Chapter 15.520
SITE PLANNING AND DESIGN ELEMENTS
Sections:
15.520.010 Purpose and applicability.
15.520.020 Side/rear yard design.
15.520.030 Open space for nonresidential and multifamily uses.
15.520.040 Internal pedestrian access and design.
15.520.050 Internal vehicular circulation.
15.520.060 Service areas and mechanical equipment.
15.520.070 Parking lot design.
15.520.080 Special features and amenities.
15.520.010 Purpose and applicability.
A. Purpose. This section provides direction for the layout of buildings, open spaces, circulation elements, and large site development and the design of site elements consistent with the goals and policies of the Ellensburg comprehensive plan.
B. Applicability. Unless otherwise noted, the provisions in this section apply to all new nonresidential and multifamily development within the city. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.020 Side/rear yard design.
A. Purpose.
1. To provide for compatibility between developments;
2. To provide side and rear yard design options that enhance Ellensburg’s pedestrian environment and the areas around the development; and
3. To provide flexible standards that allow property owners to maximize on-site development while meeting community design goals.
B. Solar Access and Privacy along Side and Rear Yards.
1. Buildings or portions thereof containing multifamily dwelling units whose only solar access is from the applicable side of the building (facing towards the side property line) shall be set back from the applicable side or rear property lines at least 15 feet. See Figure 15.520.020(B).
2. Balconies or rooftop decks within 15 horizontal feet of a side property line must utilize opaque guard rails to minimize privacy impacts to adjacent properties.
Figure 15.520.020(B). Solar access and privacy standards for multifamily residential buildings along side/rear yards.
C. Side/Rear Yard Design/Options. All new developments and developments qualifying as Level II or III improvements shall incorporate one or more of the following design options along side and rear property lines:
1. Provide landscaping Type A (see ECC 15.570.040(A)) at least 10 feet deep along side and rear property lines. This treatment shall be required for developments in the I-H, I-L, C-H, C-T that abut residential zoned properties (zone edges that run along streets or alleys are not applicable to this standard). Departures: Alternative buffer techniques will be considered pursuant to ECC 15.210.060 provided the design mitigates the anticipated impacts between uses and applicable property owners provide written notice to the city that the proposed buffer design is acceptable.
2. Provide landscaping Type B or C (see ECC 15.570.040(B) or (C)) at least 10 feet deep along side and rear property lines where a visual separation of uses is desired. The width of the planting strip may be reduced to five feet if used in conjunction with a screen fence between six and eight feet tall.
3. Other treatments that meet the purpose of the standards. Factors that must be considered in determining the appropriate treatment include views, applicable uses, connectivity, and desired level of privacy. Some options include:
a. Shared pathway along or adjacent to the property line with landscaping. This is a desirable configuration that can enhance pedestrian circulation and provides an efficient use of space. This treatment requires a recorded agreement with applicable adjacent property owner(s).
b. Shared internal drive along or adjacent to the property line. This is a desirable configuration for nonresidential uses that can enhance circulation and provides an efficient use of space. This treatment requires a recorded agreement with applicable adjacent property owner(s).
c. Tall privacy fence or hedge (up to eight feet tall). This is most applicable where screening on-site uses is desired and/or for commercial uses adjacent to residential uses – where the fence doesn’t negatively impact views from the street or nearby properties. Except for developments in the I-H Zone, landscaping elements shall be included in front of the fence to screen and soften the view of the fence.
d. Low screen fence or hedge (up to 42 inches tall). This may be a more attractive option where a taller fence might provide negative visual impacts to the proposed or adjacent uses.
e. Where allowed in the specific zoning district, buildings sited up to the property line may be acceptable provided material, color, and/or textural changes to the building wall are included that add visual interest to the wall. See ECC 15.530.060(D) for applicable zero-lot line building design provisions.
Figure 15.520.020(C). Illustrating the various side and rear yard design treatment standards and options.
[Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.030 Open space for nonresidential and multifamily uses.
