HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 6042CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, AMENDING SECTIONS
4-2-110 AND 4-2-115, SUBSECTIONS 4-4-080.F.10.d, 4-4-090.A, AND 4-4-090.6,
SECTION 4-7-090, SUBSECTIONS 4-9-065.A, 4-9-065.6, 4-5-065.D, 4-9-200.13, AND
4-9-200.D, AND SECTION 4-11-030 OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE, ADDING
COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, INCLUDING ADDING A
DEFINITION OF "COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT" TO SECTION 4-11-030,
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, this matter was duly referred to the Planning Commission for investigation
and study, and the matter was considered by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on February 17, 2021,
considered all relevant matters, and heard all parties in support or opposition, and subsequently
forwarded a recommendation to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106, on April 27, 2021, the City notified the State of
Washington of its intent to adopt amendments to its development regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. All portions of the Renton Municipal Code in this ordinance not shown in
strikethrough and underline edits remain in effect and unchanged.
SECTION II. Section 4-2-110 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended to add a new
subsection 4-2-110.G, to read as shown below. All other provisions in 4-2-110 remain in effect
and unchanged.
4-2-110.G DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
(COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT):
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
1. Purpose:
The provisions of this subsection are available as alternatives to the
development of typical detached single-family homes with the intention of
generating housing types that are responsive to changing household
demographics and homeownership opportunities in single-family neighborhoods.
2. Applicability:
This subsection applies to proposed cottage house developments in
residential zones R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14. An existing single-family home
incorporated into a cottage house development that does not meet the
requirements of this subsection is allowed to remain onsite. Proposed
modifications or additions to the structure not consistent with the provisions of
this subsection shall not be permitted.
3. Limitations:
No more than one hundred (100) cottage houses shall be permitted
citywide in a calendar year.
4. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS:
Maximum Unit Size 1 1,500 sq. ft.
At least 50% of all cottages in a
development shall be less than 1,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Number of Cottages per Cluster 3
Maximum Number of Cottages per Cluster 12
Minimum Distance Between Structures All units must be detached, with a
minimum separation of 8 ft.
Maximum Wall Plate Height 18 ft.
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
Roofs with a pitch equal to or greater than
4:12 may project an additional 6' vertically
from the maximum wall plate height.
Maximum Number of Stories 2
Separation Between Clusters Individual clusters shall be separated by
landscaping, common open space, critical
areas, or a community building.
SECTION III. Subsection 4-2-115.6 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as follows:
B. APPLICABILITY:
1. This Section shall apply to all new primary and attached dwelling units
in the following zones: Resource Conservation (RC), Residential-1 (R-1),
Residential-4 (R-4), Residential-6 (R-6), Residential-8 (R-8), Residential-10 (R-10),
and Residential-14 (R-14), and unit lot subdivisions within the RMF and CV zones.
The standards of the Site Design subsection are required to be addressed at the
time of subdivision application. The standards of the Residential Design subsection
are required to be addressed at the time of application for building permits. The
standards of Residential Design are required to be addressed for the building for
which the building permit is being issued.
2. Additions and/or expansions to detached or attached dwellings that are
valued at fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) or more, or at fifty percent (50%) or
greater of the most recent assessment or appraisal shall require that the entire
dwelling or structure comply with the standards of the Residential Design
subsection.
3. When new dwelling units are created in the Residential Ten Dwelling
Units per Acre (R-10) and Residential Fourteen Dwelling Units per Acre (R-14)
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
zones, any retained dwelling units included in the development shall comply with
the standards of this Section.
4. For cottage house developments in the R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14
zones, the project is required to demonstrate compliance with the applicable
Residential Design and Open Space Standards at the time of subdivision
application. When there is an existing dwelling on the parent site that is proposed
to remain in the cottage development, it shall be required to comply with the
standards of this Section.
SECTION IV. Section 4-2-115 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended to add a new
subsection 4-2-115.F, to read as follows:
F. COTTAGE HOUSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Site Design:
UNIT LOT CONFIGURATION: The parent site and unit lot configuration should be designed to
encourage neighbor -to -neighbor interaction, community building, and balance the need for
Privacy.
Guidelines: Developments shall create pedestrian oriented environments and amplify the
mutual relationship between housing units, open space, and pedestrian amenities, while also
protecting the privacy of individuals.
