Chapter 10.26
NORTH WENATCHEE BUSINESS DISTRICT (NWBD)
Sections:
10.26.050 Development standards.
10.26.005 Purpose.
The NWBD land use classification is intended for areas suitable for the full range of office, service, and retail uses and residential dwelling units meeting specific design requirements. Some light manufacturing may be appropriate when consistent with design and residential requirements. The development of pedestrian destinations and improved public spaces is a goal of the NWBD. (Ord. 2020-35 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-03 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2007-34 § 2 (Exh. A))
10.26.010 Land uses.
All permitted, accessory, conditional and prohibited uses within this district shall be as shown in Chapter 10.10 WCC, District Use Chart, provided all applicable provisions of the WCC are met. (Ord. 2010-03 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2007-34 § 2 (Exh. A))
10.26.050 Development standards.
Development in this district shall meet all applicable provisions of this title and all other rules, regulations and provisions of the WCC, and including the provisions below. Also, most residential developments, including mixed-use development that features at least one dwelling unit, are subject to conformance with applicable sections of the Residential Design Guidelines.
(1) Development standards in the NWBD are detailed in WCC 10.46.040.
(2) All applicable provisions of Chapters 10.47 and 10.48 WCC shall apply to development in this district.
(3) Off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 10.60 WCC. If a deviation is granted by the director, as provided in WCC 10.60.030(7), allowing surface parking spaces to be located between the structure and the street frontage, the applicant shall provide enhanced landscaping as a means of compensating for the impact on the streetscape and pedestrian environment. The enhanced landscaping must include an increase in width of street front landscaping required by WCC 10.62.070(2) to an average width of 12 feet, and decrease the spacing of trees to no more than 25 feet on center.
(4) Landscaping shall be provided pursuant to Chapter 10.62 WCC.
(5) Pedestrian Amenities. At least two of the following amenities shall be included in development or redevelopment triggering landscaping, placed in a generally central, visible location(s):
(a) Street trees placed at least every 25 feet and located in a planter strip or protected by pedestrian-friendly grates between the public street and sidewalk.
(b) Benches, able to seat a minimum of three adults and constructed of a durable, weatherproof material. A garbage receptacle shall be placed in proximity to any bench.
(c) Open courtyards, a minimum of 100 square feet, with no dimension less than 10 feet, and developed with a durable, dustless surface such as concrete, stamped concrete, brick, stone, or other similar material.
(d) Aesthetically appealing water feature, such as fountains, streams, or shallow pools.
(e) Public art, such as “Art on the Avenue,” or similar professionally created sculpture.
(f) Informational kiosk, providing weatherproof space for displaying information related to public events.
(g) Monument sign, meeting the criteria for signs as listed in Chapter 10.50 WCC, Signs, as the primary signage.
(h) Other Pedestrian Amenities. Any unlisted pedestrian amenity able to demonstrate equal to or greater public benefit than the items listed above shall be considered.
(6) Access Controls.
(a) Access to State Route 285 (Wenatchee, Mission and Chelan Avenue) is subject to Chapter 7.36 WCC, Vehicular Access to State Highway System.
(b) Vehicular ingress and egress shall consider pedestrian and bicycle activities and locations, as well as adjoining vehicular patterns to minimize the number of ingress/egress locations and possible conflicts.
(c) Existing curb cuts shall be reviewed for safety and for minimum spacing requirements from intersections and neighboring curb cuts.
(d) Existing curb cuts shall be used unless proposed cuts are approved by the city engineer, based on an assessment of safety and traffic considerations.
(7) General Storage. Storage of materials and merchandise, other than for display purposes, shall be located inside buildings or enclosed and/or screened from public view by a 100 percent view-obstructing fence and/or landscaping.
(8) Chain-link fences located in front of the primary building shall incorporate landscaping in front of the fence resulting in 80 percent sight obstruction from the street front.
(9) Exterior Building Materials. The intent is to ensure building design and materials that reinforce a long-term investment/viability within the district. The building materials standards are applicable to front facades. Minor repair and maintenance is exempt from these standards. Minor repair constitutes less than 30 percent of any wall surface.
(a) Encouraged Materials.
(i) Masonry, marble, granite, tile and stone.
(ii) Concrete Block. When used for the facade of any building, concrete blocks shall be split, ground-faced, or demonstrate other treatment approved by the director. To add visual interest, the use of specialized textures and/or colors used effectively with other building materials and details is encouraged. A designed mix of masonry (for example, concrete block with courses of brick interspersed) is acceptable.
(iii) Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) and similar troweled finishes (stucco):
(A) EIFS shall be detailed to provide durable corners and edges. Trim or some other detailed treatment should be incorporated at openings (e.g., doors and windows) to reduce weather penetration and add a sense of refinement. EIFS shall be sheltered from extreme weather by roof overhangs or other methods.
(B) EIFS is prohibited within two vertical feet of the sidewalk or ground level. Masonry or other similar durable/permanent materials shall be used.
(b) Limited Materials. The materials listed under this subsection shall each be limited to 50 percent of each exterior wall surface visible from public rights-of-way, not including alleys.
(i) Mirrored glass (45 percent or less light transmittance).
(ii) Textured or scored plywood (including T-111 or similar plywood).
(iii) Stucco board.
(iv) Metal siding.
(v) Vinyl siding.
(vi) Hardi board.
(c) As an alternative, the applicant may propose exceptions meeting the intent of the building materials section. Proposals will be processed as a Type III application and will be reviewed by the planning commission in accordance with the following criteria:
(i) The building design meets applicable goals and policies of the comprehensive plan.
(ii) The applicant demonstrates:
(A) Innovative design and/or new technology superior in quality which still meets the intent of the exterior building materials standards; or
(B) It is necessary to better address unique aspects of the project or that it is a comprehensive approach to the overall project.
(10) Signs are permitted in accordance with Chapter 10.50 WCC, Signs.
(11) Blank Wall Limitation. The intent is to reduce blank wall impacts on the pedestrian and business district environment. Provide varied, pedestrian-friendly building facades and sidewalk activities. Avoid the creation of blank walls and dull facades that deaden the surrounding space and create an uninviting street environment.
(a) Development Standards. Untreated blank walls, including retaining walls, are not allowed adjacent to or within 50 feet of a public street right-of-way or a public park. At least 30 percent of the wall area between two feet and 10 feet in height must be pedestrian friendly. Pedestrian-friendly facades shall have one or more of the following characteristics:
(i) Transparent Windows. Transparent window area or display windows which provide visibility into building interiors. The following transparency standards apply:
(A) Glass must be clear or lightly tinted in windows, doors, and displays. Because it does not provide visibility between the street and building interiors, reflective, opaque, or painted glass is excluded.
(B) Doors and entry windows must be transparent to meet this requirement. If they are not, they shall be considered blank walls.
(ii) Art or Architectural Treatment. Sculpture, mosaic, glass block, opaque art glass as relief artwork, or similar features of visual interest. Structural architectural elements may be acceptable as an administrative waiver if the design meets the intent of this section.
(iii) Vertical Trellis. A permanent vertical trellis in front of the wall with climbing plants or plant materials.
(iv) Pedestrian Plazas. Pedestrian plazas may meet this requirement if the design complies with pedestrian-oriented space standards as detailed in WCC 10.40.030(2). (Ord. 2022-33 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2019-35 § 9; Ord. 2013-41 § 1 (Exh. B); Ord. 2010-03 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2007-34 § 2 (Exh. A))