Chapter 12.01
ADDRESSING AND STREET NAMING
Sections:
12.01.030 Implementation and responsibilities.
12.01.060 Street designations.
12.01.070 Addressing along streets.
12.01.080 Street naming policy.
12.01.090 Naming of new street or naming of existing unnamed streets.
12.01.100 Renaming of existing duplicated street names.
12.01.110 Renaming of other streets.
12.01.120 Installation and replacement of addresses.
12.01.130 General display of addresses.
12.01.140 Procedures for installation and placement of addresses.
12.01.150 Street name signs (private roads).
12.01.160 Violations – Enforcement.
12.01.170 Violations – Penalties.
12.01.180 Administrative procedures.
12.01.200 Controversial or disputed street names.
12.01.010 Purpose.
This chapter further implements portions of the city of Richland comprehensive plan and supplements the zoning and subdivision ordinances. Its purpose is to provide the residents of Richland with a uniform and standardized system of street naming and addressing to:
A. Minimize future street name and addressing conflicts.
B. Provide a database for city and county records and enhanced 911 service.
C. Expedite property identification by emergency services.
D. Comply with U.S. postal addressing standards. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.020 Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to all property and to all public and private streets in the city of Richland. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.030 Implementation and responsibilities.
A. The city of Richland community and development services group, planning and development services manager, shall have the responsibility of administering, enforcing, and maintaining an addressing and street naming standard as defined by this chapter. The fire and emergency services department also has enforcement authority for addressing on buildings as specified in the Uniform Fire Code.
B. In the event that violations of this chapter are not corrected by the date established by the city of Richland, the city may perform the work and bill the property owner(s). In the event the property owner(s) fails to pay said bill, the city may take such action as necessary to collect the debt.
C. Property owners are responsible for placing alphanumeric identification in accordance with RMC 12.01.130 and 12.01.140, and for erecting private street signs in accordance with RMC 12.01.150. Posting of addresses and street names must be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
D. The city of Richland public works department is responsible for erecting and maintaining public street signs at street intersections within the boundaries of the city. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 31-03].
12.01.040 Document protocols.
For document clarity, references to all vehicle paths of travel serving three or more properties, residences, or businesses are referred to as “streets.” Driveways or other vehicle paths of travel serving less than three properties, residences, or businesses shall not be named to reduce administrative costs, but shall have addresses installed and placed as required herein to minimize the potential for confusion for emergency service providers. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.050 Address grid.
Defining the address number portion of street addresses will be based on a geographic information system (GIS) address grid keymap. This keymap is used to geographically identify the location of the subject structure or parcel as it correlates to the most favored axis on the grid, thereby defining the number portion of the address. The defined address grid lines will determine the address number(s) for that structure or parcel. The address keymap has two addressing systems areas. They are defined as address systems A and B. Addressing system A is the area north of the Yakima River and within the city of Richland urban growth area boundary. Addressing system B is the area south of the Yakima River and within the city of Richland urban growth area boundary. Both addressing systems have the zero address datum line defined along the centerline of the Yakima River. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.060 Street designations.
Designation of streets within the city of Richland and within the unincorporated areas of the city’s urban growth boundary shall be in accordance with the following guidelines, except in the case of existing and recorded street designations.
A. Streets which have a definite north-south directional course shall generally be designated as “avenue.” Streets which have a definite east-west directional course shall generally be designated as “street.”
B. Streets which do not have a definite directional course shall be designated as a “road,” “drive,” “trail,” “way,” “boulevard,” “place” or “lane.”
C. A dead-end street or cul-de-sac less than 1,000 feet in length, when not an extension of an existing street or a continuation of a proposed street, shall be called a “court.”
D. A street that has its ingress and egress on the same street shall be designated “loop.”
E. A street that circles back upon itself shall be designated as a “circle.”
F. In those areas being incorporated into the city, all named streets that extend from existing incorporated areas into areas being considered for incorporation shall retain the incorporated name.