Standards:
All
zones
Unit lots should be oriented toward common open sace area or community
buildin • when not achievable unit lots should be oriented toward a right-of-way.
PARKING AND GARAGES: The minimization of the visual impact of parking and garages
contributes to creating communities that are oriented to people and pedestrians, as opposed
to automobiles.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
Guidelines: The visual impact of parking areas and garages shall be minimized. All forms of
parking shall be located in a manner that minimizes the presence of the parking area and
associated structures and shall not be located at the end of view corridors unless appropriately
screened. When possible, alley access is encouraged.
All
zones
II of the following apply:
1. Parking shall be provided in designated areas within the parent site but
not at individual unit lots;
2. Shared garages on the parent site are allowed, provided the regulations of
RMC 4-4-080 are met;
3. Parking structures, i.e., garages and carports, shall be detached and set
back from the private yard space by at least six feet (6');
4. Shared garages and carports shall not exceed forty-four feet (44') in width,
and shall maintain an eight -foot (8') separation from any cottages;
5. Parking design shall be of similar design and character to the cottages.
Carports are permitted when a solar panel is incorporated into the design;
6. Architectural detail that is consistent with the architectural character of
the cottage house development shall be incorporated in the garage
design, including but not limited to trim, columns, and/or corner boards.
7. Shared garages shall not be located further than one hundred sixty feet
(160') from any of the housing units to which it is assigned;
8. When shared garages are proposed, each unit must have garage space
assigned to it;
9. Surface parking of more than two (2) spaces, visible from a public right-of-
way (not including alleys) or adjacent to single-family uses or zones, shall
be screened; and
10. Parking structures and surface parking shall not be located between the
common open space and the cottage units.
2. Open Space:
OPEN SPACE: Open space is a significant element in the design and livability of a cottage
house development and should create opportunities for social interaction, community
building, good physical health, and personal reflection. Common open areas and semi -private
space are favored and prioritized over purely private space.
Landscaping:
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
All
zones
See RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping.
Individual unit lots are exempt from RMC 4-4-070.F.3, Front Yard Trees Required
When Street Trees Are Not Located Within the Right-of-WaV Abutting a Front Yard.
Standards for Common Open Space:
All
zones
Above ground drainage facilities (i.e., ponds, swales, ditches, rain gardens, etc.)
shall not be counted towards the common open space requirement. Required to
provide common open space as follows:
1. Open space shall be designed as a common green located within the
development and shall include picnic areas, and spaces for passive
recreational activities such as outdoor cooking, picnicking, walking, biking,
observing nature, and/or active recreational activities, such as playgrounds,
bocce ball, and pickle ball;
2. Open space(s) shall be accessible to all cottages. For sites one acre or
smaller in size, open space(s) shall be no less than thirty feet (30') in anv
dimension. For sites larger than one acre in size, open space(s) shall be no
less than forty feet (40') in any dimension. For all sites, to allow for
variation, open space(s) of less than the minimum dimensions (thirty feet
(30') or forty feet (40'), as applicable) are allowed; provided, that no
dimension is less than eight feet (8') in width and when all open spaces are
averaged, the applicable dimension requirement is met;
3. Grass-crete or other pervious surfaces may be used in the common open
space for the purpose of meeting the one hundred fifty feet (150') distance
requirement for emergency vehicle access but shall not be used for personal
vehicle access or to meet off-street parking requirements; and
4. Common open sace areas shall have a maximum slope of five percent 5%
and
5. Obstructions, such as retaining walls and fences, shall be strategically placed
so as not to reduce usable open space.
Standards for Private Yards:
All
zones
Each individual cottage shall have a private yard that is at minimum two hundred
fifty (250) square feet in size with no dimension less than eight feet (8') in width.
Front yard porches and backyard patios and reciprocal use easements may be
included in the calculation of private yard.
Community Buildings:
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
All
zones
Developments with twenty-four (24) or more cottages are required to provide at
least one community building for indoor gatherings. Design elements, such as roof
pitch, architecture, materials, and colors, shall be similar to that of the cottages
within the development.
Sidewalks and Pedestrian Easements:
All
Zones
Il of the following are required:
1. Sidewalks shall be provided throughout the cottage house development.
The sidewalk may disconnect from the road, provided it continues in a
logical route throughout the development.