A. Purpose.
1. To enrich the pedestrian environment in Ellensburg;
2. To provide accessible, safe, convenient, and usable on-site open space for residential uses;
3. To promote the health of residents by providing access to on-site open space for recreational activities, physical exercise, and/or food production;
4. To create open spaces that enhance the residential setting; and
5. To provide for pedestrian-oriented open space in conjunction with large scale commercial development.
B. Open Space Requirements for Nonresidential Uses. (See Figure 15.520.030(B).) All nonresidential development on sites outside of the I-H zone more than one acre in size, including commercial portions of mixed use development, shall provide pedestrian-oriented space equal to at least one percent of the net project area plus one percent of the gross nonresidential building floor area, exclusive of structured parking. The intent is to mitigate the impacts of large scale commercial development, provide outdoor spaces for resting, dining, and socializing, and to contribute to the desired pedestrian-oriented character of commercial areas and the economic viability of Ellensburg. The one percent standard is modest with respect to building and parking areas, provides for proportionality, and the standards provide flexibility in how the standard can be met. Buildings used entirely for storage purposes are exempt from this standard. Pedestrian-oriented space shall comply with the design provisions of subsection (C) of this section. The applicable open space(s) shall be maintained by the property owner.
Figure 15.520.030(B). Illustrating the amount of open space required for nonresidential development.
C. Pedestrian-Oriented Space Design Criteria. These spaces, as required per subsection (B) of this section, are intended to be publicly accessible spaces that enliven the pedestrian environment by providing (1) opportunities for outdoor dining, socializing, relaxing and (2) visual amenities that contribute to the character of commercial areas. Design criteria for pedestrian-oriented space:
1. Sidewalk area, where widened beyond minimum requirements, shall count as pedestrian-oriented open space. The additional sidewalk area may be used for outdoor dining and temporary display of retail goods. The standards in subsections (C)(2) through (4) of this section shall not apply to sidewalks, where used as usable open space.
2. The following design elements are required for pedestrian-oriented open space:
a. Spaces shall be physically and visually accessible from the adjacent street or major internal vehicle or pedestrian route. Spaces shall be in locations that the intended user can easily access and use, rather than simply left-over or undevelopable spaces where very little pedestrian traffic is anticipated;
b. Paved walking surfaces of either concrete or approved unit paving;
c. Pedestrian-scaled lighting (no more than 14 feet in height) at a level averaging at least two foot-candles throughout the space. Lighting may be on-site or building-mounted lighting (see Chapter 15.580 ECC, Outdoor Lighting, for additional lighting requirements);
d. At least three feet of seating area (bench, ledge, etc.) or one individual seat per 60 square feet of plaza area or open space. This provision may be relaxed or waived where there are provisions for movable seating that meet the purpose of the standard;
e. Spaces shall be positioned in areas with significant pedestrian traffic to provide interest and security – such as adjacent to a building entry; and
f. Landscaping that adds visual or seasonal interest to the space.
Figure 15.520.030(C). Examples of pedestrian-oriented open spaces.
3. The following features are encouraged in pedestrian-oriented space:
a. Pedestrian amenities such as a water feature, drinking fountain, and/or distinctive paving or artwork;
b. Provide pedestrian-oriented facades on some or all buildings facing the space;
c. Consideration of the sun angle at noon and the wind pattern in the design of the space;
d. Transitional zones along building edges to allow for outdoor eating areas and a planted buffer;
e. Movable seating;
f. Incorporation of water treatment features such as rain gardens or the use of an area over a vault as a pedestrian-oriented space; and
g. Weather protection, especially weather protection that can be moved or altered to accommodate conditions.
4. The following features are prohibited within pedestrian-oriented space:
a. Asphalt or gravel pavement, except where continuous gravel or asphalt paths intersect with the space;
b. Adjacent chain link fences;
c. Adjacent unscreened blank walls; and
d. Adjacent dumpsters or service areas.
D. Open Space Requirements for Multifamily Uses. All multifamily development, including multifamily portions of mixed use development, shall provide open space at least equal to 10 percent of the building living space, not counting corridors, lobbies, etc. For example, for an eight-unit development where the units average 1,000 square feet, the minimum required open space shall be 800 square feet. The applicable open space(s) shall be maintained by the property owner or homeowners’ association, where applicable, per ECC 15.290.020. The required open space may be provided in a combination of the following ways:
1. One hundred percent of the required open space may be in the form of common open space available to all residents and meeting the requirements of subsection (E)(1) of this section. Common open space may be in the form of courtyards, front porches, patios, play areas, gardens or similar spaces;
2. Up to 50 percent of the required open space may be provided by private or common balconies meeting the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section;
3. For mixed-use buildings up to 50 percent of the required open space may be provided by common indoor recreation areas meeting the requirements of subsection (E)(3) of this section;
4. For mixed-use buildings, up to 50 percent of the required open space may be provided by shared roof decks located on the top of buildings which are available to all residents and meet the requirements of subsection (E)(4) of this section; and/or
5. Up to 25 percent of the required open space may be provided by community garden areas meeting the requirements of subsection (E)(5) of this section.
