18J.15.180 Recreational Areas.
This Section preserves land for active and passive recreational uses to provide convenient opportunities for physical activity, community gathering, aesthetic relief from development, wildlife habitat, preservation of vegetation, and aquifer recharge.
A. Applicability. Recreational space shall be provided within all new residential developments of 31 dwelling units or more, new shared housing uses of 124 sleeping units or more, and within all new Urban Infill Design (Chapter 18J.17 PCC) developments of any size.
1. Exceptions. The following shall not be subject to the recreational areas standards of this Section:
a. Single- and two-family residential lots 7,260 square feet or larger.
b. Single-family lots located within 2,640 feet (0.5 mile) of walking distance to a public park or public school site containing recreational amenities freely open to the public outside of school hours. This only applies if there is a safe pedestrian crossing from the development to the park or school site. Safe pedestrian access may be constructed by the developer. To receive credit for an off-site recreation area, safe pedestrian access shall exist prior to occupancy of any dwelling units.
c. Mixed-use buildings within a Residential Targeted Area designated by the Pierce County Council pursuant to Chapter 84.14 RCW and located within 2,640 feet (0.5 mile) of walking distance to a public park, public school site, or university containing recreational amenities that are open to the public when one of the following requirements is met:
(1) One or more features, such as a fitness center, vegetated roof, or community multi-purpose space having a combined area of at least 1,500 square feet, are incorporated into the mixed-use building;
(2) Safe pedestrian access from the mixed-use building to the identified off-site recreational amenities exist; or
(3) The developer provides documentation acceptable to the Department that the facilities are available and accessible to the public.
d. Residential care facilities in the Frederickson, Mid-County, Parkland-Spanaway-Midland and South Hill Community(ies) Plan areas.
B. Credits. Table 18J.15.180-1 specifies credit opportunities for certain project amenities.
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Table 18J.15.180-1. Recreational Area Credits |
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Credit Incentive |
Requirements |
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Trails |
• Shall be credited on a square footage basis towards any required active recreation area dedication. • Dedication, construction, and standards shall comply with the County's adopted Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. • Trails should be constructed of permeable pavement where feasible.1 |
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Indoor Facilities* |
Covered and rooftop recreational facilities.* |
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Community Gardens* |
Include irrigation systems and collars to define garden edges and cover at least 1,000 sq. ft. in area.* |
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Storm Facilities** |
• Private stormwater retention/detention facilities may be credited on a 50 percent basis.*** • Facilities are dedicated or reserved as a part of a Recreation Tract and include passive recreation opportunities. • The side slope shall not exceed 25 percent, with a maximum water depth no more than 18 inches, requiring no fencing. • Complies with all applicable requirements of the Pierce County Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual. |
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* At the discretion of the Director and/or Hearing Examiner, LID stormwater facilities that are open to the public, such as a vegetated roof, count towards recreational area credits. ** Shall not be credited toward satisfying the first 5,000 square feet of recreation space or any of the required active recreation space. When a stormwater facility consisting of multiple holding areas is used, only that portion accessible for passive recreation shall be credited. *** (I.e., each square foot of stormwater facility would be credited as 0.5 square foot for on-site recreation purposes). |
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1Code Revisor's Note: The table format adopted in Ordinance No. 2016-55 was retained when incorporating amendments from Ordinance No. 2017-28s.
C. Design Objective. Recreation space shall be located on-site in usable areas that are appropriate in terms of size, shape, and topography for the intended use to provide recreational area and facilities for the use and enjoyment of the residents.
D. Standards.
1. Area Requirements. Depending on the number of dwelling/sleeping units, the requirements for recreation areas may vary. See Table 18J.15.180-2 below:
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Table 18J.15.180-2. Required On-Site Recreation Areas |
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Number of Dwelling/Sleeping Units |
Recreation Area Requirements |
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31+ dwelling units within Neighborhood Corridor (NCOR), Towne Center (TCTR), and Urban Corridor (UCOR) zones 124+ sleeping units within Neighborhood Corridor (NCOR), Towne Center (TCTR), and Urban Corridor (UCOR) zones |
Minimum 5,000 sq. ft. of recreation area usable for active recreation. Minimum 500 contiguous sq. ft. when provided incrementally. |
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31+ all zones except for NCOR, TCTR, and UCOR 124+ sleeping units all zones except for NCOR, TCTR, and UCOR |
Minimum 500 sq. ft. per dwelling unit. Minimum 125 sq. ft. per sleeping unit. • 5,000 contiguous sq. ft. and a minimum of 25 percent of the area shall be useable for active recreation. |
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Any number of dwelling units in Urban Infill Design Developments (Chapter 18J.17 PCC) |
Minimum 500 sq. ft. per dwelling unit. • Subdivisions of 10 or more lots shall provide 5,000 contiguous sq. ft. useable for recreation activities. • Minimum of 25 percent of the area shall be for active recreation. • Remainder shall be for passive recreation. |
2. Location and Size.
a. Recreation spaces, except for trails and bike paths, shall not be located adjacent to any street designated as an arterial. However, all active recreation spaces shall be open, accessible, and visible from adjacent dwellings, internal circulation drives, and streets;
b. All lots and dwellings within the development shall have access to recreation space via an all-weather pedestrian walkway or sidewalk;
c. For subdivisions, the required on-site areas shall be dedicated as a tract of land separate from the lots and shall be in a common tract owned by all property owners of a subdivision;
d. For nonsubdivision development, the required on-site areas shall be set aside in an easement, except for condominium and apartment projects; and
e. No designated active recreation space shall have a dimension of less than 50 feet, except for trail segments, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director and/or Hearing Examiner that the lesser dimension will not inhibit the use of the recreation space for its designated purpose. (See Figure 18J.15.180-1)
FIGURE 18J.15.180-1 –
Illustration of Recreation Area Locations
3. Improvements.
a. Active recreational spaces shall:
(1) Include amenities that serve people of all ages, such as playgrounds, athletic fields, sports court, tot lots, impervious trails, and gazebos. In age-restricted developments, such as senior housing, amenities should be appropriate for the age of residents;
(2) Include infrastructure, such as irrigation, drainage, and power, to maintain the operational characteristics of the space;
(3) Not have a cross-slope exceeding 3 percent; and
(4) Not contain, nor cause harm to adjacent, critical areas.
b. Play equipment shall be of commercial-grade construction and shall follow the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for equipment safety. Asphalt, concrete, and sand shall not be used underneath play equipment. Rubber, synthetic matting, or loose materials, such as commercial-grade shredded hardwood mulch, are preferred, provided they comply with CPSC guidelines.
c. Additional permitted amenities and features beyond those provided by the developer may be added to a recreation facility by the property owner or homeowner's association.
d. Passive recreation spaces shall include low maintenance plants and areas for walking and sitting, such as pervious trails, rain gardens, benches, and picnic tables.
e. Permeable pavement is the preferred option for trails and other hard surfaces.
f. Recreation areas can include interior recreation features, such as fitness centers or rooftop recreation facilities, provided those areas are free and accessible to all residents.
4. Installation. Active recreation space amenities, improvements, and landscaping shall be installed concurrent with, or before, site development work for roads, parking, and utilities, unless a land use decision specifies a different timeline.
5. Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the homeowner's association or property owner to manage and maintain all recreation space.
E. Guidelines.
1. Recreation areas shall be designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, ages, and abilities.
2. Passive recreation space(s) shall connect critical areas when possible and any necessary fences should not impede wildlife movement.
3. Trails shall be located and designed to:
a. Increase connectivity;
b. Enhance user safety;
c. Provide access to destinations and unique environmental features; and
d. Be aesthetically pleasing.