Ordinance 1836ORDINANCE NO. 1836
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON,
AMENDING CHAPTER 12.14 OF THE EDMONDS CITY CODE
PROVIDING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF LAND DEVELOP-
MENT BY MEANS OF PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT;
ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES, CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT; AND PROVIDING PROCEDURES
FOR APPROVAL OF A PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT;
ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS FOR REVOCATION OF APPROVAL
AND CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING ABANDONMENT OF A
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 12.14.060 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.060. Purpose. The purpose of the Planned
Residential Development (PRD) Ordinance is to provide
the City with an alternative form of development which
will promote flexibility and ingenuity in the layout
and design of new development, and which will protect
the environment through the use of open spaces. The
PRD process can improve upon the traditional lot by lot
development by accomplishing, among other things, the
following:
(1) preserving outstanding or unique natural
landscapes, trees, streams or other amenities
deemed valuable to the community
(2) clustering structures to create open spaces,
especially where steep slopes exist or other
natural features can be preserved
(3) providing a more efficient street and utility
system, serving units in a cluster, thus
lowering housing, land development and main-
tenance costs, and reducing the amount of
impervious surfaces."
Section 2. Section 12.14.061 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.061. Permitted Uses.
(1) The following uses are permitted in a PRD in
a single-family (RS) zone:
(a) Detached single-family homes
(b) Townhouses and duplexes
(c) Primary and secondary uses permitted in
RS zones, Sections 12.13.030 and 12.13.040
of the Edmonds City Code.
(2) The following uses are permitted in a PRD in
a multiple residential (MR) zone:
(a) Any uses allowed in subsection (1),
above
(b) Any primary uses allowed in RM districts
in Section 12.13.110 of this Code."
Section 3. Section 12.14.062 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.062. General Design Requirements.
(1) The PRD concept of development may be utilized
only in those instances where the parcel or
parcels of property to be thus developed are
of sufficient area that not less than five (5)
lots could be formed based on the underlying
zoning by subdividing in compliance with
Chapter 12.10 of the Edmonds City Code.
(2) The PRD designation is superimposed over the
underlying zoning district designation without
changing the intent of the underlying district
regulations, including density. Although the
PRD provides for modifications of the under-
lying zoning regulations, the applicant must
carry the burden of proof in demonstrating
that the site is conducive to a PRD designa-
tion because:
(a) Unusual circumstances exist, not created
by the applicant, which make it difficult
to develop the land on a lot by lot
basis, such as
(1) the shape of the lot, parcel or
aggregated parcels
(2) topography, such as steep slopes,
soils condition, wetlands; or
(b) Significant natural features and/or
amenities need to be preserved, such as
(1) groves of woods, specimen trees,
animal habitats,
(2) streams, ponds, lakes,
( 3 ) views,
(4) historic structures
(3) All projects shall give special treatment to
perimeter transition and shall demonstrate
that there is a public benefit to be gained
by adoption of a PRD on the site, such as:
(a) Beneficial creation of open spaces to
buffer incompatible uses (residential
from commercial, or single-family
residential from multi -family resi-
dential), or to create desirable and
useful yard areas between buildings in
the project.
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(b) Preservation of natural features and
assets such as streams, trees, slopes,
historic structures, views and other
amenities beneficial to the community.
(c) Provision of additional public use
facilities, such as pedestrian walkways,
bike paths which improve local circula-
tion or public access to a stream or
park.
(d) Greater on -site water retention due to
a reduced amount of impervious surfaces
thus having less of an impact on the
drainage system."
Section 4. Section 12.14.063 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.063. Specific Design Requirements. The following
regulations shall apply to the design of the PRD:
(1) Allowable Density. The number of dwelling
units permitted in any residential, or "R"
classified, zone is determined by dividing
the net developable area by the minimum lot
area established on the property by the
zoning designation. Net developable area is
determined by subtracting the area set aside
for streets, schools, churches or commercial
use from the total development area. Fractional
units shall be rounded to the closest whole
number.
(2) Building Height. The maximum height of any
building shall not exceed the height permitted
in the underlying zone in which the project
is located. If the PRD encompasses two or
more zones with different height require-
ments, buildings located in each such zone
shall conform to the zone within which the
building is located. If any building will be
built on two or more different zones, the
most restrictive height requirement of said
zones shall apply.
(3) Off -Street Parking Requirements. Off-street
parking requirements shall be in accordance
with the provisions of Section 12.14.020 of
this Code.
