Chapter 19.135 DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS

If the city council has approved a public improvements master plan or special design guidelines for a particular area that includes a right-of-way, the master plan or other guidelines will be filed with the city clerk and will govern the improvements to be provided by developments that abut that right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.10), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1471.)

19.135.020 Official right-of-way map adopted.

The public works director shall produce and keep current an official right-of-way classification map that classifies each of the improved and proposed rights-of-way, other than alleys, based on the classification standards contained within FWRC 19.135.210 and 19.135.220 and the objectives of the comprehensive plan. This right-of-way classification map, as adopted and amended from time to time, shall have the full force as if its provisions were fully set forth within this title.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 06-515, § 3, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.15), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1472.)

Cross reference: Rights-of-way, Chapter 4.25 FWRC.

19.135.030 When public improvements must be installed.

(1) The applicant shall provide the improvements required by this chapter if the applicant engages in any activity which requires a development permit, except for the following:

(a) The applicant need not comply with the provisions of this chapter if the proposed improvements in any 12-month period do not exceed 25 percent of the assessed or appraised value (based on an appraisal conducted by a state-certified real estate appraiser provided by the applicant) of all structures and land combined on the subject property, whichever is greater, except that if the subject property is equal to or greater than 100,000 square feet in size, the land value shall not be included in the assessed or appraised value used to determine the 25 percent. If the 25 percent threshold is exceeded, public improvements will be required under FWRC 19.135.040 to the extent they are commensurate with the impacts of the development, as determined by the director.

(b) The applicant need not comply with the provisions of this chapter if, within the immediately preceding four years, public improvements were installed as part of any subdivision or discretionary land use approval under this or any prior zoning code.

(c) The applicant need not comply with the provisions of this chapter if the proposal is to locate a personal wireless services facility (PWSF) on the subject property.

(d) The applicant need not comply with the provisions of this chapter if the proposal is for facade improvements only. In addition, the cost of improvements required by Chapter 19.115 FWRC, Community Design Guidelines, shall not be included in the total cost of improvements measured over a 12-month period pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(e) Tenant improvements, unless the proposed improvements add additional floor area.

(f) If the required improvement is part of a larger project that has been scheduled for construction in the city’s adopted six-year transportation improvement program, the public works director may permit the applicant to fulfill the applicant’s obligation under this section by paying to the city the pro rata share of the costs of the required improvements attributable to the development of the subject property, as determined by the public works director. For purposes of determining the applicant’s pro rata share, funds received by the city from any federal, state, or local grant for the project shall be excluded from the total cost of the planned six-year transportation improvement.

(2) Right-of-way adjacent to and within land divisions must be dedicated and improved consistent with the requirements of this chapter, unless different requirements are imposed by the city as part of the land division approval process.

(3) Ingress/egress and utilities easements or alleys may be permitted subject to the conditions established in the city of Federal Way public works development standards.

(Ord. No. 10-652, § 15, 4-6-10; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 06-515, § 3, 2-7-06; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 00-363, § 15, 1-4-00; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.20), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1473.)

Cross reference: Rights-of-way, Chapter 4.25 FWRC.

19.135.040 Required public and private improvements.

(1) Generally. The development standards portion of FWRC 19.135.200 through 19.135.250 establish the improvements that must be installed, based on the classification of the various rights-of-way within the city. The applicant shall, consistent with the provisions of this chapter, install all improvements established in FWRC 19.135.200 through 19.135.250 along the frontage of each right-of-way that abuts and traverses the subject property, commensurate with the impacts of the development. At a minimum, improvements shall be required on the abutting side of the right-of-way and a 10-foot lane on the side of the right-of-way opposite the frontage.

(2) The public works director shall have the authority to adopt and modify standards for ingress/egress and utilities easements or alleys which may be determined subject to the conditions and standards established in the city of Federal Way public works development standards.

(3) Additional dimensions and improvements. The applicant may increase the dimensions of any required improvement or install additional improvements within the right-of-way with the written consent of the public works director.

