Chapter 10.04
TRAFFIC CODE
Sections:
10.04.020 Adoption by reference.
10.04.030 Effect of repetition.
10.04.050 Prohibited stopping, standing or parking areas.
10.04.070 Time limited parking.
10.04.075 Time limited parking in restricted areas.
10.04.085 Restricted public parking lots.
10.04.100 U-turn restrictions.
10.04.130 Authority of sheriff’s department to remove and impound vehicles.
10.04.140 Combined public/private parking space.
10.04.150 Violation – Penalty.
10.04.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to enhance the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and to insure the most effective utilization of the limited parking space available within the town. (Ord. 945 § 1, 1994)
10.04.020 Adoption by reference.
The “Washington Model Traffic Ordinance,” Chapter 308-330 WAC, is adopted by reference as the traffic ordinance of the town of Friday Harbor as if set forth in full. (Ord. 945 § 2, 1994)
10.04.030 Effect of repetition.
Whenever a section of this chapter refers to a specific section of the MTO, the intent is to give emphasis to or expand upon the RCW regulations. (Ord. 945 § 3, 1994)
10.04.035 Definitions.
“Public transportation vehicle” means any vehicle such as a bus, taxi, van, trolley or limousine that is used for the purposes of public transportation. These include vehicles that are licensed and those that are for commercial businesses. (Ord. 1599 § 2, 2016)
10.04.040 Traffic engineer.
The mayor or his designee shall exercise the powers, duties, and authority stipulated for the traffic engineer by WAC 308-330-265, and this chapter. (Ord. 945 § 4, 1994)
10.04.050 Prohibited stopping, standing or parking areas.
A. Pursuant to RCW 46.61.570(a), stopping, standing or parking is specifically prohibited in the following areas:
1. On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street (double parking);
2. On a sidewalk or street planting strip;
3. Within an intersection;
4. On a crosswalk;
5. At any place where official signs prohibit stopping.
B. Standing or parking a vehicle, whether occupied or not, is prohibited, except briefly for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers, in any area designated by yellow-painted curb markings or official “no parking” signs.
C. Pursuant to WAC 308-330-436, no person shall park any vehicle upon any town street or within any town street right-of-way for the purpose of:
1. Displaying advertising;
2. Displaying such vehicle for sale;
3. Selling merchandise from such vehicle, except when authorized.
D. No person shall park any vehicle upon any roadway for the principal purpose of washing, greasing, or repairing such vehicle except repairs necessitated by an emergency.
E. Parking of any vehicle on any town street for the purpose of camping or sleeping therein is prohibited.
F. Parking is prohibited at all times in the following areas:
1. The east side of Argyle Avenue from the intersection of Spring Street to the town limits;
2. The northwest side of Reed Street from Second Street to Blair Avenue;
3. The southwest side of Front Street from Spring Street to the intersection with Court Street extended;
4. The southeast side of East Street from First Street/Harrison Street intersection to Front Street (specifically, that area which lies along the curb divider which separates the travelled portion of East Street from the ferry holding area);
5. Both sides of Warbass Way from the town limits westerly 380 feet;
6. The east side of Sunshine Alley, from its intersection with First Street to its intersection with Nichols Street;
7. The east side of “A” Street from Web Street to Nichols Street;
8. The first 60 feet on the northwest side of East Street from Front Street;
9. Any other area specifically designated by the traffic engineer and identified by official “no parking” signs or curb markings.
G. Any vehicle parked in violation of subsections A, B or E of this section shall be deemed to constitute an obstruction to traffic and/or to jeopardize public safety and the vehicle may be removed to a place of safety pursuant to RCW 46.61.565. The cost of removal and storage of vehicles under this section shall be a lien upon the vehicle until paid, unless the removal is determined to be invalid. (Ord. 945 § 5, 1994)
10.04.060 Parking angles.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, every vehicle stopped or parked upon town streets shall be stopped or parked within 12 inches of and parallel to the curb or shoulder as required by RCW 46.61.575.
B. “Angle parking” is defined as parking a vehicle at the edge of a street, headed in the direction of lawful traffic movement, with the right-hand wheels at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the curb or street edge. Angle parking is required, except as may be otherwise indicated by official traffic-control signs or devices, in the following areas:
1. Both sides of Spring Street from the waterfront at Front Street to the intersection with Argyle Avenue;
2. Both sides of First Street from Court Street to the intersection with East Street;
3. Both sides of First Street from Court Street to its northwesterly end;
4. Both sides of Court Street from First Street to Second Street;
5. Both sides of West Street and First Street to Second Street.
C. “Head-in parking” is defined as parking a vehicle with its front against the curb or street edge so that the vehicle is oriented at approximately a 90-degree angle to the curb or street edge. Head-in parking is required on both sides of West Street from First Street to the bluff, except as may be otherwise indicated by official traffic-control signs or devices. Head-in parking is allowed on both sides of Front Street from its northwesterly end to the intersection with Court Street extended.
