The intent of the R-15 zone is to achieve integration with Sedro-Woolley’s existing building types and configurations; incorporate open street layout similar to existing grid rather than closed circulation systems such as cul-de-sacs; maintain the look of conventional neighborhoods in scale, orientation to the street, style, and appearance; and to avoid creation of large apartment “blocks” separate from other parts of the community. Larger-scale buildings are appropriate in the central business district or when combined with commercial uses in the mixed commercial zone. (Ord. 2058-23 § 1, 2023; Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004)

Use restrictions in the R-15 zone shall be as follows:

A.    Permitted Uses.

1.    Multifamily residential uses up to eight units per building or up to twelve units per building if the building is three stories and the units are evenly distributed between the three floors;

2.    One single-family residence per lot;

3.    Low-intensity agriculture;

4.    Home occupations in compliance with Chapter 17.68;

5.    Group homes;

6.    Dependent relative cottages;

7.    Professional offices;

8.    Child day care centers meeting state requirements;

9.    Planned residential developments;

10.    Adult or family day care facilities meeting state requirements.

B.    Conditional Uses.

1.    Mobile and manufactured home parks in compliance with Chapter 17.48;

2.    Offices other than professionals;

3.    Outdoor recreation facilities;

4.    Public utilities, excluding wireless communication facilities;

5.    Quasi-public uses;

6.    Public uses;

7.    Commerce;

8.    Personal services.

C.    Prohibited Uses. All uses not listed above, including adult entertainment and wireless communication facilities. (Ord. 1920-19 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004: Ord. 1312-98 § 1 (part), 1998: Ord. 1013 § 2.03.01, 1985)

Bulk restrictions in the R-15 zones shall be as follows:

A.    Minimum Setbacks.

1.    Front: ten feet;

2.    Side: one story dwellings and accessory structures shall have a minimum of five feet; a two story dwelling shall have minimum of eight; and each additional story over two shall have an additional four feet, for each story;

3.    Rear: ten feet for residences; and five for accessory structures.

B.    Maximum building height: thirty-five feet, except twenty feet for accessory buildings and no height limit for church steeples or bell towers. (Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004: Ord. 1312-98 § 1 (part), 1998: Ord. 1013 § 2.03.02, 1985)

There is no categorical minimum lot size for permitted uses in this zone. However the lot size may be made a condition of approval in design review and conditional uses if relevant in those proceeding. (Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004: Ord. 1312-98 § 1 (part), 1998: Ord. 1013 § 2.03.03, 1985)

It is the intent of this section to allow for the creation of new lots within an existing lot where buildings on the new lots are not required to maintain side setbacks for the purpose of allowing townhouses with condominium-style ownership that would include not only the interior spaces but also a portion of the land outside of the building. All other setbacks including those to the property lines of the parcel being subdivided, the front and rear setbacks, streets, driveways, etc., shall be maintained.

A.    A division of land allowing no minimum side setbacks to interior lot lines shall be permitted; provided, that all other requirements of the zoning district shall remain applicable. Interior lot lines are those that are created as part of the proposed land division.

B.    The standard setback requirements defined in Section 17.16.020 shall apply to the property lines of the parcel being subdivided.

C.    No more than eight dwelling units per building may be attached utilizing the provisions of this section.

D.    No more than one dwelling unit shall be allowed on any lot with reduced side setbacks created through the provisions of this section.

E.    All proposed developments permitted using this section shall comply with the design review standards of Chapter 15.44.

F.    All developments utilizing the provisions of this section must establish a homeowner’s association per Section 16.04.080(C). (Ord. 2032-22 § 12, 2023; Ord. 1601-08 § 1, 2008)

Minimum net density in the R-15 zones is four units per acre. Maximum gross density is fifteen units per acre. (Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004: Ord. 1312-98 § 1 (part), 1998)

Repealed by Ord. 2096-25. (Ord. 1906-18 § 1, 2018: Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004)

All developments in this zone which are subject to environmental review shall comply with the Design Review standards of SWMC Chapter 15.44 for conformance with this and other provisions of the city code. (Ord. 1484-04 § 6 (part), 2004)