E. Multifamily Open Space Design Criteria.
1. Common open space includes landscaped courtyards or decks, front porches, gardens with pathways, children’s play areas, or other multi-purpose recreational and/or green spaces. Special requirements and recommendations for common open spaces include the following:
a. Required setback areas shall not count towards the open space requirement unless they are portions of a space that meets the dimensional and design requirements and guidelines set forth below;
b. Space shall be large enough to provide functional leisure or recreational activity. To meet this requirement, no dimension shall be less than 15 feet in width (except for front porches);
c. Spaces (particularly children’s play areas) shall be visible from at least some dwelling units and positioned near pedestrian activity;
d. Spaces shall feature paths, landscaping, seating, lighting and other pedestrian amenities to make the area more functional and enjoyable;
e. Individual entries may be provided onto common open space from adjacent ground floor residential units, where applicable. Small, semi-private open spaces for adjacent ground floor units that maintain visual access to the common area are encouraged to enliven the space. Low walls or hedges (less than three feet in height) are encouraged to provide clear definition of semi-private and common spaces;
f. Separate common space from ground floor windows, automobile circulation, service areas and parking lots by utilizing landscaping, low-level fencing, and/or other treatments that enhance safety and privacy (both for common open space and dwelling units);
g. Space should be oriented to receive sunlight, facing east, west, or (preferably) south, when possible;
h. Space should sited to minimize impacts from prevailing winds;
i. Stairways, stair landings and above grade walkways shall not encroach into minimum required common open space areas. An atrium roof covering may be built over a courtyard to provide weather protection provided it does not obstruct natural light inside the courtyard; and
j. Shared front porches qualify as common open space provided:
i. No dimension is less than eight feet; and
ii. The porches are accessible to all residents.
Figure 15.520.030(D)(1). Examples of common open space.
2. Private Balconies and Decks. Such spaces shall be at least 35 square feet, with no dimension less than four feet, to provide a space usable for human activity. The space shall meet ADA standards. This standard also applies to individual front porches if counted toward townhouse open space requirements.
3. Indoor Recreational Areas. Such spaces shall meet the following conditions:
a. The space shall meet ADA standards and shall be located in a visible area, such as near an entrance, lobby, or high traffic corridors; and
b. Space shall be designed specifically to serve interior recreational functions and not merely be leftover unrentable space used to meet the open space requirement. Such space shall include amenities and design elements that will encourage use by residents.
4. Shared Rooftop Decks. Such spaces shall meet the following requirements:
a. Space shall be ADA accessible to all dwelling units;
b. Space shall provide amenities such as seating areas, landscaping, and/or other features that encourage use;
c. Space shall feature hard surfacing appropriate to encourage resident use; and
d. Space shall incorporate features that provide for the safety of residents, such as enclosures, railings, and appropriate lighting levels.
5. Community Gardens. (See Figure 15.520.030(D)(2).) Such spaces shall meet the following conditions:
a. All spaces shall be located to receive at least six hours of natural sunlight per day in summer months;
b. All spaces shall have access to irrigation;
c. All spaces shall have tillable soil to a depth of one foot, minimum;
d. Spaces may be provided in shared or private yard areas, at ground level, on balconies, or on rooftop decks;
e. Where some or all of the community garden is within shared common open space, a management program shall be required setting forth the following provisions:
i. Access to interested residents meeting minimum space requirements set forth herein;
ii. Provisions for space management and maintenance; and
iii. No additional fees shall be assessed to space users beyond standard homeowners’ association or resident maintenance fees; and
f. Standards where community garden space is provided within shared common open spaces:
i. Walkways between planting beds shall be at least two feet wide; and
ii. Planting beds shall be raised above surface level. For ground level spaces, planting beds shall be raised at least six inches. For rooftop spaces, planting beds shall be raised by at least 18 inches.
Figure 15.520.030(D)(2). Community garden example.
[Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.040 Internal pedestrian access and design.