(4) Authority to require dedication. If a right-of-way abutting the subject property has inadequate width based on the requirements in FWRC

19.135.200 through 19.135.250, the applicant shall dedicate a portion of the subject property parallel to the right-of-way and equal in width to the difference between the present right-of-way width and the width required by FWRC 19.135.200 through 19.135.250 for that right-of-way. The public works director may waive additional dedication or may permit dedication of a lesser amount of the subject property for additional right-of-way width if:

(a) It is likely to anticipate that, within the near future, the private property across the right-of-way will be required to dedicate property for public right-of-way; or

(b) The reduction in the required right-of-way width will nonetheless provide adequate room for all improvements, infrastructure and functions within the right-of-way. For the purpose of determining the rough proportionality of right-of-way dedication to the development’s impacts, the city may require up to 300 square feet of right-of-way dedication per average daily trip generated by the development. All dedications under this subsection shall be by conveyance through a statutory warranty deed.

(5) Partial right-of-way improvements. Where a right-of-way abutting the subject property does not, even after dedications required under subsection (4) of this section, contain adequate width to install all of the improvements required within that right-of-way under this chapter, the applicant shall install improvements within the right-of-way which will provide a safe and efficient right-of-way and which will facilitate completion of all right-of-way improvements required in this chapter at a later date. The specific extent and nature of improvements, where full right-of-way width is not available, will be determined by the public works director on a case-by-case basis.

(6) Easements. The public works director may require the applicant to grant such easements over, under and across the subject property as are reasonably necessary or appropriate under the circumstances, including but not limited to easements for the following:

(a) Pedestrian access and sidewalks.

(b) Street lighting.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.25), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1474.)

19.135.050 Additional improvements.

The city may require the applicant to pave or install additional improvements within rights-of-way, either abutting or not abutting the subject property. This may include traffic signals, channelizations, turn lanes, and other improvements necessary or appropriate to improve traffic circulation and safety, the need for which is directly attributable to development of the subject property. Where appropriate, the public works director may permit the applicant to fulfill the applicant’s obligation under this section by paying to the city the pro rata share of the costs of the required improvements attributable to development of the subject property, as determined by the public works director. The city may also require the applicant to provide traffic studies and other data describing the traffic impacts of the proposed development, the need for improvements under this section, and the reasonable pro rata share of the costs of these improvements to be borne by the applicant.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.30), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1475.)

19.135.060 Traffic control devices and signing.

All traffic control devices and pavement markings shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (M.U.T.C.D.) as adopted, from time to time, by the State Department of Transportation.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.55), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1476.)

19.135.070 Modifications, deferments and waivers.

The public works director may modify, defer or waive the requirements of this chapter only after consideration of a written request for the following reasons:

(1) The improvement as required would not be harmonious with existing street improvements, would not function properly or safely or would not be advantageous to the neighborhood or city as a whole.

(2) Unusual topographic or physical conditions preclude the construction of the improvements as required.

(3) Proper vertical or horizontal alignments cannot be determined because the existing streets do not have correct alignments.

(4) The required improvement is part of a larger project that has been scheduled for construction in the city’s adopted six-year transportation improvement program.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.60), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1477.)

19.135.080 Bonds.

The city may require or permit a bond under Chapter 19.25 FWRC to insure compliance with any of the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 02-417, § 1, 3-19-02; Ord. No. 02-414, § 3, 2-19-02; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.65), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1478.)

Article II. Vehicular Access Easements Improvements²

19.135.090 When required.

If access to the subject property is over a vehicular access easement or tract, the applicant shall, except as specified in FWRC 19.135.100, install improvements within the vehicular access easement or tract consistent with the requirements for rights-of-way, as established in this chapter, from the point the subject property obtains access to the vehicular access easement or tract to the nearest intersecting right-of-way. The public works director shall determine which of the provisions of FWRC 19.135.200 through 19.135.250 apply to the vehicular access easement or tract based on the classification criteria of those charts.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.35(1)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1496.)

19.135.100 Exceptions.

The following provisions of this article shall apply:

(1) A vehicular access easement or tract (ingress/egress and utilities easement) may be permitted subject to the conditions established in the city of Federal Way public works development standards.

(2) If the vehicular access easement or tract does not have adequate width for the installation of the improvements required by this chapter, the public works director shall determine the nature and extent of the improvements to be installed in the vehicular access easement or tract on a case-by-case basis. Pervious paving techniques may be used on private roads where feasible, as authorized by the public works director and in accordance with FWRC Title 16, Surface Water Management.

(3) Streetlights are required at the intersection of a vehicular access easement or tract and a right-of-way, but not at any other location within the vehicular access easement or tract, unless specifically required by the public works director.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, vehicular access easements and tracts must comply with applicable standards of the serving fire district.

