University Place City Zoning Code

These standards apply to all permitted middle housing types developed with up to four units per lot. Specific courtyard housing standards apply to only that middle housing type.

For the purposes of this section, a “street” refers to any public or private street and does not include alleys.

These design standards do not apply to the conversion of a structure to a middle housing type with up to four attached units, if the floor area of the structure does not increase more than 25 percent within any 24-month period.

Promote compatibility of middle housing with other residential uses, including single-family houses.

De-emphasize garages and driveways as major visual elements along the street.

Provide clear and accessible pedestrian routes between buildings and streets.

Each middle housing building fronting the street shall have an entry that faces the street and incorporates a primary covered entry feature that projects at least six feet from the front facade of the residence (measured from the front door). The covered entry feature must be no less than eight feet wide and shall be unenclosed on all sides except for the side abutting the front exterior wall of the residence.

For middle housing buildings that don't front a street, each middle housing building shall incorporate a covered entry feature that projects at least over the width of the front door.

For lots abutting a functional alley that meets the City's standard for width and useability, vehicular access shall be taken from the alley. Lots without access to a functional alley and taking vehicular access from a street shall meet the other standards of subsections (B) through (F) of this section.

The total width of driveway approaches, street facing garage doors, and unenclosed parking areas visible from the street shall not exceed a total of 32 feet and 50 percent of the lot frontage, as detailed below. Exception: Flag lots and lots at the end of a cul-de-sac that are less than 40 feet wide at the front property line are exempt from the 50 percent rule.

Individual driveway approaches shall not exceed 20 feet in width. Multiple driveways may be used provided they comply with the standards herein.

Individual driveway approaches that are at least 16 feet wide must have at least 15 feet of separation between another driveway approach.

Individual front facing garage doors shall not exceed 16 feet. Multiple front facing garage doors may be used provided they comply with the standards herein.

Garages must be set back at least six feet from the front projection of the residence (including the porch or covered entry feature), and no less than 25 feet from the front property line.

In a middle housing building facing the street, each unit with a separate ground level entrance shall include at least three of the articulation options listed in subsection (B) of this section. Middle housing buildings with one shared ground level entrance, or facades separated from the street by a building or located more than 100 feet from a street are exempt from this standard.

Articulation Options.

At least one outdoor common open space is required.

Common open space shall be bordered by dwelling units on two or three sides.

Common open space shall be at least 250 square feet per unit and shall be a minimum dimension of 15 feet on any side.

Parking areas and vehicular areas do not qualify as a common open space.

Ground-related courtyard housing units shall feature a covered pedestrian entry, such as a covered porch or recessed entry, with minimum weather protection of three feet by three feet, facing the street or common open space.

Courtyard housing units abutting the common open space shall be oriented around and have the primary entrance face the common open space.

Departures are voluntary. This provision allows the flexibility for applicants to propose alternative designs on a voluntary basis, provided they meet the purpose of the standard and applicable departure criteria as noted below.

Applicability. Departure opportunities are available for the specific standards for entries (UPMC § 19.47.040), windows and doors (UPMC § 19.47.050), and facade articulation (UPMC § 19.47.080). Requested departures other than the applicable standards listed shall require a Type II (administrative) application per Chapter 22.05 UPMC.

Departure Provisions.

Procedures. Permit applications that include departure requests go through the standard review procedures in this division depending on the application type.

Approval Criteria. Project applicants shall successfully demonstrate to the decision-maker how the proposed departure meets the purpose(s) of the standard and other applicable departure criteria that applies to the specific standard.

Documentation. The decision-maker shall document the reasons for approving all departures (to be maintained with project application records) for the purpose of providing consistency in decision-making by the City.