17B.20.008 Rural Pathways for Civic Uses.
A. Applicability.
1. Any new civic use, as defined in PCC 18A.33.220, except day-care centers and bus shelters (Level 1, Transportation Use Type), constructed in the rural area shall be required to construct pathways in accordance with subsection C of this Section, along the roadway abutting the primary entrance to the site.
2. Any new civic use, as defined in PCC 18A.33.220, except day-care centers and bus shelters (Level 1, Transportation Use Type), constructed within 0.25 miles of a residential development shall be required to construct a pathway from the civic use to the residential development in accordance with subsection C of this Section. For the purposes of this requirement, the following criteria apply:
a. A residential development shall consist of a recorded subdivision of 50 or more lots that are less than 0.5 acres in size.
b. The 0.25 miles shall be measured along existing roadways from the exterior lot line of the proposed civic use site to a point of connection with the residential development.
c. The pathway shall connect to the residential development at one location, either the entrance to the development or an alternative location identified by mutual agreement with the homeowner's association or developer. If the residential development is abutting the site, an access easement may be pursued between the properties as an alternative to constructing the pathway in the right-of-way.
B. Design Objective. Facilitate safe pedestrian access to civic uses from parked cars and nearby residential neighborhoods.
C. Standards.
1. New pathways must be constructed a minimum of 6 feet in width within existing Pierce County right-of-way on one side of the road. The pathway may be separated from the existing roadway. The County standard for construction is specified in PCC 17B.10.060 A. of the "Manual on Design Guidelines and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction in Pierce County" as published by the Pierce County Engineer. Pathways may be adjusted to accommodate ingress, egress, parking, bus turn-in lanes, and facility design.
2. The requirement to construct a rural pathway pursuant to this Section shall not, in itself, trigger a requirement to construct curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements.
3. Relocation of power lines, drainage pipes/culverts, and/or utilities, if needed, shall be required when the total cost of relocating them is less than 5 percent of the pathway's project total cost or $10,000, whichever is greater.
D. Waiver.
1. The requirements of this Section may be waived by the Director in either of the following situations:
a. The proposed use will generate minimal pedestrian activity, is located outside of a rural center, and does not front on a public roadway segment specifically identified by the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan or community plan as a recommended nonmotorized improvement location; or
b. The County Engineer determines right-of-way is not large enough or suitable for such pathway because of road conditions or safety consideration. Suitability shall, at a minimum, consider critical areas, topography, ditches, and location of utilities.