HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Regulations (1972) CITY OF RENTON
Building
Regulations
CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES
TITLE IV, CHAPTER 1 thru 18 , ORDINANCE 1628
of the
CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
• OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
•
TITLE IV
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Chapter Subject
1 Building Code
2 Plumbing Code
3 Electrical Code
4 Private Swimming Pools
5 Connections to Water Mains
Required When Streets are to be
Permanently Paved
6 (Rep. Ord. 2383; 1-15-68) Gas Piping and/or Gas Appliances
7 Zoning
8 Construction Without Permit
9 Uniform Housing Code
10 Fallout Shelters
11 (Rep. Ord. 2504; 9-23-69) Uniform Sign Code
12 (Rep. Ord. 2504; 9-23-69) Signs; Billboards; Projecting Structures
13 (Rep. Ord. 2383; 1-15-68) Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration
14 Comprehensive Plan
15 Community Facilities Plan
16 Arterials and Street Plan
17 Uniform Mechanical Code
18 Underground Installation; Electrical
Communication Facilities
19 Sign Code
20 Mobile Home Parks
21 Dangerous Building Code
22 Parking and Loading
•
4-101 4-102
CHAPTER 1
BUILDING CODE
SECTION:
4- 101: Adoption
4-102: Amendments
4- 103: Reference
4-104: Liability
4-105: Definition
4-101: ADOPTION: Said "Uniform Building Code, Volume I, 1970
Edition" together with "Uniform Building Standards for Volume
I, 1970 Edition", as issued by the International Conference of Building
Officials, of which not less than three (3) printed copies in book form have
heretofore been filed and are now on file in the office of the City Clerk and
made available for examination by the public, is hereby adopted as the
"UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, VOLUME I, 1970 EDITION" together with
"UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARDS FOR VOLUME I, 1970 EDITION"
which Code may be hereafter designated as the "CITY OF RENTON UNI-
FORM BUILDING CODE, 1970 EDITION".
Any and all amendments, additions or modifications to said Code, when
printed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Renton by authorization
of the City Council from time to time, shall be considered and accepted and
constitute a part of such Code without the necessity of further adoption of
such amendments, modifications or additions by the Legislative authority
of the City of Renton, or by Ordinance.
4-102: AMENDMENTS:
Section 302(a) of the "City of Renton Uniform Building Code, 1970 Edition"
is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 302(a) as amended:
The application, plans and specifications filed by an applicant for a
permit shall be checked by the Building Official. Such plans may be
reviewed by other departments of the City to check compliance with the
laws and ordinances under their jurisdictions. If the Building Official
is satisfied that the work described in an application for permit and
462; 1063;864;865; 167;867;268; 1 171
4-102 4-102
plans filed therewith conform to the requirements of this Code and
other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fee specified in
Section 303(a) has been paid, he shall issue a permit therefor to the
applicant.
When the Building Official issues the permit, he shall endorse in
writing or stamp on both sets of plans and specifications "APPROVED".
Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified
or altered without authorization from the Building Official, and all
work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans.
The Building Official may issue a permit for the construction of part
of a building or structure before the entire plans and specifications
for the whole building or structure have been submitted or approved
provided adequate information and detailed statements have been
filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this Code. The
holder of such permit shall proceed at his own risk without assurance
that the permit for the entire building or structure will be granted.
Whenever a building permit is applied for under the provisions of this
Code for new construction of a multiple dwelling, consisting of two (2)
or more units, public assembly, commercial or industrial structure,
or alteration of an existing structure of said type, in excess of ten
thousand dollars ($10,000.00), then the person applying for such
building permit shall simultaneously forthwith also make application
for a permit, as an integral part of such new construction or the alter-
ation thereof, for the building and installation of certain off-site im-
provements consisting of sidewalks, curbs, gutters and street paving as
necessary on all sides of such property to be improved upon, that may
adjoining a public street; said sidewalks, curbs, gutters and street paving
shall extend the full distance that such property to be improved upon is
sought to be occupied as a building site or parking area for the afore-
said building purposes and which may adjoin property dedicated as a
public street.
All such sidewalks required to be constructed under the provisions of
this Section shall be of a minimum eight feet (8') in width and shall be
constructed of Portland Cement concrete; sidewalks, curbs, gutters and
street paving shall otherwise conform to Standard Specifications for
Municipal Public Works Construction, commonly known as APWA Stan-
dards. Street widths and standards of construction shall be specified
by the City Engineer or his duly authorized representative. All plans
and specifications for such improvements to be submitted at time such
application for a permit is made.
All permits required for the construction of sidewalks, curbs, gutters
and street paving shall be applied for and obtained in the same manner,
fees and conditions as specified in Chapter 8, Title IX (Public Ways
and Property) of Ordinance No. 1628 entitled "Code of General Ordi-
nances of the City of Renton", relating to excavating or disturbing
streets, alleys, pavement or improvements.
462;1063;864;865; 167;867;268; 1171
4-102 4-105
The Board of Public Works may waive the requirements for these
off-site improvements in those areas where total compliance with the
terms of this requirement would not be in harmony with the City's
six-year street improvement program, or wherever said construction,
addition or alteration is located in an isolated area or where the ad-
joining or abutting street is unimproved or substandard. The Board
may require the posting of bond in sufficient amount to insure the com-
pletion of these improvements should the Board grant a delay in their
installation.
4-103: REFERENCE: By the reference thereto made hereinabove,
said `Uniform Building Code, Volume I, 1970 Edition"together
with "Uniform Building Standards for Volume I, 1970 Edition" together with
any and all amendments, modifications or additions thereto, hereafter
printed or filed with the City Clerk as hereinabove specified are incorpor-
ated in and made a part of this Code as amended, as fully and with the same
effect as if set out in full, or as if adopted by subsequent Ordinance amend-
atory hereof.
4-104: LIABILITY: This Ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, building,
altering, constructing or moving any building or structure as defined in the
aforesaid Code; nor shall the City of Renton or any agent thereof be held
as assuming such liability by reason of inspection authorized herein or a
Certificate of Inspection issued by the City or any of its agencies.
4-105: DEFINITION: Whenever the term "Administrative Authority"
is used in this Code, it shall be construed to mean the Build-
ing Director of the City of Renton, or his duly authorized representative
or agent.
One copy of said Code shall be duly authenticated and recorded by the City
Clerk along with the adopting Ordinance. (Ord. 2672; 11-1-71)
462; 1063;864;865;867;167;268;1 171
4-201 4-203
CHAPTER 2
PLUMBING CODE
SECTION:
4-201: Adoption
4-202: Liability
4-203: Definition
4-204: Reference
4-201: ADOPTION: The said "UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE" as
issued by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechan-
ical Officials, 1970 Edition, of which not less than three (3) printed copies
in book form have heretofore been and are now on file in the Office of the
City Clerk and have been made available for examination by the public,
is hereby adopted and established as the "UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE,
1970 EDITION" for the City of Renton which Code may be hereafter desig-
nated as "CITY UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, 1970 EDITION"; except,
however, that Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of Part 1 (Administration) (page 1a)
and all of part 2 consisting of pages 9a to 11a inclusive are hereby deleted
and excluded from such adoption.
Any and all amendments, additions or modifications thereto, when printed
and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Renton by authorization of the
City Council from time to time shall be considered and accepted and con-
stitute a part of such Code, as amended, without the necessity of further
adoption of such amendments, modifications or additions by the Legislative
authority of the City of Renton, or by Ordinance.
4-202: LIABILITY: This Ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, building,
altering, constructing or moving any building or structure as defined in the
aforesaid Code; nor shall the City of Renton or any agent thereof be held
as assuming such liability by reason of inspection authorized herein or a
Certificate of Inspection issued by the City or any of its agencies.
4-203: DEFINITION: Whenever the term "Administrative Authority"
is used in this Code, it shall be construed to mean the Building
Director of the City of Renton, or his duly authorized representative or
agent.
865; 1171
4-204 4-204
4-204: REFERENCE: By the reference thereto made here inabove, said
"UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE, 1970 EDITION" together with
any and all amendments, modifications or additions thereto hereafter printed
or filed with the City Clerk as hereinabove specified, and as above amended,
are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Ordinance as fully and
with the same effect as if set out herein in full, or as if adopted by sub-
sequent ordinances amendatory hereof.
One copy of said Code shall be duly authenticated and recorded by the City
Clerk along with the adopting Ordinance. (Ord. 2674; 11-1-71)
865; 1171
4-301 4-304
CHAPTER 3
ELECTRICAL CODE
SECTION:
4-301: Adoption
4-302: Reference
4-303: Responsibility; City Not Liable
4-304: Additions And Amendments
4-305: Fees
4-301: ADOPTION: That said"National Electrical Code, 1965 Edition"
issued by the National Fire Protection Association, of which
not less than three (3) printed copies in book form have heretofore been
filed in the office of the City Clerk and made available for examination by
the public, is hereby adopted as the "NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1965
EDITION" for the City of Renton, which CODE mar be hereafter designated
as "CITY OF RENTON ELECTRICAL CODE, 1965 ;and any and all amend-
ments, additions or modifications theretowhenprintedandfiled with the City
Clerk of the City of Renton by authorization of the City Council from time to
time shall be considered and accepted and constitute a part of such CODE
without the necessity of further adoption of such amendments, modifications
or additions by the legislative authority of the City of Renton or by Ordinance.
4-302: REFERENCE: By the reference thereto made hereinabove, said
"NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1965 EDITION" , together
with any and all amendments, modifications or additions thereto hereafter
printed and filed with the City Clerk as hereinabove specified, are incor-
porated in and made a part of this Chapter as fully and with the same effect
as if set out herein in full,or as if adopted by subsequent amendments amen-
datory hereof.
4-303: RESPONSIBILITY; CITY NOT LIABLE: This Chapter shall
not be construed to relieve from or lesson the responsibility
of any person owning, building, altering, constructing or moving any build-
ing or structure as defined in the aforesaid CODE; nor shall the City of
Renton or any of its agents thereof be held as assuming such liability by
reason of inspection authorized herein or a Certificate of Occupancy issued
by the City or any of its agents.
4-304: ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS: The following are additions
and amendments to the "National Electrical Code, 1965
Edition":
Definitions. Words and phrases used herein shal I have the fol lowing meanings:
a. Assembly Occupancy: means the occupancy use of a building, or struc-
ture or any portion thereof byagatheringof persons for civic, political,
166
4-304 4-304
travel, religious, social or recreational purposes; including among
others, armories, theatres, motion pictures, assembly halls, dance
halls, museums, bowling alleys, exhibition, night clubs,chapel rooms,
pool rooms, churches, gymnasiums, restaurants, club rooms, lodge
rooms, skating rinks.
b. Educational Occupancy: means the occupancy or use of a building or
structure or any portion thereof by persons assembled for the purpose
of learning or of receiving educational instruction including among
others, academies, libraries, colleges, schools, universities.
c. Institutional Occupancy: means the occupancy use of a building or
structure or any portion thereof by persons harbored or detained to
receive medical, charitable or other care or treatment, or by persons
involuntarily detained: including among others, asylums, nurseries,
hospitals, nursing homes, infirmaries,orphanages, reformatories, sana-
toriums, pepal institutions.
d. Commercial Occupancy: means the occupancy or use of a building or
structure or oily portion thereof for the displaying, selling, or buying
of goods, wares, merchandise or for the transaction of business or
rendering as receiving of professional services; except when classed
as a hazardous occupancy: including among others, department stores,
barber shops, markets, banks, motor vehicles, service garages, stores,
supermarkets, beauty parlors.
e. Industrial Occupancy: means the occupancy or use of a building or
structure or any portion thereof for assembling, fabricating, finish-
ing, manufacturing, packaging or processing operations. Except when
classed as a hazardous occupancy: including among others creameries,
manufacturing,factories, plants, ice plants, smoke houses, repair gar-
ages, power plants, laundries, processing plants, pumping stations and
work shops.
f. Public, private and other premises such as all assembly, educational,
institutional, commercial and industrial buildings shall be wired in
Rigid Pipe, EMT, Flex Underfloor Raceway and Surface Metal Raceway.
All buildings in Fire Zone I shall be wired in rigid pipe, EMT, Flex-
underfloor raceway.
All apartments over one story shall be wired with rigid pipe or EMT
or Flex.
Single family residence may be wired with concealed non-metalic
sheathed cable.
Re: ARTICLE 348 - ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING:
Subsection 348-1: Installation of electrical metallic tubing shall comply
with the provisions of Section 300.1 to 302.0,inclucive, and in addition
shall comply with the provisions of Section 348.2 to 349.1.
166
4-304 4-305
Re: ARTICLE 350 - FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT:
Subsection 350-1: Installation of flexible metal conduit shallcomply
with the provisions of Section 300.1 to 302.0inclusive, Section 334.4
334.4 and 334.8, and/or Sections 346.5 and 346.8 inclusive, and in
addition shall comply with the provisions of Sections 350.2, 350.3 and
350.4.
Re: ARTICLE 352 - SURFACE METAL RACEWAYS:
Subsection 352.1: Installation of surface metal raceways shall comply
with the provisions of Section 300.1 to 302.0 inclusive, and in addition
shall comply with the provisions of Sections 352.2 to 352.8, inclusive.
4-305: FEES: There are hereby established the following permit fees
under the "National Electrical Code, 1965 Edition", to-wit:
(A) Electrical Permit Fees:
1. The minimun fee for any electrical permit shall be two dollars
($2.00) when cost of item or equipment is fifty dollars ($50.00) or
less.
2. Where cost is over fifty dollars ($50.00) but less than two hundred
and fifty dollars ($250.00), the fee shall be ten dollars ($10.00).
3. Where cost is over two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) but less
than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), the fee shall be five dollars
($5.00) plus two per cent (2%) of the electrical bid or cost.
4. Where cost exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) but not over
five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the fee shall be fifteen dollars
($15.00) plus one per cent (1%) of the electrical bid or cost.
5. Where cost exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the fee shall
be forty dollars ($40.00) plus one-half of one per cent (1/2 of 1%)
of the electrical bid or cost.
(B) Time and Material Jobs: When the cost of a job is not known at the time
plans and/or specifications are submitted for checking, at least ten
dollars ($10.00) of the permit fee shall be paid. Balance of the permit
fee shall be due when the work is completed and the cost of the job has
been ascertained. When the duration of the electrical work is more than
one (1) year the permit fee shall be paid on that portion of the work which
has been completed each year.
(C) Temporary Wiring: The permit fee fora temporary electrical installa-
tion, which is one that is to remain in place for a period not exceeding
thirty (30) days, shall be one-half (1/2) the amount fixed by the Elec-
trical Permit Fee for an installation which is not herein classed as
temporary, except that in no case shall such fee be less than the mini-
mum established by this Chapter.
166
4-305 4-305
(D) Lighting Fixtures and Receptacles: To install fixtures, sockets or recep-
tacles except those for equipment specified, the permit fee per socket
or receptacles shall be ten cents (10c) each.
(E) Amperes: Where a service is provided to a service switch or panel-
board, or where feeders only are installed, the fee shall be based upon
their current carrying capacities as prescribed in the "Renton Elec-
trical Code" for their respective insulations in accordance with the
following schedule:
Not exceeding 100 Amperes $2.00
Not exceeding 200 Amperes $3.00
Not exceeding 400 Amperes $4.00
Not exceeding 600 Amperes $5.00
Not exceeding 1000 Amperes $6.00
Not exceeding 1500 Amperes $7.00
Exceeding 1500 Amperes $8.00
Each service or feeder shall be figured separately. When loads are
subsequently added to these feeders, the fee per circuit as elsewhere
specified shall be charged. (Ord. 2208; 1-17-66)
CHAPTER 4
PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS
SECTION:
4-401: Definitions
4-402: Permit Required
4-403: Application for Permit
4-404: Fences
4-405: Electric Service Conductors
4-406: Electrical Outlets
4-407: Yards and Setbacks
4-408: Underwater Lights
4-409: Grounding Precautions
4-410: Supervision
4-411: Water Circulating System
4-412: Inspections
4-413: Lights
4-401: DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Chapter, certain terms are
herewith defined:
(A) The term "swimming pool" shall mean any structure or container, either above
or below grade, located either in part or wholly outside of permanently enclosed and roofed
building, designed to hold water to a depth of greater than two feet (2') when filled to
capacity, intended for immersion of the human body, whether for swimming or wading or
both.
(B) The term "private" shall mean that it is not open to the public, that it is not
publicly owned, or not otherwise regulated by the State of Washington, either by statute,
or by rules or regulations of one of its administrative bodies.
(C) The term "person" shall include all individuals, groups of individuals, co-
partnerships, associations, firms or corporations. The singular shall include the plural and
the masculine the feminine.
4-402. PERMIT REQUIRED: It shall be unlawful for any person to construct
or maintain an outdoor swimming pool without first making applicatior
to the City Engineering Department and obtaining a permit therefor.
4-403: APPLICATION FOR PERMIT: Application for such permit shall show
the name of the owner, the location of the proposed swimming pool,
the safety precautions to be made to protect those making use thereof, information showing
the size, depth and capacity of such swimming pool, together with a complete and detailed
set of plans and specifications of said swimming pool, and such other information as may
reasonably be necessary for the protection of public health and safety as may be required
939
by the City Engineering Department. There shall also be filed with the City Engineering
Department a plot plan of the property which shall also remain on deposit with the City
showing the location of such swimming pool thereon, together with full information as to
the type, height and location of the fence surrounding said swimming pool and the number
of gates. All applications for a permit shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as
established by the "Uniform Building Code of the City of Renton."
4-404: FENCES: For the protection of the citizens and general public, all
swimming pools permanently constructed shall be completely enclosed
by a substantial wall or fence of not less than four Feet (4') in height. Any wall or fence
shall be so constructed so as not to have openings, holes or gaps larger than two inches
(2") in any dimension, except for doors and gates.
If a picket fence is erected the horizontal dimensions between pickets shall not
exceed two inches (2"), and all openings in such wall fence shall be equipped with gates
having a self-latching, self-closing device with the latch on the inside of the gate not
readily accessible for children to operate, and such gate shall be securely locked when the
swimming pool is unattended or uncovered; provided however, if the premises of the resi-
dence in which said pool is located is enclosed, then this provision may be waived by the
City Engineering Department upon inspection and approval of the residence enclosure;
provided further that swimming pools already constructed and in operation shall comply
with this Section within ninety (90) days after the adoption of this Chapter.
The City Engineering Department may make modification in individual cases upon
showing of good cause, with respect to the height, nature or location of the fence, wall,
gates or latches or the necessity therefor provided the protection as sought hereunder is not
reduced thereby. The City Engineering Department may permit other protective devices
or structures to be used as long as the degree of the protection afforded by substitute devices
or structure is not less than the protection afforded by the wall, fence, gate and latch de-
scribed herein.
4-405: ELECTRIC SERVICE CONDUCTORS: No electric service conductors
or other overhead wires shall be located above any pool, and any
existing conductors shall be rerouted, if interference is unavoidable, either overhead, to
avoid confliction, or installed underground.
4-406: ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Any electrical outlets or appliances or de-
vices shall be waterproof and grounded in accordance with the pre-
vailing Electrical Code of the City of Renton, if installed or used within eight feet (8') of
the perimeter of the pool.
4-407: YARDS AND SETBACKS: All private swimming pools shall be con-
structed or placed so as to have a side yard of not less than six feet
(6') in width on each side, a rear yard of not less than six feet (6') in width and a front set-
back of not less than thirty feet (30') .
959
4-408: UNDERWATER LIGHTS: All underwater lights must be water tight,
self-containing units with their own "ground" connection running
from a water proof junction box to a proper grounding facility or medium. All underground
electric wires supplying current to said light or lights, within a distance of five feet (5') of
the pool wall or walls, must be enclosed in rigid conduits.
4-409: GROUNDING PRECAUTIONS: All metal fences, enclosures or rail-
ings near or adjacent to private residential swimming pools which might
become electrically alive as a result of contact with broken overhead conductors, or from any
other cause or source, shall be effectively grounded.
4-410: SUPERVISION: No person shall maintain an outdoor swimming pool
on his premises without providing adequate supervision at all times
when the swimming pool is in use so that no person may be injured or drowned therein.
4-411: WATER CIRCULATING SYSTEM: All privately owned swimming
pools shall be equipped with the water circulating system powered
by a motor driven pump to circulate completely the water within such pool every twenty-
four (24) hours. The Health Officer of the City may approve other rates or re-circulation
or rates of application of water on the filters. Provisions shall be made for positive ger-
midical or bacterial control by the use of chlorine, bromine or other such disinfecting
agents as may be approved by the City Health Officer. Any such disinfecting agent shall
be applied to the pool water at a uniform rate.
4-412: INSPECTIONS: The City Health Officer and/or a duly authorized
representative of the City Engineering Department shall have the
right at any reasonable hour to inspect any private swimming for the purpose of determining
that all provisions of this Chapter are fulfilled and complied with.
4-413: LIGHTS: Lights used to illuminate any swimming pool or family pools
shall be so arranged and shaded so as to deflect light away from any
adjoining premises. It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be
made or continued at any swimming pool, any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise, or any
noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or
safety of others. In the operation of a private swimming pool, the use or permitting the use
or operation of any radio, receiving set, musical instrument, or phonograph or other machine
or device for the producing or re-producing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace,
quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is
necessary for the convenient hearing of the person or persons in the swimming pool premises
shall be unlawful. (Ord. 1786; 9-1-59)
9;9
CHAPTER 5
CONNECTIONS TO WATER MAINS REQUIRED WHEN STREETS ARE
TO BE PERMANENTLY PAVED
SECTION:
4-501: Duty of Owner
4-502: Duty of Designated Official: Notice
4-503: Failure to Comply
4-501: DUTY OF OWNER: That whenever any public street or avenue
Is about to be improved by the laying of a permanent pavement
thereon, it shall be the duty of each and every owner of real property fronting or abut-
ting thereon, to cause his property to be connected with water mains located in the
street in front thereof, at least one water connection for each lot fronting or abutting
upon said street. The connection shall be galvanized iron pipe of such size as shall
be designated by the proper official, the connection to be brought to the property line
in front of each lot afronting on such street.
4-502: DUTY OF DESIGNATED OFFICIAL: NOTICE: Whenever the
City is about to improve any street with a permanent paving, it
shall be the duty of the designated official to report to the Engineer the lot and block
number of each lot or parcel of real estate abutting on such street to be paved and the
name of the owner or agent thereof, together with the post office address of such person,
which is not suitably connected to the water main as herein provided within ten (10) days
of service of notice. Such notice to specify the kind and size of pipe to be used.
4-503: FAILURE TO COMPLY: Whenever the owner or agent of any pro-
perty shall have been served with such notice and shall fail, refuse
or neglect to comply therewith, the City may make or cause to be made, the connection
and the Engineer shall in addition to the cost and expenses of the street improvement to be
assessed against the lot or lots of the owner so neglecting, add the cost of making the con-
nection which amount shall be the actual cost of making such connection. (Ord. No. 1090
12-5-1939)
CHAPTER 6
GAS PIPING AND/OR GAS APPLIANCES
•
II.
865;268 (Repealed by Ord. 2383; 1-15-68)
4-701 4-701
CHAPTER 7
ZONING
SECTION:
4-701: Zoning Map Adopted
4-702: Definitions
4-703: Classification for Use Districts
4-704: SR-1 Suburban Residence No. 1
4-705: SR-2 Suburban Residence No. 2
4-706: R-1 Residence Single Family
4-707: S-1 Suburban Residence District
4-708: R-2 Residence District
4-709: R-3 Residence District
4-710: P-1 Public District
4-711: B-1 Business District
4-712: L-1 Light Industry District
4-713: H-1 Heavy Industry District
4-714: T Trailer Parks
4-715: B-P Off-Street Parking
4-716: Primary State Highway Restrictions
4-717: Front, Side and Rear Yards
4-718: Parking and Loading Space Requirements (Rep. Ord. 2548)
4-719: Airport Zoning
4-720: Ownership Divided by a District Boundary Line
4-721: Courts
4-722: Administration and Enforcement; Interpretation and Applica-
tion
4-723: Boundaries and Districts
4-724: Enforcement
4-725: Amendments
4-726: Completion and Restoration of Existing Buildings
4-727: Certificate of Occupancy
4-728: Appeals
4-729: "G" General Classification District
4-730: M-P, Manufacturing Park District
4-731: Board of Adjustment
4-701: ZONING MAP ADOPTED: This Chapter shall be known as
the "Zoning Act of the City of Renton." This Act shall consist
of the text hereof as well as that certain map or book of maps identified by
the approving signature of the Mayor and Clerk on the title page and marked
and designated as "The Maps of the Zoning Act of the City of Renton," which
map or book is now on file in the office of the Clerk. Said book of maps
heretofore examined in detail by the Council and is hereby adopted as a part
of this Chapter. Said Act, and each and all of the terms, are to be read and
interpreted in the light of the contents of said book of maps. If any conflict
between the map or book of maps and the text of this Chapter is deemed
to arise, the text of the Act will prevail.
361; 1 165;566;370
4-702 4-702
4-702: DEFINITIONS: Words not defined herein shall be construed
as defined in the Building Codes of the City, if defined therein.
(1) "Accessory Use or Building": A subordinate use or building
customarily incident to the and located upon the same lot occupied by
the main use or building.
(2) "Alley": A vehicular right-of-way not over thirty feet (30') wide.
(3) "Apartment House": A building or portion thereof used or intended
to be used as the home of three (3) or more families or householders
living independently of each other.
(4) "Court": An open, unoccupied space other than a yard on the lot
on which a building is erected or situated. A court, one entire side or
end of which is bound by a front yard, a rear yard, or a side yard, or
by the front of a lot, by a street or public alley, is an "outer court".
Every court which is not an "outer court" is an "inner court".
(5) "Court Height": The court height shall be measured from the floor
level of the lowest story in the building on which there are windows
served by the said court, to the highest point of the enclosing walls
of the said court.
(6) "Established Grade": The curb line grade at the front lot line
as established by the Council.
(7) "Family": A number of related individuals or not more than four
(4) unrelated individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit
and doing their cooking on the premises.
(8) "Height of Building": The height ofabuilding is a vertical distance
at the center of a building's principal front measured from the level
of the first floor above grade to the highest point of the roof beams in
the case of flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard roofs, or to the center
height between eaves and ridges for gable, hip or gambrel roof. For
buildings set back from the street line, the height may be measured
from the average elevation of the finished grade, along the front of the
building. First floor above grade means the floor which is not more thor
four feet, six inches (4' 6") above grade. (Ord. No. 1472; 12-18-1953.
(9) "Lot": Land occupied or to be occupied by a building and its
accessory building, including such open spaces as are required under
this Chapter, and having frontage upon a street. The term "lot" or
"tract" as used in this Chapter shall have for building purposes the
necessary frontage on a public street as required herein; in case of
irregularly shaped "lots", the minimum lotwidth shall be measured and
computed at the front building line. (Ord. No. 1542; 4-17-1956)
(10) "Public Garage": Any premises used for the storage or housing of
more than three (3) towable or motor-driven vehicles, or where such
vehicles are repaired or kept for hire or sale.
1 165;566
4-702 4-702
(11) "Front Yard": An open , unoccupied space on the same lot with a
building, between the front line of the building (exclusive of steps) and the
front property line.
(12) "Front Property Line": The front property line shall be the front
line as shown upon the official plats of the property.
(13) "Multiple Unit Residences": A building arranged to be occupied by
more than one family living independently of each other and having separate
baths and kitchens.
(14) "Rear Yards": An open unoccupied space on the same lot with a
building between the rear line of the building(exclusive of steps, porches and
accessory building) and the rear line of the lot.
(15) "Side Yard": An open unoccupied space of the same lot with a build-
ing between the side wall line of the building and the side of the same lot.
(16) "Single-Family Dwelling": A building arranged or designed to be
occupied by not more than one family.
(17) "Story": That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no floor
above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.
(18) "Commission": Planning Commission of the City. Whenever the
term "this chapter" is used herein, it shall be deemed to include, where the
context permits, all amendments thereto as the same may hereafter from
time to time be adopted. (Ord. No. 1472 12-18-1953)
(19) "Building Line": The line between which the street line or lot line,
no building or other structure or portion thereof, except as provided in this
Code, may be erected above the grade level. The building line is considered
a vertical surface intersecting the ground on such line.
(20) "Airport": The Renton Municipal Airport.
(21) "Airport Hazard": Any structure or tree or use of land which ob-
structs the air space requiredfor the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off
at the airport or is otherwise hazardous to such landing or taking off of air-
craft.
(22) "Structure": Any object constructed or installed by man, including
but without limitation, buildings, towers, smokestacks, and overhead trans-
mission lines.
(23) "Landing Area": The area of the Airport used for the landing, take-
off or taxiing of aircraft.
(24) "Tree": Any object of natural growth.
(Ord. No. 1542 4-17-1956)
1165
4-703 4-706
4-703: CLASSIFICATION FOR USE DISTRICTS: The City is hereby
divided into the following types of use districts:
(1) SR-1 Suburban Residence No. 1; SR-1 is symbol on maps.
(2) SR-2 Suburban Residence No. 2; SR-2 is symbol on maps.
(3) R-1 Residence Single Family District; R-1 is symbol on maps.
(4) S-1 Suburban Residence District; S-1 is symbol on maps.
(5) R-2 Residence District; R-2 is symbol on maps.
(6) R-3 Residence District; R-3 is symbol on maps.
(7) R-4 Residence District; R-4 is symbol on maps.
(8) P-1 Public (Medical, Health, Fire and Education) District; P-1 is
symbol on maps.
(9) B-1 Business District; B-1 is symbol on maps.
(10) L-1 Light Industrial District; L-1 is symbol on maps.
(11) H-1 Heavy Industrial District; H- 1 is symbol on maps.
(12) T Trailer Parks; T is symbol on maps.
(13) B-P Business Parking (off-streetd parking) B-P is symbol on maps.
(Ord. 1542; 4-17-56)
(14) "G" General Classification District; "G" is symbol on maps.
(Ord. 1869; 2-7-61)
(15) M-P Manufacturing Park District; M-P is symbol on maps. (Ord.
2188; 10-25-65)
4-704: SR-1 SUBURBAN RESIDENCE NO. 1: In the SR-1 Suburban
Residence No. 1 District, all requirements and provisions
applicable to R-1 District shall apply, except that the building site area
required shall be as follows:
(1) Lot size: Seventy-five feet (75') in width at building line; eighty-
five feet (85') in width for corner lots.
(2) A minimum depth of eighty feet (80').