A. Purpose. To improve the pedestrian environment by providing safe and clear connections between the sidewalk and adjacent uses, between businesses, and through parking lots.
B. Access to Sidewalk. All buildings shall have clear pedestrian access to the sidewalk. Where a use fronts two streets, access shall be provided from the road closest to the main entrance, preferably from both streets. Buildings with entries not facing the street shall have a clear and obvious pedestrian access way from the street to the entry.
C. Sites with Multiple Businesses or Buildings. Pedestrian paths or walkways connecting all businesses and the entries of multiple commercial buildings frequented by the public on the same development site shall be provided.
Figure 15.520.040(C). Good internal pedestrian circulation. Note connections from the street, between buildings and through parking lots.
D. Parking Lot Pathways. A hard-surfaced walkway with six feet of unobstructed width shall be provided for safe walking areas through parking lots greater than 150 feet long (measured either parallel or perpendicular to the street front). Walkways shall be provided for at least every three parking aisles or a distance of less than 150 feet shall be maintained between paths. Such access routes through parking areas shall be separated from vehicular parking and travel lanes by use of contrasting paving material, which may be raised above the vehicular pavement. Speed bumps may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Trees and pedestrian-scaled lighting (maximum 15 feet in height) shall be used to clearly define pedestrian walkways or other pedestrian areas within the parking area.
Figure 15.520.040(D). Parking lot pathway standards and example.
E. Internal Walkway Widths and Design.
1. Pathways along the front facade of mixed-use and retail buildings 100 feet or more in length (measured along the facade) that are not located adjacent to a street must be at least 12 feet wide with eight feet minimum unobstructed width and include the following:
a. Street trees shall be placed at an average of 30 feet on center and placed in planting pits (except where trees are placed in continuous planting strips). Breaks in the tree coverage will be allowed near major building entries to enhance visibility. However, no less than one tree per 60 lineal feet of building facade must be provided;
b. Planting strips may be used between any vehicular access or parking area and the pathway; provided, that the required trees are included and the pathway is at least eight feet in width and the combined pathway and planting strip is at least 14 feet in width; and
c. Pedestrian-scaled lighting may be used as a substitute to the required street trees, provided they are used at the same intervals.
Figure 15.520.040(E)(1). Internal walkway standards and an example along retail or mixed-use buildings.
2. For all other interior pathways, the applicant shall successfully demonstrate that the proposed walkway is of sufficient width to accommodate the anticipated number of users.
Figure 15.520.040(E)(2). Considerations for pathway walking widths.
F. Pedestrian Crossings.
1. Crosswalks are required when a walkway crosses a paved area accessible to vehicles; and
2. Applicants must continue the sidewalk pattern and material across internal driveways. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.050 Internal vehicular circulation.
A. Purpose.
1. To create a safe, convenient, and efficient network for vehicle circulation and parking;
2. To enhance the visual character of interior access roads; and
3. To minimize conflicts with pedestrian circulation and activity.
B. Internal Vehicular Circulation Standards. All developments shall provide a safe and convenient network of vehicular circulation that connects to the surrounding road/access network and provides the opportunity for future connections to adjacent parcels, where applicable.
Large site circulation: Sites larger than two acres and deeper than 150 feet (as measured perpendicular to fronting right-of-way) are required to facilitate enhanced internal vehicular connections.
Specifically:
1. Multifamily and nonresidential developments shall comply with applicable block design and connectivity standards set forth in ECC 15.420.020;
2. Where abutting developed land provides road stub-outs, easements, or other methods to provide the opportunity for future road connections, the interior network of the new development shall be designed to utilize these connections;
3. Buildings and internal vehicular access shall be configured to allow future redevelopment on applicable adjacent sites to connect to the project’s internal roads. Examples include internal road stubouts, “T” intersections near the property line, or the capability of constructing a new vehicular connection based on the location and design of buildings.
4. Exceptions to subsections (B)(2) and (3) of this section:
a. On-site environmental conditions make such a connection cost prohibitive or undesirable; or
b. Applicable adjacent site is unlikely to be redeveloped in the near future based on the AV Value (ratio of the assessed value of improvements to the assessed value of land). Parcels with an AV ratio of less than 1.0, where the value of the building is less than the value of the land, are assumed to have redevelopment potential.
