HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 2019-010 Making Additions to the Development Regulations Pertaining to Unit Lot Subdivisions for the City of Arlington Under City Planning File No. Plan 514 ORDINANCE NO. 2019--010
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON, MAKING ADDITIONS TO THE
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO UNIT LOT SUBDIVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF
ARLINGTON UNDER CITY PLANNING FILE NO. PLN 514
WHEREAS the City of Arlington is required to plan under RCW 36.70A.040; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arlington has the authority to review and update the
Comprehensive Plan and the development regulations which implement it; and
WHEREAS, the City's Community & Economic Development staff, Planning Commission,
and City staff discussed and recommended proposed revisions they concluded were needed to
comply with Chapter 36.70A RCW; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arlington Planning Commission reviewed the proposed code
revisions relating to the unit lot subdivision regulations, and conducted a public hearing on April
16, 2019 to receive public comments on proposed revisions to the comprehensive plan; and
WHEREAS, based on its review of the requirements of Chapter 36.70A RCW, the analysis
and proposed revisions prepared, and the public comments received, the Planning Commission
recommended approval to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public workshop on the proposed plan on April 22,
2019; and considered the matter at its May 6, 2019 regular meeting; and
WHEREAS, based on its review of the requirements of Chapter 36.70A RCW, the analysis
and proposed revisions prepared by their Boards and Commissions and staff, and the public
comments received, the City Council finds and declares that the review and needed revisions
have been prepared in conformance with applicable law, including Chapter 36.70A RCW, Chapter
43.21C RCW, and the approved public participation and adoption process;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Arlington does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1, Arlington Municipal Code section 20.44.020 shall be and hereby is
repealed.
Section 2. A new section 20.44.020A shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.020A Unit Lot Subdivisions (ULSs)
(a) Unit lot subdivision is an alternative to conventional subdivision processes by
which the location of a building on a lot can be placed in such a manner that one or more
of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line, allowing for the creation of fee simple
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lots for townhome, and cottage housing developments, in zones where such uses are
permitted. Each building shall not be less than 1 units or exceed 10 units and shall
maintain a 10-foot separation from other buildings.
(b) Unit lot subdivisions shall be permitted in Residential High-Density zones and
all Commercial zones (in conjunction with the Horizontal Mixed-Use overlay).
(c) Prior to submittal of the final plat, the design of all buildings shall meet the
design standards and shall have received design review approval.
(d) All units created by a unit lot subdivision shall provide attached private open
space for each individual unit equaling 15% of the total lot area, but in no case shall be
less than 200 square feet. The required open space may be provided by one or more of
the following: ground level open space, balconies, roof decks or porches.
(e) Existing Multi-Family developments which meet or can be brought into
conformance with the requirements of the unit lot subdivision may submit an application
for such unit lot subdivision. The existing building shall also be in full compliance with the
most currently adopted edition of the International Residential Code (IBC) and
International Fire Code (IFC).
(f) If a development proposes open or park space exceeding 125%of the minimum
requirement, buildings may exceed the maximum allowed height requirement by 5 feet.
(g) Low impact development street standards are required where feasible.
(h) Low impact development techniques for stormwater management are
required where feasible.
Section 3. A new section 2O.44.O2O13 shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
2O.44.O2OB Unit Lot Subdivision Lot Standards
As allowed by this chapter, development on individual unit lots within the unit lot
subdivision need not conform to the minimum lot area or dimensional standards of Title
20— Land Use Code, provided that overall development of the parent parcel meets the
development and design standards of the underlying zone and the requirements of this
section. There shall be no minimum required lot area for individual lots within a unit lot
subdivision, provided that the area of the unit lot shall be large enough to contain the
dwelling unit and any accessory structures, decks, fences, garages, driveways, private
yard areas, parking, landscaping or other improvements that are accessory to the
dwelling unit; provided further, so long as conforming to the approved site development
plan, such accessory improvements may encroach upon or be located in an adjoining
unit lot or common area pursuant to an appropriate easement.
Section 4. A new section 2O.44.02OC shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
2O.44.O2OC Development and Design Standards
All developments using unit lot subdivisions in residential zones, shall be in compliance
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with the rules and regulations set forth in Title 20 AMC - Land Use Code, specifically
Chapter 20.16 - Permits and Final Plat Approval.
Section 5. A new section 20.44.020D shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.020D Unit Lot Subdivisions in Mixed Use Development
All Horizontal Mixed-Use Development overlay areas utilizing Unit Lot Subdivisions shall
strictly adhere to Chapter 20.110.040 — Mixed Use Development Regulations, when
designing the site development plan.
