Chapter 23.18
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Sections:

23.18.010    Purpose of residential use districts.

23.18.020    Residential performance standards and special requirements.

23.18.025    Single-family residential design standards.

23.18.030    Residential use districts permitted land uses.

23.18.040    Site requirements for residential use districts.

23.18.050    Parking standards for residential use districts.

23.18.010 Purpose of residential use districts.

Five residential zone classifications permit a variety of housing and population densities without conflict. Protection is provided against hazards, objectionable influences, traffic, building congestion and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service installations are permitted in residential use districts.

A. The single-family residential – 12,000 (R-1-12) is a residential zone classification requiring the lowest density of population within the city, providing protection against hazards, objectionable influences, building congestion and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and institutions are permitted in this district. This zoning classification is intended to be applied to some portions of the city that are designated low-density residential (zero to five dwellings per acre) under the city of Richland comprehensive plan.

B. The single-family residential – 10,000 (R-1-10) is a residential zone classification requiring a low density of population, providing protection against hazards, objectionable influences, building congestion, and lack of light, air, and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and institutions are permitted in this district. This zoning classification is intended to be applied to some portions of the city that are designated low-density residential (zero to five dwellings per acre) under the city of Richland comprehensive plan.

C. The medium-density residential (R-2) is a residential zone classification permitting a higher density of population including the establishment of duplex dwellings and providing for these single-and two-family residences a high degree of protection from hazards, objectionable influences, building congestion and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and institutions are permitted in this district. This zoning classification is intended to be applied to some portions of the city that are designated medium-density residential (5.1 to 10 dwellings per acre) under the city of Richland comprehensive plan.

D. The medium-density residential small lot (R-2S) is a residential zone classification permitting a higher density of population, encouraging small lot development conducive to energy conservation and to other factors contributing to the production of affordable housing, and including the establishment of duplex dwellings and providing for these one- and two-family residences a high degree of protection from hazards, objectionable influences, building congestion and lack of light, air and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and institutions are permitted in this district. This zoning classification is intended to be applied to some portions of the city that are designated medium-density residential (5.1 to 10 dwellings per acre) under the city of Richland comprehensive plan.

E. The multiple-family residential use district (R-3) is a residential zone classification allowing for the location of multiple-family dwellings, duplexes and attached and detached one-family dwellings and providing a high degree of protection for such uses and adjacent low-density residential development. This classification shall be designed to give protection from hazards, objectionable influences, building congestion, and lack of light, air, and privacy. Certain essential and compatible public service facilities and installations are permitted in this district. This zoning classification is intended to be applied to some portions of the city that are designated high-density residential (10.1 or more dwellings per acre) under the city of Richland comprehensive plan. [Ord. 28-05 § 1.02].

23.18.020 Residential performance standards and special requirements.

A. High-Density Residential Small Lot Special Requirements. In order to assure consistency with the purpose of the R-2S district, as stated in RMC 23.18.010(D), and further to avoid potential negative and undesirable effects that may result from the higher density of development afforded in an R-2S zone, the following special requirements and provisions shall apply:

1. Any application for reclassification of land to R-2S shall be accompanied by an application for preliminary plat approval submitted in accordance with RMC 24.12.010. In addition, the following information shall be submitted with the application for preliminary plat:

a. A street landscaping plan showing the location and type of landscaping proposed;

b. Information showing the location, dimensions and character of recreational facilities and/or open space, including paths and trails; and

c. Utilization of curvilinear, cul-de-sac and/or loop streets or other appropriate design solutions to assist in modulating the interface of the residential buildings with the streets.

2. The planning commission and city council may, in keeping with the intent of this section, impose requirements and conditions on the approval of the preliminary plat or zoning reclassification as deemed appropriate. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, architectural design parameters, screening and buffering treatments, and supplemental open space and/or recreational facility requirements. Compliance with these conditions shall be demonstrated precedent to final plat and/or building permit approval as appropriate.

