Chapter 13.36
GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS
Sections:
13.36.020 Subdivision and site design--Performance standards.
13.36.050 Open space and recreation.
13.36.010 Purpose.
Good subdivision design is critical to the establishment of a functional and attractive development which minimizes adverse impacts to the environment and ensures that the project will be an asset to the community. To promote this purpose, all subdivisions and/or site plans shall conform to the standards contained in this chapter. These standards have been designed to assist in the development of a well-planned and constructed subdivision without adding unnecessarily to development costs. (Ord. 01-412 § 1 (Exh. 1(part)), 2001: Ord. 01-410 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 01-404 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 00-396 § 3(part), 2000)
13.36.020 Subdivision and site design--Performance standards.
A. Structures and infrastructure shall be located, to the maximum extent practicable, in a manner which preserves the natural features on the site, avoids environmentally critical areas and wetlands, and minimizes adverse impacts and alteration of natural features including all adjacent streetscapes.
B. The following specific areas shall be preserved as undeveloped open space, with associated protective buffer areas in a size appropriate and sufficient for the function and values of the critical area to be preserved: Wetlands and environmentally critical areas including streams, stream corridors, ravines, geologically hazardous areas, wildlife habitat areas and shorelines, as defined by Chapter 16.10.
C. Development shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting groundwater and aquifer recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to avoid unnecessary impervious surfaces; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to all lots and sites; to preserve and enhance streetscape vegetation; and to mitigate adverse impacts relating to shadow, glare, traffic, odors, noise and drainage on neighboring properties. (Ord. 09-506 § 1(Exh. A(part)), 2009: Ord. 06-469 §§ 5, 6, 2006; Ord. 01-412 § 1(Exh. 1(part)), 2001: Ord. 01-410 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 01-404 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 00-396 § 3(part), 2000)
13.36.030 Trees.
A. Existing trees shall be preserved and/or replaced consistent with the requirements of Chapter 16.12.
B. In addition to the provisions of Chapter 16.12, trees and natural understory vegetation shall be preserved in the streetscape setback along collector streets designated in the transportation element of the Woodway comprehensive plan, including along Algonquin Drive, all within the Residential 87 zone district.
1. The streetscape setback is defined as the land area of the proposed subdivision that is adjacent to the street right-of-way specified above and extending a distance of one hundred feet at a right angle from such right-of-way. The streetscape setback shall include the land area devoted to the building setback requirements set forth in the underlying zone district. In no case shall the streetscape setback be less than one hundred feet in depth.
2. Trees and natural understory vegetation shall be preserved within the streetscape setback to the maximum extent possible, consistent with (but not limited by) the provisions governing land development activities set forth in Section 16.12.170.
3. The streetscape setback shall be designated on the face of the plat and shall be included as an easement on any adjacent lot or set out as a separate tract.
4. For purposes of this section, "natural understory vegetation" includes, by way of example, trees less than eight inches DBH, salal, kinnikinnick, Oregon current, swordfern and bearberry, but excludes nonnative invasive species, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom and English ivy.
5. Fences may be constructed within the streetscape setback subject to the following:
a. Non-view-obscuring fences as determined by the Town Planner (such as split rail, wrought iron, and vinyl-coated chain link) shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the right-of-way line.
b. All other fences (such as solid wood and nonvinyl-coated chain link) shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five feet from the right-of-way line. (Ord. 06-469 § 7, 2006: Ord. 01-412 § 1 (Exh. 1(part)), 2001: Ord. 01-410 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 01-404 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 00-396 § 3(part), 2000)
13.36.040 Landscape design.
A. Landscaping should be provided at the site entrances, in public areas, and adjacent to buildings. The type and amount of landscaping shall be allowed to vary consistent with the type of development and the requirements of the zoning district.
B. Landscaping materials shall be those which best serve the intended function, and shall be appropriate for the soil and other environmental conditions of the site. Drought-tolerant, low water plant materials shall be encouraged.
C. The successful establishment and long-term maintenance of landscaping features shall be addressed. (Ord. 01-412 § 1 (Exh. 1(part)), 2001: Ord. 01-410 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 01-404 § 3(part), 2001: Ord. 00-396 § 3(part), 2000)
13.36.050 Open space and recreation.
Subdivisions and short subdivisions shall be required to provide open space reasonably proportional to their impact. Developed open space shall be designed to provide open space facilities to serve the residents of the development. Undeveloped open space shall be designed to preserve important site amenities and environmentally critical areas.
A. Minimum Requirements. Open spaces shall be provided consistent with the following standards, in relation to anticipated impacts associated with the proposed subdivision:
1. Short subdivisions which provide standard yards and setbacks consistent with the Title 14 (Zoning) shall be determined to have provided adequate open space.
2. Subdivisions, other than short subdivisions, shall provide a minimum of twenty percent open space. Easements for trails, excepting those trails constructed in lieu of walkways, may be considered as meeting the open space requirements.
B. Improvements to Open Space Dedications.
1. Improvements may be required to active open space dedications to mitigate the anticipated recreational impacts of the proposed development.
2. Improvements shall seek proportionality in the character of the open space and the intended active recreational use, and the cost of the recreational facilities.
3. Whenever practicable, undeveloped open space should be left in its natural state. Enhancement may be allowed to provide approved trails, to thin and remove diseased trees, and to enhance existing vegetation or to provide view corridors.
C. Exceptions to the Standards. The Town Council may permit minor deviations from the open space standards when the applicant can demonstrate to the Council’s satisfaction that:
1. The objectives of these standards may be met without strict adherence to the open space requirements; and/or
2. Due to the existing conditions found on the tract of land or facilities proposed, strict adherence to these standards would be unreasonable.
D. Deed Restrictions. All lands dedicated for open space purposes shall contain appropriate covenants and deed restrictions ensuring that:
1. The open space will not be further subdivided in the future;
2. The use of the open space will continue in perpetuity for the purpose specified; and
3. Appropriate provisions will be made for the maintenance of designated open space areas.
E. Open Space Ownership. The form of ownership of the land proposed for open space purposes shall be selected by the applicant, subject to approval of the Town. Forms of ownership may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
1. Ownership by the Town, or other local jurisdiction, contingent on acceptance by the governing body;
2. Ownership by quasi-public entities or jurisdictions, conditioned upon their acceptance;
3. Ownership by homeowner or cooperative associations or organizations;
4. Ownership by individual lot owners, if the open space is wholly located within one tract or lot; or
5. Ownership by a shared or undivided interest of all property owners within the subdivision. (Ord. 09-506 § 1(Exh. A(part)), 2009; Ord. 01-412 § 1 (Exh. 1 (part)), 2001: Ord. 01-410 § 3 (part), 2001: Ord. 01-404 § 3 (part), 2001: Ord. 00-396 § 3(part), 2000)