(4) Open Space Land. There shall be a minimum of
20% of the net developable land dedicated for
or reserved as usable common open space land.
Driveways, parking lots and required yard areas
will not be allowed in computing open space.
The applicant shall specify through what mode
and what manner the open space shall be main-
tained. The City may require that restrictions
be placed in the nature of covenants running
with the land including naming the City as the
beneficiary of said covenant or such other
requirements as are necessary to insure that
adequate provision for maintenance for such
open space exists.
(5) Permitted Site Coverage. Coverage of the
site by buildings and other structures shall
not exceed the largest per permitted
in any zone in which the project is located.
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(6) Set Backs. The minimum distance between a
building and the exterior boundary line in
the PRD shall be determined by the largest
setback requirement of any zoning within the
area of the proposed PRD. 'This minimum may
be increased by the Planning Commission or
the City Council if they determine it will
minimize the impact and improve the design of
the PRD.
(7) Design Concepts. All projects may propose
concepts such as:
(a) Establishment of green belts, or community
buildings or recreation facilities;
(b) Detached single-family homes or townhouses
grouped around a common court, playground
or recreational area;
(c) Common ownerships of exterior spaces and
community facilities;
(d) Lots of minimum allowable building area
with the balance of the site held in
common ownership."
Section 5. Section 12.14.064 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.064. Ownership Requirements. The City may
require the applicant to give evidence that he has
proper authority from all property owners within the
proposed PRD to develop the PRD as approved. In
addition to any other evidence, the City may require
preliminary title reports on the property in question
and letters of authority from the record title holders."
Section 6. Section 12.14.065 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.065. Procedure for Preparation, Review and Approval.
Planned residential projects will be approved in three
phases. The intent of the procedure is to provide a
method for incremental approvals during the design
process.
The following chart indicates which body approves the
plan at each stage of the process:
Amenities
Planning Planning Design City
Approval Process Department ConTnission Board Council
1. Preliminary Review X (X)
2. Design Review
X X X
3. Final Approval X
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(1) Preliminary Review. The preliminary plans of the
PRD shall be submitted to the City Planner for
review and comment. It is the intent of this
phase to provide an opportunity for the developer
to work with the City staff to design a total plan
for the PRD which best meets the goals of the City
and the needs of the developer. Such potential
problems as drainage, topography, circulation, site
design and neighborhood impact can be identified
and addressed before the proposal is submitted for
subsequent approvals.
The City Planner shall attach preliminary recommen-
dations to the PRD application which shall become
part of the official file and accompany the applica-
tion through the approval process. The City
Planner shall submit recommendations no later than
one month from the date the application was submitted
to the Planning Department for preliminary review.
Should the project contain unusual or severe environ-
mental problems or unusual compatibility problems with
adjoining property owners the City Planner or the ap-
plicant may request that the proposal be given pre-
liminary review by the Planning Commission before it
is submitted for the design review phase. This review
should give the applicant and the Planner immediate
public response to the proposal as a concept in rough
sketch form before substantial amounts of time and
money are spent to finalize the concept at the design
review .phase. The Planning Commission shall make
recommendations to the applicant on his proposal for
subsequent action. Notification for the Planning
Commission hearing shall be made by three separate
postings on or near the property in question at least
ten days prior to the date of the hearing.
A. Fees. The application fees for PRDs shall be
as set forth in Chapter 12.01 and Section
12.10.060 of the Edmonds City Code.
B. Exhibits for Preliminary Review. In addition
to the other exhibits. required by the Planning
Department the following shall be required to
be submitted:
(1) A vicinity map;
(2) A topography map or other available
information showing existing slopes and
major existing site features.
(3) Development plan. The plan should be in
sketch form, drawn to scale, of sufficient
detail to serve as the initial document
that will be further refined for subsequent
approvals. The plan in sketch form
shall include the following: (a) topo-
graphy; (b) existing improvements;
(c) existing vegetation, designating
trees 8" or more in diameter; (d)
proposed structures; (e) circulation
pattern ( f ) general statement of intent
indicating apportionment of land for
buildings, stipulating the use to which
buildings and land will be made; (g) the
surrounding area in sufficient detail to
indicate uses thereon for a radius of at
least 300 feet from all boundaries.
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(2) Design Review. After the City Planner has reviewed
the plan with the applicant and has submitted the
Planning Department's recommendations, the applicant
shall present the PRD application to the City
Planning Commission and Amenities Design Board
(ADB) for design review. Any City Council action
shall occur only after the Planning Commission and
the Amenities Design Board have completed their
design review.
