Chapter 11.20 DESIGN STANDARDS

Minimum Lot Area. Minimum lot area shall conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which the parcel is located. Where the slope of the ground exceeds 10% in any direction for more than 60% of the buildable area of a lot, the area of a lot shall be increased according to the following table:

11 to 15% slope	Minimum area of lot plus 20%
16 to 20% slope	Minimum area of lot plus 50%
21 to 25% slope	Minimum area of lot plus 100%
26 to 30% slope	Minimum area of lot plus 200%
Over 30% slope	Minimum area to be established by Commission

Lot Width and Depth. The depth of a lot or parcel shall not be more than three times the width of the parcel, except that parcels created for public utility uses or in zones where there is no minimum lot area requirement shall be exempt from width to depth ratio provisions.

Access. All lots and parcels created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall provide a minimum frontage, on an existing or proposed public street, equal to the minimum lot width required by the underlying zone. The following exceptions shall apply:

Residential lots or parcels, excluding townhouse developments and planned unit developments, may be accessed by a private street or partition access easement developed in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.24.040 when the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, finds that public street is not necessary to provide for the future development of adjoining property.

Lots or parcels in townhouse developments or planned unit developments shall be accessed via public or private streets, in accordance with the following standards:

(a)

Internal local streets or drives may be private and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 11.24.

(b)

Collector and arterial streets shall be public and shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 11.24. Collector or arterial streets may be determined either by design or anticipated traffic volumes.

(c)

Local streets that are needed to provide access to adjoining properties shall be public and shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 11.24.

(3)

Cul-de-sac lots shall have a minimum frontage of 25 feet.

(4)

Flag lots, as permitted in subsection (D) below.

Flag Lots. If a flag lot is proposed, the following standards shall be met:

The access strip shall not be less than 20 feet wide. The access strip shall be improved with a minimum 12-foot-wide paved driveway and paved encroachment which meet applicable City public works standards.

§ 11.20.030 Additional Design Standards for Subdivisions.

The access strip shall not be included in the calculation of lot area for purposes of determining compliance with any minimum lot size provision of this chapter.

(E)

Through Lots. Through lots shall be avoided except where essential to provide separation of residential development from major traffic arteries, adjacent nonresidential activities, or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation. Through lots shall be no less than 100 feet in depth. Screening or buffering may be required by the Planning Commission during the review of the land division request.

(F)

Lot Lines. The side lines of lots, as far as practicable, shall run at right angles to the right-of-way line of the street upon which the lots face. The rear lot line shall be no less than one-half the dimension of the front lot line.

(G)

Utility Easements. Utility easements shall be provided on lot areas where necessary to accommodate public utilities. Such easements shall have a minimum total width consistent to comply with City of Yamhill public works standards.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)

Standards for Blocks.

Purpose. The length, width, and shape of blocks shall be designed with regard to providing adequate building sites for the use contemplated; consideration of needs for convenient access, circulation, control, and safety of street traffic; and recognition of limitations and opportunities of topography.

Sizes. Blocks should not exceed 1,000 feet in length between street lines, except blocks adjacent to arterial streets, or unless the previous adjacent development pattern or topographical conditions justify a variation. The minimum distance between intersections on arterial streets is 1,800 feet.

Traffic Circulation. The proposed subdivision shall be laid out to provide safe and convenient vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access to nearby residential areas, transit stops, neighborhood activity centers such as schools and parks, commercial areas, and industrial areas; and to provide safe and convenient traffic circulation. At a minimum, "nearby" is interpreted to mean uses within one-quarter mile which can be reasonably expected to be used by pedestrians, and uses within one mile of the subdivision boundary which can reasonably be expected to be accessed by bicyclists.

Connectivity. To achieve the objective in subsection (B) above, the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, may require the following:

Stub Streets. Where the potential exists for additional residential development on adjacent property.

Pedestrian/Bicycle Accessways. Public accessways to provide a safe and efficient connection from a residential area to nearby residential areas, transit stops, neighborhood activity centers, including schools, parks, shopping centers, other community services and other commercial and industrial areas when such connections are not available by streets and when a pedestrian must go at least one quarter of a mile out of his/her way to make that connection using the street system.

Accessway Design Standards. Pedestrian/bicycle accessways shall meet the following design standards:

Minimum dedicated width: 10 feet.

§ 11.20.040 Improvement Requirements for Partitions.

Minimum improved width: 10 feet.

(3)

Maximum length: 250 feet. A clear line of vision for the entire length of the accessway shall be required.

