Chapter 15.530 HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT FACILITIES DESIGN STANDARDS

1. Any form of HCT, such as light or heavy rail, train, express bus, Personal Rapid Transit, People Mover, or other similar technology, that moves a large number of people to set destinations, but excluding transit systems designed to exclusively serve between airport terminals and/or associated airport facilities;

2. All property owned, purchased or leased by public agencies for the purpose of constructing and/or operating HCT systems and associated facilities; and

3. All HCT facility construction requiring a City building permit, but excluding bus stops, and/or minor expansions (less than twenty percent (20%)) of existing HCT facilities.

B. The design of light rail transit stations, guideways, and support facilities for light rail transit located on property owned by the Port of Seattle shall be subject to design requirements jointly developed by the Port, the City, and Sound Transit. Development and application of the design requirements shall be consistent with any Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City and the Port of Seattle.

C. In order to provide flexibility and creativity of project design, minor variations from these standards may be permitted, subject to the approval of the Director, if the strict interpretation or application of these standards would be inconsistent with related and/or more restrictive provisions of the Zoning Code, or would be contrary to the overall purpose or intent of City goals and policies enumerated in the Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.100 Station Design

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.110 Architectural Expression

A. In order to ensure that HCT station facilities, associated site furnishings, and public art are designed as an expression of community identity, each HCT station within the City shall be consistent with a locally determined design theme.

B. HCT station design themes shall be approved by the City Council. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.120 Site Furnishings

A. Weather Protection/Shelters. In order to ensure that HCT weather protection/shelters are designed as an expression of community identity, roof designs shall conform to one (1) of the following options:

1. Roofline with Architectural Focal Point. A roofline focal point refers to a prominent rooftop feature such as a peak, barrel vault, undulating curve, or roofline art installation.

2. Roofline Variation. A roofline articulated through a variation or step in roof height or detail.

B. Benches and Seating Areas.

1. HCT station areas and platforms shall include seating areas designed and arranged as part of a coherent HCT station theme. Station platforms shall include at least one (1) linear foot of seating per each ten (10) linear foot length of station loading platform.

2. Usable open space areas adjacent to HCT stations, such as publicly accessible plazas, courtyards, and pocket parks, shall include at least one (1) linear foot of seating per each fifty (50) square feet of plaza, courtyard, or pocket park space on site.

3. HCT station seating shall be in the form of:

a. Leaning rails associated with platform waiting areas (no more than fifty percent (50%) of total linear feet of seating);

b. Benches or chairs of a minimum twenty (20) inches in width; and/or

c. Seating incorporated into low walls, raised planters or building foundations at least twelve (12) inches wide and eighteen (18) inches high.

C. Platform Landscaping and Associated Open Space.

1. The principal ground level exterior entry point(s) to at-grade or elevated station platforms shall include a minimum two hundred (200) square feet of usable open space consisting of decorative paving.

a. Usable open space shall include one (1) or more publicly accessible plazas, courtyards, pocket parks, or decorative paving areas constructed contiguous with new or existing sidewalks located either within the front yard setback or elsewhere on site.

b. Developments proposed to include on-site plazas and pocket parks as publicly accessible project amenities shall link the open space elements with adjacent sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and/or bikeways.

2. Decorative paving areas shall be constructed of such materials as stamped, broom finish, or scored concrete; brick or modular pavers. One (1) deciduous tree of at least two (2) inches diameter (caliper) measured four (4) feet above the ground at the time of planting, or one (1) evergreen tree at least eight (8) feet in height from treetop to the ground level at the time of planting, shall be required for every two hundred (200) square feet of decorative paving area.

3. At-grade HCT stations shall include trees in landscape beds or planting wells on or adjacent to the station platform.

D. Ornamental Fencing.

1. The design, color and materials of any fencing associated with a HCT station shall be consistent with the City’s established station design theme, in accordance with SMC 15.530.110, Architectural Expression.

2. Where station area fencing is proposed to be included, the fence type shall conform to one (1) or more of the following options:

a. Ornamental iron or steel;

b. Cable and bollard fencing;

c. Post and chain fencing; and/or

d. Brick.

