Chapter 19.44
LOT SIZE AVERAGING

Sections:

19.44.010    Purpose of lot size averaging provisions.

19.44.020    Applicability of lot size averaging.

19.44.030    Limitations on implementation of lot size averaging.

19.44.040    Lot size averaging calculation.

19.44.050    Development standards utilizing lot size averaging.

19.44.010 Purpose of lot size averaging provisions.

A. The city finds that lot size averaging is an appropriate regulatory approach to help protect critical areas and allow for greater flexibility in design so irregular parcels can be used more efficiently.

B. Lot size averaging is an approach to dividing land that allows a parcel to be divided such that some of the resulting lots are smaller than the minimum lot size required in the applicable zone, as long as the average of all of the lot sizes remains equal to or above the minimum lot size.

C. The total number of lots in a development implementing lot size averaging cannot exceed the maximum number of lots allowed on the subject property per the applicable zone.

D. Lot size averaging does not assure that the number of lots available to a developer on a particular parcel will be the same as the number available if the property were not encumbered by critical area exclusions. (Ord. 1353-21 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. 1284-17 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 1144-12 § 2 (Exh. A))

19.44.020 Applicability of lot size averaging.

A. Lot size averaging provisions of this chapter apply to, and may be used by, developers of land who are dividing land in conformance with the provisions of this title, and who meet the provisions set out in subsection (B) of this section.

B. Lot size averaging provisions of this chapter apply to and may be used by developers of land in the following zones:

1. Low/moderate density, LDR (SMC 16.12.010).

2. Moderate density, MDR (SMC 16.12.020).

3. High density, HDR (SMC 16.12.030). (Ord. 1353-21 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. 1284-17 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 1144-12 § 2 (Exh. A))

19.44.030 Limitations on implementation of lot size averaging.

A. Lot size averaging only applies to creation of lots for single-family residences, including detached, duplexes, triplexes and townhomes.

B. Lot size averaging shall not be used to create lots for multifamily dwellings as defined by SMC 16.04.040.

C. No lot shall be reduced to less than 80 percent of the minimum lot size required in the applicable zone, and each lot shall be at least 3,000 square feet in area.

D. No lot shall be reduced in width to less than 40 feet (regardless of lot depth).

E. This section shall not be implemented in conjunction with any provisions of the Sultan Municipal Code that allow density credits or cluster development.

F. Developments utilizing lot size averaging shall not receive preliminary or final approval as phased developments unless each phase meets the lot size averaging standards for the total land area included in that phase. (Ord. 1353-21 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. 1284-17 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 1144-12 § 2 (Exh. A))

19.44.040 Lot size averaging calculation.

A. The following calculation shall be used to determine the maximum number of lots available to a given development:

1. Add together all areas where proposed:

a. Area in lots;

b. Areas designated as open space or recreational uses;

c. Surface detention/retention facilities meeting the standards of subsection (A)(5) of this section.

2. Divide the total area of subsection (A)(1) of this section by the total number of proposed lots.

3. If the average lot size as computed under subsection (A)(2) of this section equals or exceeds the minimum lot area requirement of the zone in which the property is located, the minimum lot area requirement will be satisfied for the purposes of lot size averaging.

4. Critical areas and their buffers permanently protected under Chapter 17.10 SMC may not count toward calculations for lot size averaging.

5. Surface detention/retention facilities may count toward calculations for lot size averaging only if the detention/retention facility:

a. Is designed to not require security fencing under the EDDS standards; and

b. The facility is either:

i. Designed to appear as a natural wetland system; or

ii. Provides active or passive recreational benefits in a natural landscaped setting. (Ord. 1353-21 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. 1284-17 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 1144-12 § 2 (Exh. A))

19.44.050 Development standards utilizing lot size averaging.

A. Road standards required for development of land divisions by this title are required in developments without regard to their implementation of lot size averaging standards of this chapter.

B. All standard utility improvements required for land divisions by this title are required in developments without regard to their implementation of lot size averaging standards of this chapter.

C. All standards for lot layout, setbacks, access, easements, and any other development standard for individual lots required for land divisions by this title are required in developments without regard to their implementation of lot size averaging standards, unless otherwise explicitly addressed within this chapter. (Ord. 1353-21 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. 1284-17 § 2 (Exh. B); Ord. 1144-12 § 2 (Exh. A))