A. Exhibits for Design Review. All exhibits
shall become a part of the official file.
With the exception of models, all exhibits
shall be reduced to be reasonably filed in an
8-1/2" by 11" folder. The exhibits shall
include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) A vicinity map;
(2) A topography map at 5 foot intervals,
certified by a registered surveyor or
engineer;
(3) Detailed landscape plan showing existing
trees 8" in diameter at the base or
larger, plants and shrubbery to be used
on the site for general landscaping as
well as perimeter screening;
(4) A precise development plan at a scale
that clearly shows all proposed structures;
common areas and facilities; yard setbacks;
circulation elements including walkways,
bike or equestrian paths, and parking,
in sufficient detail to show relationships
between these elements;
(5) Building elevations with building materials
designated as well as a collage board
showing proposed colors and materials to
be used;
(6) The surrounding area in sufficient
detail to indicate uses thereon for a
radius of at least 300 feet from all
boundaries;
(7) In addition to the plan in sketch form
there should be a text with explanatory
material describing the characteristics
of the project and the intent for imple-
mentation of the proposed project;
(8) The elements listed above are illustrative
only and may be expanded as deemed necessary
to include other information.
B. Planning Commission Design Review.
(1) Notice of Hearing. The Planning Commission
shall review the PRD application at a public
hearing after notice has been given as pres-
cribed in Chapter 12.10.080 of the Edmonds
City Code.
(2) Review Criteria. The Planning Commission
shall review the application for conformity
with the Official Comprehensive Policy
Plan, Land Use Plan, Zoning and Subdivision
Codes, this chapter, and shall examine
the elements of the PRD elan including,
but not limited to:
(a) Land use.
(b) Circulation, including matters
related to fire and police protec-
tion.
(c) Environmental protection.
(d) Utilities and drainage facilities.
(e) Assurances that the PRD will be
developed as presented in design
documents and statements of intent.
(3) Approval and Appeal. The Planning
Commission shall approve, modify or
disapprove the application. If the
Planning Commission disapproves the
application, the applicant may appeal to
the City Council. Provided that any
such appeal shall be made only after the
Amenities Design Board has completed its
review and has forwarded its recommendation
to the City Council pursuant to the
provisions of this chapter. Such appeal
must be made within fifteen (15) days
from the date the Amenities Design Board:,
forwards its recommendations to the City
Council or the Planning Commission
denies the application, whichever is
later.
C. . Amenities Design Board (ADB) Design Review.
The ADB shall review the PRD application in
an advisory capacity only and shall consider
but not be limited to, the following:
(1) The criteria contained in Chapter 12.20
of the Edmonds City Code with respect to
the following:
(a) It encourages the most appropriate
use of land.
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(b) It promotes a coordinated development
of unbuilt areas.
(c) It conserves and restores natural
beauty.
(d) It promotes good quality design
specifically in landscape and site
treatment, circulation and street
grade, parking, building design,
and impact on the surrounding
neighborhood.
(2) Review by the Amenities Design Board
shall be at a regular meeting of said
Board and the Board's recommendation
shall be reduced to writing, placed in
the file and be transmitted to the City
Council for its design review.
D. City Council Design Review
(1) The City Council shall review the recom-
mendations of the Planning Commission
and the ADB. The Council may return the
application to the Planning Commission
for future study or the Council may approve,
modify or reject the application. If
the project is modified or rejected, the
Council shall state its reasons for so
acting. It shall create the presumption
upon approval by the City Council that
the Council has found that all conditions
for granting a PRD have been met, even
though such findings are not specifically
included in the motion for approval.
(2) If the City Council rejects the PRD
plan, a similar plan for the site may
not be submitted to the planning Depart-
ment for one year. A new plan which
varies substantially from the rejected
proposal as determined by the City
Planner or one that satisfies the
objections stated by the City Council in
its design review may be submitted no
earlier than three months from the date
the City Council rejected the previous
application, unless waived by the City
Council at a regular.public meeting.
(3) Appeal from the City Council's design
review decision shall be to the Superior
Court of Snohomish County and shall be
governed by the requirements as contained
in 12.10.190 of the Edmonds City Code.
(3) Final Approval.
A. Approval by the City Council at the design
review shall enable the applicant to prepare
the final development plan. Within three
months after the design approval by the City
Council, the applicant shall file with the
Planning Department such bonds, evidence of
compliance or undertakings as may be required
by the conditions of the City Council's
design review approval.