3. HCT station area fencing shall not include barbed wire, razor wire, or chain link fencing.

E. Restroom Facilities. HCT stations associated with a park-and-ride facility shall include public restrooms with sanitary sewer connections, as well as hot and cold running water.

F. Bicycle Parking Areas.

1. Rack space for a minimum of ten (10) bicycles shall be provided at each station.

2. Bicycle parking areas shall be located out of pedestrian walkways, and within fifty (50) feet of station entrances.

G. Materials. Exterior materials associated with HCT station structures shall be consistent with the City’s established station design theme, in accordance with SMC 15.530.110, Architectural Expression, and selected to handle long-term exposure to weather and heavy use. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.130 Lighting

A. Lighting associated with all HCT facilities shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas. Light fixtures shall be sited and directed to minimize glare.

B. Light post standards at the pedestrian level shall be no greater than sixteen (16) feet in height. Light post standards used to illuminate vehicular access ways and parking lots shall be no greater than twenty-five (25) feet in height.

C. Exterior lighting shall be used to identify and distinguish the pedestrian walkway network from car or transit circulation. Along pedestrian circulation corridors, light post standards shall be placed between pedestrian ways and public and/or private streets, driveways or parking areas.

D. Light post standard designs shall be approved by the Director, or designee, consistent with the City’s established station design theme, in accordance with SMC 15.530.110, Architectural Expression. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.200 Guideway Architecture

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.210 Track Design

A. At-grade HCT track within or immediately adjacent to a public street right-of-way shall be embedded in a nonasphalt, ornamental paving material, consisting of patterned and/or colored concrete, brick, cobble stone-patterned pavers, grass-crete, or other similar ornamental paving system, as approved by the Director.

B. Any structural supports for the HCT overhead catenary system within or immediately adjacent to a public street right-of-way shall be low profile and carefully selected as part of a unified street design. Where possible, the HCT overhead catenary system shall be supported through arm extensions attached to light standards or other traditional streetscape elements. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.220 Buffering of Track Corridor

A. Landscaping.

1. At-grade HCT track corridors shall be screened from adjacent streets and/or nearby development with minimum five (5) foot wide landscape strip(s) of trees, low shrubs and ground cover paralleling the track corridor, as approved by the Director. The required five (5) foot landscape strip width dimension shall be a measurement of the usable soil area between pavement curb edges.

2. The area beneath elevated guideways not utilized for other public purposes including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, parking and parks, shall be landscaped in accordance with Chapter 15.445 SMC, Landscaping and Tree Retention, for Type IV landscaping which may be modified depending upon site conditions. Any modification shall be approved by the Director.

B. Noise Barriers. Where noise barrier sound walls are to be included in addition to the required landscape strip along HCT corridors, wall design and type shall conform to one (1) or more of the following options:

1. Pre-cast or cast-in-place concrete with architectural texturing; and/or

2. Patterned masonry.

C. Light Rail Vehicle Noise Suppression. Light rail vehicles and associated track shall utilize the best available noise suppression technology in order to minimize adverse impacts to adjacent properties.

D. Track Corridor Access Control.

1. At-grade HCT track within or immediately adjacent to a public street right-of-way, with the exception of dedicated crossing points, shall be separated from auto/pedestrian areas through the inclusion of one (1) of the following:

a. Cable and bollard fencing;

b. Post and chain fencing;

c. Contrasting surface material and texture;

d. Landscape median(s) between the HCT track right-of-way and auto/pedestrian areas; and/or

e. Rolled curb.

2. Where fencing along HCT track corridors is to be included in areas not within or adjacent to a public street right-of-way, the fence type shall conform to one (1) or more of the following options:

a. Ornamental iron or steel;

b. Chain link with top rail, colored vinyl coating, and/or decorative slatting;

c. Cable and bollard fencing; and/or

d. Post and chain fencing.

3. HCT track corridor fencing shall not include barbed wire, razor wire, or chain link fencing without a colored vinyl coating and/or decorative slatting. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.230 Elevated Structures

The design of support columns for elevated sections of HCT track visible from the public right-of-way shall conform to at least one (1) of the following options, as approved by the Director:

A. A decorative form pattern, or other architectural feature over at least fifty percent (50%) of the surface of support columns; and/or

B. Projections, indentations, or intervals of material change to break up the surface of support columns. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.240 Pedestrian Crossings of Track and Access to Stations

In order to minimize risk of collision with light rail transit vehicles or other vehicular traffic, pedestrian crossings of HCT track or public streets serving HCT stations shall conform to the following standard:

A. Crossings of City streets with less than thirty-five thousand (35,000) daily vehicle trips shall include a signalized pedestrian crossing.

