening. On street frontages, ramps and decks shall be fully screened from view. This can be done with screening materials such as glazing, grilles or opaque materials.

d.    Architectural Focal Points. All building facades visible from public view shall contain a focal point near the main activity areas, building entrances and building corners using at least one (1) of the following methods:

i.    Unique materials;

ii.    Permanent public art installations;

iii.    Tower elements with rooflines that accentuate the corner;

iv.    Height differentiation; and/or

v.    Variation in building massing.

e.    Treatment of Blank Walls. See SMC 15.300.630(B), Treatment of Blank Walls.

6.    Parking Structure Ground Floor Design.

a.    Street Level Design. In order to enhance building design at the street level, the following provisions shall apply: requirements for ground floor transparency and weather protection in SMC 15.300.610, Street Level Design, and building entries in SMC 15.300.620, Pedestrian Building Entries.

b.    Ground Floor Screening of Parking Uses.

i.    Ground Floor Areas Visible from Street. Ground floor parking areas visible from a street shall be wholly screened through any combination of walls, grilles or transparent or opaque glazing, without compromising the open parking structure requirements of the Building Code.

ii.    Ground Floor Areas without Active Uses. For portions of parking structures without a ground floor retail, commercial, office, service or public use, a five (5) foot wide facade landscaping strip is required consisting of: a mix of evergreen shrub groupings spaced no more than four (4) feet apart that do not exceed a height of six (6) feet at maturity; and ground cover plantings.

7.    Building Materials. A variety of building materials shall be used such as brick, stone, timber, glazing and/or metal to add visual interest to the building(s) and reduce their perceived scale. Durable materials, such as masonry, shall be used – especially near the ground level.

a.    The following materials and features are prohibited:

i.    Mirror glass or other highly reflective materials;

ii.    Corrugated fiberglass;

iii.    Chain link fencing, barbed/concertina/razor wire; and

iv.    Bare or painted concrete as a predominant facade treatment.

8.    Parking Floors Located under or within Buildings.

a.    Parking located under or within buildings shall subordinate the garage entrance to the pedestrian entrance in terms of prominence on the street, location and design emphasis.

b.    Parking at grade under a building shall be completely enclosed within the building or wholly screened through any combination of walls, decorative grilles, or other screening techniques.

9.    Parking Structure Lighting.

a.    In addition to the following standards, lighting of parking structures shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 17.28 SMC, Parking Structures.

b.    Lighting on and/or within multi-level parking structures shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas. (Ord. 17-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.500 Landscaping Standards

A.    In addition to the standards of this section and chapter, landscaping requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention.

B.    Surface Parking Lot Landscaping and Treatment of Perimeter.

1.    At least ten percent (10%) of the interior surface parking area shall have landscaping when the total number exceeds twenty (20) parking stalls, including a minimum of one (1) tree for every seven (7) parking stalls to be distributed between rows and/or stalls throughout the parking lot.

2.    Surface parking shall be visually screened from public and/or private streets by means of building placement and/or landscaping. The perimeter of a parking lot shall be planted with five (5) feet of Type III landscaping, or if site layout requires, a maximum four (4) foot high fence and sufficient landscaping to filter views. Any abutting landscaped areas can be credited toward meeting this standard.

3.    The required width dimension for interior parking area planting beds shall be a measurement of the usable soil area between pavement curb edges. Except as noted in this subsection, trees and required landscaping shall be placed in planting beds at least five (5) feet wide between parking rows and/or stalls within the interior of the parking lot.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.600 Building Design

Purpose: Buildings should be designed to promote an architecturally appealing environment. Design emphasis should be given to the pedestrian through the provision of inviting building entries, street-level amenities and other structural and facade elements to encourage pedestrian interaction. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.610 Street Level Design

A.    Ground Floor Transparency Requirements.

1.    Windows shall be provided on the street level rather than blank walls to encourage a visual link between the business and passing pedestrians.

2.    Transparency requirements shall apply to buildings with a ground floor retail/commercial or service use, as defined in SMC 15.300.730 and in the City Center Use Charts (SMC 15.300.050 through 15.300.055), including portions of buildings where ground floor uses are convertible to a retail/commercial or service use. Transparency requirements shall not apply to portions of a building with ground floor housing.

a.    Windows shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the public street facing ground floor building wall area.

3.    Transparency Design Requirements.

a.    Transparency requirements shall apply to that area of the ground floor building wall fronting the street up to the finished ceiling height of the first floor building space.

b.    Windows shall begin twelve (12) to thirty (30) inches above the finished grade of the first floor building space.

c.    At the first floor building level, darkly tinted, mirrored or reflective glass shall not be used. Lightly tinted windows are allowed for nonretail ground floor uses.

B.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Along Building Facades.

1.    Building facades with ground floor retail/commercial or service uses shall be designed to provide for pedestrian weather protection through the use of awnings, canopies, colonnades, marquees, or building overhangs.

2.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Structure Design.

a.    Length. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend along at least the length of the street-facing facade with the ground floor retail/commercial or service use.

b.    Width. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend a minimum of four (4) feet out from the building facade. The maximum horizontal projection from the surface of the building shall be eight (8) feet or seventy-five percent (75%) of the distance to the curb face, whichever is less. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall be architecturally integrated with the ground level design of the building to which they are attached.

c.    Height. The minimum height of pedestrian weather protection structures shall be eight (8) feet and six (6) inches above the sidewalk surface. Maintain a horizontal consistency by aligning the bottom edge of weather protection structures with those on adjacent buildings. Where the grade is sloping, maintain the average height above grade of adjacent weather protection structures.

3.    Pedestrian Weather Protection and Building Facade Landscaping. Building facade landscaping shall not be required under pedestrian weather protection structures along public or private street frontages. Any facade landscaping provided under pedestrian weather protection structures shall be of such width that a minimum four (4) feet of unobstructed walking area remains under the building awning, canopy, overhang, or other weather protection structure.

a.    Building facade landscaping (Type V landscaping) in front of a ground floor retail use shall be designed and maintained to avoid obscuring visibility of street-facing windows or limiting access to building entrances. (Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.620 Pedestrian Building Entries

A.    Primary Building Entries. Primary building entries shall be designed to be clearly visible or recognizable from an adjacent public or private street through the incorporation of two (2) or more of the following features:

1.    Canopies, awnings, or other entry coverings that provide pedestrian shelter and interest;

2.    Distinctive architectural elements such as a variation in the building footprint, roof form, or amount of transparent glazing;

3.    Pedestrian-scaled ornamental lighting no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height;

4.    Landscaping designed as entry focal point.

B.    Ground Level Building Entries. All ground level building entries shall be located no more than three (3) feet above or below the grade of the sidewalk. In the case of an allowable grade difference between a building entry and adjoining sidewalk, provide stairs and/or ramps to accommodate pedestrian access.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.630 Building Facades

A.    Character and Massing.

1.    Building facades one hundred (100) feet or greater in length shall incorporate vertical and/or horizontal variations in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade, in at least two (2) of the following ways listed below (see City Center Overlay District parking structure standards in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation, for character and massing requirements specific to parking structures):

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. Incorporate intervals of architectural variation at least every eighty (80) feet over the length of the applicable facade, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of windows and doors;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials; and/or

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the applicable facade. Front facades incorporating a variation in building setback shall include within the setback such architectural elements as covered or recessed building entries, plazas or courtyards, storefront or bay windows, seating and/or planting areas.

b.    Horizontal Facade Changes. Designed to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors, such as:

i.    Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor building facade;

ii.    Changing materials between the building base and upper floors;

iii.    Including a continuous cornice line or pedestrian weather protection element between the ground floor and upper floors.

B.    Treatment of Blank Walls.

1.    Definition. The definition of a “blank wall” is any wall or portion of a wall that is located within forty (40) feet of a street or pedestrian-only corridor and is without a ground level window, door or facade opening along any street-facing facade section of twenty (20) feet in length or more.

2.    Where blank wall sections are unavoidable due to the requirements of a particular land use or structural needs, they shall not exceed a length of fifty (50) feet, or twenty percent (20%) of the length of the street-facing facade, whichever is less.

3.    Design Treatments. Blank wall sections of allowed lengths shall receive one (1) or more of the following special design treatments up to at least the finished ceiling height of the first floor building space in order to increase pedestrian comfort and interest:

a.    Install vertical trellis in front of the wall with climbing vines or other plant materials over at least thirty percent (30%) of the blank wall surface;

b.    Provide a decorative masonry pattern, or other architectural feature as approved by the Director, over at least thirty percent (30%) of the blank wall surface; and/or

c.    Employ small setbacks, projections, indentations, or intervals of material change to break up the wall’s surface.

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.640 Rooflines and Equipment

A.    Rooflines. In order to provide a visual terminus to the tops of City Center Overlay District buildings and soften rectilinear forms, roof designs must conform to one (1) of the following options:

1.    Roofline with Architectural Focal Point. A roofline focal point refers to a prominent rooftop feature such as a peak, tower, gable, dome, barrel vault or roofline trellis structure.

2.    Roofline Variation. The roofline articulated through a variation or step in roof height or detail, such as:

a.    Projecting Cornice. Roofline articulated through a variation or step in cornice height or detail. Cornices must be located at or near the top of the wall or parapet.

b.    Articulated Parapet. Roofline parapets shall incorporate angled, curved or stepped detail elements.

3.    Pitched Roof or Full Mansard. A roof with angled edges, with or without a defined ridge line and extended eaves.

4.    Terraced Roof. A roofline incorporating setbacks for balconies, roof gardens, or patios.

B.    Rooftop Equipment. Building rooftops shall be designed to effectively screen mechanical equipment from street-level view through one (1) or more of the following methods:

1.    A concealing roofline;

2.    A terraced facade;

3.    A screening wall or grillwork directly surrounding the equipment;

4.    Sufficient setback from the facade edge to be concealed from ground level view;

5.    Vegetated roof designed in accordance with the Surface Water Design Manual and applicable building codes.

 

(Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.700 Mixed Use and Multi-Family Development Standards

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.710 Mixed Use Development Standards

Purpose: Incorporate a mixture of different types of uses in one (1) structure or in close proximity to encourage pedestrian circulation, maximize site development potential and create an active environment. Design ground floors to accommodate commercial uses that benefit from a high degree of pedestrian activity while upper floors should be devoted to residential uses. The following regulations shall supersede the mixed use standard in SMC 15.520.300, Residential Mixed Use Standards, and shall apply to City Center developments proposing land uses specified as being part of a mixed use development in SMC 15.300.055, City Center Overlay District Use Chart. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.720 Definition of Mixed Use

Mixed use refers to the combining of retail/commercial and/or service uses with residential or office use in the same building or on the same site in one (1) of the following ways:

A.    Vertical Mixed Use. A single structure with the above floors used for residential or office use and a portion of the ground floor for retail/commercial or service uses.

B.    Horizontal Mixed Use – Attached. A single structure which provides retail/commercial or service use in the portion fronting the public or private street with attached residential or office uses behind.

C.    Horizontal Mixed Use – Detached. Two (2) or more structures on one (1) site which provide retail/commercial or service uses in the structure(s) fronting the public or private street, and residential or office uses in separate structure(s) behind or to the side.

 

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.730 Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects

The following shall apply to vertically mixed use buildings and ground floor active uses in the Urban Village zones, as well as structures in horizontal mixed use projects sited within the maximum front yard setback (see SMC 15.300.720, Definition of Mixed Use, for definitions of mixed use types):

A.    Minimum Ground Floor Use Requirements. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facing the street(s), excluding vehicle entrances, exits, and alleys, shall be designed to be occupied by a retail/commercial or service use on street frontages identified in Figure 15.300.730A.

Figure 15.300.730A: Required Ground Floor Uses

B.    Permitted Retail/Commercial/Service Uses. A partial list of permitted retail/commercial or service uses is specified below (for a detailed listing of permitted uses, refer to the City Center use charts):

1.    Retail/Commercial. Retail/commercial uses such as retail food shops, groceries, drug stores, florists, apparel and specialty shops, hotels/motels, restaurants, and other retail/commercial uses that are not specifically auto-oriented in scale or nature.

2.    Services. General offices, such as professional, financial, insurance and real estate services; or personal services, such as beauty salons, dry cleaners, shoe repair shops, banks, health and social services, libraries and health clubs.

C.    Design Requirements.

1.    Depth. The leasable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the exterior building facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

2.    Ceiling Heights. The minimum clear interior ceiling height standard for the retail/commercial or service use portion of mixed use buildings shall be a minimum ten (10) feet for all street level building space.

3.    Architecture and Entrances. Pedestrian-level commercial uses in vertical mixed use projects shall be distinguished architecturally from attached residential units and shall utilize separate entrances where feasible.

D.    Signs. Ground floor businesses shall provide business identity signs that fit with the architectural character of the site and shall conform to all other applicable sign requirements identified in the SeaTac Municipal Code.

E.    Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures. For ground floor use requirements relative to parking structures, see SMC 15.300.460(B), Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures.

F.    Ground Floor Active Uses in Village Zones.

1.    Applicability. Ground floor active uses shall be required in the UVM and UVH zones for the parcels identified in Figure 15.300.730A: Required Ground Floor Uses.

2.    Minimum Ground Floor Active Use Requirements. In addition to the provisions of this section, the following shall apply:

a.    Types of Retail/Commercial or Service Uses Allowed. Ground floor active uses shall not include uses with access limited to building residents, such as on-site gyms that do not allow public access.

3.    Non-Active Uses. Non-active uses such as parking shall be concealed if present on site. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C*); Ord. 18-1019 § 2; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

*Code reviser’s note: This section has been updated to correct inadvertent omissions from Ordinance 24-1022, Exhibit C, to properly implement City Council’s adopted policy direction.

15.300.740 Multi-Family Development Standards

Purpose: Design multiple-family units that are of high quality, good architectural design, are compatible with adjacent development, especially residential low density neighborhoods, and that provide linked open space.

A.    Multi-family and residential mixed use development within the City Center Overlay District shall meet the requirements of Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 18-1029 § 1; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.800 Additional Standards

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.810 Fences

A.    Fences over four (4) feet in height or other features that form continuous visual barriers or block views to the windows of a ground level retail/commercial or service use are prohibited within the front yard setback zone.

B.    Detached and Multi-Family Dwellings. Detached and multi-family dwelling units, excluding residential mixed use structures within the City Center, may have fences to a height of six (6) feet when fronting on a major arterial/highway, but must have adequate setback in order to maintain sight distance requirements established in SMC 15.400.340. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.820 Signs

Monument signs shall be located according to an approved site plan and in a manner that does not obstruct pedestrian movement. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.900 Development Incentives

In addition to the following, incentives in Chapter 15.425 SMC, Development Incentives, may apply. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.300.950 Parking Bonus Incentive Program for Structured Public/Private Parking

Repealed by Ord. 17-1008. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

LAND USE

MAXIMUM SPACES ALLOWED

NOTES

15.305.005 Purpose

A.    The following standards are intended to implement the City’s vision for the South 154th Street Station Area as set forth in the City of SeaTac Comprehensive Plan, by promoting transit-oriented development and pedestrian-oriented design, a diversity of uses within close proximity, open space, and a focal point for community identity.

