18J.17.030 Building Architecture and Placement.
The building architecture and placement standards are intended to allow for a diverse range of architectural styles, massing, and detailing while creating a unified community.
A. Exemptions. The standards of this Section do not apply to housing constructed prior to October 1, 2021, for the purposes of Infill Lot Creation pursuant to PCC 18A.15.050.
B. Standards.
1. Design Objective. To provide a diverse streetscape and a variety of floor plans, home size, and character while providing consistent neighborhood context and character. Position homes toward walkable public spaces to become a focal point of the homes and allow space for social interaction. Buildings shall be designed to integrate with activities along the street frontage, common greens, or other gathering spaces.
a. Standards.
(1) While home models must vary, consistent architectural styles are acceptable. Each model shall utilize varying architectural elements on the façade to provide a visually interesting and attractive streetscape. Such architectural elements shall include at least four of the following:
(a) Different window locations and designs;
(b) Mix of stories, such as one-, two- and three-story homes;
(c) Varied exterior materials and finishes;
(d) Decorative porch or entry design, including decorative columns or railings;
(e) Bay windows or balconies;
(f) Decorative door design including transom and/or side lights or other distinctive features;
(g) Decorative roofline elements, such as brackets, multiple dormers, or chimneys;
(h) Decorative building materials including decorative masonry, shingle, brick, tile, stone, or other materials with decorative or textural qualities;
(i) Landscaped trellises or other decorative elements that incorporate landscaping near the building entry;
(j) Varying roof forms and profiles including gables, overhangs, materials, and colors;
(k) Other decorative façade elements or details that meet the intent of the Design Objective.
(2) Each home shall have a covered porch or stoop oriented toward the public areas, open space, street, sidewalk, pathway, or similar common area.
(3) Any visible side of a home located on the corner of a neighborhood street, access lane, a park, green, or pocket park shall meet the architectural standards of this Section.
(4) Fences shall not be placed near neighborhood streets, access lanes, or alleyways in such a way to create a safety or entering sight distance concern. (See Manual on Design Guidelines and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction in Pierce County for entering sight distance calculation.)
(5) Front Yard Decorative Fence. If used, front yard fences shall be decorative and help to define semi-private areas in the front of the home.
(a) The maximum height shall be 36 inches.
(b) Front yard decorative fences shall be located a minimum of 1 foot from parcel line to allow for planting between edge of sidewalk or right-of-way and fence.
(c) Front yard decorative fences shall provide a balance of solid surfaces and voids, such as picket or Kentucky rail fence styles.
(d) Front yard decorative fences shall be constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, or masonry. Solid fences and chain link shall be prohibited.
(6) Privacy Fencing. If used, privacy fencing shall only be permitted on back, side and portions of corner side yards and shall be in character with the home's architecture.
(a) The maximum height of privacy fencing in a rear yard shall be 6 feet.
(b) Privacy fencing in a front yard shall not be permitted, except for corner lots as described in subsection B.1.a(6)(c) of this Section.
(c) For corner lots where the privacy fencing would be placed facing the street or access lane, the maximum height of the first 15 feet of the fencing as measured from the front façade, shall be 3 feet. The maximum height of the remainder of the privacy fencing shall be 6 feet.
(d) Privacy fencing adjacent to a public space shall be set back a minimum of 1 foot from the property line.
(e) If the privacy fencing is located along the alleyway, a gate must be provided for access to the alleyway.
(f) Privacy fencing shall be constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, or masonry. Chain link fencing shall not be permitted.
b. Guidelines.
(1) Architectural Elements. Homes should be sited in a logical way to maximize usable space while providing natural and architectural elements at key locations.
(2) When a home is located at the intersection of two roads or the intersection of a road, an alley, a pedestrian easement or common open space, etc., a wrapped porch or other feature that provides architectural interest is preferred to reduce the perceived scale of the house and engage the street or open space on both sides.
(3) Front doors should be a focal point in the development and should be in scale with the home.
(4) Oversized doors should be avoided.
(5) Neighborhoods shall have a variety of home size and character.
(6) In areas with a defined visual character, design buildings to be compatible with the patterns and architectural features of surrounding buildings.
(7) In areas with a mixed visual character, design buildings to help define, unify, and contribute positively to the existing visual context.