(3) A minimum lot area of seventy-five hundred square feet (7500 sq.ft.).
4-705: SR-2 SUBURBAN RESIDENCE NO. 2: In the SR-2 Suburban
Residence No. 2 District, all requirements and provisions appli-
cable to R-2 District shall apply, except that the building site area required
shall be as follows:
(1) Lot size: Seventy-five feet (75') in width at building line; eighty-
five feet (85') in width for corner lots.
(2) Minimum lot area of ten thousand square feet (10,000 sq.ft.).
(Urd. 1542; 4-17-56)
4-706: R-1 RESIDENCE SINGLE FAMILY: In the R-1 Residence
Single Family District, no building or premises shall be used
and no building shall be hereafter erected or structurally altered, unless
otherwise provided for in this Chapter, except for one (1) or more of the
following purposes or similar uses:
(1) One-family dwellings.
(2) Art galleries, libraries, museums. (Ord. 1683; 6-17-58)
(3) Quasi public institutions, churches, non-commercial playgrounds
and golf courses, non-public schools and colleges, upon approval by the
Planning Commission of the use, plans, design and determination that the
development is not detrimental to the adjacent surrounding properties and
the enjoyment thereof.
(4) Government owned structures and uses shall be governed by the
provisions of Section 4-710, (Ord. 2613; 1-18-71)
361; 1 165;2 71
4-706 4-706
(5) Accessory buildings such as are ordinarily appurtenant to single
family dwellings shall be permitted. Detached single car garages are
allowed within three feet (3') of side property lines by written consent
of adjoining property owners.
(a) The office of a physician, dentist, attorney, accountant,
or other similar professional person, when located in his orherdwell-
ing, also a home occupation not involving any machinery or motor in
excess of one horsepower, engaged in by individuals within their own
dwellings, are permitted provided that no window display is made or
signs shown other than one in compliance with the provisions of the
"Renton Sin Code", also known as Chapter 19 of Title IV (Building
Regulations) of Ordinance No. 1628.
(b) Signs are permitted only as specifically provided for in
the "Renton Sign Code", also known as Chapter 19 of Title IV (Building
Regulations) of Ordinance No. 1628. (Ord. 2505; 9-22-69)
(c) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to prohibit the
use of vacant property for gardening or fruit raising.
(d) No trailer shall be used as a place of habitation but shall
be stored only in an accessory or other building on the property.
(e) A commercial nursery or greenhouse maybe located within
this District for a period of not more than ten (10) years, by special
permit, issued by the Council, if approved by the City Planning Com-
mission after public hearing and an examination of the location with a
finding by the Planning Commission that such nursery or greenhouse
may be maintained for such period without undue detriment to adjacent
and surrounding property.
(f) Private garages in R-1 Residence District shall be limited
to ten per cent (10%) of the lot area, provided that nothing in this regu-
lation be construed to prevent the building of a private garage of not
more than two (2) car capacity, i.e. passenger or panel truck of less than
one (1) ton capacity, on any lot or plot of record at the time of passage
of this Code.
(g) There shall be a front yard for every family dwelling having
a minimum depth of twenty (20) feet.
There shall be a rear yard for every family dwelling having a minimum
depth of twenty-five (25) feet except on a lot which is a complete unit
held under separate and distinct ownership from the adjoining lots and
of record prior to the taking effect of this Code in which case the depth
of the rear yard may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet; if neces-
sary to such an extent only as will permit a building depth of thirty (30)
feet.
There shall be a side yard for every family dwelling of not less than
five (5) feet in width on each side of a one to one and one-half (1-1/2)
story building; of not less than six (6) feet for two to two and one-half
(2-1/2) story building and of not less than eight (8) feet for two and two
958;1069
4-706 4-707
and one-half to three story building, provided however, that on a lot
having a width of forty (40) feet or less as shown by the last conveyance
of record at the time of the passage of this Code, the side yard on each
side of a one story building shall be not less than three (3) feet in width
(side of building means outer face of any part of building nearest to side
line, not including roof eaves) and the side yard along a flanking side
street shall not be less than ten (10) feet in width.
Single car garages may be allowed on lots of fifty (50) feet or less in
width within three (3) feet of side property lines with written consent
of the adjoining property owners. (Ord. 1683; 6-17-58)
(h) Site Areas: Every building hereafter erected or struc-
turally altered which is located in an R-1 Residence District shall
provide a lot of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet with a
minimum width of fifty (50) feet for a single family dwelling, provided
however, that where a lot has less area than herein required, this regu-
lation shall not prohibit one (1)private dwelling and its accessory build-
ings on such lot. In any event sixty-five per cent (65%) of the area of
all sites must be left vacant and free from structures.
(i) No building shall exceed a height of thirty-five (35) feet,
nor more than two (2) stories, whichever is less.
4-707: 5-1 SUBURBAN RESIDENCE DISTRICT: In the S-1 Suburban
Residence District, no building or premises shall be used and
no building shal I be hereafter erected or structurally altered unless otherwise
provided in this Chapter, except for one or more of the following or similar
uses:
(1) Any use permitted in the R-1 Residence Single Family District if
utilities, i.e. sewers and dedicated streets are available.
(2) On any tract of land having an area in one ownership of 40,000 square
feet or more and a width of at least 140 feet, the following uses are
permitted:
(a) Farming, truck gardening, and such other uses as are
ordinarily appurtenant thereto, except stock raising and dairying,
(b) The keeping of one (1) cow and the requisite number of
horses, not to exceed three (3) in number, to carry on the farming per-
mitted in the above paragraph,provided that nothing in this Chapter shall
be deemed to nullify or supercede the provisions of other laws of this
City relative to the keeping of horses, cattle and the maintenance of
stables.
(c) Stock raising (except the raising of swine) and dairying
may be permitted by the Planning Commission by temporary and con-
ditional permit after public hearing thereon and an examination c.:
the location with the finding by the Commission that the location and
use thereof will not be unduly detrimental to adjacent and surround-
ing properties and the enjoyment thereof. All permits
4-707 4-709A
granted under the provisions of this paragraph shall be
subject to and not less restrictive than the provisions of any
other laws of the City relative to the keeping of animals or
the operation of dairies.
(3) Front yard, rear yard, side yard, open space and height limit,
off-street parking, minimum room sizes, net lot area regulations
and requirements shall be the same as for R-1 Residence Single
Family District as heretofore defined.
4-708: R-2 RESIDENCE DISTRICT: In the R-2 Residence District,
no building or premises shall be used and no building shall
be hereafter erected or structurally altered, unless otherwise provided in
this Code, except for one or more of the following or similar uses:
(1) Any use permitted in the R-1 Residence Single Family District.
(Ord. 1472; 12-18-1953)
(2) Duplex family dwellings and residences not to exceed two (2)
stories or twenty five feet (25'), whichever is less. (Ord. 2377;
12-14-67)
(3) Apartments, hotels, professional offices, and mobile home parks
may be allowed by special permit upon approval by the Planning Com-
mission, after public hearing thereon and the acceptance of the design
and an examination of the location with a finding by the Commission
that such proposed use is in compliance with all provisions, regula-
tions and standards and will not be unduly detrimental to adjacent and
surrounding properties and the enjoyment thereof. (Ord. 2522; 11-24-69)
(4) Any building erected pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above shall
have the following requirements:
(a) Rear Yard shall be not less than twenty feet (20'). (Ord.
1542; 4-17-1956)
(b) Height is limited to a maximum of two (2) stories or
twenty five feet (25'), whichever is less. (Ord. 2377;
12-14-67)
(c) Site area not less than five thousand (5,000) square
feet.
(d) Corner lots shall have a least fifty five per cent (55%)
open spaces. (Ord. 1542; 4-17-1956)
(e) Single car garages may be allowed on lots fifty feet
(50') or less in width within three feet (3') of side property
lines by written consent of adjoining property owners.
(Ord. 1683; 6-17-1958)
4-709A: R-3 RESIDENCE DISTRICT: In the R-3 Residence District,
no building or premises shall be used and no building shall
be hereafter erected or structurally altered unless otherwise provided in
this Code, except for one or more of the following or similar uses:
(a) (1) Any use permitted in R-2 District.
559;1267;1269
4-709A 4-709B
(2) Clubs or fraternal societies, community club houses, memorial
buildings, except those the chief activity of which is a service cus-
tomarily carried on as a business, and except those where alcoholic
beverages of any kind are sold, given away,or dispensed in any manner.
(Ord. 1472; 12-18-53)
(3) Apartments, boarding houses, lodging houses, duplex and multiple
unit dwellings. Professional offices, clinics and mobile home parks
may be allowed by special permit if approved by the Planning Com-
mission after public hearing thereon, the acceptance of the design,
and an examination of the location with a finding by the Commission
that such proposed uses will not be detrimental to adjacent and surround-
ing properties and the enjoyment thereof. (Ord. 2522; 11-24-69)
(b) Building Height Limit: Not to exceed three (3) stories in height or
forty (40) feet, whichever is less. (Ord. No. 1472; 12-18-1953)
(c) Building Site Area Required: At least five thousand (5,000) square feet,
sixty-five (65) per cent of said area to be open and free from structures
if on interior lots, fifty-five (55) per cent of said area to be open and
free from structures if on corner lots. (Ord. No. 1542; 4-17-1956)
(d) Front Yard Required: There shall be a front yard having a minimum
depth of twenty (20) feet.
(e) Side Yard Required: There shall be a side yard of not less than five (5)
feet in width on each side of a one to one and one-half (1-1/2) story
building, of not less than six(6) feet for a two to two and one-half (2-1/2)
story building, and of not less than eight (8) feet for a three (3) story
building; provided however, that on a lot having a width of forty (40)
feet or less as shown by the last conveyance of record at the time of
passage of this Code, there shall be a side yard on each side of a
building of not less than three (3) feet in width (side of building means
outer face of any part of building nearest to side line, not including
roof eaves) and a side yard along flanking side street to be not less
than ten (10) feet provided the other requirements of this Chapter are
complied with. (Ord No. 1472; 12-18-1953)
(f) (Repealed Ord. 1683; 6-17-1958)
(g) Rear Yard Required: There shall be a rear yard having a minimum
depth of twenty (20) feet except on a lot which is a complete unit held
under separate and distinct ownership from the adjoining lots and of
record prior to the taking effect of this Code in which case the depth of
the rear yard may be reduced to not less than ten (10) feet; if necessary
to such an extent only as will permit a building depth of thirty (30)
feet. (Ord. No. 1472; 12-18-1953)
4-709B: R-4 APARTMENT HOUSES AND MULTIPLE DWELLINGS: In
the R-4 District, no building or premises shall be used and
no buildings shall be hereafter erected or structurally altered unless
otherwise provided in this Code, except for one or more of the following
or similar uses:
(a) (1) Any use as permitted in Section 4-709A,(2) and (3).
559;866; 1269
4-709B 4-709B
(2) For high density apartments and other multiple unit housing.
(b) Building Height Limit: Not to exceed six (6) stories in height or
ninety five feet (95'), whichever is less.
(c) Building Site Area Required: At least five thousand (5,000) square
feet, fifty five per cent (55%) of said area to be open and free from
structures if on interior lots, fifty per cent (50%) of said area to be
open and free from structures if on corner lots.
(d) Net Lot Area: Minimum lot size is five thousand (5,000) square feet;
six hundred (600) square feet per dwelling unit of zero (0) bedroom
units, eight hundred (800) square feet per dwelling unit of 1 bedroom
units, and one thousand (1,000) square feet per dwelling unit of two (2)
bedrooms or more.
(e) Front and Side Yard Required: There shall be a front yard having a
minimum depth of ten feet (10'); there shall be a side yard of not less
than five feet (5') in width on each side of a one story building, six
feet (6') in case of a two (2) story building, eight feet (8') in case of
a three (3) story building, and ten feet (10') in case of a building of
four (4) stories or more. In case the side yard abuts on a public street,
the side yard required shall be not less than ten feet (10').
(f) Rear Yard Required: There shall be a rear yard having a minimum
depth of twenty feet (20') up to and including a three (3) story building;
thereafter the rear yard shall be increased by two feet (2') for each
story above a three (3) story building.
(g) Minimum Room Sizes: Minimum room sizes shall be as determined
by Form No. 2278 of the Federal Housing Administration issued July,
1952, or any amendments thereto.
(h) 0ff-Street Parking: There shall be off-street parking provided at the
rate of one car space, ten feet (10') by twenty feet (20') in dimension,
for each dwelling unit in the building. (Ord. 1683; 6-17-1958)
(i) The following table is established and created, relating to height,
area and yard requirements, lot coverage, minimum room sizes and
off-street parking: (Ord. 2377; 12-14-67)
(See the tables on the following pages)
958;1267
4-709B 4-709B
TABLE 1
HEIGHT, AREA, AND YARD REQUIREMENTS, LOT
COVERAGE, MINIMUM ROOM SIZES, OFF- STREET
PARKING FOR:
SR-1, SR-2, R-1, S-1, R-2 and R-3 RESIDENCE DISTIRICTS,
and R-4 APARTMENT HOUSES AND MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
DISTRICT HEIGHTS NET LOT AREAS FRONT
YARDS
Maximum Permitted Least
Depths
"SR-1" 2 Stories or 35 ft.; Minimum lot size 20 feet
Suburban institutional build- 7,500 sq. ft.
Residence ings - 3 stories or
No. 1 District 40 feet
"SR-2" 1 Story or 20 ft.; Minimum lot size 20 feet
Suburban institutional build- 10,000 sq. ft.
Residence ings - 3 stories or
No. 2 District 40 feet
"R-1" 2 stories or 35 ft.; Minimum lot size 20 feet
Single institutional build- 5,000 sq. ft.
Residence ings - 3 stories or
District 40 feet
"S-1" 2 stories or 35 ft.; Minimum lot size 20 feet
Suburban institutional build- 40,000 sq. ft.
Residence ings - 3 stories or
District 40 feet
(Ord. 1940; 3-5-62)
"R-2" 2 stories or 25 ft., which- Minimum lot size 20 feet
Residence ever is less; institutional 5,000 sq. ft.
District buildings at 3 stories or 2,000 sq. ft. per d.u.
40 ft. whichever is less of 2 bedrooms or more
1,500 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 1 bedroom
1,000 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 0 bedrooms
(Ord. 2377; 12-14-67)
362;1267
1,
TABLE 1 Continued:
DISTRICT HEIGHTS NET LOT AREAS FRONT
YARDS
Maximum Permitted Least
Depths
"R-3" 3 stories or 40 ft.; Minimum lot size 20 feet
Residence institutional build- 5,000 sq. ft.
District Ings - 3 stories or 1,250 sq. ft. per d.u.
40 feet of 2 bedrooms or more
850 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 1 bedroom
600 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 0 bedrooms
(Ord. No. 1940; 3-5-62)
"R-4" 6 stories or 95 ft., Minimum lot size 10 feet •
Apartment whichever is less 5,000 sq. ft.
Houses and 600 sq. ft. per d.u.
Multiple of 0 bedrooms
Dwellings 800 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 1 bedroom
1,000 sq. ft. per d.u.
of 2 bedrooms or more
(Ord. No. 1683 6-17-1958)
d.u. means Dwelling Unit
In all residence districts there shall be at least one permanently maintained parking
space on the same lot or tract with each residence unit erected on the lot, or within
one hundred (100) feet of such unit, providing it is on a lot or tract owned by the
unit owner. Such parking space need not be separately zoned.
SIDE YARDS REAR LOT MINIMUM OFF STREET
Least Widths YARDS COVERAGE ROOM PARKING
Least LIMITS SIZES
Story Side Abutting Depths
Yard Street Interior Corner
Side Lots Lots
Yards
SR-1
1 to 5 ft, 10 ft. 25 feet 35% 35% Form No. 2 spaces
1 1/2 2278 July, 10' x 20'
2 to 6 ft. 1952 F. H.A. each
2 1/2 Dwelling
3 8 ft. Unit size
regulations
958;362
TABLE 1 Continued:
SIDE YARDS REAR LOT MINIMUM OFF STRi
Least Widths YARDS COVERAGE ROOM PARKIN(
Least LIMITS SIZES
Depths
Story Side Abutting Interior Corner
Yard Street Lots Lots
Side
Yards
SR-2
1 to 5 ft. 10 ft. 25 feet 35% 35% Form No. 2 spaces
1 1/2 2278 July, 10' x 20'
2 to 6 ft. 1952 F.H.A. each
2 1/2 Dwelling
3 8 ft. Unit size
regulations
R-1
1 to 5 ft. 10 ft. 25 feet 35% 35% Form No. 2 spaces
1 1/2 2278 July, 10' x 20'
2 to 6 ft. 1952 F. H.A. each
2 1/2 Dwelling
3 8 ft. Unit size
regulations
S-1
1 to 5 ft. 10 feet 25 feet 35% 35% Same as Same as
1 1/2 Above Above
2 to 6 ft.
2 1/2
3 8 ft.
R-2
1 to 5 ft. 10 feat 20 feet 35% 45% Same as 1 car spa, c
1 1/2 Above 10' x 20'
2 to 6 ft. for each + .
2 1/2
3 8 ft.
4-709 4-710
TABLE 1 Continued:
SIDE YARDS REAR LOT MINIMUM OFF STREET
Least Widths YARDS COVERAGE ROOM PARKING
Least LIMITS SIZES
Story Side Abutting Depths
Yard Street Interior Corner
Side Lots Lots
Yards
R-3
1 5 ft. 10 feet 20 feet 35% 45% Same as Same as
R-2 R-2
(Ord. No. 1542 4-17-1956)
R-4
1 5 ft. 10 feet 20 ft. 3 45% 50% Form No. 1 car space
2 6 ft. story building 2278, 1952 10' x 20'
3 8 ft. shall be increas3d F. H.A. for each d
4 or for each story Dwelling
more 10 ft. above 3 stories Unit size
regulations
(Ord. No. 1633 6-17-1958)
4-710: P-1 PUBLIC DISTRICT, as amended:
1 . Permitted Uses: In the P-1 Public District, no structure, building or
premises shall be used and no building or structure shall be hereafter
erected or structurally altered, unless otherwise provided in this
Chapter, except for one or more of the following or similar uses:
A. Governmental buildings and uses, i.e., Federal, State, County, Muni-
cipal or other governmental or quasi-governmental institutions.
B. Hospitals and sanatoriums; clinics, public and private, except those
for inebriates, insane or mental diseases which shall be subject to
regulations of the Health Department.
C. Institutions for educational, philanthropic or eleemosynary uses.
D. Libraries, art galleries and museums.
E. Parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and like recreational uses.
958; 1265;271
4-710 4-710
F. Private clubs, fraternities and lodges.
G. Professional service offices, such as for doctors, dentists.
H. Residential hotels.
I. Schools, private and public.
2. Intent and Accessory Uses Permitted: This area is reserved for public
and quasi-public uses. All display of merchandise or products, all
advertising devices and any manufacturing is prohibited. Buildings
requiring services such as food, drugs, cigars, etc., usually incidental
to a public building, office building or hotel, may contain same within
the interior thereof. Entrances from street must not display advertising
on same. Street deliveries are prohibited except during certain desig-
nated hours, or building shall be so designed as to facilitate unloading
fuel and merchandise from vehicle placed in alley, driveway or loading
area on private property.
3. Review of Non-Municipal Improvements: All structures, except as
hereinbelow specified, contemplated for this District must first have
plans, general specifications and uses approved by the Planning Com-
mission and said documents are to be filed simultaneously with the
application. The Planning Commission is charged with the responsibility
of ascertaining and determining that the general design and development
conform with the adjacent surroundings; provided however, that the
requirements specified in this subparagraph shall not apply to structures
owned or built by the Federal, State or County government, school
districts, and like governmental units, in which cases such structures
shall comply only with applicable building codes and be subject to the
minimum standards for streets, alleys, front, side and back yard
setbacks, and matters of ingress and egress as they pertain to public
streets and thoroughfares adjoining such premises.
4. Review of Municipal Improvements: In case of any municipal develop-
ment including but not limiting it to parks, playgrounds and recreational
areas which contain building structures, initiated or undertaken by the
City Park Board, Airport Board or any other municipal department,
board or commission, then copies of such plans, general specifications
and uses shall be submitted to the Planning Commission, Planning
Department, City and Traffic Engineers, and the Building Department
for their respective recommendations and advices. Such submission
shall be made at least sixty (60) days prior to the commencement of
any construction.
5. Setback and Height Limitations: Structures shall meet the following
requirements:
562; 1265;271
4-710
4-711
A. Front Yard. There shall be a minimum front yard of twenty feet
(20'). Any yard abutting a public right-of-way shall be a minimum of
twenty feet (20').
B. Side Yard. The side yards shall be a minimum of five feet (5').
C. Rear Yard. The rear yard shall be a minimum of ten feet (10')
except that if the property is contiguous to a zone with a more restric-
tive rear yard requirement, the minimum rear yard requirement shall
be the same as the more restrictive zone.
D. Height. The height limit shall be no more than four (4) stories
with a forty foot (40') limitation, excluding the necessary elevator
penthouse. (Ord. 2613; 1-18-71)
4-711: B-1 BUSINESS DISTRICT: In the B-1 Business District,
no building, structure or premises shall be used or hereafter
erected or structurally altered unless otherwise provided for in this
Chapter, except for one (1) or more of the following or similar uses:
(1) Any use permitted in Residence District (R-3) and Apartment
Houses and Multiple Dwellings District (R-4) (but excluding any
residential family dwelling uses specified in a Residential 1 and
Residential 2 District); but any such use herein permitted in a R-3
and R-4 District shall be subject to all limitations and restrictions,
including height and setback requirements as are applicable to a
Business District (B-1). (Ord. 1948; 4-9-62)
(2) Banks.
(3) Barber shops, beauty parlors, personal service shops.
(4) Furniture stores, drug stores.
(5) Hand laundries, clothiers, cleaning and pressing establishments.
(6) Locksmiths, shoe and other repair shops.
(7) Lumber yards, coal and fuel yards, provided that when unhoused
they shall be surrounded by an eight (8) foot solid wall or sight-
obscuring fence herein known as a structure, and the yard regulations
of this district shall be observed, and provided further that no such
lumber yard or coal and fuel yards shall be maintained closer than
one hundred feet (100') to the side line of an R-2 District.
562; 1265;271
4-711 4-712
(8) Police and fire stations.
(9) Parking lots.
(10) Printing establishments and newspaper printing establish
ments.
(11) Public garages, repair shops and battery service stations
and tire repair shops.
(12) Restaurants, cafeterias and caterer.
(13) Retail trade shops or shops for custom work or the making
of articles not manufactured by chemical process.
(14) Sales room or store rooms for motor vehicles and other
articles of merchandise.
(15) Service Stations.
(16) Stores, retail and wholesale markets.
(17) Studios, offices, business or professional. -
(18) Telephone exchanges, telegraph offices and employment
agencies.
(19) Undertaking establishments and crematories, only when a
permit therefore has been obtained from the Planning Commis-
sion. (Ord. 1472; 12-18-53)
(20) Signs are permitted only as specifically provided in the
"Renton Sign Code" also known as Chapter 19 of Title IV
(Building Regulations) of Ordinance No. 1628. (Ord. 2505;
9-22-69)
(21) Mobile home parks as provided in Section 4-714 of this
Ordinance may be allowed by special permit if approved by the
Planning Commission after public hearing thereon, the accept-
ance of the design, and an examination of the location with a
finding by the Commission that such proposed use will not be
unduly detrimental to adjacent and surrounding properties and
the enjoyment thereof. (Ord. 2522; 11-24-69)
Height Limit: Whenever any B-1 District is located or adjacent to,
on two (2) or more sides, any residence or suburban residence district, the
buildings in such B-1 District shall be limited to one (1) story in height, not
exceeding two (2) additional stories,by special permit after public hearing
and examination of the location,upon due proof to the satisfaction of the City
Planning Commission that such additional height will notbe unduly detrimen-
tal to adjacent and surrounding property. No building shall exceed a height
of forty feet (40') or three (3) stories.
Front Yard and Side Yards: No yards are required except for lots whose
side line is adjacent to a residential district where said yard regulations
shall then be the same as in the residential district; Front yard shall conform
to adjacent residences, side yard to be not less than five feet (5'), side yards
on flanking streets to conform to front yards of residences to the rear but
to be not less than ten feet (10') and rear yard shall not be less than ten
feet (10').
4-712: L-1 LIGHT INDUSTRY DISTRICT: In the L-1, Light Industry
District, no building or premises shall be used and no building
shall be hereafter erected or structurally altered unless otherwise provided
in this Chapter, except for one or more of the following or similar uses:
(Ord. 2023; 4-15-63)
(a) Use Permitted:
(1) Any use permitted in B-1 Districts except item (21),
Mobile Home Parks. (Ord. 2522; 11-24-69)
(2) Any light manufacturing using power not in excess of 5 H.P.
in one (1) unit.
(3) Auto assembly plants.
1069; 1269
(4) Auto laundries, fender and body repair shops.
(5) Lumber, coal and fuel yards; provided, that when unhoused
they shall be surrounded by an eight foot (8') sight obscuring
fence known herein as a structure, and the yard regulations of
this district shall be observed, and provided further, that no
lumber, coal and fuel yards shall bemaintainedor located closer
then one hundred feet (100') to the side lines of any residential
district, (Ord. 2023; 4-15-63)
(6) Bakeries employing more than twenty (20) persons.
(7) Express and hauling companies,
(8) Cleaning and dyeing establishments.
(9) Clothing manufacturing.
(10) Distilleries and wineries.
(11) Dress manufacturing.
(12) Electric manufacturing shops.
(13) Laundries.
(14) Milk bottling plants.
(15) Painting and decorating shops.
(16) Manufacturing of plumbing supplies.
(17) Upholstery shops.
(18) Warehouses.
(19) Welding and sheet metal works.
(20) Other uses which can be reasonably considered similar or
related to the uses listed above, upon approval of the Planning
Commission.
(b) Building Height: Three (3) stories or thirty-five feet (35') except when
otherwise approved by the City Planning Commission.
(c) Front Yards and Side Yards: Requirements same as B-1.
4-713: H-1 HEAVY INDUSTRY DISTRICT: In the H-1, Heavy Industrial
District, no building or premises shall be used and no building
sha I I be hereafter erected or structurally a ltered un less otherwise provided in
this Chapter, except for one or more of the following or similar uses:
(a) Use Permitted:
(1.) Any use permitted in L-1.
(Ord. 1942; 3-5-62)
(2.) Blast furnaces, boiler works, charcoal manufacturing and
pulverizing, junk, rags, scrap iron or paper storage or baling,
auto wrecking yards, or storage facilities for nonoperating motor
vehicles or similar uses; provided, that when unhoused such use
and activity shall be surrounded by an eight foot (8') sight
obscuring fence known herein as a structure,and such fence sha l l
be maintained in a firm,substantial condition.Any opening within
the fenced area for purposes of ingress and egress shall be
equipped with a substantial, tight gate or door of the same height
as the fence and same shall be kept securely closed whenever the
establishment is not open for business. No such use or activity
shall be conducted or maintained closer than five hundred feet
(500') to the side lines of any residential district nor closer than
three hundred feet (300') to the right-of-way line of any State or
Federal limited access highway.
563
Any of the activities and uses described in this Subsection shall
be conducted entirely within the fenced premises and no junk,
scrap iron, motor vehicle or any part thereof, nor any scrap
metal piling or accumulation sha II be stored,displayed or parked
outside of any such building or fence. In the event any burning
shall be necessary, a written permit shall be applied for by the
owner or operator of any such establishment and such applica-
tion to be made to the Fire Department of the City; the Fire
Chief or any person so designated by him shall have the right to
impose such conditions and terms, including the hours and places
of burning, as will not unduly interfere with the operation and
activities of other businesses or property owners in the general
vicinity and to further require the owner or operator to provide
and have available adequate fire extinguishers and other fire
fighting equipment so as to control any such burning. Any appli-
cant for a burning permit shall have the right if he feels himself
aggrieved by any decision of the Fire Chief or his designated
representative, to appeal to the Council within ten (10) days from
the date of final action by such official. (Ord. 2023; 4-15-63)
(3) Assaying (other than gold and silver).
(4) Automobile manufacturing.
(5) Boat building and repairing.
(6) Breweries and distilleries.
(7) Broom and brush manufacturing.
(8) Candle manufacturing.
(9) Carbon manufacturing.
(10) Celluloid or similar cellulose materials manufacture.
(11) Feed and cereal mill.
(12) Chain and cable manufacturing.
(13) Chemical manufacture.
(14) Cooperage works.
(15) Dog pound.
(16) Dry Kilns.
(17) Dyestuff manufacture,
(18) Emery cloth or sandpaper manufacture.
(19) Enameling.
(20) Exterminators or insect poisons manufacture.
(21) Flour mills,
(22) Foundries,
(23) Glass or glass products manufacture.
(24) Hangars.
(25) Ice manufacture,
(26) Japanning.
(27) Lamp black manufacture,
(28) Heavy manufacture and large warehousing,
(29) Lubricating grease manufacture or oil compounds.
(30) Lumber and shingle mills,
(31) Machinery manufacture.
(32) Heavy machine shops.
(33) Match manufacture.
(34) Oil cloth and linoleum manufacturing.
(35) Oxygen manufacturing.
563
/r
(36) Paint, oil, shellac, varnish or turpentine manufacturing.
37) Paper box manufacturing.
(38) Planer mill or wood working plant,
(39) Plaster or wallboard manufacturing..
(40) Power, light or steam plant (central station).
(41) Printing ink manufacturing.
(42) Railroad yards and roundhouse.
(43) Rolling or blooming mill.
(44) Rope manufacturing.
(45) Rubber or caoutchouc manufacture from crude material.
(46) Salt works.
(47) Saw mills,
(48) Shoddy manufacturing.
(49) Shoe manufacturing.
(50) Shoe blacking manufacturing.
(51) Soap manufacturing.
(52) Stable, commercial.
(53) Starch, glucose, or dextrose manufacturing.
(54) Steel or iron mills.
(55) Stoneware and earthenware.
(56) Stove polish manufacturing.
(57) Storage warehouses.
(58) Textile mills.
(59) Tobacco (chewing) or cigar manufacturing.
(60) Vegetable oil or other oil manufacturing and refining or
storage.
(61) Yeast plants.
(62) Wholesale houses heavy equipment.
(63) Any use of electric power motors requiring five horsepower
(5 H.P.) or more.
(b) The following listed and any not listed, if having obnoxious odors,
noise, smoke, dust and air polluting substances are prohibited:
(1) Amonia, chlorine or bleaching powder and manufacturing
(2) Asphalt, manufacturing or refining.