Section 6. A new section 20.44.020E shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.020E Ownership of Common Areas
Portions of the parent parcel not subdivided for individual unit lots or not dedicated as
public Right of Way or municipal utility systems shall be owned in common by the
owners of the individual lots within the subdivision, or by a homeowner's association
comprised of the owners of the individual unit lots within the subdivision.
Section 7. A new section 20.44.020F shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.020F Building Setbacks
Building setbacks shall be as required for the zone as applied to the underlying parent
parcel as a whole. There shall be no setback required from unit lot lines which are
interior to the perimeter of the parent parcel; provided, however, that any structure
located upon a unit lot created hereunder shall comply with the setbacks applicable to
the approved site development plan. The unit lot subdivision shall comply with the
Density and Dimensional Standards set forth in Chapter 20.48. However, if alley access is
proposed, the minimum setback for any structure from the alley shall be 5 feet.
Section 8. A new section 20.44.020G shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.020G Off—Street Parkin
(a) The minimum amount of parking shall be as required by Chapter 20.72. Required off-
street parking space may be provided in an area owned and maintained in common by
the homeowner's association. Parking spaces located in a common area shall be
available to residents or guest or invitees of residents and shall not be reserved for any
specific dwelling units.
(b) One, additional off-street parking space shall be provided for every four lots
proposed and be adjacent to the units for which they are required.
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(c) All required off-street parking spaces shall be maintained in perpetuity for off-street
parking for the residents, or guests of residents. Such spaces shall not be used at any
time or in any manner that precludes use for off-street parking of operable motor
vehicles regularly used by occupants of the unit lot dwellings.
(d) Parking shall be prohibited in fire lanes, and each fire lane shall be clearly identified
with signage and pavement markings to indicate that the fire lane is not to be used for
parking at any time. The homeowner's association shall be responsible for enforcing this
requirement. The city shall have the authority to remove any vehicle illegally parked in a
fire lane at the vehicle owner's expense.
(e) The unit lot subdivision shall provide bicycle parking facilities equal to 1 stall for
every 4 lots.
Section 9. A new section 2O.44.O2OH shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
2O.44.O2OH Private Access Drives
Private access drives are allowed, to provide access to dwellings and off-street parking
areas within a unit lot subdivision. All private access drives shall be designed and
constructed to city design and construction standards. A separate pedestrian walkway
is required from the dwelling units to a public sidewalk. Parking within any access drive
shall be prohibited, but off-street parking may be located adjacent to an approved
access drive outside the minimum required dimensions of the access drive. The
homeowner's association shall be responsible for enforcing this requirement. The city
shall have the authority to remove any vehicle illegally parked in a fire lane at the
vehicle owner's expense. As an alternative to the private access drive, the applicant
may provide a public street meeting the city's design and construction standards.
Section 10. A new section 20.44.0201 shall be and hereby is adopted to read as follows:
20.44.0201 Public Water Mains, Sewer Mains and Fire Hydrants
All water mains, sewer mains and fire hydrants within the unit lot subdivision shall be
constructed to city design and construction standards and dedicated to the city. The city
shall have the discretion to refuse or accept dedication of utility systems in
developments that this chapter that are not constructed to city standards.
Section 11. A new section 2O.44.O2OJ shall be and hereby is adopted to read as follows:
2O.44.O2OJ Ingress, Egress and Utility Access
Each unit lot subdivision shall make adequate provisions for ingress, egress and utilities
access to and from each unit lot by dedicating streets or by reserving such common
areas or easements over and across the parent parcel necessary to comply with all other
design and development standards applicable to the approved site development plan.
Section 12. A new section 2O.44.O2OK shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
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2O.44.O2OK Landscaping
In addition to perimeter landscaping required for the parent parcel, landscaping shall be
provided on each unit lot where yard area abuts an access drive, and between
driveways and/or parking areas on abutting lots. A landscape plan shall be submitted
with the land use application showing the following:
(a) Perimeter landscape standard along rear or interior lot lines of parent parcel.
All required perimeter landscaping shall be placed within a common area and
shall be maintained by the homeowner's association. Conversion of perimeter
landscaping to private yard area is prohibited.
(b) Street trees on public streets shall be per city approved tree list.
(c) Street trees on private access drives shall be per city approved tree list.
Section 13. A new section 2O.44.O2OL shall be and hereby is adopted to read as follows:
2O.44.O2OL Homeowners Association Incorporation
Prior to the recording of the subdivision, the applicant shall provide evidence that the
homeowner's association has been incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of
Washington, including the filing of the association's articles of incorporation with the
Washington Secretary of State. In the event the homeowner's association should cease
to be a corporation under the laws of the State of Washington and as required by this
section, such association shall continue as an unincorporated association
governed by the Washington Uniform Common Interest Act (Chapter 64.90 RCW).