B.    Urban Design Vision. The urban design vision for the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District is intended to support an environment that is pedestrian-oriented, visually pleasing and easily accessible to the pedestrian, motorist and public transit user.

C.    Examples and illustrations are included to illustrate ways in which the intent of the standard could be achieved. The graphic illustrations are meant to be examples and not the only acceptable means to accomplishing the intent of the illustrated standards. Applicants and project designers are encouraged to consider designs, styles and techniques not pictured that will fulfill the intent of the design standard. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.010 Authority and Application

A.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District as delineated in the official zoning map. Within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District, this chapter shall supersede existing regulations elsewhere in this title when in conflict with this chapter.

B.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development or public right-of-way meeting one (1) or more of the following thresholds:

1.    All new construction requiring building permits; and/or

2.    Major redevelopment. Additions or alterations to a building or site, excluding interior-only improvements, which total fifty percent (50%) or more of the gross square footage (GSF) of the existing building(s) or site.

Only the portions of the building or site being altered or added to shall be required to integrate South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District standards into the design of the alteration or addition. Project applicants proposing additions or alterations to a building or site conforming to the above criteria for major redevelopment shall arrange a pre-design meeting with Planning staff prior to permit application to establish those design standards applicable to the proposed addition or alteration.

C.    Departures. Departures from these South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District standards may be allowed, to promote well designed developments which may not strictly comply with the established standards. Proposed departures from these special standards are subject to the approval of the Director.

1.    A departure shall not be granted for height, setbacks, building lot coverage, maximum and minimum parking requirements, minimum lot area, density, lot width or land uses.

D.    Departure Criteria. The applicant must show that the proposed development requesting a departure(s) meets all of the following criteria:

1.    How the requested departure meets the intent of the applicable design standard.

2.    How the requested departure will not have a detrimental effect on adjacent and nearby properties.

3.    How the requested departure offers a significant improvement over what otherwise could have been built under the minimum design standards.

4.    How the proposed departure is part of an overall, thoughtful and comprehensive approach to the design of the project as whole.

E.    High Capacity Transit. Standards for high capacity transit facilities, as identified in Chapter 15.530 SMC, shall apply to all applicable development within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District.

Figure: SOUTH 154TH STREET STATION AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT MAP

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.050 Definitions and Use Chart Guide

A.    Land Use Definitions Specific to the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District. In addition to the land use definitions in Chapter 15.105 SMC, Definitions, the following definitions apply in the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District:

“Drive-through facility” means a business or portion of a business where a consumer is permitted or encouraged, either by the design of physical facilities or by the provisions of services and/or packaging procedures, to carry on business while seated in a motor vehicle.

“Office use” means the use of a room or group of rooms for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, service, or government and generally furnished with desks, tables, files and communication equipment.

“Park-and-fly commercial parking” means commercial parking facilities which provide short- or long-term parking space for a fee, for parking for airport travelers.

“Pedestrian-oriented uses” means uses that stimulate pedestrian activity along the sidewalk frontage of a building.

“Pedestrian zone” means the area between the back of curb to the face of a building. It may include both private property and public right-of-way.

“Personal services” means a business that provides services relating to personal grooming.

“Public facility” means a use which serves the public and is generally of a public service, noncommercial nature.

B.    Selected Prohibited Uses. This section identifies selected uses that are prohibited within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District. The South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District use chart in SMC 15.305.055 presents the full listing of uses that are prohibited and allowed within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District with the addition of the following prohibited uses listed in subsection (B)(1) of this section.

1.    Prohibited Uses.

a.    Park-and-fly commercial parking.

b.    Exterior (outdoor) storage. Outdoor seating for restaurants and pedestrian-oriented accessory uses, such as flower, food, or drink stands, are exempt from this requirement.

c.    Drive-through facilities.

C.    Use Chart Guide.

1.    About the Use Chart. The following chart lists all of the permitted and conditional land uses allowed in each zone.

2.    How to Use the Use Chart. The land uses are listed vertically along the left hand side and the zones are listed horizontally across the top. Each square in the chart shows the following possibilities for the use and the zone:

P: The use is permitted.

C: The use is allowed subject to a conditional use permit.

If the square is blank, the use is not permitted in that zone.

3.    Additional Standards According to Use. Additional standards that apply to a particular use and zone are noted by number and described in the column on the far right of the chart. If the standard is not preceded by a number, the standard applies to all zones.

4.    For detached dwelling units that are legally established, pre-existing uses, the standards of Chapter 15.120 SMC, Nonconformance and Reuse of Facilities, apply. For properties zoned aviation operations (AVO) and aviation commercial (AVC), the standards and permitted uses of Chapter 15.210 SMC, Uses and Standards for the AVO and AVC Airport Zones, apply. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.055 South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District Use Chart

ZONES:

 

URM – Urban Residential Medium

CB-C – Community Business in the Urban Center

URH – Urban Residential High

 

UHR-MU – Urban Residential High – Mixed Use

 

 

P – Permitted Use; C – Conditional Use Permit required

LAND USE

URM

URH

URH-MU

CB-C

Additional Standards

See mixed-use development standards in SMC 15.305.700, Mixed Use Development Standards.

ANIMALS

Kennel/Cattery

 

 

 

P(1)

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

Stables

 

 

 

 

 

Veterinary Clinic

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Airport Support Facility

 

 

 

 

 

Cargo Containers

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial/Industrial Accessory Uses

 

 

 

 

 

Conference/Convention Center

 

 

 

P

 

Construction/Landscaping Yard

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Center/Warehouse

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Rental, Large

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Rental, Small

 

 

 

C

 

Equipment Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Repair, Small

 

 

 

P

 

Helipad/Heliport and Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Office

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Storage, Self-Service

 

 

 

 

 

Truck Terminal

 

 

 

 

 

CIVIC AND INDUSTRIAL

Cemetery

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Facility

P

P

P

P

 

Funeral Home/Crematory

 

 

 

 

 

Police Facility

P

P

P

P

 

Public Agency Office

 

P

P

P

 

Public Agency Yard

 

 

 

 

 

Social Service Office

 

 

 

P

 

EDUCATIONAL

College/University

C

C

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Elementary/Middle School

C

C

C

 

 

High School

C

C

C

C

 

Specialized Instruction School

 

P(1)

P

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Vocational/Technical School

 

 

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF)

 

 

 

 

 

Crisis Diversion Interim Facility (CDIF)

 

 

 

 

 

Day Care I

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Day Care II

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Emergency Housing

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Emergency Shelters

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Hospital

 

 

 

P

 

Medical Office/Outpatient Clinic

 

 

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Opiate Substitution Treatment Facility

 

 

 

C

Subject to the CUP-EPF siting process (SMC 15.115.040, Essential Public Facilities).

Permanent Supportive Housing (1)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

(1) Small-scale permanent supportive housing facilities are defined as a CRF I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Reentry Center

 

 

 

 

 

Transitional Housing (1)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

(1) Small-scale transitional housing facilities are defined as a CRF I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

MANUFACTURING

Assembly and Packaging

 

 

 

 

 

Food Processing

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratories, Research, Development and Testing

 

 

 

C

 

Manufacturing and Fabrication, Light

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturing and Fabrication, Medium

 

 

 

 

 

Micro-Winery/Brewery/Distillery

 

 

 

P(1)

(1) Permitted in conjunction with the following retail uses: restaurant, tavern, retail sales or tasting room. Retail uses to be oriented to the public street and located at the ground floor.

Recycling Processing

 

 

 

 

 

MOTOR VEHICLES

Auto Service Center

 

 

 

 

 

Auto Supply Store

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

P(1)

P(1)

P(2)

P

(1) Restricted electric vehicle charging stations only.

(2) Battery charging stations only, limited in use only to the tenants or customers of the development located on site.

Fueling/Service Station

 

 

 

 

 

Public/Private Parking

 

 

 

 

 

Tire Retreading

 

 

 

 

 

Towing Operation

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Rental/Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Rental/Sales, Large

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Repair, Small

 

 

 

 

 

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURE

Amusement Park

 

 

 

 

 

Community Center

C

P

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Drive-In Theater

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Course

 

 

 

 

 

Health Club

 

C

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Library

P

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Museum

C

C

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Park

P

P

P

P

 

Religious Use Facility

C/P(1,2)

P

P(3)

P

(1) Allowed as a CUP subject to criteria under SMC 15.115.020(C).

(2) Allowed as a permitted use subject to the criteria in Chapter 15.470 SMC.

(3) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Religious Use Facility Accessory

C/P(1,2,3)

C(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Allowed as a CUP subject to criteria under SMC 15.115.020(C).

(3) Allowed as a permitted use subject to the criteria in Chapter 15.470 SMC.

Stadium/Arena

 

 

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL

Accessory Dwelling Unit

P

 

 

 

See SMC 15.465.100, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), for standards.

ADUs are allowed on nonconforming detached dwelling unit properties. See SMC 15.120.070, Nonconformance – Uses of Structures.

College Dormitory

 

 

 

P

 

Dwelling Unit, Detached

P

 

 

 

 

Middle Housing

P

P(1)

P(1)

 

See Maximum Number of Units Per Lot in SMC 15.400.100, Residential Standards Chart.

(1) Only allowed if multi-family development is infeasible due to lot size or critical area constraints.

Multi-Family

P

P

P

P(1)

(1) Multi-family projects within the CB-C zone shall comply with the pedestrian-oriented use requirements in SMC 15.305.057.

Townhouse

 

P

P

 

See Chapter 15.505 SMC, Townhouse Development Design Standards.

RESIDENTIAL, RETIREMENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

Assisted Living

 

P

P

 

 

Community Residential Facility I

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

(1) See SMC 15.465.400 for community residential facilities standards.

Community Residential Facility II

 

 

P

P

 

Convalescent Center/Nursing Home

P

P

P

 

 

Retirement Apartments

 

P

P

P

 

RESIDENTIAL, ACCESSORY

Home Occupation

P

P

P

P

See SMC 15.465.500, Home Occupations.

Shed/Garage

P

P

P

P

See Chapter 15.405 SMC, Accessory and Tent Structures.

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL

Agricultural Crop Sales (Farm Only)

 

 

 

 

 

Arcade (Games/Food)

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Beauty Salon/Personal Grooming Service

 

P(1)

C(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Coffee Shop/Retail Food Shop

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

Concession Sales

P

P

P

P

 

Dry Cleaner

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Espresso Stand

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

Financial Institution

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

Laundromat

P

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Mobile Food Vending

 

P

P

P

See SMC 15.415.300, Mobile Food Vending.

Produce Stand

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

C(1,2)

P(1,2)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

Restaurant, Fast Food

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed.

Retail, Big Box

 

 

P(1)

 

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Retail, General

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Sexually Oriented Business

 

 

 

C

 

Tavern

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Theater/Entertainment Club

 

 

 

 

 

Theater, Movie

 

 

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL, LODGING

Bed and Breakfast

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1,2)

(1) See SMC 15.465.300, Bed and Breakfast Standards.

(2) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Hotel/Motel and Associated Uses

 

 

P(1)

P

(1) Permitted as part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.305.710, Definition of Mixed Use.

Short-Term Rental

P

P

P

P

See SMC 15.465.320, Short-Term Rentals.

UTILITIES

Utility Substation

C

C

C

C

 

Utility Use

C

C

C

C

 

Wireless Communications Facility

C/P

C/P

C/P

P

See Chapter 15.480 SMC, Wireless Communication Facilities, for specific use and development standards.

(Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 23-1003 § 3; Ord. 22-1002 § 9 (Exh. C); Ord. 21-1031 § 15 (Exh. C); Ord. 21-1008 § 12; Ord. 20-1026 § 10; Ord. 18-1009 § 5; Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.057 Pedestrian-Oriented Uses, Streets and Requirements

A.    Pedestrian-Oriented Uses. All projects that are located on streets intended for high levels of pedestrian activity shall provide street level pedestrian-oriented retail, restaurant/food establishment, public facilities, public or personal service uses.

B.    Primary and Secondary Pedestrian-Oriented Streets.

1.    Primary Pedestrian Streets.

a.    The west side International Boulevard between S. 154th Street and S. 152nd Street; and

b.    The north side of S. 154th Street between International Boulevard and 32nd Avenue South.

2.    Secondary Pedestrian Streets.

a.    The west side of Military Road South between S. 152nd Street and S. 150th Street.

C.    Requirement and Location.

1.    New development or redevelopment projects located along primary pedestrian-oriented streets shall have a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facing the street, excluding vehicle entrances, exits, and alleys for pedestrian-oriented uses.

2.    New development or redevelopment projects located along secondary pedestrian-oriented streets shall have a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facing the street, excluding vehicle entrances, exits, and alleys, for pedestrian-oriented uses.

Figure: Primary and Secondary Pedestrian Streets

(Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.100 Circulation

Purpose: Create a station area with an emphasis on the needs of the pedestrian which is also accessible and convenient for vehicles. Sufficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation should be provided through the establishment of an adequate network of streets and sidewalks. Placement of structures, landscaping, and access points should collectively seek to promote an integrated, multi-modal transportation system. Creatively designed, clean and functional pedestrian connections are encouraged to provide access throughout the station area, between properties and to and from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.110 Vehicular Circulation Requirements

Vehicular circulation is intended to provide for public access, safe traffic flow, and connections to established vehicular routes.

A.    All new streets within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District shall be constructed in accordance with adopted street standards specified in SMC Title 11, Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Thoroughfares, and generally conform to the adopted South 154th Street Station Area Action Plan to the greatest extent possible.

B.    An owner or developer shall coordinate with owners of adjacent parcels and consolidate, wherever possible, vehicular circulation routes to interconnect public and/or private streets in conformance with the adopted South 154th Street Station Area Action Plan. Where appropriate, circulation corridors shall extend to the boundary line of the site parcel in order to provide for future development of adjacent parcels and connections with existing public and/or private streets.

C.    Internal Access Roads. Internal access roads are encouraged to provide vehicular and pedestrian access to the interior of the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District, to create connections between existing streets and to provide opportunities for new street frontages for retail and commercial uses. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.200 Site Planning and Building Orientation

Purpose: Design structures to have an external orientation to the streetscape and the pedestrian environment with unifying open space and pedestrian pathways. Design emphasis should be given to the pedestrians, rather than automobiles, through placement of parking in a less prominent location; pedestrian-level retail space; treatment of blank walls and facades and incorporation of prominent architectural features. Site layout should emphasize coordination of open spaces and pedestrian access with adjacent development or public places. Lighting and landscaping should allow for safety and visibility of public and semi-public areas. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.210 Building Placement Setback and Pedestrian Zone Width

A.    International Boulevard between South 154th Street to South 152nd Street.

1.    Building Setback. Seventy-five percent (75%) of building frontage shall be set at the back of the pedestrian zone. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone no more than twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be fifteen (15) feet along the west side of International Boulevard.

