18A.15.010 General Provisions | Pierce County Code

18A.15.010 General Provisions.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide regulations that guide development to occur consistent with the Comprehensive Plan density policies. Density is the number of dwelling units, or housing structures, per unit of land. Chapter 18A.15 PCC also includes lot size, setback and height dimension regulations to ensure that sufficient developable area is provided to accommodate development and, where necessary, to buffer neighboring properties from potentially incompatible land uses. These regulations are established to provide flexibility in project design and promote high density development in urban areas when utilizing incentives. Additional dimension requirements may also apply as set forth elsewhere within Title 18A PCC or other Titles of the Pierce County Code (PCC).

B. Lots of Record. In any zone that permits a single-family dwelling unit, a single-family dwelling unit and permitted accessory structures may be constructed or enlarged on a lot which cannot satisfy the lot size and/or density requirements of the zone where the lot was legally created. This Section shall not waive the requirements for setbacks and height limits of the zone. See PCC 18A.15.030 C. for regulations applicable to lots 25 feet or narrower.

1. The residential density and lot dimension Tables 18A.15.020-1 and 18A.15.020-2 provide the density range for each zone classification in which residential density provisions are applicable, and the lot dimension standards, if any, that apply when new lots are created or adjusted.

2. Setback and height Tables, 18A.15.040-1, 18A.15.040-2, and 18A.15.040-3 provide the minimum front, rear, and interior setbacks required for each zone classification, as well as the corresponding height limits.

3. Development proposed in accordance with the Pierce County Code shall meet all applicable residential density and dimensions as set forth in Tables 18A.15.020-1 and 18A.15.020-2, setback as set forth in Tables 18A.15.040-1 and 18A.15.040-2, and height as set forth in Table 18A.15.040-3 unless otherwise authorized in Chapter 18A.15 PCC.

4. The Tables are arranged in a matrix format. The zone classifications and community plan areas with different regulations are listed on the left and the development regulations are listed down the right side of the Tables. The matrix cells contain the applicable requirements of the zone classification. A blank cell, or a cell with N/A, indicates that the cell is not applicable.