Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.120 Commercial Zones

1. Purpose.
   The required structure setbacks promote streetscapes that are consistent with the desired character of the different commercial zones. The setback requirements for areas that abut single-family residential zones promote commercial development that will maintain light, air and the potential for privacy for adjacent single-family residential zones. The sidewalk standards provide a continuous, safe, and consistent street frontage character along the street right-of-way.
    

2. Setback and Required Sidewalk Width Standards.

   1. The setback standards for all structures are stated in Table 17C.120-2 and as stated below.

   2. Structures shall be no closer than twelve feet from the back of the curb except as provided in subsection (B)(4) of this section.

   3. Sidewalks are required to be constructed and shall consist of a clear walking path at least seven feet wide (in addition to a minimum five-foot wide planting zone for street trees). Part of the sidewalk width may be located on private property. The sidewalk dimension shall be applied to the clear, unobstructed pathway between the planting behind the curb and building facades or parking lot screening.

   4. The required sidewalk width may be reduced by approval of the planning director if the existing sidewalk (distance between the curb and the building) is less than twelve feet wide between the back of curb and the existing building setback line of adjacent building(s). In no case shall the setback be reduced below nine feet from the back of the curb unless on-street parking exists between the building and the street.

   5. Unless otherwise required or where larger plaza areas are provided, sidewalk paving material shall be concrete, two-foot grid, standard sidewalk color, and float finish.
       

3. Exception to the Setback Standards.

   1. Where a site is split between more than one zone and a structure is proposed that will cross an internal lot line that is also a zoning line, no setbacks are required from that lot line.

   2. Detached Accessory Structures.
      The setback standards for detached accessory structures are stated in SMC 17C.120.300. Fences are addressed in SMC 17C.120.310. Sign standards are in chapter 11.17 SMC, Sign Code.

   
   

4. Extensions Into Required Structure Setbacks.
   The following features attached to structures are allowed as exceptions to the setback standards except they shall not reduce the required sidewalk width of subsection (B) of this section.

   1. Minor Projections of Features Attached to Structures.

      1. Minor Projections Allowed.
         Minor features of a structure, such as eaves, chimneys, fire escapes, bay windows, uncovered stairways, wheelchair ramps and uncovered decks or balconies, may extend into a required structure setback up to twenty percent of the depth of the setback. However, they may not be within three feet of a lot line when a setback is required. Bays and bay windows extending into the setback also must meet the following requirements:

         1. Each bay and bay window may be up to twelve feet long, but the total area of all bays and bay windows on a building facade cannot be more than thirty percent of the area of the facade.

         2. At least thirty percent of the area of the bay which faces the property line requiring the setback must be glazing or glass block.

         3. Bays and bay windows must cantilever beyond the foundation of the structure; and

         4. The bay may not include any doors.

      2. Full Projection Allowed.
         In addition to subsection (D)(1)(a) of this section, the following features are allowed to project farther into required structure setbacks:

         1. Canopies, marquees, awnings and similar features may fully extend into a street setback and may extend into the public right-of-way subject to the requirements of SMC 17F.040.140.

         2. Uncovered stairways and wheelchair ramps that lead to one entrance on the street-facing facade of a building may fully extend into a street setback.

         3. Uncovered decks and stairways that are no more than forty-two inches above the ground may fully extend into a required structure setback; and

         4. On lots that slope down from the street, vehicular and pedestrian entry bridges that are no more than forty-two inches above the average sidewalk elevation may fully extend into a required structure setback.

         5. Balconies may extend into public rights-of-way as allowed in the building code.

      3. Projections Not Allowed.
         Attached mechanical structures such as heat pumps, air conditioners, emergency generators and water pumps are allowed in a street setback but not in a required setback from an abutting residential zone.

   2. Underground structures are permitted in all setbacks.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 1