2. Front yards shall have entry walks that are a minimum width of four feet
4' • and
3. Sidewalks shall be used to connect common open space, common buildings,
and to provide access to cottages. They shall be a minimum of four feet (4')
in width and made of concrete, or porous material such as: porous paving
stones, crushed gravel with soil stabilizers, or paving blocks with planted
joints. When possible, sidewalks connecting to parks and green spaces shall
be located at the edge of the common open space to allow a larger usable
green and easy access to cottages.
3. Residential Design:
PRIMARY ENTRY: Cottages with a visually prominent front entry, including architectural
character and landscape design, foster the sense that the community is oriented to pedestrians.
Features like porches and stoops at the front entry provide opportunity for social interaction and
can contribute to a sense of place for residents. Additionally, porches work to minimize the
appearance of bulk by breaking up the facade.
Guidelines: Entrances to cottages shall be a focal point and allow space for social interaction.
Front doors shall face the common open area or a street and be on the facade closest to the
street.
Standards:
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. The primary front entry should be abutting and oriented toward a
common open space; when not achievable, the cottage shall have a
primary entry and covered porch oriented toward a right-of-way;
2. The entry shall include a porch or stoop with a minimum depth of five
feet (5') and minimum height twelve inches (12") above grade; and
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
3. Unit lots should be oriented toward common open space area; when not
achievable, unit lots should be oriented toward a right-of-way.
FACADE
MODULATION: The modulation of facades creates an appearance of variety, as well as
visual breaks that help to create visual interest.
Guidelines: Buildings shall not have monotonous facades along public areas. Cottages shall
include articulation along public frontages; the articulation may include the connection of an
open porch to the building, a dormer facing the street, or a well-defined entry element.
All
zones
Both of the following are required:
1. The primary building elevation oriented toward common open space or
right-of-wav shall have at least one articulation or change in plane of at
least two feet (2') in depth; and
2. A minimum of one side articulation that measures at least one foot (1') in
depth shall occur for all facades facing streets or common open spaces.
WINDOWS
AND
DOORS: Windows and front doors are an integral part of the architectural
character of a cottage and when they incorporate architectural elements of the cottage and
they contribute to the overall balance and integration of the building form. Additionally, when
they represent a significant amount of the facade of a cottage, they amplify the sense that the
community is oriented to people.
Guidelines: Windows and front doors shall serve as an integral part of cottage character.
Primary windows shall be proportioned vertically rather than horizontally. Vertical windows
may be combined to create a larger window area. Front doors shall be a focal point of the
cottage and be in scale with the home. All doors shall be of the same character as the home.
Standards:
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. Primary windows shall be proportioned vertically, rather than horizontally;
2. Vertical windows may be combined to create a larger window area;
3. All doors shall be made of wood, fiberglass, metal, or glass and trimmed
with three and one-half inches (3 1/2") minimum head and iamb trim
around the door;
4. Screen doors shall be allowed in combination with .any door type listed
above are above;
5. Primary entry doors shall face a common open area or street, and shall be
paneled or have inset windows; and
6. Sliding glass doors shall not be permitted along a frontage elevation or an
elevation facing a pedestrian easement.
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
SCALE, BULK, AND CHARACTER: Residential communities are intended for people and cottages
that have appropriate scale and bulk contribute to the sense of orientation to people. Variety in
the character of cottages helps to minimize visual monotony while helping to foster a
perception of uniqueness of place.
Guidelines: A diverse vet complementary streetscape shall be provided by using elevations and
models
that demonstrate a variety of floor plans, home sizes, and character.
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. The primary building form shall be the dominating form and elements such
as porches, principal dormers, or other significant features shall not
dominate;
2. Primary porch plate heights shall be one story. Stacked porches are
allowed; and
3. To differentiate the same models and elevations, different colors shall be
used; and
4. No more than two (2) of the same model and elevation shall be built within
the same cluster and the same model and elevation shall not be abutting,
adjacent, or diagonal.
ROOFS:
Roof
forms and profiles are an important component in the architectural character of
cottages and
contribute to the massing, scale, and proportion of the home. Roofs also provide
opportunity to create variety, especially for cottages of the same model.