C. Driveways. See Section 3 (driveway standards), public works development standards.
D. Drive-Through Lanes.
1. Drive-through lanes shall be delineated from other pedestrian pathways and vehicular use areas by means of a landscaping divider median. See Table 15.550.040(A) for stacking requirements.
2. Drive-through lanes between a building and the street. All applicable developments shall comply with the following standards:
a. For the purpose of the site orientation standards in Chapter 15.510 ECC, drive-through lanes between a street and a building are considered as a parking lot;
b. Drive-through lanes shall be separated from the sidewalk by a planting strip with Type C landscaping at least five feet in width. Alternative landscaping schemes may be permitted provided they meet the minimum planting width requirement and help to mitigate the visual impact of the drive-through use on the streetscape environment; and
c. Drive-through lanes shall not restrict pedestrian access between the sidewalk and on-site buildings, as determined by the reviewing authority. Where pedestrian routes cross drive-through lanes, a crosswalk that is raised or features a change in texture and/or other treatment must be utilized to enhance the safety and visual appearance of the pedestrian crossing. [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.060 Service areas and mechanical equipment.
A. Purpose.
1. To minimize the potential negative impacts of service elements; and
2. To encourage thoughtful siting of service elements that balance functional needs with the desire to screen negative impacts.
B. Service Element Location and Design. All developments shall provide a designated spot for service elements (refuse and disposal). Such elements shall meet the following requirements:
1. Service elements shall be located to minimize the negative visual, noise, odor, and physical impacts to the street environment, adjacent (on- and off-site) residents or other uses, and pedestrian areas;
2. The designated spot for service elements shall be paved with concrete;
Figure 15.520.060(B). Appropriate service area location and enclosure example.
3. Appropriate enclosure of the common trash and recycling elements shall be required. Requirements and considerations:
a. Service areas visible from the street, pathway, pedestrian-oriented space or public parking area (alleys are exempt) shall be enclosed and screened around their perimeter by a durable wall or fence at least six feet high. Developments shall use materials and detailing consistent with primary structures on site. Acceptable materials include brick, concrete block or stone;
b. The sides and rear of the enclosure must be screened with Type A, B, or C landscaping (see ECC 15.570.040) at least five feet deep in locations visible from the street, dwelling units, customer parking areas, or pathways to soften the views of the screening element and add visual interest;
c. Collection points shall be located and configured so that the enclosure gate swing does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or does not require that a hauling truck project into any public right-of-way;
d. Proximity to adjacent residential units will be a key factor in determining appropriate service element treatment; and
e. Preferably, service enclosures are integrated into the building itself.
C. Utility Meters, Electrical Conduit, and Other Service Utility Apparatus. These elements shall be located and/or designed to minimize their visibility to the public. Project designers are strongly encouraged to coordinate with applicable service providers early in the design process to determine the best approach in meeting these standards. If such elements are mounted in a location visible from the street, pedestrian pathway, common open space, or shared auto courtyards, they shall be screened with vegetation or by architectural features.
Figure 15.520.060(C). Good and bad utility meter configurations. The examples on the left are consolidated and somewhat screened by landscaping elements, whereas the right examples are exposed and degrade the character of these townhouses.
D. Rooftop Mechanical Equipment. All rooftop mechanical equipment shall be organized, proportioned, detailed, screened, landscaped (with decks or terraces) and/or colored to be an integral element of the building and minimize visual impacts from the ground level of adjacent streets and properties. For example, screening features should utilize similar building materials and forms to blend with the architectural character of the building.
Figure 15.520.060(D). Screening examples of rooftop mechanical equipment.
[Ord. 4807 § 57, 2018; Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.070 Parking lot design.
A. Purpose. To minimize potential negative impacts of parking lots on the streetscape’s visual character, pedestrian environment, local water quality conditions, and adjacent uses.
