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The purpose of this Section is to promote site design that minimizes modifications to topography, preserves existing native vegetation and trees and other important natural features, minimizes the creation of impervious surfaces, integrates storm drainage systems into the natural landscape, and makes appropriate provisions for multi-modal (transit, vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian) circulation and parking within the community.

A. Design Objective – Lighting. Provide lighting within development sites that enhance visibility and security, minimize impacts on adjacent properties and public streets, is compatible with surrounding development and community character and complements the architectural style of the associated buildings (see Figures 18J.80-10 through -13). See also PCC 18J.15.085 for Countywide Illumination standards.

1. Standards.

a. Ornamental pole lamps that reflect a historical character shall be used.

(1) On-site light standards shall not exceed a height of 16 feet.

(2) Light standards shall be of a traditional design and consistent color.

(a) Pole lighting shall be made with a powder coated black finish.

(b) Contemporary design light standards are prohibited.

b. The design and placement of exterior lighting shall be integrated with the architectural design of the building.

(1) Lighting may be used to accent a building but shall not be used to denote corporate or commercial image except on allowed signage as set forth in Title 18B PCC.

(2) Translucent panels (excluding soft light emitted from windows) and awnings illuminated from behind are prohibited.

(3) Colored lighting is limited to temporary holiday lighting only.

(4) Light fixtures shall be of a design that matches the architectural style of the building.

(5) Light fixtures shall be of a traditional design and colors. Appropriate colors and materials include cast iron, copper, bronze, patina, satin nickel, or powder coated in a black finish. Contemporary design light fixtures are prohibited.

FIGURE 18J.80-10 – On-Site Lighting

2. Guidelines.

a. Bollard lighting is preferred for walkway lighting (see Figure 18J.80-12).

b. Lighting should be used to accent structures and landscape elements, provide visibility and security, and conserve energy.

c. Lighting in parking areas and around buildings should provide an adequate amount of illumination to provide a feeling of safety.

d. Lighting fixtures that are representative of a rural community are preferred.

FIGURE 18J.80-11 – Off-Site Street Lighting

FIGURE 18J.80-12 – Bollard Lighting in Walkway Areas

FIGURE 18J.80-13 – Bollard Lighting Detail

B. Design Objective – Building Orientation. Orient space, streets, parking areas, buildings, and groups of buildings in such a manner so as to take full advantage of the sun for winter warmth and mitigation of summer heat.

1. Guidelines.

a. Place buildings to the north of outdoor spaces and keep outdoor spaces to the south, with opportunities for dappled shade from trees or trellises.

b. Configure streets and plazas to reduce the effect of winds on any outdoor public spaces.

c. Locate buildings at the toes of slopes and edges of meadows in a manner that allows for natural windbreaks and creates a feeling of shelter.

d. Connect buildings in such a way to create compact community centers.

e. Concentrate community facilities and major civic buildings around public "squares or plazas" at the intersection of community pathways or roadways.

C. Design Objective – Viewsheds. Proposed residential development, except individual single family and two-family structures, shall be sited in a manner that protects existing view corridors and nestled into the landscape in clusters with pockets of open space that preserve rural character.

1. Standards.

a. Lots and roads should be oriented to preserve territorial views of significant environmental features such as Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountain and Olympic Mountain Ranges, lakes, valleys and rivers.

(1) Where view corridors and territorial views exist, developments shall minimize obstruction of views from nearby properties through appropriate landscape design, building placement, height and setbacks.

(2) Orient streets in such a manner to take advantage of distant views.

b. Building structures in rural areas shall be grounded "or nestled" into the landscape and clustered in pockets with open space (native vegetation, pastures or agricultural land) situated towards any major road to preserve the rural character (see Figure 18J.80-14).

(1) Cluster development in a manner to maximize visually significant, unfragmented open space.

(2) Nestle structures behind natural vegetative screens and within the folds of hills. Native and drought-tolerant vegetation should be used to meet screening requirements when applicable. Where natural vegetation and topography do not allow for "hiding" development, locate structures such that they are buffered from any major roadways.

2. Guidelines.

a. Residential development should be clustered and sited in locations that will minimize impacts to significant scenic vistas.

b. Encourage large lot residential development in a style that is consistent with the rural character of the plan area such as small farms, ranches, and a homestead character.

FIGURE 18J.80-14 – Preservation of Foreground

D. Design Objective – Utility Placement and Design. Create aesthetically pleasing urban residential developments by minimizing the visual impact of utilities and garbage pickup service.

1. Standards.

a. Utility boxes shall be placed in alleyways or located away from public gathering spaces and shall be screened from view with landscaping or berms.

b. Utility boxes shall be places where public utility agencies can gain easy access.

c. Locate trash and recycling containers so there are minimal impacts on residents within the development (see Figure 18J.80-15).

(1) Containers shall be kept within garages or a screened enclosure.

(2) Containers shall not be stored within front yards.

(3) Trash and recycle container enclosures shall be located to minimize odor to habitable areas, as well as invisible to the public realm

2. Guidelines.

a. When possible, group utility boxes together.

b. Consider proximity to garbage and recycling pickup service areas in the design of the structure and enclosure or screening areas.

c. Telecommunication towers should be constructed to mimic native tree species from the Pacific Northwest (e.g., artificial cell phone trees) instead of metal frame towers. (See Figure 18J.80–16)

FIGURE 18J.80-15 – Trash/Recycling Container Screening

FIGURE 18J.80-16 – Artificial Cell Phone Trees

E. Design Objective – Mailbox Placement. Provide safe, accessible, and weather- protected mailbox areas in urban residential development (see Figure 18J.80-17).

1. Standards.

a. Mailboxes within new urban residential developments shall be clustered and lockable consistent with U.S. Postal Service standards.

b. Mailboxes clusters shall be designed in a manner that is complementary with other design elements in the development. Cluster mailboxes shall be constructed of, or faced with, materials and colors similar to the primary structures within the development.

c. Cluster mailboxes shall have weather protection elements such as a roof structure

d. Cluster mailbox structures shall be located in an area that will not cause traffic congestion or pose safety issues within the vehicular travel way.

2. Guidelines.

a. Mailbox cluster structures should be made with wood or stone details.

b. Mailbox cluster structures should be easily accessible to each resident.

FIGURE 18J.80-17 – Mailbox Grouping

F. Design Objective – Gated Communities.

1. Standards.

a. Gated communities shall be prohibited.

(Ord. 2018-68s § 6 (part), 2018; Ord. 2012-2s § 8 (part), 2012; Ord. 2010-70s § 15 (part), 2010; Ord. 2009-98s § 7 (part), 2010; Ord. 2007-85s § 5 (part), 2007; Ord. 2006-53s § 8 (part), 2006)