(3) Brick, tile, or terra-cotta manufacture or storage.
(4) Coke ovens.
(5) Creosote treatment or manufacture.
(6) Disinfecting manufacture,
(7) Distillation of wood, coal and bones,or manufacture of any of
their by-product.
(8) Explosives storage.
(9) Gas (illuminating or heating) manufacturing or storage.
(10) Incineration or reduction of garbage, offal, dead animals and
refuse.
(11) Kelp reduction and the extraction of its by--products.
(12) Paper and pulp manufacture.
(13) Petroleum, refining or storage or manufacture of any of its
by-products.
(14) Reducing or refining aluminum, copper, tin or zinc.
(15) Soap and compound manufacture„
563
4-713 4-715
(16) Tanning, curing or storage of raw hides or skins.
(17) Tar distillation or manufacture.
(18) Tar roofing or tar waterproofing manufacture.
(19) Cement, lime, gypsum manufacture.
(20) Fat rendering.
(21) Fertilizer manufacture.
(22) Glue manufacture.
(23) Stock yards.
(c) Rear Yard: No rear yard is required except where the industrial
district abuts on a residential district with no intervening street or
alley in which case a rear yard of not less than twenty feet (20') is
required.
(d) Side Yard: No side yard is required except where an industrial dis-
trict adjoins a residential district with no intervening street or alley,
in which case the side yard shall be the same as required for the res-
idential district.
Other uses which can be reasonably considered similar or related to the uses
listed above upon approval of the Planning Commission. (Ord. 1472; 12-18-53)
4-714: "T" TRAILER PARKS: A zone designated solely for mobile home
parks. Such zone may be allowed in low, medium and high
density multi-family residential and commercial areas as designated cn
the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Development plans shall comply
with City ordinance requirements and shall be subject to approval by the
Planning Commission after public hearing thereon and the acceptance of
the design and an examination of the location with a finding by the Com-
mission that such proposed use is in compliance with all provisions of mobile
home park regulations and standards and will not be unduly detrimental to
adjacent and surrounding properties and the enjoyment thereof. (Ord. 2522;
11-24-69)
4-715: B-P OFF-STREET PARKING:
(a) All business, retail and wholesale, shall provide adequate off-
street parking facilities for employees and customers. Proper signs
shall designate off-street parking.
(b) Multiple unit residences and apartment houses shall provide for
their tenants, as part of the structure storage space for as many auto-
mobiles as there are apartments or housekeeping units. (Ord. 1472;
12-18-53)
961;362;1069;1269
lCw/�-i(5�'o s3
INTER—(
TO: Gear
FROM:
RE:
4-716 4-717
4-716: PRIMARY STATE HIGHWAY RESTRICTIONS:
(a) All buildings, structures and/or uses of every type and descrip-
tion abutting or fronting on a Primary State Highway within the City
shall maintain a twenty foot (20') setback from their lot lines; except
that signs may be allowed by revocable permit within the setback
along the following streets:
(1) S. 2ndStreet from Rainier Ave. S. to Bronson Way S.
(2) S. 3rd. Street from Rainier Ave. S. to Houser Way S.
(3) Houser Way S. from Main Ave. S. to Mill Ave. S.
(4) Bronson Way North and South from Main Ave. S. to
Houser Way N. (Ord. 2630; 4-26-71)
(b) Setback Requirements on Certain City Streets: All buildings, struc-
tures and/or uses of every type and description abutting upon or front-
ing on the following designated streets within the City shall maintain a
fifty foot (50') setback requirement from the center line of the herein
designated streets which shall apply to all construction and improve-
ments hereinafter commenced:
(1) A fifty foot (50') setback from the center line of the Benson
Highway extending from the south City limits to Grady Way.
(2) A fifty foot (50') setback from the center line of NE 4th
Street extending from the east City limits to Edmonds Avenue
NE, and N. 4th Street from Logan Avenue N. to Houser Way N.
(Ord. 2505; 9-22-69)
4-717: FRONT, SIDE AND REAR YARDS:
(a) Front Yard: Where any front yard is required, no building shall be
hereafter erected or altered so that any portion thereof shall be nearer
the front property line than the distance indicated by the depth of the re-
quired front yard.
(1) Exceptions: Eaves, cornices, steps, terraces, platforms
and porches having no roof covering, and being not over forty-
two inches (42") high may be built within a front yard. When
forty percent (40%) or more, on front foot basis, of all property
on one (1) side of a street between two (2) intersecting streets
at the time of the passage of this Code has been built up with
buildings having a minimum front yard of more or less depth
than that established by the Code,and provided, that the majority
of such front yards do not vary more than six feet (6') in
depth, no building shall be built within or shall any portion, save
961;362;1069;1269;571
4-717
4-717
as above excepted, project into such minimum front yard; pro-
vided, further, that no new buildings be required to set back
more than thirty-five feet (35') from the street line in the R-2
or R-3 Residential Districts, nor more than two feet (2') farther
than any building on an adjoining lot and that this regulation
shall not be so interpreted as to reduce a required front yard
to less than ten feet (10') in depth. (Ord. 1472; 12-18-53)
(b) Side Yard: Where any specified side yard is required, no building
shall be hereafter erected or altered so that any portion thereof shall be
nearer to the side lot line than the distance indicated by the width of the
required side yard.
(1) Exceptions: Eaves and cornices may extend over the re-
quired side yard for a distance of not more than two feet (2').
Accessory buildings when erected so that the entire building
is within a distance of thirty feet (30') from the rear lot line,
may also occupy the side yard of an inside lot line.
(c) Fences and Hedges:
(1) A fence not exceeding forty-two inches (42")in height may
be located on any part of a lot.
(2) In cases of interior lots, a fence or hedge not exceeding
seventy-two inches (72") may be located on any lot line to the
rear of the rear line of the required front yard; provided, where
a lot rears upon an alley any such fence or hedge along the lot
rear line shall contain a gate affording access to said alley.
(3) In case of corner lots a fence or hedge not exceeding seventy-
two inches (72") may be located on the lot interior side line to
the rear of the rear line of the required front yard, and on the
lot rear line except that along the portion of the lot rear line
constituting the width of the required side yard on the side street
the fence or hedge shall not exceeda height of forty-two inches
(42"); likewise such fence or hedge shall not exceed forty-two
inches (42") in height within that portion of the required rear
yard which abuts the front yard of an interior lot.
(4) Where a fence or hedge is located directly on the ground,
the height of the fence as hereinabove specified, shall be the
vertical distance from the top board, rail or wire to the ground
directly below said fence. In case a masonry wall is used as a
fence, the height shall be the vertical distance from the top
surface of the wall to the ground on the high side of the wall.
(5) No fence or hedge shall be located on any public right-of-
way.
961;1069;370
4-717 4-719
(6) The provisions and conditions of this Section regulating the
height of fences, hedges and walls shall not be applicable to
fences or barriers otherwise required by State Law or pro-
visions of this Code to surround and enclose public utility
installations, school grounds, public playgrounds, private or
public swimming pools and similar installations and improve-
ments. (Ord. 1905; 8-15-61)
(d) Rear Yard: Where any specified rear yard is required, no building
shall be hereafter erected or altered so that any portion thereof may be
nearer to the rear lot line than the distance indicated by the depth of the
required rear yard. Accessory buildings may be built within a rear yard;
Provided the required total open space is not exceeded. No accessory
building shall cover more than fifty per cent(50%) of the area of the rear
yard. (Ord. 1542; 4-7-56)
4-718: Repealed Ord. 2548; 3-9-70)
4-719: AIRPORT ZONING:
(A) Zones: In order to regulate the use of property in the vicinity of the
airport, all of the land within two (2) miles south and one (1) mile east
and west of, or that part of the area that is within the City Limits of
Renton, Washington, whichever is nearest the boundaries of the airport,
is hereby divided into airport approach, transition and turning zones.
The boundaries thereof are shown on the Renton Airport Approach Plan
numbered No. 1, dated March 1, 1956, which plan is made a part hereof.
(B) Height Limits: Except as otherwise provided in this Code, no structure
or tree shall be erected, altered, allowed to grow or be maintained in
any airport approach zone or airport turning zone to a height in excess
of the height limit herein established for such zone. For the purposes
of this regulation, the following height limits are hereby established
for each of the zones in question: (Ord. 1542; 4-17-56)
1. Approach zones (shaded dark red on plan): Height limitation to be
one foot in height for each forty feet (40') lateral separation from a line
which is two hundred feet (200') south from "Displaced Threshold" at
Station No. 10-+00 as shown on revised Renton Airport Approach plan,
No. 1--R, dated May 17, 1960, which Approach Plan is filed herewith
and by this reference is made a part hereof. (Ord. 1829; 5-17-60)
2. Approach Transition Zone (Shaded Light Red on Plan): Height limit
to be one foot (1') in height for each seven feet (7') of lateral separation
from the Renton Airport boundary.
3. Airport Turning Zone: Any object over one hundred fifty feet (150')
in height is an obstruction.
760;961;464;370
4-719 4-721
(C) Use Restrictions: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code, no
use may be made of land within any airport approach zone or airport
turning zone in such a manner as to create electrical interference with
radio communication between the airport and aircraft, making it dif-
ficult for fliers to distinguish between airport lights and others, result
in glare in the eyes of fliers using the airport, impair visibility in the
vicinity thereof, or otherwise endanger the landing, taking off, or ma-
neuvering of aircraft.
(D) Hazard Marking and Lighting: Any permit or variance granted as pro-
vided in this Chapter and affecting the airport approach, transition or
turning zone shall be so conditioned as to require the owner of the
structure or tree in question to permit the City, at its own expense, to
install, operate, and maintain thereon such markers and lights as may
be necessary to give adequate notice to aircraft of the presence of such
airport hazard. (Ord. 1542; 4-17-56)
4-720: OWNERSHIP DIVIDED BY A DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE: If
a district boundary line cuts property having a single ownership
as of record at the time of passage of this Code, all such property may take
the least restrictive classification, provided the property is developed os
one (1) unit.
4-721: COURTS: In all buildings hereafter erected or structurally al-
tered, all windows shall open upon a yard, court, street or alley
as hereafter provided. In no event shall any yard or court be made to serve
two buildings hereafter erected, or any existing building and a building here-
after erected.
Every court shall be open and unobstructed to the sky from the floor
level of the lowest story in a building in which there are windows from rooms
or apartments abutting the said court and served by the said court, except
that a cornice, belt course or similar projection on the building may extend
into an "outer court," two inches for each foot in width of such court, and
may extend into an "inner court" one inch for each such foot in width of such
court.
(a) Inner Court: An inner court shall be of a width of not less than four
(4) feet,nor less than sixteen(16)percent of the court height,provided further,
that in no case shall a width of more than twenty (20) feet be required. A
minimum court length of one and one-half (1 1/2) times the court width is
required.
(b) Outer Court: An outer court shall be of width of not less than four
(4) feet, nor less than ten (10) percent of the court height, provided further,
that in no case shall a width of more than ten (10) feet be required.
760;464
4-721 4-722
(c) Ventilation and Light: Every room used for habitation shall have
openings to the exterior with an area through which light may pass of not
less than one-eighth of the floor area. Exterior doors and windows shall open
to the extent of not less than five (5) percent of the floor area.
Windows shall face unobstructed, uncovered, horizontal areas of at least
the extent of the glass area of all the windows opening thereon, but no di-
mension of which is less than five (5) feet. (Ord. 1472; 12-18-1953)
4-722: ADMINISTRATION; INTERPRETATION AND PERMITS:
(A) Minimum Requirements: In interpreting and applying the provisions of
this Chapter, the requirements herein shall be considered the minimum
for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general wel-
fare; therefore, where this Chapter imposes a greater restriction upon
the use of the buildings or premises, or upon the height of buildings, or
requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other laws,
ordinances, rules or regulations, the provisions of this Chapter shall
control.
(B) Special Permits: Recognizing that there are certain uses of property
that may be detrimental to the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare, depending upon the facts of each particular case, a limited
power to issue permits for such uses is vested, by specific mention in
this Chapter, in the Planning Commission, subject to review by the
Council as herein provided. Subject to such review, the City Planning
Commission shall have the power to impose in said permit such con-
ditions or limitations as in its judgment are required to secure adequate
protection to the zone or locality in which the use is to be permitted.
Likewise subject to such review, the City Planning Commission shall
have power to terminate or modify any such permit, upon written com-
plaint and notice to the permittee, and upon public hearing, for any vio-
lation of the terms or limitations there prescribed.
(C) Steep Topography (Garage Location): The Planning Department may, in
specific cases where the topography of the premises or the location of
buildings existing prior to the passage of this Code make compliance
with the provisions governing the location of private garages impossible,
grant a special permit for a private garage to be located nearer to the
street line than the main structure, but in any case where such location
is within a required front or side yard, the highest point of a building
so located shall not be more than thirty inches (30") above the average
level of the ground on the side farthest from the street line. Likewise,
the Planning Department may, upon proper application, grant a special
permit for the location of a garage on the low side of the street nearer
to the street line than the main building.
571
4-722 4-724
(D) Interpretation: It shall be the duty of the City Planning Commission to
interpret the provisions of this Chapter in such a way as to carry out
the intent and purpose of the plan thereof, as shown by the maps fixing
districts,accompanying and made part of this Code, in cases where the
street layout actually on the ground varies from the street layout as
shown on the maps aforesaid.
(E) Temporary Permits: The Planning Commission may approve the grant-
ing of temporary permits for structures and uses that do not conform
with the regulations herein prescribed. A temporary permit shall be
granted for a maximum period up to two (2) years and may include any
conditions imposed by the Commission. (Ord. 2630; 4-26-71)
4-723: BOUNDARIES AND DISTRICTS: The boundaries of the various
districts shall be shown on the Use and Area maps accompany-
ing and hereby made a part of this Code.
(a) The said district boundaries are,unless otherwise indicated, the center
lines of streets,alleys or lot line as shown on the said maps. Where the loca-
tion of the boundaries in such districts,as indicated on these maps, are shown
to be other than street, alley or lot Iines,thensuch boundary shall be con-
strued to be distance one hundred twenty (120) feet from and parallel with
the frontage street line, unless shown to be otherwise by a distance in figures.
(b) Where the street layoutactually on the ground varies from that shown
on the Use District maps, the designations shown on the maps shal I be applied
by the Planning Commission to the street as actually laid out so as to carry
out the intent and purpose of the zoning plan of that district.
4-724: ENFORCEMENT: It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector
(or official) in charge of issuing building permits and inspection
of buildings to see that this Chapter is enforced through the proper legal
channels. He shall issue no permit for the construction or alteration of any
building or part thereof unless the plans, specifications and intended use of
such building conform in all respects with the provisions of this Chapter.
Plats: All specifications for building permits shall be accompanied by
a plat in duplicate drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of the lot
to be built upon the size, the use and location of existing buildings and build-
ings to be erected, and such other information as may be necessary to provide
for the enforcement of this Chapter. A careful record of such application and
plats shall be kept in the office of he building inspector or proper enforce-
ment official.
571
4-725 4-725
4-725: AMENDMENTS: (a) The Council may upon proper petition
or upon its own motion, after a public hearing thereon and
referral to and report from the City Planning Commission, change by ord-
inance the district boundary lines or zone classifications as shown on the
district maps.
(b) The Council may upon its own motion after public hearing and re-
ferral to and report from the City PlanningCommission, amend, supplement
or change by ordinance the regulations herein established. (Ord. 1472;
12-18-53)
(c) A petition for a chonge in use district boundaries or reclassification
of property shall be made by the property owner, or somebody authorized
on his behalf, on forms provided by and filed with the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission shall cause an investigation to be made of the mat-
ters involved in the petition. The Commission shall then call a public
hearing to hear all interested parties on said petition and three (3) notices
at least ten (10) days prior to such hearing shall be posted within or about
the area proposed to be rezoned or reclassified. Following the hearing
and after consideration of the facts of the proposal and all other pertinent
matters, the Commission shall, within thirty (30) days make a recom-
mendation to the Council. If the Commission, after thorough study of the
proposal and the petition, determines that the reclassification or the change
in use district boundaries is advisable and in the public interest and tends to
further the preservation and enjoyment of any substantial property rights of
the petitioner and is not materially detrimental to the public welfare or the
properties of other persons located in the vicinity thereof, and is not out of
harmony with the purposes and effect of the over-all plan of the established
zone classification and use district boundaries, then in such event, the Com-
mission may recommend that the Council approve the reclassification or
change in use district boundaries of said property.
A filing fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) shall be paid by the petitioner upon
the filingofan application for a rezoning or change in use district boundaries.
A filing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be paid by a petitioner
upon the filing of an application for any variance, temporary permit, con-
ditional permit or special permit.
All filing fees shall be nonrefundable and shall be used to defray the cost
of posting, processing and the proceedings in connection with any such
petition. The aforesaid filing fees shall not be applicable to any govern-
mental agency or political subdivision appearing as apetitioner. (Ord. 1920;
11-21-61)
(1) If the Commission, following a public hearing, makes no decision
on the petition or sends no recommendation to the Council within thirty (30)days,
this may be taken as a disapproval of the petition and the owner may thereupon
appeal as set forth hereinafter. If the Commission recommends disapproval of the
1261
4-725 4-726
petition, that decision shall be final unless the owner files Notice of
Appeal to the Council as specified hereinafter. Upon receiving Notice
of Appeal the Council shall set a date for hearing of the subject and
shall notify the parties it deems most concerned.' Three (3) notices,
at least ten (10) days prior to any such hearing, shall be posted within
or about the area proposed to be rezoned or reclassified. Following
this hearing the Council may follow the recommendation of the
Commission or refer the subject to the Commission for their
reconsideration and subsequent report to the Council, upon receipt of
which the Council shall take final action, granting or denying
reclassification, within thirty (30) days thereafter.
2. All petitions for a change of use district boundaries shall be
accompanied by a plat in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual
dimensions of the tract to be changed, the size, the use and location
of existing buildings and buildings to be erected, and such other
pertinent information as may be required by the Building Inspector.
(Ord. 1542; 4-17-56)
3. A petition for a change for use district boundaries or re-
classification of property, seeking the same or substantially same
relief as a prior petition, can not be re-filed or re-submitted with the
Planning Commission or the City Council, for a period of twelve (12)
months from the date of final disapproval or rejection of such prior
petition. (Ord. 2443; 11-18-68)
4-726: COMPLETION AND RESTORATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS:
(A) Pending Permits Valid: Nothing herein contained shall require any
change in the plans, construction, designated or intended use of a
building, for which a building permit has heretofore been issued, or
plans for which are now on file with the Building Inspector, a permit
for the erection of which is issued within one (1) month after the
adoption of this Code, and the construction of which in either case:
1. Shall have begun and been diligently prosecuted within one (1) month
from the adoption of this Code, and;
2. Be entirely completed according to such plans as filed within one
(1) year from the adoption of this Code.
(B) Nonconforming Uses: The lawful use of any building, structure or
land existing at the time of the enactment of this Code may be continued,
although such use does not conform with the provisions of this Code,
provided the following conditions are met:
1. Unsafe structures: Nothing in this Chapter shall prevent the
strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any portion of a
building or structure declared unsafe by a proper authority.
559;1261;1268
4-726 4-727
•
(2) Alterations: A nonconforming building or structure may be altered,
improved or reconstructed in compliance with the requirements of the City Code,
provided such work is not to an extent exceeding an aggregate cost of fifty per cent
(50%) of the value of the building or structure, unless the building or structure is
changed to a conforming use.
(3) Extension: A nonconforming use shall not be extended, but the
extension of a lawful use to any portion of a nonconforming building or structure
which existed prior to the enactment of this Code shall not be deemed the extension
of such nonconforming use.
(4) Changes: No nonconforming building, structure or use shall be
changed to another nonconforming use. -
(5) Restoration: Nothing in this Chapter shall prevent the reconstruc-
tion, repairing, rebuilding and continued use of any nonconforming building or
structure damaged by fire, collapse, explosion, or act of God, subsequent to the
date of this Code, wherein the expense of such work does not exceed fifty per cent
(50%) of the value of the building or structure at the time such damage occurred;
otherwise any restoration or reconstruction shall conform to the regulations and
uses specified in this Chapter.
(6) Abandonment: A nonconforming use (of a building or premises)
which has been abandoned shall not thereafter be resumed. A nonconforming use
shall be considered abandoned:
A. When the intent of the owner to discontinue the use is apparent,
and discontinuance for a period of one (1 ) year or more shall be prima facie evid-
ence that the nonconforming use has been abandoned, or
B. When it has been replaced by a conforming use, or
C. When it has been changed to another use under permit from the
City or its authorized representative. (Ord. 1542; 4-17-56)
4-727: CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: No vacant land snail be
occupied or used and no building hereafter erected shall t e
accupied or used, nor shall the use of a building be changed from a use limited to one
(1 ) district to that of any other district as defined by this Chapter until a certificate of
occupancy shall have been issued by the Building Inspector. No permit for excavation
for any building shall be issued before the application has been made for certificate ::,f
occupancy.
Land: Certificate of occupancy for the use of vacant lands or the cnangc in thr
use of land as herein provided, shall be applied for before any such lard shall be occupied
cr used, and a certificate of occupancy shall be issued within ten (10) days after the ap; !i-
cation has been made, providing such use is in conformity with the provi, icn, ::f tries•.. Ic -
ulations.
559; 1261
Nonconforming Uses: Upon a written request of the owner, the Building Inspector
shall issue a certificate of occupancy for any building or land existing at the time this
Code takes effect, certifying, after inspection, the use of the building or land and whether
such use conforms to the provisions of the Code. Where a plat as above provided is not
already on file, an application for a certificate of occupancy shall be accompanied by a
survey in duplicate form such as is required for a permit. (Ord. 1472; 12-18-53)
4-728: APPEALS: Any Interested citizen or administrative officer of the
City may appeal to the Council from any ruling of the Planning
Commission pertaining to the granting or denial of any permit or petition applied for
hereunder when such ruling is adverse to his interests, by filing with the Secretary of
the Planning Commission within ten (10) days from such ruling a written notice of appeal.
Thereupon the Secretary of the Planning Commission shall forthwith transmit to the Coun-
cil copies of all papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was
taken, and in addition thereto, the Council may at its hearing receive such further
evidence as seems to it relevant. Upon due and public hearing the Council may affirm,
or alter or overrule any such ruling of the Planning Commission pertaining to the grant-
ing or withholding of any permit or petition so applied for and may grant or deny same.
In the event the Council decides to overrule the decision of the Planning Commission,
the vote of a majority of all Councilmen elected shall be required for said purpose.
(Ord. 1887; 5-16-61 )
4-729: "G" GENERAL CLASSIFICATION DISTRICT:
(A) Purpose of Classification: The purpose and object of this classification is to
regulate the use of land and generally undeveloped areas or in areas not otherwise zoned
following annexation thereof to the City so as to prevent the uncontrolled and scattered
intrusion of business, industrial and similar uses which would be in conflict or incompatible
with existing or planned future land uses, and which would constitute nonconforming lritrusi .1
into areas best suited for protected residential uses. The standards and requirements set fool
in this Section are considered to be the minimum necessary to accomplish this purpose.
(B) Those areas heretofore or hereafter annexed to the City for which no zoning
classification has been fixed or determined by Ordinances shall be zoned "G", General
Classification District, subject to the existing status, uses, rights and limitations estab-
lished and existing in such areas respectively at the time of such annexation.
(C) Permitted Uses: In a "G" District, the following uses only are permitted:
Any use permitted in "R-1," "R-2, " SR-1, " "SR-2, " and "S-1 . °' Use
Districts, subject however, to all requirements, restrictions and limitations
applicable to the respective uses in such Districts as set forth in this Chapter,
except that apartments, hotels and offices shall not be allowed by special
permit in a "G" classification District.
(D) Lot Area: In a "G" District, the following lot area requirements shall apply:
1 . For uses permitted in "R-1, " "R-2, " "SR-1, " "SR-2, " and "S-1" Districts
the minimum required lot area shall be thirty-five thousand square feet
(35,000 sq. ft. ) except as hereinafter provided.
559; 361; 661
2. For uses permitted in "R-1," "SR-1" and "S-1" Districts the area require-
ments shall conform to the King County Use District Map designations
currently applicable in the respective areas on the date of their annex-
ation; said map designations as hereafter amended being hereby incorpo-
rated by this reference thereto as a part of this Chapter, and a copy cf
said map evidencing the annexed areas is on file in the office of the Clerk,
labelled "Exhibit A" and made a part hereof; said County map requirements
now in effect being identified as follows:
The following shall be the minimum square foot area required per single
family residences:
(a) R-6 Six thousand square feet (6,000 sq. ft. ).
(b) R-S Seven thousand two hundred (7,200) or R-7.2 seven thousand
two hundred square feet (7,200 sq. ft. ).
(c) R-8.4 Eight thousand four hundred square feet (8,400 sq. ft. ).
(d) R-S Nine thousand six hundred (9,600) or R-9.6 nine thousand
six hundred square feet (9,600 sq. ft. ).
(e) R-12 Twelve thousand square feet (12,000sq. ft. ).
(f) R-S Fifteen thousand (15,000) or R-15 fifteen thousand square feet
(15,000 sq. ft. ).
(g) S-1 Thirty five thousand square feet (35,000 sq. ft. ).
(h) A-1 Thirty five thousand square feet (35,000 sq. ft. ).
(E ) Height: In a "G" District every lot shall conform to the requirements for the
use as set forth in Table 1, as amended, of this Chapter.
(F ) Front Yard, Rear Yard, Side Yard and Open Spaces: Regulations and require-
ments shall be the same as for R-1 Residence Single Family District as set forth
in Table 1, as amended, of this Chapter.
(G) Minimum Room Sizes: Minimum room sizes for each use district shall be as
determined by Form No. 2278 of the F.H.A. issued July 1952 or any amend-
ments thereto.
(H) Off-Street Parking: Off-street parking shall be provided for each use as set
forth in Table 1, as amended, of this Chapter. (Ord. 1869; 2-7-61 )
361
4-730 4-730
4-730: M-P, MANUFACTURING PARK DISTRICT:
4-730.010 Purpose Of Classification. The purpose and objective of this
classification and its application is to establish industrial areas of high oper-
ational, development and environmental standards. The requirements of this
classification are intended to provide standards of intensity of use and stand-
ards of external effects which will minimize traffic congestion, noise, glare,
air and water pollution, fire and safety hazards.
4-730.020 Permitted Uses. The following uses only are permitted and as
specifically provided by this chapter:
1. Any use first permitted in the L-1, Light Industrial District; together
with such machinery and products manufacturing uses as specified in
Section 4.713(a) of Ord. 1628;
2. Public utility facilities;
3. Accessory buildings and uses customarily incident to any of the above
uses, when located on the same site with the main building. (Ord.
2188; 10-25-65)
4. Signs are permitted only as specifically provided in the 'Renton
Sign Coded, also known as Chapter 19 of Title IV (Building Regu-
lations) of Ordinance No. 1628. (Ord. 2505; 9-22-69)
5. Other industrial enterprises similar in operation to those first per-
mitted in the L-1 District.
4-730.030 Limitations On Permitted Uses. Every use permitted shall be
subject to the following conditions and limitations:
1. All uses shall conform to the general provisions and the exceptions
and the off- street parking requirements and loading area require-
ments set forth in this title.
2. No building or structure shall be located closer than sixty (60) feet
to any street or highway property line. A ten (10) foot strip adjacent
to such property line shall be appropriately landscaped and maintained
except for designated pedestrian, vehicular, rail and utility access-
ways. The remainder of the sixty (60) foot required open space may
be used for off-street automobile parking and for loading of goods
and merchandise and a gate house or guard house may be provided,
such building shall not be more than twelve (12) feet in height and shal I
contain not more than one hundred (100) square feet of floor space.
3. No building or structure shall be located closer than twenty (20) feet
to any property line not abutting a street or highway unless the line
is a common property line with railroad right of way or waterway. Ike
required twenty (20) foot open space may be used for off-street auto-
mobile parking and a gate house or guardhouse, provided such build-
ing shall not be more than twelve (12)feet in height and shall contain
not more than one hundred (100) square feet of floor space.
1165;1069
4-/30 4-730
4. Except as specified in paragraphs (1)and(2)above, all required open cl
space shall be unoccupied and completely unobstructed except for
meter pits extending not more than six(6)inches above finished grade,
lawn sprinklers, roads, walks, landscaping, ordinary and necessary
service line conduits,and poles for utilities, lighting fixtures, identify-.
ing and directional signs within the limits herein prescribed or under-
ground installations accessory to any permitted use and railroads. Off-
street automobile parking shall not be construed to include sales lots
or automobile display and storage areas.
5. The outside storage of materials, supplies,products and containers is
permitted within the buildable area of the property provided such stor-
age area is screened from all adjacent property lines by a wall or
view-obscuring fence not less than five (5) feet in height, provided
such fence shall not exceed a height of ten (10) feet.
6. 'Wherever a building site in an M-P District has a common property
line with Residential, "R" classifiedpropertyor suburban "S ' class-
ified property, when such "S" classified property is developed for
residential, recreational or day nursery uses, then on such common
property line there shall be instal led and maintained a planting screen
not less than ten (10) feet in width, and in such planting strip there
shall be evergreen shrubs, or trees, which shall be maintained at a
height of not less than five (5) feet. Said planting screen shall be
planted according to accepted gardening practice in good soil, irri-
gated as necessary and maintained in good condition at all times.
Planting screens herein required shall be planted as a yard im-
provement at or before the time of completion of the first building,
or within a reasonable time thereafter, giving due consideration to
planting conditions and future improvements on each affected lot in
the M-P District, and shall be installed and maintained at the ex-
pense of the owner or lessee of such lot.
7. There shall not be dumped, placed or allowed to remain on any prop-
erty in an M-P District any refuse, trash, rubbish or other waste
material outside of a permanent building, except in non-flammable,
covered or enclosed containers.
4-730.040 Standards Of Performance. The following standards of perform-
ance shall be conformed to:
1. Noise:
(a) Maximum allowable nighttime levels. The sound pressure level
of noise radiated from any activity located in the M-P District shall
not exceed the decibel values given in the following table in any
frequency band during the hours between eight P.M. (8:00) and seven
A.M. (7:00) in any residential district.
1165
4-730 4-730
Frequency band in Sound Pressure Level
cycles second in db re 0.0002 microbar
Below 75 72
75- 150 59
150- 300 52
300- 600 46
600-1200 42
1200-2400 39
2400-4800 34
above 4800 32
(b) Maximum allowable daytime levels. Noises originating from and
due to normal daytime activities in the M-P District shall conform to
the levels shown in the foregoing table at least ninety per cent (90%) of
the time between the hours of seven A.M. (7:00 A.M.) and eight P.M.