(Ord. No. 18-844, § 12, 3-6-18; Ord. No. 09-630, § 37, 10-20-09; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.35(2)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1497.)

19.135.110 Easement to be unobstructed.

The entire width of a vehicular access easement or tract must remain unobstructed at all times up to a height of 16 feet above the surface of the vehicular access easement or tract. No parking or structures are permitted in this area.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.35(3)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1498.)

19.135.120 Recording required.

If access to the subject property is by a vehicular access easement or tract, the right of each served property and the responsibility of the served properties to construct, maintain and reconstruct the improvements within the vehicular access easement or tract must be established by written document approved by the city attorney. This document must be recorded in the county to run with all affected properties.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.35(5)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1500.)

Article III. Right-of-Way Improvements³

19.135.130 Construction standards and specifications.

(1) Generally. The public works director shall prepare and make available for distribution administrative standards and specifications for right-of-way construction and construction of ingress/egress and utilities easements and alleys based on current and generally accepted engineering practices. The standards shall include specifications and/or drawings for rights-of-way cross-sections, safety railings and guardrails, appurtenances within the street, surfacing requirements, illumination, trench backfill and restoration, drainage, utilities, construction materials, survey monuments and other related construction elements.

(2) Current standards. The construction standards specified in the current edition of the Federal Way development standards administered by the department of public works will apply. Where no city standards exist to address a road situation, the King County road standards shall apply.

(3) Enforcement. The standards and specifications adopted or incorporated under this section shall have the full force as if set forth in this title.

(Ord. No. 18-844, § 13, 3-6-18; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.40), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1516.)

19.135.140 Medians.

(1) Medians may be required on arterial streets to improve traffic circulation and enhance right-of-way appearance. Medians shall be required if either of the following conditions are met:

(a) There are more than two through traffic lanes in either direction.

(b) The arterial roadway segment has crash rate greater than 10 crashes per million vehicle miles, as determined by the public works director.

(2) When medians are constructed, the following standards shall apply:

(a) Edges shall be vertical curb in urban areas.

(b) Landscaping and irrigation are required.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(1)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1517.)

19.135.150 Bicycle facilities.

(1) Bicycle facilities shall be installed as indicated on the bicycle/pedestrian facilities plan as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

(2) When bicycle facilities are provided as part of the right-of-way design and installation, they shall meet the standards defined in the most current version of the Washington State Department of Transportation Design Manual, M 22-01.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(2)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1518.)

Cross reference: Bicycles, Chapter 8.25 FWRC.

19.135.160 Landscaping.

Installation of landscape strips and street trees in rights-of-way shall be required as rights-of-way are constructed. Street trees shall be installed in conformance with a right-of-way landscaping plan, and planting specifications to be adopted by the public works director.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(3)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1519.)

Cross reference: Landscape requirements, Chapter 19.125 FWRC.

19.135.170 Sidewalks.

Sidewalks shall be installed as established in FWRC 19.135.210 and 19.135.220 for each classification of right-of-way. Sidewalk widths may be required above the minimum in areas where special design standards have been adopted.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(4)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1520.)

19.135.180 Utilities.

All required utilities shall be installed underground as rights-of-way are constructed. If the city determines that undergrounding is not feasible at the time the right-of-way is constructed, the applicant must sign a concomitant agreement to pay the subject property’s fair share of undergrounding the utilities at some future date when undergrounding is feasible. This concomitant agreement shall be recorded with the county at the expense of the applicant and shall run with the property.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(5)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1521.)

Cross reference: Utilities, FWRC Title 11.

19.135.190 Street lighting.

Street lighting shall be required on all rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(6)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1522.)

19.135.200 Other standards and necessary improvements.

The following describes elements common to all roadway improvements:

(1) Design speeds should be 10 mph over posted limits, subject to modification based on topographical constraints. In no case shall design speeds be less than posted speed limits, except for local streets in residential zones.

(2) Minimum radius on horizontal curves shall be based on AASHTO rural/high speed urban street friction factors with a normal crown section for design speeds of 35 mph or greater. For design speeds less than 35 mph, AASHTO low-speed urban street side friction factors with a normal crown section may be used. Superelevation should not be used.

(3) All curbs shall be vertical per King County Road Standards, latest edition, except in low and medium density single-family residential comprehensive plan designation or for temporary improvements, in which case a ditch section or thickened edge may be permitted.

The applicant shall install any other improvements necessary for the proper operations or maintenance of the improvements required by or under this title, as determined by the public works director.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.45(7)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1523.)

