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A. Streets.

1. The street layout shall be a modified grid street pattern with alleys adapted to the topography, unique natural features, environmental constraints of the tract, and peripheral open space areas. The street layout shall take into consideration the location of the community focus, other internal open space areas, gateways, vistas, pedestrian pathways and transit services. Refer to Table 16T-56. A minimum of two interconnections with the existing public street system rated as an arterial or collector shall be provided where possible. Linkages to adjacent developments and neighborhoods with pedestrian and bicycle paths shall be required where possible.

2. The street layout shall form an interconnected system of streets primarily in a rectangular grid pattern with alleys. However, the grid should be modified to avoid a monotonous repetition of the basic street/block pattern and to conform to topographical constraints. The use of cul-de-sacs and other roadways with a single point of access shall be minimized. However, if cul-de-sacs are unavoidable because of topography or environmental features, pedestrian connections between cul-de-sacs and adjacent uses shall be developed to the extent possible.

To the greatest extent possible, streets shall be designed to have a range from two hundred to five hundred feet, from intersection to intersection, and, to the greatest extent possible, shall either continue through an intersection, or terminate in a “T” intersection directly opposite the center of a building, an internal open space area, or a view into a peripheral open space area. Refer to Table 16T-57.

B. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Use of Streets. All streets shall be pedestrian-friendly and usable by pedestrians. Streets shall generally utilize a full range of innovative traffic-calming techniques to promote slow speeds throughout the village.

C. Pedestrian Circulation and Design.

1. A pedestrian sidewalk network shall be provided throughout the development that interconnects all dwelling units with other units, non-residential uses, common open space, bus stops and sensitive area tracts. Mid-block crossings shall be utilized where necessary to promote more efficient or strategic interconnections with pedestrian corridors or trail systems. Sidewalk systems shall be separate and distinct from motor vehicle circulation to the greatest extent possible, provide a pleasant route for users, promote enjoyment of the development, and encourage incidental social interaction among pedestrians. Sidewalks shall be of barrier-free design.

The pedestrian circulation system shall include gathering/sitting areas and provide benches, landscaping, and other street furniture where appropriate. Sidewalks shall promote pedestrian activity within each site and throughout the development.

2. Sidewalks shall be a minimum of five feet in width, expanding to six feet along major pedestrian routes; sidewalks in commercial areas shall normally be ten to fifteen feet in width depending upon location of major pedestrian routes and significance of the sidewalk considering pedestrian use.

Standard material for sidewalk construction is acceptable, provided however, key pedestrian intersections shall use special materials. See subsection (C)(7) of this section.

3. Walkways shall be raised and curbed along buildings and within parking lots, where suitable. Pedestrian street crossings shall be clearly delineated by a change in pavement color, white paint and reflective materials and/or texture.

4. Bikeways shall be provided, where possible, to link internal open space areas with peripheral open space areas and continuing on routes through peripheral open space areas. Bikeways do not have to be marked on local residential streets with low average daily traffic. Bike racks shall be provided to internal open space areas and recreation areas in the peripheral open space.

5. Clearly delineate pedestrian pathways early in the design stage of development to avoid conflicts with vehicles.

6. Include pedestrian and bicycle amenities such as the following in commercial and residential areas:

a. Bike racks in accessible locations;

b. Seating so that nearby activities can be observed;

c. A variety of seating locations to allow for sun, shade or rain protection;

d. Fountains, gazebos or other amenities in open space areas;

e. Planter boxes that incorporate seating.

Elements of street furniture, such as benches, waste containers, drinking fountains, planters, phone booths, bus shelters, bicycle racks, and bollards should be carefully selected to ensure compatibility with the architecture of surrounding buildings, the character of the area, and with other elements of street furniture. Consistency in the selection and location of the various elements of street furniture is critical for maximum effect and functional usage. All key pedestrian intersections should have street furniture as well as other significant pedestrian areas.

7. At key pedestrian intersections and other areas of special significance to pedestrians, such as main street or areas of transition, sidewalks shall be constructed of brick, colored/textured concrete pavers, concrete containing accents of brick, or some combination thereof that is compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the surrounding buildings. The functional, visual, and tactile properties of the paving materials shall be appropriate to the proposed functions of pedestrian circulation. Such techniques are also recommended for public or semi-public plazas, courtyards, or open spaces. Refer to Table 16T-63.

D. Bus Stops.

1. Bus stops shall be located along collectors and arterials in consultation with Intercity Transit and North Thurston School District and shall be integrated as part of the pedestrian network. Bus stops may also be provided along strategic sections of local access streets if the city of Lacey, North Thurston and Intercity Transit determine such location will provide the most convenient coverage for residents. Locations for bus stops shall be designed to make transit services accessible to all residents of the village center.

a. Transit pads and shelters: Transit passenger pads and shelters shall be provided at focal points in the village center such as the commercial area and key pedestrian intersections. Transit pads and shelters shall also be provided at bus stops along bus routes that serve the village center. Design and size of shelters and pads will be determined in consultation with Intercity Transit.

b. Lighting: Every effort shall be made to ensure that bus stops are illuminated at night to enhance passengers’ safety and sense of security.

E. Lighting.

1. Decorative human scale lighting shall be provided on all streets, pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, courtyards, community greens and internal open spaces at intervals adequate to provide pedestrians with safe and comfortable lighting. Light poles may use a staggered pattern when measured and spaced using both sides of the street. Lighting fixtures and poles shall generally be between twelve to twenty-four feet in height and constructed from steel, cast iron, or aluminum, with poles and fixtures complementing the human scale and architectural character of the village center.

2. Street lights shall be decorative and blend with the architectural style of the village center. (See Design Vocabulary)

3. Streets and sites shall provide adequate lighting, while minimizing adverse impacts, such as glare and overhead sky glow, on adjacent properties and the public right-of-way.

4. Use of minimum wattage metal halide or color-corrected sodium light sources is encouraged. Non-color corrected low pressure sodium and mercury vapor light sources are prohibited.

5. Light fixtures attached to the exterior of a building shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the building and shall comply with local building codes. The type of light source used on the exterior of buildings, signs, pedestrian walkways, and other areas of a site, shall provide adequate light quality.

6. Light fixtures shall be of a pedestrian scale, provided lights within the interior of a parking lot may be at a greater height for security purposes. Facades shall be lit from the exterior, and, as a general rule, lights should be concealed through shielding or recessed behind architectural features. The use of low pressure sodium, fluorescent, or mercury vapor lighting either attached to buildings or to light the exterior of buildings shall be prohibited. Mounting brackets and associated hardware should be inconspicuous. Refer to Table 16T-64. (Ord. 1496 §92, 2016; Ord. 1098 §17, 1999; Ord. 1024 §47, 1995).