Chapter 12.36
ADDRESSING AND STREET NAMING
Sections:
12.36.030 Implementation and responsibilities.
12.36.060 Street designations.
12.36.070 Addressing along streets.
12.36.080 Street naming policy.
12.36.090 Naming of new street or naming of existing unnamed streets.
12.36.100 Renaming of existing duplicate street names.
12.36.110 Renaming of other streets.
12.36.120 Installation and replacement of addresses.
12.36.130 General display of addresses.
12.36.140 Procedures for installation and placement of addresses.
12.36.150 Street name signs (private roads).
12.36.160 Enforcement – Violations.
12.36.180 Administrative procedures.
12.36.200 Controversial or disputed street names.
12.36.010 Purpose.
This chapter further implements portions of the City of Ferndale Comprehensive Plan and supplements the zoning and subdivision ordinances. Its purpose is to provide residents of Ferndale with a uniform system of street naming and addressing to:
A. Minimize future street name and addressing conflicts.
B. Provide a database for City and County records and enhanced 9-1-1 services.
C. Expedite property identification by emergency services.
D. Comply with U.S. postal addressing abbreviation standards. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.020 Applicability.
This chapter shall apply to all property and to all public and private streets in the City of Ferndale. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.030 Implementation and responsibilities.
A. The City of Ferndale Community Development Director shall have the responsibility of administering, enforcing, and maintaining an addressing and street naming standard as defined by this chapter and have the enforcement authority for addressing on buildings as specified by the International Fire Code as adopted by the City of Ferndale.
B. In the event that violations of this chapter are not corrected by the date established by the City of Ferndale, the City may perform the work and bill the property owner(s). In the event the property owner(s) fails to pay said bill, the City may take such action as necessary to collect the debt.
C. Property owners are responsible for placing alphanumeric identification in accordance with FMC 12.36.130, 12.36.140, and 12.36.150, including placement of private street signs. Posting of addresses and street names must be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
D. The City of Ferndale Public Works Director or designee is responsible for erecting and maintaining public street signs at street intersections within the boundaries of the City. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.040 Document protocol.
For document clarity, references to all vehicle paths of travel serving three or more properties, residences, or businesses are referred to as “streets.” Driveways or other vehicle paths of travel serving less than three properties, residencies, or businesses shall not be named to reduce administrative costs, but shall have addresses installed and placed as required herein to minimize the potential for confusion for emergency service providers. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.050 Address grid.
Defining the address number portion of street addresses is based on a geographical information system (G.I.S.) address grid keymap. This keymap is used to geographically identify the location of the subject structure or parcel as it correlates to the most favored X, Y coordinate on the grid, thereby defining the number portion of the address. The defined address grid lines will determine the address number(s) for that structure or parcel. Addresses will range from approximately 4700 at the southern boundaries of the City to 7000 at the northern boundaries of the City, for north-south oriented roads. Addresses will range from approximately 1200 at the eastern boundaries of the City to approximately 2800 at the western boundaries of the City for east-west oriented roads.
Those addresses running north or south will increase by a value of 100 at every 1,300-foot interval from south to north. Those addresses running from east to west will increase by a value of 100 every 1,300 feet. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.060 Street designations.
Designation of streets within the City of Ferndale and within unincorporated areas of the City’s urban growth boundary shall be in accordance with the following guidelines except in the case of existing and recorded street designations:
A. Streets which have a definite north-south directional course shall be designated as “avenues.” Streets which have a definite east-west directional course shall be designated as “streets.”
B. Streets which do not have a definite directional course shall be designated as “road” or “drive.”
C. A dead-end street or cul-de-sac less than 1,000 feet in length, when not an extension of an existing street or a continuation of a proposed street, shall be called a “court” or “place.” In the case where an existing dead-end street or cul-de-sac is extended beyond 1,000 feet, after initially being designated (a court or place) it shall be renamed in accordance with this section (i.e., FMC 12.36.060).
D. Private roads shall be designated “trail” or “lane.”
E. A street that has its ingress and egress on the same street shall be called a “loop.”
F. A street that circles back upon itself shall be designated as a “circle.”
G. The designation “boulevard” shall be reserved for long, continuous streets characterized by a broad right-of-way, with tree and turf embellishment, and carrying predominantly noncommercial traffic.
