23.45.522

A. Amount of amenity area 1. The amount of required amenity area in LR zones is equal to 20 percent of the lot area. 2. The amount of required amenity area in MR and HR zones is equal to five percent of the total gross floor area of a residential structure. B. Attached and detached dwelling units shall have access to either a common or private amenity area. Stacked dwelling units shall have access to a common amenity area. C. Enclosed amenity areas 1. No more than 50 percent of the amenity area may be enclosed, and this enclosed area shall be provided as common amenity area. 2. Enclosed amenity areas must be provided in a room used exclusively for this purpose or in an area on the ground floor that can be accessed directly from the building lobby or an outdoor amenity space and does not include any of the following: a. Internal circulation hallways between outside doors and elevators or stairs; b. Mailrooms; c. Bike parking; d. Solid waste and recyclable materials storage; and e. Laundry facilities. D. Amenity area size 1. Private amenity areas. Each private amenity area shall be at least 60 square feet in area and have a minimum width and depth of 6 feet, except for balconies, which shall be at least 30 square feet in area and have a minimum width and depth of 4 feet. 2. Common amenity areas. Each common amenity area shall be at least 250 square feet and have a minimum width and depth of 10 feet. E. Features in amenity areas 1. The following features are not allowed in amenity areas: a. Vehicular parking areas, vehicular access easements, and driveways; b. Required bike parking; c. Solid waste and recyclable material storage area; and d. Enclosed structures. 2. Pathways serving multiple dwelling units are not allowed in private amenity areas. 3. Decks, porches, and steps; swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs; stormwater management features, including but not limited to bioretention planters and cisterns; play equipment; and similar features are allowed in amenity areas. 4. Amenity areas may be covered by weather protection. 5. Projections that do not provide floor area may extend into an amenity area if they meet the standards for projections into setbacks in subsection 23.45.518.G and if garden windows and other similar features are at least 8 feet above finished grade. 6. Rooftop areas located within 8 feet of minor communication utilities and accessory communication devices do not qualify as amenity areas. F. Common amenity areas shall be improved as follows: 1. At least 35 percent of a common amenity area provided at ground level shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover, bushes, bioretention facilities, and/or trees. 2. Elements that enhance the usability and livability of the space for residents, such as seating, outdoor lighting, weather protection, art, or other similar features, shall be provided. G. Areas in environmentally critical areas and their buffers, including but not limited to steep slopes, may count toward amenity areas. No amenity area enhancement elements shall be placed in the environmentally critical areas and their buffers non disturbance area. H. No amenity area is required for one dwelling unit added to a residential structure existing as of January 1, 1982, provided that no dwelling units have been added since that date. (Ord. 127376 , § 40, 2025; Ord. 127219 , § 21, 2025; Ord. 126157 , § 21, 2020; Ord. 125791 , § 41, 2019; Ord. 124952 , § 12, 2015; Ord. 124378 , § 31, 2013; Ord. 123495, § 34, 2011; Ord. 123209, § 36, 2009.)