Chapter 18.80
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ALL USES
Sections:
18.80.005 Applicability and compliance.
18.80.010 Building projections into yards and courts.
18.80.015 Flag lot – Determination of lot width and front lot line.
18.80.020 Height limit exceptions.
18.80.025 Mechanical and utility equipment.
18.80.030 Public utility and distribution lines and facilities.
18.80.035 Refuse storage areas.
18.80.040 Relocated buildings.
18.80.050 Street line – Minimum length.
18.80.055 Underground utilities.
18.80.005 Applicability and compliance.
The development standards set forth in this chapter apply to every use classification in every zoning district unless otherwise specifically provided. The city planner may require evidence of ability to comply with development standards before issuing an entitlement. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.010 Building projections into yards and courts.
A projection into a required yard is permitted as follows:
A. Cornice, eave, overhang and ornamental feature: two and one-half feet;
B. Chimney or fireplace: three feet into a front or rear yard and two feet into a side yard;
C. Greenhouse and bay window: two and one-half feet into a front or rear yard and one and one-half feet into a side yard;
D. Porch, fire escape, landing and open staircase: four feet into a front or rear yard and two feet into a side yard;
E. Unsupported awning, canopy and balcony: four feet;
F. Uncovered deck, patio, porch and steps, and subterranean garage and basement: four feet into front or rear yard and two feet into side yard if over one and one-half feet above adjacent grade; no restriction if not more than one and one-half feet above grade;
G. Covered deck and patio: four feet into a required rear yard. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 05-1257 § 4, 2005; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.015 Flag lot – Determination of lot width and front lot line.
A. Lot Width. The lot width of a rectangular or square flag lot (exclusive of the access stem) is the horizontal distance of the shortest lot line. The lot width of a flag lot that is not a square or rectangle is determined as prescribed in PMC 18.06.431.
B. Front Lot Line. For the purpose of determining the front yard of a flag lot, the front lot line of a flag lot is that portion of the lot where the access road lot stem or easement adjoins the lot. If an access lot stem or easement to an adjacent flag lot traverses a flag lot, the lot stem or easement is considered a front lot line. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.020 Height limit exceptions.
A tower, spire, cupola, chimney, elevator penthouse, water tank, flagpole, monument, theater scenery, radio and television antenna (except as provided in PMC 18.84.030), transmission tower, light standard, fire tower, and similar structure and necessary mechanical appurtenances covering not more than 10 percent of the ground area covered by the structure to which it is accessory may exceed the maximum permitted height in a district in which the site is located subject to the following regulations:
A. In an R district, a chimney may exceed the permitted height by two feet. Any other structure may not be more than 15 feet above the district height limit.
B. In a C, I, GQ or OS district, a structure may exceed the district height limit by 20 feet. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.025 Mechanical and utility equipment.
A. Mechanical Equipment. Except as provided in subsection (B) of this section, exterior mechanical equipment (except solar collectors and operating mechanical equipment in the IG district located more than 50 feet from an R, C, GS, PD or OS district boundary) must be screened from view on all sides. Equipment to be screened includes, but is not limited to, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, plumbing line and ductwork. Satellite receiving antenna must be screened as prescribed by PMC 18.84.615. The city may require screening of the top of equipment if necessary to protect a significant view.
B. Utility Equipment.
1. Utility Meters. A utility meter must be screened from view from the public right-of-way, but need not be screened on top or when located on the interior side of a single-family dwelling or duplex. A water meter located in a required front yard or in a corner side yard must be enclosed in a subsurface vault.
2. Utility Transformers and Junction Boxes. All new transformer or junction boxes shall be placed in a subsurface vault. For new projects, developer shall underground existing and required on and off-site utilities as set forth in PMC Title 17, or as deemed necessary by the city engineer. The city engineer shall determine whether undergrounding is not feasible and if so, is authorized to allow above ground utilities. If mounted aboveground, utility transformers and junction boxes must be obscured from view by landscaping, architecturally designed and painted enclosures, or screening. The city may require an alternate location, method of screening or placement in a subsurface vault if necessary to protect site aesthetics or safety.
C. Screening Specifications. Screening material may have evenly distributed openings or perforations not exceeding 50 percent of the surface area and must effectively screen mechanical equipment so that it is obscured from a street or adjoining lot. [Ord. 21-1498 § 9, 2021; Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 1109 § 3 (Exh. A), 1996; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.030 Public utility and distribution lines and facilities.
The following regulations apply to public utility transmission and distribution lines and facilities:
A. A public utility distribution and transmission line, tower and pole and underground facility for distribution or transmission of the same, and appurtenances, other than those set forth in subsections (B) and (C) of this section, are an allowed use in all zoning districts, without the necessity of obtaining a use permit and without regard to building height limitation.
B. An electrical and power transmission line over 60 kilovolts and each public utility distribution and transmission line requiring the use of a steel tower does not require a use permit, unless it is proposed in an R district.
C. A public utility distribution and transmission line, tower and pole and underground facilities for distribution or transmission of the same that cross, traverse or are over, under or along unsubdivided land or property does not require a use permit, unless it is proposed in an R district. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.035 Refuse storage areas.
A refuse storage area located within a building or screened on three sides by a six-foot-high concrete or masonry wall and including a roof and gate constructed to city design standards must be provided before occupancy for uses other than a single-family or duplex dwelling.
The city planner may waive this screening requirement in the IG district for refuse collection and storage equipment, including a dumpster and waste storage container that is not visible from a public street.
All properties in the CP district shall arrange for the pick up and proper disposal of trash, litter and garbage originating from their use even if it is deposited on public property. Trash and recycling bins in the CP district shall be removed by the end of trash pick-up day and may not be set out prior to 5:00 p.m. the day before trash pick-up day. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 06-1273 § 4, 2006; Ord. 05-1257 § 4, 2005; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.040 Relocated buildings.
A use permit is required for the relocation of a building. This permit shall establish conditions necessary to ensure that the relocated building will be compatible with its surroundings in terms of architectural character, height and bulk, and quality of exterior appearance. The application and procedure for the use permit may be combined with the requirement of Chapter 15.40 PMC for the moving of a structure. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.045 Signs.
Each sign erected on a site in any land use district is subject to the sign regulations (PMC Title 19). [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.050 Street line – Minimum length.
The street line of a lot, other than a flag lot, must be equal to or greater than the minimum required lot width. However, in the event more than 50 percent of the street line is a concave curve, the minimum street line must be not less than 50 percent of the required lot width, and the actual lot width of the lot measured at the rear line of the required front yard must be not less than 80 percent of the required lot width. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]
18.80.055 Underground utilities.
Every electrical, telephone, CATV, and similar distribution line providing direct service to a development site shall be installed underground within the site. [Ord. 07-1284 § 3 (Exh. F), 2007; Ord. 979 § 2 (Exh. A), 1990.]