D. “Back-in parking” is defined as parking a vehicle with its rear against the curb or street edge so that the vehicle is oriented at approximately a 90-degree angle to the curb or street edge. Back-in parking is allowed on both sides of Front Street from its northwesterly end to the intersection with Court Street extended.
E. Pursuant to RCW 46.90.430, upon those streets which have been marked for angle parking, head-in parking, back-in parking, or parallel parking, no person shall park in such a way as to occupy parts of more than one parking space, or park a vehicle other than at the angle to the curb or edge of the street indicated by such markings.
F. Parking any vehicle which exceeds an overall length of 22 feet is prohibited in any area designated for angle parking, head-in parking, or back-in parking. (Ord. 1304 § 2, 2006; Ord. 945 § 6, 1994)
10.04.070 Time limited parking.
Within the areas identified in this section, parking shall be limited to the duration and times specified in this chapter, except as may be otherwise designated and indicated by traffic-control signs or devices.
A. A 15-minute limit shall be in effect between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in the following areas:
1. North side of Nichols Street from A Street west 20 feet.
B. A 30-minute limit shall be in effect between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in the following areas:
1. Northwest side of East Street from Front Street to First Street;
2. Both sides of Front Street from East Street to Spring Street except for areas specifically designated as loading zones and disabled parking;
3. South side of Harrison Street from A Street east 161 feet except for the first 115 feet.
C. A two-hour limit shall be in effect between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in the following areas:
1. Both sides of Spring Street from Front Street to the intersection with Argyle Avenue;
2. Both sides of First Street from East Street to Court Street;
3. Both sides of Second Street from Spring Street to West Street;
4. Northeast side of Second Street from Spring Street to Culver Avenue;
5. Southeast side of West Street from Second Street to the bluff;
6. Northwest side of West Street from First Street to the bluff;
7. Both sides of A Street from Harrison Street to Nichols Street;
8. Both sides of Nichols Street from Argyle Avenue to A Street;
9. West side of Argyle Avenue from Spring Street to Caines Street;
10. Southeast side of Court Street from First Street to Second Street;
11. South side of Nichols Street from A Street to B Street;
12. That portion of the property owned by the Port of Friday Harbor that is located northeast of the northeast right-of-way edge of Front Street between Court Street extended and the northwesterly terminus of Front Street; except, however, for those two spaces specifically designated otherwise under FHMC 10.04.080;
13. Southwest side of Front Street between Court Street extended and the northwesterly terminus of Front Street; except, however, two spaces which may be specifically designated otherwise under FHMC 10.04.080;
14. Northeast side of First Street from Court Street northwesterly 33 feet;
15. West side of Blair Avenue from Park Street south 308 feet;
16. East side of Blair Avenue from Park Street south 225 feet;
17. North side of Guard Street from Culver Avenue to Tucker Avenue;
18. Northwest side of Front Street from Spring Street to fuel dock; and
19. Both sides of Web Street from Argyle Avenue to A Street.
D. A four-hour limit shall be in effect between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in the following areas:
1. Both sides of Market Street from Mullis Street to Nash Street;
2. Both sides of Mullis Street from Spring Street to the intersection with Market Street unless otherwise restricted;
3. Both sides of Mullis Street from the Market Street intersection south 500 feet;
4. Both sides of Nash Street from Caines Street to Market Street unless otherwise restricted;
5. The east side of Carter Avenue from Guard Street north 417 feet;
6. North side of West Street from First Street to Second Street unless otherwise restricted;
7. Both sides of Second Street from West Street to Blair Avenue unless otherwise restricted;
8. Both sides of Blair Avenue from Spring Street north 426 feet;
9. Both sides of Spring Street from Caines Street and Blair Avenue to Mullis Street unless otherwise restricted.
E. An eight-hour limit shall be in effect 24 hours each day. Parking shall be enforced between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, in the following areas:
1. The northeast side of First Street from Court Street to the northwest end except for the first 33 feet from Court Street;
2. The northwest side of First Street from Court Street to the northwest end;
3. Repealed by Ord. 1694;
4. Both sides of Culver Avenue from Guard Street to Jensen Alley;
5. Northwest side of Court Street from First to Second Street;
6. Both sides of Spring Street from Argyle to Blair Avenue unless otherwise restricted;
7. Both sides of Spring Street from Mullis Street to Marguerite Place unless otherwise restricted.
F. A 72-hour parking limit shall be in effect upon streets within the town at all times. Any vehicle parked in excess of 72 hours shall be deemed to be abandoned and may be removed and impounded pursuant to RCW 46.55.085. The last owner of record shall be responsible for any costs incurred in removing, storing, and disposing of such vehicle.