B.    Military Road South between South 152nd Street to South 150th Street.

1.    Building Setback. Sixty percent (60%) of building frontage shall be set at the back of the pedestrian zone. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the west and east sides of Military Road South.

C.    South 154th Street, North and South, East between 32nd Avenue South to International Boulevard.

1.    Building Setback. Sixty percent (60%) of building frontage shall be set at the back of the pedestrian zone. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be fifteen (15) feet along the north side of South 154th Street. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the south side of South 154th Street.

D.    South 154th Street, North and South, West of 32nd Avenue South.

1.    Building Setback. A maximum setback of ten (10) feet measured from the back of the pedestrian zone for sixty percent (60%) of building frontage. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be thirteen (13) feet along the north side of South 154th Street. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the south side of South 154th Street.

E.     32nd Avenue South, West and East Sides of the Street.

1.    Building Setback. A maximum setback of ten (10) feet measured from the back of the pedestrian zone for sixty percent (60%) of building frontage. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the west and east sides of 30th Avenue South.

F.    30th Avenue South, West and East Sides of the Street.

1.    Building Setback. A maximum setback of ten (10) feet measured from the back of the pedestrian zone for sixty percent (60%) of building frontage. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the west and east sides of 32nd Avenue South.

G.    South 152nd Street, East of 32nd Avenue South.

1.    Building Setback. A maximum setback of ten (10) feet measured from the back of the pedestrian zone for sixty percent (60%) of building frontage. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the north and south sides of 32nd Avenue South.

H.    South 152nd Street, West of 32nd Avenue South.

1.    Building Setback. A maximum setback of ten (10) feet measured from the back of the pedestrian zone for sixty percent (60%) of building frontage. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the building may be set back from the back of the pedestrian zone a maximum of twenty (20) feet.

2.    Pedestrian Zone Width. The total pedestrian zone width, including existing sidewalk, shall be eight (8) feet along the north and south sides of 32nd Avenue South. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.220 Development Abutting Two (2) or More Street Frontages

A.    Buildings on corner lots shall orient front facades to both the corner and adjacent public and/or private street fronts. Pedestrian entries should be located near or on the corner.

1.    Corner Buildings and Architectural Focal Points. Development at the intersection of arterial streets shall include architectural focal points that increase the visibility and landmark status of corner buildings, such as, but not limited to, one (1) or more of the following:

a.    Transparent glazing incorporated into corner building design;

b.    Tower elements and/or rooflines that accentuate the corner;

c.    Balconies or building terraces at or near the corner.

Example: Architecture Focal Point

(Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.230 Projects on or Near the Edge of a Residential Low (RL) or Urban Residential Medium (URM) Zone

Careful siting, building design and building massing shall be used to achieve an integrated neighborhood character in urban residential high and urban residential medium projects that transition to residential low.

A.    Urban Residential Medium (URM) or Urban Residential High (URH) adjacent to Residential Low (RL). Properties abutting RL zones shall incorporate a minimum of two (2) of the following techniques:

1.    Increasing the building setback from the zone boundary at ground level;

2.    Reducing the bulk of the building’s upper floors;

3.    Reducing the height of the structure;

4.    Use of a Type 1, ten (10) foot landscape buffer;

5.    Modulation of bays;

6.    URM to RL: stepping down the height of structures from forty (40) feet to thirty-five (35) feet at the zone boundary;

7.    URH to RL: stepping down the height of structures from fifty-five (55) feet to forty-five (45) feet at the zone boundary;

8.    Minimizing use of blank walls. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.240 Driveway Design

A.    Automobile access shall be consolidated with no more than one (1) driveway per one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of street frontage.

B.    Curb cuts should be minimized whenever possible through the use of shared driveways.

C.    Pedestrian walkways interrupted by driveways shall be distinguished from the driveway surface by decorative paving.

D.    Driveways serving front yard porte-cochere building entries may be approved by the Director and include only the short-term parking that can be accommodated along one (1) double-loaded drive aisle. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.250 Service Element Location and Design

To reduce the potential negative impacts of service elements such as waste receptacles and loading docks, service and loading areas shall be located away from sidewalks and other pedestrian areas, and screened from public view. The following requirements shall also be met:

A.    Service elements shall be concentrated and located where they are accessible to service vehicles and convenient for tenant use.

B.    Service elements shall be designed to meet CPTED standards. (See Chapter 17.04 SMC, CPTED Concepts.) (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.260 Exterior Lighting Principles

A.    Use lighting both to increase site safety in all locations used by pedestrians and to highlight architectural or landscape details and features such as entries, signs, canopies, plantings, and art.

B.    Design project lighting based upon the uses on and off site, taking care to provide illumination to serve building needs while avoiding off-site night glare and light pollution.

C.    Lighting standards shall be no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height, and used to illuminate surfaces intended for pedestrians or vehicles, as well as building entries. Light fixtures shall be sited and directed to minimize glare around residences.

D.    Exterior lighting shall be used to identify and distinguish the pedestrian walkway network from car or transit circulation. Along pedestrian circulation corridors, lighting standards shall be placed between pedestrian ways and public and/or private streets, driveways or parking areas. The level of lighting shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 17.40 SMC, Walkway, Bikeway and Park Lighting. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.300 Open Space and Amenities

Purpose: Provide for open space that enhances and activates the pedestrian realm through the provision of plazas, courtyards, pocket parks and sidewalks. Open spaces should be inviting, functional, easy to maintain and safe. It should contribute to the character of the area and complement the built environment. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.310 Minimum Open Space Required

The following standards are applicable to all commercial, nonresidential and multi-family developments:

A.    Multi-Family Development. See Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards.

B.     Commercial and Nonresidential Development.

1.    Minimum Open Space Required. Five percent (5%) of net site area shall be set aside as accessible, usable outdoor open space.

2.    Net Site Area Calculation.

Net Site Area = Total Site Area – Sensitive Areas

For the purpose of this chapter, the following shall not be included toward meeting the minimum open space requirement:

a.    Portions of a parcel classified as sensitive area; stormwater facility, provided that such stormwater facilities are at grade and not covered; or open water.

b.    Required landscaping and sensitive area buffers without common access links, such as pedestrian trails.

c.    Driveways, parking, or other auto serving uses.

d.    Areas of a parcel with slopes greater than eight percent (8%) shall not qualify as usable outdoor open space, unless the area has been developed with an enhanced accessibility system of stairs, ramps, terraces, trails, seating areas, or other site improvements as approved by the Director.

3.    Prohibited Adjacent to Open Space. The following is prohibited adjacent to pedestrian-oriented space:

a.    Unscreened parking lots;

b.    Chain link fences;

c.    Blank walls; and

d.    Dumpsters or service areas.

4.    Areas That Qualify as Open Space. Open space that qualifies toward meeting the minimum open space requirement shall include one (1) or more of the following:

a.    Active outdoor recreation areas;

b.    Expansion of existing public sidewalks;

c.    Pedestrian-only corridors or multi-purpose trails separate from the public or private roadway system that provide through connections to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity or provide access links in sensitive area buffers. The square footage (length times width) of corridors/trails shall be counted as usable open space;

d.     Publicly accessible plazas, courtyards or pocket parks constructed contiguous with new or existing sidewalks. Publicly accessible courtyard designs shall conform to SMC 15.305.320. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.320 Location and Design of Open Space

The following open space regulation shall supersede the street frontage landscape requirement as specified in SMC 15.445.010(C) and 15.445.210. The building facade landscaping requirement shall continue to apply to uses in the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District, except under pedestrian weather protection structures, as specified in SMC 15.310.610(C).

A.    Multi-Family Development. For multi-family open space location and design requirements see Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards.

B.    Commercial and Nonresidential Development Open Space Requirements. Open space is to be provided in the following order of priority:

1.    Sidewalk Improvements. Sidewalk widths shall be expanded and other improvements shall be provided along all public and private streets as per SMC 15.305.210.

2.    Remaining Open Space Area. After fulfilling the sidewalk improvements, remaining open space shall be provided within the front yard or to the side of the property. The open space shall be developed and arranged in a manner that is accessible to the public at all times, directly connected to a sidewalk or pedestrian pathway, and bordered on at least one (1) side by, or is readily accessible from the primary structure on site.

Front yard open space shall be placed in one (1) or more of the following ways:

a.    Plaza, Courtyard, or Pocket Park. Publicly accessible open space shall be placed in a plaza, courtyard or pocket park that includes at a minimum:

i.    Two hundred (200) square feet in size that is adjacent to a pedestrian building entrance;

ii.    At least fifty percent (50%) decorative paving, constructed of such materials as stamped, broom finish, or scored concrete; brick or modular pavers;

iii.    One (1) tree for every two hundred (200) square feet of decorative paving area;

iv.    One (1) linear foot of seating per each forty (40) square feet of plaza, courtyard, or pocket park space in the form of freestanding outdoor benches of a minimum sixteen (16) inches wide or seating incorporated into low walls, raised planters or building foundations at least twelve (12) inches wide and eighteen (18) inches high;

v.    Incorporate one (1) or more of the following to encourage pedestrian use and activity: plantings or grass within or immediately adjacent to the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park; public art such as a water feature or sculpture or other public amenities approved by the Director.

C.    Commercial and Nonresidential General Open Space Design Standards.

1.    Accessory Site Furnishing. Accessory site furnishings shall be located so as not to obstruct pedestrian access along sidewalks and to businesses.

a.    Waste receptacles, movable planters and other accessory site furnishings shall be of a design which is compatible with the design of the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park, through the use of similar detailing or materials.

2.    Common Space Areas. Common open space should be located to take advantage of surrounding features such as building entrances, significant landscaping, unique topography or architecture, and solar exposure.

3.    Integration with Adjacent Parcels. Usable open space areas shall be organized and designed in a manner that allows for maximum integration with open space on adjacent parcels.

4.    Linkage of Open Space Elements. Developments proposing on-site plazas and pocket parks as publicly accessible project amenities shall link the open space elements with adjacent sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and/or bikeways. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.330 Open Space Maintenance

All open space improvements shall be maintained in good condition. Maintenance shall include cleaning of plaza surfaces, regular watering, mowing, pruning, clearance of debris and weeds, removal and replacement of dead plants and the repair and replacement of irrigation systems.

A.    Water features such as fountains must be functional and maintained in good condition. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.400 Parking Standards

Purpose: Minimize parking as a dominant land use. Parking should be screened through its placement behind structures and via landscaping. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.410 Off-Street Parking Requirements and Reductions

A.     Minimum Parking Requirements. The minimum parking spaces required are specified in SMC 15.455.120, Parking Chart for Required Off-Street Spaces.

1.    Parking Reduction. The number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced for properties within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District when one (1) or more regularly scheduled high capacity public transit routes are within one-quarter (1/4) mile of a site. The amount of reduction shall be based on the frequency of the transit service, proximity and shall be limited as follows:

a.    Residential. Thirty-five percent (35%) maximum;

b.    Government, Business Services and Manufacturing. Forty percent (40%) maximum;

c.    Recreational and Cultural, Retail and Commercial. Thirty percent (30%) maximum.

B.    Parking may be increased by twenty percent (20%) above the minimum required under SMC 15.455.110, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.420 Off-Street Loading Requirements

Off-street loading shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.430 Bicycle Parking

Bicycle parking and any associated amenities are encouraged if commensurate with the intended use and/or design of the building. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.440 General Parking Design and Construction Standards

Parking design and construction requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.450 Surface Parking

A.    Location of Surface Parking Lots.

1.    No parking shall be located between a building and the front property line. The Director may approve a driveway for passenger loading and off-loading only in conformance with SMC 15.305.240, Driveway Design. Surface parking shall be located behind a building or to the side of a building.

Example: Parking on Corner Lots

2.    Parking to the Side of the Building. Parking located next to a building shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the front property line. The setback area shall be landscaped with Type III landscaping per Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention.

3.    Parking on Corner Lots. On corner lots, no parking shall be located between the building and either of the two (2) front property lines. If a parcel abuts more than two (2) public or private streets, no parking shall be located between the building and the front property line abutting the two (2) public and/or private streets with the highest classification.

B.    Pedestrian Circulation through Parking Lots.

1.    Surface parking lots containing one hundred (100) parking spaces or more shall provide pedestrian walkways through the parking lot to provide for safe pedestrian movement.

2.    Pedestrian Walkway Design.

a.    Pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of four (4) feet wide, separated from vehicular travel lanes to the maximum extent possible and designed to provide safe access to non-street front building entrances or existing pedestrian ways.

b.    Where sidewalks or walkways cross vehicular driveways, provide a continuous raised crossing, or distinguish the crossing from the driveway surface by marking with a contrasting paving material. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.460 Structured Parking

Purpose: Design parking structures to blend in with adjacent development. Emphasize design features that minimize the obtrusiveness of the parking use and encourage architectural compatibility with adjacent development.

Example: Structured Parking Images

A.    Parking Structure Design.

1.    The following parking structure design standards shall be in addition to or, in some cases, supersede applicable design standards in other sections in this chapter, and in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

2.    Minimizing Views into the Parking Structure Interior.

a.    For portions of parking structures without a ground floor retail, commercial, office, service or public use, a five (5) foot wide facade landscaping strip is required consisting of:

i.    A mix of evergreen shrub groupings spaced no more than four (4) feet apart that do not exceed a height of six (6) feet at maturity.

b.    Any portion of a parking structure ground floor with exposed parking areas adjacent to a public or private street shall screen and minimize views into the parking structure interior by incorporating architectural elements on the parking structure facade.

c.    In addition to the above, minimize views into the upper floors of parking structures through one (1) or more of the following methods:

i.    Screening using architectural elements on the parking structure upper floor facades; and/or

ii.    Upper parking floors designed as a pattern of window-like openings on the parking structure facade.

3.    Parking Structure Character and Massing. Parking structure elevations over one hundred (100) feet in length shall incorporate vertical and horizontal variation in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade. In order to incorporate architectural variation within a project, a minimum of one (1) vertical facade change and a minimum of one (1) horizontal facade change shall be provided in the following ways:

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. Incorporate intervals of architectural variation at least every forty (40) feet over the length of the applicable facade, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of garage openings;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials;

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the parking structure facade.

b.    Horizontal Facade Changes. Differentiate the ground floor from upper floors by:

i.    Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor parking structure facade; or

ii.    Changing materials between the parking structure base and upper floors; or

iii.    Including a continuous cornice line or pedestrian weather protection element between the ground floor and upper floors.

Example: Articulation of Parking Structures

4.    Parking Floors Located under or within Buildings.

a.    Parking located under or within buildings shall subordinate the garage entrance to the pedestrian entrance in terms of prominence on the street, location and design emphasis.

b.    Parking at grade under a building shall be completely enclosed within the building or wholly screened through any combination of walls, decorative grilles, or trellis work with landscaping.