(8:00 P.M.).
(c) Exceptions. None of the foregoing provisions shall apply to noises
resulting from the operation of motor vehicles. Other exceptions are
the occasional infrequent situations arising out of research and de-
velopment work carried out in the M-P District; the temporary con-
struction earth-moving, road-building and related activities neces-
sary to development, improvement and maintenance of manufacturing
part facilities, which shall be limited to the hours between seven A.M.
(7:00 A.M.) and eight P.M. (8:00 P.M.) and noises incident to oper-
ations in areas surrounding an airport, heliport,or landing field where
such areas come under the M-P District.
2. Smoke shall not be emitted from any source in a greater density of
grey than that described as No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart, except
that visible grey smoke of a shade not darker than that described as
No. 2 on the Ringelmann Chart may be emitted for not more than four
(4) minutes in any thirty (30) minutes. These provisions applicable to
visible grey smoke shall also apply to visible smoke of ❑ different
color but with an equivalent apparent opacity.
3. Dust, dirt, fly ash or airborne solids from any sources shall not be
in a density greater than that described as No. 1 on the Ringelmann
Chart,
4. Odors from gases or other odorous matter shall not be in such
quantities as to be unreasonably offensive beyond the exterior prop-
erty lines of the lot or site.
5. Toxic gases or matter shall not be emitted in quantities damaging to
health, animals, vegetation or property or which can cause any ex-
cessive soiling beyond the exterior property lines of the lot or site.
6. Vibration from any machine, operation or process which exceeds
0.003 of one (1)inch displacement or 0.03(g)peak acceleration, which-
ever is greater, as measured at any point outside the property lines of
the lot or site shall be prohibited. The above shall apply in the fre-
quency range of zero to five thousand (0-5000) cycles per second.
Shock absorbers or similar mounting shall be allowed to permit com-
pliance with this specification.
1165
4-730 4-731
7. Glare and heat from any source shall not be unreasonably objection-
able beyond the exterior property lines of the lot or site.
8. Rail facilities or truck loading and unloading spaces shall not
interfere with the use of required off-street parking areas.
9. A building site plan shall be filed and approved by the planning
commission prior to the issuance of any building permits and any
permits issued shall be in conformance with the approved site plan. If
the project requires the dedication or widening of streets, such openings
or widenings shall be processed and adopted as prescribed by law
prior to the issuance of any building permit.
10. Where operations or processes do or will produce conditions which
may be objectionable or otherwise prohibited, the owner or lessee
shall be required to furnish design specifications or other scientific
evidence of compliance with the provisions of the M-P District.
4-730.050 Permitted Floor Area. The maximum permitted floor area
to be contained in all buildings on a lot in an M-P District shall not exceed
two and one-half (2 1/2) times the buildable area of the lot.
4-730.060 Permitted Height. In an M-P District no height limit is impos-
ed, provided one (1) additional foot of width is provided for each required
open space on the periphery of the lot or site for each foot in height any
building or structure on the premises exceeds forty-five feet (451).
(Ord. 2188; 10-25-65)
4-731: BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(A) (Rep. Ord. 2635; 6-7-71)
(B) (Rep. Ord. 2635; 6-7-71)
1165;566;971
4-731 4-731
(C) Powers and Duties. The Board of Adjustment shall have all the powers
and duties prescribed by law and by the terms of this Ordinance which
are more particularly specified as follows:
1. Interpretation: Upon appeal from a decision by an administrative
official of the City, to decide any questions involving the interpreta-
tion of any provision of this Title, including determination of the exact
location of any district boundary if there is uncertainty with respect
thereto. (Ord. 2234; 5-9-66)
2. Variances:
(A) The Board of Adjustment shall have authority to grant a variance
from the provisions of this Title when the conditions specified in the im-
mediately succeeding paragraph have been found to exist provided that
any variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure
that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant or
special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties
in the vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated.
(B) Before any variance may be granted, it shall be shown:
a. That because of special circumstances applicable to subject
property, including size, shape, topography, location or sur-
roundings, the strict application of the Zoning Code is found
to deprive subject property of rights and privileges enjoyed
by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zone
classification;
b. That the granting of the variance will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property
or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which subject
property is situated.
c. The Board of Adjustment may prescribe any conditions
upon the variance deemed to be necessary and required.
d. The Board shall set forth in the written findings, before
granting any such variance, the reasons for the grant thereof
and that such variance as determined by the Board of Adjust-
ment is a minimum variance that will accomplish said purpose.
e. Any and all variances granted by the Board of Adjustment,
unless otherwise specified in writing, shall become null and
void in the event that the applicant or owner of the subject pro-
perty for which a variance has been requested has failed to
commence construction or otherwise implement effectively the
variance granted within a period of two (2) years after such
variance had been issued. For proper cause shown an ap-
plicant may petition the Board of Adjustment for an extension
of said two (2) year period specifying the exact reasons there-
for, and the Board of Adjustment, may extend such time limit,
but such extension not to exceed one additional year, in any
event. (Ord. 2625; 4-5-71)
3. Conditional Use Permits. Upon proper application, the Board of
Adjustment may grant conditional use permits for such uses as require
them under this Title. The Board of Adjustment may deny any application
if the characteristics of the intended use would create an incompatible
or hazardous condition.
566;471
4-731 4-731
4. Purpose of a Conditional Use Permit. The purpose of a conditional
use permit shall be:
a. To assure, by means of imposing special conditions and
requirements on development, that the compatibility of uses,
a purpose of this Title, shall be maintained, considering other
existing and potential uses within the general area of the pro-
posed use.
b. The conditions imposed shall be those which will reasonably
assure that nuisance or hazard to life or property will not
develop. The Board of Adjustment may not use a conditional
use permit to reduce the zoning requirements of the zone
in which the use is to locate. Such reduction of requirements
shall be accomplished only through the medium of a variance.
The Board shall have the right to limit the term and duration
of any such conditional use permit and may impose such
conditions as are reasonably necessary and required.
5. Notice and Hearing on Application for Variance or Conditional
Use Permit. Upon the filing of an application for a variance or a con-
ditional use permit by a property owner, or by his duly authorized
agent, which application shall set forth fully the grounds therefor,
and the facts deemed to justify the granting of such variance or con-
ditional use permit, the Board of Adjustment shall give notice in the
following manner, to-wit:
a. The date of public hearing before the Board of Adjustment
shall be not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30)
days from the time of filing of such application, or an appeal
from an administrative decision. (Ord. 2234; 5-9-66)
b.Notice of the time and place of public hearing shall be given
in at least one publication in the City's legal newspaper, which
publication shall be not less than seven (7) days prior to the
date of said public hearing; in addition thereto three (3)
written notices of such public hearing shall be posted, at least
ten (10) days prior to such hearing, within, on or about the
subject premises and if such premises contain any structures
or building, then at least one of such notices shall be posted
on such structure or building. (Ord. 2291; 11-28-66)
On appeals from Administrative decisions, written notice of the time
and place of the public meeting at which the matter will be considered
by the Board of Adjustment shall be mailed to the appellant, to the
adverse parties of record in the case,and to the officers whose decision
is being appealed, together with a copy of the Notice of Appeal. Such
notice shall be mailed not less than twelve (12) days prior to the date
of public hearing.
566
4-731 4-731
If for any reason testimony in any manner set for public hearing, or
being heard, cannot be completed on the date set for such hearing,
the person presiding at such public hearing or meeting may, before
adjournment or recess of such matters under consideration, publicly
announce the time and place to and at which said meeting will be con-
tinued, and no further notice of any kind shall be required.
Any notice of hearing pertaining to any variance or conditional use
permit shall set forth with reasonable certainty the description of the
property under consideration, the nature of the proposed change or
use, and the time and place of such public hearing.
6. Appeals from Administrative Decisions; Time Limit. Appeals
from administrative decisions as hereinabove set forth may be taken
to the Board of Adjustment by any person aggrieved, or by any officer,
department, board or bureau of the City affected by any decision of
an administrative official. Such appeal shall be filed in writing, in
duplicate, with the Board of Adjustment within twenty (20) days of the
date of the action being appealed. Upon receiving such notice of the
appeal, the officer from whom the appeal is being taken shall forthwith
transmit to the Board of Adjustment all the records pertaining to the
decision being appealed, together with such additional written reports
as he deems pertinent.
7. Scope of Authority on Appeal. The Board of Adjustment may, in
conformity with this Title, reverse or affirm, wholly or in part,
or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination ap-
pealed from, and may make such order, requirement,decision or deter-
mination as should be made and, to that end, shall have all the powers
of the officer from whom the appeal is taken, insofar as the decision
on the particular issue is concerned. In making its determination the
Board of Adjustment may hear any pertinent facts pertaining to the
case before it.
8. Board of Adjustment shall Announce Findings and Decisions.
Not more than thirty (30) days after the termination of the proceedings
of the public hearing on any variance or conditional use permit, or
not more than thirty (30) days after termination of the proceedings
involving an appeal from an administrative decision, the Board of
Adjustment shall announce its findings and decision. If a variance
or conditional use permit be granted, the record shall show such con-
ditions and limitations in writing as the Board of Adjustment may
impose. If an administrative decision is reversed or modified, the record
shall show the findings and facts upon which the Board made its
determination.
9. Notice of Decision of Board of Adjustment. Following the rendering
of a decision on a variance or conditional use permit application, a
copy of the written order by the Board of Adjustment shall be mailed
to the applicant at the address shown on the application and filed with the
Board of Adjustment and to the administrative officer or department if
it be an appeal from an administrative decision,and to any other person
who requests a copy thereof. (Ord. 2234; 5-9-66)
566
4-731 4-731
10. Effective Date of Decision; Appeal toCourt. The action of the Board
of Adjustment shall be final and conclusive, unless within ten (10) days
from the date of the actio^ the original applicant or an adverse party
applies to the King County Superior Court for a writ of certiorari,
a writ of prohibition, or a writ of mandamus. (Ord. 2630; 4-26-71)
11. Planning Department shall Correct Zoning Record. Whenever a
variance or conditional use permit is approved by the Board of Adjust-
ment, the Planning Department shall forthwith make an appropriate
record and shall inform the Administrative Department having juris-
diction over the matter involved of the adjusted status of such property.
12. Before the Board of Adjustment shall issue any variance as set
forth in paragraph "Subsection 2" above, a special finding shall be made
that there are special circumstances or conditions, fully described in
such findings, applying to the land or building for which the variance
is sought, which circumstance or conditions are peculiar to such land
or buildings and do not apply generally to land or buildings in the
neighborhood, and that said circumstance or conditions are such that
the strict application of the provisions of the zoning ordinance would
deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of such land or buildings.
In addition to considering the character and use of adjoining buildings
and those in the vicinity, the Board may, in making such determination,
also take into account the number of persons residing or working in
such buildings or upon such land and the traffic conditions in the vicinity.
(Ord. 2234; 5-9-66)
CHAPTER 8
CONSTRUCTION WITHOUT PERMIT
SECTION:
4-801: Obtain Permit
4-802: Valid Franchise
4-803: Public Nuisance
4-804: No Permit for Ordinary Repair
4-801 : OBTAIN PERMIT: That no person or corporation shall build or
construct any railroad of any kind or any street railway,
telegraph line, telephone Iin3, electric light line, gas main or under ground conduit
for use of any public utility company in any street, avenue or alley of the City
without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Council and no person shall
make any excavation of any kind or deposit any material or thing in any street,
avenue o alley of this City for the purpose or with the intention of building, con-
structing or extending any such street railway, telegraph line, telephone line, electric
light line, gas main or under ground conduit for use of any public utility company
without first obtaining such permit from the Council .
4-802: VALID FRANCHISE OR PERMISSION FOR STRUCTURE:
If the person applying to the Council for any such permit shall
have a valid and existing franchise or permission for the structure desired under any
valid law of the City, the Council may grant such permit provided that said Council shall
defer or temporarily refuse the granting thereof until such time as it deems proper or
in its discretion in all :vases where the street, avenue or alley in or on which the
work desired to be done is occupied or about to be occupied in any work by the City
in improving or repairing such street, avenue, alley or public place, or in repairing
other property of the City; or in cases where such street, avenue, alley or public
place is occupied or about to be occupied by any other persons having the right
to use the same in such manner as to render it inconvenient to the public to permit
any further obstruction thereof at said time; and provided, further, that a sufficient
portion of ..uch street, avenue, alley or public place shall, as far as possible, be open
for public use for the purposes of traffic, and in all cases, any work of the City or
its contractors or employees shall have precedence over all other work of any kind.
4-803: PUBLIC NUISANCE: All street railways, telegraph lines,
telephone line, electric light lines, gas mains or under ground
conduits for use of any public utility company and all rails, ties, planks, posts, wires or
other structures, apparatus or material built, constructed or placed in any street, avenue
or alley of the City without a permit having first been issued therefor in compliance
with the provisions of this Chapter, shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be abated
in the manner provided by the City law of the City and the person responsible for the
placing cr construction thereof shall be punished as provided in the Penal Code of the
City.
?59
4-804: NO PERMIT FOR ORDINARY REPAIR: It shall be no
defense of any prosecution or proceeding under this
Chapter, that a franchise to build or construct any such street railway, telegraph
line, telephone line, electric light line, gas main or under ground conduit for use of
any public utility company that has been granted by any law of this City, but this
Chapter shall not be so construed as to require a permit for the construction of or-
dinary repairs to any such structure where such repairs are made in good faith and
not for the purpose of construction to such structure. (Ord. No. 1065 9-5-1939)
4-901 4-902
CHAPTER 9
UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
SECTION:
4-901: Adoption
4-902: Amendments
4-903: Liability
4-904: Reference
4-905: Definitions
4-901: ADOPTION: The "Uniform Housing Code, 1970 Edition"
(Uniform Building Code, Volume III) issued by the Interna-
tional Conference of Building Officials, of which not less than three (3)
printed copies in book form have heretofore been filed in the office of the
City Clerk and made available for examination by the public is hereby
adopted as the "Uniform Housing Code, 1970 Edition" for the City of Renton,
which Code may hereafter be designated as "City of Renton Housing Code,
1970 Edition", except however, that Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
consisting of pages 20 through 33, inclusive, are hereby deleted and ex-
cluded from said Housing Code.
Any and all amendments, additions or modifications thereto when printed
and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Renton by authorization of the
City Council from time to time shall be considered and accepted and con-
stitute a part of such Code without the necessity of further adoption of such
amendments, modifications or additions by the legislative authority of the
City of Renton, or by Ordinance.
4-902: AMENDMENTS:
Section H-202 of the aforespecified "City of Renton Housing Code, 1970
Edition" is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section H-202 as amended:
All buildings or portions thereof which are determined by the Build-
ing Official to be substandard as defined in this Code are hereby
declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, re-
habilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedures
specified in Chapter 21, Title IV, Code of General Ordinances, which
Chapter 21 is otherwise known as the City of Renton Dangerous Build-
ing Code.
367; 1 171
4-903 4-905
4-903: LIABILITY: This Ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, build-
ing, altering, constructing or moving any building or structure as defined
in the aforesaid Code; nor shall the City of Renton or any agent thereof be
held as assuming such liability by reason of inspection authorized herein
or a Certificate of Inspection issued by the City or any of its agencies.
4-904: REFERENCE: By the reference thereto made hereinabove,
said "Uniform Housing Code, 1970 Edition", together with
any and all amendments, modifications or additions thereto hereafter printed
and filed with the City Clerkas hereinabove specified, are incorporated in
and made a part of this Ordinance as fully and with the same effect as if
set out herein in full, or as if adopted by subsequent Ordinances amendatory
hereof.
4-905: DEFINITIONS: Whenever the term "Administrative Authority"
is used in this Code, it shall be construed to mean the Build-
ing Director of the City of Renton, or his duly authorized representative or
agent.
One copy of said Code shall be duly authenticated and recorded by the City
Clerk along with the adopting Ordinance. (Ord. 2671; 11-1-71)
367; 1171
4-1001 4-1001
CHAPTER 10
FALLOUT SHELTERS
SECTION:
4-1001: Shelters Exempt From Building Code
4-1001: SHELTERS EXEMPT FROM BUILDING CODE: Due to the
specialized purpose and emergency nature for which family
fallout shelters are designed and any such shelter which complies with
Subsections (A), (B) and (C) of this Chapter is hereby exempt from the
provisions of the Building Code of the City, except as otherwise provided
for herein.
(A) Definition: A family fallout shelter is a structure designed and con-
structed in accordance with this Chapter for emergency use only in
case of enemy attack or other hostile action to afford minimum pro-
tection from nuclear radiation, commonly known as "fallout" resulting
from any such nuclear incident which recently has been, or is, or is
likely to be of catastrophic proportions.
(B) A family shelter shall be of a design conforming to that recommended
and approved by the Federal Department of Defense, Office of Civil
Defense or the State Director of Civil Defense of the State of Washing-
ton.
(C) A family fallout shelter shall in all matters relating to construction
and structural stability comply with not less than the equivalent of the
provisions relating to design loads and general building requirements
specified in the Uniform Building Code (1961 Edition).
(D) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions contained in Part 1
(Administrative) Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the City's Uniform Building
Code relating to administration, permits, inspection and penalties shall
be applicable to family fallout shelters. (Ord. 1939; 2-19-62)
362
CHAPTER 13
SAFETY CODE FOR MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION
(Repealed by Ord. 2383; 1-15-68)
1065;268
4-1401 4-1403
CHAPTER 14
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SECTION:
4-1401: Adoption
4-1402: Purpose
4-1403: Parts
4-1404: Implementation
4-1405: Amendment
4-1401: ADOPTION: That certain Comprehensive Plan for the physical
development of the City of Renton, together with all Exhibits
thereto as more particularly specified in Resolution No. 1240 passed and
approved on May 4, 1964, is hereby re-adopted in all respects.
4-1402: PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this Comprehensive Plan
is to define and establish the policy relating to the develop-
ment of the community as a whole; to indicate the principles and objectives
which shall guide the establishment, development and implementation of
definite and precise plans, public and private; to provide for the coordina-
tion of the many separate plans which govern the development of this com-
munity, to officially adopt a program and guide which will enable the City
of Renton to attain the principles and objectives set forth in R. C. W. 35.63
of the Revised Code of Washington in the manner provided.
4-1403: PARTS: This Comprehensive Plan iscomposedofthe "Text"
which presents the existing conditions,the problems,the objec-
tives and the proposedpolicies,andthe"Maps" which illustrate the program.
Additional supplementary parts developed in the future may include, but not
be limited to special studies,charts,graphs,additional general maps, local-
ized maps, including specific development of the down town business area,
reports or schedules, which when adopted will become an integral part of
the Comprehensive Plan.
1. The"Land Use Map" attached hereto, labeled Exhibit "A" and by re-
ference thereby incorporated herein as if fully set forth, illustrates
in broad and general terms the foreseeable development of the City of
Renton. The use areas shown thereon indicate the principles which are
intended to guide implementation of this development program. Said
"Land Use Map", however, is hereby amended,pursuant to the recom-
mendations of the Planning Commission and the public hearings held
thereon by the Planning Commission and the City Council, in thefollow—
ing respects:
(A) The area generally westerly of 132nd Avenue S.E. and Sunset Blvd.
continuously to an area easterly of 138th Avenue S.E. and both sides of
Sunset Blvd. to a depth of approximately five hundred feet (500') on each
side thereof shall be designated as a retail-commercial use area.
166
4-1403 4-1404
(B) That certain area east of 3rd Place North, and south of 4th Avenue
North and west of the Pacific Coast Railroad track shall be desig-
nated as Light Industrial Use.
(C) That certain area on the north side of the Maple Valley Highway in
the vicinity of the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 16,
Township 23 North, Range 5 E., W.M. shall be designated Retail-Com-
mercial Use.
(D) That certain area lying between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue and
between Main and Burnett Streets, except the northerly one hundred
feet (100') thereof, shall be designated as Multiple Residential Use.
(E) That certain area described as the northerly one hundred feet (100')
of the area lying between 4th and 5th Avenues and between Main and Burnett
Streets, shall be designated Retail-Commercial Use.
(F) That certain area east of Shattuck Street, west of Burnett Street,
and between the alley south of 3rd Avenue and the Pacific Railroad, shall
be designated Retail-Commercial Use.
and the City Engineer and Planning Director are hereby authorized and di-
rected to make the necessary changes on said"Land Use Map" to evidence
said amendments.
2. Streets and Arterials: The "Arterial Streets Map" attached hereto,
labeled Exhibit "B" and by reference thereto incorporated herein as
if fully set forth herein, illustrates the proposed program for traffic
circulation and is intended as a guide in the dedication, development,
construction and/or acquisition of rights of way, the development of
standards and regulations and purposes related thereto.
3. The "Text" attached hereto, labeled Exhibit"C" and by reference there-
to incorporated herein as if fully set forth herein illustrates briefly
the history of the City of Renton, the studies heretofore undertaken
and the goals set forth which are to be achieved when such Compre-
hensive Plan has been fully implemented.
4-1404: IMPLEMENTATION: In order to fully accomplish the objec-
tives and principles of this Comprehensive Plan,p and as same
may be amended from time to time, all resolutions and ordinances of the
City of Renton concerned with the development and welfare of the community
and its people shall be considered in the light of and related to the prin-
ciples, objectives and policies set forth herein. To fulfill the requirements
of R.C.W. 35.63, and in the interest of public safety, health,morals and
the general welfare, the following instruments of official implementation,
among others, will be developed in detail,to embody the necessary controls,
regulations, standards and penalties, and upon adoption by the City Council
will become implements of the Comprehensive Plan: 1. Zoning Ordinance;
2. Street and Arterial Plan; 3. Land Subdivision and Platting Plan; 4. Build-
ing Codes; 5. Capital Improvements Program.
166
4-1405 4-1405
4-1405: AMENDMENT: It shall be the duty of the Planning Commission
to continue to observe the development of the City and its en-
virons in relation to the Plan and to prepare reports and submit same to
the City Council from time to time, and whenever necessary, after proper
study and deliberation, amendments may be recommended by the Com-
mission to the City Council of this Comprehensive Plan. (Ord. 2142; 4-5-65)
166
4-1501 4-1502
CHAPTER 15
COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN
SECTION:
4-1501: Adoption
4-1502: Duty of Planning Commission
4-1501: ADOPTION: That certain Community Facilities Plan, 1965,
a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein
as if fully set forth, is hereby adopted as an implementation
of the City's "Comprehensive Plan for the physical develop-
ment of the City of Renton".
4-1502: DUTY OF PLANNING COMMISSION: It shall be the continu-
ing duty of the Planning Commission to observe the develop-
ment of the City and its environs in relation to the Comprehensive Plan,
and the implementations thereto, and to prepare reports ana submit same
to the City Council from time to time and whenever necessary. (Ord. 2196;
12-6-65)
166
4-1601 4-1601
CHAPTER 16
ARTERIALS AND STREET PLAN
SECTION:
4-1601: Adoption
4-1601 : ADOPTION: That certain "Arterials and Street Plan'', a
copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein as
if fully set forth, be and the same is hereby adopted as a part of and in
further implementation of the City's "Comprehensive Plan for the physical
development of the City of Renton". (Ord. 2199; 12-20-65)
166
4-1701 4-1703
CHAPTER 17
UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE
SECTION:
4-1701: Adoption
4-1702: Reference
4-1703: Liability
4-1704: Definitions
4-1701: ADOPTION: The "Uniform Mechanical Code" (Uniform Build-
ing Code Volume II) 1970 Edition as issued by the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and Internation Conference
of Building Officials, of which not less than three (3) copies in printed form
have heretofore been filed in the office of the City Clerk and made available
for examination by the public, is hereby adopted as the "Uniform Mechani-
cal Code" (Uniform Building Code Volume II) 1970 Edition for the City of
Renton, which Code may hereafter be designated as "City of Renton Uni-
form Mechanical Code, 1970 Edition"; and any and all amendments, additions
or modifications thereto when printed and filed with the City Clerk of the
City of Renton by authorization of the City Council from time to time shall
be considered and accepted and constitute a part of such Code without the
necessity of further adoption of such amendments, modifications or addi-
tions by the Legislative authority of the City of Renton or by Ordinance.
4-1702: REFERENCE: By the reference thereto made hereinabove,
said "Uniform Mechanical Code, 1970 Edition" together with any
and all amendments, modifications or additions thereto hereafter printed
and filed with the City Clerk as hereinabove specified, are incorporated in
and mode a part of this Ordinance as fully and with the same effect as if
set out herein in full, or as if adopted by subsequent Ordinances amendatory
hereof.
4-1703: LIABILITY: This Ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, build-
ing, altering, constructing or moving any building or structure as defined in
the aforesaid Code; nor shall the City of Renton or any agent thereof be
held as assuming such liability by reasonof inspection authorized herein, or
a Certificate of Inspection issued by the City or any of its agencies.
268;1171
4-1704 4-1704
4- 1704: DEFINITIONS: Whenever the term "Administrative Authority"
is used in this Code it shall be construed to mean the Building
Director of the City of Renton, or his duly authorized representative or
agent.
One copy of said Code shall be duly authenticated and recorded by the City
Clerk along with the adopting Ordinance, (Ord. 2673; 11-1-71)
268; 1171
4-1801 4-1801
CHAPTER 18
UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION; ELECTRICAL
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
SECTION:
4-1801: Compliance; Purpose; Scope
4-1802: Cost
4-1803: Underground Requirements
4-1804: Permits and Fees
4-1805: Design Standards
4-1806: Variance Procedures
4-1807: Joint Trenches
4-1808: Enforcement
4-1801: COMPLIANCE; PURPOSE; SCOPE:
(A) It shall be and it is hereby made the policy of the City to require com-
pliance with the fol lowing orderly program pertaining to the underground
relocation of all existing overhead wires carrying any electrical energy,
including, but not limited to, telephone, telegraph, cable television and
electrical power, and to require the underground installation of all new
electrical communication facilities, subject to certain exceptions noted
hereafter. It is especially found and determined by the City that the
health, safety, especially the safety of the traveling public, and general
welfare of the residents of the community require that all such existing
overhead facilities be relocated underground as soon as practicable
in accordance with the requirements specified herein and that all new
facilities specified herein be installed underground.
(B) The purpose of this Chapter, among others, is to establish minimum
requirements and procedures for the underground installation and re-
location of electrical and communication facilities within the City.
(C) Scope: Subject to the excepted facilities listed in subsection (D) of
this Section, this Chapter shall apply to all electric facilities and to
all communication facilities, including but not limited to telephone,
telegraph and cable television facilities.
(D) Excepted Facilities From Underground Requirements: This Chapter
shall not apply to the following facilities:
1068
4-1801 4-1803
1. Electric utility sub-stations, pad-mounted transformers and switch-
ing facilities not located on the public right-of-way where site screening
is or will be provided in accordance with Section 4-1805 (C) 2.
2. Electric transmission systems of a voltage of fifty five (55) kv or
more, (including poles and wires) and equivalent communication facil-
ities where the utility providing electrical energy is willing to provide
at its expense an underground street lighting circuit including all con-
ductor and conduit to a point on the poles at least forty feet (40') above
ground level to serve utility owned street lighting fixtures to be mounted
on the poles at said location.
3. Ornamental street lighting standards.
4. Telephone pedestals and other equivalent communication facilities.
5. Police and fire sirens, or any similar Municipal equipment, in-
cluding traffic control equipment.
4-1802: COST: The cost and expense of converting existing overhead
facilities to underground, or installing new facilities under-
ground, shall be borne by the serving utilities, and/or the owners or oc-
cupants of the real property served,and/or persons applying for such under-
ground service in accordance with the applicable filed tariffs, or the published
policies of the respective utilities furnishing such service; provided, however
that whenever the City determines that the public health, welfare, convenience
and pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety in any street or road widening
or relocation project requires conversion of existing overhead facilities
to an underground installation, then in any such event, the utility or utilities
effected shall provide such work at its own cost and expense; such latter
requirement shall apply to major or arterial streets or roadways carrying
an average of ten thousand (10,000) vehicles or more per day and shall be
limited to one and one-half (1.5) miles of such street or roadway per annum.
in the absence of any filed tariffs, rules or regulations, published policies
or contractual agreement as hereinabove set forth, the cost and expense
of relocating existing facilities, or installing new facilities to underground,
may be financed by any other method authorized by State Law.
4-1803: UNDERGROUND REQUIREMENTS:
(A) Definitions: The following terms when used in this Chapter shall have
the meanings given below:
1. Rebuilds: A replacement of overhead facilities for a distance of
three (3) or more spans (four (4) poles) or five hundred feet (500')
exclusive of replacements due to casualty damage.
1068
4-1803 4-1803
2. Services: Facilities located on private property and/or for the
specific purpose of servicing one customer.
3. Relocations: Removal of existing facilities with subsequent re-
installation at an adjacent location, generally necessitated by roadway
widening projects, shall constitute a relocation.
(B) Services: All new electric or communication services from an overhead
or underground facility to service connections of structures shall be
installed underground from and after the effective date of this Chapter.
All rebuilt or relocated electric or communication services from an
overhead or underground facility to service connections of structures
shall be installed underground from and after the effective date of this
Chapter, excepting those which only involve a change in the overhead
service line without a change in the corresponding service entrance
facilities.
(C) Business Centers and Industrial Areas:
1. The following requirements apply to all areas of the City which are
outlined on the map referred to herein.
2. All existing overhead electric and communication facilities, with
the exceptions previously noted in Section 4-1801 (D),shall be converted
to underground facilities within fifteen (15) years from the effective
date of this Chapter, subject to a ten (10) year extension by the City
whereby in the City's judgment, their financial situation prohibits the
City from participating to the degree implied by the provisions of this
Chapter.
3. All extension, rebuilds, relocations, or duplications of existing
overhead electric and communication foci Cities shall be instal led under-
ground from and after the effective date of this Chapter.
4. All areas rezoned for commercial or industrial use after the effective
date of this Chapter shall be converted to underground in the same
manner as provided herein in subsection (C) 2. for existing facilities
within fifteen (15) years from the effective date of such rezoning,
subject to a ten (10) year extension by the City, provided that the
Board of Public Works elects to add such rezoned areas to those out-
lined on the map as designated in subsection (C) 1. herein.
(D) Residential Areas:
1. The following requirements apply to all areas zoned by the Comp-
rehensive Zoning Ordinance of the City as single family and multi-
family residential.
