This Section provides additional development and operation standards for multiple-family residential projects, addressing the requirements for private and common open space, laundry facilities, and other required project features.
A. Open Space Requirements for Multiple-Family Residential. All multiple-family residential projects shall provide permanently-maintained outdoor open space for each dwelling unit (private space), and for all residents (common space) as required in § 17.210.020 (Residential Zoning District Development Standards), Tables 2-3 and 2-4.
1. Configuration of open space.
a. Location on site. Required open space areas:
i. Shall be easily accessible.
ii. Shall be provided as continuous, usable site elements, which may include setback areas at ground level.
iii. Private open space shall be directly accessible from the unit.
b. Rooftop open space. The common open space, may be located on a rooftop, provided that the space:
i. Includes active or passive recreational facilities and/or landscaping, as required by § 17.210.030.A.6. (Landscaping).
ii. Is located and designed to not impair privacy or cause other nuisance problems for residents on the same site or on adjacent parcels and is stepped back at least five feet from any building edge adjacent to a side yard such that direct views into neighboring private open spaces are obscured.
c. Dimensions. All open space areas shall be of sufficient size to be usable by residents, as follows:
i. Private open space areas shall have a minimum dimension of five feet in any direction.
ii. Common open space areas shall have a minimum dimension of 20 feet in any direction, which may include a combination of open space and adjacent setback area.
iii. Courtyards enclosed on three sides shall have a minimum dimension of 30 feet in all directions. Courtyards enclosed on four sides shall have a minimum dimension of 40 feet and have a minimum courtyard width to building height ratio of 1.25:1.
d. Uncovered areas required. Private open space may be covered but cannot be fully enclosed (i.e., at least one side must be open to air). Reference to this requirement shall be included in the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of any common interest development.
2. Allowed uses. Common open space:
a. Shall be available for passive and active outdoor recreational purposes, for the enjoyment of all residents of each multiple-family project.
b. Shall not include driveways, public or private streets, parking spaces, or utility easements where the ground surface cannot be used appropriately for open space or other areas primarily designed for other operational functions.
3. Maintenance and control of common open space. The required common open space shall be controlled and permanently maintained by the owner of the property or by a homeowners' association. Provisions for control and maintenance shall be included in any property covenants of common interest developments.
4. Surfacing. Open space areas shall be surfaced with any practical combination of landscaping, paving, decking, concrete, or other serviceable material.
5. Shading. A maximum of 50% of the outdoor common open space square footage may be covered by a shading device, projection, or roof structure.
6. Landscaping. A minimum of 20% of the common open space area shall be planted with trees, ground cover, and/or shrubs, or provided via planters. A minimum of one tree shall be planted per 600 square feet of the common outdoor space area (aggregated across all common outdoor space areas). Landscape design, installation, and maintenance shall comply with Chapter 17.310 (Landscaping).
7. Slope. Required open space areas shall not exceed a slope of 5%.
B. Facility and Design Requirements for Multiple-Family Residential.
1. Laundry facilities. All residential developments with four or more dwelling units shall provide common laundry facilities, except developments with facilities provided within each unit.
a. Keyed access. Laundry facilities shall be provided with keyed access for tenants only.
b. Location. The facilities shall be evenly dispersed throughout the multiple-family development either in every building and/or every other floor, and easily accessible to all tenants.
2. Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be installed and maintained along all vehicular access ways and major walkways, in compliance with § 17.300.040 (Outdoor Lighting). The lighting shall be directed onto the driveways and walkways within the development and away from adjacent properties. Lighting shall also be installed and maintained within all covered and enclosed parking areas and shall be screened to minimize glare onto public sidewalks and adjacent properties. All proposed lighting shall be shown on the required landscape plan.
3. Refuse and recycling. Refuse and recycling enclosures shall be designed and located per the standards in § 1.300.035.C.4. (Refuse and Recycling).
(Ord. No. 2024-006)