G. Streets that are obviously in alignment with others already existing and named shall bear the names of the existing streets. The development services manager may allow name changes otherwise prohibited under this section, as follows:
1. In those cases where the new street extension crosses either the north-south or east-west zero-axes of the address grid; or
2. In those cases where the new street extension is the beginning of a new “arterial” as defined by the city engineer.
H. A newly established street, which has less than a 125-foot centerline alignment offset from an existing street, shall continue the same street name. A newly established street, which has more than a 125-foot centerline alignment offset from an existing street, shall adopt a new name.
I. New streets shall preserve and continue any alphabetical or numerical sequence and type of name already established in nearby subdivisions.
J. The city council may, by majority vote, approve a street designation that does not conform to the standards provided in subsections (A) through (E) of this section. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 42-13 § 1.01].
12.01.070 Addressing along streets.
Addressing along city of Richland streets shall be based on the quadrant grid as defined in RMC 12.01.050. Incorporated areas, areas designated for annexation under growth management guidelines, and other areas requesting annexation shall structure their addressing in the following manner:
A. Address numbers will run consecutively to the north, south, east, and west from the point of beginning. The expansion or contraction of east/west address numbers will be necessary in some sections.
B. Odd numbers shall appear on the south and west side of streets, and even numbers on the north and east sides.
C. If a two-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling unit has a number of entrances and each entrance services a separate occupant, then each entrance shall be assigned an address. If whole numbers are exhausted, then a single building number shall be utilized with sequential letter designations used for each separate occupant. Unit numbering shall be in accordance with RMC 12.01.130 and 12.01.140.
D. A single multifamily dwelling structure shall be assigned one address number for the structure. The addresses for the individual dwellings within the structure shall be three-digit numbers with the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance (example: 2700 George Washington Way, Apt. or Suite 202 – second floor apartment).
E. Multifamily complexes with multiple structures:
1. May have an assigned address for each structure with each individual dwelling within the structure(s) numbered as in subsection (D) of this section; or
2. May use a single street address for the entire complex with:
a. Each structure bearing a building letter designation; and
b. Each dwelling unit shall have a three-digit unit number, the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance (example: 2700 George Washington Way, Bldg. A, Apt. 202 – indicates second floor apartment); and
c. Each dwelling unit shall have a building letter designation and a three-digit unit number affixed adjacent to or on the main entry door (Example: 2700 George Washington Way, Bldg. A, Apt. 202 shall have A202 appropriately affixed).
F. Business and commercial offices or complexes shall have an assigned address for each building with individual offices within that building assigned a three-digit suite number with the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance to the suite.
G. In strip malls the businesses shall have individual addresses assigned according to the street on which they front. In those cases where the business does not front on a street, individual addresses shall be assigned according to the closest fronting street, or as approved by the fire and emergency services department.
H. Mobile home parks shall have either:
1. One address number assigned to the park with the owner of the mobile home park responsible for the individual numbering of each mobile home space in accordance with RMC 12.01.130 and 12.01.140. Streets within the mobile home park shall be signed and addresses installed in accordance with RMC 12.01.150; or
2. Each space shall be assigned an address with streets within the mobile home park signed and addresses installed in accordance with RMC 12.01.140 and 12.01.150. If whole numbers are exhausted, then a single building number shall be utilized with sequential letter designations used for each separate space.
I. A diagonal or meandering street shall be assigned numbers depending upon the keymap quadrant and the base axis which it most favors.
J. Circle and loop street addresses shall be assigned off of the address keymap grid axis that corresponds to the loop or circle’s most favored base axis. Numbering shall start at its “beginning” and shall continue correlating to the grid in a clockwise direction as if the street were straight. “Beginning” is defined as the lowest numerical point on the favored base axis.