2, All extensions, duplications, relocations, or rebuilds of existing
overhead electric and communication facilities shall be installed
underground from and after the effective date of this Chapter.
1068
4-1803 4-1803
(E) Retail Business and Public Facilities:
1. The following requirements apply to all areas not included in sub-
section (C) herein and zoned by the Zoning Ordinance of the City as
retail business and public facilities.
2. The underground requirements respecting all electric or com-
munication facilities in these areas shall conform to the requirements
of the immediately surrounding areas as determined by the zoning
classifications, provided, that where the surrounding areas have vary-
ing requirements in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4-1803
(C) and (D) the underground requirements shall be those applicable to
the predominantly surrounding area.
(F) Street lighting; Street lighting facilities or systems conforming to
the current standards of the City Traffic Engineer shall be installed
as an integral port of all undergrounding projects.
(G) All rights-of-way proposed to be dedicated to the City and/or ease-
ments for public facilities shall be subject to the provisions of this
Chapter. (Ord. 2432; 9-23-68)
(H) The owner or owners of real property abutting an underground pro-
ject shall be responsible, at his or their expense, for converting to such
underground service within ninety (90) days after the date of the
mailing of the notice as hereinbelow set forth. Time in consummating
such connection and disconnection of overhead service is of the essence
and such notice to the property owner or occupant of the affected pre-
mises may be mailed, postage prepaid, or delivered in person.
All of such conversion of electric and communication facilities to
underground facilities may be undertaken by Local Improvement Dis-
trict or as otherwise permitted by law and as further authorized by
RCW 35.96.030-040.
When service from the underground electric and communication fa-
cilities is available in all or part of a conversion area, the City shall
mail a notice to the owners of all structures of improvements served
from the existing overhead facilities in the area, which notice shall state
that:
1. Service from the underground facilities is available;
2. All electric and communication service lines from the existing over-
head facilities within the area to any structure or improvement must
be disconnected and removed within ninety (90)days after the date of the
mailing of the notice;
3. Should such owner fail to convert such service lines from over-
head to underground within ninety (90) days after the date of the mail-
ing of the notice, the City will order the electric and communication
utilities to disconnect and remove the service lines;
1068;969
4-1803 4-1803
4. Should the owner object to the disconnection and removal of the
service lines he m file his written objections thereto with the City
Clerk within thirty(30)days after the date of the mailing of the notice and
failure to so object within such time will constitute a waiver of his
right thereafter to object to such disconnection and removal.
If the owner of any structure or improvement served from the existing
overhead electric and communication facilities within a conversion area
shall fail to convert to underground the service lines from such over-
head facilities to such structure or improvement within ninety (90)
days after the mailing to him of the notice, the City shall order the
electric and communication utilities to disconnect and remove all
such service lines: PROVIDED, That if the owner has filed his written
objections to such disconnection and removal with the City Clerk within
thirty(30)days after the mailing of the notice then the City shall not order
such disconnection and removal until after the hearing on such objections.
Upon the timely filing by the owner of objections to the disconnection
and removal of the service lines, the legislative authority of such City
or a committee thereof, shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the
removal of all or any part of the service lines is in the public benefit.
The hearing shall be held at such time as the legislative authority of
such City may establish for hearings on the objections and shall be
held in accordance with the regularly established procedure set by the
legislative authority of the City. If the hearing is before a committee,
the committee shall following the hearing report its recommendation
to the legislative authority of the City for final action. The determination
reached by the legislative authority shall be final in the absence of an
abuse of discretion.
Unless otherwise provided for in RCW 35.96 et seq, all the general pro-
visions relating to Local Improvements of Cities and Towns shall like-
wise apply to Local Improvements for the conversion of overhead elec-
tric and communication facilities to underground facilities. (Ord. 2496;
8-25-69)
(I) Where abovegrode pole line installations are permitted under the var-
iance procedures outlined in Section 4-1806, conductors shall be placed
in vertical alignment or any other approved alignment as subsequently
designated by the City Traffic Engineer.
(J) Plans for all above-ground installations, including those excepted
under Section I, D 1, shall be submitted to the Planning Department for
approval of site screeening and set-backs prior to the issuance of a
service permit by the Building Department.
(K) As-built; Project Drawings in a form and scale conforming to general-
ly accepted engineering practice shall be submitted in duplicate to the
office of the City Traffic Engineer within thirty (30) days of the com-
p!e'ion of any underground project within the City. In addition, each
utility shall submit in duplicate as-built drawings of all of its under-
ground facilities within the City on an annual basis, commencing on
January, 1, following the effective dote of this Chapter, provided that
if said drawings are not available at the time of the effective date
of this Chapter, each utiltity shall be given a reasonable time to prepare
such drawings.
1068;969
4-1804 4-1805
4-1804: PERMITS AND FEES:
(A) An underground permit shall be acquired by the serving utility from
the office of the City Traffic Engineer prior to the proceeding with
construction of facilities in the public right-of-way, easements for
public facilities, and/or public property. The fee for and terms for
such permit for any undergrounding as hereinabove defined, shall be
identical and in addition to that specified in Chapter 8 Title IX of
Ordinance No. 1628 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the City
of Renton" and/or any future amendments thereto.
(8) Overhead Permit: Where above-grade pole line installations are per-
mitted under the variance procedures of Section 4-1806, a permit
shall be acquired by the serving utility from the office of the City
Traffic Engineer prior to proceeding with construction of such facil-
ities in the public right-of-way and/or public property. The fee for
and terms of such permit shall be identical to and in lieu of that
specified in Chapter 8 Title IX of Ordinance No. 1628 and any sub-
sequent amendments thereto,
(C) Amendment to Chapter 8 Title IX of Ordinance No. 1628: Chapter
8 Title IX of Ordinance No. 1628 is hereby amended to exclude overhead
pole lines for which jurisdiction shall henceforth be placed under the
Office of the City Traffic Engineer and for which the permit provisions
of subsection (B) herein shall apply.
(D) The terms of the above permits create a liability on the serving utility
for excess inspection fees as provided for in Chapter 8 Title IX of
Ordinance No. 1628 and/or any amendments thereto.
4-1805: DESIGN STANDARDS:
(A) All conductors, switches, transformers, and regulating devices shall
be installed in accordance with the applicable National,State,and Local
Safety Standards. All structural devices shall be designed in accord-
ance with the provisions of the latest edition of the Uniform Building
Code, subject to the provisions of the immediately following subsection.
(A.1) All underground facilities provided for herein shall be installed in
such manner as to coordinate with other underground facilities, i.e.
water, sewer and gas pipelines, traffic control and other signal systems.
Whenever such coordination requires installation practices more re-
strictive or demanding than the minimum standards required by applicable
National, State and Local Codes and Safety Standards, the requirements
of such coordination shall be governing and controlling.
(B) All vaults, handholes, ventilation gratings, and access covers and
conduit in public rights-of-way shall be strong enough to withstand
ten thousand pounds (10,000 lbs.) wheel load. The serving utility may,
1068
4-1805 4-1806
at their option, elect to restrict a ten thousand pound (10,000 lbs.)
wheel load requirement to traveled street areas while assuming the
responsibility for up-grading facilities beyond the original traveled
street areas should subsequent widening occur.
(C) Any equipment excepted from those underground requirements or
otherwise permitted to be installed above-ground shall be:
1. Placed within an enclosure or part of the building being served, or
2. Suitably screened with masonry or other decorative panels and/or
evergreen trees, shrubs, and landscaping planted in sufficient depth
and height, within a period of five (5) years, to form an effective
sight barrier.
The utility shall be responsible for the installation, maintenance,
repair, or replacement of the aforementioned screening materials
when the real property on which the above-ground facility is located
is owned by the utility.
When said above-ground facility is located on non-utility owned real
property, the owner (s) shall bear the expense of installation main-
tenance, repair or replacement of screening materials outlined here-
inabove.
(D) Space frames and structural arrangements for holding equipment shall
be designed to have an uncluttered and neat appearance.
(E) Streets shall be graded to sub-grade prior to the installation of under-
ground facilities.
4-1806: VARIANCE PROCEDURES: All applications for variances from
the foregoing underground requirements shall first be filed
with the City Board of Public Works. The Board shall promulgate rules
and regulations governing application for, hearings pertaining to, and the
grantings of variances from the foregoing underground requirements.
Underground requirements shall be waived by a variance only if the utility
owner or user or any other affected party can demonstrate that it would
work an undue hardship to place the facilities concerned underground.
By an undue hardship is meant a technological difficulty associated with the
particular facility, or with the particular real property involved, or a cost
of undergrounding such a facility which, in the Board's discretion, is deemed
to outweigh the general welfare consideration implicit in underground in-
stallation, or an area where the growth pattern has not been sufficiently
established to permit the determination of ultimate service requirements
or major service routes.
1068
4-1807 4-1808
4-1807: JOINT TRENCHES: In the undergrounding of facilities, as
contemplated by this Chapter, it is the City's intent to authorize
the establishment of joint or common trenches; that is, the utilization of a
single trench where feasible by all utilities and/or franchise holders involved
in the relocation of overhead facilities. Upon application for an underground
permit, the City Traffic Engineer shall determine what utilities
and franchise holders shall use the proposed trench and the
issuance date of the applicable underground permit. If at the time of ap-
plication for an underground permit, it does not appear that all utilities
involved in the undergrounding project have made appropriate arrangements
for the use of common trenches, the City Traffic Engineer may delay the
issuance of such permit until all utilities involved in such relocation shall
have been given the opportunity to be heard upon two (2) weeks' notice.
4-1808: ENFORCEMENT:
(A) Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter or any amendments
thereto by any entity or individual affected thereby shall be and con-
stitute a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof be punished by a fine
not exceeding twenty five dollars ($25.00) for each day of such violation;
provided, however that any violation of Section 4-1804 hereinabove
be governed by Chapter 8, Title X and Chapter 3, Title I, (General
Penalty) of Ordinance No. 1628 entitled "Code of General Ordinances
of the City of Renton".
(B) Enforcement Officer: The City Traffic Engineer or his designated
representative shall be responsible for investigation of violations and
citation of the violating parties. (Ord. 2432; 9-23-68)
1068
4-1901 4-1901
CHAPTER 19
SIGN CODE
SECTION:
4-1901: Title, Scope and Enforcement
4-1902: Definitions and Abbreviations
4-1903: Permits, Bonds, Applications, Fees and Inspections
4-1904: Design and Construction
4-1905: Fin Signs
4-1906: Pole Signs
4-1907: Ground Signs
4-1908: Roof Signs
4-1909: Wall Signs
4-1910: Projecting Signs
4-1911 : Combination Signs
4-1912: Marquees
4-1913: Electric Signs
4-1914: Prohibited Signs and Devices
4-1915: Temporary Signs
4-1916: Special Permit Signs and Displays
4-1917: Signs on Public Right-of-Way
4-1918: Land Use Zones
4-1919: Liability
4-1920: Severability
4-1921: Repealing Certain Chapters of Title IV
4-1922: Effective Date
4-1901: TITLE, SCOPE AND ENFORCEMENT:
1. This Ordinance shall be hereinafter known as the "Renton Sign Code",
may be cited as such, will be hereinafter referred to as "This Code"
and same shall be and constitute Chapter 19, Title IV (Building Regu-
lations) of Ordinance No. 1628 known as "Code of General Ordinances
of the City of Renton".
2. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Code to provide a means of regu-
lating signs so as to promote the health, safety, morals, general wel-
fare and esthetics of the City of Renton. Signs are erected to provide
information for the benefit and convenience of pedestrians and motorists
and should not detract from the quality of urban environment by being
competitive or garish. Signs should complement and characterize the
environment which they serve to give their respective areas a unique
1069
4-1901 4-1902
and pleasing quality. No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to
confine or obstruct the view or interpretation of any official traffic
sign, signal or device. The regulations of this Code are not intended
to permit any violations of any other lawful ordinance. This Code does
not apply to any signs or sign structures located within a building.
(Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
3. Enforcement.
A. Authority. The Building Director is hereby authorized and directed
to enforce all provisions and terms of this Code. For such purpose
the Building Director or his duly authorized representative shall have
the power of a police officer. (Ord. 2668; 10-4-71)
B. Board of Appeals. In order to provide for a system of appeals
from administrative decisions in the reasonable interpretation of the
provisions of this Code, the "Board of Adjustment" provided in Section
4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building Regulations) of the Code of General
Ordinances of the City of Renton, shall, upon proper application, render
a decision consistent with the provisions of Section 4-731.
C. Violation and Penalties. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm
or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, im-
prove, convert, equip, use or maintain any sign or structure in the City
or cause or permit the same to be done contrary to or in violation of
any of the provisions of this Code. Any person, firm or corporation
violating any of the provisions of this Code shall upon conviction be
guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty
of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during
which any violation of any of the provisions of this Code is committed,
continued or permitted; and upon conviction of any such violation
such person shall be punishable byafineof not more than three hundred
dollars ($300.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90)
days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
D. Aiterroto Provisions. The provisions of this Code ore not intended
to prevent the use of any material, method of construction or design
not specifically prescribed by this Code. The Building Official may
approve such alternates provided that he finds the proposed sign is
satisfactory for the purpose intended and is the equivalent of that pre-
scribed in this Code in quality, strength,effectiveness,fire resistance,
durability and safety..
The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof
be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be made regarding its
use. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
4-1902: DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS: For the purpose of
this Code, certain abbreviations, terms, phrases, words and
their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section. Words used
in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular. Words used
in the masculine gender include the feminine,and the feminine the masculine.
1069;1171
4-1902 4-1902
1. Animated Sign. A sign with action or motion, flashing, or color changes
requiring electrical energy, electronic or manufactured source of
supply, but not including revolving signs or wind actuated elements
such as flags or banners.
2. Approved Plastics. Approved plastic materials shall be those specified
in U.B.C. Standards which have a flame-spread rating of two hundred
twenty five (225) or less and a smoke density not greater than that
obtained from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions
when tested in accordance with U.B.C. Standards in the way intended
for use. The products of combustion shall be no more toxic than the
burning of untreated wood under similar conditions. (See Section 4-1904)
3. Background Area. The entire face upon which copy could be placed.
4. Building Facade. That portion of any exterior elevation of a building
extending from the grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, and
the entire width of the building elevation.
5. Building Facade Facing. A resurfacing of an existing facade with
approved material, illuminated or non-illuminated.
6. Building Official. The officer or other person charged with the admin-
istration and enforcement of this Code, or his duly authorized deputy.
7. Combination Sign. Any sign incorporating any combination of the
features of pole, projecting, and roof signs.
8. Curb Line. The line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or
roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curb line shall be established
by the City Engineer. (See Legal Setback, item 16 following).
9. Display Surface. The area made available by the sign structure for
the purpose of displaying the advertising message.
10. Drive-In Business. A commercial facility which specializes in the
dispensing of merchandise and/or service to vehicles and/or to walk-
up service windows.
11. Electric Sign. Any sign containing or utilizing electrical wiring, but not
including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.
12. Fin Sign. Any sign which is supported wholly by a one story building
of an open-air business or by poles placed in the ground, or partly by
such a pole or poles and partly by a building or structure.
13. Ground Sign. Any sign which is supportedby one or more upright poles
or braces in or upon the ground, not over six feet (6') in height and not
over twelve (12) square feet in area if single faced and not over twenty
four (24) square feet in area if double faced.
1069;471
595
4-1902 4-1902
14. Height. The distance measured from grade, unless otherwise designated,
to the top of the sign or sign structure.
15. Incombustible Material. Any material which will not ignite at or below
a temperature of one thousand two hundred degrees (1,200e) Fahren-
heit during an exposure of five (5) minutes, and which will not continue
to burn or glow at that temperature. Tests shall be mode as specified
in U.B.C. Standards.
16. Legal Setback Line. The line established by ordinance beyond which
no building mo.y be built. A legal setbock line may be a property line.
17. Marquee. A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by
the building and projecting over public property.
18. Nonstructural Trim. The molding, battens, caps, nailing strips,
latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the
sign structure.
19. On-Premise Sign. A sign which displays only advertising copy strictly
incidental to the lawful use of the premises on which it is located,
including signs or sign devices indicating the business transacted at,
services rendered, goods sold or produced on the immediate premises,
name of the business, person, firm or corporation occupying the pre-
mises.
20. Off-Premise Sign. Any sign which cannot be classified as described
above.
21. Plastic Materials. Materials made wholly or principally from stand-
ardized plastics listed and described in Uniform Building Code Standards.
(See Approved Plastics, Section 1904, 2, G.)
22. Pole Sign. A sign wholly supported by a sign structure in the ground.
23. Portable Display Surface. A display surface temporarily affixed to a
standardized advertising structure which is regularly moved from
structure to structure at periodic intervals.
24, Portable Sign. A sign which is not permanently affixed and designed
for or capable of movement, except those signs explicitly designed for
people to carry on their persons or which are permanently affixed to
motor vehicles.
25. Projecting Sign. A sign other than a wall sign which projects from and
is supported by a wall of a building or structure.
26. Projection. The distance by which a sign extends over public property
or beyond the building line.
1069;471
4-1902 4-1903
27. Roof Sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a build-
ing or structure.
28. Sign. Any medium, including merchandise, its structure and com-
ponent parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention
to the subject matter for advertising purposes.
29. Sign Structure. Any structure which supports or is capable of support-
ing any sign as defined in this Code. A sign structure may be a single
pole and may or may not be an integral part of the building.
30. Street. A public right-of-way which affords the principal means of
access to abutting properties and is designed primarily for the move-
ment of motor vehicles.
31. Structure. That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building
of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of
parts joined together in some definite manner.
32. Temporary Sign. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising
display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard,wallboard,
or other light materials, with or without frames, intended to be dis-
played for a limited period of time only.
33. Uniform Building Code. The adopted edition of the Uniform Building
Code published by the International Conference of Building Officials.
34. U.B.C. Standards. The adopted edition of the Uniform Building Code
Standards published by the International Conference of Building Offi-
cials.
35. Under Marquee Sign. A lighted or unlighted display attached to the
underside of a marquee protruding over public or private sidewalks.
36. Wall Sign. Any sign painted, attached, or erected against the wall of
a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane
parallel to the plane of said wall. (Ord. 2629; 4-19-71)
37. Political Signs. Any sign concerning candidates for a political office
and/or involving a political issue, whether partisan or non-partisan.
(Ord. 2668; 10-4-71)
4-1903: PERMITS, BONDS, APPLICATIONS, FEES AND INSPECTIONS:
1. Permits and Bonds.
A. Permits Required. No sign shall hereafter be erected, re-erected,
constructed, or altered, except as provided by this Code and a permit
for the same has been issued by the Building Official. A separate per-
mit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity,
and/or a separate permit for each group of signs on a single supporting
structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electric
signs.
1069;471;1171
4-1903 4-1903
B. Revocable Permits. All permits issued for any sign projecting
over a public right-of-way shall be a mere license, revocable at arty
time by the City of Renton, acting through its Building Official, upon
written notice to the permittee of not less than ten (10) days, or without
notice in case the permitted use shall become dangerous or such sign
shall become insecure or unsafe or shall not be constructed, maintained
or used in accordance with the provisions of this Code. Upon revoking
such permit, or at anytime thereafter,the Building Official may request
the permittee to discontinue or remove such sign and supporting struc-
ture; and if it be not sodiscontinuedor removed as requested within the
time specified, the Building Official may remove such sign or structure,
all at the expense of the permittee, payment for which may be enforced
in any manner permitted by law.
C. Surety Bond. The applicant for a permit for any sign projecting
over a public right-of-way shall, before the permit is issued, file
with the City Clerk a continuing Surety Company Bond of the amount
listed in Table 3-A following to be approved by the City Attorney and
conditioned for faithful observance of the provisions of this Code and
amendments thereof and all applicable laws and ordinances relating to
signs and advertising structures, and further conditioned to indemnify
and save harmless the City of Renton from loss, damage, judgments,
costs or expense which the City may incur, or suffer, by reason of
granting of said permit. A public liability insurance policy issued by
an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Wash-
ington, appropriately conditioned in conformity with the objectives of
this Section, may be permitted in lieu of a bond with limits of one hun-
dred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) - three hundred thousand dollars
($300,000.00) public liability and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00)
property damage coverage.
TABLE 3-A
Bond Requirements
Sign Area (Square Feet) Bond
0 - 25 $ 500.00
26 - 100 1,000.00
101 - 200 5,000.00
201 and more 10,000.00
(Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
2. Application Procedure.
A. Required Information. Two (2) copies of the following informa-
tion shall be submitted with each application:
1069;471
4-1903 4-1903
(1) Application Form. Application for a sign permit shall
be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Building Official. Such
application shall contain the location by street and number of the pro-
posed sign as well as the name, address and telephone number of the
owner and the sign contractor or erector.
(2) Plot Plan. A plan at a scale of at least one inch (1")
representing twenty feet (20') showing the property lines, streets,
sidewalks, alleys, easements, trees, manholes, fire hydrants and
clearance from utility poles, location and type of proposed new signs,
including any animation or use of flashing lights; and the location and
type of existing signs.
(3) Construction Plans. A plan at an appropriate scale
showing the footings, connections to building, size of supports and the
material used in supports and sign itself; and the elevation showing
the copy to be used on sign, size of sign, the sign's relationship to
property line, easements, setback lines, structures, ground clearance,
total height and clearance from overhead power lines.
B. Additional Information. The Building Official may require the
filing of additional plans, mops or other pertinent information when,
in his opinion, such information is necessary to insure compliance
with this Code.
C. Standard Plans. Standard plans may be filed with the Building
Official. (Ord. 2629; 4-19-71)
3a, Exceptions. The following shall not require a permit. These exceptions
shall not be construed as relieving the owner of any sign from the
responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with
the provisions of this Code or any other law or ordinance regulating
the same.
A. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or
printed sign, theater marquee, and similar signs, specifically designed
for the use of replaceable copy.
B. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or the
changing of the advertising copy or message thereon shall not be con-
sidered an erection or alteration which requires sign permit unless a
structural or electrical change is made.
C. Temporary signs and decorations customary for special holidays
such as Independence Day and Christmas erected entirely on private
property. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
1069;471
4-1903 4-1903
D. A real estate sign six (6) square feet or less in area offering the
immediate premises for sale, lease or rent. (Ord. 2629; 4-19-71)
E. Signs of not over two (2) square feet advertising that credit is
available to members of monetary institutions.
F. One on-premise sign, not electrical or illuminated, two (2) square
feet or less, which is affixed permanently on a plane parallel to the wall
on the wall located entirely on private property.
G. Non-electrical and non-illuminated parking and traffic control
signs two (2) square feet or less on private property.
H. Bulletin board not over twelve (12) square feet in area for each
public, charitable, or religious institution when the same is located
on the premises of said institution.
I. Temporary signs denoting the architect, engineer, or contractor
when placed upon work under construction and not exceeding twelve
(12) square feet in area.
J. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of erec-
tion, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed•of bronze
or other incombustible materials.
K. Signs of public service companies indicating danger and/or service
or safety information.
4. Permit Fees. At the time of issuinga permit to erect or install a sign
or device controlled by this Code, the Building Official shall collect
a fee computed on the basis of the following:
A. For permanent signs located entirely upon private property, compute
the total area of all faces upon which copy may be placed and use Table
3-B below:
TABLE 3-B
Fee For Signs on Private Property
Up to but not including fifty (50) square feet $ 5.00
Fifty (50) square feet to but not including
one hundred fifty (150) square feet 10.00
One hundred fifty (150) square feet to but not
including three hundred (300) square feet 15.00
Three hundred (300) square feet and over 25.00
1069;471
4-1903 4-1903
B. For permanent signs, any portion of which is within the public
right-of-way, compute the total area of all faces upon which copy may
be placed and use Table 3-C following:
TABLE 3-C
Fee For Signs Within Public Right-of-Way
Up to but not including fifty (50) square feet $ 7.50
Fifty (50) square feet to but not including
one hundred fifty (150) square feet 15.00
One hundred fifty (150) square feet to but not
including three hundred (300) square feet 22.50
Three hundred (300) square feet and over 37.50
A fee for periodic re-inspection may be required by the Building
Official in the interest of public safety in the amount of one-half (1/2)
of the original permit fee, payable within ten (10) days of billing. Such
a fee shall not be charged more than once a year, except in those in-
stances when the property owner fails to comply with correction notices
issued by the Building Official.
C. For the temporary installation of signs, banners, streamers, etc.
on special permit as provided in Section 4-1916of this Code, the permit
fee shall be twenty five dollars ($25.00).
D. For the temporary installation of cloth signs over the public right-
of-way on special permit as provided in Section 4-1916 of this Code,
the permit fee shall be twenty five dollars ($25.00).
1069
4-1903 4-1903
E. For the purpose of computing the maximum permitted size and
permit fee, free standing letters or characters, where no background
is specially provided, the area shall be considered as that encompassed
by drawing straight lines at the extremities of the shapes to be used.
F. Real estate directional sign permits on the public right-of-way of
a temporary nature shall be ten dollars ($10.00) per sign for a six (6)
month period with a renewal fee of five dollars ($5.03) for a three (3)
month period with only one renewal allowed. A fifteen dollar ($15.00)
deposit per sign shall also be paid to the Building Official,which shall
be forfeited if the developer fails to remove the sign when the permit
expires. Upon demonstration that a sign has been removed, the deposit
for the sign shall be returned. All confiscated signs shall become the
property of the City of Renton.
G. In addition to the above fees, the Building Official may collect a
plan check fee equal to one-half (1/2) the sign permit fee if special
engineering checks are required. Such fees shall be paid at the time of
application.
H. Where work for which a permit is required by this Code is started
or proceeded with prior to obtaining said permit, the fees above specified
shall be doubled; but the payment of such double fee shal I not re I ieve
any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code
in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed
herein.
I. The fee for the inspection of refurbished, used electrical signs and
field-assembled electrical signs, which is in addition to the above
fees, shall be ten dollars ($10.00),provided that the signs do not possess
a seal from an approved testing agency.
5. Maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supports, braces,
guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preser-
vation. The surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted
at all times. The ground area shall be neat and orderly.
•
6. Inspections.
A. All signs controlled by this Code shall be subject to inspection
and periodic re-inspection by the Building Official.
B. Footing inspections shall be made by the Building Official for all
signs having footings.
C. All welding on signs or sign structures shall be done by certified
welders holding a valid certification from King County or other govern-
mental jurisdiction acceptable to the Building Official.
1059
4-1903 4-1904
D. All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the
governing electrical code and shall bear the label of an approved testing
agency. Refurbished, used electrical signs and field-assembled elec-
trical signs without a seal of an approved testing agency shall be in-
spected by the Building Official.
E. The Building Official may order the removal of any sign that is
not maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 4-1903,5,
of this Code.
4-1904: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
1. Design,
A. General. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and con-
structed to resist wind and seismic forces as specified in this Section.
Al I bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral
forces to the foundations. For signs on buildings, the dead and lateral
loads shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building
to the ground in such manner as not to overstress any of the elements
thereof. The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall
in no case exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the dead-load resisting moment.
Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper
anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building. The
weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining
the dead-load resisting moment. Such earth shall be thoroughly
compacted.
B. Wind Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and con-
structed to resist wind forces as specified in the adopted edition of the
Uniform Building Code.
C. Seismic Loads. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and
constructed to resist seismic forces as specified in the adopted edition
of the Uniform Building Code.
D. Combined Loads. Wind and seismic loads need not be combined in
the design of signs or sign structures; only that loading producing the
larger stresses need be used.
Vertical design loads, except roof live loads, shall be assumed to be
acting s?multaneously with the wind or seismic loads.
E. Al lowable Stresses. The design of wood, concrete or steel members
shall conform to the requirements of the adopted edition of the Uniform
Building Code. Loads, both vertical and horizontal, exerted on the soil
shall not produce stresses exceeding those specified in the adopted
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
1069
4-1904 4-1904
The working stresses of wire rope and its fastenings shall not exceed
• twenty five percent (25%) of the ultimate strength of the rope or
fasteners.
Working stresses for wind or seismic loads combined with dead loads
may be increased as specified in the adopted edition of the Uniform
Building Code.
2. Construction.
A. General. The supports for all signs or sign structures shall be
placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, construc-
ted, and erected in conformance with the requirements of this Code.
B. Materials. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures
shall be of the quality and grade as specified for buildings in the adopted
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
In all signs and sign structures the materials and details of construc-
tion shall, in the absence of specified requirements, conform with the
fol lowing:
(1) Structural steel shall be of such quality as to conform with
U.B.C. Standards. Secondary members in contact with or directly sup-
porting the display surface may be formed of light gauge steel, provided
such members are designed in accordance with the specifications of
the design of light gauge steel as specified in U.B.C. Standards and, in
addition, ferrous metals shall be galvanized. Secondary members, when
formed integrally with the display surface, shall be not less than No. 24
gauge in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display sur-
face, the minimum thickness of the secondary members shall be No.
12 gauge.
Steel members may be connected with one galvanized or equivalent bolt
provided the connection is adequate to transfer the stresses in the
members.
(2) Anchors and supports when of wood and embedded in the
soil, or within six inches (6") of the soil, shall be of all heartwood of
a durable species or shall be pressure-treated with an approved pre-
servative. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved
agency.
C. Restrictions on Combustible Materials. All signs and sign struc-
tures erected in Fire Zone No. 1 shall have structural members of
incombustible materials.
Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the re-
quirements of this Code, except as provided above.
Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and signs
on marquees shall be constructed of incombustible materials, except
as provided in item D. below. No combustible materials other than
approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.
1069
4-1904 5-1904
D. Nonstructural Trim. Nonstructural trim and portable display sur-
faces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics, or any combination
thereof.
E. Anchorage. Members supporting unbraced signs shall be so pro-
portioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil in either direction,
horizontal or vertical, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground
signs shall be anchored to resist the specified wind or seismic load
acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for
safe bearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance to pull-
out amounting to a force twenty five percent (25%) greater than the
required resistance to overturning. Anchors and supports shall pene-
trate to a depth below ground greater than that of the frost line. Signs
attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall be safely and securely
fastened thereto by means of metal anchors, bolts, or approved expan-
sion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads
applied.
No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection
with screws or nails shall be considered proper anchorage, except in
the case of signs attached to wood framing.
No anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported
by, an unbraced parapet wall, unless such wall is designed in accor-
dance with the requirements for parapet walls specified in the adopted
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
F. Display Surfaces. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be
made of metal, glass or approved plastics, or other approved non-
combustible material. Glass thickness and area limitations shall be
as set forth in Table No. 4-A below:
TABLE NO. 4-A
Size, Thickness and Type of Glass Panels in Signs
7
MAXIMUM SIZE OF EXPOSED
GLASS PANEL MINIMUM
AREA THICKNESS
ANY DIMENSION ( In Square OF' GLASS
(In Inches) Inches) (In Inches) TYPE OF GLASS
30 500 1/8 Plain, Plate or Wire.