19.135.205 Complete streets.

(1) Complete Streets Policy. The city of Federal Way will plan for, design, and construct all new and retrofitted transportation projects to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users of all ages and abilities, as well as motorists, passengers, emergency responders, and freight, with a goal of street connectivity that creates a comprehensive, integrated, connected network for all modes because all users of the network are legitimate and equally deserving of safe facilities.

(2) “Complete street” means a road that is designed to be safe and accessible for motorists, bicyclists, school and public transit users, freight, emergency responders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The complete street policy focuses not just on changing individual roads, but on changing the decision-making process so that all users are routinely considered during the scoping, planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all roadways.

“Complete streets infrastructure” means design features that contribute to a safe, convenient, or comfortable travel experience for users, including but not limited to features such as: sidewalks; shared use paths; bicycle lanes; automobile lanes; paved shoulders; street trees and landscaping; planter strips; curbs; accessible curb ramps; bulb outs; crosswalks; refuge islands; pedestrian and traffic signals, including countdown and accessible signals; signage; street furniture; bicycle parking facilities; mini-roundabouts; traffic calming devices such as speed humps and traffic circles, and surface treatments such as paving blocks and textured pavement; narrow vehicle lanes; and raised medians.

(3) The city of Federal Way shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into the transportation element of the city’s comprehensive plan, ADA transition plan, public works development standards, parks and recreational master plan, and all other plans, manuals, rules, regulations, and programs as feasible and appropriate.

(4) The city of Federal Way will foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation funding agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation, the Transportation Improvement Board, the Federal Highway Administration, King County, Federal Way School District, citizens, businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any funding agency to implement Federal Way’s complete streets policy.

(5) The public works director, or their designee, shall modify, develop, and adopt policies, design criteria, standards, and guidelines based upon recognized best practices in street design, construction, and operations, including but not limited to the latest editions of the American Association of State Transportation Officials and Institute of Transportation Engineers guidelines and standards, while reflecting the context and character of the surrounding built and natural environment and enhancing the appearance of such.

(6) Exceptions. Facilities for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and/or persons of all ages and abilities are required to be provided in new construction, retrofit, or reconstruction projects, except in any of the following extraordinary circumstances:

(a) The project involves a roadway on which nonmotorized use is prohibited by law. In this case an effort shall be made to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists elsewhere, including on roadways that cross or otherwise intersect with the affected roadway; or

(b) Where there is no identified current or long-term need; or

(d) Where routine maintenance and repair of the transportation network is performed that does not change the roadway geometry or operations, such as mowing, sweeping, spot repair, surface treatments, repaving, pavement overlay, or interim measures; or

(e) Where emergency repairs require an immediate, rapid response; however, temporary accommodations for all modes should still be made. Depending on the severity of the repairs, opportunities to improve multimodal access should still be made; or

(f) Where a reasonable and equivalent project along the same corridor is already programmed to provide facilities exempted from the project at hand.

Any exception to this policy for public projects requires documentation and supporting data to be approved by the city council upon review and recommendation from the land use and transportation committee. Supporting documents and data for all requested exemptions shall be made publicly available. Exceptions to this policy, as outlined above, may be granted by the public works director for private development projects in response to a modification, deferment, or waiver request under FWRC 19.135.070. Supporting documents and data for all such granted exceptions shall be made publicly available with ability for public comment.

(Ord. No. 18-859, § 3, 12-4-18; Ord. No. 12-718, § 3, 2-21-12.)

19.135.210 Principal arterial rights-of-way.

The following table illustrates the development standards for principal arterials. Cross-section type shall be as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

Design speed (mph)

City center zones

Other zones

Maximum grade (%)

Flat

Rolling

Mountainous

Sidewalk width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Landscaping strip width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Access classification

Average daily traffic

> 35,000

25,000 – 35,000

15,000 – 25,000

5,000 – 15,000

< 5,000

Directional design hourly volume

1,675 – 2,526

1,250 – 1,675

825 – 1,250

350 – 825

< 350

Bike lane

Yes

Paved width (feet)

Curb or ditch

Curb

Ditch

Right-of-way width (feet)

120

100

106

102

100

Cross-section type

City center zones

N/A

High density single-family zones

N/A

Medium and low density single-family zones

N/A

Other zones

N/A

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(chart 110-1), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1524.)