5.    Parking Structure Lighting.

a.    In addition to the following standards, lighting of parking structures shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 17.28 SMC, Parking Structures.

b.    Lighting on and/or within multi-level parking structures shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas.

B.    Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures.

1.    Front Facade. A parking structure front facade shall be designed so that a minimum of one hundred percent (100%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facade(s), excluding vehicle entrances and exits, provides ground floor commercial space suitable for retail and commercial uses.

a.    Minimum Depth. The applicable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

b.    Minimum Ceiling Height. The minimum clear interior ceiling height standard for the retail/commercial or service use portion of parking structures shall be thirteen (13) feet for all street level building space.

2.    A maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the ground floor leasable commercial/retail or service space may be occupied by office uses related to the operation of the parking structure. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.500 Landscaping Standards

A.    Multi-Family, Townhouse, and Duplex Development.

1.    Landscape standards for multi-family, townhouse and duplex development are found in Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention, unless superseded by Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards, or 15.505 SMC, Townhouse and Duplex Development Design Standards.

B.    Commercial or Nonresidential Development. In addition to the standards of this section and chapter, landscaping requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention.

C.    Surface Parking Lot Landscaping and Treatment of Perimeter. Surface parking shall be visually screened from public and/or private streets by means of building placement and/or landscaping.

1.    Minimum Standards. The minimum surface parking landscaping standards are located in SMC 15.445.250, Surface Parking Landscaping.

2.    Landscape Requirements for Parking Located to the Side of the Building. Where parking is located to the side of a building, the following standards shall apply:

a.    Front Yard Landscape Buffer. Parking located to the side of a building shall provide a minimum ten (10) foot landscape buffer from the front property line. The setback area shall be landscaped with Type III landscaping per Chapter 15.455 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention.

i.    A front yard landscape buffer established to screen parking must be provided in addition to any required open space provided.

b.    Landscape Island. The requirement for landscape islands in SMC 15.445.250(B), Landscape Islands, is waived for surface parking areas located to the side of a building and located behind a ten (10) foot front yard landscape buffer.

i.    Surface parking located to the rear of a building shall provide for landscape islands as per SMC 15.445.250(B).

Example: Location of Parking

3.    Perimeter Landscaping of Surface Parking Lots. The perimeter of a parking lot shall be planted with five (5) feet of Type III landscaping, except as required in SMC 15.310.500(B)(2)(a), Front Yard Landscape Buffer.

a.    Fence Option. If a four (4) foot high fence and landscaping sufficient to filter views is provided, the width of the required landscaping may be reduced. Fences must be see-through and constructed with wrought iron or other metal.

D.    Street trees shall be deciduous shade trees as per SMC Title 11. Variations in tree spacing may be approved by the Director to enhance plaza areas, emphasize building focal points or avoid visually blocking retail storefront entrances. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.600 Building Design

Purpose: Encourage a variety of building and design solutions in response to the standards and regulations outlined herein. Buildings should: (A) be designed to achieve an architecturally appealing environment, giving emphasis to the pedestrian through the provision of inviting building entries, street-level amenities and other structural and facade elements to encourage pedestrian interaction; (B) directly contribute to the attractiveness, safety and function of the street and public areas; and (C) be designed to accommodate a range of uses over time. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.605 Minimum Building Height

Minimum building height requirements are utilized to enhance the pedestrian environment, create visual interest and provide for a consistent building scale.

A.    Minimum Building Height. The minimum building height within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District shall be eighteen (18) feet.

B.    Calculation of Minimum Building Height. The overall height of a building shall be measured from the average grade of the site to the top of the parapet of the highest habitable floor. Alternate roof structures shall be measured per SMC 15.110.070, Structure Height.

C.    Maximum Structure Heights. For maximum structure heights for zone classifications within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District, see the dimensional standards charts in SMC 15.400.100 and 15.400.200. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.610 Street Level Design

A.    Ground Floor Transparency Requirements. Windows shall be provided at the street level along public and private streets to encourage a visual link between the business and passing pedestrians.

1.    Ground Floor Transparency. Transparency requirements shall apply to the ground floor front building facades with retail, commercial, office, service or public uses. Windows shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) along the primary pedestrian street and fifty percent (50%) along the secondary pedestrian street.

2.    Residential Uses. Transparency requirements shall not apply to portions of a building with residential units located at the ground floor.

3.    Structured Parking. Structured parking entrances that occupy a portion of the front facade are exempt from the transparency requirement.

4.    Transparency Design Requirements.

a.    Transparency requirements shall apply to that area of the ground floor building wall facing the street up to the finished ceiling height of the ground floor of the building.

b.    Windows shall begin between twelve (12) to thirty (30) inches above the finished grade of the ground floor building space.

c.    Darkly tinted, mirrored, reflective or other types of glass or window treatments that diminish transparency are prohibited. Lightly tinted windows are allowed for nonretail ground floor uses.

 

Examples: Street Level Design

B.    Minimum Depth and Ceiling Heights for Street Level Nonresidential Uses. Ground floor spaces of buildings intended for nonresidential uses that face public or private streets shall provide the following:

1.    Minimum Depth. The applicable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

2.    Minimum Ceiling Height. The minimum clear interior floor to finished ceiling height standard for the ground floor portion of buildings, extending in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior building facade, shall be at least thirteen (13) feet for all street level building space.

C.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Along Building Facades.

1.    Building facades with ground floor retail/commercial or service uses shall provide for pedestrian weather protection through the use of awnings, canopies, colonnades, marquees, or building overhangs. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall be architecturally integrated with the ground level design of the building to which it is attached.

2.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Structure Design.

a.    Length. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend, at a minimum, along sixty percent (60%) of the length of the street-facing facade that includes nonresidential ground floor uses.

b.    Width. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend a minimum of five (5) feet out from the building facade. The maximum horizontal projection from the surface of the building shall be eight (8) feet or seventy-five percent (75%) of the distance to the curb face, whichever is less.

c.    Signage. All lettering, signs and graphics on weather protection structures must comply with Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code.

Examples: Weather Protection

d.    Height. The minimum height of pedestrian weather protection structures shall be eight (8) feet six (6) inches above the sidewalk surface. Weather protection structures shall not extend above the first floor ceiling of the building. Maintain a horizontal consistency by aligning the bottom edge of weather protection structures with those on adjacent buildings. Where the grade is sloping, maintain the average height above grade of adjacent weather protection structures.

e.    Color/Material. Coverings with visible corrugated metal or corrugated fiberglass are not permitted. Fabric, plastic and rigid metal awnings are acceptable if they meet applicable standards.

f.    Variety of Weather Protection. Multitenant retail buildings may use a variety of weather protection features to emphasize individual storefronts and reduce the architectural scale of the building.

g.    Structured Parking. Structured parking entrances that occupy a portion of the front facade are exempt from the weather protection requirement.

3.    Pedestrian Weather Protection and Building Facade Landscaping. Building facade landscaping shall not be required under pedestrian weather protection structures that meet the requirements of subsection (B)(2) of this section. Any facade landscaping that is provided under pedestrian weather protection structures shall be of such width that a minimum five (5) feet of unobstructed walking area remains under the building awning, canopy, overhang, or other weather protection structure. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.620 Pedestrian Building Entries

A.    Primary Building Entries. Primary building entries shall be designed to be clearly visible, safe and accessible from an adjacent public or private street through:

1.    Distinctive Entrance. Incorporate two (2) or more of the following features:

a.    Distinctive architectural elements such as a variation in the building footprint, roof form, or amount of transparent glazing;

b.    Pedestrian-scaled ornamental lighting no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height;

c.    Landscaping designed as entry focal point.

B.    Secondary Building Entrances. Commercial buildings that have a secondary public entrance or access (for example, access from a parking lot) shall provide weather protection at least three (3) feet in depth over each secondary entry.

Example: Pedestrian Building Entries

(Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.630 Building Facades

A.    Massing.

1.    Arrange the mass of the building taking into consideration the characteristics of the site and the proposed uses of the building. In addition, special situations such as very large sites, unusually shaped sites, or sites with varied topography require particular attention to where and how building massing is arranged, as they can accentuate mass and height.

2.    Reducing Perceived Mass. Use secondary architectural elements to reduce the perceived mass of larger projects. Examples include, but are not limited to, creating recesses or indentations in the building envelope; adding balconies, bay windows, porches, canopies or other elements; and/or highlighting building entries.

B.    Facade Composition. Design all building facades, including visible roofs, considering the composition and architectural expression of the building as a whole. All facades shall be attractive and well proportioned through the placement and detailing of all elements, including bays, fenestration, and materials, and any patterns created by their arrangement.

1.    Building facades shall incorporate vertical and/or horizontal variations in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade, in at least two (2) of the following ways:

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. In order to incorporate architectural variation within a project, a minimum of one (1) vertical facade change shall be provided at least every thirty (30) feet over the length of the applicable facade, with a minimum depth of four (4) feet, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of windows and doors;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials; and/or

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the applicable facade. Front facades incorporating a variation in building setback shall include within the setback such architectural elements as covered or recessed building entries, plazas or courtyards, storefront or bay windows, seating and/or planting areas.

b.    Horizontal Facade Changes. In order to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors, a minimum of one (1) horizontal facade change shall be provided, such as:

i.    Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor building facade;

ii.    Changing materials between the building base and upper floors;

iii.    Including a continuous cornice line between the ground floor and upper floors.

C.     Secondary Architectural Features.

1.    Visual Depth and Interest. Add depth to facades where appropriate by incorporating balconies, canopies, awnings, decks, or other secondary elements into the facade design. Add detailing at the street level in order to create interest for the pedestrian and encourage active street life. Detailing may include features such as distinctive door and window hardware, projecting window sills, ornamental tile or metal, and other high-quality surface materials and finishes.

2.    Dual Purpose Elements. Consider architectural features that can be dual purpose, adding depth, texture, and scale as well as serving other project functions. Examples include shading devices and windows that add rhythm and depth as well as contribute toward energy efficiency and/or savings, or canopies that provide street-level scale and detail, while also offering weather protection. Where these elements are prominent design features, the quality of the materials is critical.

3.    Human Scale. Incorporate architectural features, elements, and details that are of human scale into the building facades, entries, retaining walls, courtyards, and exterior spaces in a manner that is consistent with the overall architectural concept. Pay special attention to the first three floors of the building in order to maximize opportunities to engage the pedestrian and enable an active and vibrant street front.

4.    Texture. Design the character of the building, as expressed in the form, scale and materials, to strive for a fine-grained scale, or “texture,” particularly at the street level and other areas where pedestrians predominate.

Example: Secondary Architectural Features

D.    Treatment of Blank Walls.

1.     Untreated blank walls visible from public streets, sidewalks, or interior pedestrian pathways shall be prohibited.

2.    Definition. The definition of a “blank wall” is any wall or portion of a wall that is visible from a street or pedestrian corridor and is without a ground level window, door or facade opening.

3.    Where blank wall sections are unavoidable due to the requirements of structural needs, they shall not exceed a length of forty (40) feet, or twenty percent (20%) of the length of the facade, whichever is less.

4.    Design Treatments. In order to increase pedestrian comfort and interest, blank wall sections of allowed lengths shall provide two (2) or more of the following special design treatments up to at least the finished ceiling height of the first floor building space:

a.    A minimum of one (1) piece of public art shall be included for every forty (40) feet of enclosed length. Artwork may include, but is not limited to, the following suggestions:

i.    Artistic wall treatments, such as painted murals, bas-relief murals, trompe l’oeil, photographic montages, or mosaics, on at least fifty percent (50%) of the blank wall surface;

ii.    Neon lighting sculptures or other artistic lighting displays, provided they do not meet the definition of a sign in Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code;

iii.    Provide a decorative masonry pattern, or other architectural feature, over at least fifty percent (50%) of the blank wall surface; and/or

iv.    Employ small setbacks, projections, indentations, or intervals of material change to break up the wall’s surface. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.640 Rooflines and Equipment

A.    Rooflines. In order to provide a visual terminus to the tops of South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District buildings and soften rectilinear forms, roof designs must conform to one (1) of the following options:

1.    Roofline with Architectural Focal Point. A roofline focal point refers to a prominent rooftop feature such as a peak, tower, gable, dome, barrel vault or roofline trellis structure.

2.    Roofline Variation. The roofline articulated through a variation or step in roof height or detail, such as:

a.    Projecting Cornice. Roofline articulated through a variation or step in cornice height or detail. Cornices must be located at or near the top of the wall or parapet.

b.    Articulated Parapet. Roofline parapets shall incorporate angled, curved or stepped detail elements.

3.    Pitched Roof or Full Mansard. A roof with angled edges, with or without a defined ridge line and extended eaves.

4.    Terraced Roof. A roofline incorporating setbacks for balconies, roof gardens, or patios.

B.    Rooftop Equipment. Building rooftops shall be designed to effectively screen mechanical equipment from street-level view through one (1) or more of the following methods:

1.    A concealing roofline;

2.    A terraced facade;

3.    A screening wall or grillwork directly surrounding the equipment;

4.    Sufficient setback from the facade edge to be concealed from ground level view. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.700 Mixed Use Development Standards

Purpose: Incorporate a mixture of different types of uses in one (1) structure or in close proximity to encourage pedestrian circulation, maximize site development potential and create an active environment. Design ground floors to accommodate commercial uses that benefit from a high degree of pedestrian activity while upper floors are encouraged to be devoted to residential uses.

A.    All new or redevelopment projects located along the primary or secondary pedestrian-oriented streets shall comply with the SMC 15.305.057, Pedestrian-Oriented Uses, Streets and Requirements. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.710 Definition of Mixed Use

“Mixed use” refers to the type of development that blends residential, commercial, cultural or institutional uses, where those uses are vertically or horizontally integrated.

A.    Vertical Mixed Use. Vertical mixed use occurs when different uses inhabit the same building and sit atop one another, such as residential or office uses over ground floor retail or commercial uses.

B.    Horizontal Mixed Use (Attached). A single structure which provides retail/commercial or service use in the portion of a building fronting the public or private street with attached residential uses behind.

C.    Horizontal Mixed Use (Detached). Two (2) or more structures on one (1) site which provide retail/commercial or service uses in the structure(s) fronting the public or private street, and residential uses in separate structure(s) behind or to the side. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.720 Multi-Family Development Standards

Purpose: Design multi-family projects that are of high quality, good architectural design, are compatible with adjacent development, especially residential low- and medium-density neighborhoods, and that provide linked open space.

A.    Multi-family development within the South 154th Street Station Area Overlay District shall meet the requirements of Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards. (Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 18-1029 § 1; Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.800 Additional Standards

(Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.810 Fences

A.     Fences a maximum of four (4) feet in height are allowed in the front yard setback. However, fences that form a continuous visual barrier or block views to the windows of a ground level retail/commercial or service use are prohibited.

B.    Prohibited Fences. The following types of fences and/or materials are prohibited:

1.    Barbed wire;

2.    Razor wire;

3.    Electric fences;

4.    Chain link fences of any type are not permitted on any street frontage except as follows:

a.    To secure a site during construction; or

b.    In connection with any approved temporary or special event use.