45 700 3/16 Plain, Plate or Wire(
144 3600 1/4 Plain, Plate or Wire .
Over 144 t Over 360U 1/4 Wired Glass
1069
4-1904 4-1904
G. Approved Plastics. The Building Official shall require that
sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed use
of any plastic material and, if it is determined that the evidence sub-
mitted is satisfactory for the use intended, he may approve its use.
3. Clearance.
A. General. All types of signs shall conform to the clearance and
projection requirements of this Section.
B. Clearance from High Voltage Power Lines. Signs shall be located
not less than ten feet (10') horizontally or twelve feet (12') vertically
from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of
seven hundred fifty (750) volts. The term "overhead conductors' as
used in this Section means any electrical conductor, either bare or
insulated, installed above the ground except such conductors as are
enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering Qf equal strength.
C. Clearance from Fire Escapes, Exits or Standpipes. No sign or
sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of
its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of
any fire escape, exit or standpipe.
D. Obstruction of Openings. No sign shall obstruct any opening to
such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that
required by the applicable City building codes. Signs erected within
five feet (5') of an exterior wall in which there are openings within the
area of the sign shall be constructed of incombustible material or ap-
proved plastics.
E. Projection Over Alleys. No sign or sign structure shall project
into any public alley below a height of fourteen feet (14') above grade,
nor project more than twelve inches (12") where the sign structure is
located fourteen feet (14') to sixteen feet (16') above grade. The sign
or sign structure may project not more than thirty six inches (36")
into the public alley where the sign or sign structure is located more
than sixteen feet (16') above grade.
F. Supporting Members. The supporting members of a sign shall be
free of any unnecessary bracing, angle iron, guy wires, cables, and
similar devices.
G. Glare From Signs. All illuminated signs shall be designed and
located in such a manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light.
H. View From Rear. If a sign is visible from more than one direc-
tion, all areas not intended as display surfaces including the back and
sides shall be designed so that such areas are given a finished and
pleasing appearance with the display surfaces visible only from the
directions that they are intended to be seen.
1069
4-1905 4-1907
4-1905: FIN SIGNS:
1. Fin Signs shall be constructed of incombustible material except as
provided in Section 4-1904.
2. All supports of fin signs shall be placed upon private property and shall
be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with requirements
specified in Section 4-1904.
3. Specifications.
A. General. Fin signs may project beyond the property or legal set-
back line in accordance with projections specified in Section 4-1910.
B. Thickness Limitation. The thickness of that portion of a fin sign
which projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum
specified in Section 4-1910.
C. Clearance. No sign or sign structure shall be erected in such a
manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any
way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe. No sign
shall obstruct any window to such an extent that any light or ventilation
is reduced to a point below that required by any law or ordinance.
4-1906: POLE SIGNS:
1. Pole signs shall be constructed of incombustible material except as
provided in Section 4-1904.
2. All supports of pole signs shall be placed upon private property and
shall be securely built, constructed and erected to conform with require-
ments specified in Section 4-1904.
3. Projection of pole signs shall conform to the requirements of Sections
4-1909 and 4-1910.
4. Pole signs shall not project within the public right-of-way.
4-1907: GROUND SIGNS:
1. Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the require-
ments of this Code, except as provided in Section 4-1904.
2. Ground signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
specified in Section 4-1904.
1069
4-1907 4-1909
3, Ground signs shall not project within the public right-of-way.
4. Ground signs may have display surfaces of combustible materials
except in Fire Zone No. 1, with further exceptions as provided in
Section 4-1904.
4-1908: ROOF SIGNS:
1. Roof signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials except as
specified in Section 4-1904.
2. Roof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frame of
the building over which they are constructed and erected and shall be
designed in accordance with the requirements specified in Section
4-1904.
3. Specifications.
A. Projection, Roof signs may project over the public right-of-way
beyond a legal setback line complying with the requirements specified
in Section 4-1910.
B. Clearance and Access. Passage clear of all obstructions shall be
left under or around and immediately adjacent to all signs exceeding
a height of four feet (4') above the roof thereunder. Such passages
shall be not less than three feet (3') wide and four feet (4') high and
shall be at parapet or roof level. There shall be one such passage or
access opening as follows:
(1) For each roof sign upon a building.
(2) An access opening for every fifty (50) lineal feet of hori-
zontal roof sign extension.
(3) Within twenty feet (20') of walls and parapets when roof
signs are at right angles to the face of the building.
4-1909: WALL SIGNS:
1 . Wall signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials, except
as provided in Section 4-1904.
2. Wall signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirements
specified in Section 4-1904.
1069
4-1909 4-1910
3. Wall signs shall not project within the public right-of-way or beyond a
legal setback line greater than the distances set forth in Table No.
10-A following nor shall extend above any adjacent parapet or roof of
the supporting building. No sign or sign structure shall project into a
public alley below a height of fourteen feet (14') above grade, nor more
than six inches (6") when over fourteen feet (14').
4. The thickness of that portion of a wall sign which projects over public
property or a legal setback line shall not exceed the maximum as set
forth in Table No. 10-5 following.
4-1910: PROJECTING SIGNS:
1. Projecting signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials
except as specified in Section 4-1904.
TABLE NO. 10-A
Projection of Signs
Clearance Above
Grade Maximum Projection
Less than ten feet Not permitted
Ten feet or over Six feet
TABLE NO. 10-B
Thickness of Projecting Sign
Projection Maximum Thickness
6 ' 2'
5 ' 2'
4 ' 2 ' 6"
3' 3'
2 ' 3 '6"
1' 4 '
2. Projecting signs shall be designed in accordance with the requirement.
specified in Section 4-1904.
1069
4-1910 4-1911
3. Projection and Clearance.
•
A. Signs may project beyond a legal setback line in accordance with
Tables No. 10-A and 10-B when located entirely on private property,
or as otherwise permitted in Section 4-1918.
B. Signs may project over a public right-of-way in accordance with
Tables No. 10-A and 10-B where such right-of-way is improved for
pedestrian traffic and protected by street curbing, but no sign may pro-
ject closer than two feet (2') to the curb line.
C. Where a legally constructed marquee exists which in itself complies
with the provisions of the Renton Building Code, an "under marquee"
sign, no larger than twelve inches (12") high by seventy two inches
(72") long by ten inches (10")thick,may be suspended below the marquee
provided the bottom of the sign is at least eight feet (8') above the sur-
face of the sidewalk and the sign does not extend beyond the marquee.
Under marquee signs shall be limited to one such sign per entrance for
each business establishment.
D. Signs may project into an alley or other public right-of-way which
is not improved, as in 4-1910, 3, B above, a maximum of three feet (3')
provided that the clearance from the bottom of the sign to the grade
below is not less than sixteen feet (16').
E. All projecting signs shall have painted thereon the name of the sign
erector and the date of the erection.
F. All signs erected above or below a marquee which do not meet the
requirements of Section 4-1912, 1, of this Code shall comply with the
requirements of this Section.
G. Pole signs shall not project within the public right-of-way.
4-1911: COMBINATION SIGNS:
1. Combination signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials
except as specified in Section 4-1904.
The individual requirements of roof, projecting and pole signs shall be
applied for combination signs incorporating any or all of the require-
ments specified in this Section.
2. All supports of combination signs shall be placed in or upon private
property and shall be securely built, constructed,and erected to conform
with the requirements specified in Section 4-1904.
1069
4-1911 4-1914
. 3. Projection. Combination signs may project over public property or
beyond a legal setback line as specified in Section 4-1910.
4. Thickenss. The thickness of that portion of a combination sign which
projects over public property shall not exceed the maximum as specified
in Section 4-1910.
4-1912: MARQUEES: Signs may be placed on, attached to or construc-
ted in a Marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of deter-
mining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of
and shall meet the requirements for a Marquee as specified in the adopted
edition of the Uniform Building Code.
4-1913: ELECTRIC SIGNS:
1. Electric signs shall be constructed of incombustible materials, except
as specified in Section 4-1904. The enclosed shell of electric signs shall
be watertight, excepting that service holes fitted with covers shall be
provided into each compartment of such signs.
2. Installation.
A. Installation. Electrical equipment used in connection with display
signs shall be installed in accordance with local ordinances regulating
electrical installation.
B. Erector's Name. Every electric sign projecting over any street
or alley or public place shall have the name of the sign erector and
date of erection. Such name and date shall be of sufficient size and
contrast to be readable from a reasonable distance. Failure to provide
such name and date shall be grounds for rejection of the sign by the
Building Official.
C. Label Required. All electric signs shall bear the label of an ap-
proved testing agency; except that the Building Official may accept,
after application and the receipt of the inspection fee specified in
Section 4-1903, 4. I. and inspection prior to erection, a refurbished,
used electric sign or a field-assembled electric sign.
4-1914: PROHIBITED SIGNS AND DEVICES:
1. The following signs or devices are specifically prohibited:
A. All signs not complying with the Washington State Highway De-
partment regulations adjacent to State roads.
1069
4-1914 4-1914
B. Any sign using the words "stop", "look", "danger", or any other
word, symbol or character which might confuse traffic or detract from
any legal traffic control device.
C. All of the following signs within seventy five feet (75') of the public
right-of-way with any of the following features: Animated, revolving
more than eight (8) revolutions per minute, blinking and flashing.
Exceptions are public service signs, such as those which give the time,
temperature and/or humidity.
D. Strings of pennants, banners or streamers, festoons of lights,
clusters of flags, wind-animated objects, balloons, and similar devices
of a carnival nature except as specifically provided in Sections 4-1915
and 4-1916 of this Code. Not prohibited are national, state and insti-
tutional flags properly displayed or temporary signs and decorations
customary for special holidays, such as Independence Day, Christmas
and similar events of a public nature.
E. Portable signs or any sign which is not permanently mounted.
F. There shall be no signs allowed within twenty feet (20') of inter-
sections or driveways which shall obscure vision between the height
of three feet (3') and ten feet (10') of the street or driveway grade.
G. Stationary motor vehicles, trailers, and related devices tocircum-
vent the intent of this Code.
2. Unauthorized signs or other advertising devices either wholly or par-
tially supported on or projecting over the public right-of-way may be
removed by the Building Official or his representative without notice
to the owner. Such signs or devices shall be stored at the City garage
for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, during which time the owner
may redeem such sign or device by payment to the City Treasurer an
amount equal to the City cost for the removal and storage, but in no
event shall the fee be less than ten dollars ($10.00). After expiration
of the thirty (30) day storage period,the sign not having been redeemed,
it shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
3. Removal of Nonconforming Signs.
A. All nonconforming signs which hove a replacement value of less
than five hundred dollars ($500.00) shall be brought up to the standards
of this Code or shall be removed within two (2) years from September
23, 1969 (date of adoption of "Renton Sign Code"); except signs per-
manently attached to a building and for which a valid building permit
has heretofore been issued shall be brought up to the standards of this
Code or shall be removed within three(3)years from the aforementioned
date.
1069;1171
4-1914 4-1915
B. All nonconforming signs which have a replacement value of five
hundred dollars ($500.00) or more shall be brought up to the standards
of this Code or shall be removed within four (4) years from the afore-
mentioned date, to-wit: from September 23, 1969.
C. For the purpose of this subparagraph, a sign that is otherwise fully
in conformity with all other provisions of this Code shall not be considered
in violation thereof by reason of noncompliance with the density provi-
sion relating to off-premise signs as specified herein.
D. For those areas annexed or rezoned subsequent to the original
enactment of this Code as aforestated, the time period allowed for such
removal or compliance with the Code as specified in paragraphs A, B
andC hereinabove, shall commence running from the date of such annex-
ation or rezoning. (Ord. 2668; 10-4-71)
4-1915: TEMPORARY SIGNS:
1. No temporary sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.
Temporary signs of rigid material shall not exceed twenty four (24)
square feet in area of six feet (6') in height. Temporary signs may
remain in place for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days, except
directional real estate signs which may remain for six (6) months and
subject to one renewal for a three (3) month period.
2. Specifications.
A. Support. Every temporary cloth sign shall be supported and
attached with wire rope of three-eighths inch (3/8") minimum dia-
meter, or other material of equivalent breaking strength. No strings,
fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage
purposes. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least
ten percent (10%) of their area to reduce wind resistance.
EXCEPTION: Temporary cloth signs over private property not exceed-
ing sixty (60) square feet shall be supported and attached with wire
rope which will meet the requirements of Section 4-1904 of this Code.
B. Projection. Cloth signs may extend over public property. Such
signs, when extended over a public street, shall maintain a minimum
clearance of twenty feet (20').
C. Clearance. Cloth signs may extend across a public street only
by permission of the City Council and shall be subject to all related
laws and ordinances. Temporary signs, other than cloth, when eight
feet (8') or more above the ground, may project not more than six
inches (6") over public property or beyond the legal setback line.
3. Real Estate Directional Signs on the Public Right-of-Way.
A. Real estate directional signs shall have a maximum size of twelve
(12) square feet. Such directional signs shall not be placed closer than
four feet (4') to the edge of an improved roadway and shall not be placed
in such a manner as to constitute a public safety hazard.
1069;1171
4-1915 4-1917
B. No more than two (2) such signs shall be allowed at any one inter-
section and only one sign per development is allowed at each inter-
section.
C. Between intersections, real estate directional signs for the same
development shall be placed no closer than five hundred feet (500') to
signs of the same development.
4. All temporary signs shall have the sign permit number placed in the
upper left-hand corner by the permittee. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
5. Political Signs.
A. Political signs may be displayed on private property with the con-
sent of the property owner or the lawful occupant thereof.
B. Political signs shall not be greater than thirty two (32) square
feet if single faced or sixty four (64) square feet if multi-faced, except
if such signs are on off-premise sign structures regulated by Section
4-1918.3.F herein.
C. Each political sign shall be removed within ten (10) days following
an election,except that the successful candidates of a primary election
may keep their signs on display until ten (10) days after the general
election, at which time they shall be promptly removed.
D. it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, paint, paste, affix or
otherwise mount a political sign on any utility pole or on the public
right-of-way or property.
E. This subsection (5) regulating political signs shall become effec-
tive on and after January 1, 1972. (Ord. 2668; 10-4-71)
4-1916: SPECIAL PERMIT SIGNS AND DISPLAYS:
1. Strings of pennants, banners or streamers, festoons of lights, clusters
of flags, balloons, and similar devices of a carnival nature, or a group
of temporary signs,may be displayed on private property only, by special
permit. Such a permit shall be issued for a period not to exceed ten
(10) days and shall be issued only to a new business opening, or to an
existing business moving to an entirely new location.
2. Cloth signs may be extended over a public street in accordance with
the provisions of this Code for a period not to exceed ten (10) days.
4-1917: SIGNS ON PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY:
1. Nothing in this Code shall be interpreted as controlling public and in-
formational signs placed on the public right-of-way by any governmental
agency or public utility having underground or overhead installations.
2. Public service directional signs for public buildings such as public
schools, libraries, hospitals and other similar public service facilities,
may be placed entire lyon the public right-of-way. Such signs are limited
to one of the following at sites approved by the Building Official.
1069; 1171
4-1917 4-1918
A. Sign must be of size, height, color, design and mounting and so
located as to comply in all respects with the City of Renton street sign
standards.
B. Sign shall not be over twelve (12) square feet in total background
area for any one face, nor portion of the sign closer than four feet (4')
to any curb line or improved roadway surface, and not illuminated.
4-1918: LAND USE ZONES:
1. General. All signs are further limited and restricted as to height,
clearance, size, type, copy, design and location in the land use zones
as such land use zones°redefined and established by Chapter 7, Zoning,
Title IV (Building Regulations), Code of General Ordinances of the
City of Renton, as amended, or any other ordinances pertaining to
or regulating zoning. Only those signs specifically designated are
permitted; all others are prohibited. In those zones which do not have
a height limitation, the height limitation for fin, pole, projecting and
combination signs shall be sixty feet (60'); wall signs may exceed this
limitation and roof signs may extend twenty feet (20') above the parapet
wall.
2. In all residential, commercial, and industrial zones, the following shall
apply:
A. Home Occupation. Only one home occupation sign, not illuminated,
not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, attached to the wall of the
building with the face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the
wall is permitted.
B. Churches, schools, apartment buildings, subdivision developments,
and similar occupancies located in residential zones may have two (2)
identifying signs of not over thirty two (32) square feet in area. The
signs may be illuminated but not animated, shall be for location identi-
fication only, and shall display no copy, symbol, or device other than
that in keeping with the development. Free standing signs shall be
not higher than six feet (6') above any established grade and shall be
no closer than ten feet (10')to any street right-of-way or five feet(5')
to any side property line.
C. Real estate signs not over six (6) square feet in area offering the
immediate premises for sale or lease.
D. Real estate directional signs are allowed.
3. In all commercial and industrial zones, the following shall apply:
A. Under Marquee signs shall be limited toone such sign per entrance
for each business establishment. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
B. Each individual business establishment may have only one sign
for each street frontage of any one of the following types: Fin, pole,
roof, projecting or combination. Each sign shall not exceed an area
greater than one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet for each lineal foot
of property frontage which the business occupies up to a maximum of
three hundred (300) square feet; or if such sign is multi-faced, the max-
imum allowance shall be not more than three hundred (300) square feet.
Each drive-in business may also have one ground sign per street
frontage. (Ord. 2629; 4-19-71)
1069; 1171
4-1918 4-1918
C. In addition to the signs in A. and B. above, Wall Signs are per-
mitted with a total copy area not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of
the building facade to which it is applied.
D. Special permit signs as provided in Section 4-1916 of this Code
are permitted.
E. Signs on marquees conforming to Section 4-1912, 1. of this Code
are permitted. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
F. Off-premise signs up to a maximum of three hundred (300) square
feet in area shall be permitted provided that said sign shall not inter-
fere with or impede means of ingress, egress and traffic circulation
and/or adequate access to light and air, or constitute an unreasonable
interference with the proper use or enjoyment of surrounding properties.
Off-premise signs greater than three hundred (300) square feet in area
shall require a special permit subject to approval of the Board of
Adjustment. A permit for an off-premise sign may include a time limit
and a thirty (30) day notice of removal. Three (3) off-premise sign
faces not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet each shall be per-
mitted within six hundred sixty (660) lineal feet along a public right-
of-way, provided that no off-premise sign structure is located closer
than one hundred fifty feet (150') to any other off-premise sign struc-
ture. Off-premise signs shall not block the visibility of on-premise
signs as viewed from the public right-of-way. Off-premise signs ore
prohibited as follows: (a) Along public rights-of-way less than six
hundred sixty feet (660') in length; (b) along public rights-of-way
where the permissible zone is less than six hundred sixty feet (660')
in length; (c) within seventy five feet (75') of residential zones and
residential land uses if designed to be viewed from said residential
areas. (Ord. 2629; 4-19-71)
4. B-P (Business Parking) District.
A. Off-premise signs are prohibited.
B. Subject to the limitations of this Section, any sign permitted in
Section 4-1918, 3. of this Code is permitted in this District.
5. M-P (Manufacturing Park) District.
A. Signs shall be located no closer than twenty feet (20') to any prop-
erty line, with the exception of entrance, exit and directional signs.
B. Special permit signs as provided in Section 4-1916 of this Code
and off-premise signs are prohibited.
C. Subject to the limitations of this Section, any sign permitted in
Section 4-1918, 3. of this Code is permitted in this District.
1069;471
4-1918
4-1922
6. P-1 (Public Use) District.
A. Signs may be illuminated and shall be for location identification
only and shall display no copy, symbol, or device other than that in
keeping with the principal occupant.
B. Only wall and ground signs are allowed.
C. No wall sign shall exceed ten percent (10%) of the building facade
to which it is affixed.
D. Ground signs higher than six feet (6') above grade or closer than
ten feet (10') to any public right-of-way must be approved by the
Building Official.
7. Airport Zoning. Any sign permitted in Section 4-1918, 3. of this Code
is permitted in this District.
4-1919: LIABILITY: City Not Liable. This Code shall not be construed
to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any owning, building, altering, constructing or moving any sign in the City for
damages to anyone injured or damaged either in person or property by any
defect therein; nor shall the City, or any agent thereof, be held as assuming
such liability by reason of permit or inspection authorized herein or a
certificate of inspection issued by the City or any of its agents.
4-1920: SEVERABILITY: If any part or portion of this Ordinance is
determined to be unconstitutional by a Courtof competent juris-
diction, such determination shall not affect the remainder
of this Ordinance.
4-1921: REPEALING CERTAIN CHAPTERS OF TITLE IV: Chapters
11 and 12 of Title IV (Building Regulations) of Ordinance No.
1628 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton" and any
and all ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
4-1922: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall be in full force
and effect from and after its passage, approval and legal
publication. (Ord. 2504; 9-23-69)
1069
4-2001 4-2001
CHAPTER 20
MOBILE HOME PARKS
SECTION:
4-2001: Title, Purpose, Penalty and Appeal
4-2002: Definitions
4-2003: Procedures and Administering Authorities
4-2004: Preliminary Plan Requirements
4-2005: Final Plan Requirements
4-2006: Design, Location, Construction Standards, and Completion
Certificate
4-2007: Licenses
4-2008: Occupancy Permit
4-2009: Maintenance
4-2010: Refuse Disposal
4-2011: Insect and Rodent Control
4-2012: Alterations and Additions to Mobile Homes
4-2013: Registration of Occupants
4-2014: Liability
4-2015: Severability
4-2016: Repealing of a Chapter of Title V
4-2017: Effective Date
4-2001 : TITLE, PURPOSE, PENALTY AND APPEAL:
1. Title. This Ordinance shall be hereinafter known as the "Renton
Mobile Home Park Ordinance", may be cited as such, will be here-
inafter referred to as "this Ordinance", and same shall be and
constitute Chapter 20, Title IV (Building Regulations) of Ordinance
No. 1628 known as "Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton".
2. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Ordinance to provide a means
of regulating mobile home parks so as to promote the health, safety,
morals, general welfare and esthetics of the City of Renton. Mobile
home parks should provide a pleasant residential environment which
will be an enjoyable place to live and a residential asset to the City.
3. Penalty. In addition to Section 4-2003, 2. B. below, any person, firm
or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall,
upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person,
firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for
1269
4-2001 4-2002
each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of
any of the provisions of this Ordinance is committed, continues or
permitted; and upon conviction of such violation, such person, firm or
corporation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred
dollars ($300.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90)
days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
4. Board of Appeals. In order to provide for a system of appeals from
administrative decisions in the reasonable interpretation of the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, the "Board of Adjustment," provided in
Section 4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building Regulations) of the Code
of General Ordinances of the City of Renton, shall, upon proper
application, render a decision consistent with the provisions of Section
4-731. The right of appeal to the City Council by any aggrieved party
shall be as set forth in Section 4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building
Regulations) of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton.
4-2002: DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this Ordinance certain terms,
phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as
specified in this Section. Words used in the singular include the plural, and
the plural the singular. The words "shall " and "will" are mandatory;
the word " may " is permissive.
1. Board. The Mobile Home Park Board shall consist of the City Engineer,
Building Director, Planning Director, and Health Officer of the City
or their designated alternates. The chairman shall be selected by the
members of the Board.
2. Dependent Trailer. A trailer which does not have a private toilet and
bathtub or shower.
3. Developer. The person, firm or corporation developing a mobile home
park or a trailer park.
4. Independent Trailer. A trailer that has a toilet and a bathtub or shower.
5. Mobile Home. An independent trailer designed for year-round occupancy.
6. Mobile Home Lot or Space. Atrailer space designed for a mobile home
in a mobile home park.
7. Mobile Home Park. A trailer park under one ownership designed for
mobile homes on a non-transient basis.
8. Permit. A written permit issued by the Board permitting the trailer
park to operate under this Ordinance and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
1269
4-2002 4-2003
9. Planning Commission. The Commission established by the Mayor
and City Council of the City of Renton as provided in Chapter 44, Laws
1935, as hereafter amended (Chapter 35.63 R.C.W.) (Ordinance
No. 2009).
10. Service Building. A building housing separate toilet, lavatory, and bath
or shower accommodations for men and women, with separate service
sink and laundry facilities.
11. Trailer. Any vehicle or structure so designed and constructed in such
manner as will permit occupancy thereof, with sleeping quarters for
one or more persons, and constructed in such a manner as to permit its
being used as a conveyance upon the public streets or highways and
duly licensable as such, propelled or drawn by its own or other power,
excepting a device used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
12. Trailer Park. Any site, lot, parcel or tract of land designed main-
tained or intended for the purpose of supplying a location or accommoda-
tions for trailers, and shall include all buildings used or intended for use
as a part of the equipment thereof whether a charge is made for the
use of the trailer park and its facilities or not. Trailer parks shall not
include commercial automobile or trailer sales areas on which unoc-
cupied trailers are parked for purposes of inspection and sale only.
13. Trailer Space or Lot. A parcel of ground within a trailer park desig-
nated for the accommodation of any trailer.
14. Travel Trailer. A dependent or independent trailer designed to be
towed by a passenger car or a light truck and not intended for year-
round occupancy.
4-2003: PROCEDURES AND ADMINISTERING AUTHORITIES:
1. Review and Construction:
A. Preliminary Procedures. For advice and assistance before the
preparation of the Preliminary Plan, the developer should consult early
and informally with the Planning Department, the Engineering Depart-
ment, the Building Department, the Fire Department, and the Traffic
Engineering Department. By observing this preliminary procedure,the
developer may become informed of the Comprehensive Plan require-
ments or any portions thereof,and may obtain any explanation of the reg-
ulations and standards herein contained as may be necessary and re-
lated to the proposed mobile home park.
B. Submission and Filing of Mobile Home Park Applications. The
procedure for review and approval of a mobile home park consists of
two (2) separate steps. The initial step shall be the preparation and
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submission to the Planning Commission of a Preliminary Plan of the
proposed mobile home park. The second step shall be the preparation
and submission to the Planning Commission of a Final Plan. The
Preliminary and Final Plans shall be filed with the Planning Depart-
ment.
C. Official Agency. The Planning Commission is designated as
the official agency of the City for the review and approval of the design
of a proposed mobile home park and the conduct of public hearings
thereon. The Planning Commission may make any such changes or
modifications it deems necessary in the design or layout of a mobile
home park to optimize the development and use of the site, to protect
adjoining and/or surrounding properties, developments, traffic pat-
terns and/or accessibility.
D. Responsible Departments. The Planning Department, the Build-
ing Department, the Engineering Department, the Fire Department and
the Traffic Engineering Department shall be responsible for adminis-
tering the review, design, and construction provisions of this Ordi-
nance.
2. Operation and Maintenance
A. Mobile Home Park Board. The Mobile Home Park Board, as
defined in Section 4-2002, 1., is hereby created. The Board shall not
have jurisdiction on a mobile home park until a completion certificate
has been issued. It shall be the duty of said Board to enforce all pro-
visions of this Ordinance after said Boardhas assumed jurisdiction over
mobile home park. For inspection purposes, any of the members of
the Board or their duly authorized representatives and agents shall have
the right and are hereby empowered to enter upon any premises at any
reasonable time on which any trailers or mobile homes, as above
defined, are located. The Board is empowered to issue orders, grant,
renew and revoke such permits and licenses as are provided for in
accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
B. Revocation of License. The Mobile Home Park Board is hereby
authorized to revoke any license issued pursuant to the terms of this
Ordinance if after due investigation it determines that the owner thereof
has violated any of the provisions of this Ordinance or that any mobile
home or mobile home park is being maintained in an unsanitary or un-
safe manner or is a nuisance. Such notice of revocation shall be in
writing and shall advise the licensee of the violations found. The licensee
shall have a period of ten (10) days in which to remedy the defects or
omissions therein specified. In the event that the licensee fails or
neglects to do so within the said ten (10) day period, the order of
revocation shall be final.
C. Appealing Decision of Board. Any person aggrieved by an order
of the Mobile Home Park Board granting, denying, modifying, renewing
or revoking a license for a mobile home park under this Ordinance may
file a written request for a hearing before the Board within ten (10)
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4-2003 4-2004
days after issuance of any such order. The Board shall give notice of
public hearing upon this request to be held not less than ten (10) days
following official publication of said public hearing. The Board may
also give notice of the hearing to other persons directly interested in
the order in question. At such hearing the Board shall determine
whether the granting, denial, renewal or revocation of the license was
in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance and shall issue its
written Findings of Fact, Conclusions, and an order to carry out its
Findings and Conclusions. These Findings of Fact, Conclusions and
Order shall be filed with the City Clerk.
D. Board Expenses. The expenses of the Board shall be borne by the
department of which the Chairman is a member. A special fund may
be established in the budget for the expenses of the Board.
4-2004: PRELIMINARY PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
1. Proposed Mobile Home Park Applications and Fees. The application
form and plan shall be submitted in at least eight (8) copies to the
Planning Department who shall affix thereto a file number and the date
it is received. Application forms are available from the Planning
Department. The application shal I be accompanied by a fee in the amount
of fifty dollars ($50.00) basic fee, plus five dollars ($5.00) per lot for
the first fifty (50) lets, plus four dollars ($4.00) per lot for the next fifty
(50) lots, plus three dollars ($3.00) per lot for the remainder of the
lots of the proposed mobile home park.
2. Referrals, Recommendations of Departments. The Planning Department
shall transmit two (2) copies of the proposed mobile home park plan
to the Engineering Department, one copy to the Traffic Engineering
Department, one copy to the BuildingDepartment,one copy to the Health
Agency, one copy to the Fire Department, and copies to other department
heads and agencies as necessary for their review and recommendation.
Two (2) copies shall be retained for use by the Planning Commission.
These departments and agencies shall make, within the scope of their
municipal functions, their respective recommendations regarding the
Preliminary Plan to the Planning Department, in writing, not less than
five (5) days prior to date of hearing.
3. Date and Notice of Hearing. The Preliminary Plan shall be consid-
ered at the first regular hearing of the Planning Commission felling
twenty one (21) days or more after submission to the Planning Depart-
ment. The Planning Department shall cause a notice of public hear-
ing, giving time and place thereof, to be published once in the City's
legal newspaper and to have such notice posted in three (3) conspicuous
places within the City and on or adjacent to the land to be developed at
least ten (10) days prior to such hearing. The Planning Commission
may give additional notice as it deems requisite to adjacent land owners
and others.
