Resolution 314PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 314
A RESOLUTION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS RECOMMENDING. AN
AMENDMENT TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 12.14.060, GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, AS SET FORTH IN PLANNING.COMMIS-
SION FILE NO. ZO-3-68
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the.City of Edmonds,
pursuant to proper notice and publication, held a public hearing on
a proposed amendment to Section 12.14.060 of the Official Zoning
Ordinance to establish new standards and criteria for Planned Unit
Developments; and
WHEREAS, having made the findings set forth in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto, the.Planning Commission determined that the Official
Zoning Ordinance, Section 12.14.060, should be amended as set forth
in Exhibit "B" attached hereto; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of said City that
recommendation be and the same hereby is made to the.City Council of
the City of Edmonds that Section 12.14.060 of the.Official Zoning
Ordinance be so amended.
DATED as of the 21st day of May, 1969.
i y%j
;_, -, Z"
Chairman, Edmonds Planning Commission
Edmonds City Planner
File No.: ZO-3-68
Initial Request by: Planning Commission
Date of Hearing: May 21, 1969
Resolution No. 314
EXHIBIT :'.'A"
As this community continues to develop, the. vacant properties and open
lands will gradually disappear as more and more homes are built. Unless
some efforts are made to encourage open space preservation and incorpora-
tion into the.rresidential areas, future residents will not have the
opportunity to enjoy the benefits of different landscape amenities within
the residential neighborhoods.- To encourage more interesting and varied
residential areas the.community needs a workable Planned Unit Development
procedure.
The existing Planned Unit Procedure in the.City Code is vague and
incomplete. As presently written, the provisions penalize the.developer
who.wishes to create residential areas of greater.interest and quality
than the. -traditional and sometimes monotonous lot -by -lot subdivisions.
Resolution No. 314
EXHIBIT "B"
Section 12.14.060: Planned Unit Development
A. Puruose: The purpose of the Planned Unit Development procedure is to permit
flexibility and diversification in land use resulting in planned developments
as good or better in function and relationship to the community as the tradi-
tional lot -by -lot development, while insuring substantial compliance with the
objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Other reasons for establishing this
procedure are:
1. To lower housing and land development costs through the more efficient use
of utility and street systems.
2. To preserve a larger area of the outstanding natural landscape, including
mature trees and stream beds.
3. To permit more advantageous use of property through groupings of structures,
creating of greater open space and combinations of uses otherwise not per-
mitted to mix. This advantage is intended to mutually benefit the land
owners, adjoining properties and the community.
The use of this procedure does not alter the established zoning attached to the
land nor the fundamental intent of the district regulations as far as overall
density of dwelling units is concerned within the P.U.D. as a total unit.
B. Permitted Uses: In a planned unit development the following uses are permitted:
1. Residential units, either detached or in multiple dwellings, and any other
uses listed in Sections 12.13.030 and 12.13.040.
2. Accessory, incidental retail and other non-residential retail uses, such as
small cafe, grocery store, barber shop, beauty parlor, specifically and
selectively authorized as to exact type and size to be integrated into
projects by design and for no less than 200 families to reside therein.
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C. Design Requirements: The following regulations shall apply to the design of
planned unit developments:
1. Yards: The largest front yard requirement of the zoning districts contained
within the project shall apply to all exterior boundary lines of the site.
In no case shall the eaves or any other portion of a building or structure
be separated by less than 10' of open space.
2. Open Space Land:
a. Amount: There shall be a minimum of 200 of the net development area
dedicated or reserved as usable common open space land. Driveways,
parking lots, and required yard areas will not be allowed as open space.
b. Guarantee: A guarantee to the City must be provided to insure permanent
retention of open space land area resulting from the application of
these regulations, either by private reservation for the use of the
residents within the development or by dedication to the public or a
combination thereof.
3. Building Hecht: The maximum height of buildings shall not exceed the
height permitted in the zone in which the project is located.
4. Allowed Density: The number of dwelling units permitted in any "R"
classified zone may be determined by dividing the net development area by
the minimum lot area per dwelling unit required by the zones established
on the property. Net development area shall be determined by subtracting
the area set aside for churches, schools, or commercial use from the total
development area. Fractional units shall be rounded to the closest whole
number.
5. Permitted Site Coverage: The permitted percentage of coverage by buildings
and structures for the net development area as determined by the preceding
paragraph above shall not exceed the percentage of coverage permitted in
the zones in which the project is located. Percentages for corner lots
will not be allowed.
6. Off-street Parking Requirements shall be in accordance with the provisions
of Section 12.14.020 of this Title.