B. Upon fulfillment of any and all required
conditions precedent contained in the City
Council design approval, the applicant shall
submit the final development plan to the City
Council to adopt the PRD as an amendment to
the zoning map, incorporating by reference
all maps, drawings, conditions, and exhibits
required to specify the precise land use
authorized, provided there have been no
substantive changes in the plan since Design
Review Approval was granted by the City
Council. The proposed amendment to the
zoning map shall designate the boundaries of
the project and the file number of the
application. A file shall be maintained by
the Planning Department under that number
containing all maps and other documents or
exhibits referred to or incorporated in the
adoptive ordinance, the provisions of which
shall constitute a limitation on the use of
the property.
C. The ordinance shall contain a text legal
description of the boundary of the planned
residential development.
D. Adoption of the ordinance shall not repeal
the underlying zone classification in the PRD
area. The PRD ordinance shall merely allow
development to occur in a different way,
consistent with all underlying zoning require-
ments and restrictions. Revocation of approval
or abandonment as provided in this chapter
shall eliminate all requirements imposed
under the PRD plan and shall cause the old
underlying zoning requirements to be in full
force and effect."
Section 7. Section 12.14.066 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.066. Administration of Planned Residential
Developments. After the effective date of the Ordinance
passed pursuant to 12.14.065(3), the city shall permit
use of the land and erection of structures in compliance
with the plans as approved. Any use or structure
inconsistent with the approved plans shall be a viola-
tion of this chapter and no building permits shall be
issued thereon.
A. Record of subdivision. A project which plats
or subdivides land for sale shall properly
record the plat in accordance with the Edmonds
City Code chapter 12.10 prior to the issuance
of any building permits, authorization to
commence construction, or sale of any portion
of the property.
B. Required permits. The application for a
building permit or other authorization to
commence work on the project shall be accom-
panied by:
(1) Any bond required by the City Council
guaranteeing completion of a specific
defined portion of the project as
authorized and approved, and/or a
standard plat bond if subdivision and
sale of lots is a part of the project.
(2) Deeds to any land or properties intended
for public ownership and use in the
completed project.
(3) A complete project site plan and construc-
tion plans and specifications for the
initial buildings.
(4) Compliance. Before any permits may be
issued the city departments shall find
that the plans submitted for construction
comply with the conditions of approval
imposed by the City Council.
C. Modification of approved projects. Except as
approved, no planned residential development
shall be used, constructed, modified or
changed. Any change in a planned residential
development shall be applied for and processed
in the same manner as an original application.
Changes in plans or specifications may be
permitted by city departments having juris-
diction provided such changes are not material
to the maintenance of the character of the
approved development. Written notice of all
proposed changes shall be given to the Planning
Department for review prior to their approval."
Section 8. Section 12.14.067 of the Edmonds Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
"12.14.067.
Revocation of Approval.
(1) In the event a condition of approval is
violated or unfulfilled within the time set
for its completion, or provisions of the
approval or the Edmonds City Code are viola-
ted, the Council may, either on recommenda-
tion of the Planning Department or on its own
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motion, direct that written notice be given
to the applicant at least ten days prior to
and conduct a public hearing upon the question
of the revocation of the approval and any
permits granted pursuant to it. After a
public hearing the Council may revoke the
approval and/or permits by ordinance.
Nothing in this section shall limit the
revocation of building permits, issuance of
stop orders or other such procedures else-
where authorized by the Edmonds City Code.
(2) Abondonment. If a Planned Residential Develop-
ment project is abandoned, or if, upon the
expiration of two years from the adoption of
the authorizing ordinance, the project has
not been completed (or commenced pursuant to
an extension of time for completion granted
by the Planning Commission), the authorization
for the project shall automatically expire
and no building or occupancy permits shall
thereafter be issued, renewed, or extended.
Upon expiration, the land and structures if
any, may only be used for lawful purpose
permitted in the zoning district in which the
project is located. The City Council shall,
by ordinance, remove the Planned Residential
Development designation from the Official
Zoning Map.
Section 9. Sections 12.14.068 and 12.14.069 of the
Edmonds Municipal Code are hereby repealed.
APPROVED:
D/'t r *' _t� � � I
MAYOR, H. H. HARRISON
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK, IRENE RNEY MORAN
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: April 12, 1976
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: April 20, 1976
PUBLISHED: April 28, 1976
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