1. Purpose.

This special overlay addresses the public’s value of the views and access to the Spokane River Gorge, Riverfront Park, and the Downtown core from the north side of the Spokane River. The amenity of the river and the public investment in the Spokane River Gorge should be widely shared, not limited to those properties immediately adjacent. The intent of these visual and pedestrian access standards and guidelines are to ensure that buildings and other constructed objects do not create barriers that wall off the Spokane River Gorge, Riverfront Park, or the Downtown Core.

2. North River Overlay Standards.

The North River Overlay development standards are the same as the underlying zone except for the following standards:

1. 1. Maximum FAR.

The maximum nonresidential FAR allowed in the North River Overlay is 4.5. If the underlying zone allows an FAR greater than 4.5, then the maximum FAR is the same as the underlying zone. The FAR is calculated the same as in the underlying zone.

1. 2. Maximum Building Site Coverage and East-West Building Width.

On sites over twenty thousand square feet in size or with a width greater than one hundred fifty feet wide in an east-west dimension the following conditions apply:

1. 1. 1. The maximum building site coverage of all structures is seventy-five percent.

1. 1. 2. The maximum east-west dimension of all structures is eighty percent of the east-west dimension of the site.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 2

1. Purpose.
   To maintain views, vistas from the ground level to the Spokane River Gorge and Downtown Spokane from the north side of the river. Views, vistas and pedestrian access should be maintained at periodic intervals in a north to south direction. Ideally the views from the public street system will allow the viewing of the Spokane River’s path and the recognition of the natural environment along the river.
   
2. Views, Vistas and Site Coverage Design Implementation.
   The open area that results from all structures covering not more than eighty percent of the east-west direction and seventy-five percent of the total site shall be used to keep open the vistas provided by the existing street network that runs from north to south. (P)

   See chapter 17C.120 SMC, Commercial, for the design standards administration process.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 2

1. Purpose.
   To maintain pedestrian access and views for pedestrians of the River Gorge and the Downtown Core.
   
2. Pedestrian Views and Access Implementation.
   At the maximum interval of three hundred feet of structure in an east-west direction there shall be a clear visual and pedestrian north-south penetration at the ground level. The pedestrian penetration shall not be less than twelve feet wide and may be landscaped open space, courts, paths, foyers of buildings, parking areas and similar space, provided the space is open to the public during business hours and has a clearly marked or distinguishable path for pedestrians. (P)

   See chapter 17C.120 SMC, Commercial, for the design standards administration process.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 2

Design departures are allowed from the design guidelines found in SMC 17C.160.020 and 17C.160.030. The design departure process is found in chapter 17G.030 SMC, Design Departures.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 2