3. A combined front yard setback configuration and street-facing residential architectural elevation may be repeated continuously on no more than five lots before a different combination must be utilized. Regardless of the street facing architectural elevation, a front yard setback configuration may be repeated on no more than 10 lots before a different setback configuration must be utilized. The administrative official may approve variations to this requirement which, in his judgment, accomplish the intent of avoiding a monotonous interface of the residential buildings with the streets, or are necessary due to constraints or unique characteristics of the site. This requirement shall be satisfied at the time of building permit application.

B. Multiple-Family Residential Use District Special Requirements. In any multifamily residential (R-3) zoning district that directly abuts a single-family zoning district, the following buffer, setback and building height regulations shall apply to all multifamily residential structures:

1. Buildings shall maintain at least a 35-foot setback from any property that is zoned for single-family residential use. Single-family residential zones include R-1-12 – single-family residential, R-1-10 – single-family residential, R-2 – medium-density residential, R-2S – medium-density residential small lot or any residential planned unit development that is comprised of single-family detached dwellings.

2. Buildings that are within 50 feet of any property that is zoned for single-family residential use (as defined in subsection (B)(1) of this section) shall not exceed 30 feet in height. Beyond the area 50 feet from any property that is zoned for single-family residential use, building height may be increased at the rate of one foot in building height for each additional one foot of setback from property that is zoned for single-family residential use to the maximum building height allowed in the multifamily zoning district.

3. A six-foot-high fence that provides a visual screen shall be constructed adjacent to any property line that adjoins property that is zoned for single-family residential use. Additionally, a 10-foot landscape strip shall be provided adjacent to the fence. This landscape strip may be used to satisfy the landscaping requirements established for the landscaping of parking facilities as identified in RMC 23.54.140.

4. Recreational vehicle parks are permitted in the multifamily residential district (R-3) subject to the issuance of a special use permit meeting the requirements of RMC 23.42.220 and 23.42.240. Further, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed recreational vehicle parks are immediately adjacent to a state highway and that appropriate provisions are put in place to protect adjacent land uses. [Ord. 28-05 § 1.02].

23.18.025 Single-family residential design standards.

Any one-family attached dwelling, one-family detached dwelling or designated manufactured home shall meet the following minimum requirements:

A. All dwellings shall be placed on permanent foundations.

B. At the time of construction, all new single-family dwellings shall be new, not having been previously titled to a retail purchaser and not meeting the definition of a “used mobile home” as defined in RCW 82.45.032(2). [Ord. 28-05 § 1.02].

23.18.030 Residential use districts permitted land uses.

In the following chart, land use classifications are listed on the vertical axis. Zoning districts are listed on the horizontal axis.

A. If the symbol “P” appears in the box at the intersection of the column and row, the use is permitted, subject to the general requirements and performance standards required in that zoning district.

B. If the symbol “S” appears in the box at the intersection of the column and row, the use is permitted subject to the special use permit provisions contained in Chapter 23.46 RMC.

C. If the symbol “A” appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is permitted as an accessory use, subject to the general requirements and performance standards required in the zoning district.

D. If a number appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is subject to the general conditions and special provisions indicated in the corresponding note.

E. If no symbol appears in the box at the intersection of the column and the row, the use is prohibited in that zoning district.