K. Structure(s) shall be assigned an address from the address keymap at the point where a line drawn perpendicular to the facing street intersects with the primary entrance to that structure. Corner lots may be addressed off of the facing street selected by the property owner; however, requests to change the address once assigned shall require the approval of the planning and inspection manager.
L. If a street accesses four or more living units or business structures, it shall be assigned a private street name and the structures shall be addressed in accordance with this section.
M. Properties accessed by a common right-of-way or access easement with three or fewer living units or business structures shall be assigned an address at the point where the right-of-way or easement intersects a public or private street. [Ord. 6-96; amended during 2011 recodification].
12.01.080 Street naming policy.
In selecting street names, consideration shall be given to the following:
A. Centerline alignment street name standards of RMC 12.01.060(J) shall be observed for noncontinuous streets unless there is no possibility for extension of the street to make it a continuation through-street.
B. There shall be no duplication of existing names in the Tri-City area. The city of Richland community and development services group, planning and development services, shall assemble and maintain an official list of all street names presently in use within the Tri-City area. Names listed therein shall not be reused. Planning and development services shall coordinate with the fire and emergency services department and emergency communications division to ensure compliance with this requirement.
C. Names of similar pronunciation and/or spelling shall be prohibited (example: Briar Lane, Brier Lane). Planning and development services shall coordinate with the public safety group to ensure compliance with this requirement.
D. Variations of the same name with a different street designation shall be prohibited within the first word of the two-word title or in the street extension (example: Pine Road, Pine Drive, Pine Lane).
E. No street name shall consist of more than two words or contain more than 14 letters, excluding the extension (street, lane, court, etc.). Special situations may be established with city council approval which allow for more words or letters (i.e., Martin Luther King Ave.).
F. No street shall have more than one name. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 31-03].
12.01.090 Naming of new street or naming of existing unnamed streets.
Any new street to be established within the city of Richland and unincorporated areas within the city’s urban growth boundary, public or private, or any existing unnamed street, public or private, shall require a street name approved by the city of Richland city council or by the community and development services group, planning and development services.
A. In the case of plats, proposed names shall be specified on the final plat map, and shall be in compliance with requirements set forth in this chapter, subject to the approval of the community and development services group, planning and development services.
B. In the case of other new streets or naming of unnamed streets, the owner or owners and/or contract buyers of properties abutting said street may petition in writing on a form provided by the city, to the city of Richland city council, a request to officially name a street. The petition shall bear the signatures of the owners of at least 51 percent of the lots, tracts, or parcels of property (excluding federal, state, public utilities and municipal lands) which will be served by the street to be named. The percentage of owners shall be expressed in terms of both number of properties and land area. The city council shall consider such petition in a regular council meeting. The planning and development services manager shall notify all property owners along the street by first class mail of such council meeting time and date. Tax assessment records shall be used for owner address information. The city council shall give due consideration to any and all such street name petitions only after all street naming requirements of this chapter are met. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 02-01; Ord. 31-03].
12.01.100 Renaming of existing duplicated street names.
The renaming of existing duplicated street names will be required in those cases where the general health and safety of the public is at risk (i.e., rapid property identification by emergency services). Where duplicate names exist, the street serving the largest number of improved properties shall retain its name, unless otherwise decided by the city council. The other street(s) shall be renamed in accordance with the procedures outlined in RMC 12.01.110. The planning division shall coordinate with the fire and emergency services department and emergency communications division to ensure compliance with this requirement. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 02-01].
12.01.110 Renaming of other streets.
In cases where property owners request to change the name of a street which has an existing approved name, the property owners may petition the city in the same manner as outlined in RMC 12.01.090(B). Property owner initiated requests under this section shall require 66 and two-thirds percent super majority approval of property owners along the street. Street names shall not be changed more frequently than once every five years. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.120 Installation and replacement of addresses.
Installation and replacement of addresses shall be in compliance with Uniform Fire Code Section 901.4. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.130 General display of addresses.
Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property. Said numbers shall contrast with their background. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.140 Procedures for installation and placement of addresses.