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7. All projects may propose concepts such as:
a. 4-Unit dwelling clusters with party walls and one side and one front
yard for each unit.
b. Town or row houses with party side walls.
C. Condominium ownership in multi -family buildings.
d. Public or private access lanes.
e. Varied -lot -size subdivisions.
f. Establishment of green belts or other open areas, or community -buildings
or recreation facilities.
g. Detached single-family homes grouped around a common court, playground
or recreation area.
In all cases, the number of dwelling units permitted in one building shall
be limited to six (6) units.
8. Single-family detached residences: The RS-6 regulation shall apply to any
single-family detached residences within the project, except where more
stringent regulations of this procedure may apply.
9. Townhouses: The minimum lot size of a townhouse shall be 3,000 square feet
per unit. Each unit shall have a usable outdoor living space of at least
425 square feet. Front and rear yard requirements of the RS-6 zone shall
apply to townhouse structures.
10. Duplexes: RD regulations of the Zoning Ordinance shall apply to all duplex
structures within a project, except where more stringent regulations of
this procedure may apply.
11. Permitted Ratio of Multiple Units: No more than 400 of the permitted
dwelling units shall be in the form of multiple dwellings. Sites contain-
ing 100 acres or more may contain a higher ratio of multiple dwellings as
approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.
D. Locational Requirements: Planned Unit Development projects may locate in any
zone permitting residential units.
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E. Area Requirements: A minimum site size of 5 acres is established for Planned
Unit Development projects.
F. Ownership Requirements: The proposed project shall either be in one ownership
or under a unity of control to assure that the development can be accomplished
as planned.
G. I22rovements Required: Projects shall comply with all applicable City Ordinances,
including but not limited to Chapter 12.08. They shall be complete developments
and developers shall be required to include facilities such as paved streets,
curbs, sidewalks, street lights, underground storm drainage, sanitary sewers,
underground power and telephone lines, landscaping, and other facilities
deemed necessary by the Planning and Engineering Departments and approved by
the Planning Commission.
H. General Requirements: All projects shall bear the burden of perimeter transi-
tion and demonstrate that there is a general public benefit to be gained by
the deviation from the underlying zoning regulations, such as:
1. Additional or better -related open spaces, such as yard areas between the
buildings within the project, or yard areas between the project buildings
and adjoining properties and buildings, or a design or development of
open spaces that creates a desirable or useful environment between build-
ings.
2. Additional public -use facilities, such as pedestrian walks providing a
service and convenience to residents in the vicinity, or streets improving
local circulation or public access to a lake or stream.
3. Preservation of a natural asset, such as a historic landmark, or a specimen
tree, or a grove of woods, or a stream, or a view.
I. Procedure for Preparation, Review and Approval:
1. Preliminary Application: All the owners of property within a proposed
project shall submit to the Planning Department a preliminary development
plan and shall complete any application forms as provided by said officer.
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2. Fees: For the preliminary application a minimum fee of $500.00 or
1/10th of one cent per square foot, whichever is larger, shall be
collected by the City. For the final application a fee of 1/20th of
one cent per square foot shall be collected. The square foot measure-
ment shall be the same as the gross development area. If portions
of the area are to be subdivided and sold as separate parcels, the
platting fees as specified in the Subdivision Ordinance shall be waived.
3. Application Exhibits: All applications shall include:
a. Vicinity map showing all dedicated streets.
b. Proposed Development Plan showing topography, existing improvements,
the general intent and apportionment of land for buildings, stipulated
use, circulation pattern and surrounding planimetric detail for a
depth of 300 feet.
C. Text explanation of any material aspects not disclosed on the plan.
4. Administrative Review: The Planning Department shall review any applica-
tion and may require information and exhibits to determine whether all
requirements of this code are fulfilled. If the Planning Department finds
that the preliminary proposal meets the minimum defined standards, the
application will be scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning
Commission.
5. Planning Commission Review: After notice as prescribed by Section
12.16.170 C (1) (2) as in the case of rezones, the Planning Commission
shall conduct a public hearing on the application to determine whether
the Plan is in agreement with the development policies indicated by
Title 12 of the Edmonds City Code and the purposes of this Ordinance. The
Planning Commission shall give preliminary approval, disapproval or approval
with modifications of the proposed development. This preliminary approval
of the proposed development plan shall be binding upon the intent and
use as specified above, but shall not be construed to render inflexible
the ultimate design, specific uses or final plan of the project.
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5. Planning Commission Review: (Continued) In the event the Planning
Commission gives preliminary approval, the said approval will be reviewed
by the City Council at a public hearing held in accordance with Section
12.16.170 E and F. In the event the Planning Commission disapproves the
application, the applicant or other interested party may file a written
appeal of said disapproval with the Planning Department to request a
hearing before the City Council. The appeal must be made within 30 days
of said public hearing by the Planning Commission and will be heard by
the City Council in accordance with Section 12.16.170 E and F.