Land Use	R-1-12	R-1-10	R-2	R-2S	R-3
Residential Uses
Accessory Apartments	A1	A1	A1	A1	A1
Accessory Buildings14	A	A	A	A	A
Adult Family Home	P	P	P	P	P
Apartment/Condominium (3 or More Units)					P
Assisted Living Facility					P
Bed and Breakfast	S2	S2	S2	S2	P
Day Care Center	S3	S3	S3	S3	P3
Designated Manufactured Home	P4	P4	P4	P4	P4
Dormitories, Fraternities and Sororities					P
Dwelling, One-Family Attached			P4	P4	P4
Dwelling, One-Family Detached	P4	P4	P4	P4	P4
Dwelling, Two-Family Detached			P	P	P
Home Occupations	A5	A5	A5	A5	A5
Family Day Care Home	A3	A3	A3	A3	A3
Manufactured Home Park			S6	S6	S6
Playground Developed in Conjunction with School, Park or Community Clubhouse	P	P	P	P	P
Nursing or Rest Home	P4	P4	P4	P4	P4
Permanent Supportive Housing	P4	P4	P4	P4	P4
Rental of Rooms to Not More Than Four Persons Other Than the Family Occupying the Single-Family Dwelling	A	A	A	A	A
Private Swimming Pools	A7	A7	A7	A7	A7
Recreational Club	P8	P8	P8	P8	P8
Senior Housing					P
Transitional Housing	P4	P4	P4	P4	P4
Public/Quasi-Public Uses
Churches	P9	P9	P9	P9	P9
Clubs or Fraternal Societies	P9	P9	P9	P9	P9
Cultural Institutions	P9	P9	P9	P9	P9
General Park Operations and Maintenance Activities	P	P	P	P	P
Golf Courses	P	P	P	P	P
Power Transmission and Irrigation Wasteway Easements and Utility Uses	P10	P10	P10	P10	P10
Public Agency Buildings	P10	P10	P10	P10	P10
Public Agency Facilities	P10	P10	P10	P10	P10
Public Parks	P	P	P	P	P
Schools	P11	P11	P11	P11	P11
Special Events Including Concerts, Tournaments and Competitions, Fairs, Festivals and Similar Public Gatherings	P	P	P	P	P
Trail Head Facilities	P	P	P	P	P
Miscellaneous Uses
Macro-Antennas	P	P	P	P	P
Parking Lots	P	P	P	P	P
Raising Crops, Trees, Vineyards	P	P	P	P	P
Recreational Vehicle Parks					S12,13

1.    RMC 23.42.020

2.    RMC 23.42.045

3.    RMC 23.42.080

4.    RMC 23.18.025

5.    RMC 23.42.090

6.    RMC 23.42.140

7.    RMC 23.42.300

8.    RMC 23.42.210

9.    RMC 23.42.050

10.    RMC 23.42.200

11.    RMC 23.42.250

12.    RMC 23.42.220

13.    RMC 23.18.020(B)(4)

14.    Accessory buildings and structures are subject to RMC 23.38.020 – 23.38.070

[Ord. 28-05 § 1.02; Ord. 04-09; Ord. 07-19 § 5; Ord. 2022-19 § 3].

23.18.040 Site requirements for residential use districts.

In the following chart, development standards are listed on the vertical axis. Zoning districts are listed on the horizontal axis. If a number appears in the box at the intersection of the column and row, that number represents the dimensional standard that applies to that zoning district.

Standard	R-1-12	R-1-10	R-2	R-2S	R-3
Minimum Lot Area Requirement – One-Family Detached Dwelling	10,000 feet1	8,000 feet	6,000 feet	4,000 feet	4,000 feet
Minimum Lot Area Requirement – Two-Family Detached Dwelling	N/A	N/A	10,000 feet	7,000 feet	7,000 feet
Minimum Lot Area Requirement – One-Family Attached Dwellings	N/A	N/A	N/A	3,000 feet	3,000 feet
Maximum Density – Multifamily Dwellings (Units/Square Foot)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	1:3,000
Minimum Lot Width – One-Family Detached Dwelling	90 feet	70 feet	50 feet	42 feet	42 feet
Minimum Lot Width – Two-Family Detached Dwelling	N/A	N/A	70 feet	64 feet	64 feet
Minimum Lot Width – One-Family Attached Dwellings	N/A	N/A	N/A	30 feet	30 feet
Average Lot Size Requirement2	12,000	10,000	None	None	None
Minimum Front Yard Setback3	20 feet	20 feet	20 feet	15 feet/18 feet4	20 feet6,10
Minimum Side Yard Setback	10 feet	10 feet	6 feet	6 feet5	6,10
Minimum Alley/Private Access Easement Setback	6 feet	6 feet	6 feet	6 feet	6 feet
Minimum Rear Yard Setback	25 feet	25 feet	25 feet	20 feet/3 feet7	25 feet6,10
Maximum Lot Coverage8	40%	40%	40%	50%	33%/45%9,10
Maximum Building Height – Main Building	30 feet	30 feet	30 feet	30 feet	40 feet10
Maximum Building Height – Detached Accessory Buildings11	16 feet	16 feet	16 feet	16 feet	16 feet