19.135.220 Minor arterial rights-of-way.

The following table illustrates the development standards for minor arterials. Cross-section type shall be as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

Design speed (mph)

City center zones

Other zones

Maximum grade (%)

Flat

Rolling

Mountainous

Sidewalk width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Landscaping strip width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Access classification

Average daily traffic

> 35,000

25,000 – 35,000

15,000 – 25,000

5,000 – 15,000

< 5,000

Directional design hourly volume

1,675 – 2,526

1,250 – 1,675

825 – 1,250

350 – 825

< 350

Bike lane

Yes

Paved width (feet)

Curb or ditch

Curb

Ditch

Right-of-way width (feet)

120

100

106

102

100

Cross-section type

City center zones

N/A

High density single-family zones

N/A

Medium and low density single-family zones

N/A

Other zones

N/A

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(chart 110-2), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1525.)

Cross references: Rights-of-way, Chapter 4.25 FWRC; subdivision required improvements, Chapter 18.60 FWRC.

19.135.230 Principal collector rights-of-way.

The following table illustrates the development standards for principal collectors. Cross-section type shall be as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

Design speed (mph)	City center zones		35
	Other zones		40
Maximum grade (%)	Commercial and commercial-industrial zones	Flat	6
		Rolling	8
		Mountainous	10
	Other zones	Flat	8
		Rolling	10
		Mountainous	12
Sidewalk width (feet)	City center zones		12
	Other zones		8
Landscaping strip width (feet)	City center zones		0
	Other zones		6
Access classification			3				4
Average daily traffic			15,000 – 25,000				5,000 – 15,000			< 5,000
Directional design hourly volume			825 – 1,250				350 – 825			< 350
Bike lane			Yes		No		Yes		No	Yes	No
Paved width (feet)			66		58		44		36	34	32
Curb or ditch			Curb		Curb		Curb		Curb	Curb	Ditch
Right-of-way width (feet)			100	96	92	88	78	74	70	68	68
Cross-section type	City center zones		N/A	H	N/A	J	N/A	L	N/A	N/A	N/A
	High density single-family zones		G	N/A	I	N/A	K	N/A	M	O	N/A
	Medium and low density single-family zones		G	N/A	I	N/A	K	N/A	M	N/A	P
	Other zones		G	N/A	I	N/A	K	N/A	M	O	N/A

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98. Code 2001 § 22-1526.)

19.135.240 Minor collector rights-of-way.

The following table illustrates the development standards for minor collectors. Cross-section type shall be as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

Design speed (mph)	Medium and low density single-family, commercial, and industrial-commercial zones		30
	Other zones		25
Maximum grade (%)	Commercial and industrial-commercial zones	Flat	6
		Rolling	8
		Mountainous	10
	Other zones	Flat	8
		Rolling	10
		Mountainous	12
Sidewalk width (feet)	City center zones		12
	Other zones		6
Landscaping strip width (feet)	City center zones		12
	Other zones		4
Access classification			4	5
Average daily traffic			5,000 – 15,000	< 5,000		1,000 – 5,000
Directional design hourly volume			350 – 825	< 350		100 – 350
Bike lane			No	No		No
Paved width (feet)			52	40	36	28
Curb or ditch			Curb	Curb	Curb	Curb	Ditch
Right-of-way width (feet)			82	70	66	60	60
Cross-section type	City center zones		N	Q	N/A	N/A	N/A
	High density single-family zones		N/A	N/A	N/A	S	N/A
	Medium and low density single-family zones		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	T
	Other zones		N/A	N/A	R	N/A	N/A

(Ord. No. 07-559, § 3(Exh. A), 7-3-07; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98. Code 2001 § 22-1527.)

19.135.250 Local street rights-of-way.

The following table illustrates the development standards for local streets. Cross-section type shall be as shown in the currently adopted comprehensive plan.

Design speed (mph)

Medium and low density single-family, commercial, and industrial-commercial zones

Other zones

Maximum grade (%)

Commercial and industrial-commercial zones

Flat

Rolling

Mountainous

Other zones

Flat

Rolling

Mountainous

Sidewalk width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Landscaping strip width (feet)

City center zones

Other zones

Access classification

Average daily traffic

1,000 – 5,000

< 5,000

500 – 1,000

250 – 500

100 – 250

< 250

< 100

N/A

Directional design hourly volume

100 – 350

< 350

50 – 100

25 – 50

10 – 25

< 25

< 10

N/A

Bike lane

Paved width (feet)

Curb or ditch

Curb

Ditch

Curb

Ditch

Curb

Ditch

Curb

Right-of-way width (feet)

106

Cross-section type

City center zones

N/A

High density single-family zones

N/A

Medium and low density single-family zones

N/A

Other zones

N/A

There is no minimum centerline radius on local streets. Traffic calming devices may be incorporated into streets in residential zones, as approved by the public works director.

