Chapter 17.36
DESIGN STANDARDS
Sections:
17.36.020 Topographic hazards and protective improvements.
17.36.030 Minimum lot sizes, dimensions and proportions.
17.36.050 Reverse frontage lots.
17.36.080 Underground utility installation.
17.36.090 Drainage and storm sewer easements.
17.36.100 Water supply and sanitary sewer systems.
17.36.010 General.
All roads, bridges, drains, culverts, sidewalks, curbs, stormwater facilities, fire protection systems and related structures or devices shall be constructed in accordance with standards currently in effect at the time of construction. These standards shall be those contained in Chapters 17.04 through 17.60 or those promulgated by the board or may be other than a county standard if approved by the county or required by state law. (Ord. 2020-06, 9-29-20; Ord. 1985-03 § 12.10)
17.36.020 Topographic hazards and protective improvements.
A. Land on which exists any topographic conditions hazardous to the safety or general welfare of persons or property in or near a proposed subdivision shall not be subdivided unless the construction of protective improvements will eliminate the hazards or unless land subject to the hazard is reserved for uses as will not expose persons or property to the hazard.
B. Protective improvements and restrictions on use shall be clearly noted on the final plat. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.11)
17.36.030 Minimum lot sizes, dimensions and proportions.
A. Minimum lot sizes and dimensions shall be in conformity with any applicable zoning ordinance or county comprehensive land use plan.
B. Lot size averaging may be used to satisfy the minimum lot size. The individual lots in a subdivision shall be considered in compliance with minimum lot size requirements if the average area of all the lots in the subdivision meets the minimum requirement for the zoning designation in which the short plat or plat is located, provided:
1. That no individual lot therein shall be reduced more than fifty percent from the minimum required area; and
2. That no lot in any subdivision approved for lot size averaging under this provision shall be further divided, unless the zoning designation is changed such that the minimum lot size for the zone is less than or equal to the size of the smallest lot in the subdivision. This provision shall be enforced by the inclusion of a note on the recorded plat map. (Ord. 2020-06, 9-29-20; Ord. 1985-03 § 12.12)
17.36.040 Blocks.
Blocks shall be designated to assure traffic safety and ease of traffic control and circulation. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.13)
17.36.050 Reverse frontage lots.
A. No residential lots shall have road frontage along two opposite boundaries unless topographical features or the need to provide separation of the lots from arterials, railways, commercial activities or industrial activities justify the designing of reverse frontage lots.
B. Reverse frontage lots shall be designed with an easement at least ten feet wide, to be dedicated along the lot lines abutting the traffic arterial or other disadvantageous uses, across which there shall be no right of access for the general public or adjoining property owners. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.14)
17.36.060 Lot access.
A. Every lot shall be provided with satisfactory access by a public road connecting to an existing public road, or by an easement which is permanent and inseparable from the lot served. Easements shall meet the minimum requirements of the Skamania County private road standards.
B. Lots adjacent to a designated arterial road shall be provided with access other than the arterial, unless a variance is granted to this requirement.
C. The plat of a subdivision containing lots adjacent to a designated arterial shall not be approved unless the plat recites a waiver of the right to direct access to the arterial or a variance is granted to this requirement. (Ord. 2020-06, 9-29-20; Ord. 1985-03 § 12.15)
17.36.070 Utility easements.
Easement for electric, telephone, water, gas and similar utilities shall be of sufficient width to assure maintenance and to permit future utility installations. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.16)
17.36.080 Underground utility installation.
In areas designated by the public utility district, underground utility installation is required. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.17)
17.36.090 Drainage and storm sewer easements.
Easements for drainage channels and ways shall be of sufficient width to assure that the same may be maintained and improved. Easements for storm sewers shall be provided and shall be of sufficient width and proper location to permit future installation. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.18)
17.36.100 Water supply and sanitary sewer systems.
A. Where a public water supply is the source of water, potable water shall be provided by the subdivider for each lot within a subdivision.
B. Where a public sanitary sewer is installed, a connection shall be provided for each lot within a subdivision.
C. All facilities and devices of water supply and sanitary sewer systems shall meet the standards of the Southwest Washington health district and any county or state regulations.
D. Subdivisions with lots less than two acres in size shall be required to have a public water system to serve said lots.
E. In addition, subdivisions with twenty or more lots between two acres and five acres in size shall be required to have a public water system. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.19)
17.36.110 Sidewalks.
Sidewalks may be required in subdivisions. Where required, sidewalks or sidewalk easements in residential subdivisions shall be at least five feet wide. In a business or commercial district, sidewalks shall be at least eight feet wide. Sidewalks or sidewalk easements shall be properly located to meet the circulation needs of the subdivision. (Ord. 1985-03 § 12.20)
17.36.120 Subdivision roads.
A. Subdivision roads shall be constructed in accordance with Skamania County, county roads and construction standards and/or Skamania County private roads and construction specifications (Skamania County Code, Chapter 12.03).
B. Subdivision road layout shall provide ready access for fire and other emergency vehicles and equipment, and routes of escape for inhabitants. The road pattern shall conform to the general circulation of the area and provide for future roads and connections.
C. When a subdivision abuts a public road having insufficient width to conform to current county or state road standards, dedication of sufficient additional right-of-way to the public shall be required within the boundary of the designated lots of the subdivision.
D. Where topographical features warrant, or where probable future conditions warrant or when an area within a subdivision is set aside for commercial uses, dedication of additional road right-of-way may be required. (Ord. 1998-02 (part); Ord. 1985-03 § 12.21)