1.    The minimum lot size in existing residential neighborhoods shall be based on the mean average lot size of existing platted R-1-12 lots within a radius of 500 feet of the property proposed for subdivision. However, in no case shall the minimum lot requirement exceed 12,000 square feet, nor be less than 10,000 square feet.

2.    Minimum average lot area per subdivision, exclusive of the area of streets and lots designated for nonresidential uses. In calculating average lot size, at least 35 percent of all lots shall be larger than the average lot size requirement.

3.    Front yard setbacks are required from all street rights-of-way adjoining a lot as shown in the table above, except as follows:

a.    In single-family residence districts and in R-2 and R-3 districts where more than 50 percent of the normal or average-size lots in a block fronting on one side of the street are developed with existing buildings, other than accessory buildings, with front yard setbacks less than that required for the district, a new single-family or duplex dwelling shall adopt a minimum front yard setback dimension which is the average of the setbacks of the buildings on the two adjoining lots, existing prior to July 22, 1960, but in no case shall this dimension be less than 15 feet nor need it exceed 30 feet.

b.    Residential Districts. In any R district, or any combination therewith, on any corner lot where there is provided a side yard along the interior side lot line at least equal in width to the minimum depth of the rear yard required for the district, the main building may encroach upon the required rear yard up to a line where the remaining rear yard is no less in depth than the minimum width of the side yard required for the district. No accessory buildings may be located in said side yard, except a patio shelter enclosed on no more than two sides by walls or other enclosures and in conformity with the other provisions of this title.

c.    The flanking frontage or nonaddress front yard of a corner lot may reduce the front yard setback of said frontage to 15 feet; see diagram below.

4.    Front yards shall not be less than 15 feet in front of living areas, up to a maximum of 55 percent of the front lot line, and not less than 18 feet in front of all other areas.

5.    Detached one-family or detached two-family dwellings shall have two side yards with each side yard having a width of not less than six feet. A nonattached side of an attached one-family dwelling shall have a side yard having a width of not less than six feet.

6.    For multiple-family dwellings and other allowable uses other than one-family attached and one-family and two-family detached dwellings, front yards shall be 20 feet, side yards shall be equal to one foot of side yard for each three feet or portion thereof of building height, and rear yards shall be 25 feet, except as required by RMC 23.18.020(B) when multifamily development is located adjacent to a single-family residential zoning district or development.

7.    Rear yards shall be not less than 20 feet in back of living areas and three feet in back of garages or carports up to a maximum of 60 percent of the rear lot line for the garage or carport portion of the rear yard.

8.    Lot coverage includes all buildings, including accessory buildings or structures on any lot in a residential district, exclusive of patios without roof coverings or patios with only open lattice or similar type roof construction.

9.    Buildings in an R-3 district shall cover not more than 33 percent of the area of the lot except one-family attached dwellings, which may cover up to 45 percent of the area of the lot.

10.    Setbacks, building heights, and lot coverage requirements for one-family attached, one-family detached and two-family detached dwellings in the R-3 zoning district shall be the same as those set forth for development in the R-2S zoning district.

11.    Detached accessory structures built pursuant to the setback provisions of RMC 23.38.020 are limited to one story.

[Ord. 28-05 § 1.02; Ord. 04-09; Ord. 20-10 § 1.01; amended during 2011 recodification; Ord. 14-11 § 1.01; Ord. 32-11 § 3; Ord. 20-14 § 1.01].

23.18.050 Parking standards for residential use districts.

Off-street parking space shall be provided in all residential zones in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 23.54 RMC. [Ord. 28-05 § 1.02].