Chapter 17.24
R-L RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY DISTRICT
Sections:
17.24.050 Dimensional standards.
17.24.060 Off-street parking requirements.
17.24.070 Landscaping requirements.
17.24.090 Design standards and guidelines.
17.24.010 Purpose.
The R-L residential low density district is a land use classification primarily suited for single-family residential living. Uses are limited to residential uses and under certain conditions public and service uses which by their nature as support services or facilities are necessarily better served by locating within the residential sector. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses shall be permitted uses in the R-L district:
A. Single-family dwellings including modular and manufactured housing constructed in accordance with the design requirements set forth in Chapter 15.38 EWMC, but not to exceed one dwelling on any one lot unless otherwise permitted by this title;
B. Temporary construction offices within the tract or subdivision on which buildings are being erected, and only for the duration of active construction;
C. Residential planned unit developments approved pursuant to Chapter 17.68 EWMC and the applicable sections of the Greater Wenatchee Urban Area Design Standards and Guidelines which are adopted by this reference as if fully set forth herein;
D. Adult family homes licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and meeting the definition in EWMC 19.11.020;
E. Bus passenger amenities meeting the requirements of EWMC 17.72.185;
F. Agricultural uses of a horticultural nature such as vegetable gardens, fruit and nut trees, grape vines, and other horticultural stock;
G. Duplex dwellings; provided, the property is immediately adjacent to a commercial zoning district (i.e., shares a common lot line or is directly across a public street from) and has sufficient land area to provide 8,000 square feet of land area per duplex structure in addition to the land area required for any other dwellings existing on the same property.
H. Duplexes on Corners. This provision allows new duplexes in locations where their appearance and impact will be compatible with the surrounding houses. Duplexes on corner lots can be designed so each unit is oriented towards a different street. This gives the structure the overall appearance of a house when viewed from either street.
1. Development Standards. Both units of the duplex or attached houses must meet the following standards to ensure that the two units have compatible elements. Adjustments to this subsection are prohibited. The standards are:
a. Minimum Lot Size. The minimum lot size for duplexes on a corner lot is 8,000 square feet in area.
b. Entrances. Each of the units must have its address and main entrance oriented towards a separate street frontage. Deviation from this standard may be permitted if one of the streets is an arterial and the driveway would adversely impact circulation on that street. Where an existing house is being converted to two units, one main entrance with internal access to both units is allowed.
c. Exterior Finish Materials. The exterior finish material must be the same, or visually match in type, size and placement.
d. Roof Pitch. The predominant roof pitch must be the same for both units.
e. Eaves. Roof eaves must project the same distance from the building wall.
f. Trim. Trim must be the same in type, size and location.
g. Windows. Windows must match in proportion and orientation.
h. Overall Design. The overall design of the duplex must be consistent in bulk and character with the homes in the neighborhood.
I. Triplex dwellings, provided they meet applicable minimum lot size standards in EWMC 17.24.050(A) and the following locational requirements:
1. The triplex is on a lot that is immediately adjacent to a commercial zoning district (i.e., shares a common lot line or is directly across a public street from).
2. The triplex is on a corner lot. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 05-07 § 1, 2005; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 98-3 § 2, 1998; Ord. 94-2 § 1, 1994; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.030 Accessory uses.
Subject to the dimensional standards set forth in EWMC 17.24.050, the following uses shall be accessory uses in the R-L district:
A. Attached or detached accessory buildings and structures clearly incidental to the residential use of the lot, such as the storage of personal property, including private garages;
B. Family day care home as defined in EWMC 19.11.040(B);
C. Not more than a total of eight cars, trucks, or recreational vehicles per dwelling unit may be parked outside of a building on any lot. Said vehicles shall be parked to the rear of the front yard setback line, except when parked in the driveway. For purposes of this section, “recreational vehicles” shall mean any travel trailers, truck campers, tent trailers, motor homes, snowmobiles, boats or jet skis, utility trailers for hauling materials or recreational vehicles, and similar equipment;
D. Fences as provided for in EWMC 17.72.160;
E. Covered Patios.
1. A freestanding covered patio must meet the standards of this title. If the cover over the patio is attached to a dwelling or within six feet of the dwelling it is to be considered as part of that dwelling for the purposes of determining the setback for the dwelling;
2. Height limit: 10 feet for a detached structure with a flat roof; provided, however, that a fireplace flue may extend beyond the maximum height limit to a height of not over 13 feet; in all other cases the roof height shall not exceed the provisions of EWMC 17.24.050(D);
3. Area limit: Must not exceed the provisions of EWMC 17.24.050(E);
F. Swimming Pools. All pools must be located behind the front yard setback line and maintain at least a five-foot setback from all side and rear property lines.