6. City Council Action: The Council may approve, modify or reject the
Planning Commission preliminary recommendation. Any approval by the Council
shall be by motion.
7. Preparation of Final Development Plans: Applicant shall, within one year
following date of preliminary approval of the proposed development plan,
submit a final development plan for approval by the Planning Commission.
The plan will, upon approval by the Commission, constitute a limitation on
the use and design of the site.
8. Exhibits: Final applications shall include the following exhibits:
a. An accurate map drawn to a scale specified by the Planning Department
showing the boundaries of the site, names and dimensions of all streets
bounding or touching the site; the proposed location and horizontal and
vertical dimensions of all buildings and structures proposed to be
located on the site; any proposed location and dimension of "open
space" and proposed public dedications within the site; location,
dimensions and design of off-street parking facilities showing points
of ingress to, and egress from, the site; the location, direction and
bearing of any major physiographic features such as railroads, drainage
canals, and shore lines and existing topographic contours at intervals
of not more than five feet together with proposed grading, drainage
and landscaping.
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b. An explanatory text containing a written statement of the general
purposes of the project and an explanation of all features pertaining
to uses and other pertinent matters not readily identifiable in map
form. The adoption of the text specifying the particular non-residen-
tial uses permitted to locate on the site, if any, shall constitute a
limitation to those specific uses.
9. Planning Commission Review: The Planning Commission shall review the
proposed final plan as prescribed in
herein, except that public notice is not required. Final approval by
the Planning Commission shall be conditioned upon performance of conditions
and performance bonds may be required. The applicant, within six months
after the final approval, shall file with the Planning Department such
bonds, evidence of compliance or undertakings as may be required by the
conditions of final approval. The Planning Commission may grant a 6-month
extension of this time requirement if the applicant shows good cause.
Upon fulfillment of all required conditions precedent contained in the
final approval, the Planning Department shall present to the Council a
draft ordinance to adopt the Planned Unit Development as an amendment to
the Zoning Map, incorporating by reference all maps, drawings, conditions,
undertakings and exhibits required to specify the precise land use authorized.
The Zoning Map shall designate the boundaries of the project and the file
number of the application. A file shall be maintained by the Deputy City
Clerk for 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.
The Ordinance shall also contain a text legal description of the boundary
of the Planned Unit Development.
10. Administration of Planned Unit Developments: Upon the adoptive ordinance
being effective, the City shall permit the use of the land and erection of
structures in compliance with the plans and undertakings approved.
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10. Administration of Planned Unit Developments: (Continued)
Any use or structure inconsistent with the approved plans and undertakings
shall be a violation of this ordinance and no building permits shall be
issued thereon.
a. Modification of Approved Projects: Except as approved, no Planned
Unit Development shall be used, constructed, modified or changed. Any
change in a Planned Unit 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 jurisdiction
provided such changes are not material to the maintenance of the
character of the approved development. Notice of all such changes shall
be given the Planning Department immediately.
b. Record of Subdivision: A project which plats or subdivides land for
sale and individual ownership shall properly record the plat with the
Snohomish County Auditor prior to the issuance of any building permits
or authorization to commence construction.
C. Construction of Multiple Use Projects: A project proposing multiple
land uses in a residentially zoned area shall complete construction of
50% of the residential units prior to the issuance of building permits
for any nonresidential construction.
d. Building Permits: The application for a building permit or other
authorization to commence work on the project shall be accompanied 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 construction plans and specifica-
tions for the initial buildings.
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e. Compliance: The City Administration shall find that the plans sub-
mitted for construction comply with the conditions of approval by
the Planning Commission and City Council.
J. Revocation of Approval: In the event a condition of approval is violated
or unfulfilled within the time set for its completion, or provisions of
the approval or this Code are violated, the Council may, either on
recommendation of the Planning Commission or on its own motion, direct
that wi-itten notice be given to the applicant at least ten (10) 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 herein shall limit the revocation of building permits, issuance
of stop orders or other such procedures elsewhere authorized by the
Edmonds City Code.
1. Abandonment: If a Planned Unit Development project is abandoned, or
if, upon the expiration of three 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 resolution of
the Council), 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 a lawful purpose permitted in the zoning
district in which the project is located. The City Council shall, by
ordinance, strike the Planned Unit designation from the Official Zoning
Map.
If a project is approved for construction in phases, the authorizing
ordinance may provide completion dates for each phase, which provisions
shall supersede this paragraph.