Section 14. A new section 2O.44.O2OM shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
2O.44.O2OM Covenants and Maintenance
(a) Covenants and Homeowners Association. The applicant shall provide a preliminary
draft of covenants, declarations and restrictions with the subdivision application for
review as part of the subdivision. Prior to the recording of the subdivision, the applicant
shall provide final covenants, declarations and restrictions in a form satisfactory to the
city attorney, which shall be recorded with the county auditor's office providing that the
homeowner's association shall be subject to and comply with:
(1) Such covenants, declarations and restrictions;
(2) The Washington Uniform Common Interest Act (Chapter 64.90 RCW);
(3) The applicable Washington corporation statute;
(4) Any applicable provisions of the city code including, but not limited to,
subsections (b) and (c) of this section below.
(b) Maintenance of Private Common Areas and Infrastructure. All common open space
and recreation areas and all private utility infrastructure located within a unit lot
subdivision and shall be maintained in perpetuity by the homeowner's association. Prior
to the recording of the subdivision, the applicant shall provide the covenants,
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declarations and restrictions required by subsection (a) of this section, above, for review
by the city, which shall provide that the following common areas and infrastructure are
maintained by the homeowner's association in accordance with all applicable provisions
of the city code.
(1) Private access drives;
(2) Vehicle and pedestrian access easements;
(3) Joint use and maintenance agreements;
(4) Common off-street parking;
(5) Common open space (including, but not limited to, landscape areas, gardens,
woodlands,
walkways, courtyards or lawns and outdoor recreation areas;
(6) Private utility infrastructure (including, but not limited to, underground
utilities and utility
easement;
(7) Any other common buildings or improvements.
Said covenants, declarations and restrictions shall provide authority for the city, after
providing reasonable written notice to the homeowners association and opportunity to
perform required maintenance, to recover any costs incurred by the city to maintain
private infrastructure or common areas due to a failure of the homeowners association
to adequately maintain privately owned improvements, including a lien on the property
or other appropriate assurance device, as determined by the city.
(c) Maintenance of Lot, Buildings and Facilities. Buildings, utilities and facilities on
individual unit lots shall be maintained by the property owner in accordance with city
codes and the requirements of the covenants, declarations and restrictions applicable to
the development. Prior to the recording of the subdivision, the applicant shall provide
the covenants, declarations and restrictions required by subsection (a) of this section for
review by the city, which shall provide that buildings, utilities and facilities on individual
lots shall be maintained by the property owner in accordance with city codes and the
requirements of such covenants, declarations and restrictions.
Section 15. A new section 20.44.020N shall be and hereby is adopted to read as
follows:
20.44.O20N Recorded Conditions
Notes shall be placed on the plat recorded with the county auditor's office to
acknowledge the following:
(a) Approval of the design and layout of the unit lot subdivision was granted by
the review of the subdivision as a whole, on the parent parcel by the site
development plan approval (stating the project file number);
(b) Subsequent platting actions, additions or modifications to the structure(s)
may not create or increase any nonconformity of the parent parcel as a whole,
and shall conform to the approved site development plan.
(c) If a structure or portion of a structure has been damaged or destroyed, any
repair reconstruction or replacement of the structure(s) shall conform to the
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approved site development plan;
(d) The individual unit lots are not separately buildable outside of the context of
the approved site development plan for the subdivision and additional
development of the individual unit lots may be limited as a result of the
application of development standards to the parent parcel.
Section 16. Ordinance to be Transmitted to Department. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106
a copy of this Ordinance shall be transmitted to the Washington Department of Commerce as
required by law.
Section 17. Severability. If any provision, section, or part of this ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section 18. Effective Date. This ordinance or a summary thereof consisting of the title
shall be published in the official newspaper of the City, and shall take effect and be in full force
five (5) days after publication.
PASSED BY the City Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this 6th day of May, 2019.
CITY OF ARLINGTON
Barbara Tolbert, Mayor
Attest:
1
Erin Keator, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
Steve -. Pei e
City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-010 7
CERTIFICATION OF ORDINANCE
I, Erin Keator, being the duly appointed and City Clerk of the City of Arlington, Washington, a
municipal corporation, do hereby certify that the following Ordinance No. 2019-010 was
approved at the May 6, 2019 City Council meeting.
ORDINANCE NO. 2019-010
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARLINGTON, WASHINGTON
MAKING ADDITIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
PERTAINING TO UNIT LOT SUBDIVISIONS FOR THE CITY OF
ARLINGTON UNDER CITY PLANNING FILE NO. PLN 514
A true and correct copy of the original ordinance is attached.
Dated this 8th day of May 2019.
Erin Keator
City Clerk for the City of Arlington