Address numbers shall be installed at a location approved by the Richland fire and emergency services department.
A. Address numbers shall be located as to be readily visible by emergency responders and shall be positioned to allow exterior illumination of numbers.
B. Physical address numbers shall be no less than four inches in height, with a stroke of one-half inch, and shall contrast with background color pursuant to the Uniform Fire Code.
C. If a structure is more than 75 feet from the street, or is otherwise not clearly visible from the street, its address shall be posted at the intersection of its access street and public or private street, no less than four feet nor more than six feet above the ground on a substantial, maintained support structure.
D. The view of the address from the street must be unobstructed and maintained. In addition to the numbering described above, private property owners may have their addresses painted in a prominent location on the curb fronting their property, and the address numbers shall conform with the dimensions specified in subsection (B) of this section. The characters shall include the address number. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.150 Street name signs (private roads).
All primary letters, numbers, and symbols shall be a minimum of six inches in height, with a one-half-inch stroke, and shall be reflectorized and contrasting with the background color of the sign in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Public street signs shall be a city-approved green background with white letters. Private street signs shall be a city-approved blue background with white letters. In addition, street name signs shall meet the following standards:
A. Shall be placed between seven and 11 feet above the roadway, clearly visible at intersections.
B. All private street signs shall be constructed and installed to the standards of the city of Richland public works department and shall include the street name and block numbers derived from the address grid.
C. It is not the intent of this chapter to cause the immediate replacement of all street signs lacking block numbering; it is the intent that all new and replacement signs meet this requirement. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 31-03].
12.01.160 Violations – Enforcement.
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A. Erect or install a street name sign not in accordance with this chapter;
B. Remove, alter, change or deface a street name sign or address identification erected or installed as provided herein;
C. Place or post addresses not approved by this chapter; or
D. Fail to place an address visible from the street. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.170 Violations – Penalties.
Any person who has violated any provision of this chapter shall have committed a civil infraction subject to a civil penalty as set forth in RMC 10.02.050(E).
Provided, if the same violator has been found to have committed an infraction violation for the same or similar conduct two separate times, with the violations occurring at the same location and involving the same or similar sections of the Richland Municipal Code or other similar codes, the third or subsequent violation shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in RMC 1.30.010 for criminal offenses. [Ord. 6-96; Ord. 06-10 § 1.20].
12.01.180 Administrative procedures.
The city of Richland may, by resolution, adopt administrative procedures, create fee schedules, etc., to facilitate implementation of the purpose and intent of this chapter. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.190 Appeals.
Appeals concerning interpretation or administration of this chapter may be filed by any affected person. Such appeals shall be filed within a reasonable time of the action being appealed, not to exceed 45 days, by filing with the planning and inspection manager a notice of appeal specifying the grounds of the appeal. The planning and inspection manager shall transmit to the physical planning commission papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed was taken. The planning and inspection manager shall schedule the item for a hearing before the commission within 60 days of filing the notice of appeal and shall give legal public notice thereof, as well as due notice to the parties of interest. The physical planning commission shall decide the matter within 30 days. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.200 Controversial or disputed street names.
The planning and inspection manager shall have the discretion to refer any disputed street name, addressing issue, or controversial street name changes to the physical planning commission for approval or resolution. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.210 Repealing clause.
All existing references in the Richland Municipal Code that are in conflict with this chapter are hereby amended and superseded by this chapter. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.220 Severability.
Should any section, clause or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid. [Ord. 6-96].
12.01.230 Amendments.
The Richland city council may amend, supplement, or repeal the regulations and provisions of this chapter in the manner prescribed by RMC 1.01.027. A proposed amendment, supplement or repeal may be originated by the Richland physical planning commission, city manager, planning and inspection manager or by petition. All proposals not originating with the city manager shall be referred to him/her for a report thereon before any action is taken on the proposal by the Richland city council. [Ord. 6-96].