B. Crossings of City streets with more than thirty-five thousand (35,000) daily vehicle trips shall include a pedestrian underpass or overpass. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.300 Parking

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.310 Minimum Parking Space Requirements

A. In order to provide adequate off-street parking, the lead agency for HCT shall be required to provide a parking study, prepared as part of an EIS or separately, for each station demonstrating that the parking demand will be satisfied. The City Manager or designee shall review the proposed minimum number of required parking spaces per HCT station and make a determination as to adequacy, based on a comparable parking demand.

B. The minimum number of required parking spaces per HCT station, as established pursuant to subsection (A) of this section, shall be utilized as the basis for determining the threshold standard for the inclusion of structured parking, as specified in SMC 15.530.410, Threshold Standard for the Inclusion of Structured Parking. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.320 Surface Parking Lot Landscaping and Treatment of Perimeter

A. At least ten percent (10%) of the interior surface parking area shall have landscaping when the total of parking spaces exceeds twenty (20), including a minimum of one (1) tree for every seven (7) parking spaces to be distributed between rows and/or spaces throughout the parking lot.

B. Surface parking shall be visually screened from public and/or private streets by means of building placement and/or landscaping. The perimeter of a parking lot shall be planted with a minimum of five (5) feet in width of Type III landscaping. Any abutting landscaped areas can be credited toward meeting this standard.

C. The required width dimension for interior parking area planting beds shall be a measurement of the usable soil area between pavement curb edges. Trees and required landscaping shall be placed in planting beds at least five (5) feet in width between parking rows and/or spaces within the interior of the parking lot. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.330 Pedestrian Circulation through Parking Lots

A. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided through surface parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more parking spaces. Pedestrian walkways shall be raised a minimum of three (3) inches, and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet wide, separated from vehicular travel lanes to the maximum extent possible and designed to provide safe access to HCT station platforms or existing pedestrian ways.

1. For parking rows perpendicular to HCT station loading platforms, pedestrian ways shall be located between two (2) rows of parking spaces at a minimum of one (1) pedestrian way every two hundred (200) feet.

2. For parking rows parallel to HCT station loading platforms, pedestrian ways shall be incorporated adjacent to a series of aligned landscape islands at a minimum of one (1) walkway every twenty-one (21) parking spaces. Landscape island siting and design may be modified to accommodate LID BMPs.

B. The pedestrian way network shall be clearly distinguished from vehicular or transit circulation. This is particularly important in areas where these various travel modes intersect, such as at driveway entrances. Where sidewalks or walkways cross vehicular driveways, the pedestrian crossing shall be distinguished from the driveway surface by use of a continuous raised crossing or by marking with a contrasting paving material. (Ord. 16-1022 § 1 (Exh. C); Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.340 Placement of Surface Parking Facilities

Except for short-term loading and off-loading areas, portions of HCT station surface parking lots within one hundred (100) feet of International Boulevard shall be allowed only as an interim use subject to the following requirements:

A. A site plan; and

B. A binding commitment that the portion of any surface parking facility within one hundred (100) feet of International Boulevard is made available for transit-oriented development within a set time period, as determined by the City.

The term “transit-oriented development” refers to public/private development that supports transit use. Transit-oriented development projects emphasize pedestrian access, and include a mix of residential, commercial, recreational and service activities at or around transit facilities. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.400 Parking Structures

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.410 Threshold Standard for the Inclusion of Structured Parking

In order to meet City goals for high density development near transit stations, each HCT station with more than two hundred (200) associated parking spaces within the City shall include a parking structure either on site or on adjacent property with capacity to house all of the total minimum number of required parking spaces, as established in SMC 15.530.310, Minimum Parking Space Requirements. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.420 Parking Structure Design

A. Parking decks should be flat where feasible. At a minimum, a majority of both the ground floor and top parking decks shall be required to be flat, as opposed to continuously ramping.