G. The traffic engineer is authorized to designate disabled parking areas, loading zones, taxi zones, public transportation vehicle zones and bus stops when he determines that such action will promote the purposes of this chapter.
H. Notwithstanding any other provision, the traffic engineer, when it is determined that such action will promote the purposes of this chapter, is authorized between the months of June through September to seasonally alter the limit of time for parking of vehicles beyond the posted limitations imposed by this chapter. However, no prohibition, limitation or restriction on parking imposed under this section is effective unless official signage or markers have been placed or erected indicating the particular prohibition, limitation or restriction.
I. Any vehicle parked with distinguishing license plates or an identifying placard obtained by a person with a mobility impairment as prescribed by law, and being used by such person, may exceed the time limits controlled by this section. (Ord. 1727 §§ 1, 2, 2021; Ord. 1694 §§ 1, 2, 2020; Ord. 1599 §§ 3 – 6, 2016; Ord. 1580 § 2, 2015; Ord. 1572 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1565 §§ 2 – 4, 2015; Ord. 1547 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1540 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1510 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1419 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1304 § 3, 2006)
10.04.075 Time limited parking in restricted areas.
Within the restricted areas identified in FHMC 10.04.080, parking shall be limited to the duration and times specified in this section, except as may be otherwise designated and indicated by traffic-control signs or devices.
A. A four-hour limit shall be in effect for any disabled parking space designated by sign-age and marked with the blue and white “international symbol of access,” between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., each day except Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. This restriction does not apply to any other nonreserved, on-street parking spaces by vehicles displaying special parking placards or special license plates issued under RCW 46.19.050 or otherwise prescribed by law. (Ord. 1572 § 2, 2015)
10.04.080 Restricted parking.
Parking shall be restricted by signage and curb delineation, and may be time limited for certain types and uses, as indicated in the following areas:
A. Any space designated as disabled parking;
B. Any space designated as emergency vehicle parking;
C. Any space designated as loading zone;
D. Any space designated as taxi zone or any public transportation vehicle zone;
E. Any space designated as bus stop;
F. Any space designated as U.S. Customs parking;
G. Any space designated as motorcycle parking;
H. In the area located northwest of the northwest right-of-way edge of Front Street, between Court Street extended and the northwest terminus of Front Street, there shall be two spaces designated for use only by business tenants of the Port of Friday Harbor; and
I. On any required fire apparatus access road unless the vehicle is in the process of being loaded or unloaded and the driver thereof is in actual attendance of said vehicle. (Ord. 1616 §§ 1, 2, 2017; Ord. 1599 §§ 7, 8, 2016; Ord. 1346 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1304 § 4, 2006; Ord. 1284 § 3, 2005)
10.04.085 Restricted public parking lots.
A. Restricted Public Parking Lots Operated by Town of Friday Harbor. Except for vehicles owned by town of Friday Harbor, no vehicles shall remain parked in restricted lots between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. unless otherwise posted by town signage. Hours of authorized use shall be posted within the parking lot area. The following vehicles are prohibited from use of the lot:
1. Vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length;
2. Vehicles towing trailers;
3. Recreational vehicles or other vehicles primarily used for camping.
B. Impoundment Authorized. Any vehicle parked in violation of subsection A of this section shall be deemed an “unauthorized vehicle,” as defined in RCW 46.55.010(13), and may be impounded under the authority of RCW 46.55.070. The last owner of record shall be responsible for any costs incurred in removing, storing and disposing of such vehicle. (Ord. 1662 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1621 § 1, 2017; Ord. 1238 §§ 1, 2, 2003)
10.04.090 Speed restrictions.
A. Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 46.61.415, the maximum speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour along the following streets, or portions thereof:
1. Gerard Lane in its entirety.
B. Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 46.61.415, the maximum speed limit shall be 20 miles per hour along the following streets, or portions thereof:
1. Alder Court in its entirety;
2. Carter Avenue in its entirety;
3. Green Way in its entirety;
4. Grover Street in its entirety;
5. Harrison Street, from its intersection with Warbass Way and “B” Street to its intersection with Turn Point Road;
6. Hemlock Court in its entirety;
7. Hillcrest Place in its entirety;
8. Jensen Alley in its entirety;
9. Kelsando Circle in its entirety;
10. Lampard Road, from its intersection with Spring Street to the corporate limits of town;
11. Mason Court in its entirety;
12. Nash Street from its intersection with Spruce Street to its intersection with Market Street;
13. Nichols Street in its entirety;
14. Perry Place in its entirety;
15. Rose Lane, from its intersection with Argyle Avenue to its intersection with Spruce Street;
16. Spring Street, from its intersection with Caines Street/Blair Avenue to its intersection with Front Street;
17. Spruce Street, from its intersection with Argyle Avenue to its intersection with Rose Lane; and
18. Warbass Way, from its intersection with Harrison Street/“B” Street to its intersection with Turn Point Road. (Ord. 1668 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1656 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1619 § 1, 2017; Ord. 1561 § 2, 2015; Ord. 1516 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1367 § 2, 2008)
10.04.100 U-turn restrictions.
Pursuant to RCW 46.90.424, it is unlawful for a person operating a vehicle to make a U-turn at any point other than an intersection or street end, or where prohibited from doing so by the posting of official signs. A turn into a designated angle parking space on the opposite side of a street shall be deemed a U-turn for purposes of this section. (Ord. 945 § 10, 1994)
10.04.110 Special permits.
A. In addition to the special permits authorized by RCW 46.90.265(10), the traffic engineer is authorized to issue, after consultation with the police department, special permits allowing deviation, for a limited time, from the requirements of this chapter. Such permits shall be issued only after written request setting forth the necessity for the deviation, and after a finding that such action will not create an undue hazard. Such permits are limited to the following purposes:
1. Allowing service vehicles to reserve parking space adjacent to a temporary work site;
2. Facilitating the loading, unloading, or movement of buildings or other oversize loads;
3. Facilitating authorized construction work on street rights-of-way or adjacent property.
B. The traffic engineer, after consultation with the police department, shall issue permits for parades and processions pursuant to RCW 46.90.469.
C. Permits issued under this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the traffic engineer may prescribe. Failure to comply with such terms and conditions constitutes a violation of this chapter.
D. The traffic engineer is authorized to establish fees for the issuance of any permits under this section. Fees shall be set in amounts which will recover any costs of administration and enforcement. (Ord. 945 § 11, 1994)
10.04.120 One-way streets.
The following streets are designated as one-way streets with the traffic flow in the directions indicated:
A. Warbass Way from the town limits to the intersection with Harrison Street; traffic flow is westerly;
B. Sunshine Alley from First Street to Nichols Avenue; traffic flow is southerly;
C. East Street from the Harrison Street/ First Street intersection to Front Street; traffic flow is northeasterly;
D. Front Street from East Street to Spring Street; traffic flow is northwesterly;
E. Harrison Street from the town limits westerly 230 feet to the top of the hill; traffic flow is easterly; and
F. Hillcrest Place from Jennifer Place northerly 415 feet to the concrete survey monument at the northeast corner of Lot 22; traffic flow is northerly. (Ord. 1793 § 1, 2024; Ord. 1367 § 3, 2008; Ord. 945 § 12, 1994)
10.04.130 Authority of sheriff’s department to remove and impound vehicles.
During such time as the county sheriff’s department provides police department services to the town under an interlocal agreement, the sheriff’s department is authorized and directed to perform, in accordance with the applicable statute, whatever vehicle removal, impoundment, and disposal actions may be required under this chapter. Except with respect to vehicles removed from parking lots owned by San Juan County, the town shall pay any direct costs resulting from such activities. (Ord. 1238 § 3, 2003; Ord. 945 § 13, 1994)
10.04.140 Combined public/private parking space.
Any parking area in which a parked vehicle does, or may, occupy both a portion of the public right-of-way and a portion of private property shall be subject to regulation under this chapter. (Ord. 945 § 14, 1994)
10.04.150 Violation – Penalty.
Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 308-330 WAC, Parking Infractions, for which penalties are not provided for in Chapter 308-330 WAC, shall be as set forth in the town bail schedule, but shall not exceed such limits, if any, as may be established by state law or rule of the Washington State Supreme Court. In addition to such penalties as are provided for in this section, there shall be imposed a penalty of $25.00 for failure to respond to any notice of traffic infraction relating to parking, including parking infractions defined by local ordinances of the town of Friday Harbor. (Ord. 945 § 15, 1994)