H. The designation “way” shall be reserved for long, continuous streets that handle heavy volumes of traffic and have major thoroughfare characteristics.
I. In those areas being incorporated into the City, all named streets that extend from existing incorporated areas into areas being considered for incorporation shall retain the incorporated name.
J. Streets that are obviously in alignment with others existing and named shall bear the names of the existing streets. The Community Development Department may allow changes otherwise prohibited under this section (i.e., FMC 12.36.060) as follows:
1. In those areas where the new street extension crosses either the north-south or east-west zero axis of the address grid; or
2. In those cases where the new street extension is the beginning of a new “arterial” or “boulevard,” as defined by the Public Works Director or this chapter (i.e., Chapter 12.36 FMC).
K. A newly established street which has less than a 125-foot centerline alignment offset from an existing street shall continue with the same street name. A newly established street which has more than a 125-foot centerline alignment offset from an existing street shall adopt a new name.
L. New streets shall preserve and continue any alphabetical or numerical sequence and type of name already established in nearby subdivisions. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.070 Addressing along streets.
Addressing along City of Ferndale streets shall be based on the quadrant grid as defined in FMC 12.36.050. Incorporated areas, areas designated for annexation under growth management guidelines, and other areas requesting annexation shall structure their addressing in the following manner:
A. Address numbers will run consecutively to the north, south, east, and west from the point of beginning. The expansion or contraction of east/west address numbers will be necessary in some sections.
B. Alphanumeric and Fractional Addresses. Street addresses shall not contain either alphanumeric or fractional combinations.
1. Exception: Alphanumeric addresses may be used in special circumstances for multifamily developments where addressing block numbers are limited.
C. Odd numbers shall appear on the south and west side of streets, and even numbers shall appear on the north and east sides.
D. Commercial and Residential Structures. Street address numbers shall be based on the location of vehicular access unless a deviation is approved by the Community Development Director or their designee.
E. If a two-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling unit has a number of entrances and each entrance services a separate occupant, then each entrance shall be assigned an address. If whole numbers are exhausted, then a single building number shall be utilized with sequential number designations used for each separate occupant. Unit numbering shall be in accordance with FMC 12.36.130 and 12.36.140.
F. A single multifamily dwelling structure shall be assigned one address number for the structure. The addresses for individual dwellings within the structure shall be three-digit numbers with the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance, and unit numbers assigned from left to right when facing the structure, e.g., 2700 South 38th Avenue, Apt. or Suite 202 (second floor apartment, second from left when facing).
G. Multifamily Complexes with Multiple Structures.
1. Each structure within a multifamily or multi-unit complex shall be assign separate numerical address. No alphanumeric addresses shall be provided, unless limited numerical addressing numbers are available.
2. Each dwelling unit shall have a three-digit unit number affixed adjacent to or on the main entry door; e.g., 2700 First Street, Apt. 202.
H. Apartment complexes shall post a site plan sign at the main entrance that denotes actual building locations within the complex.
I. Business and commercial offices or complexes shall have an assigned address for each building with individual offices within that building assigned a three-digit suite number with the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance to the suite, and the second two digits representing the unit number, beginning at 01 for the unit on the far left, when facing the structure; e.g., Suite 301 will represent a third-floor office on the far left of the building when facing the structure.
J. Retail or service developments with multiple businesses in one structure shall have an assigned address for each building with individual businesses within that building assigned a three-digit suite number with the first digit representing the floor level of the entrance to the suite, and the second two digits representing the unit number, beginning at 01 for the unit on the far left, when facing the structure; e.g., Suite 301 will represent a third-floor office on the far left of the building.
1. Exception.
a. Basement and alley units will utilize a “B” or an “A,” respectively, preceding the unit number.
b. Parking levels will utilize a “P” preceding the floor level.