C.    Utility substations are exempt from this section, except for subsections (B)(2) and (B)(3) of this section. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.820 Signs

Signs shall be regulated by per Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.305.900 Development Incentives

Development incentives are allowed and regulated per Chapter 15.425 SMC, Development Incentives. (Ord. 17-1015 § 1)

15.310.005 Purpose

A.    The following standards are intended to implement the City’s vision for the Angle Lake Station Area as set forth in the City of SeaTac Comprehensive Plan, by promoting transit oriented development and pedestrian-oriented design, a diversity of uses within close proximity, a linked series of open spaces, and a focal point for community identity.

B.    Each standard includes examples and illustrations of ways in which the intent of the standard could be achieved. The graphic illustrations are meant to be examples, and not the only acceptable means to accomplishing the intent of the illustrated standards. Applicants and project designers are encouraged to consider designs, styles and techniques not pictured in the examples that fulfill the intent of the design standard. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.010 Authority and Application

A.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District as delineated on the Official Zoning Map. Within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District, this chapter shall supersede existing regulations elsewhere in this title when in conflict with this chapter.

B.    The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development meeting one (1) or more of the following thresholds:

1.    All new construction requiring building permits; and/or

2.    Major redevelopment. Additions or alterations to a building or site, excluding interior-only improvements, which total fifty percent (50%) or more of the gross square footage (GSF) of the existing building(s) or site.

Only the portions of the building or site being altered or added to shall be required to integrate Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District standards into the design of the alteration or addition. Project applicants proposing additions or alterations to a building or site conforming to the above criteria for major redevelopment shall arrange a pre-design meeting with planning staff prior to permit application to establish those design standards applicable to the proposed addition or alteration.

C.    Departures. Minor departures from these overlay district standards may be permitted to promote well designed developments which may not strictly comply with the established standards, in order to provide flexibility and creativity of project designs. This process differs from the variance procedure in that rather than being based upon unusual circumstances or physical hardship, it is based upon the quality of the proposed design. A departure shall not be granted for a request that should be made through the variance process in Chapter 15.115 SMC, Land Use Actions and Procedures.

Departures to the maximum and minimum parking requirements and the minimum amount of open space required in SMC 15.310.310, Minimum Open Space Area Required, are not permitted.

The applicant shall submit a departure request application, along with all information listed on that form, including a written response to the criteria in subsections (C)(1) through (C)(3) of this section. A departure is subject to the approval of the Director.

Any request for departure must satisfy the following:

1.    The request results in a superior design and satisfies the policies of the Angle Lake Station Area Plan;

2.    The strict application of the overlay district standards would be contrary to the Angle Lake Station Area Plan or Comprehensive Plan; or

3.    The departure will not have any substantial detrimental effect on nearby properties, the City or neighborhood.

D.    Development Agreements. In order to provide flexibility, to permit creativity of design, style, and technique, and to provide for phased development and interim uses, development agreements may be entered into by and between the City and property owners or developers, pursuant to RCW 36.70B.170 through 36.70B.200; provided, that the terms of any such development agreement shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter. Special conditions or exemptions established for a particular site or project through a development agreement shall include criteria or date for the termination of any such agreement.

E.    High Capacity Transit Facilities. Standards for high capacity transit facilities, as identified in Chapter 15.530 SMC, High Capacity Transit Facilities Design Standards, shall apply to all applicable development within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District.

Figure: ANGLE LAKE STATION AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.050 Use Chart

A.    Use Chart Guide.

1.    About the Use Chart. The following chart lists all of the permitted and conditional land uses allowed in each zone.

2.    How to Use the Use Chart. The land uses are listed vertically along the left hand side and the zones are listed horizontally across the top. Each square in the chart shows the following possibilities for the use and the zone:

P: The use is permitted.

C: The use is allowed subject to a conditional use permit.

If the square is blank, the use is not permitted in that zone. For residential low density uses that are legally established, pre-existing uses, the standards of Chapter 15.120 SMC, Nonconformance and Reuse of Facilities, apply. For properties zoned aviation operations (AVO) and aviation commercial (AVC) zones, the standards of Chapter 15.210 SMC, Uses and Standards for the AVO and AVC Zones, apply.

B.    Additional Standards According to Use. Additional standards that apply to a particular use and zone are noted by number and described in the column on the far right of the chart. If the standard is not preceded by a number, the standard applies to all zones. (Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.055 Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District Use Chart

ZONES:

 

URM – Urban Residential Medium

UVH – Urban Village High

URH – Urban Residential High

CB-C – Community Business in the Urban Center

URH-MU – Urban Residential High Mixed Use

I – Industrial

 

P – Park

 

 

P – Permitted Use; C – Conditional Use Permit required

 

LAND USE

URM

URH

URH-MU

UVH

RBX

CB-C

I

P

Additional Regulations

See ground floor active use standards in SMC 15.310.730, Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects.

ANIMALS

Butterfly/Moth Breeding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kennel/Cattery

 

 

 

 

 

P(1)(2)

P(1)

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Not permitted within the District Center.

Stables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Veterinary Clinic

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Airport Support Facility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cargo Containers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial/Industrial Accessory Uses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conference/Convention Center

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

 

Construction/Landscaping Yard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Center/Warehouse

 

 

 

 

C(1)

 

 

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Equipment Rental, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Rental, Small

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Equipment Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment Repair, Small

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Helipad/Heliport and Facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Office

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Storage, Self-Service

 

 

 

 

P(1)(2)

 

 

 

(1) Permitted in a structure with the appearance of an office building.

(2) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Truck Terminal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIVIC AND INSTITUTIONAL

Cemetery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Facility

P

P

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Funeral Home/Crematory

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

C

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Police Facility

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

Public Agency Office

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Public Agency Yard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL

College/University

C

C

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Elementary/Middle School

C

C

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

High School

C

C

C

 

 

C(1)

C

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Specialized Instruction School

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Vocational/Technical School

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crisis Diversion Interim Facility (CDIF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Care I

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

(1) If family day care providing in-home care, regulations in SMC 15.420.200, Family Day Care Facilities, apply.

Day Care II

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

See Chapter 15.420 SMC, Day Care Facilities.

Emergency Housing

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

 

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Emergency Shelters

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

 

(1) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Hospital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Office/Outpatient Clinic

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Opiate Substitution Treatment Facility

 

 

 

 

 

C(1)

C

 

Subject to the CUP-EPF siting process (SMC 15.115.040, Essential Public Facilities).

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Permanent Supportive Housing (1)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

 

 

(1) Small-scale permanent supportive housing facilities are defined as a community residential facility I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

Reentry Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure Community Transition Facility

 

 

 

 

 

C(1)

C

 

Subject to the CUP-EPF siting process (SMC 15.115.040, Essential Public Facilities).

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Transitional Housing (1)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

 

 

(1) Small-scale transitional housing facilities are defined as a community residential facility I. See Residential, Retirement and Assisted Living section of this use chart.

(2) See SMC 15.465.350, Supportive Housing Facilities Standards.

MANUFACTURING

Assembly and Packaging

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Food Processing

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)(2)

P(2)

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

(2) Food processing with retail section or restaurant to be oriented to the public street.

Laboratories, Research, Development and Testing

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Manufacturing and Fabrication, Light

 

 

 

 

P(1)

 

 

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Manufacturing and Fabrication, Medium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Micro-winery/Brewery/Distillery

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

(1) Permitted in conjunction with the following retail uses: restaurant, tavern, retail sales or tasting room. Retail uses to be oriented to the public street and located at the ground floor.

Recycling Processing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTOR VEHICLES

Auto Service Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auto Wrecking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

P(1)

P(2)

P(2)

P

P

P

P

 

(1) Restricted electric vehicle charging stations only.

(2) Battery charging stations only, limited in use only to the tenants or customers of the development located on site.

Fueling/Service Station

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Public/Private Parking

 

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

Permitted as structured parking only. No surface lots permitted.

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Tire Retreading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Towing Operation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Rental/Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Rental/Sales, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

Vehicle Repair, Large

 

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

Vehicle Repair, Small

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

 

 

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL

Amusement Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Center

C

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Drive-In Theater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Club

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Library

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Museum

C

C

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Park

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Recreational Center

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Religious Use Facility

P(1)/C(2)

P

P

P/C(3)

P/C(3)

P/C(3)

P

 

(1) Permitted as a subsidiary use, subject to criteria in Chapter 15.470, Subsidiary Uses.

(2) Permitted as a conditional use, subject to criteria under SMC 15.115.020(C), Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

(3) Conditional use within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Religious Use Facility Accessory

C(1)

C(1)

P(1)

P/C(2)

P/C(2)

P/C(2)

P

 

(1) Permitted as accessory to primary use not to exceed 20% of total square footage of building(s).

(2) Conditional use within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Stadium/Arena

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL

Accessory Dwelling Unit

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See SMC 15.465.100, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

ADUs are allowed on nonconforming detached dwelling unit properties. See SMC 15.120.070, Nonconformance – Uses of Structures.

College Dormitory

 

P

P(1)

P

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Dwelling Unit, Detached

P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufactured/Modular Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufactured Home Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Housing

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

 

 

 

See Maximum Number of Units Per Lot in SMC 15.400.100, Residential Standards Chart.

(1) Only allowed if multi-family development is infeasible due to lot size or critical area constraints.

Multi-Family

P

P

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) For designated parcels within the District Center (see Figure 15.310.730A), at least 50% of a building’s ground floor shall be a retail, service, or commercial use as described in the mixed use standards in SMC 15.310.720 and 15.310.730.

Townhouse

 

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

See Chapter 15.505 SMC, Townhouse Development Design Standards.

RESIDENTIAL, RETIREMENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

Assisted Living

 

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

 

Community Residential Facility I

P

P

P

P

 

P(1)

 

 

See SMC 15.465.400, Community Residential Facilities Standards.

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Community Residential Facility II

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

See SMC 15.465.400, Community Residential Facilities Standards.

Continuing Care Retirement Community

 

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

Convalescent Center/Nursing Home

P

P

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Retirement Apartments

P

P

P

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) For designated parcels within the District Center (see Figure 15.310.730A), at least 50% of a building’s ground floor shall be a retail, service, or commercial use as described in the mixed use standards in SMC 15.310.720 and 15.310.730.

RESIDENTIAL, ACCESSORY

Home Occupation

P

P

P

P

 

P

P

 

See SMC 15.465.500, Home Occupations.

Shed/Garage

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Limited to 1,000 gross square feet and a 20-foot height limit (highest point).

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL

Agricultural Crop Sales (Farm Only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arcade (Games/Food)

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Beauty Salon/Personal Grooming Service

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Coffee Shop/Retail Food Shop

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

 

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Concession Sales

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

 

Dry Cleaner

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Entertainment Club

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

 

Espresso Stand

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Financial Institution

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(2)

P(2)

P(2)

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) No drive-through facilities allowed within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Laundromat

 

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Mobile Food Vending

 

 

 

P

P

P

P

 

See SMC 15.415.300, Mobile Food Vending.

Produce Stand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant

 

P(1,2)

P(1,2)

P(2,3)

P(3)

P(3)

P

 

(1) No drive-through facilities allowed.

(2) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(3) No drive-through facilities allowed within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Restaurant, Fast Food

 

 

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

 

(1) No drive-through facilities allowed within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Retail, Big Box

 

 

C(2)

 

P(1)

 

 

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center.

(2) Permitted as part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Retail, General

 

P(1)

P(1)

P(1)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as a part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

Sexually Oriented Business

 

 

 

 

 

C(1)

C

 

See SMC 15.415.200, Sexually Oriented Business.

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

Tavern

 

 

P(1)

P(2)

P

P

P

 

(1) Permitted as part of a residential mixed use development, as described in SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use.

(2) Small, resident-oriented uses only.

Theater/Entertainment Club

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

 

Theater, Movie

 

 

 

P

P

P(1)

P

 

(1) Not permitted within the District Center. See map in SMC 15.310.010.

RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL, LODGING

Bed and Breakfast

P

P

P

 

 

 

 

 

See SMC 15.465.300, Bed and Breakfast Standards.

Hotel/Motel and Associated Uses

 

 

 

 

P

P

P

 

Hotel/motel lobby and restaurant to be located at, and oriented to, the public street and located at the ground floor.

Short-Term Rental

P

P

P

P

P

P

 

 

See SMC 15.465.320, Short-Term Rentals.

UTILITIES

Utility Substation

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

 

 

Utility Use

C

C

C

C

 

C

C

 

 

Wireless Communications Facility

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

C/P

 

See Chapter 15.480 SMC, Wireless Communication Facilities, for specific use and development standards.

(Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 23-1003 § 3; Ord. 22-1002 § 10 (Exh. D); Ord. 21-1031 § 16 (Exh. D); Ord. 21-1008 § 13; Ord. 20-1026 § 11; Ord. 18-1019 § 3; Ord. 18-1009 § 6; Ord. 17-1023 § 1; Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.100 Circulation

Purpose: Create a station area with an emphasis on the needs of the pedestrian which is also accessible and convenient for vehicles. Sufficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation should be provided through the establishment of an adequate network of streets and sidewalks. Placement of structures, landscaping, circulation patterns and access points should collectively seek to promote an integrated, multi-modal transportation system. Creatively designed, clean and functional pedestrian connections are encouraged to provide access throughout the station area, between properties and to and from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.110 Vehicular Circulation Requirements

Vehicular circulation is intended to provide for public access, safe traffic flow, and connections to established vehicular routes.

A.    All new Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District streets shall be constructed in accordance with the City’s adopted street standards specified in SMC Title 11, Streets, Sidewalks, and Public Thoroughfares, and shall generally conform to the adopted Angle Lake District Plan.

B.    An owner or developer shall coordinate with owners of adjacent parcels and consolidate, wherever possible, vehicular circulation routes to interconnect public and/or private streets in conformance with the adopted Angle Lake District Plan. Where appropriate, circulation corridors shall extend to the boundary line of the site parcel in order to provide for future development of adjacent parcels and connections with existing public and/or private streets.

C.    Dead-end streets shall not be permitted. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.120 Pedestrian Circulation Requirements

Pedestrian requirements are intended to create a network of linkages for pedestrians to improve safety and convenience and enhance the pedestrian environment.

A.    Connected Pedestrian System. On-site pedestrian ways shall be designed to connect to off-site pedestrian way systems on public and/or private streets via a minimum eight (8) foot wide walkway system separated from vehicular traffic. On-site extensions of pedestrian circulation systems shall align with existing pedestrian off-site links.

1.    Sites with Multiple Buildings. All site plans proposing multiple buildings designed for residential occupancy or business access shall connect building entrances to one another and to pedestrian ways on adjacent public and/or private streets.

a.    Public sidewalks may be considered part of the walkway system if they provide convenient movement between structures.

b.    Fences, landscaping and other site improvements shall be located so as not to impede safe and convenient pedestrian circulation.