B. Surface Parking Lot Screening Standards.
1. Where new surface parking lots or parking lots associated with new construction or Level III improvements (see ECC 15.500.020) are adjacent to streets, one of the following buffer options between the sidewalk and the parking lot shall be incorporated:
a. Provide a five-foot-wide planting bed that incorporates a continuous low wall (approximately three feet tall). The planting bed shall be in front of the wall and feature Type C landscaping (see ECC 15.570.040(C)). Departures utilizing alternative landscaping schemes will be considered pursuant to ECC 15.210.060 provided they meet the purpose of the standards in this section. The wall shall be constructed of brick, stone, decorative concrete or concrete block, or other permanent material that provides visual interest and helps to define the street edge (see Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(a)); or
Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(a). Parking lot planting buffer with low wall.
b. Provide an elevated planter which is a minimum of five feet wide and between two and three feet in height. Ledges that are approximately 12 inches in width are encouraged as they can double as a seating area. The planter must be constructed of masonry, concrete or other permanent material that effectively contrasts with the color of the sidewalk and combines groundcover and annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, low shrubs, and/or small trees that provide seasonal interest (see Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(b)); or
Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(b). Elevated parking lot planting buffer.
c. Provide at least 10 feet of Type C landscaping (ECC 15.570.040(C)). (See Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(c).)
Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(c). Example of a 10-foot parking lot buffer with Type C landscaping.
All options above should choose and maintain plantings to maintain eye level visibility between the street/sidewalk and parking area for safety. This means that shrubs and other low plantings should be maintained below three feet in height while trees (once they achieve taller heights) should generally have their crowns raised up to the eight-foot level. (See Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(c).)
Figure 15.520.070(B)(1)(c). Parking lot planting buffers shall emphasize the 3:8 rule for visibility and safety.
d. Where new surface parking lots or parking lots associated with new construction or Level III improvements (see ECC 15.500.020) are located along side property lines, a six- to eight-foot screen fence shall be required on the property line with at least five feet of Type A, B, or C landscaping (see ECC 15.570.040) in front of the fence. Breaks in the fence/landscaping are permitted for internal pedestrian and vehicular connections between properties. Properties fronting on designated storefront streets and/or those with shared parking agreements with applicable neighbors are exempt from this requirement. Departures will be considered pursuant to ECC 15.210.060 provided they meet the purpose of the standards in this section.
2. Other Relevant Code Sections.
a. Section 6, Parking Standards, of the city’s public works development standards and Chapter 15.550 ECC, Off-Street Parking;
b. Parking lot pathway standards set forth ECC 15.520.040(C); and
c. Internal parking lot landscaping standards set forth in ECC 15.570.050(A)(3). [Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]
15.520.080 Special features and amenities.
A. Purpose.
1. To create attractive and comfortable pedestrian environments; and
2. To enhance the unique character and identity of downtown and other commercial/mixed-use areas within Ellensburg.
B. Durable Pedestrian Furniture. Pedestrian furniture provided in public spaces shall be made of durable, vandal- and weather-resistant materials that do not retain rainwater and can be reasonably maintained over an extended period of time.
C. Streetscape Amenities. Streetscape amenities must be integrated into the design of sidewalks in conjunction with new development and Level III improvements (see ECC 15.500.020(C)) along all designated storefront and secondary streets. Level I and II improvements (see ECC 15.500.020(A) and (B)) and project sites adjacent to sidewalks that were recently constructed or upgraded by the city shall be exempt from these standards as determined by the director. For each 100 cumulative lineal feet of storefront street frontage, at least two of the desired amenity elements listed below shall be included. Along designated secondary streets, at least one amenity element shall be included. The type, location, and design of chosen amenities shall contribute to a well-balanced mix of features on the street. Such amenities shall be installed per ECC 4.14.100 and maintained by the adjacent property owner. Amenities below that are publicly funded, already required by code, and/or that obstruct pedestrian movement shall not qualify as an amenity to meet this standard.
Desired amenities include:
1. Seating. Each six feet of seating area or four individual seats count as one amenity element. Seating areas should generally be located in areas that provide views of pedestrian activity. Seating ledges must be at least 12 inches wide to qualify;
2. Trash Receptacles. To qualify as an amenity, at least one trash receptacle is needed per 100 linear feet of sidewalk. For designated storefront streets, this shall be required;
3. Permanent landscaping elements including planting beds and other landscaping elements that add visual interest to the sidewalk;
4. Special pavement patterns and/or tree grates;
5. Bicycle racks;
6. Informational kiosks (may count as two amenity elements at the discretion of the permit review authority);
7. Decorative clocks (may count as two amenity elements at the discretion of the permit review authority);
8. Artwork as approved by the arts commission (may count as two amenity elements at the discretion of the arts commission);
9. Special lighting; and
10. Other amenities that meet the purpose of the standards.
Figure 15.520.080. Examples of desirable streetscape amenities for Ellensburg.
[Ord. 4656 § 1 (Exh. O2), 2013.]