4. Recommendations to Planning Commission. The Planning Department
shall transmit the application, the proposed mobile home park plan and
the respective recommendations of City departments, and other public
agencies, together with Planning Department recommendations to the
Planning Commission for study prior to the hearing.
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5. Preliminary Plan as a Guide. Approval of a Preliminary Plan shall
not constitute approval of the Final Plan; rather, it shall be deemed an
expression of approval of the Preliminary Plan layout as submitted or
as revised. The approved Preliminary Plan shall serve as a guide to
the preparation of the Final Plan.
6. Approval Period and Expiration. The approval of the Preliminary
Plan shall lapse unless a Final Plan based thereon is submitted within
six (6) montht from the date of such approval unless extended for good
cause by the Planning Commission upon proper written application by the
developer for a period not to exceed six (6) months. Only one such
extension shall be granted.
7. Application Requirements. The application for approval of a Prel im:nary
Plan of a mobile home park shall include but not be limited to the follow-
ing:
A. Vicinity Map. A vicinity map of the area, dimensions, acres and
zoning of the tract of land,and the land use and zoning of the surround-
ing property, at a scale of not less than one inch (1 ") representing two
hundred feet (200').
B. Site Map. A site map at a scale of not less than one inch (1")represent-
ing one hundred feet (100') showing the individual lots, structures, road-
ways, parking spaces, sidewalks, screening, recreation areas, contours
at not less than two foot (2') intervals, landscaping, and other permanent
physical features.
C. Lancscape Plan. A detailed landscape plan.
D. Mobile Home Lots. The number, location and size of all mobile
home lots.
E. Parking Spaces. The number, location and size of all automobile
and recreation vehicular parking spaces.
F. Streets and Sidewalks. The location and width of roadways and
walkways.
G. Buildings. The location of service buildings and other existing
and proposed structures.
H. Public Rights-of-Way. Public rights-of-way, easements and other
factors limiting development.
I. Any other pertinent information deemed necessary by the Plan-
ning Commission.
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4-2005: FINAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
1. Final Plan Submission. The application form and plan consisting of
the original and at least eight (8) copies, together with other plans or
documents as may be required by the Planning Department, shall be
submitted to the Planning Department in the form herewith prescribed
for consideration of the Planning Commission. The Planning Depart-
ment shall affix a file number and date to the application. Applica-
tion forms are-available from the Planning Department.
2. Final Fees, The Final Plan application shall be accompanied by a fee
of twenty five dollars ($25.00) basic fee, plus two dollars fifty cents
($2.50) per lot for the first fifty (50) lots, plus two dollars ($2.00) per
lot for the next fifty (50) lots, plus one dollar fifty cents ($1.50) per lot
for the remainder of the lots in the proposed mobile home park.
3. Referrals, Recommendations of Departments. The Planning Department
shall distribute Final Plan applications to the various departments and
agencies, and these departments and agencies shall comment on Final
Plan applications and return them to the Planning Department as pro-
vided in Section 4-2004, 2.
4. Date and Notice of Hearing. The date and notice for a public hearing on
the proposed Final Plan shall be as specified in Section 4-2004, 3.
5. Preparation of Final Plan. The Final Plan application shall conform
substantially to the approved Preliminary Plan. AFinal Plan application
may constitute only a portion of the approved Preliminary Plan provided
all minimum standards are followed.
6. Application Requirements. The application for approval ofa Final Plan
shall include the requirements set forth in Section 4-2004, 7.
7. Expiration Date. The application for approval of the Final Plan shall be
acted upon by the Planning Commission within sixty(60) days after sub-
mission unless the time is extended by mutual agreement. Upon written
application by the developer, the Commission may grant a six (6) month
extension of the Final Plan approval. Only one such extension shall be
granted.
8. Voiding of Final Plan. Ifafteraperiod of one year following the granting
of a Final Plan approval by the Planning Commission no building permits
have been issued and/or no construction has taken place,the Final Plan
approval shall lapse unless extended, for good cause shown, but in no
event shall such extension be for more than an additional six (6) month
period. Otherwise, to re-initiate such lapsed Final Plan approval, the
developer shall refile the proposed mobile home park for Preliminary
Plan approval.
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4-2006: DESIGN, LOCATION, CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, AND
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE:
1. Design and Location. Mobile home parks shall have the following
minimum standards:
A. Site: The minimum site shall be five (5) developable and usable
acres.
B. Access: There shall be at least two (2) places of access of which
at least one must be on a major or secondary street as defined by the
City of Renton Comprehensive Arterial and Street Plan.
C. Driveways: Any driveways providing entrance to or exit from the
park shall not be closer than fifty feet (50') to a street intersection
measured from the nearest right-of-way line of the intersecting street.
D. Screening: A solid wall or view-obscuring fence, hedge or equi-
valent barrier not less than five feet (5') in height shall be established
and maintained around the entire periphery of the park except for open-
ings for driveway purposes.
E. Permanent Dwelling: The only permanent dwelling allowed on the
mobile home park shall be the single family dwelling of the owner or
manager.
F. Lot Size: Each mobile home lot shall contain a minimum of three
thousand (3,000) square feet, with the length not less than seventy five
feet (75') and the width not less than forty feet (40'). Each lot shall be
laid out so as to optimize view, privacy, and other amenities.
G. Density: There shall be not more thateight (8) lots per gross acre
of the mobile home park.
H. Setbacks: Each lot shall be clearly defined and landscaped.
Mobile homes or accessory structures, including patios, awnings, and re-
lated devices shall be located not less than five feet (5') from any side or
rear lot line nor closer than ten feet (10') (excluding chassis hitches
and drawbars) from the front lot lines abutting a street. No mobile home
shall be located within ten feet (10')of another mobile home measured
from side to side or end to end. No mobile home shall be parked closer
than twenty feet (20') to any public streetor highway. It shall be illegal
to allow or permit any mobile home to remain in the mobile home park
unless a proper space is available for it. Joint storage facilities may be
exempt from lot setback requirements.
I. Lot Coverage: No more than forty percent (40%) of any lot shall be
covered by a mobile home and accessory structures.
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4-2006 4-2006
J. Streets, Curbs and Sidewalks: Asphaltic or concrete streets and
concrete curbings shall be provided to each lot. The minimum width
of streets shall be thirty feet (30'). Concrete sidewalks of at least five
feet (5') in width shall be placed along at least one side of each street
or located in the back or side of each lot so that there is sidewalk ac-
cess to all lots.
K. Parking: Each mobile home lot shall have a minimum of two (2)
automobile parking spaces. Mobile home parks shall provide screened
parking for boats, campers, travel trailers, and related devices on a
ratio of one space per ten (10) lots, in a secluded portion of the park.
L. Recreation Area: A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total
area of the park shall be reserved and shall be used solely and exclus-
ively for a playground-recreation area.
M. Illumination: Sufficient illumination shall be provided between sun-
set and sunrise to illuminate adequately the roadways and walkways with-
in a mobile home park.
N. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be provided on both the individual
lots and the remainder of the mobile home park site according to a
landscape plan approved by the Planning Commission.
(1) Installation. A surety bond of not less than four hundred
dollars ($400.00) per acre of the mobile home for a maximum of two
(2) year period guaranteeing to the City the installation according to the
approved landscape plan of walls, fences, and landscaping required here-
in shall be posted prior to the issuance of any permits to construct the
park.
0,, Storage. A permanent storage facility shall be provided for each
lot of not less than two hundred (200) cubic feet. No other structure
except the mobile home and carport shall be permitted on the lot.
P. Service Buildings. There shall be at least one service building
located in a mobile home park. All service buildings shall have adequate
inside and outside lighting. The service building shall have heating
equipment adequate to maintain a temperature of seventy degrees (70°)
during cold weather. An adequate supply of hot water shall be provided
at all times for facilities in a service building.
Q. Laundry. There shall be a minimum of one clothes washer and one
dryer for each fifteen (15) mobile home lots or fraction thereof; such
facilities shall be located in a service building.
R. Patio. A concrete patioon each mobile home lot of not less than
one hundred twenty five (125) square feet with a minimum width of eight
feet (8') shall be provided.
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4-2006 4-2006
2. Construction Standards. Mobile home park construction standards shall
be as listed below:
A. No grading, construction or similar activities, except the clearing
of land, shall be permitted until the Planning Commission has given ap-
proval to the Final Plan.
B. In the construction of mobile home parks, the developer shall fol-
low all applicable state, county and city codes for electrical, plumbing,
sanitary sewer, storm sewer, fire, street, building and all other ap-
plicable codes.
C. All utilities serving the mobile home park shall be under ground.
D. Mobile home parks shall have City sanitary sewer and water serv-
ice.
E. A safe, sanitary and adequate supply of water shall be supplied to
every mobile home lot and service building.
F. Any gas supply from a central L. P. gas or natural gas facility
shall require a gas connection permit and shall comply with the City
mechanical and plumbing codes.
G. Facilities for fire fighting and prevention shall comply with City
fire codes.
3. Completion Certificate.
A. A signed completion certificate shall signify that the mobile home
park has been satisfactorily completed according to the approved Final
Plan and the requirements of this Ordinance. Said completion certificate
shall be submitted to the Mobile Home Park Board as partial require-
ment for the initial license. Completion certificate forms are available
from the Planning Department.
B. The developer shall sign and forward the completion certificate
to the Planning Department when in his opinion the mobile home park
has been completed. Said certificate shall be signed by all responsible
departments listed in Section 4-2003, 1, D. for those portions of the
mobile home park within their departmental jurisdiction when the work
has been satisfactorily completed, except for those improvements de-
ferred by 4-2006, 4. below.
4. Deferred Improvements. If a developer wishes to defer certain im-
provements, then written application shall be made to the Board of Public
Works stating the reasons why such delay is necessary or advisable.
Upon approval by the Board of Public Works, the developer shall furnish
a performance bond to the City in an amount equal to a minimum of one
hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated cost of the installation of
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4-2006
4-2008
the required improvements. Such bond shall list the exact work that
shall be completed and shall be subject to the condition that the im-
provements shall be completed within one year after the approval of
the Final Plan. Bonds for landscaping may exceed a one year time limit.
The developer may substitute a certified check in lieu of a performance
bond. Such check shall be made payable to the City Treasurer and shall
be in the same amount as the bond it is substituting. The City reserves
the right, in addition to all other remedies available to it by law, to pro-
ceed against such bond or other payment, without notice to the developer.
In case of suit, the developer agrees to pay unto the City all costs inci-
dental to such litigation including reasonable attorney fees.
4-2007: LICENSES:
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, establish, operate,
maintain or permit to be constructed, established,operated or maintained
upon any property owned or controlled by him a mobile home park within
the limits of the City without having first secured a license from the
City Clerk as approved by the Mobile Home Park Board in compliance
with the provisions of this Ordinance. Such annual licenses will expire
on July 1st of each year, but may be renewed under the provisions of
this Ordinance for additional periods of one year. If the license is for
less than half a year, the fee shall be one-half (1/2) the annual rate.
No license shall be transferable. Every person holding such a license
shall give notice in writing to the Board within ten (10) days after hav-
ing sold, transferred, given away or otherwise disposed of his interest in
or control of any mobile home park. Such notice shall include the name
and address of the persons succeeding to the ownership or control of
such mobile home park.
2. The application for such license or the renewal thereof shall be ac-
companied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00) per annum for each mobile
home space in the mobile home park, provided that the minimum fee
for any such license or the renewal thereof shall not be less than fifty
dollars ($50.00) per annum. Annual inspection costs incurred by the
City are included in the annual license fee.
3. Before such license may be issued, there must be a favorable recom-
mendation by a majority of the Mobile Home Park Board certifying
compliance with all provisions of this Ordinance.
4-2008: OCCUPANCY PERMIT:
1. An occupancy permit from the Building Department, as a representa-
tive of the Board, shall be required for each mobile home to connect
to utilities. Setbacks, lot coverage, skirting and related requirements
shall be inspected at the same time as utility connections. An oc-
cupancy permit shall be approved and issued prior to the occupation of
each mobile home. A fee of five dollars ($5.00) shall be paid at the time
of application for said permit.
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4-2008 4-2012
2. An occupancy permit shall not be issued for the location of any mobile
home unless the mobile home park has been issued a completion certi-
ficate and a license from the Mobile Home Park Board.
3. Mobile homes constructed after July 1, 1968 shall bear the insignia of
approval for plumbing, heating, and electrical installations according to
Chapter 43.22 of R.C.W.
4-2009: MAINTENANCE:
1. General. The mobile home park shall be kept in good repair to insure
that said park shall be c pleasant, safe, and sanitary living environment
for present and future inhabitants. Minimum standards are set forth in
this Ordinance.
2. Landscaping. Landscaped areas will be subject to periodic inspection by
the Board. Landscaping shall be kept neat and orderly.
4-2010: REFUSE DISPOSAL: All waste, garbage, refuse and swill
shall be stored in fly tight, water tight, rodent-proof containers
which shall be located not more than one hundred feet (100') from any mobile
home lot. Such containers shall be provided in sufficient number and capa-
city to prevent any refuse from overflowing. Racks and holders shall be
provided for all refuse containers and such racks shall be so designed as
to prevent containers from being tipped and tominimize spillage, deteriora-
tion and tofacilitate cleaning around said container units. Garbage shall be
collected at such times and in such manner as provided for by the City's
applicable ordinances.
4-2011: INSECT AND RODENT CONTROL: Insectand rodent control
measures to safeguard public health, as recommended by the
Board, shall be applied in the mobile home park. No accumulations of
debris shall be permitted in the mobile home park. In the event that rats or
other rodents are known to be in the mobile home park, the operator or ,
licensee of said park shall immediately take corrective action as directed by
the Board.
4-2012: ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO MOBILE HOMES:
1. No permanent addition for living or storage of any kind shall be built
onto or become a part of any mobile home. Skirting of mobile homes is
required, but such skirting shall not attach the mobile home permanently
to the ground or provide a harborage for rodents or create a fire hazard.
Screened vents shall be provided at the same minimum standards re-
quired for buildings by the City Building Code.
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4-2012 4-2017
2. The wheels of the mobile home may be removed, except that the run-
ning gear shall remain on the mobile home. Jacks or stabilizers may
be placed under the frame of the mobile home to prevent movement on
the springs while the mobile home is parked and occupied.
4-2 013: REGISTRATION OF OCCUPANTS: In all mobile home parks
there shell be located an office of the person in charge of said
park. A copy of the mobile home park license and of this Ordinance shall
be posted therein. It is hereby made the duty of the attendant or person in
charge, together with the licensee, to keep a register of all tenants and their
guests which shall be available for inspection by federal, state, county and
city officials; said register to contain at least the following information:
1. Name and address of occupant
2. Dates of entrances and departures
3. License number of all mobile homes and towing or other vehicles
4. State issuing such licenses
4-2014: LIABILITY: City Not Liable. This Ordinance shall not be
construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of any
person owning any land or buildings and/or constructing any mobile home
parks in the City for damages either to person or property; nor shall the
City, or any agent thereof, be held as assuming such liability by reason of
preliminary or final approval authorized herein or a license issued by the
City or any of its agents.
4-2015: SEVERABILITY: If any part or portion of this Ordinance is
determined to be unconstitutional by a Court of competent
jurisdiction, such determination shall not affect the remainder of this
Ordinance.
4-2016: REPEALING OF A CHAPTER OF TITLE V: Chapter 23 of
Title V (Business Regulations) of Ordinance No. 1628 entitled
Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton " and any and all ordi-
nances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
4-2017: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall be in full force and
effect from and after its passage, approval and legal publicat-
ion. (Ord. 2521; 11-24-69)
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4-2101 4-2102
CHAPTER 21
DANGEROUS BUILDING CODE
SECTION:
4-2101: Purpose; Title
4-2102: Definitions
4-2103: Standards For Repair, Vacation or Demolition
4-2104: Nuisance Declared
4-2105: Duties of Building Director
4-2106: Complaint by Building Director
4-2107: Appeals Commission
4-2108: Duties of Building Appeals Commission
4-2109: Duties of City Attorney
4-2110: Duties of Board of Public Works
4-2111 : Report of Dangerous Buildings; Contents
4-2112: Findings of Fact and Order
4-2113: Enforcement
4-2114: Abatement by City
4-2115: Interference With Work
4-2116: Emergency Cases
4-2117: Act Not Exclusive
4-2118: Administrative Liability
4-2119: Violations; Penalties
4-2120: Severabi l i ty
4-2101: PURPOSE; TITLE: It is the purpose of the provisions of
this Ordinance to provide a just, equitable and practicable
method, to be cumulative with and in addition to, any other remedy provided
by any Code or Ordinance of the City, whereby buildings and/or structures
which from any cause endanger the life, limb, health, morals, property,
safety or welfare of the general public or their occupants, may be required
to be repaired, vacated or demolished.
The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all dangerous buildings as
herein defined, which are now in existence, or which may hereafter be
constructed in the City. This Ordinance shall be designated and may be
hereinafter referred to as the "City of Renton Dangerous Building Code".
4-2102: DEFINITIONS: All buildings or structures which have any or
all of the following defects shall be deemed "dangerous build-
ings":
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4-2102 4-2102
(A) Whenever the building or structure, or any portion thereof, because
of (1) dilapidation, deterioration, or decay; (2) faulty construction;
(3) the removal, movement or instability of any portion of the ground
necessary for the purpose of supporting such building; (4) the deteri-
oration, decay, or inadequacy of its foundation; or (5) any other cause,
is subject to structural failure under its design usage. (Ord. 2698;
3-6-72)
(B) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind,
earthquake or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as
to become (1) an attractive nuisance to children; (2) a harbor for
vagrants, criminals or immoral persons; or as to (3) enable persons
to resort thereto for the purpose of committing unlawful or immoral
acts. (Ord. 2520; 11-17-69)
(C) Whenever a building or structure, because of inadequate maintenance,
dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inade-
quate light, air or sanitation facilities, or otherwise is determined by
the City or County Health Officer to be unsanitary, unfit for human habi-
tation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.
(D) Whenever any building or structure, because of obsolescence, dilapi-
dated condition, deterioration, damage, inadequate exits, lack of suf-
ficient fire resistive construction, faulty electric wiring, gas con-
nections or heating apparatus, or other cause is determined to be a
fire hazard.
(E) Whenever any portion of a building or structure remains on a site
after the demolition or destruction or whenever any building or struc-
ture is vacant and open to unauthorized entry for a period in excess of
six (6) months so as to constitute such building or portion thereof an
attractive nuisance or hazard to the public. (Ord. 2698; 3-6-72)
(F) Whenever the exterior walls or other vertical structural members list,
lean or buckle to such an extent that a plumb line passing through the
center of gravity does not fall inside the middle one-third (1/3) of
the base.
(G) Whenever the building or structures, exclusive of the foundation, shows
thirty three percent (33%) or more damage or deterioration of its
supporting member or members, or fifty percent (50%) damage or
deterioration of its nonsupporting members, enclosing or outside walls
or coverings.
(H) Whenever any portion thereof has been damaged by fire, earthquake,
wind, flood or by any other cause, to such an extent that the structural
strength or stability thereof is materially less than it was before such
catastrophe and is less than the minimum requirements of the City's
Uniform Building Code, as then in force, or as same may be amended
from time to time, for new buildings of similar structure, purpose or
location.
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4-2102 4-2105
(I) Whenever any portion or member or appurtenance thereof is likely to
fail, or to become detached or dislodged, or to collapse and thereby
injure persons or damage property. (Ord. 2520; 11-17-69)
4-2103: STANDARDS FOR REPAIR, VACATION OR DEMOLITION:
The following standard shall be followed in substance by the
Building Director, the Board of Public Works, and the Appeals Commission
in ordering repair, vacation or demolition of said building:
(A) Any building declared a dangerous building under this Ordinance shall
either be repaired in accordance with the current building code or
shall be demolished at the option of the building owner.
(B) If the building or structure is in such condition as to make it immedi-
ately dangerous to the life, limb, property or safety of the general
public or its occupants, it shall be ordered to be vacated and closed
to unauthorized entry. (Ord. 2698; 3-6-72)
4-2104: NUISANCE DECLARED: All "dangerous buildings" within the
terms of Section 4-2102 hereof are hereby declared to be
public nuisances, and shall be repaired, vacated or demolished as herein-
before and hereinafter provided.
4-2105: DUTIES OF BUILDING DIRECTOR: The Building Director
and/or his authorized representative shall:
(A) Inspect or cause to be inspected all buildings including but not neces-
sarily limited to schook, halls, churches, theaters, hotels, all family,
commercial, manufacturing or loft buildings, including those brought
to his attention by the Fire Chief or any one of his duly authorized rep-
resentatives, the City or County Health Department or any of its duly
authorized representatives, for the purpose of determining whether any
conditions exist which render such places a "dangerous building" with-
in the terms of Section 4-2102 hereof.
1169;372
4-2105 4-2106
(B) Inspect any building, wall or structure about which complaints are
filed by any person to the effect that a building, wall or structure is,
or may be, existing in violation of this Ordinance.
(C) Post in a conspicuous place an order "Do Not Occupy" on vacant build-
ings having defects as specified in Section 4-2102 above and no person
shall enter the building except for the purpose of making the required
repairs or demolition after securing a permit.
(D) Prepare, post, deliver and file with the appropriate county offices a
copy of the complaint in conformance with Section 4-2106 of this Ordi-
nance; and prepare, file and serve such additional notices or orders
as may be required by law.
(E) Appear at all hearings before any board or commission of the City
and the Appeals Commission and give such testimony and information as
to the condition of any "dangerous building" as may be required by said
body.
(F) Prepare, post, deliver and file with the appropriate county offices
"Finding of Fact and Order" of the Boardof Public Works and the City's
Appeal Commission as provided for in this Ordinance.
(G) Report to the office of the City Attorney all cases of noncompliance
with the "Finding of Fact and Order" of the Board of Public Works
and/or the Appeals Commission, and prepare specifications, cost esti-
mates and such other information and data as requested by the City
Attorney to aid in the enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance.
4-2106: COMPLAINT BY BUILDING DIRECTOR: The complaint
issued by the Building Director shall be in writing and shall be
posted on the building and served either personally or by certified or regis-
tered mail upon all persons having an interest in and to said property, as
shown by the records of the King County Auditor's office, regarding any
building or structure found by the Director to be a "dangerous building"
within the standards set forth in Section 4-2102; provided that if the where-
abouts of such persons are unknown and the same cannot be ascertained by
the Director in the exercise of reasonable diligence, then said complaint
shall be served by publishing the same once each week for three (3) con-
secutive weeks in the City's legal newspaper. Said complaint shall contain,
among other things, the following information:
(A) Name of owner or other persons interested, as provided hereinabove.
(B) Street address and legal description of the property on which said build-
ing is located.
1169
4-2106 4-2108
(C) General description of type of building or structure deemed unsafe.
(D) A list of particulars which caused the building or structure to be a
"dangerous building" as defined in Section 4-2102 hereinabove.
(E) Whether said building should be vacated by its occupants, and the date
of such vacation.
(F) Whether or not the said building constitutes a fire or health hazard.
(G) A notice that a hearing shall be held before the Board of Public Works
at the City Hall, Renton, King County, Washington, not less than ten
(10) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the serving of such com-
plaint, or in the event of publication or posting, not less than fifteen
(15) days nor more than thirty (30)days from the date of the first publi-
cation and posting, and that all parties in interest shall be given the
right to file an answer to the complaint, to appear in person or other-
wise, and to give testimony at the time and place fixed in said complaint.
(H) That a copy of such complaint shall also be filed with the Auditor of
King County, which filing shall have the same force and effect as other
lis pendens notices provided by law.
4-2107: APPEALS COMMISSION: There is hereby created and estab-
lished an Appeals Commission to be known and designated
as the "Building Appeals Commission of the City of Renton", sometimes
called herein the "Appeals Commission", which Commission shall consist
of the members of the Board of Adjustment as presently provided for by
Section 4-731 of the Code of General Ordinances of the City.
4-2108: DUTIES OF BUILDING APPEALS COMMISSION: The Building
Appeals Commission shall:
(A) Upon receipt of a notice of appeal from any decision and order of the
Board of Public Works filed within thirty (30)days from date of service
of said decision or order with the Secretary,Chairman or Vice-Chairman
of the Commission by the owner or party in interest of the building against
which such order is directed, conduct a hearing thereon as herein pro-
vided, or upon receipt of a request in writing from the Board of Public
Works to review its decision, the Commission shall entertain such
request and conduct such hearing.
(B) Hold a hearing of such evidence as may be presented on behalf of any
department of the City or the owner, occupant, mortgagee, lessee, or
any other person having an interest in said building as shown by the
records of the King County Auditor.
1169
4-2108 4-2110
(C) Resolve all matters submitted within sixty (60) days from the date of
filing therewith, including the making of findings of fact based upon the
evidence presented under subsection (B) hereof, and an order based
upon such findings. In the event the Building Appeals Commission fails
to resolve all matters by entry of such findings and order within sixty
(60) days, as above provided, then the order and findings of the Board
of Public Works shall be deemed affirmed in full on the sixtieth day
and the parties may appeal therefrom as provided by law. Such order
shall determine whether the building shall be repaired, vacated or
demolished.
(D) Report to the City Attorney the names of all persons not complying
with any such order.
4-2109: DUTIES OF CITY ATTORNEY: The City Attorney shall:
(A) Prosecute all persons failing to comply with the terms of the notices
provided for herein and any final order issued by the Board of Public
Works and/or the Building Appeals Commission and as may be directed
by the Mayor and City Council.
(B) Appear when requested to do so at hearings before the Building Appeals
Commission in regard to "dangerous buildings".
(C) Bring suit to collect costs incurred by the City as provided in Section
4-2114 as hereinbelow set forth.
(D) Provide such additional legal services as may be requested by the
Building Appeals Commission and the Mayor and City Council.
4-2110: DUTIES OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS: The Board of Public
Works shall hold a hearing at the time and place specified in
the complaint of the Building Director, in which all parties in interest shall
be given the right to file an answer to the complaint, to appear in person or
otherwise, and to give testimony; if after such hearing the Board of Public
Works shall determine that such structure is, in fact, a "dangerous build-
ing" as herein defined, the Board shall reduce such findings of fact to
writing, in support of such determination,and shall issue or cause to be
issued and to be served upon the owner or party in interest of any such
"dangerous building" in the matter provided herein for the servicing of the
complaint, an order which shall require the owner or party in interest, within
the time specified in such order, to repair, alter or improve such dwel-
ling, building or structure and to render it fit for human habitation or other
use, or to vacate and close the dwelling, building or structure, if such course
of action is deemed proper, or to require the owner or party in interest,
within the time so specified, to remove or demolish such dwelling, building
or structure; and if no appeal is filed from such order in the manner herein
provided for, then a copy of such order shall be filed with the Auditor of
King County.
1169
4-2111 4-2112
4-2111: REPORT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS; CONTENTS: The Fire
Chief, Police Chief and City and/or County Health Officer
shall make a report in writing to the Building Director of all buildings or
structures which are, may be, or are suspected to be dangerous buildings
within the purview of this Ordinance. Such written reports, among other
things, shall contain the following information:
(A) Name of owner or other persons interested, as provided hereinabove.
(B) Street address and legal description of the property on which said
building is located.
(C) General description of type of building or structure deemed unsafe.
(D) A list of particulars which caused the building or structure to be a
"dangerous building" as defined in Section 4-2102 hereinabove.
(E) Whether or not said building should be vacated by its occupants, and
the date of such vacation.
(F) Whether or not the statement or list,of particulars, as provided for
in subsection (D) above, can be removed or repaired.
(G) Whether or not the said building constitutes a fire or health menace.
(H) Whether or not it is unreasonable to repair the said building and
whether or not the said building should be demolished.
4-2112: FINDINGS OF FACT AND ORDER: All decisions by the Board
of Public Works and the Building Appeals Commission shall
be reduced to writing and be entitled"Findings of Fact and Order" and same
shall be served on the owner or interested person in the same manner as
service of a complaint as herein provided, and shall contain, among others,
the following:
(A) Date, time and place of the hearing.
(B) Address and legal description of the property involved.
(C) Names and addresses of the parties of interest as shown by the records
of the King County Auditor.
(D) Names and addresses of persons present representing the owner or
parties in interest.
(E) A statement as to whether or not the Appeals Commission finds the
complaint of the Building Director justified, and/or concur, modify or
disallow the list of particulars contained in the complaint.
1169
4-2112 4-2114
(F) A statement as to whether or not the building or structure is a "dan-
gerous building" as defined in Section 4-2102 of this Ordinance, is
therefore a public nuisance, and specifying the reasons therefor.
(G) A statement as to whether or not it is reasonable to repair or remodel
the building or structure within the standards established in Section
4-2103 of this Ordinance and whether or not the building should be
vacated if occupied.
(H) An order either dismissing the complaint of the Building Director or
ordering the owner of record to abate the nuisance by the repair, re-
moval or demolition of the building or structure or, in cases before the
Building Appeals Commission, rescinding, modifying or affirming the
findings and order of the Board of Public Works, or remanding the case
to the Building Director for further action as may be determined by the
Building Appeals Commission.
(I) A time specified in number of calendar days from the date of the action
of the Board of Public Works or Commission in which the ordered work
is to be started and completed.
(J) A notice to any person affected by an order issued by the Building Appeals
Commission that such person affected has the right to appeal to the
Superior Court of King County, within thirty (30) days after the posting
and service of the Order, and as further provided by Chapter 82 of the
1959 Regular Session Laws.
4-2113: ENFORCEMENT:
(A) After any order of the Building Director, Board of Public Works
and/or the Building Appeals Commission shall have become final, with-
out any appeal therefrom by the person or persons affected thereby, no
person to whom such order is directed shall fail, neglect or refuse to
obey any such order.
(B) If, after any order made pursuant to this Ordinance has become final,
as herein set forth, and the person to whom the order is directed shall
fail, neglect or refuse to obey such order, then the Building Director
shall refer the case to the City Attorney, together with all correspond-
ence , records, orders and documents pertaining thereto,for appropriate
legal action and to take such further action as provided by law to pro-
vide for the repair or demolition of said building.
4-2114: ABATEMENT BY CITY:
(A) The City Council may, upon approval and passage of an appropriate
resolution or ordinance, direct the Building Director to abate a public
nuisance as determined by the provisions of this Ordinance and such
public nuisance may be abated by City personnel or by private contractor
under the direction and pursuant to the order of the Building Director.