B.    Mid-Block Pedestrian Corridors Encouraged. For through lots, the provision of mid-block pedestrian corridors may allow for the departure from certain standards within this chapter. See SMC 15.310.010, Authority and Application, Departures for requirements and criteria.

1.    To be eligible for consideration, the pedestrian corridor shall be as follows:

a.    Width. A minimum of thirteen (13) feet wide with a minimum eight (8) foot pathway of an approved surfacing material. The remaining portion shall be adequately landscaped and approved with a landscape plan.

b.    Amenities. Pedestrian corridors shall be inviting in their overall design, such as through the provision of street furniture, decorative paving, or public art.

c.    Easement Required. Easements for pedestrian corridors shall be open to the public twenty-four (24) hours a day. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.200 Site Planning and Building Orientation

Purpose: Design structures to have an external orientation to the streetscape and the pedestrian environment with unifying open space and pedestrian pathways. Design emphasis should be given to the pedestrians, rather than automobiles, through placement of parking in a less prominent location (such as structured parking, or to the rear of the building, rather than in front); pedestrian-level retail space; treatment of blank walls and facades and incorporation of prominent architectural features. Site layout should emphasize coordination of open spaces and pedestrian access with adjacent development or public places. Lighting and landscaping should allow for safety and visibility of public and semi-public areas.

Figure: SUMMARY TABLE, SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Site Planning and Building Orientation

Applies To:

All Development.

Note: This is a summary of site planning and building requirements within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District. See code references for supplemental details.

DESIGN STANDARDS (see SMC 15.310.200)

Setbacks

International Boulevard:

 

5' – 20' for at least 50% of building front facade

 

5' – 40' remaining building facade

Other streets:

 

5' – 10' for at least 50% of building front facade

 

5' – 20' remaining building facade

Setbacks within District Center

International Boulevard:

 

5' – 20' for at least 50% of building front facade

 

5' – 40' remaining building facade

Other streets: 5' – 10'

Projections within the Setback

Weather protection may extend

Through Lots Fronting International Boulevard

Orient front building facade to International Boulevard

Front Yard/Orientation

District Center – per Figure: Front Yard in District Center

Minimum Building Frontage

AL District: 50% of front yard street frontage to be occupied by front building facade

AL District Center: 65% of front yard street frontage to be occupied by front building facade

Where Side Yard Setbacks and Landscaping Setbacks Conflict

Landscaping setbacks supersede side yard setbacks

Corner Lots

Building facades orient to both streets

Commercial Projects Abutting RL, RM, and URM Comprehensive Plan Designations

Maximum building heights and setbacks specified

Sidewalk Widths

International Boulevard: 8' paved sidewalk clear-through zone + 4' landscape zone

Other streets: 4' paved sidewalk clear-through zone + 4' landscape zone

Driveway Entrances

SMC 15.455.420

Arterial: 1 driveway per 150' of street frontage

Nonarterial: 1 driveway per 100' of street frontage

(Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.210 Building Placement/Setbacks

A.    Front Yard Setback. Front yard setbacks shall be as follows:

1.    Minimum. Five (5) feet on all public and private streets.

2.    Maximum.

a.    Adjacent to International Boulevard: Twenty (20) feet for at least fifty percent (50%) of the building’s front facade. The remaining building’s front facade may be set back to forty (40) feet for the purposes of accommodating public open space, porte cocheres, landscaping or recessed building entries;

b.    All Other Public or Private Streets: Ten (10) feet for at least fifty (50%) of the building’s front facade. The remaining front building facade may be set back to twenty (20) feet for the purpose of accommodating public open space, porte cocheres, landscaping or recessed building entries.

B.    District Center Front Yard Setback. For properties located within the District Center, the front yard setbacks shall be as follows:

1.    Adjacent to International Boulevard: Twenty (20) feet for at least fifty percent (50%) of the building’s front facade. The remaining building’s front facade may be set back to forty (40) feet for the purposes of accommodating public open space, porte cocheres, landscaping or recessed building entries;

2.    All Other Public or Private Streets: Five (5) to ten (10) feet.

C.    Projections Permitted Within Setback. Weather protection awnings and marquees may extend into a required setback.

D.     Building Orientation. The front facade of the primary building(s) shall be oriented toward the front property line, with the main pedestrian entrance(s) located on this facade. Additional building entrances may be oriented toward the rear or side of the building for access to and from the parking lots.

1.     Through Lots with Frontage along International Boulevard: Shall orient the front building facade to International Boulevard. The main pedestrian entrance(s) shall be located on this facade. Additional building entrances may be oriented toward the rear or side of the building.

2.     District Center: Figure: Front Yard in District Center identifies locations of required front building facades for properties located within the District Center.

Figure: FRONT YARD IN DISTRICT CENTER

E.    Building Orientation, District Center. Figure: Front Yard in District Center identifies locations of required front building facades for properties located within the District Center.

F.    Minimum Building Frontage Coverage. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the front yard street frontage shall be occupied by a primary building facade(s) excluding any side yard setbacks.

Figure: BUILDING FRONTAGE COVERAGE

G.    Building Frontage, District Center. A minimum of sixty-five percent (65%) of the front yard street frontage shall be occupied by a primary building facade(s) excluding any side yard setbacks.

Figure: BUILDING FRONTAGE COVERAGE, DISTRICT CENTER

H.    Setbacks and Landscaping Standards for CB-C, RBX and I Zone. In the CB-C, RBX and I zone, where required landscaping in Chapter 15.445 SMC exceeds the required side and rear setbacks in SMC 15.400.200, the landscape standards shall supersede the setback standards. This shall not apply where side and rear property lines abut a residential comprehensive plan designation as per SMC 15.300.240. (Ord. 17-1023 § 1; Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.220 Development Abutting Two (2) or More Street Frontages

A.    Buildings on corner lots shall orient front facades to both the corner and adjacent public and/or private street fronts. Pedestrian entries near or on the corner are encouraged.

1.    Corner Buildings and Architectural Focal Points. Development at the intersection of arterial streets shall include architectural focal points that increase the visibility and landmark status of corner buildings, such as one (1) or more of the following:

a.    Transparent glazing incorporated into corner building design;

b.    Tower elements and/or rooflines that accentuate the corner;

c.    Balconies or building terraces at or near the corner. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.240 Projects Abutting a Residential Low Density, Residential Medium Density, or Urban Residential Medium Density Comprehensive Plan Designation

Careful siting and design treatment is necessary to achieve a compatible transition between Comprehensive Plan designations of differing height, bulk and scale requirements. In order to mitigate potential impacts, the following standards shall apply:

A.    Adjacent to Residential Low Density Comprehensive Plan Designation. Properties abutting a residential low comprehensive plan designation shall incorporate the following:

1.    A maximum building height of thirty-five (35) feet, relative to the base elevation of the adjacent residential low Comprehensive Plan designation parcel(s) where that base elevation is higher than the base elevation of the proposed project, shall apply to all portions of a structure within sixty (60) feet of an RL Comprehensive Plan designated parcel, including access roadway widths; provided, that the overall height of any structure shall not exceed the maximum structure height specified in the dimensional standards charts in SMC 15.400.100; and

2.    A minimum side and/or rear yard building setback of twenty (20) feet shall apply if the side or rear property boundaries are adjacent to an RL Comprehensive Plan designation. Side/rear yard landscaping shall occupy all or part of the required building setback, as specified in the landscaping chart in SMC 15.445.210.

3.    Parking shall not be permitted within the side and/or rear yard building setback adjacent to an RL Comprehensive Plan designation parcel.

B.    Adjacent to RM or URM Comprehensive Plan Designation. Properties abutting an RM or URM Comprehensive Plan designation shall maintain a minimum side and/or rear yard building setback of twenty (20) feet, if the side or rear yard property boundaries are adjacent to an RM or URM Comprehensive Plan designation. Side/rear yard landscaping shall occupy all or part of the required building setback, as specified in the landscaping chart in SMC 15.445.210. (Ord. 24-1022 § 5 (Exh. C); Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.250 Layout and Width of Streetfront Pedestrian Zone

All new sidewalks and street improvements shall include a streetfront pedestrian zone, consisting of street landscaping/buffer zone and a sidewalk clear-through zone.

A.    Along International Boulevard: Twelve (12) feet along the length of the property line with the following specifications:

1.    Eight (8) feet paved sidewalk clear-through zone free of physical obstructions. Adjacent to the street curb shall be an additional four (4) foot landscape/buffer zone, comprised of paved sidewalk, with street trees and tree wells spaced no more than every thirty (30) feet.

B.     Along All Other Streets: Eight (8) feet along the length of the property line with the following specifications:

1.    Four (4) foot paved sidewalk clear-through zone free of physical obstructions. Adjacent to the street curb shall be an additional four (4) foot landscape zone comprised of paved sidewalk, with street trees and tree wells spaced no more than every thirty (30) feet.

C.    Street trees shall be deciduous shade trees as per SMC Title 11. Variations in tree spacing may be approved by the Director to enhance plaza areas, emphasize building focal points or avoid visually blocking retail storefront entrances. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.260 Driveway Design

A.    Pedestrian walkways interrupted by driveways shall be distinguished from the driveway surface by decorative paving to the building entrance.

B.    Driveways serving front yard porte cochere building entries shall be approved by the Director and include only limited short-term parking that can be accommodated along one (1) double-loaded drive aisle.

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.270 Location of Drive-Through Stacking Lanes

Driveway stacking lanes associated with drive-through facilities shall not be located between the building and any property line adjacent to a public and/or private street. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.280 Exterior Lighting

A.    Lighting standards shall be no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height, and used to illuminate surfaces intended for pedestrians or vehicles, as well as building entries. Light fixtures shall be sited and directed to minimize glare around residences.

B.    Exterior lighting shall be used to identify and distinguish the pedestrian walkway network from car or transit circulation. Along pedestrian circulation corridors, lighting standards shall be placed between pedestrian ways and public and/or private streets, driveways or parking areas. The level of lighting shall conform with the requirements of Chapter 17.40 SMC, Walkway, Bikeway and Park Lighting.

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.300 Open Space and Amenities

Purpose: Provide for open space that enhances and activates the pedestrian realm through the provision of plazas, courtyards, pocket parks and sidewalks. Open spaces should be inviting, functional, easy to maintain and safe. They should contribute to the character of the area and complement the built environment.

Figure: SUMMARY TABLE, OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Open Space

Applies To:

All commercial and nonresidential development.

Note: This is a summary of open space requirements within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District. See code references for detailed information.

OPEN SPACE REQUIRED (see SMC 15.310.310)

Minimum Open Space Area Required

SMC 15.310.310

5% of net site area

Net Site Area

Net Site Area = Total Site Area – Sensitive Areas

OPEN SPACE DESIGN (see SMC 15.310.320)

Street Frontage Landscaping Required

No, waived in lieu of open space requirement

Open Space Hierarchy

Open space shall be provided in the following order of importance:

1. Sidewalk improvements;

2. Plaza, courtyard, pocket park

Sidewalk Improvements

SMC 15.310.250

Fronting International Boulevard: Increase sidewalk zone to 12' as follows:

 

8' paved sidewalk clear-through zone. The landscape zone improvements are already in place and do not require improvement.

Other streets: Increase sidewalk zone to 8' as follows:

 

4' paved sidewalk clear-through zone and additional 4' landscape zone comprising paved sidewalk with street trees in wells spaced no more than every 30'.

Design of Plaza, Courtyard, Pocket Park

 

Min. 200 sq. ft. in size

 

Min. 50% decorative paving

 

Seating areas to be provided

 

Remaining area may be landscaped

 

1 tree per 200 sq. ft. of paved area

 

Public art, water feature or performance area encouraged

Cash in Lieu

No. Cash in lieu option is not allowed.

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.310 Minimum Open Space Area Required

The following standards are applicable to all commercial or other nonresidential development. See multi-family development standards, Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards, for residential development standards.

A.    Minimum Area Required. Five percent (5%) of net site area shall be set aside as usable outdoor open space accessible to the public.

1.    Net Site Area Calculation. Net Site Area = Total Site Area – Sensitive Areas.

2.     Areas That Do Not Qualify as Open Space. For the purposes of this chapter, the following shall not be included toward meeting the minimum open space requirement:

a.    Portions of a parcel classified as sensitive area; stormwater facility, provided that such stormwater facilities are at grade and not covered; or open water.

b.    Required landscaping and sensitive area buffers without common access links, such as pedestrian trails.

c.    Driveways, parking, or other auto serving uses.

d.    Areas of a parcel with slopes greater than eight percent (8%) shall not qualify as usable outdoor open space, unless the area has been developed with an enhanced accessibility system of stairs, ramps, terraces, trails, seating areas, or other site improvements as approved by the Director.

3.     Prohibited Adjacent to Open Space. The following is prohibited adjacent to pedestrian-oriented space:

a.    Unscreened parking lots;

b.    Chain link fences;

c.    Blank walls;

d.    Dumpsters or service areas; and

e.    Outdoor storage (shopping carts, potting soil bags, firewood, etc.).

4.    Areas That Qualify as Open Space. Open space that qualifies toward meeting the minimum open space requirement shall include one (1) or more of the following:

a.    Active outdoor recreation areas;

b.    Expansion of existing sidewalks;

c.    Pedestrian-only corridors or multi-purpose trails separate from the public or private roadway system that provide through connections to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connectivity or provide access links in sensitive area buffers. The square footage (length times width) of corridors/trails shall be counted as usable open space; and/or

d.    Publicly accessible plazas, courtyards or pocket parks constructed contiguous with new or existing sidewalks. Publicly accessible courtyard designs shall conform to SMC 15.310.320. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.320 Location and Design of Open Space

The following open space regulation shall supersede the street frontage landscape requirement as specified in SMC 15.445.010(C) and 15.445.210. The building facade landscaping requirement shall continue to apply to uses in the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District, except under pedestrian weather protection structures, as specified in SMC 15.310.610(C).

A.    Open Space Requirements. Open space is to be provided on site in the following order of priority:

1.    Sidewalk Improvements. Sidewalk widths shall be enhanced and other improvements shall be provided along all public and private streets as per SMC 15.310.250.

2.    Remaining Open Space Area. After fulfilling the sidewalk improvements, remaining open space shall be provided within the front yard or to the side of the property. The open space shall be developed and arranged in a manner that is accessible to the public at all times, directly connected to a sidewalk or pedestrian pathway, and bordered on at least one (1) side by, or readily accessible from, the primary structure(s) on site. Front yard open space shall be placed in one (1) or more of the following ways:

a.    Plaza, Courtyard, or Pocket Park. Publicly accessible open space shall be placed in a plaza, courtyard or pocket park that includes at a minimum:

i.    Two hundred (200) square feet in size that is adjacent to a pedestrian building entrance;

ii.    At least fifty percent (50%) decorative paving, constructed of such materials as stamped, broom finish, or scored concrete; brick or modular pavers;

iii.    One (1) tree for every two hundred (200) square feet of decorative paving area;

iv.    One (1) linear foot of seating per each forty (40) square feet of plaza, courtyard, or pocket park space on site and shall be provided in the form of freestanding outdoor benches of a minimum sixteen (16) inches wide or seating incorporated into low walls, raised planters or building foundations at least twelve (12) inches wide and eighteen (18) inches high;

v.    Incorporate one (1) or more of the following to encourage pedestrian use and activity: plantings or grass within or immediately adjacent to the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park, public art such as a water feature or sculpture or other public amenities approved by the Director.

