Yakima City Zoning Code

Table of Site Design Standards and Subdivision Requirements. The provisions of this chapter and the requirements in Tables 5-1 and 5-2 are established for all development in the zoning districts indicated.

Development on Nonconforming Lots. Development on nonconforming lots is governed by this section and YMC § 15.19.040. Except as limited by this title, any permitted use may be allowed on any lot legally created prior to the adoption of this title. Such development and structures are subject to the following additional provisions:

Maximum Lot Coverage. Maximum lot coverage is the percentage of net land area of a site that can be covered with structures and other impervious surfaces. The maximum lot coverage in each district is shown in Table 5-1[2]. In the SR and R-1 districts, this standard is intended to protect the open character of each district, and ensure that land is available to accommodate septic tanks and drainfields. The intent in the R-2 and R-3 districts is to provide areas for landscaping and recreation. Maximum lot coverage requirements in the commercial districts are intended to promote development consistent with the character of the district, protect setbacks, and provide the opportunity to integrate open space and landscaping plans into the design and placement of the structure and off-street parking.

Structure Setbacks. Structure setbacks are the minimum structure setbacks permitted in a particular zoning district with Type (1) review. In the residential districts, structure setbacks are intended to provide privacy, light, air and emergency access. Setbacks along easements and rights-of-way are intended to minimize the impacts from traffic on adjoining property owners. In the commercial districts, building setbacks provide visual clearance along streets and areas for sitescreening and landscaping. Structure setbacks are required in the industrial districts to provide fire protection, emergency access, and to reduce impacts on adjacent districts of lower intensity. No structure shall be built or located on or in an easement. The use of an access easement by a structure shall only be allowed upon vacation/alteration of the easement in accordance with provisions established in the city subdivision ordinance. The standard structure setback in each district is shown in Table 5-1.

Setbacks for Residential Accessory Structures.

Maximum Building Height. Maximum building height is intended to maintain building heights compatible with the character and intent of the district. The maximum building height in each district is shown in Table 5-1.

Fences and Walls—Standard Height. The following provisions shall govern the location and height of fences and walls:

Access Required. All new development shall have a minimum of twenty feet of lot frontage upon a public road or be served by an access easement at least twenty feet in width. The purpose of this standard is to provide for vehicular access to all new development; provided, the construction of single-family and two-family dwellings on existing legally established lots is exempt from the requirements of this section.

Recreational Screen. A recreational screen is a protective device for recreational purposes designed to keep recreational equipment within or outside of a designated area. Such uses are typically associated with schools, parks, golf courses, swimming pools, ballfields, and playgrounds. The specific standard for screen height in Table 5-1 does not apply to recreational screening as established by this title. The height and materials for screens will be evaluated by the administrative official based on the need, safety requirements, and relationship to residential and commercial properties and streets.

Sidewalk Requirement. Sidewalks on one side of the street are required with new construction (except single-family structures). A sidewalk is required if one exists within two hundred feet of the development on the same side of the street. Replacement of existing sidewalk is required only if existing sidewalk presents a safety hazard, except that for applications under the jurisdiction of the city of Yakima, the provisions of Title 12 of the Yakima Municipal Code shall prevail over the provisions of this section to the extent of any conflict between such provisions.

Swimming Pools. Swimming pools, as defined by the Washington State Residential Code, are permitted as an accessory use to: dwellings, hotels/motels, congregate living facilities, retirement homes, other residential uses, schools, and recreational facilities when all of the following provisions are met:

Development within the State Fair Park. The following structures may be developed, maintained, altered, expanded, or erected within the State Fair Park without further zoning review provided such development is consistent with YMC § 15.04.200(C), Allowable Uses, SEPA mitigation where required, the development standards of this code and other construction permit requirements:

Table of Subdivision Requirements. The provisions of this section and the requirements set forth in Table 5-2[1] are hereby established for all subdivisions in the zoning districts indicated. In the case of conflict between the text and tables, the text shall govern. Additional subdivision requirements are established in YMC Title 14.

Maximum Number of Dwelling Units Permitted per Net Residential Acre. Maximum number of dwelling units permitted per net residential acre is used to determine the maximum number of dwelling units permitted within a single subdivision, short subdivision, mobile home park, multifamily development, or planned residential development. This standard is intended to:

Minimum Lot Size. Minimum lot size is the smallest lot size permitted in a particular zoning district when land is subdivided, short platted, resubdivided, or when lot lines are adjusted. No lot shall be created that is smaller than the applicable minimum lot size standard established in Table 5-2.

Standard Lot Width. Standard lot width is the minimum lot width generally permitted in a particular zoning district. The intent of this standard is to prevent irregularly shaped lots along, and to control access to, rights-of-way.

Concurrent Subdivision and Zoning Review Required. Any application for a long subdivision which proposes a use or configuration of land or improvements requiring Type (1), (2) or (3) review under this title shall, at or prior to the filing of such application, also file an application for such review under this title. Such application shall be heard by the hearing examiner concurrently with the subdivision application using the procedures for Type (3) review.

Intersections. All corner lots at unsignalized street intersections or railroads shall maintain, for safety vision purposes, a vision clearance triangle. The vision clearance triangle shall measure fifteen feet by one hundred twenty feet along the perpendicular lengths formed by three points including:

Driveway Curb Cuts or Alleys. This applies only to uses established under the terms of this title. A vision clearance triangle shall be maintained at all driveways, curb cuts, and intersections of an alley with a public street, for vision safety purposes. The vision clearance triangle shall measure fifteen feet along the perpendicular street curb lines, pavement edge, or travel lane of the public street and fifteen feet along the driveway or alley. The third side of the triangle shall be a straight line connecting the fifteen-foot sides described above. No sign or associated landscaping shall be placed within this triangle so as to materially impede vision between the heights of two and one-half and ten feet above the centerline grade of the streets.

Fire apparatus access roads for multiple-family residential developments and one- or two-family residential developments shall be subject to the provisions of Sections D106 and D107, respectively, of Appendix D of the International Fire Code. Additionally, such residential developments shall be subject to the requirements of Section D105 of Appendix D, International Fire Code, pertaining to aerial fire apparatus roads, as applicable. All provisions of the International Fire Code referenced above are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by this reference, as now existing or as hereafter amended and adopted by the city. Minimum requirements for the primary and secondary access will be at least twenty feet wide, unobstructed, paved lanes.

In order to promote safety for emergency access and circulation within and between new developments, cul-de-sac streets (public or private) shall not exceed 600 feet.