23.86.018

Certain zones require a minimum amount of open space to be provided on the lot. For those cases where open space is required, the following provisions shall apply: A. In order for a portion of a lot to qualify as open space, the ground's surface shall be permeable, except for patios, paved areas designed for recreation, and pedestrian access which meets the Washington State Rules and Regulations for Barrier-Free Design. The area shall be landscaped with grass, ground cover, bushes and/or trees. B. Driveways, parking areas and pedestrian access, except for pedestrian access meeting the Washington State Rules and Regulations for Barrier-Free Design, shall not be counted as open space. C. The area covered or enclosed by solar collectors meeting minimum standards administered by the Director may be counted as required open space. D. Portions of a structure which begin eight (8) feet or more above finished grade may project up to four (4) feet over required ground-level open space. E. Development standards for certain zones specify a minimum contiguous area for open space. Open space areas smaller than the minimum contiguous area specified for such zones shall not be counted toward fulfilling total open space requirements for that lot. 1. Driveways and parking areas, paved or unpaved, shall be considered to separate open space areas they bisect. 2. Pedestrian access areas shall not be considered to break the contiguity of open space on each side. F. In shoreline areas, when determining the amount of open space required or provided, no land waterward of the ordinary high water mark shall be included in the calculation. G. In order for a ground area, roof area, deck or balcony to be considered as open space, it shall have a minimum area and provide a minimum horizontal dimension as established in each zone. In cases where the shape or configuration of the open space is irregular or unusual, the Director shall determine whether open space requirements have been met, notwithstanding the following provisions, based on whether the proposed configuration would result in open space that is truly usable for normal residential open space purposes. For the purpose of measuring the horizontal dimensions of open space, the following provisions shall apply: 1. For rectangular or square areas, each exterior dimension of the area shall meet the minimum dimension (Exhibit 23.86.018 A). 2. For irregularly shaped areas where all lines intersect at or approximately at ninety (90) degree angles, an area which is not less than sixty (60) percent of the minimum dimension in width and does not extend further than sixty (60) percent of the minimum dimension from a contiguous rectangular or square area of which all sides meet or exceed the minimum dimension, may be included as required open space (Exhibit 23.86.018 B). 3. For triangular areas, all exterior dimensions of the area shall meet or exceed the minimum dimensions (Exhibit 23.86.018 C). 4. For circular areas, the diameter of the circle shall meet the minimum dimension; for semicircular areas, the radius of the area shall meet the minimum dimension (Exhibit 23.86.018 D). H. In the case of a lot where a portion is reserved as a vehicular access easement to another lot, when determining the amount of open space required or provided, no land within the limits of the easement shall be included in the calculation except where a portion of the structure is constructed over the easement. (Ord. 120117 § 59, 2000; Ord. 119239, § 43, 1998; Ord. 118414, § 63, 1996; Ord. 114196, § 19, 1988; Ord. 112971, § 3, 1986; Ord. 111390, § 53, 1983; Ord. 110793, § 75, 1982; Ord. 110570, § 25, 1982.)