B.     General Open Space Design Standards.

1.    Accessory Site Furnishing. Accessory site furnishings shall be located so as not to obstruct pedestrian access along sidewalks and to businesses.

a.    Waste receptacles, movable planters and other accessory site furnishings shall be of a design which is compatible with the design of the plaza, courtyard, or pocket park, through the use of similar detailing or materials.

2.    Common Space Areas. Common open space should be located to take advantage of surrounding features such as building entrances, significant landscaping, unique topography or architecture, and solar exposure.

3.    Integration with Adjacent Parcels. Usable open space areas on site shall be organized and designed in a manner that allows for maximum integration with open space on adjacent parcels.

4.    Linkage of Open Space Elements. Developments proposing on-site plazas and pocket parks as publicly accessible project amenities shall link the open space elements with adjacent sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and/or bikeways. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.400 Parking Standards

A.    Purpose: Minimize parking as a dominant land use. Parking should be screened through its placement behind structures and via landscaping.

B.    The following parking standards shall be in addition to, or, in some cases, supersede applicable parking provisions required in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

Figure: SUMMARY TABLE, PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Parking

Applies To:

All development.

Note: This is a summary of parking requirements within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District. See code references for supplemental details.

PARKING STANDARDS (see SMC 15.310.400)

Maximum Parking Specified

Yes. 10% increase above standards in SMC 15.455.120, Parking Chart for Required Off-Street Spaces.

Minimum Parking Required

Yes. Parking study required

Bicycle Parking

Require 1 space for every 10 parking stalls

Surface Parking Lots

 

Located behind or to the side of a building

 

Parking next to building: 20' setback with landscaping

Pedestrian Walkways through Parking Lots

Required if more than 100 parking spaces

Structured Parking

Architectural design elements required and high quality screening

See also Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

Structured Parking: Ground Floor

Adjacent to public street, 100% of ground floor to be constructed as commercial space

 

20' min depth and 13' ceiling height

 

50% of commercial use can be office associated with parking operation

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.410 Off-Street Parking Requirements and Reductions

A.    Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

1.    Minimum Parking Requirements. The minimum parking spaces required are specified in SMC 15.455.120, Parking Chart for Required Off-Street Spaces.

a.    Parking Reduction. The number of required off-street parking spaces may be reduced for properties located within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District due to their proximity to a light rail station. Reductions shall be based on the submittal of a parking plan and as approved by the Director. The amount of reduction shall be based on the frequency of the transit service and shall be limited as follows:

i.    Residential – Thirty-five percent (35%) maximum;

ii.    Government, business services, manufacturing – Forty percent (40%) maximum;

iii.    Recreational and cultural, retail and commercial – Thirty percent (30%) maximum.

2.    Maximum Parking Requirements. The maximum parking spaces allowed shall be determined by increasing the number of minimum parking spaces required in SMC 15.455.120, Parking Chart for Required Off-Street Spaces, by a maximum of ten percent (10%). (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.420 Off-Street Loading Requirements

Off-street loading requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.430 Bicycle Parking

The provision of safe and convenient places to park bicycles shall be provided in the district area. Providing a secure and convenient place to store bicycles encourages their use.

A.    Bicycle parking shall be provided based on at least one (1) space for each ten (10) automobile parking spaces required.

B.    The location of bicycle racks and/or lockers shall be highly visible to building occupants and security personnel. Racks shall have provisions for using bicycle locks and shall be compatible with building and site design.

C.    Covered Spaces. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of required spaces shall be protected from rainfall by cover.

D.    Bicycle Racks. The rack(s) shall be securely anchored to the ground and provide a frame so a bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that may damage the wheels or components. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.440 General Parking Design and Construction Standards

Parking design and construction requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.450 Surface Parking

A.    Location of Surface Parking Lots.

1.    No parking shall be located between the building and the front property line. The Director may approve a driveway for passenger loading and off-loading only in conformance with SMC 15.310.260, Driveway Design. Surface parking shall be located behind a building or to the side of a building.

a.    Within the District Center, driveways for passenger loading and off-loading is not permitted between the building and front property line along property frontage.

2.    Parking to the Side of the Building. Parking located next to a building shall be set back a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the front property line. The setback area shall be landscaped as per SMC 15.310.500, Landscaping Standards.

3.    Parking on Corner Lots. On corner lots, no parking shall be located between the building and either of the two (2) front property lines. If a parcel abuts more than two (2) public or private streets, no parking shall be located between the building and the front property line abutting the two (2) public and/or private streets with the highest classification.

B.    Pedestrian Circulation through Parking Lots.

1.    Surface parking lots containing one hundred (100) parking spaces or more shall provide pedestrian walkways through the parking lot to provide for safe pedestrian movement.

2.    Pedestrian Walkway Design.

a.    Pedestrian walkways shall be a minimum of four (4) feet wide, separated from vehicular travel lanes to the maximum extent possible and designed to provide safe access to non-street front building entrances or existing pedestrian ways.

b.    Clearly distinguish the pedestrian way network from car or transit circulation. This is particularly important in areas where these various travel modes intersect, such as at driveway entrances and in parking lots.

c.    Where sidewalks or walkways cross vehicular driveways, provide a continuous raised crossing, or distinguish the crossing from the driveway surface by marking with a contrasting paving material. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.460 Structured Parking

Purpose: Design parking structures to blend in with adjacent development. Emphasize design features that minimize the obtrusiveness of the parking use and encourage architectural compatibility with adjacent development.

A.    Parking Structure Design.

1.    The following parking structure design standards shall be in addition to or, in some cases, supersede applicable design standards in other sections in this chapter, and in Chapter 15.455 SMC, Parking and Circulation.

2.    Minimizing Views into the Parking Structure Interior.

a.    For portions of parking structures without a ground floor retail, commercial, office, service or public use, a five (5) foot wide facade landscaping strip is required consisting of:

i.    A mix of evergreen shrub groupings spaced no more than four (4) feet apart that do not exceed a height of six (6) feet at maturity.

b.    Any portion of a parking structure ground floor with exposed parking areas adjacent to a public or private street shall screen and minimize views into the parking structure interior by incorporating architectural elements on the parking structure facade without compromising the open parking structure requirements of the Building Code.

c.    In addition to the above, minimize views into the upper floors of parking structures through one (1) or more of the following methods:

i.    High quality screening using architectural elements on the parking structure upper floor facades; and/or

ii.    Upper parking floors designed as a pattern of window-like openings on the parking structure facade.

3.    Parking Structure Character and Massing. Parking structure elevations over one hundred (100) feet in length shall incorporate vertical and horizontal variation in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade. In order to incorporate architectural variation within a project, a minimum of one (1) vertical facade change and a minimum of one (1) horizontal facade change shall be provided in the following ways:

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. Incorporate intervals of architectural variation at least every forty (40) feet over the length of the applicable facade, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of garage floor openings;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials;

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the parking structure facade.

b.    Horizontal Facade Changes. Designed to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors, such as:

i.    Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor parking structure facade;

ii.    Changing materials between the parking structure base and upper floors; and/or

iii.    Including a continuous cornice line or pedestrian weather protection element between the ground floor and upper floors.

4.    Parking Floors Located under or within Buildings.

a.    Parking located under or within buildings shall subordinate the garage entrance to the pedestrian entrance in terms of prominence on the street, location and design emphasis.

b.    Parking at grade under a building shall be completely enclosed within the building or wholly screened through any combination of walls, decorative grilles, or trellis work with landscaping.

5.    Parking Structure Lighting.

a.    In addition to the following standards, lighting of parking structures shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 17.28 SMC, Parking Structures.

b.    Lighting on and/or within multi-level parking structures shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas.

B.    Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures.

1.    Front Facade. A parking structure front facade shall be designed so that a minimum of one hundred percent (100%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facade(s), excluding vehicle entrances and exits, provides ground floor commercial space suitable for retail and commercial uses.

a.    Minimum Depth. The applicable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior parking structure facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

b.    Minimum Ceiling Height. The minimum clear interior ceiling height standard for the retail/commercial or service use portion of parking structures shall be thirteen (13) feet for all street level building space.

c.    Fire Suppression. Parking structure ground floors shall include fire suppressing sprinkler systems at the time of construction.

2.    A maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the ground floor leasable commercial/retail or service space may be occupied by office uses related to the operation of the parking structure. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.500 Landscaping Standards

A.    In addition to the standards of this section and chapter, landscaping requirements shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention.

B.    Surface Parking Lot Landscaping and Treatment of Perimeter. Surface parking shall be visually screened from public and/or private streets by means of building placement and/or landscaping.

1.    Minimum Standards. The minimum surface parking landscaping standards are located in SMC 15.445.250, Surface Parking Landscaping, with the following exceptions.

2.    Landscape Requirements for Parking Located to the Side of the Building. Where parking is located to the side of a building, the following standards shall apply:

a.    Front Yard Landscape Buffer. Parking located to the side of a building shall provide a minimum twenty (20) foot landscape buffer from the front property line. The setback area shall be landscaped with Type IV landscaping per SMC 15.445.110, Types of Landscaping.

i.    A front yard landscape buffer must be established to screen parking in addition to any required open space provided.

b.    Landscape Island. The requirement for landscape islands in SMC 15.445.250(B), Landscape Islands, is waived for surface parking areas located to the side of a building and located behind a twenty (20) foot front yard landscape buffer.

i.    Surface parking located to the rear of a building shall provide for landscape islands as per SMC 15.445.250(B), Landscape Islands.

3.    Perimeter Landscaping of Surface Parking Lots. The perimeter of a parking lot shall be planted with five (5) feet of Type III landscaping, except as required in SMC 15.310.500(B)(2)(a), Front Yard Landscape Buffer.

a.    Fence Option. If a four (4) foot high fence and landscaping sufficient to filter views is provided, the width of the required landscaping may be reduced. Fences must be see-through and constructed with wrought iron or other metal. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.600 Building Design

Purpose: It is intended by this code to encourage a variety of building and design solutions in response to the standards and regulations outlined herein. Buildings should: (1) be designed to achieve an architecturally appealing environment. Design emphasis should be given to the pedestrian through the provision of inviting building entries, street-level amenities and other structural and facade elements to encourage pedestrian interaction; (2) directly contribute to the attractiveness, safety and function of the street and public areas; and (3) be designed to accommodate a range of uses over time.

Figure: SUMMARY TABLE, BUILDING DESIGN

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Building Design

Applies To:

All development.

Note: This is a summary of site planning and building requirements within the Angle Lake District. See code references for supplemental details.

DESOGN STANDARDS (see SMC 15.310.600)

Minimum Building Height

18' minimum.

Ground Floor Transparency

 

District: 60% window coverage at ground floor public street

 

District Center: 75% window coverage at ground floor public street

Transparency Design

 

Windows begin 12" – 30" above finished grade.

 

Mirrored, reflective, tinted glass not permitted.

Minimum Ground Floor Ceiling Height

Ground floor nonresidential: 13' height

Minimum Ground Floor Building Depths

Ground floor nonresidential: 20' depth

Pedestrian Weather Protection

Length:

 

District: 60% along ground floor street facing facade (excluding residential)

 

District Center: 75% along ground floor street facing facade (excluding residential)

Pedestrian Weather Protection Dimensions

 

Minimum depth: 5'

 

Maximum depth: 8'

 

Minimum height: 8' 6"

 

Maximum clearance height: not above first floor ceiling of building

Building Entrances

 

Primary: distinctive entrance

 

Secondary: provide weather protection of min. 3' depth

Facade Changes

 

Buildings over 100' in length: min. one vertical change every 40'

 

Buildings over 100' in length: min. one horizontal change

Treatment of Blank Walls

 

Untreated blank walls prohibited when seen from public streets, sidewalks or pathways

 

Where unavoidable: shall not exceed 40' or 20% of length of facade (whichever less)

Rooflines and Equipment

Rooflines to provide an architectural focal point. Equipment must be screened.

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.605 Minimum Building Height

Minimum building height requirements are utilized to enhance the pedestrian environment, create visual interest and provide for a consistent building scale.

A.    Minimum Building Height.

1.     The minimum building height within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District shall be eighteen (18) feet.

B.    Calculation of Minimum Building Height. The overall height of a building shall be measured from the average grade of the site to the top of the parapet of the highest habitable floor. Alternate roof structures shall be measured as per SMC 15.110.070, Structure Height.

C.    Maximum Structure Heights. For maximum structure heights for zone classifications within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District, see the dimensional standards charts in SMC 15.400.100 and 15.400.200. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.610 Street Level Design

A.    Ground Floor Transparency Requirements. Windows shall be provided at the street level along public and private streets to encourage a visual link between the business and passing pedestrians.

1.     Ground Floor Transparency. Transparency requirements shall apply to the ground floor front building facades.

a.    Windows shall cover at least sixty percent (60%) of the public street facing ground floor building wall area.

b.    District Center. Windows shall cover at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the public street facing ground floor building wall area.

c.    Residential Uses. Transparency requirements shall not apply to portions of a residential building with residential units located at the ground floor.

Figure: DISTRICT CENTER, TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENT

2.     Structured Parking. Structured parking entrances that occupy a portion of the front facade are exempt from the transparency requirement.

3.    Transparency Design Requirements.

a.    Transparency requirements shall apply to that area of the ground floor building wall facing the street up to the finished ceiling height of the ground floor building space.

b.    Windows shall begin twelve (12) to thirty (30) inches above the finished grade of the ground floor building space.

c.    At the first floor building level, darkly tinted, mirrored, reflective or other types of glass or window treatments that diminish transparent are prohibited. Lightly tinted windows are allowed for nonretail ground floor uses.

B.    Minimum Depth and Ceiling Heights for Street Level Nonresidential Uses. Ground floor spaces of buildings intended for nonresidential uses that face public or private streets shall provide the following:

1.    Minimum Depth. The leasable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior building facade.

2.    Minimum Ceiling Height. The minimum clear interior floor to finished ceiling height standard for the ground floor portion of buildings, extending in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior building facade, shall be at least thirteen (13) feet for all street level building space.

C.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Along Building Facades.

1.    Building facades with ground floor retail/commercial or service uses shall be designed to provide for pedestrian weather protection through the use of awnings, canopies, colonnades, marquees, or building overhangs.

2.    Pedestrian Weather Protection Structure Design.

a.    Length. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend along, at a minimum, sixty percent (60%) of the length of the street-facing facade with nonresidential ground floor uses.

i.    District Center. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend along, at a minimum, seventy-five percent (75%) of the length of the street-facing facade with nonresidential ground floor uses.

