16.61.040 Development standards.
A. Density. The density of the underlying zone governs unless a density increase is granted as provided in this chapter.
B. Density Increase. The city may approve an increase in the dwelling unit density of up to fifteen percent in the Low Density District, twenty percent in the Moderate Density District and twenty-five percent in the High Density District, rounded up to the nearest whole number; provided, that four of the five following environmental and recreational amenities are implemented:
1. Develop and equip significant recreational areas within the common open space with such features as, but not limited to, swimming pools, tennis courts, bike or pedestrian path systems, children’s play areas.
2. Substantial retention of natural ground cover, bushes and trees.
3. Vegetated LID facilities are included in the design and serve as a visual amenity.
4. Provide significant access to a lake, river, stream or other natural water body.
5. Provide substantial and exceptional landscaping treatment either as an adjunct to or in natural landscaping beyond the minimum required.
C. Lot Area and Width of Each Townhouse Unit. Townhouse units may either be condominiumized, provided the city has adopted an ordinance providing this option, or subdivided into individual lots. Lot configurations shall be governed by density, setbacks, open space, and other requirements and guidelines herein.
D. Height. The maximum height of any townhouse shall not exceed that allowed in the district in which the development is located.
E. Right-of-Way Setback. Right-of-way setbacks shall be the same as those specified in the applicable zoning district.
F. Rear Yard Requirements. For front loaded units, the minimum rear yard requirement shall be fifteen feet to the rear property line. Townhouses with a rear load may have garages within three feet of the rear lot line or paved alley.
G. Private Yard Area. Every lot containing a townhouse must provide a private yard of at least three hundred square feet. Acceptable private yard space may include landscaped front or rear yards, porches, balconies, and rooftop decks (where designed to accommodate outdoor pedestrian uses). Up to fifty percent of the required private yard area can be included as additional common open space provided for the applicable townhouse group. Such common open space must be above and beyond minimum open space requirements of LMC 15.12.120.
H. Side Yard Requirements. The minimum side yard requirement shall be the same as the underlying zone.
I. Maximum number of townhouses in one building: Six.
J. Minimum Distances Between Townhouse Groups. No portion of a townhouse, accessory structure or other building type in or related to one group or cluster of contiguous townhouses shall be nearer than twenty feet to any portion of a townhouse or accessory structure of another townhouse building or cluster.
K. Access. When the only driveway is from the street, each pair of units must share a common curb cut. Alternative configurations may be considered through the design review process, provided they mitigate negative safety, visual, and compatibility impacts.
L. Design. Townhouses are subject to design criteria established in LMC 14.23.080.
M. Conversion. Conversion of existing structures to a townhouse project will be permitted provided all townhouse development standards as outlined in this section can be satisfied. (See Table 16T-84) (Ord. 1612 §10, 2022; Ord. 1496 §96, 2016; Ord. 1380 §1, 2012).