Chapter 19.71
LOT SIZE AND SHAPE
Sections:
19.71.020 Road easements and flag lots.
19.71.010 Lot size and shape.
A. All proposed lots or parcels in a subdivision, partition, replat or property line adjustment shall not be divided to a size less than the minimum requirements for the zone the lot or parcel is located in, unless part of an approved cluster subdivision. Lots or parcels containing less than the minimum lot size requirements may be approved; provided, that:
1. Only in subdivisions, not more than 20 percent of the deficient lots, up to a maximum of five deficient lots or parcels, are created from an original tract; and
2. The area deficiency is contained within the public road right-of-way.
B. Each lot shall not be greater than four times deeper than it is wide, exclusive of the “pole” of a flag lot.
C. When a river classified as a wild and scenic river, or Class 1 stream bisects a lawfully established lot or parcel which is not located in a resource zone, said parcel shall be deemed two conforming parcels, provided each parcel is large enough to accommodate a dwelling that meets all setbacks, driveway, parking area, well, on-site sanitary waste disposal system and replacement field. However, any property sold or granted for state highway, county road, city street or other right-of-way purposes shall continue to be considered a single unit of land until the property is further subdivided or partitioned. [Ord. 2022-010 § 1; Ord. 2018-003 § 1; 2005 RLDC § 71.010.]
19.71.020 Road easements and flag lots.
A. It shall be the policy of the County to allow the construction of public roads to provide safe and identifiable access to properties. If not practicable to front on a public road, lots shall be allowed to be accessed via a private road easement, provided not more than four lots are accessed via said road easement.
In no case shall flag lots be approved where the extension of a public road is shown on an official map and the extension will provide necessary access.
B. The following requirements shall apply to flag lots:
1. The “flagpole” shall maintain a width of not less than 25 feet as minimum access at the point of abutment to a public road and throughout its length;
2. The “flagpole” shall not cross a live stream, ravine, irrigation ditch, or similar topographic feature without construction of a structure or fill and culvert capable of providing access for emergency vehicles. The Review Body may require certification from a registered engineer that the structure or fill and culvert has been constructed to support emergency vehicles;
3. The “flagpole” may alter course or direction as long as the view of the location and the address of the structure or use will not be confusing for emergency vehicle access; and provided, that a driveway can be constructed wholly within the “flagpole” with a turn that does not exceed a 50-foot radius;
4. The grade of the flagpole shall not exceed a grade of 12 percent for an unsurfaced driveway or a maximum grade of 18 percent for a driveway surfaced with asphaltic concrete or Portland cement:
a. The Review Body may require grading and construction which meets these standards as a part of final approval of any land division; or
b. When immediate construction of the driveway is not possible because of practical difficulties, the final map shall note the work has not been completed, and driveway construction shall become part of the performance agreement filed with the final plat;
5. The “flagpole” shall not exceed in length twice the width of the lot or twice the length of the lot, whichever dimension is the lesser.
C. The Review Body may permit flag lotting, contrary to subsections (B)(1) and (5) of this section, where the proposed development meets the criteria set out in subsection (A) of this section. [Ord. 2018-003 § 1; 2005 RLDC § 71.020.]