K. Mobile home parks shall submit a site plan, identifying street names and addresses of lots, for approval by the Community Development Department and in compliance with FMC 17.36.180. They shall have either:
1. One address number assigned to the park with the owner of the mobile home park responsible for individual numbering of each mobile home space in accordance with FMC 12.36.130 and 12.36.140. Streets within the mobile home park shall be assigned in accordance with FMC 12.36.150; or
2. Each space shall be assigned an address with streets within the mobile home park assigned and addresses installed in accordance with FMC 12.36.140 and 12.36.150. If whole numbers are exhausted, then a single building number shall be utilized with sequential letter designations used for each separate space.
L. Addresses on diagonal or meandering streets shall be assigned addresses which contrast to the primary streets with which they intersect (e.g., a meandering street which intersects a north-south primary street will be assigned east-west numbering).
M. Circle and loop street addresses shall be assigned addresses which contrast to the primary streets with which they intersect. Numbering shall start at its beginning and shall continue correlating to the grid in a clockwise direction as if the street were straight. “Beginning” is defined as the lowest numerical point on the favored base axis.
N. Structure(s) shall be assigned an address from the address keymap at the point where a line drawn perpendicular to the facing street intersects with the primary entrance to that structure. Corner lots may be addressed off the facing street selected by the property owner; however, requests to change the address once assigned shall require approval of the Community Development Department. If no specific request is made, corner addressing shall correspond to the street from which the lot takes access.
O. If a street accesses four or more living units or business structures via a private drive, it shall be assigned a private street name and the structures shall be addressed in accordance with this section.
P. Properties accessed by a common right-of-way or access easement with three or fewer living units or business structures shall be assigned an address at the point where the right-of-way or easement intersects a public or private street.
Q. When commercial or residential structures take primary access from an alley and do not front a public roadway, the alley shall be assigned a name with an “alley” designation and signage. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.080 Street naming policy.
In selecting street names, consideration shall be given to the following:
A. Centerline alignment street name standards of FMC 12.36.060 shall be observed for noncontinuous streets unless there is no possibility for extension of the street to make it a continuous through street.
B. There shall be no conflict of existing street names within the existing E911 jurisdictional boundary. Disposition of an apparent conflict in street names will reside with the Whatcom County Communications Center. The City of Ferndale Community Development Department shall assemble and maintain an official list of all street names presently in use within the City, and shall review the Whatcom County Assessor database for conflicts. Names listed therein shall not be reused. The Community Development Department shall coordinate with Fire and Emergency Communications Division, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Cities of Lynden and Blaine to ensure compliance with this requirement.
C. Names of similar pronunciation and/or spelling shall be prohibited; e.g., Briar Lane, Brier Lane. The Community Development Department shall coordinate with Fire and Emergency Services Department and Emergency Communications Division to ensure compliance with this requirement.
D. Variations of the same name with a different street designation shall be prohibited within the first word of the two-word title or in the street extension; e.g., Pine Road, Pine Drive, Pine Lane.
E. No street name shall consist of more than two words or contain more than 14 letters, excluding the extension; e.g., street, lane, court, etc. Special situations may be established with City Council approval which will allow for more words or letters; e.g., Martin Luther King Ave.
F. With exception to state highways, no street shall have more than one name (e.g., properties that are addressed on Mountain View Road (a County road) will be readdressed as Main Street (a City street). (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.090 Naming of new street or naming of existing unnamed streets.
Any new street to be established within the City of Ferndale and unincorporated areas within the City’s urban growth boundary, public or private, or an existing unnamed street, public or private, shall require a street name approved by the City of Ferndale Community Development Department.
A. In the case of plats, proposed names shall be specified on the final plat map, and shall be in compliance with requirements set forth in this chapter.
B. In case of other new streets or naming of unnamed streets, the owner or owners and/or contract buyers of properties abutting said street may petition in writing, on a form provided by the City, to the City of Ferndale Community Development Department, a request to officially name a street. The petition shall bear the signatures of the owners of at least 51 percent of the lots, tracts, or parcels of property (excluding federal, state, public utilities, and municipal lands) which will be served by the street to be named. The percentage of owners shall be expressed in terms of both number of properties and land area. The Community Development Department shall notify all property owners along the street by first class mail. Tax assessment records shall be used for owner address information. Property owners shall have 30 days to respond. If there is no response from the property owners during the comment period, the City shall consider this as an approval by the property owners. The Planning Department shall give due consideration to any and all such street name petitions only after all street naming requirements of this chapter are met.