Guidelines: Roofs shall represent a variety of forms and profiles that add character and relief to
the landscape of the neighborhood. The use of bright colors, as well as roofing that is made of
material like gravel and/or a reflective material, is discouraged.
Standards:
All
zones
Both of the following are required:
1. A variety of roofing colors shall be used within the development and all
roof material shall be fire retardant; and
2. Cottage developments shall use a variety of roof forms appropriate to the
style of the home.
EAVES: The design of eaves and overhangs act as unifying elements in the architectural
character of a home. When sized adequately and used consistently, they work to create
desirable shadows that help to create visual interest especially from blank, unbroken wall
planes.
Guidelines: Eaves should be detailed and proportioned to complement the architectural style of
the home.
Standards:
All
zones
Both of the following are required:
1. Eaves shall be at least twelve inches (12") with horizontal fascia or fascia
gutter at least five inches (5") deep on the face of all eaves.
ORDINANCE NO. 6042
2. Rakes on gable ends must extend a minimum of two inches (21 from the
surface of exterior siding materials.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING: Architectural detailing contributes to the visual appeal of a
cottage and the community. It helps to create a desirable human scale and a perception of a
quality, well -designed home.
Guidelines: Architectural detail shall be provided that is appropriate to the architectural
character of the house, including but not limited to detailing like trim, columns, and/or corner
boards.
Standards:
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. Three and one-half inches (3 1/2") minimum trim surrounds all windows
and details all doors;
2. At least one of the following architectural details shall be provided on each
home: shutters, knee braces, flower boxes, or columns;
3. Where siding is used, metal corner clips or corner boards shall be used and
shall be at minimum two and one-half inches (2 1/2") in width and painted.
If shutters are used, they shall be proportioned to the window size to
simulate the ability to cover them;
4. If columns are used, they shall be round, fluted, or strongly related to the
home's architectural style. Six inches by six inches (6" x 6") posts may be
allowed if chamfered and/or banded. Exposed four inches by four inches
(4" x 4") and six inches by six inches (6" x 6") posts are prohibited; and
5. If one siding material is used on any side of the cottage that is at least two
(2) stories, a horizontal band that measures at least eight inches (8") is
required between the first and second story.
MATERIALS
AND COLOR: The use of a variety of materials and color contributes to the sense of
diversity of housing stock in the cottage community.
Guidelines: A diversity of materials and color shall be used throughout the community. A
variety of materials that are appropriate to the architectural character of the neighborhood
shall be used.
A diverse palette of colors shall be used to reduce monotony of color or tone.
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. Acceptable exterior wall materials are: wood, cement fiberboard, stucco,
stone, and standard sized brick three and one-half inches by seven and
one-half inches (3 1/2" x 7 1/2") or three and five -eighths inches by seven
and five -eighths inches (3 5/8" x 7 5/8"). Simulated stone, wood, stone, or
brick may be used to detail cottages;
2. When more than one material is used, changes in a vertical wall, such as
from wood to brick, shall wrap the corners no less than twenty-four inches
(24" ). The material change shall occur at an internal corner or a logical
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
transition such as aligning with a window edge or chimnev. Material
transition shall not occur at an exterior corner;
3. Multiple colors on buildings shall be provided. Color palettes for all new
structures, coded to the home elevations, shall be submitted for approval;
4. Abutting, adjacent, and diagonal cottages shall be of differing color. Color
palettes for all new cottages, coded to the home elevations, shall be
submitted for approval; and
5. Gutters and downspouts shall be integrated into the color scheme of the
home and be painted, or of an integral color, to match the trim color.
MAIL
AND NEWSPAPERS:
Guidelines: Mailboxes shall be located so that they are easily accessible to residents. They shall
also be architecturally compatible with the cottages.
All
zones
All of the following are required:
1. Mailboxes shall be clustered and located so as to serve the needs of USPS
while not adversely affecting the privacy of residents;
2. Mailboxes shall be lockable consistent with USPS standards; and
3. Mailboxes shall be architecturally enhanced with materials and details
typical of the home's architecture.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT:
Guidelines: Mechanical equipment shall be placed so as to not negativeIV impact neighbors.
All
zones
Mechanical equipment shall only be located in the rear and side yards.