G. Large satellite dish, amateur radio tower, or attached wireless communication facility subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.70 EWMC, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended;
H. Accessory dwelling units pursuant to the provisions of EWMC 17.72.190, as the same exists now or may hereafter be amended;
I. The keeping and raising of farm animals, livestock and poultry, as specified in EWMC 17.72.200; provided, that no commercial structure shall be constructed or maintained on the premises;
J. Home occupations as specified in Chapter 17.66 EWMC. (Ord. 24-02 § 5 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 13-04 § 6, 2013; Ord. 13-03 § 4, 2013; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 05-07 § 3, 2005; Ord. 02-22 § 12, 2002; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2000-02 § 4, 2000; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.040 Conditional uses.
The following uses shall be conditional uses in the R-L district under conditions set forth in Chapter 17.64 EWMC:
A. Public schools and private schools;
B. Public parks and playgrounds;
C. Churches;
D. Municipal buildings;
E. Public facilities and utilities;
F. Neighborhood centers;
G. Child day care centers – Group 1 facilities only as defined in EWMC 19.11.040;
H. Bed and breakfast facilities. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 13-04 § 7, 2013; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 05-07 § 6, 2005; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 2000-02 § 5, 2000; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.045 Prohibited uses.
All uses not listed above as permitted uses, accessory uses, or conditional uses shall be prohibited uses. Upon application to the hearing examiner, the hearing examiner may rule that a use not specifically named in the permitted uses of a district shall be included among the allowed uses if the use is of the same general type and is similar to the permitted uses; however, this section does not authorize the inclusion of a use in a district where it is not listed when the use is specifically listed in another district. (Ord. 22-08 § 5 (Exh. B), 2022; Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001)
17.24.050 Dimensional standards.
The following are dimensional standards in the R-L district:
A. Minimum Lot Area.
1. Single-family dwelling: 5,000 square feet, except as provided in EWMC 17.72.020(D);
2. Duplex dwellings: 8,000 square feet;
3. Triplex dwellings: 10,000 square feet.
B. Minimum width of lot: 50 feet. Corner lots shall have a minimum width of 60 feet, except as provided in EWMC 17.72.020(D);
C. Minimum lot depth: 80 feet;
D. Maximum building height: 35 feet, except where otherwise noted;
E. Maximum Land Coverage.
1. Single-family dwellings and all other structures: 40 percent;
2. Duplex and triplex: 45 percent.
F. Minimum setback distances, except as provided in EWMC 17.72.040:
1. Front yard: 15 feet, provided any garage or carport with vehicle entrances facing a street shall be set back at least 20 feet from the front lot line. Unenclosed porches and covered entries may project up to six feet into the front yard setback;
2. Rear yard: 15 feet;
3. Side yard: five feet;
4. Corner lots. Buildings on corner lots shall observe the minimum front yard setback on both streets and shall provide at least one rear yard setback. (See illustration below.)
(Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 08-09 § 3 Exh. A-1(2), 2008; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.060 Off-street parking requirements.
Off-street parking requirements for the R-L district shall conform to the provisions in Chapter 17.72 EWMC, as the same exists now or may hereafter be amended. All required parking shall be located to the rear of the front yard setback. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 91-5 § 2, 1991)
17.24.070 Landscaping requirements.
All developments in this district shall be subject to the landscaping requirements in Chapter 17.72 EWMC, as the same exists now or may hereafter be amended. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001)
17.24.090 Design standards and guidelines.
Development within this district shall comply with the applicable sections of the Greater East Wenatchee Urban Growth Area Design Standards and Guidelines which are adopted by this reference as if fully set forth herein. (Ord. 21-05 § 5 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 16-09 § 5 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 07-05 § 4, 2007)