C. The City shall develop and retain a list of preapproved street names that may be chosen by applicants without further review from What-comm (911) and other cities. Applicants, citizens, and staff may supplement this list on an ongoing basis. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.100 Renaming of existing duplicate street names.
The renaming of existing duplicate street names will be required in those cases where the general health and safety of the public is at risk; i.e., rapid property identification by emergency services. Where duplicate names exist, the street serving the largest number of improved properties shall retain its name. The other street(s) shall be renamed in accordance with the procedures outlined in FMC 12.36.110. The Community Development Department shall coordinate with the fire and emergency services and emergency communications division to ensure compliance with this requirement. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.110 Renaming of other streets.
In cases where property owners request to change the name of a street which has an existing approved name, the property owners may petition the City in the same manner as outlined in FMC 12.36.090(B). Property owner-initiated requests under this section shall require 66 2/3 percent super majority approval of property owners along the street. Street names shall not be changed more than once every five years. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.120 Installation and replacement of addresses.
Shall be in compliance with Uniform Fire Code, Section 901.4. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.130 General display of addresses.
In accordance with the Uniform Fire Code, approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or roadway fronting the property. Said numbers shall contrast with their background and shall be in compliance with the City of Ferndale sign ordinance (Chapter 18.80 FMC). (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.140 Procedures for installation and placement of addresses.
Address numbers shall be installed at a location approved by the Community Development Department.
A. Address numbers shall be located as to be readily visible by emergency responders and shall be positioned to allow exterior illumination of the numbers; if not, the addressing shall be reflective as to allow visibility by emergency responders in hours of darkness.
B. Physical address numbers shall be no less than four inches in height, with a stroke of one-half inch, and shall contrast with background color pursuant to the Uniform Fire Code.
C. If a structure is more than 75 feet from the street, its address shall be posted at the intersection of its access street and public or private street, no less than four feet or more than six feet above the ground on a substantial, maintained support structure.
D. The view of an address from the street must be unobstructed and maintained. In addition to the numbering described above, private property owners may have the addresses painted in a prominent location on the curb fronting their property, and the address numbers shall conform with the dimensions specified in subsection (B) of this section. The characters shall include the address number. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.150 Street name signs (private roads).
All primary letters, numbers, and/or symbols shall be a minimum of six inches in height, with a one-half-inch stroke, and shall be reflective and contrasting with the background color of the sign in accordance with the manual of uniform traffic control devices. Public street signs shall be a City-approved green background with white letters. Private street signs shall be a City-approved blue background with white letters. In addition, street name signs shall meet the following standards:
A. Shall be placed between seven and 11 feet above the roadway, clearly visible at intersections.
B. All street signs shall be constructed and installed to the standards of the City of Ferndale Public Works Department and shall include the street name and block numbers derived from the address grid.
C. It is not the intent of this chapter to cause the immediate replacement of all street signs lacking block numbering, it is the intent that all new and replacement signs meet this requirement. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.160 Enforcement – Violations.
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
A. Erect or install a street name sign not in accordance with this chapter;
B. Remove, alter, change, or deface a street sign or address identifications erected or installed as provided herein;
C. Place or post addresses not approved by this chapter; or
1. Fail to place an address visible from the street.
2. Enforcement procedures and penalties resulting from violations of this chapter shall be administered pursuant to Chapter 1.12 FMC. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.180 Administrative procedures.
The City of Ferndale may, by resolution, adopt administrative procedures, create fee schedules, etc., to facilitate implementation of the purpose and intent of this chapter. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.190 Appeals.
Appeals concerning interpretation or administration of this chapter may be filed by any affected person. Such appeals shall be filed in accordance with FMC 14.11.070. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.200 Controversial or disputed street names.
The Community Development Department shall have the discretion to refer any disputed street names, addressing issues, or controversial street name changes to the City Council for approval or resolution. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.210 Repealing clause.
All existing references in the Ferndale Municipal Code that are in conflict with this chapter are hereby amended and superseded by this chapter. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)
12.36.220 Severability.
Should any section, clause or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid. (Ord. 1958 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2016)