UTILITIES
All
zones
All surface and roof -top equipment shall be screened or enclosed from public
view.
DUMPSTER/TRASH/RECYCLING COLLECTION AREA:
All
zones
Both of the following are required:
1. Trash and recycling containers shall be located so that they have minimal
impact on residents and their neighbors and so that they are not visible to
the general public; and
2. A screened enclosure in which to keep containers shall be provided or
garages shall be built with adequate space to keep containers. Screened
enclosures shall not be located within front yards. In addition, see RMC 4-4-
090, Refuse and Recyclables Standards, for additional requirements.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
SECTION V: Residential Uses Outside of Center Downtown Zone in subsection 4-4-
080.F.10.d of the Renton Municipal Code is amended to add a new row entitled "Cottage House
Developments" in between the rows entitled "Detached dwellings and townhouses" and
"Manufactured homes within a manufactured home park," to read as shown in the excerpt of 4-
4-080.F.10.d, below. All other provisions in 4-4-080.F.10.d remain in effect and unchanged.
USE I NUMBER OF REQUIRED SPACES
RESIDENTIAL USES OUTSIDE OF CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE
Cottage House Developments: A minimum and maximum of 1.6 per cottage house of 3 bedrooms
or greater; 1.4 per 2-bedroom cottage house; 1.0 per 1 bedroom
cottage house or studio. In addition to the minimum parking stalls
required, a minimum 20% of the total number of required parking
spaces in the cottage house development shall be provided for
guest parking and located in a common area accessible by guests.
SECTION VI. Subsections 4-4-090.A and 4-4-090.6 of the Renton Municipal Code are
amended as shown below. All other provisions in 4-4-090 remain in effect and unchanged.
A. APPLICABILITY:
All new developments for cottage housing, multi -family residences,
commercial, industrial and other nonresidential uses shall provide on -site refuse
and recyclables deposit areas and collection points for collection of refuse and
recyclables in compliance with this Section.
B. EXEMPTION FOR SINGLE FAMILY AND TWO (2) ATTACHED RESIDENCES
(DUPLEXES):
Single-family and two (2) attached residences (duplexes) shall be exempt from
these requirements for refuse and recyclables deposit areas. Single-family
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
residences that comprise a cottage house development do not qualify for the
exemption.
SECTION VII. Section 4-7-090 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as follows:
RMC 4-7-090 UNIT LOT SUBDIVISIONS:
A. PURPOSE:
This Section is intended to allow the creation of unit lots for townhouse
and cottage house development through established subdivision procedures
while generally only applying development standards to the parent site as a whole
rather than to individual unit lots, as discussed in subsection E of this Section,
Exceptions.
B. APPLICABILITY:
The provisions of this Section shall only apply to subdivisions OR ;e R-10,
R 14, nnaF -and- G-V zenes in the following cases:
1. New Townhouse Development: Subdivisions in the R-10, R-14, RMF,
and CV Zones intended for the purpose of new townhouse development.
2. Existing Townhouse Development: Subdivisions in the R-10, R-14, RMF,
and CV Zones when the existing townhouse developments have received a
Certificate of Occupancy before October 17, 2016.
3.. Cottage House Developments: Subdivisions in the R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10,
and R-14 Zones intended for the purpose of new single-family development,
including existing single-family dwellings when integrated into proposed cottage
house developments.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
C. PRINCIPLES OF ACCEPTABILITY:
1. Parent Site: The whole parent site shall comply with all development
standards as though it were a stand alone lot.
2. Access: The parent site shall have direct vehicular access to a public
street. Each unit lot shall have direct vehicular access to either a public or private
roadway (see RMC 4-6-060 K, Unit Lot Drives).
3. Physical Characteristics: A proposed subdivision may be denied
because of the presence of flood, inundation, wetland conditions, steep slopes,
unstable soils, mineshafts, or other unsuitable site characteristics. Construction of
protective improvements may be required as a condition of approval, and such
improvements shall be noted on the final plat.
4. Drainage: Make adequate provision for drainage ways, streets, alleys,
other public ways, water supplies and sanitary wastes.
D. SCOPE AND PROCESS:
1. Short Subdivision: Unit lot subdivisions of nine (9) or fewer unit lots shall
be processed as short subdivisions, and subject to all provisions of RMC 4-7-070,
Detailed Procedures for Short Subdivisions, unless otherwise specified by this
Section.
