23.86.030

Certain zones require that a minimum common recreation area be provided for residential use. When a common recreation area is required, the following provisions shall apply: A. An outdoor area that is not part of a green street or publicly owned open space qualifies as a common recreation area if the ground surface of the area is permeable and is landscaped with grass, ground cover, bushes and/or trees; provided that patios, paved areas designed for recreation, and pedestrian access that meets the Washington State Rules for Barrier-Free Design shall also be considered common recreation area. 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 common recreation area. C. Development standards in downtown zones specify a minimum contiguous area for common recreation area. Areas smaller than the minimum contiguous area specified shall not be counted toward fulfilling the common recreation area requirements. Driveways and parking areas, paved or unpaved, shall be considered to separate common recreation areas they bisect. Pedestrian access areas shall not be considered to break the contiguity of common recreation areas on each side. D. For an area to be considered a common recreation area, it must have a minimum area and minimum horizontal dimensions as established for downtown zones. For the purpose of measuring the horizontal dimensions of the common recreation area, the following provisions shall apply: 1. In rectangular or square areas, each exterior dimension of the area shall meet the minimum dimension as depicted in Exhibit 23.86.030 A. 2. In irregularly shaped areas in which 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 form a contiguous rectangular or square area of which all sides meet or exceed the minimum dimension, may be included as required common recreation area, as depicted in Exhibit 23.86.030 B. 3. In triangular areas, all exterior dimensions of the area shall meet or exceed the minimum dimension as depicted in Exhibit 23.86.030 C. 4. In 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 as depicted in Exhibit 23.86.030 D. 5. When the shape of the area is so unusual that the above provisions cannot be applied; for example, when the shape is curvilinear, the Director shall determine when common recreation area requirements have been met. 6. When a portion of a lot is reserved for a vehicular access easement to another lot, no land within the limits of the easement shall be included in the calculation of the common recreation area required, except when a portion of the structure containing common recreation area is constructed over the easement. (Ord. 119728 § 12, 1999; Ord. 111926 § 26(part), 1984.)