Chapter 17.50
LT-O LOOP TRAIL OVERLAY DISTRICT
Sections:
17.50.030 Where designated – Area defined.
17.50.070 Nonmotorized access.
17.50.080 Vehicular access ways and streets.
17.50.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the LT-O district is to protect and preserve the character of the Apple Capital Loop Trail, parkland, and trail extensions, by ensuring that development within the LT-O district is accomplished in a manner that is compatible with the public’s use and enjoyment of the trail and parkland. It is the intent to permit those uses and structures that would otherwise be permitted; provided, that reasonable and necessary conditions are met to ensure the protection of the Loop Trail and parkland. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.020 Applicability.
A. The LT-O district standards supplement, and in some cases replace, the standards of the underlying zoning district.
B. All regulations of the underlying zoning district or any other applicable overlay district not specifically addressed in this chapter apply to lands in the LT-O district; provided, however, that in the case of conflict between the provisions of the underlying zoning district, or any other applicable overlay districts, the most stringent regulations shall govern. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.030 Where designated – Area defined.
A. The LT-O district extends between the ordinary high water mark of the Columbia River and 75 feet easterly of the centerline of the trail. See Figure 1. Trail access connections located at 19th, 22nd, 27th, 32nd, and 37th Street shall have a LT-O which extends 37 and one-half feet north and south of the trail centerline.
B. The geographic boundary of the LT-O district begins at the northerly boundary of the city of East Wenatchee urban growth area (UGA) and extends southward to its limit at 13th Street NE in the city of East Wenatchee. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.040 Setbacks.
A. All aboveground structures including accessory buildings, vehicle parking areas, access ways, driveways, streets or roads, or equipment storage are prohibited within the LT-O. Exceptions:
1. Buildings owned and maintained by a governmental agency that are accessory to and support the uses of the parkland and trail, such as restrooms, storage buildings, and picnic shelters.
2. Buildings necessary for the enclosure of irrigation pumping facilities, provided the facilities are the minimum size necessary to accomplish facility protection.
3. Fences constructed in compliance with EWMC 17.50.050.
B. All other yard requirements shall be determined in accordance with the underlying zoning and other applicable codes.
Figure 1: Setbacks
(Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.050 Fencing.
A. Fencing in the LT-O shall be open chain link or open wire fencing not to exceed a maximum height of 48 inches within 10 feet of the lot line that abuts the Apple Capital Loop Trail, at which point fences may be a maximum of six feet in height.
B. Fences installed to secure facilities owned and maintained by a public agency within the loop trail overlay shall be open chain link or open wiring not to exceed 48 inches in height.
Figure 2: Examples of Permitted Fence Types
(Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.060 Trail crossings.
At-grade trail crossings for motorized vehicles are prohibited. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.070 Nonmotorized access.
A. Paths from private properties to the trail must be maintained to control weeds, remove noxious weeds, prevent erosion by wind and water, and not pose a hazard to trail users.
B. Commercial, multifamily residential, and mixed use development and new land divisions must be designed to provide joint use access points to minimize ground disturbance between the development and the trail. Trail access paths for joint use access must meet the standards of EWMC 12.53.030(C). (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.080 Vehicular access ways and streets.
Vehicular access ways, driveways, streets and roads are prohibited within the LT-O district except where accessing public amenities and facilities associated with the trail and/or parkland. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)
17.50.090 Landscaping.
The intent of this section is to provide adequate landscaping to preserve the character of the Apple Capital Loop Trail. Developments located along the trail are generally oriented to have views of the Columbia River. The requirements of this section are intended to balance the goal of establishing a vegetative buffer between the trail and adjacent uses while allowing for scenic views of the Columbia River.
A. These standards apply only to property that abuts the trail property, within the LT-O district, and are supplemental to the landscaping requirements of the underlying zoning district, as specified in Chapter 17.72 EWMC.
B. New multifamily residential development, commercial development and mixed-use development shall provide landscaping meeting the following standards:
1. Plantings are required within a 15-foot-wide landscape area adjacent to the property line abutting the Apple Capital Loop Trail.
2. Plantings shall be a minimum spacing of six feet on center for shrubs and 30 feet on center for trees.
C. Private landscaping areas and plantings shall not extend onto public Apple Capital Loop Trail property. (Ord. 16-21 § 5 (Exh. A), 2016)