14.23.073 Design Criteria For Duplexes And Triplexes In Areas Predominantly Built Out With Single-Family Detached Structures.
To locate duplex and triplex units in areas developed with single-family structures will be controversial because of perceptions that rental units could potentially devalue traditional single-family units. One way to allay these perceptions is to provide duplex and triplex units that blend in with the environment. This can enrich the architectural standards and appearance of the surrounding subdivision or neighborhood. To do this, special guidelines are needed to promote outstanding design and quality of such units.
A. Similarity to Single-Family Detached Structures. To accomplish this, duplex and triplex units in single-family residential areas shall comply with the design criteria for detached single-family dwellings in LMC 14.23.072 unless otherwise noted below. (See Table 14T-39.)
B. Supplemental Design Criteria. Where there is a conflict with the detached single-family design criteria set forth in LMC 14.23.072, the design criteria herein shall apply.
1. Entry Design.
a. Use either a single entry providing access to multiple units with appearance of a single entry to a single-family house or separate distinct covered entries;
b. For duplexes located on street corners, entries shall be provided on different sides of the structure so only one entry is visible from any one street.
2. Location of Garages. Garages for each of the units shall be separated from one another by living units of one or more of the units, except where designed with adjacent single or tandem garages. No more than two single or tandem garages may be placed in a row.
3. Architectural Variety. When reviewing developments with multiple adjacent duplexes, each duplex structure shall be reviewed as an individual home or building in terms of compliance with LMC 14.23.072(J).
C. Design Option. Duplexes and triplexes can either be designed to look like one single-family house (containing one distinct entry) or designed to look like two or three distinct dwelling units (each with their own individual covered entry). Both design options shall utilize complementary design elements as described in subsection (D) of this section.
D. Complementary Design. Units shall have a design that provides significant architectural interest and is complementary to single-family units in the subdivision. A number of techniques can be used to achieve architectural interest:
1. Roof breaks, use of dormers, masonry chimneys;
2. Modulation of facades and fenestration;
3. Use of balconies, decks and porches.
E. Landscaping. Utilize native and drought-tolerant landscaping and/or vegetated LID facilities that complement the architecture of the unit.
F. Privacy Standards.
1. Window Placement. Placement of windows shall consider privacy so residents from one unit to the next cannot look directly into another unit.
2. Location and orientation of dwelling units shall consider privacy.
3. Side Yard Screening Options. All developments shall utilize one of the following screening methods in side yards:
a. Provide Type I, II, or III landscaping (as defined in LMC 16.80.050) between adjacent homes.
b. Provide solid wood fence or masonry wall, or combination of wood and masonry, six feet in height and located along the property line.
c. Provide a zero-lot line configuration or other similar treatment whereby one side of a home does not feature transparent windows or other openings and thus maximizing privacy on the side yard of the adjacent dwelling unit.
d. Other treatments that meet the intent of the criteria as approved by the director. Examples can include lower fencing and/or reduced or alternative landscaping treatments. (See Table 14T-28.)
G. Frontage Improvements. Duplexes and triplexes shall comply with the street frontage improvement requirements of Chapter 4B of the Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards. (Ord. 1612 §15, 2022; Ord. 1539 §13, 2019; Ord. 1496 §9, 2016; Ord. 1310 §6, 2008; Ord. 1124 §7, 2000; Ord. 1024 §3, 1995).