Figure: IMAGE SHOWING WEATHER PROTECTION ACROSS THE FRONT BUILDING FACADE

b.    Width. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall extend a minimum of five (5) feet out from the building facade. The maximum horizontal projection from the surface of the building shall be eight (8) feet or seventy-five percent (75%) of the distance to the curb face, whichever is less. Pedestrian weather protection structures shall be architecturally integrated with the ground level design of the building to which it is attached.

c.    Signage. All lettering, signs and graphics on weather protection structures must comply with Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code.

d.    Height. The minimum height of pedestrian weather protection structures shall be eight (8) feet and six (6) inches above the sidewalk surface. Weather protection structures shall not extend above the first floor ceiling of the building. Maintain a horizontal consistency by aligning the bottom edge of weather protection structures with those on adjacent buildings. Where the grade is sloping, maintain the average height above grade of adjacent weather protection structures.

e.     Color/Material. Coverings with visible corrugated metal or corrugated fiberglass are not permitted. Fabric, plastic and rigid metal awnings are acceptable if they meet the applicable standards.

f.    Variety of Weather Protection. Multitenant retail buildings may use a variety of weather protection features to emphasize individual storefronts and reduce the architectural scale of the building. Figure: VARIETY OF WEATHER PROTECTION demonstrates this.

Figure: VARIETY OF WEATHER PROTECTION

g.     Structured Parking. Structured parking entrances that occupy a portion of the front facade are exempt from the weather protection requirement.

3.    Pedestrian Weather Protection and Building Facade Landscaping. Building facade landscaping shall not be required under pedestrian weather protection structures that meet the requirements of subsection (B)(2) of this section along public or private street frontages. Any facade landscaping that is provided under pedestrian weather protection structures shall be of such width that a minimum four (4) feet of unobstructed walking area remains under the building awning, canopy, overhang, or other weather protection structure.

a.    Building facade landscaping in front of a ground floor retail use shall be designed and maintained to avoid obscuring visibility of street-facing windows or limiting access to building entrances. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.620 Pedestrian Building Entries

A.    Primary Building Entries. Primary building entries shall be designed to be clearly visible, safe and accessible from an adjacent public or private street through the incorporation of the following:

1.    Distinctive Entrance. Incorporate two (2) or more of the following features:

a.    Distinctive architectural elements such as a variation in the building footprint, roof form, or amount of transparent glazing;

b.    Pedestrian-scaled ornamental lighting no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height;

c.    Landscaping designed as entry focal point.

Figure: IMAGE SHOWING PRIMARY PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCES

2.    Secondary Building Entrances. Commercial buildings that have a secondary public entrance or access (for example, access from a parking lot) shall provide weather protection at least three (3) feet in depth over each secondary entry. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.630 Building Facades

A.    Character and Massing.

1.    Building facades one hundred (100) feet or greater in length shall incorporate vertical and/or horizontal variations in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade, in at least two (2) of the following ways listed below:

a.    Vertical Facade Changes. In order to incorporate architectural variation within a project, a minimum of one (1) vertical facade change shall be provided at least every forty (40) feet over the length of the applicable facade, such as:

i.    Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of windows and doors;

ii.    Incorporating changes in architectural materials; and/or

iii.    Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the applicable facade. Front facades incorporating a variation in building setback shall include within the setback such architectural elements as covered or recessed building entries, plazas or courtyards, storefront or bay windows, seating and/or planting areas.

2.    Horizontal Facade Changes. In order to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors, a minimum of one (1) horizontal facade change shall be provided, such as:

a.    Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor building facade;

b.    Changing materials between the building base and upper floors;

c.    Including a continuous cornice line between the ground floor and upper floors.

B.    Treatment of Blank Walls.

1.    Untreated blank walls visible from public streets, sidewalks, or interior pedestrian pathways shall be prohibited.

2.    Definition. The definition of a “blank wall” is any wall or portion of a wall that is visible from a street or pedestrian corridor and is without a ground level window, door or facade opening.

3.    Where blank wall sections are unavoidable due to the requirements of structural needs, they shall not exceed a length of forty (40) feet, or twenty percent (20%) of the length of the facade, whichever is less.

4.    Design Treatments. In order to increase pedestrian comfort and interest, subject to approval by the Director, blank wall sections of allowed lengths shall provide two (2) or more of the following special design treatments up to at least the finished ceiling height of the first floor building space:

a.    A minimum of one (1) piece of public art shall be included for every fifty (50) feet of enclosed length. Artwork may include, but is not limited to, the following suggestions:

i.    Artistic wall treatments, such as painted murals, bas-relief murals, trompe l’oeil, photographic montages, or mosaics, on at least fifty percent (50%) of the blank wall surface;

ii.    Neon lighting sculptures or other artistic lighting displays, provided they do not meet the definition of a sign in Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code;

b.    Provide a decorative masonry pattern, or other architectural feature, over at least fifty percent (50%) of the blank wall surface; and/or

c.    Employ small setbacks, projections, indentations, or intervals of material change to break up the wall’s surface. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.640 Rooflines and Equipment

A.    Rooflines. In order to provide a visual terminus to the tops of Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District buildings and soften rectilinear forms, roof designs must conform to one (1) of the following options:

1.    Roofline with Architectural Focal Point. A roofline focal point refers to a prominent rooftop feature such as a peak, tower, gable, dome, barrel vault or roofline trellis structure.

2.    Roofline Variation. The roofline articulated through a variation or step in roof height or detail, such as:

a.    Projecting Cornice: Roofline articulated through a variation or step in cornice height or detail. Cornices must be located at or near the top of the wall or parapet.

b.    Articulated Parapet: Roofline parapets shall incorporate angled, curved or stepped detail elements.

3.    Pitched Roof or Full Mansard. A roof with angled edges, with or without a defined ridge line and extended eaves.

4.    Terraced Roof. A roofline incorporating setbacks for balconies, roof gardens, or patios.

B.    Rooftop Equipment. Building rooftops shall be designed to effectively screen mechanical equipment from street-level view through one (1) or more of the following methods:

1.    A concealing roofline;

2.    A terraced facade;

3.    A screening wall or grillwork directly surrounding the equipment;

4.    Sufficient setback from the facade edge to be concealed from ground level view. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1) 

15.310.700 Mixed Use and Multi-Family Development Standards

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.710 Mixed Use Development Standards

Purpose: Incorporate a mixture of different types of uses in one (1) structure or in close proximity to encourage pedestrian circulation, maximize site development potential and create an active environment. Design ground floors to accommodate commercial uses that benefit from a high degree of pedestrian activity while upper floors are encouraged to be devoted to residential uses. The following regulations shall supersede the mixed use standards in SMC 15.520.300, Mixed Use in Residential Projects, and shall apply to Angle Lake developments proposing land uses specified as being part of a residential mixed use development in SMC 15.310.055, Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District Use Chart. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.720 Definition of Mixed Use

“Mixed use” refers to the combining of retail/commercial and/or service uses located on the ground floor with residential use in the same building or on the same site in one (1) of the following ways:

A.    Vertical Mixed Use. A single structure with the above floors used for residential use and a portion of the ground floor for retail/commercial or service uses.

B.    Horizontal Mixed Use – Attached. A single structure which provides retail/commercial or service use in the portion fronting the public or private street with attached residential uses behind.

C.    Horizontal Mixed Use – Detached. Two (2) or more structures on one (1) site which provide retail/commercial or service uses in the structure(s) fronting the public or private street, and residential uses in separate structure(s) behind or to the side.

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.730 Ground Floor Uses in Mixed Use Projects

The following shall apply to vertically mixed use buildings, as well as structures in horizontal mixed use projects sited within the maximum front yard setback (see SMC 15.310.720, Definition of Mixed Use, for definitions of mixed use types):

A.    Minimum Ground Floor Use Requirements. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facing the street, excluding vehicle entrances, exits, and alleys, shall be designed to be occupied by a retail/commercial or service use on street frontages identified in Figure 15.310.730A.

1.    Corner Lot Ground Floor Use Requirements. For corner lots identified in Figure 15.310.730A, the fifty percent (50%) minimum retail/commercial/service use may be allocated to either or both streets adjacent to the designated corner, and must include the corner.

Figure 15.310.730A: Required Ground Floor Uses

B.    Permitted Retail/Commercial/Service Uses. A partial list of permitted retail/commercial or service uses are specified below (for a detailed listing of permitted uses, refer to the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District use chart):

1.    Retail/Commercial. Retail/commercial uses such as retail food shops, groceries, drug stores, florists, apparel and specialty shops, hotels, restaurants, and other retail/commercial uses that are not specifically auto-oriented in scale or nature.

2.    Services. General offices, such as professional, financial, insurance and real estate services; or personal services, such as beauty salons, dry cleaners, shoe repair shops, banks, health and social services, libraries and health clubs.

C.    Design Requirements.

1.    Minimum Depth and Ceiling Heights. See SMC 15.310.610(B), Minimum Depth and Ceiling Heights for Street Nonresidential Uses.

2.    Architecture and Entrances. Pedestrian-level commercial uses in vertical mixed use projects shall be distinguished architecturally from attached residential units and shall utilize separate entrances where feasible.

D.    Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures. For ground floor use requirements relative to parking structures, see SMC 15.310.460(B), Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures. (Ord. 18-1019 § 4)

15.310.740 Multi-Family Development Standards

Purpose: Design multiple-family projects that are of high quality, good architectural design, are compatible with adjacent development, especially Residential Low neighborhoods, and that provide linked open space.

A.    Multi-family and residential mixed use development within the Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District shall meet the requirements of Chapter 15.510 SMC, Multi-Family Housing Design Standards. (Ord. 25-1008 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 18-1029 § 1; Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.800 Additional Standards

(Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.810 Fences

A.     Fences over four (4) feet in height or other features that form continuous visual barriers or block views to the windows of a ground level retail/commercial or service are prohibited within the front yard setback.

B.    Prohibited Fences. The following types of fences and/or materials are prohibited. Utility substations are exempt from this provision:

1.    Barbed wire/razor wire.

2.    Electric fences.

3.    Chain link fences of any type are not permitted on any street frontage except as follows:

a.    To secure a site during construction; or

b.    In connection with any approved temporary or special event use.

C.    Multi-Family Buildings. Multi-family developments, excluding residential mixed use structures, may have fences to a height of four (4) feet within the front yard setback. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.850 Signs

Signs shall be regulated per Chapter 15.600 SMC, Sign Code. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

15.310.900 Development Incentives

Repealed by Ord. 18-1001. (Ord. 16-1009 § 1)

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Site Planning and Building Orientation

Applies To:

All Development.

DESIGN STANDARDS (see SMC 15.310.200)

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Open Space

Applies To:

All commercial and nonresidential development.

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Parking

Applies To:

All development.

Angle Lake Station Area Overlay District: Building Design

Applies To:

All development.

15.315.005 Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for alternative development standards and to address development opportunities which can exceed the quality of standard developments. This is accomplished by establishing overlay zones (OZ) with alternative standards for special areas designated by the City’s Comprehensive Plan and this code. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.315.010 Authority and Application

Overlay zones shall be combined with underlying zoning for ownerships, or areas containing several properties, to carry out Comprehensive Plan policies and designations, subject to the following provisions:

A.    An overlay zone shall be applied to land only through area zoning adopted in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan, plan updates, or amendments, with policies and a plan map designation as provided in the Comprehensive Plan. Each application of an overlay zone shall prescribe the purposes and location of the overlay;

B.    An overlay zone shall be indicated on the zoning map with the suffix “OZ” following the map symbol of the underlying zone or zones. The Comprehensive Plan and area zoning shall determine which underlying zones are subject to the overlay, unless a specific underlying zone is required for an overlay zone in this chapter;

C.    The overlay zones set forth in this chapter are the only overlay zones authorized by the code. New or amended overlay zones to carry out new or different goals or policies shall be adopted as part of this chapter and be available for use in the City and meet the goal and policies of the Comprehensive Plan;

D.    The overlay zones set forth in this chapter may waive, modify and substitute for the range of permitted uses and development standards established by the code and for any use or underlying zone; and

E.    Unless they are specifically modified by the provisions of this chapter, the standard requirements of the code and other City ordinances and regulations govern all development and land uses within the overlay zones. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.315.100 High-Density Single-Family Overlay Zone

Repealed by Ord. 24-1022. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.315.200 Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Development Overlay Zone

Repealed by Ord. 24-1022. (Ord. 17-1023 § 1; Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.315.300 Equestrian Overlay Zone

A.    Purpose. The limitations on keeping horse/equine animals in the City herein have the following purposes:

1.    To maintain the general health and sanitation of the City;

2.    To minimize adverse impacts to established neighborhoods which could result from the keeping of animals; and

3.    To ensure that horses/equine animals are maintained in a safe and humane environment.

B.    Minimum Requirements for New Horse/Equine Animals.

1.    An overlay zone must be proposed and approved through the rezone process, encompassing no less than two (2) property owners with contiguous parcels or a single property owner with a minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet;

2.    A maximum of two (2) horse/equine animals per ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area within approved overlay zones; and

3.    Any horse/equine animals above two (2) shall require an additional ten thousand (10,000) square feet per animal.

C.    Minimum Review Requirements for Existing and New Horses/Equine Animals.

1.    A site plan indicating the approximate location of the on-site dwelling units and accessory structures used to house horse/equine animals shall be submitted to the Department. The plan must note any potential or existing grazing/exercise areas and the distance of adjacent dwellings to the subject site’s property boundaries and stables;

2.    Notice shall be given to citizens owning horse(s) after the date of this code being adopted, and an approved health/boarding checklist shall be completed by the applicant and reviewed by the Code Enforcement Official by inspection; and

3.    A license fee as established by current license fee schedule.

D.    Minimum Setbacks. Any structure or enclosure used to provide board for horse/equine animals must be at least fifteen (15) feet from any property line and at least thirty (30) feet from any dwelling unit located on an adjacent lot. Roaming or grazing areas must be at least five (5) feet from all side property lines and five (5) feet from any rear property line, and at least ten (10) feet from any dwelling unit located on an adjacent lot, and shall be constructed according to these setback requirements.

E.    Special Regulations and Requirements.

1.    If an abutting property owner files a signed and notarized statement in support of the request, the City may permit roaming or grazing areas to extend to the property line in common with the abutting property. Such release shall be effective until revoked in writing by the abutting property owner and the City.

2.    The City may limit the number of animals allowed to less than the maximum considering:

a.    Proximity to dwelling units both on and off the subject property;

b.    Negative impact on surrounding uses; or

c.    Effect and impact on identified sensitive areas.

3.    The applicant must provide and maintain the following items as reviewed and approved on the health/board checklist by the City:

a.    Fences, minimum of five (5) feet in height;

b.    Method of manure disposal (recycled/composted on site) and rodent/insect control; hay/grain storage containers with controlled access; and odor control.

F.    Annual Registration of Horse/Equine Animals. All horse/equine animals shall be registered annually under the City animal license process. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)