Cross-section type Y may be used in cluster and short subdivisions when all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The street is in a private tract.

(2) The tract abuts four or less dwelling units.

(3) The tract is less than 150 feet in length.

Ingress/egress and utilities easements and alleys may be permitted subject to the conditions established in the city of Federal Way public works development standards.

(Ord. No. 07-559, § 3(Exh. A), 7-3-07; Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(chart 110-2), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1528.)

19.135.251 Block perimeters.

Streets shall be provided to develop a street network with a block perimeter of no greater than 2,640 feet, as measured on centerlines. This requirement may be modified if connections cannot be made due to:

(1) Topographical constraints.

(2) Environmentally sensitive areas.

(3) Adjacent development not being conducive.

(Ord. No. 10-660, § 4, 6-1-10.)

19.135.252 Vacation of right-of-way.

(1) Generally. The public works director shall prepare and make available for distribution administrative street vacation policies, including an application checklist and application.

(2) Right-of-way may be reduced or vacated only after the following requirements are completed:

(a) Analysis and documentation consistent with the street vacation policies.

(b) Demonstration that the remaining street network meets the block perimeter standards of FWRC 19.135.251. Where block perimeter standards are not met prior to vacation, any vacation of public right-of-way shall not result in an increase in the nonconforming block length.

(c) A traffic analysis demonstrating that there will be no increase in trips by vehicles, pedestrians, or other modes on the right-of-way network as a result of the vacation; or proposed improvements required for mitigation so there is no resulting increase in trips on the right-of-way network.

(d) A public hearing before the city council complying with the requirements of FWRC 4.20.120.

(Ord. No. 20-894, § 2, 8-11-20.)

Article IV. Access Management⁴

19.135.260 Scope.

This article establishes requirements for the location and width of intersections and driveways. See also provisions of Chapter 19.130 FWRC for other related requirements.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.50), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1541.)

19.135.270 Width of driveways.

The maximum width of driveways, excluding flaring as approved by the public works director, is as follows:

(1) For driveways that serve only single-family residential uses and zero lot line townhouse developments, the maximum driveway width is the greater of 20 feet for a two or more stall driveway, or ten feet for each parking stall, and 10 feet for a one-stall driveway.

(2) For other private driveways, refer to the city of Federal Way public works development standards for requirements.

(3) For driveways that serve uses other than single-family residential uses and zero lot line townhouse development, the maximum driveway width is 30 feet for a two lane two-way driveway and 40 feet for a three-lane two-way driveway. Driveway widths may be increased in order to provide adequate width for vehicles that may be reasonably expected to use the driveway, as determined by the public works director.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.50(1)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1542.)

19.135.280 Separation of intersections and driveways.

(1) Access to arterials and collectors may be permitted consistent with the following table. On state highways that are not designated as limited access, the minimum spacing is 250 feet, or as shown in the following table, whichever is greater. Left-turn and crossing movements through standing queues of traffic may be prohibited, as determined by the public works director.

City of Federal Way Access Management Standards
Access classification	Median	Through traffic lanes	Minimum spacing (feet)**					Minimum signal progression efficiency***
Access classification	Median	Through traffic lanes	Crossing movements	Left-turn out	Left-turn in	Right-turn out	Right-turn in	Minimum signal progression efficiency***
1	Raised	6	Only at signalized intersections	Only at signalized intersections	330	150	150	40%
2	Raised	4	330	330	330	150	150	30%
3	Two-way left-turn lane	4	150	150*	150*	150*	150*	20%
4	Two-way left-turn lane	2	150*	150*	150*	150*	150*	10%

* Does not apply to single-family residential uses.

** Greater spacing may be required in order to minimize conflicts with queued traffic.

*** If the existing efficiency is less than the standard, new traffic signals may not reduce the existing efficiency.

(a) Raised medians will be required if any of the following conditions are met:

(i) There are more than two through traffic lanes in each direction on the street being accessed.

(ii) The street being accessed has a crash rate over 10 crashes per million vehicle miles, and currently has a two-way left-turn lane.