2. Subdivision: Unit lot subdivisions of ten (10) or more unit lots shall be
processed as subdivisions, and subject to all provisions of RMC 4-7-080, Detailed
Procedures for Subdivision, unless otherwise specified by this Section.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
3. Site Plan Review: Unit lot subdivisions shall be subject to RMC 4-9-200,
Master Plan and Site Plan Review; however, RMC 4-9-200.C.2.b, SEPA Exempt
Development, shall not apply.
E. EXCEPTIONS:
1. Residential Development Standards: Individual unit lots created for
townhouses and cottage house developments are exempt from the following
standards of RMC 4-2-110.A, Development Standards for Residential Zoning
Designations (Primary and Attached Accessory Structures): maximum net density,
minimum lot size, minimum lot width, minimum lot depth, yard setbacks,
maximum building coverage, and maximum impervious surface area.
Individual unit lots created for cottage house development are subject to
the provisions of RMC 4-2-110.G, Development Standards for Residential
Development (Cottage House Development).
2. Landscaping:
a. Townhouse Development: Individual unit lots are exempt from the
following subsections of Section 4-4-070, Landscaping:
i_a- RMC 4-4-070.F.1, Street Frontage Landscaping Required;
ii.b-. RMC 4-4-070.F.2, Street Trees and Landscaping Required
Within the Right -of -Way on Public Streets; and
iii.E RMC 4-4-070_F.3, Front Yard Trees Required When Street Trees
Are Not Located Within the Right -of -Way Abutting a Front Yard.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
b. Cottage House Development: Individual unit lots are exempt from
the RMC 4-4-070.F.3, Front Yard Trees Required When Street Trees Are Not
Located Within the Right -of -Way Abutting a Front Yard.
3. Parking:
a. Townhouse Development: The number of parking spaces required
for attached dwellings pursuant to RMC 4-4-080 F.10.d, Parking Spaces Required
Based on Land Use, may be averaged and dispersed among unit lots or within the
parent site; however, at least one parking space shall be provided within
each unit lot.
b. Cottage House Development: The number of parking spaces
required for cottage house development pursuant to RMC 4-4-080.F.10.d, Parking
Spaces Required Based on Land Use, may be averaged and dispersed within the
parent site, provided that at least one parking space is provided for each unit lot.
4. Access:
a. Townhouse Development: Primary access for individual unit lots
may be from a public alley.
b. Cottage House Development: Vehicle access is only required for the
site and not individual unit lots
S. Existing Nonconforming use Developments: Legally
established existing townhouse and single-family housing intended for cottage
house developments that are nonconforming with respect to development
standards (e.g., maximum net density) shall be considered conforming for the
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
purpose of this Section and may be subdivided pursuant to this Section; provided,
that as conditions of a unit lot subdivision approval the City may require that any
nonconforming development standard be brought into compliance to the extent
feasible, as determined by the Administrator.
F. UNIT LOT SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Unit Lots: Parent sites developed or proposed to be developed with
attached townhouse dwellings or cottage houses may be subdivided into unit lots
and the remainder of the parent site shall be platted as one or more tracts. The
whole parent site shall meet applicable development standards. Any private open
space or private amenities for a dwelling unit shall be provided on the
same unit lot as the dwelling unit.
2. Siting of Unit Lots: Unit lot subdivisions that propose to incorporate
one or more unit lot drives (refer to RMC 4-6-060K, Unit Lot Drives) shall
site unit lots as follows:
a. For unit lot drives serving six (6) unit lots or less: At least
one unit lot shall be situated towards a public street with nothing other than open
space between the public right-of-way and the unit lot.
b. For unit lot drives serving seven (7) unit lots or more: At least two
(2) unit lots shall be situated towards a public street with nothing other than open
space between the public right-of-way and the unit lots.
3. Parent Site: Prior to a unit lot subdivision or any subsequent platting
actions, additions or modifications to the structure(s), the applicant shall
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
demonstrate that the whole parent site will comply with applicable standards and
requirements of this Title (i.e., the parent site shall be reviewed as though it is a
single lot without any unit lots or tracts within). For example, building coverage of
the parent site shall include all qualifying structures within the development,
including those located or proposed to be located upon individual unit lots.
