Chapter 18.18
R-3 HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT*
Sections:
18.18.030 Accessory structures.
18.18.050 Setback and bulk regulations.
18.18.060 Off-street parking and loading requirements.
18.18.080 Multiple dwelling outdoor recreation area.
* Prior legislation: Ords. 515 and 515H.
18.18.010 General intent.
This zone is intended to provide appropriately located areas for multifamily living at densities above 10 units per acre to meet the needs of households with a variety of income levels and lifestyles. They are further intended to protect the public health, safety and general welfare by assuring access to arterial or collector roads and transit, and the provision of adequate utility services, public facilities and amenities necessary to assure the comfort and enhance the lifestyles of their occupants. (Ord. 1355 § 5, 2010; Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.020 Uses permitted outright.
Repealed by Ord. 1416. (Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1071 § 1, 2004: Ord. 747 § 1, 1997; Ord. 746 § 4, 1997; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.030 Accessory structures.
The following accessory structures are permitted on a lot in this district:
A. Accessory Structures.
1. Swimming pool, if enclosed with a six-foot fence;
2. Awnings or canopies;
3. Walls or fences, provided the requirements of BLMC 18.22.020 are met;
4. Flagpoles;
5. Outside fireplaces;
6. Accessory noncommercial greenhouses;
7. Accessory sheds and tool rooms; provided they are part of a residential use;
8. Private docks, mooring facilities and boathouses, provided the project complies with shoreline management regulations and the provisions of BLMC 18.22.070;
9. Garage or carport.
B. Repealed by Ord. 1416. (Ord. 1416 §§ 1, 5, 2011; Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.040 Uses permitted conditionally.
Repealed by Ord. 1416. (Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1071 § 2, 2004; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.050 Setback and bulk regulations.
The following bulk regulations shall apply to the uses permitted in the district subject to the provisions for yard projections included in BLMC 18.22.080:
A. Density shall be a minimum of 10 units per net acre for residential uses, exclusive of public rights-of-way.
B. Minimum front setback: 15 feet from the right-of-way; provided, that a greater setback may be required from streets with inadequate rights-of-way at the discretion of the public works director.
C. Minimum side yard setback: five feet, with a total side yard setback of 15 feet for both side yards. Exception: Townhouse development may have zero side yard setbacks; provided, that the end units of a group have a minimum of five and a total of 20 feet for both yards regardless of whether the yards are considered side, front or rear.
D. Minimum rear setback is 20 feet; provided, that a separated garage may be built within 10 feet of the rear property line.
E. Minimum setback to a single-family residential zone: 10 feet in addition to the required landscape buffer for buildings having an entrance or exit facing the landscape buffer. Exception: Buildings taller than 35 feet shall increase the setback by one foot from any single-family residential zone for every one foot of building height increase over 35 feet.
F. Maximum height: 35 feet; provided, that the director(s), with the concurrence of the fire chief of Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 22, may approve buildings up to four stories tall if adequate provision is made for fire protection.
G. Maximum impervious surface: 80 percent. (Ord. 1355 § 6, 2010; Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1230 § 19, 2007; Ord. 1155 § 4, 2005; Ord. 1099 § 19, 2005; Ord. 851 § 32, 2000; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.060 Off-street parking and loading requirements.
For off-street parking and loading requirements, see Residential Development Standards, BLMC 18.22.100. (Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.070 Planned unit development.
Repealed by Ord. 1131. (Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).
18.18.080 Multiple dwelling outdoor recreation area.
A. All residential developments shall provide a minimum of 193 square feet of playground space per residential unit.
B. Residential developments within one-quarter mile of a public park that are connected to the public park via an improved pedestrian path and/or sidewalk shall be exempt from the requirement of subsection A of this section.
C. The playground required herein shall be located in an accessible and usable area, which area must be free of involvement with any parking or vehicular traffic whatsoever, either on the premises or otherwise.
D. Areas with wetlands, seasonal flooding or slopes exceeding 25 percent may not be considered recreational areas. (Ord. 1702 § 10, 2023; Ord. 1250 § 2, 2007; Ord. 740 § 6, 1997).