Division IV. Exceptions and Supplementary Regulations
Chapter 18.85
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Sections:
18.85.010 Exceptions to lot size requirements.
18.85.020 Exceptions to yard requirements.
18.85.030 Exceptions to building height limits.
18.85.040 Projections from buildings.
18.85.070 Fences, walls and hedges.
18.85.010 Exceptions to lot size requirements.
If a lot platted before the ordinance codified in this title was adopted has an area or dimensions which do not meet the minimum requirements of this title, the lot may be put to a use permitted outright, subject to the other requirements of the zone in which it is located. residential use shall be limited to a single-family dwelling. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.1), 1998)
18.85.020 Exceptions to yard requirements.
The following exceptions to the front yard requirements are authorized for a lot in any zone:
A. If there are dwellings on both abutting lots with front yards less than the required depth for the zone, the front yard for the lot need not exceed the average front yard of the abutting lots.
B. If there is a dwelling on one abutting lot with a front yard less than the required depth for the zone, the front yard for the lot need not exceed a depth halfway between the depth of the abutting lot and the required front yard for the zone.
C. The planning commission may establish a greater front yard requirement when the yard abuts a street that the city council has designated for widening. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.2), 1998)
18.85.030 Exceptions to building height limits.
The following types of structures or structural parts are not subject to the building height limits of this title: chimneys, tanks, church steeples, domes, monuments, flagpoles, radio and television towers and aerials, and similar projections. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.3), 1998)
18.85.040 Projections from buildings.
A. Cornices, eaves, canopies, gutters, sills, lintels and similar features shall not project more than 18 inches into a required yard.
B. Signage shall not project more than five feet or two-thirds of the distance from the face of the building to the roadway, whichever is less.
C. Awnings shall not project more than six feet or two-thirds of the distance from the face of the building to the roadway, whichever is less.
D. No sign, awning, or other feature shall extend to within two feet of any roadway. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.4), 1998)
18.85.050 Access.
Every lot shall abut a street other than an alley for at least 20 feet. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.5), 1998)
18.85.060 Clear-vision areas.
A. Street and Railroad Clear-Vision Areas. A clear-vision area shall be maintained on the corners of all properties adjacent to the intersection of any combination of rights-of-way, including public and private roads, alleys, driveways and railroad crossings. No fence, wall, landscaping, sign, structure or parked vehicle that would impede visibility between a height of three feet and 10 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting rights-of-way shall be located within the clear-vision area. No driveway or parking area shall be located in the intersection of a clear-vision area.
B. Obstructions. The following obstructions can be within a street or railroad clear-vision area:
1. A public utility pole;
2. A tree trimmed to the trunk to a line at least eight feet above the level of the intersection;
3. Another plant species of open growth habit that is not planted in the form of a hedge line, which is so planted and trimmed as to leave an all-season clear and unobstructed crossview;
4. An official warning sign or signal;
5. A supporting member or appurtenance to a permanent building lawfully existing on the date this standard becomes effective; or
6. A place where the natural contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross-visibility at the intersection.
C. Clear-Vision Triangle. A clear-vision area shall consist of a triangle two sides of which are curb lines for a distance specified in this section (Figure 1). In areas without curbs, lot lines or other lines as determined by the city shall be used in place of curb lines for measurement purposes (Figure 2).
The following measurements shall establish street and railroad clear-vision areas:
1. A distance of 25 feet at the intersection of a public or private street with another street or a railroad.
2. A distance of 20 feet at the intersection of an alley with a street.
D. Driveway Clear-Vision Areas.
1. Commercial, Industrial, Three or More Attached Dwellings, and Public/Semipublic Uses (Figures 3 and 4). Service drives to public streets shall have a minimum clear-vision area formed by the intersection of the edges of the driveway, the street right-of-way line, and a straight line joining said lines through points 20 feet from their intersection. No fence, wall, landscaping, sign, structure or parked vehicle that would impede visibility between a height of three feet to 10 feet above the centerline grade of the intersecting street shall be located within the clear-vision area. No off-street parking area shall be located in a driveway clear-vision area.
2. One- and Two-Unit Residential Developments (Figures 5 and 6). Driveways to public streets shall have a minimum clear-vision area formed by the intersection of the edges of the driveway, the street right-of-way line, and a straight line joining said lines through points 10 feet from their intersection. No fence, wall, landscaping, sign or other structure that would impede visibility between a height of three feet to 10 feet above the centerline grade of the intersecting street shall be located within the clear-vision area. No off-street parking area shall be located in a driveway clear-vision area.
City of Rainier Clear-Vision Standards
(Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.6), 1998)
18.85.070 Fences, walls and hedges.
Fences, walls or hedges may be placed above ground along any property line, subject to the clear-vision area requirements and height standards of this title. Retaining walls, which support the land below ground level, are subject to the clear-vision area requirements of this title; however, the height requirements of this section do not apply to retaining walls.
A. Residential Uses. Fences, walls and hedges are limited to six feet in height when they are located at the sides of or behind a dwelling. Fences, walls and hedges located in the front yard or street side yard of a dwelling shall be limited to a height of three and one-half feet. Fences, walls or hedges over six feet in height are not permitted for residential uses.
B. Commercial Uses. Fences, walls or hedges are limited to eight feet in height.
C. Industrial Uses. Fences, walls or hedges are limited to 10 feet in height.
D. Fence Permit and Fees. A fence permit is required for the construction of any fence or wall over three and one-half feet in height. There is no fee for a fence permit when the fence is to be constructed within the height limitations of this section. A fee shall be charged when the permit includes a request for fence height exception review.
E. Fence Height Exception Review. When state or federal regulations governing the type of use require fence or wall heights to exceed the limitations of this section, the property owner may apply to the city for an exception. The applicant must submit evidence of the required exception and the fee established by city council to initiate height exception review. The evidence will be reviewed and a maximum height shall be established by the director of public works based on the requirements set forth by the governing agency.
F. Decision Process. Fence permit applications and fence height exceptions shall be reviewed and determined by planning and public works as a Type I decision. (Ord. 974 § 4 (Exh. A.2 § 5.7), 1998)