1169
4-2114 4-2118
(B) The City Council shall appropriate sufficient funds to cover the cost
of such repair or demolition work. The costs incurred by the City in
any such abatement proceedings shall be recovered by special assess-
ment against the real property involved and shall constitute a lien as
provided by law, and particular reference being made to Chapter 82
of the Session Laws of 1959.
4-2115: INTEREFERENCE WITH WORK: No person shall obstruct,
impede or interfere with any officer, employee, contractor or
other authorized representative of the City, or with any person who owns or
holds any estate or interest in any building which has been ordered repaired,
vacated or demolished under the provisions of this Ordinance, or with any
person to whom such building has been lawfully sold pursuant to the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, whenever such officer, employee, contractor or
other authorized representative of the City, person having an interest or
estate in such building or structure, or purchaser is engaged in the work of
repairing, vacating or demolishing any such building, pursuant to the pro-
visions of this Ordinance, or in performing any necessary act preliminary to
or incidental to such work as authorized or directed pursuant to this
Ordinance.
4-2116: EMERGENCY CASES: In cases where it reasonably appears
that there is immediate danger to the life or safety of any
person unless a "dangerous building" as defined herein is immediately re-
paired, vacated or demolished, the Building Director shall cause the im-
mediate repair, vacation or demolition of such "dangerous building'. The
costs of such emergency repair, vacation or demolition of such "dangerous
building" shall be collected in the same manner as provided for hereinabove.
4-2117: ACT NOT EXCLUSIVE: Nothing in this Ordinance shall be
construed to abrogate or impair the power of the City or any
department thereof to enforce any provision of its Charter or its Ordinances
or regulations, nor to prevent or punish violations thereof, and any powers
conferred by this Ordinance shall be in addition to and supplemental to
powers conferred by other laws, nor shall this Ordinance be construed to
impair or limit in any way the power of the City to define and declare
nuisance and to cause their removal or abatement by summary proceedings,
or in any manner provided by law.
4-2118: ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY: No officer, agent or employee
of the City shall render himself personally liable for any
damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act re-
quired or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this Ordinance.
Any suit brought against any officer, agent or employee of the City, as a
result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under
this Section shall be defended by the City Attorney until the final determi-
nation of the proceedings therein.
1169
4-2119 4-2120
4-2119: VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES: Every person violating any of
the provisions of this Ordinance shall be punishable by a fine
not exceeding three hundred dollars ($300.00), or by imprisonment not
exceeding ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, and
each day's violation shall constitute a separate offense punishable under
this Ordinance.
4-2120: SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Ordinance or its
application to any person or circumstance shall be held in-
valid the remainder of this Ordinance or the application of the provision to
other persons or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. 2520;
11-17-69)
1169
4-2201 4-2201
CHAP TER 22
PARKING AND LOADING
SECTION:
4-2201: Title, Intent and Enforcement
4-2202: Definitions
4-2203: Category of Uses and Conditions of Uses Covered Under
This Chapter
4-2204: General Provisions
4-2205: Loading Space
4-2206: Parking Space Requirements
4-2207: Drive-In Business
4-2208: Parking Standards
4-2209: Submission of Plans
4-2210: Illustrations
4-2211: Liability
4-2212: Severabi I ity
4-2213: Penalty
4-2214: Repealing a Section of Title IV
4-2215: Effective Date
4-2201: TITLE, INTENT AND ENFORCEMENT:
1. Title. This Ordinance shall be hereinafter known as the "Renton
Parking and Loading Ordinance", may be cited as such, will be here-
inafter referred to as this Ordinance, and same shall be and constitute
Chapter 22, Title IV (Building Regulations) of Ordinance No. 1628
known as "Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton".
2. Intent. It is the purpose of this Ordinance to provide a means of
regulating parking to promote the health, safety, morals, general
welfare and esthetics of the City of Renton. Parking should enhance
the enjoyment and efficiency of the various land uses so that the value
and usefulness of the land uses will be maintained for future genera-
tions.
3. Enforcement:
A. Authority. The Planning Department, the Building Department,
and the Traffic Engineering Department are hereby authorized and
directed to enforce all the provisions of this Ordinance.
370
4-2201 4-2202
B. Board of Appeals. In order to provide for a system of appeals
from administrative decisions in the reasonable interpretation of the
provisions of this Ordinance, the Board of Adjustment provided in
Section 4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building Regulations) of the Code
of General Ordinances of the City of Renton, shall, upon proper appli-
cation, render a decision consistent with the provisions of Section
4-731. The right of appeal to the City Council by any aggrieved party
shall be as set forth in Section 4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building
Regulations) of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton.
C. Building Permits. No construction, alteration or changes in uses
are permitted until all the information in Section 4-2209 has been
submitted and approved by the appropriate City departments and a
building permit has been issued.
D. Occupancy Permits. The premises shall not be occupied until
the parking lot is paved, marked and lighted (if the lot is to be illumi-
nated) and an occupancy permit has been issued.
E. Business Licenses. A business license shall not be issued until
an occupancy permit has been issued.
F. Maintenance. Landscaped areas will be subject to periodic
inspection by the Building Department to insure maintenance. Land-
scaping shall be kept neat, orderly, and of attractive appearance at
all times.
4-2202: DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain
terms and their derivations shall be construed as specified
in this Section. Words in the singular include the plural, and the plural the
singular. The words "shall" and "will" are mandatory; the word "may" is
permissive.
1. Drive-In Business. A commercial facility which specializes in the
dispensing of merchandise and/or service to vehicles and/or to walk-up
service windows.
2. Landscaping. The addition to land of lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers,
rockeries and similar items to enhance its attractiveness.
3. Parking Space or Parking Stall. A perking space is any off-street
space intended for the use of vehicular parking with ingress and egress
to the space easily identifiable.
4. Shopping Center. A group of buildings, structures, and/or uncovered
commercial areas planned, developed, and managed as a unit related
in location and type of shops to the trade area that the unit serves.
370
4-2202 4-2204
5. Stacking Space. The space specifically designated as a waiting area
for vehicles whose occupants will be patronizing a drive-in business.
Such space is considered to be located directly alongside a drive-in
window, facility, or entrance used by patrons and in lanes leading up
to and away from the business establishment.
6. Uncovered Commercial Area. An area used for display purposes or
for commercial transactions not contained within a structure.
4-2203: CATEGORY OF USES AND CONDITIONS OF USES COVERED
UNDER THIS CHAPTER:
1. New Buildings and Building Additions
Buildings, structures, and/or land uses which are built or enlarged
in excess of one-third (1/3) of the then existing structure, building or
land uses, as the case may be, after the effective date of this Ordinance
shall provide off-street parking in accordance with the provisions of
this Ordinance.
2. Change in Use
When the occupancy of any land use structure, and/or building or any
part of a building, structure, and/or land use is changed to another
use, parking shall be provided to meet the parking requirements of the
new use.
4-2204: GENERAL PROVISIONS:
1. Use of Public Right-of-Way. Maneuvering space shall be completely
off the right-of-way of any public street except for parking spaces
provided for single family dwellings and duplexes. Alleys shall not
be used for off-street parking and loading purposes.
2. Ingress-Egress
A. Driveway Location. The location of ingress and egress drivewo>
shall be subject to approval of the Traffic Engineering Department
under curb cut permit procedures. Driveways shall not exceed forty
percent (40%) of the property frontage. There shall be a minimum of
eighteen feet (18') of tangent curb along the street between driveways
where there is more than one driveway on the property under unified
ownership or control and used as one premise.
B. Driveway Width. The width of any driveway shall not exceed
thirty feet (30') exclusive of the radii of the returns, the measure-
ment being made parallel to the centerline of the street roadway.
370
4-2204 4-2204
Where driveways are to enter on courts or alleys having a right-of-
way width of forty feet (40') or less, the width of the driveway may
exceed thirty feet (30°) and the limitation of the percentage of property
frontage in driveways may be waived, providing the overall plan of
the location of such driveways shall meet the approval of the Traffic
Engineering Department.
C. Number of Driveways.
(1) Industrial and Warehouse Uses. There shall not be more
than four (4) driveways for each three hundred thirty feet (330') of
street frontage for a single ownership.
(2) All Other Uses. There shall be not more than two (2)
driveways for each three hundred thirty feet (330') of street frontage
for a single ownership, except where a single ownership is developed
into more than one unit of operation, each sufficient in itself to meet
the requirements of this Ordinance, and where the necessity for
separate access to the street is evident. In such cases, there shall
not be more than two (2) driveways for each unit of operation.
D. Driveway Radius. The radius for any driveway return shall
be five feet (5') unless otherwise directed by the Traffic Engineering
Department.
E. Driveway Angle. The angle between any driveway and the street
roadway or curb line shall not be less than forty five degrees (45°).
F. Hazardous Driveways. No driveway shall be constructed in such a
manner as to be a hazard to any existing street lighting standard,
utility pole, traffic regulating device, fire hydrant, or similar devices.
The cost of relocating any such street structure when necessary to do
so shall be borne by the abutting property owner. Said relocation of
any street structure shall be performed only through the department
and person holding authority for the particular structure involved.
3. Location of Parking Facilities
•
A. Distance. Off-street parking facilities shall be located as herein-
after specified; where a distance is specified, such distance shall be
the walking distance measured from the nearest point of the parking
facility to the nearest point of the building that such facility is required
to serve.
(1) Single Family and Duplexes. On the same lot with the
building they are required to serve.
(2) Multi-Family. May be on a contiguous lot with the
building they are required to serve provided the provisions of C.
(Auxiliary Parking) below are complied with.
370
4-2204 4-2204
(3) Boat Moorages. May have parking areas located not
more than six hundred feet (600') from such moorage facility.
(4) Other Uses. On the same lot with the principal use
except when the conditions as mentioned in C. (Auxiliary Parking)
below are complied with.
B. Use of Paved Recreation Space for Parking. The Planning Depart-
ment may authorize the use of space designed and primarily used for
recreation purposes for a portion of the required parking space pro-
vided the space conforms to but may not be limited to the following
conditions:
(1) Such parking areas shall be subject to all locational
and development provisions of this Ordinance.
(2) Such portions of the recreation area to be used for
parking shall be paved with a durable, dustless surface of a permanent
nature.
(3) Such parking space may be credited only to space require-
ments of the principal use which it is intended to serve.
C. Auxiliary Parking.
(1) If sufficient parking is not available on the premises
of a use, excepting single and two (2) family dwellings, a private
parking lot may be provided on a noncommercial basis subject to
approval by the Planning Department and under the following con-
ditions:
(a) The parking lot must be within five hundred feet (500°)
of the use it is intended to serve.
(b) The parking lot shall be subject to all applicable pro-
visions of this Ordinance.
(c) The parking lot shall be subject to the front yard setback
requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
(d) The parking lot may be located in any zone district
except those zoned exclusively for single and two (2) family
dwellings.
(e) Except for emergencies, no automobile repair or service
of any kind shall be conducted on any such parking area.
(f) No charge for use of such parking area shall be made in
any residential zone except on a weekly or monthly basis.
370
4-2204 4-2204
(2) Plans for any such parking' area, when not located on
the same lot with the principal use, shall be approved by the Planning
Commission as a special use.
4. Units of Measurement.
A. Benches. In stadiums, sports arenas, churches, and other places
of assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews, or
other similar seating facilities, each eighteen inches (18") of width of
such seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of
determining requirements for off-street parking facilities under this
Ordinance.
B. Fractions. When a unit of measurement determining the number
of required parking spaces results in the requirement of a fractional
space, any fraction up to but not including one-half (1/2) shall be dis-
regarded and fractions one-half (1/2) and over shall require one parking
space.
5. Mixed Occupancies. In the case of two (2) or more uses in the same
building, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall
be the sum of the requirements for the several uses computed separately.
Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as
providing required parking facilities for any other use.
6. Joint Use. The joint use of parking facilities may be authorized only
for: (1) Those uses which have dissimilar peak-hour parking demands
during the non-peak hours of the lessor, except in shopping centers in
which the joint use of parking facilities is prohibited; or (2) the parking
facilities the lessor has in excess of parking requirements. To qualify
as a joint-use parking facility, the facility must be located within a
radius of five hundred feet (500') from the buildings or use areas it
is intended to serve. A minimum of a five (5) year written joint-use
contract shall be approved by the Planning Department and by the
City Attorney for such a parking arrangement to be allowed.
7. Signs. With the exception of those signs which identify the organiza-
tion providing the lot, which shall follow the provisions of the Sign
Code, no signs other than the ones designating entrances, exits, or
conditions of use of the parking area and designation of parking stalls
shall be allowed on the parking lot. No sign shall be so located as to
conflict with parking stalls, stacking areas, and areas of ingress and
egress.
8. Landscaping. All parking areas, except those used for dwellings and
those in enclosed buildings, shall be landscaped as follows:
A. Safety and Approval. Landscaping shall not conflict with the safety
of those using adjacent sidewalks or with traffic safety. All landscaping
under this Section is subject to approval by the Planning Department.
370
4-2204 4-2204
B. Screening Residential Frontage. A screen-type fence at least
forty two inches (42") high, planting, or berm with landscaping, shall
be provided on all sides of a parking area that is adjacent to properties
used and/or zoned for residential purposes. Such fence and planting
shall be subject to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
C. Screening Along Public Rights-of-Way. That portion of a parking
lot abutting a public right-of-way,except for areas of ingress and egress,
shall be landscaped. Such landscaping shall not interfere with the safety
of ingress and egress areas.
D. Automatic Underground Sprinkling System. In those landscaped
areas that exceed two thousand (2,000) contiguous square feet in area,
the Planning Department shall have the right to require an automatic
underground sprinkling system.
E. Large Parking Lots. Parking lots containing more than twenty
thousand (20,000) square feet of parking area shall be landscaped as
follows: In addition to A., B., C., and D. above, landscaping shall
cover a minimum of five percent (5%) of the parking lot and may
consist of trees, shrubs, lawn, and other landscaping or combination
thereof distributed throughout the parking lot in a pattern that reduces
the barren appearance of the parking lot.
9. Paving, Markings, and Wheel Stops.
A. Paving. All off-street parking areas shall be paved with asphaltic
concrete, cement, or equivalent material of a permanent nature. Such
material is to be approved by the Traffic Engineering Department.
B. Marking. All parking areas other than those for single family
residential and duplex dwellings shall have stalls marked and access
lanes clearly defined, including directional arrows to guide internal
circulation. All entrances and exits shall be designated as such by
markings on the parking lot pavement in addition to any signs which may
be used as entrance and exit guides. All markings are to be of commer-
cial traffic paint or equal material and are to be maintained in a legible
condition.
C. Wheel Stops. Wheel stops shall be required on the periphery
of the parking lot so the cars shall not protrude into the public right-
of-way off the parking lot, or strike buildings. Wheel stops shall be
two feet (2') from the end of the stall for head-in parking. Parallel
stalls shall be designed so that doors of vehicles do not open onto
the public right-of-way.
10. Lighting. Any lighting on a parking lot shall illuminate only the parking
lot. All lighting shall be designed and located so as to avoid undue glare
370
4-2204 4-2204
or reflection of light. Light standards shall not be located so as to
interfere with parking stalls, stacking areas, and ingress and egress
areas.
11. Drainage. Drainage shall meet City requirements, including the
location of the drains and the disposal of water.
12. Parking Structures. The ingress and egress of all parking structures
shall be approved by the Traffic Engineer.
13. Customer Parking. The Planning Department may require up to fifty
percent (50%) of the required parking stalls clearly designated as
"Customer Parking" or "Guest Parking". Parking stalls with said
designations shall be used only for customer parking.
14. Deferred Improvements.
A. Bonds. If a developer wishes to defer certain on-site improve-
ments, then written application shall be made to the Board of Public
Works not later than thirty (30) days after submission of the applicant's
initial plans stating the reasons why such delay is necessary or advis-
able. Upon approval by the Board of Public Works for such deferment,
for good cause shown by the applicant, the developer shall thereupon
furnish a performance bond to the City in an amount equal to a minimum
of one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated cost of the installa-
tion of the required improvements. The decision of the Board of Public
Works as to amount of such bond shall be conclusive.
B. Time Limit. Such bond shall list the exact work that shall be
performed by the applicant and shall specify that all of the deferred
improvements be completed within the time specified by the Board of
Public Works, and if no time is so specified, then not later than two
(2) years in any event.
C. Check In Lieu of Bond. The developer may substitute a certified
or cashier's check in lieu of a performance bond. Such check shall be
made payable to the City Treasurer and shall be in the same amount
as the bond it is substituting.
D. Proceed Against Bond. The City reserves the right, in addition
to all other remedies available to it by law, to proceed against such
bond or other payment in lieu thereof without notice to the developer.
In case of any suit or action to enforce any provisions of this Ordi-
nance, the developer shall pay unto the City all costs incidental to
such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.
E. Binding Upon Applicant. The requirement of the posting of any
performance bond or other security therefor shall be binding on the
applicant, his heirs, successors and assigns.
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4-2205 4-2206
4-2205: LOADING SPACE: For all buildings hereafter erected, recon-
structed, or enlarged, adequate permanent off-street loading
space shall be provided if the activity carried on in such building requires
deliveries to it or shipments from it or people or merchandise. Such space
shall be shown on a plan and submitted for approval by the Planning Depart-
ment and Traffic Engineering Department. No portion of a vehicle taking
part in loading or unloading activities shall project into a public street or
alley. Loading space shall be in addition to required off-street parking
spaces.
4-2206: PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Parking Stall and Aisle Size
A. A normal parking stall shall be twenty feet (20') in length, except
for parallel stalls, measured along both sides of the usable portion
of the stall. A parking stall shall be nine feet (9') in width measured
from a right angle to the stall sides. The above measurements shall
pertain to all parking stalls except that when cars are parked by an
attendant the stall shall not be less than eighteen feet (18') long by
eight feet (8') wide.
B. When parallel parking is provided, each stall shall be twenty three
feet (23') by nine feet (9') in size.
C. Minimum Standards
(I) Parallel Parking
(a) For one way circulation, the minimum width of the aisle
shall be ten feet (10').
(b) For two (2) way circulation, the minimum width of the
aisle shall be eighteen feet (18').
(2) Ninety Degree (90°) Head-In Parking
(a) For one row and two (2) rows of ninety degree (90°)
head-in parking using the same aisle in a one way or two (2)
way circulation pattern, the minimum width of the aisle shall
be twenty four feet (24').
(3) Sixty Degree (60°) Head-In Parking
(a) For one row and two (2) rows of sixty degree (60°)
head-in parking using a one way circulation pattern, the
minimum width of the aisle shall be seventeen feet (17').
370
4-2206 4-2208
(b) For two (2) rows of sixty degree (60°) head-in parking
using a two (2) way circulation pattern, the minimum width
of the aisle shall be twenty feet (20').
(4) Forty Five Degree (45°) Head-In Parking
(a) For one and two (2) rows of forty five degree (45°)
head-in parking using a one way circulation pattern, the mini-
mum width of the aisle shall be twelve feet (12').
(b) For two (2) rows of forty five degree (45°) head-in
parking using a two (2) way circulation pattern, the width of
the aisle shall be twenty feet (20').
4-2207: DRIVE-IN BUSINESS: All banks, savings and loan associa-
tions, cleaning establishments, food dispensing establishments,
and other businesses which maintain drive-in facilities which are intended
to serve customers who remain in their motor vehicles during the business
transactions, or are designed in such a manner that customers must leave
their automobiles temporarily in a driving lane located adjacent to the fac-
ility, shall provide stacking space for the stacking of motor vehicles as
fol lows:
1. Stacking Space. The drive-in facility shall be so located that sufficient
stacking space is provided for the handling of motor vehicles using
such facility during peak business hours of such a facility.
2. Driveway Location. Entrances and exits shall not be so located as
to cause congestion in any public right-of-way.
3. Shopping Centers. When located in a shopping center, drive-in fa-
cilities shall provide sufficient stacking space to handle peak business
demands and shall not in any way obstruct the normal circulation
pattern of the shopping center.
4-2208: PARKING STANDARDS:
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
1. LIVING ACTIVITIES
A. Dwellings:
(1) Single Family Two (2) parking spaces per
single family dwelling
(2) Two-Family Two (2) parking spaces per
dwelling unit
370
4-2208 4-2208
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
(3) Multi-family and apart- Two (2) parking spaces for each
ment houses dwelling unit; in addition, for
developments in excess of fifty
(50) dwelling units, one screened
space for each ten (10) dwelling
units for recreation vehicles
(4) Multiple dwellings for One parking space for each four
low income elderly (4) dwelling units
B. Boarding & Lodging One parking space for the pro-
Houses prietor plus one space for each
sleeping room for boarders
and/or lodging use plus one
additional space for each four
(4) persons employed on the
premises
C. Mobile Homes Two (2) parking spaces for each
trailer site plus one screened
space for each ten (10) lots for
recreation vehicles
D. Travel Trailers One parking space for each
trailer site
E. Hotels One parking space for each
guest room plus two (2) parking
spaces for each three (3)
employees
F. Motels and Cabins One parking space for each
sleeping or dwelling unit plus
two (2) parking spaces for each
three (3) employees
2. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
A. Banks One parking space for each 200
sq. ft. of gross floor area except
when part of a shopping center
B. Professional Offices and One parking space for each
Businesses 200 sq. ft. of gross floor area
except when part of a shopping
center.
370
4-2208 4-2208
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
C. Shopping Centers Five and one-half (5 1/2) parking
spaces per each 1,000 sq. ft. of
gross leasable area
D. Restaurants, Night Clubs, One parking space for each 100
Taverns and Lounges sq. ft. of gross floor area except
when part of a shopping center
E. Retail Stores, Supermarkets, One parking space for each 200
Department Stores and Per- sq. ft. of gross floor area
sonal Service Shops except when located in a shop-
ping center
F. Other Retail Estab- One parking space for each 500
lishments; Furniture, sq. ft. of gross floor area except
Appliance, Hardware Stores, when located in a shopping
Household Equipment Service center
Shops, Clothing or Shoe
Repair Shops
G. Drive-In Business One parking space for each 50
sq. ft. of gross floor area except
when located in a shopping center
H. Uncovered Commercial One parking space for each 2,000
Area, New and Used Car Lots, sq. ft. of retail sales area in
Plant Nursery addition to any parking require-
ments for buildings, except when
located in a shopping center
I. Motor Vehicle Repair and One parking space for each 400
Service sq. ft. of gross floor area ex-
cept when part of a shopping center
3. INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES
A. Manufacturing, Research One parking space for each
and Testing Laboratories, 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor
Creameries, Bottling Estab- area
lishments, Bakeries, Canneries,
Printing, and Engraving Shops
B. Warehouses and Storage One parking space for each
Buildings 1,500 sq. ft. of gross floor area
370
4-2208 4-2208
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
C. Uncovered Storage Area One parking space for each
2,000 sq. ft. of area
4. RECREATION-AMUSEMENT ACTIVITIES
A. Auditoriums, Theaters, One parking space for each four
Places of Public Assembly, (4) fixed seats or one parking space
Stadiums and Outdoor Sports for each 100 sq. ft. of floor area of
Areas main auditorium or of principal
place of assembly not containing
fixed seats, whichever is greater
B. Bowling Alleys Five (5) spaces for each alley
except when located in shopping
center
C. Dance Halls, Skating Rinks One parking space for each 40
sq. ft. of gross floor area ex-
cept when located in a shopping
center
D. Golf Driving Ranges One parking space for each
driving station
E. Miniature Golf Courses One parking space for each hole
5. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
A. Senior High Schools; Public, One space for each employee
Parochial and Private plus one space for each ten (10)
students enrolled. In addition,
if buses for the transportation
of children are kept at the
school, one off-street parking
space shall be provided for
each bus of a size sufficient
to park each bus
B. Colleges and Universities One space for each employee plus
one space for each three (3)
students residing on campus,
plus one space for each five
(5) day students not residing
on campus. In addition, if buses
for transportation of students are
kept at the school, one off-street
parking space shall be provided
for each bus of a size sufficient
to park each bus
370
4-2208 4-2208
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
C. Elementary and Junior High One parking space for each
employee. In addition, if buses
for the transportation of students
are kept at the school, one off-
street parking space shall be
provided for each bus of a size
sufficient to park each bus
D. Libraries and Museums One parking space for each 250
sq. ft. in office and public use
6. MEDICAL ACTIVITIES
A. Medical and Dental One parking space for each 200
Offices sq. ft. of gross floor area ex-
cept when located in a shopping
center
B. Convalescent, Nursing and One parking space for each two
Health Institutions (2) employees plus one parking
space for each three (3) beds
C. Hospitals One parking space for each three
(3) beds plus one parking space
for each staff doctor plus one
parking space for each three (3)
employees
7. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
A. Churches One space for each five (5) seats
in the main auditorium, provided
that the spaces for any church
shall not be less than ten (10).
For all existing churches en-
larging the seating capacity of
their auditoriums, one additional
parking space shall be provided
for each five (5) additional seats
provided by the new construction.
For all churches making structural
alterations or additions which do
not increase the seating capacity
of the auditorium, see 4-2208,
4. A.
B. Mortuaries or Funeral One parking space for each 100
Homes sq. ft. of floor area of assembly
rooms
370
4-2208 4-2209
ACTIVITY NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
8. DEAD STORAGE SPACE INSIDE One parking space for each
BUILDING 1,500 sq. ft. of floor area
9. For uses not enumerated in
Section 4-2208, parking shall
be provided as specified for
the use most similar to the
use under consideration. In
case of disagreement about
interpretation, a fina► deter-
mination is provided for in
Section 4-2201 , 3. B.
4-2209: SUBMISSION OF PLANS: Where off-street parking is re-
quired, except for single family dwellings, a plan approved
by the Planning and Traffic Engineering Departments shal► be furnished
to the Building Department accompanied by sufficient proof of ownership,
lease or other arrangement that indicates the spaces contemplated will
be permanent. Any future changes in parking arrangements must be
approved by the Planning Department. All such plans must contain a plot
plan of the proposed parking area indicating the following information:
1. Location
A. Name and width of abutting streets
B. Size, uses and zones of abutting properties
C. North arrow and scale
2. Size and Shape
A. ' Dimensions of the perimeter of the parking area
B. Area in square feet of parking lot
3. Design
A. Size of stalls and angles
B. Location of curb cuts
C. Traffic flow within the parking, loading, and maneuvering areas
and ingress and egress
D. Location of wheel stops
370
4-2209 4-2210
E. Number of stalls required, by use; number of stalls provided,
by use
F. Parking stalls are to be numbered consecutively
G. Loading space
H. Stacking space
4. Signs and Lighting
A. Exact location and size of signs
B. Exact location and direction of lighting
5. Landscaping
A. Areas to be landscaped
B. Landscaping plan
6. Drainage
A. Drainage system plan
7. Customer Parking
A. Customer or guest parking stalls
8. Paving
A. Paving material
4-2210: ILLUSTRATIONS: See following pages for illustrations.
370
4-2210: ILLUSTRATIONS
PARKING PLAN LAYOUT
Area of Parking Lot:5.504 sq. ft.
86 _. ,
\*: } ;
7\�6` 5 4 3 2 1 &
; • i
Lit, A \S- \ \ \ e' :
let ® ® -4,--
/Wheel Stopsfeetfrom / /
•stall end 11 12 13
l 8 8 10 6.70
rat 0
Passehger OFFICE BUILDING
Load Fr of 2500 sq. ft. DI
"• Parking
® F.
13 spaces requ±red GI
I 13 spaces provided a
..q' N
•
j' t
.6-13—•'
STREET 'A• R.O.W. 80'
10' 30'
—sir
0'
TYPICAL PLOT PLAN - PARKING LAYOUT
LEGEND
T
\� Light Pole ------ Property Line
�m Sign ® Drainage Catch EAS;t1
,f.- Directional Lighting — Wheel Stops
-24-
45 DEGREE PARKING
21 ' �' 12' t r 21 ' 12' � 21 '
i
45 a
.
HEAD-IN PARKING HEAD-IN PARKING $ Row
ONE WAY CIRCULATION ONE WAY CIRCULATION
121 20' 21 '
so0P
• Wheel Stop
♦.
HEAD- IN PARKING 2 Row
TWO WAY CIRCULATION
LEGEND SCALE 1 = 20-0"
'='7 Parking
p Circulation
1121mJ Direction of Travel
-25-
60 DEGREE PARKING
22 17' 22' 17' 22'
I-- --t-- -- -1 1 I I 1
? a . a.
0'
.
HEAD-IN PARKING HEAD-IN PARKING Double Row
ONE WAY CIRCULATION ONE WAY CIRCULATION
I 22' I 20' I 22, I PARKING LAYOUTS
° .5 WHEEL STOPS
"Ilk \ O)
1
1+44:".., RAISED
a (0)
s+�
Possible
Drainage
4.;..: .::.:::''.0. System
DEPRX80ZD
HEAD-IN PARKING Double Ro.w
TWO WAY CIRCULATION
LEGEND
wallow* Parking Space —10.-- Direction of Travel
r----1 Circulation — Wheel Stop
-26-
90 DEGREE AND PARALLEL PARKING
20' 24' / 20' / 24' 20'
ids > m
One or Two One or Two
••ay Traffic 9 Way Traffic
✓ i'
Stop .
Head-in Parking: Single Row Head-in Parking: Double Row
18s` y
g„ io' O y
Parallel Parking: Single and Double Row
LsaRND SCALY; t e -0"
MCI Parking
Circulation
Direotioa of Travel
4-2211 4-2215
4-2211: LIABILITY:
1. City Not Liable. This Ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning, building,
altering, constructing or maintaining any parking lot or parking
structure in the City for damages to anyone injured or damaged either
in person or property by any defect therein; nor shall the City, or any
agent thereof, be held as assuming such liability by reason of permit
or inspection authorized herein or a certificate of inspection issued
by the City or any of its agents.
4-2212: SEVERABILITY:
1. If any part or portion of this Ordinance is determined to be unconstitu-
tional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determination shall
not affect the remainder of this Ordinance.
4-2213: PENALTY:
1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation hereafter to
erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or convert any parking
lot or parking structure in the City or cause or permit the same to be
done contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this Ordi-
nance. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions
of this Ordinance shall upon conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor,
and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for
each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of
any of the provisions of this Ordinance is committed, continued, or
Permitted; and upon conviction of any such violation such person shall
be punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00),
or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such
fine and imprisonment.
4-2214: REPEALING A SECTION OF TITLE IV:
1. Section 718 of Chapter 7 of Title IV (Building Regulations) of Ordinance
No. 1628 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton"
and any and all Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
4-2215: EFFECTIVE DATE:
1. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage, approval and legal publication. (Ord, 2548; 3-9-70)
370