(4)

Lighting shall be provided illuminating any walkway exceeding 150 feet in length to a level where the system can be used at night. Lighting shall be included in the lighting district(s) established for the subdivision.

(5)

The accessway shall be designed to prohibit vehicle traffic.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)

During the review of partition proposals, the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, shall require, as a condition of approval, the following improvements:

Private Access. Private driveways serving flag lots, or private streets, shall be surfaced per the requirements of this code.

Street Frontage Improvements. The following improvements shall be required:

If the street frontage of the subject property is less than or equal to 250 feet, the applicant shall sign a non-remonstrance agreement with the City of Yamhill. This agreement shall stipulate that the applicant or future property owner will agree to participate in right-of-way improvements. The agreement may include provisions for the following: street paving, curbing, sidewalks, water lines, storm sewer facilities and sanitary sewer facilities.

If the street frontage of the subject property exceeds 250 feet, or extends an existing dedicated right-of-way, the applicant shall improve the following:

(a)

Public streets upon which the property fronts to public standards, including: surfacing from center line to curb, installation of curbing, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water lines and other necessary public utilities.

(b)

Sidewalks, meeting City public works standards, along public street frontage.

(c)

The installation of storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water lines and other utilities necessary to serve lots accessing off of the new street.

§ 11.20.050 Improvement Requirements for Subdivisions.

Completion Requirements. All required improvements shall be completed prior to the issuance of any building permits for the subject property. Alternatively, improvements required under this chapter shall be completed or assured through a performance bond or other instrument acceptable to the City Attorney prior to the approval of the final plat of the partition. At the discretion of the Public Works Director, certain improvements may be further postponed through a non-remonstrance agreement, or other performance agreement.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)

The following improvements shall be required for all subdivisions in the City of Yamhill:

Frontage Improvements. Street improvements to full City public works standards shall be required for all public streets on which a proposed subdivision fronts in accordance with Section 11.20.010(B). Such improvements shall be designed to match with existing improved surfaces for a reasonable distance beyond the frontage of the property. Additional frontage improvements shall include: sidewalks, curbing, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water lines, other public utilities as necessary, and such other improvements as the Planning Commission shall determine to be reasonably necessary to serve the development or the immediate neighborhood.

Project Streets. All public or private streets within the subdivision shall be constructed as required by the provisions of Chapter 11.24.

Monuments. Upon completion of street improvements, centerline monuments shall be established and protected in monument boxes at every street intersection and all points of curvature and points of tangency of street center lines.

Bench Marks. Elevation bench marks shall be set at intervals established by the City Engineer. The bench marks shall consist of a brass cap set in a curb or other immovable structure.

(E)

Surface Drainage and Storm Sewer System. Drainage facilities shall be provided within the subdivision and to connect the subdivision drainage to drainage ways or to storm sewers outside the subdivision. Design of drainage within the subdivision shall take into account the capacity and grade necessary to maintain unrestricted flow from areas draining through the subdivision and to allow extension of the system to serve such areas. Drainage shall be designed to avoid impacts on adjacent property.

(F)

Sanitary Sewers. Sanitary sewer shall be installed to serve the subdivision and to connect the subdivision to existing mains both on and off the property being subdivided. If the required sewer facilities will, without further sewer construction, directly serve property outside the subdivision, the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, may recommend to the City Council construction as an assessment project with such arrangement with the subdivider as is equitable to assure financing his/her share of the construction and to provide for appropriate reimbursements of costs above those directly attributable to the subdivision. The City Council may require that the subdivider construct sewage lines of a size in excess of that necessary to adequately service the development in question, where such facilities are or will be necessary to serve the entire area within which the development is located when the area is ultimately developed. The City Council may also require that the construction take place as an assessment project with such arrangement with the subdivider as is desirable to assure the subdivider's share of the construction.

(G)

Water System. Water lines with valves and Fire District approved fire hydrants serving the subdivision and connecting the subdivision to the City mains shall be installed and operating prior to start of combustible construction. The design shall take into account provisions for extension beyond the subdivision to adequately grid the City system and to serve the area within which the development is located when the area is ultimately developed. However, the developer will be responsible for water main sizes necessary to meet minimum fire flow requirements per Uniform Fire Code. The developer is not expected to pay for the extra pipe material cost of mains exceeding eight inches in size.

(H)

Sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be installed along both sides of each public street and in any pedestrian ways within the subdivision. Construction of the sidewalks may be deferred until the dwellings or structures fronting the sidewalk are constructed. Any required off-site sidewalks (e.g., pedestrian walkways) or sidewalks fronting public property shall not be deferred.

