23.34.009

If a decision to designate height limits in residential, commercial, or industrial zones is independent of the designation of a specific zone, in addition to the general rezone criteria of Section 23.34.008 , the following shall apply: A. Function of the zone. Height limits shall be consistent with the type and scale of development intended for each zone classification. The demand for permitted goods and services and the potential for displacement of preferred uses shall be considered. B. Topography of the area and its surroundings. Height limits shall reinforce the natural topography of the area and its surroundings, and the likelihood of view blockage shall be considered. C. Height and scale of the area 1. The height limits established by current zoning in the area shall be given consideration. 2. In general, permitted height limits shall be compatible with the predominant height and scale of existing development, particularly where existing development is a good measure of the area's overall development potential. D. Compatibility with surrounding area 1. Height limits for an area shall be compatible with actual and zoned heights in surrounding areas excluding buildings developed under Major Institution height limits; height limits permitted by the underlying zone, rather than heights permitted by the Major Institution designation, shall be used for the rezone analysis. 2. A gradual transition in height and scale and level of activity between zones shall be provided unless major physical buffers, as described in subsection 23.34.008.E.2, are present. (Ord. 127375 , § 8, 2025; Ord. 127099 , § 5, 2024; Ord. 124883 , § 5, 2015; Ord. 124843 , § 6, 2015; Ord. 121476 § 3, 2004; Ord. 117430 , § 7, 1994.) A. Function. An area that provides for the development of detached, attached, and stacked dwelling units within a predominately three-story height limit. B. Locational criteria. An NR zone designation is most appropriate in areas that are generally characterized by the following conditions: 1. The area is located outside of a regional center, an urban center, or Station Area Overlay District; 2. The area is characterized by residential structures of generally three stories or less; and 3. One or more of the following conditions are present: a. The area is not located near a major transit stop or on streets abutting frequent transit routes where higher density development might be more appropriate; b. A significant portion of the area contains environmentally critical areas; or c. The area is characterized by limited local access and circulation that make the area less suitable for higher density development. (Ord. 127376 , § 16, 2025; Ord. 127375 , § 10, 2025; Ord. 127219 , § 9, 2025; Ord. 126509 , § 17, 2022 [zone name change]; Ord. 125791 , § 6, 2019; Ord. 122190, § 3, 2006; Ord. 117430 , § 9, 1994; Ord. 112522, § 6, 1985; Ord. 110381, § 1, 1982.)