Portions of the parent site not subdivided for individual unit lots shall be platted
as a tract and owned in common by the owners of the individual unit lots, or by a
homeowners' association comprised of the owners of the individual unit lots.
4. Density: The density of the parent site shall not exceed the maximum
net density of the zone. Only one dwelling unit shall be located on a unit lot.
S. Design and Open Space Standards:
a. Townhouse Development: RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and
Open Space Standards, as applied to the R-10 and R-14 zones shall apply to unit
lot subdivisions within the RMF and CV zones. Unit lot subdivisions within the RMF
and CV zones shall be exempt from RMC 4-3-100, Urban Design Regulations.
b. Cottage House Development: See RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design
and Open Space Standards.
6. Homeowners' Association and Covenants:
a. Covenants and Homeowners' Association: Prior to the recording of
the plat, the applicant shall provide final covenants, declarations and restrictions
in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney, and shall record the document with the
King County Recorder.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
b. Maintenance of Common Facilities: All common open space and
facilities, private utility infrastructure, exterior building facades and roofs, and
other physical improvements to the land, as determined by the Administrator,
shall be maintained in perpetuity by the homeowners' association, unless
otherwise agreed to by the City. The 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. In order to ensure that the City can
recover its costs for performing required maintenance, the City may file a lien
against the property or accept other appropriate security approved by the City.
7. Timing: Site development and building construction may commence
upon approval of a site plan and issuance of a building permit(s) for such
construction and prior to final subdivision approval and recording if all applicable
permits and approvals have been obtained by the applicant. However, no dwelling
unit or unit lot may be sold, transferred, occupied or conveyed prior to final
subdivision approval and recording.
8. Recorded Plat: Notes shall be placed on the plat recorded with the King
County Recorder to acknowledge the following:
a. The title of the plat shall include the phrase "Unit Lot Subdivision";
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
b. Subsequent platting actions, additions or modifications to the
structure(s) may not create or increase any nonconformity of the parent site as a
whole; and
c. The individual unit lots are not separate building sites and additional
development of the individual unit lots may be limited as a result of the application
of development standards to the parent site.
SECTION Vill. Subsections 4-9-065.A and 4-9-065.6 of the Renton Municipal Code are
amended as shown below. All other provisions in 4-9-065 remain in effect and unchanged, except
as provided in SECTION IX of this ordinance.
A. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Section is to offer increased residential density for
developments that construct affordable dwelling units, of assisted living facilities,
or cottage housing. Density bonuses are offered to meet the intent of the
Comprehensive Plan policies, including but not limited to goals and policies of the
land use element, and housing and human services element, as well as the
purpose and intent of the zoning districts. It is expected that all density bonuses
will be achieved with no variances.
B. APPLICABILITY:
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
Density bonuses shall be considered when any of the following are proposed:
1. Bonus market -rate dwelling units in exchange for the construction of
affordable dwelline units.
2. Assisted living facilities where the use is allowed pursuant to chapter 4-2
FITXN
3. Cottage house developments.
SECTION IX. Subsection 4-9-065.1) of the Renton Municipal Code is amended to add a
new subsection 4-9-065.D.3 to read as shown below. Further, the currently codified subsection
4-9-065.D.3 shall be renumbered to 4-9-065.D.4 and amended as shown below. All other
provisions in 4-9-065.1) remain in effect and unchanged.
3. Cottage House Developments: Bonus market -rate dwellings may be
granted at a rate of two and one-half (2.5) times the maximum density that could
be achieved in a standard subdivision based on the development standards of the
underlying residential zone. The applicant shall submit a pro forma subdivision
plan for the proposed property showing the number of conventional lots that
would be permitted by the underlying zone. This pro forma subdivision plan will
be used to determine the maximum number unit lots allowed, by multiplying the
number of lots in the pro forma subdivision plan by two and one-half (2.5).
