18.24.030   Site Access
   (a)   Contextual Design Criteria
   To provide facilities and accommodations for pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists, and transit users to safely and efficiently access and circulate both within individual sites and in the site's surrounding context. Site access should include the following elements:
   (1)   Site circulation and access that presents a clear hierarchy and connectivity pattern both within a project and to adjacent sidewalks and transit stops. This hierarchy should prioritize pedestrians, bikes, vehicles, and utility/loading access in the order listed. This hierarchy may provide separate access for vehicles and other modes, or demonstrate how all modes are accommodated in shared access points.
   (2)   Connections to side streets, open spaces, mews, alleys, and paseos.
   (3)   Vehicle, loading and service access that is integrated into building and landscape design and located to prevent conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists, while also provided convenient access to building entries.
   (4)   Shared access agreements among property owners, where feasible, to reduce the number and widths of curb cuts and driveways.
   (b)   Objective Design Standards
   (1)   Through-Lot Connections.
      Through lots located more than 300 feet from an intersecting street or pedestrian walkway shall provide a publicly accessible sidewalk or pedestrian walkway connecting the two streets.
   (2)   Building Entries.
      Primary Building Entries shall be located from a public right-of-way. If there is no public right-of-way adjacent to the building, entries shall be located from a private street or Pedestrian Walkway.
   (3)   Vehicle Access.
      (A)   Vehicle access shall be located on alleys or side streets when they abut the property.
      (B)   Except for driveway access and short-term loading spaces, off-street parking, off-street vehicle loading, and vehicular circulation areas are prohibited between the building and the primary building frontage.
   (4)   Loading Docks and Service Areas.
      Loading and service areas shall be integrated into building and landscape design and located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience as follows:
      (A)   Loading docks and service areas shall be located on façades that do not face a primary building frontage: on alleys, from parking areas, and/or at the rear or side of building if building includes these frontages.
      (B)   Loading dock and service areas located within setback areas shall be screened by a solid fence, or wall, or dense landscaping and separated from pedestrian access to the primary building entry to avoid impeding pedestrian movement and safety.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)