(I)

Street Lights. The installation of street lights is required at locations and of a type required by City public works standards.

(J)

Street Signs. The installation of street name signs and traffic control signs is required at locations determined to be appropriate by the City Public Works Department and shall be of a type required by City public works standards. Each street sign shall display the 100 block range. Street signs shall be installed prior to obtaining building permits.

(K)

Public Works Requirements. All facility improvements shall conform to the requirements and specifications of the Yamhill Department of Public Works.

(L)

Curb Cuts. Curb cuts and driveway installations, excluding common drives, are not required of the subdivider, but if installed, shall be according to the City public works standards.

(M)

Grading and Fills. All grading which results in fills in excess of three feet located within the identified building envelope on a subdivision lot or parcel must be engineered.

(N)

Financial Requirements. All improvements required under this chapter shall be completed to City Municipal Code standards or assured through a performance bond or other instrument acceptable to the City Attorney, prior to the approval of the final plat of the subdivision.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)

§ 11.20.060 Improvement Procedures.

In addition to other requirements, improvements installed by a developer for any land division, either as a requirement of these regulations or at his/her own option, shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and improvement standards and specifications adopted by the City, and shall be installed in accordance with the following procedure:

Plan Review. Improvement work shall not commence until plans have been checked for adequacy and approved by the City Engineer. Plans shall be prepared in accordance with requirements of the City Public Works Department.

Notification. Improvement work shall not commence until the City Public Works Department has been notified in advance; and, if work has been discontinued for any reason, it shall not be resumed until the City Public Works Department has been notified.

Inspection. Improvements shall be constructed under the inspection and to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and the Director of Public Works. The City Engineer or Public Works Department may require changes in typical sections and details in the public interest, if unusual conditions arise during construction to warrant the change.

§ 11.20.070 Park and Recreation Facilities for Residential Subdivisions.

Underground Facilities. All underground utilities, sanitary sewers, and storm drains installed in streets by the developer shall be constructed prior to the surfacing of the streets. Stubs for service connections for underground utilities and sanitary sewers shall be placed to a length eliminating the necessity for disturbing the street improvements when service connections are made.

(E)

Final Engineering Plans. Upon completion of the public improvements and prior to final acceptance of the improvements by the City Engineer, the developer shall provide certified as-built drawings of all public utility improvements to the City Public Works Department. As-built conditions and information shall be reflected on one set of Mylar base as-built drawings. The as-built drawings shall be submitted to the City Engineer by the developer's engineer.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002)

Areas Required. An area of land not to exceed one acre for each 100 persons or an area equal to a fractional proportion of 100 to one acre, shall be, by the subdivider, set aside and dedicated to the public for park and recreation purposes; the potential population shall be computed at the rate of 3.25 persons per each potential unit in a single-family dwelling or duplex dwelling and 2.75 persons per each potential multifamily unit; such area or parcel in either case shall be approved by the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, as being suitable and adaptable for park and recreation use and in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan for the City.

Payment in Lieu of Land. If the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority, determines that there is no need for open space or park property or that there is no suitable park or recreation area or site in the proposed subdivision or adjacent thereto, then the subdivider shall, in lieu of setting aside land, pay into a park trust fund a sum of money equal to the market value of that land that would have been required in subsection (A) above.

Market value shall be established by the total assessed value of the land being platted, at the time of platting, as computed by the County Assessor for the coming calendar year under the procedures set forth in ORS 92.095 as amended. Such payment shall be made prior to final approval, by presenting a statement of assessed value from the office of the County Assessor and a check in the amount of five percent thereof, to the City Council of the City of Yamhill.

The sum of money established by this procedure shall be paid to the City of Yamhill prior to the approval of the final plat by the Planning Official or Planning Commission, based on the required review authority.

§ 11.20.080 Lots and Parcels Served by Private Streets and Driveway Easements.

Expenditure of Funds. Funds contributed in lieu of park lands shall be credited to a park acquisition trust fund and shall be deposited with the Planning Official for the purpose of acquiring or developing land for park and recreational uses, and then only for such lands as the Commission and Council shall approve as suitable and adaptable for such purposes.

(Ord. 467 §1, 2002; Ord. 545, 7/9/2025)

The following shall apply to all lots and parcels that are accessed by either a private street or private driveway easement:

Lot and Parcel Size. The easement containing the private street or private driveway easement shall be excluded from the lot or parcel size calculation.

Setbacks. The lot line fronting along a private street or private driveway easement shall be considered the front property line. Setbacks to the garage and home shall be measured from the easement line.