3r 4. Maximum Bonus Units: The following table provides the maximum
density that may be granted in applicable zones for conformance with either the
affordable housing of assisted living facility, or cottage housing provisions:
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
a. Affordable Housing
Subject Zones
Maximum Density
CD, UC, CV, CO, COR, R-
14, and RMF
30% above maximum density
or density allowed via
conditional use permit
b. Assisted Living Facilities
Subject Zones
Maximum Density
RMF, CV, CD, CO, COR,
and UC
50% above maximum density
R-1, R-10, and R-14
Up to 18 dwelling units per net
acre
c. Cottage House Developments
Cottage House Developments may be granted a bonus
density of 2.5 the number of lots identified in the pro
forma subdivision plan for the following zoning districts:
R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14.
SECTION X. Subsections 4-9-200.6 and 4-9-200.1) of the Renton Municipal Code are
amended as shown below. All other provisions in 4-9-200 remain in effect and unchanged.
B. APPLICABILITY AND AUTHORITY:
1. Master Plan Review: Master plan review is required for CA zoned sites
two and one-half (2.5) acres or greater in area upon which residential mixed -use
development is proposed, and master plan review is required for all phased
development projects regardless of zone. When existing parcels are twenty-five
(25) acres or smaller, a master plan incorporating all abutting lots in common
ownership as of December 1, 2003, is required.
2. Site Plan Review:
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
a. When Required: Site plan review is required for all development in
the IL, CO, CN, CD, CA, CV, COR, UC-1, UC-2, R-10, RMH, RM, and R-14 Zones, all
development within the Employment Area (EA) designation, and for the following
types of development, regardless of zone:
i. K-12 educational institutions.
ii. Parks.
iii. Outdoor recreation facilities.
iv. Rental services with outdoor storage.
v. Hazardous Waste Facilities: All hazardous waste treatment and
storage facilities.
facilities
vi. Medical institutions, assisted living, and convalescent care
vii. Cottage house developments.
b. Optional: When specifically authorized by the development
standards, site plan review may be used as a means to propose modifications to
development standards for developments otherwise exempt from site plan
review.
3. Authority: The Community and Economic Development Administrator
shall have the authority to approve, approve with conditions, or deny proposals
based on this Section when no other permit or approval requires Hearing
Examiner review.
D. CRITERIA TO DETERMINE IF PUBLIC HEARING IS REQUIRED:
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
A public hearing before the Hearing Examiner shall be required in the following
cases:
1. All master plans except those covered by a planned action ordinance
that included a public hearing that was determined by the Community and
Economic Development Administrator to have provided the public and decision -
makers with sufficient detail regarding the project's scale, design, bulk and uses.
Where a master plan is approved, subsequent site plans submitted for future
phases may be submitted and approved administratively without a public hearing.
2. Site Plan Review:
a. Significant Environmental Concerns Remain: The Environmental
Review Committee determines, based on departmental comments or public input,
that there are significant unresolved concerns raised by the proposal; or
b. Large Project Scale: The proposed project is more than:
i. One hundred (100) attached residential units;
ii. One hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of gross floor area
(nonresidential) in the IL or CO Zones or other zones in the Employment Area (EA)
land use designation;
iii. Twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet of gross floor area
(nonresidential) in the CN, CD, CA, CV, or CO Zones outside the Employment Area
(EA) land use designation;
iv. Four (4) stories or sixty feet (60') in height;
v. Three hundred (300) parking stalls; or
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
vi. Ten (10) acres in size of project area.
c. All commercial or industrial projects adjacent to or abutting
residentially zoned property, unless the Administrator determines that the
presence of critical areas or other limiting factors on the residential property make
development unlikely or unfeasible.
SECTION XI. Section 4-11-030 of the Renton Municipal Code is
amended to add a definition of "Cottage House Development," in alphabetical
order, to read as shown below. All other definitions in 4-11-030 remain in effect
and unchanged.
COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT: A unit -lot subdivision consisting of at least
thr_e_e_(3) unit lots containing small scale (no more than 1,500 gross square foot)
detached, single-family dwelling units clustered around a shared common open
space.
SECTION XII. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or work of this
ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court or competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the constitutionality of any other
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance.
SECTION XIII. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect five (5) days after publication
of a summary of this ordinance in the City's official newspaper. The summary shall consist of this
ordinance's title.
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ORDINANCE NO. 6042
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 13th day of December, 2021.
Jason,A. Seth,
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 131h day of December, 2021.
Approved as to form:
Shane Moloney, City Attorney
Date of Publication: 12/16/2021 (Summary)
ORD:2181:11/5/21
Clerk
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