B. External elevator towers and stairwells shall be open to public view, or enclosed with transparent glazing.

C. Lighting on and/or within multi-level parking structures shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas.

D. Parking structure top floor wall designs must conform to one (1) or more of the following options:

1. Architectural Focal Point. A prominent edge feature such as a glazed elevator and/or stair tower, or top floor line trellis structure.

2. Projecting Cornice. Top floor wall line articulated through a variation or step in cornice height or detail. Cornices must be located at or near the top of the wall or parapet.

3. Articulated Parapet. Top floor wall line parapets shall incorporate angled, curved or stepped detail elements. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.430 Parking Structure Character and Massing

Parking structure elevations over one hundred fifty (150) feet in length shall incorporate vertical and/or horizontal variation in setback, material or fenestration design along the length of the applicable facade, in at least one (1) of the following ways:

A. Vertical facades shall be designed to incorporate intervals of architectural variation at least every sixty (60) feet over the length of the applicable facade including one (1) or more of the following:

1. Varying the arrangement, proportioning and/or design of garage floor openings;

2. Incorporating changes in architectural materials, including texture and color; and/or

3. Projecting forward or recessing back portions or elements of the parking structure facade.

B. Horizontal facades shall be designed to differentiate the ground floor from upper floors including one (1) or more of the following:

1. Stepping back the upper floors from the ground floor parking structure facade;

2. Changing materials between the parking structure base and upper floors; and/or

3. Including a continuous cornice line or pedestrian weather protection element between the ground floor and upper floors. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.440 Ground Floor Uses in Parking Structures

A. Parking structures shall be designed so that a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the length of the exterior ground floor facade(s) with existing or projected adjacent foot traffic, excluding vehicle entrances and exits, includes ground floor area either built out as, or convertible to, retail/commercial or service uses.

B. The applicable ground floor area shall extend in depth a minimum of twenty (20) feet from the exterior parking structure facade; provided, that the minimum required may be averaged, with no depth less than fifteen (15) feet.

C. The clear interior ceiling height standard for the retail/commercial or service use portion of parking structures shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet.

D. Parking structure ground floors shall include fire suppressing sprinkler systems at the time of construction. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.500 Community Connections

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.510 Off-Site Improvements

A. To promote public transit use, the City and the lead agency for the development of high capacity transit facilities shall coordinate an assessment of the need for vehicular and pedestrian access improvements within a comfortable walking distance of each City of SeaTac high capacity transit station. Fifteen hundred (1,500) feet is considered a “comfortable walking distance,” however, the actual distance could be greater or lesser depending on surrounding features.

B. HCT station area access improvements shall include the following:

1. HCT station platforms shall be connected to nearby core commercial, residential and employment areas through paved sidewalks, pedestrian-only walkways and/or pedestrian overpasses. Stations and park-and-ride facilities shall be linked when feasible with existing and proposed bike routes and pedestrian trails as shown in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

2. Station area street improvements shall include sidewalks, street trees, streetfront landscaping, improved lighting, and if applicable, bus stop and HOV lane improvements, as approved by both the SeaTac Director of Public Works and the Director. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.600 Signage

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.610 Directional/Informational Signage

A. Directional and/or informational signage associated with HCT stations shall be consistent with the City’s established station design theme, in accordance with SMC 15.530.110, Architectural Expression.

B. The lead agency for the construction of HCT shall coordinate with the City in determining appropriate installation locations and design of station exterior and/or off-site signage. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.620 Community Guides/Maps/Directories/Bulletin Boards

A. Local information signs associated with HCT stations, in the form of community guides, maps, directories, and/or bulletin boards, are intended to convey information to the general public regarding local services, amenities, and/or general City information.

B. The lead agency shall coordinate with the City in determining appropriate installation locations for one (1) or more forms of local information signage at each HCT station. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.630 Station-Related Advertising Signage

No commercial advertising signage shall be visible from outside the HCT station. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.700 Fire Safety

(Ord. 15-1018 § 1)

15.530.710 Fire Safety Standards

The design of HCT stations and associated facilities, including elevated structures, shall conform to the most current versions of all applicable sections of the Building Code, Fire Code, and National Fire Protection Standards No. 130. (Ord. 15-1018 § 1)