(b) Two-way left-turn lanes will be required if the street being accessed has a crash rate over 10 crashes per million vehicle miles, and currently does not have a left-turn lane.

(2) Driveways that serve any use other than detached dwelling units may not be located closer than 150 feet to any street intersection or to any other driveway, whether on or off the subject property. Driveways that serve only residential use may not be located closer than 25 feet to any street intersection.

(3) There may be no more than one driveway for each 330 feet of lot frontage. The city may further limit or prohibit access to or from driveways onto arterial streets.

(4) Separation distances shall be measured from centerline to centerline of roadways and driveways.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(110.50(2)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1543.)

19.135.290 Modification procedures.

Modifications to the standards in FWRC 19.135.280 may be made as determined by the public works director under the following procedures:

(1) The director may grant a modification administratively to reduce spacing standards by up to 20 percent of the tabular values. Criteria are existing accident rates and suspected low number of turning conflicts.

(2) A formal request for modification shall include documentation of topographical constraints, or inability to secure alternative means of access through easements, dedicated tracts, or roadways of lower classification, and granting the modification will not appreciably reduce roadway safety and capacity.

(3) The director may condition modification requests to require that accesses be closed, or further restricted, when alternative means of access become available through development or redevelopment of other properties.

(Ord. No. 07-554, § 5(Exh. A(12)), 5-15-07; Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98. Code 2001 § 22-1544.)

Article V. Sight Distance at Intersections⁵

19.135.300 Generally.

This article establishes that areas around all intersections, including the entrance of driveways onto streets, must be kept clear of sight obstruction. Intersection sight distance shall be based on posted speed limits per AASHTO requirements. FWRC 19.135.310 establishes what may be in the area that is to be kept clear of sight obstructions.

(Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(115.130(1)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1151.)

19.135.310 Permissible intrusion in the area to be kept clear of sight obstruction.

(1) Generally. Except as stated in subsection (2) of this section or unless specifically approved by the public works director, no structure, improvement, vegetation or other thing may be within the sight distance triangle between 2.5 feet and 10 feet above the elevations of the pavement edge of each intersecting street or driveway. The “sight distance triangle” is defined by the travel paths of vehicles traveling at the posted speed limit on each approach of the intersection, and the line of sight between the vehicles that is sufficient to allow the operators to accelerate, slow down, or stop in time to prevent a collision.

(2) Exceptions. The following are permitted to be within the area that must be clear of sight obstructions:

(a) Any structure erected before the effective date of the title.

(b) Natural topography of the ground. However, the public works director may require land surface modification to fulfill the intent of this article as part of any development activity on the subject property.

(c) Any number of tree trunks and sign or utility poles if the public works director determines that adequate visual access is available between these tree trunks or poles.

(Ord. No. 98-330, § 3, 12-15-98; Ord. No. 90-43, § 2(115.130(3)), 2-27-90. Code 2001 § 22-1160.)

Cross references: Streets and sidewalks, FWRC Title 4, Division II; drainage program, FWRC Title 16; required improvements in subdivisions, Chapter 18.60 FWRC; public improvement assessments, Chapter 18.65 FWRC; public use easements, FWRC 19.05.330; land modifications, Chapter 19.120 FWRC.

Cross references: Rights-of-way, Chapter 4.25 FWRC; traffic and motor vehicles, FWRC Title 8; subdivision improvements, Chapter 18.60 FWRC; yard requirements for driveways, parking areas, fences, structure protruding beyond exterior walls of a structure, retaining walls, walkways, and certain other improvements or structures, FWRC 19.125.160; off-street parking requirements, Chapter 19.130 FWRC.

Cross references: Rights-of-way regulations, Chapter 4.25 FWRC; subdivision required improvements, Chapter 18.60 FWRC; yard requirements for driveways, parking areas, fences, structure protruding beyond exterior walls of a structure, retaining walls, walkways, and certain other improvements or structures, FWRC 19.125.160.

Cross references: Rights-of-way, Chapter 4.25 FWRC; buildings and building regulations, FWRC Title 13; yard requirements for driveways, parking areas, fences, structure protruding beyond exterior walls of a structure, retaining walls, walkways, and certain other improvements or structures, FWRC 19.125.160.

Cross references: Traffic and vehicles, FWRC Title 8; subdivisions, FWRC Title 18; landscaping, Chapter 19.125 FWRC; signs, Chapter 19.140 FWRC.