(1) 
To provide standards to implement the comprehensive plan and applicable adopted sub-area plans.
(2) 
To design sites and orient buildings with an emphasis on compatible development and creating a comfortable walking environment.
(3) 
To provide standards that recognize the need for a system of streets and block frontages.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
The provisions of this article apply to all development within Port Orchard, except detached single-family and two-family (duplex) dwellings in any configuration. (Single-family and duplex design standards are found in Chapter 20.139 POMC.) Also:
(1) 
Applicability.
(a) 
See POMC § 20.127.020(1) for clarification on the types of development to which these standards apply.
(b) 
See POMC § 20.127.020(2) for the relationship between the provisions in this article and other documents and codes.
(c) 
See POMC § 20.127.020(3) for the application of building additions and remodels and site improvements.
(2) 
The default block frontage for new streets in commercial and mixed use zones is other (POMC § 20.127.210) unless a designation is already provided. The default block frontage for undesignated streets within annexed land is varied (POMC § 20.127.170).
(3) 
The block frontage designations apply to development on both sides of the street except where otherwise specified on the maps. For example, on a street with two designations, the designation on the east side of the street applies to properties on the east side of the street.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
About the Maps. The maps together with the block frontage standards in POMC § 20.127.150 through § 20.127.250 guide the look and feel of development in commercial and multi-household areas throughout Port Orchard when viewed from the street. The provisions herein recognize that there is a hierarchy of different streets and block frontage types ranging from the pedestrian-oriented storefronts to arterial streets/frontages that warrant greater flexibility in the design of frontages.
The block frontage standards address site planning and building design elements including:
(a) 
Building location and orientation.
(b) 
Parking lot location.
(c) 
Window transparency.
(d) 
Weather protection.
(e) 
Landscaping.
The community design framework maps also identify high visibility street corner sites that warrant special design treatment. Refer to POMC § 20.127.250 for high visibility street corner requirements.
(2) 
Block frontage standards for individual properties depend on the type of street properties front onto. Thus, consider the following steps in using this article:
(a) 
Go to the maps in POMC § 20.127.130 to find the property and the block frontage type designation for the street or streets fronting the property. For properties in residential zones, the standards for landscaped block frontages apply (POMC § 20.127.160). For properties that front onto multiple streets, see POMC § 20.127.240.
(b) 
Table 20.127.120(2) summarizes standards for each of the designated block frontage types. Go to the appropriate section in this article for the detailed and applicable block frontage standards for applicable block frontage type designation.
Table 20.127.120(2)
Summary of Block Frontage Types
Design Cross Section Example
Parking Location
Other Key Provisions
   Storefront
• Surface parking lots shall be located to the rear, below, or above storefronts. Parking on the side and front of buildings is prohibited
• Special facade transparency and weather protection provisions
• Minimum commercial space depth
• No ground floor residential uses except lobbies for upper level units
   Landscape
• Parking is preferred to the rear of the building, but is allowed on the side. For multi-building developments, no more than 50 percent of the street frontage may be occupied by parking and drive aisles. Parking in front is prohibited
• Landscaping to soften facades, screen blank wall surfaces, and screen parking
• Provide minimum facade transparency for nonresidential uses (variable depending on building setback)
• Minimum facade transparency for residential buildings
 Varied
Storefront or Landscape
   Marine
Storefront or Landscape
• Parking is preferred to the side, above, or below buildings. No more than 50 percent of the street frontage may occupied by parking and drive aisles. However, the city recognizes the challenges of developing waterfront properties as well as the limitations created in the shoreline master program. Therefore, departures to allow parking to be located at the front of buildings (between the building and the street) may be approved provided design features successfully mitigate the visual impacts of the parking area on the streetscape
   Gateway
• No parking lot location standards, except a 10-foot buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas
• For multi-building developments, surface and structured parking areas (ground floor) are limited to no more than 60 percent of the street frontage
• Minimum building setback is 25 feet
• At least one building entrance must be visible and accessible from the street
   Other
Storefront or Landscape
• No parking lot location standards, except a 10-foot buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas
• Special facade transparency and weather protection provisions
• At least one building entrance must be visible and accessible from the street
(3) 
Changes to the block frontage designation for new and existing streets may be made through the following procedures:
(a) 
Text amendment per Chapter 20.06 POMC, Code Amendments.
(b) 
Community design framework master plan per POMC § 20.127.260.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Figure 20.127.130 below is an overview map of the applicable planning areas within Port Orchard. Examine the map to determine which map or figure relates to individual properties.
(2) 
Figures 20.127.130(1) through (16) include community design framework maps for applicable mixed use and nonresidential zones throughout Port Orchard.
Figure 20.127.130
Port Orchard Community Design Framework Maps Index
Figure 20.127.130(1)
Map #1 – Downtown West
Figure 20.127.130(2)
Map #2 – Downtown East
Figure 20.127.130(3)
Map #3 – County Campus
Figure 20.127.130(4)
Map #4 – Lower Mile Hill
Figure 20.127.130(5)
Map #5 – Upper Mile Hill
Figure 20.127.130(6)
Map #6 – Bethel North
Figure 20.127.130(7)
Map #7 – Lund Bethel
Figure 20.127.130(8)
Map #8 – Bethel South
Figure 20.127.130(9)
Map #9 – Sedgwick Bethel SR16
Figure 20.127.130(10)
Map #10 – Bethel Cedar
Figure 20.127.130(11)
Map #11 – Bethel Lider
Figure 20.127.130(12)
Map #12 – Tremont
Figure 20.127.130(13)
Map #13 – Cedar Heights
Figure 20.127.130(14)
Map #14 – Sidney Glen
Figure 20.127.130(15)
Map #15 – Sidney Sedgwick
Figure 20.127.130(16)
Map #16 – McCormick Woods
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 028-20 § 7; Ord. 030-21 § 13 (Exh. 5); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
All block frontage designations contain distinct minimum facade transparency standards. The purpose of these standards are to maintain "eyes on the street" for safety and create a welcoming pedestrian environment. Table 20.127.140 below includes details in how they are measured.
Table 20.127.140
Clarification of Transparency Standards
Transparency Zones
Storefront
Ground floor nonresidential and nonstorefront
Residential buildings and residential portions of mixed use buildings
The transparency zone is on the ground floor between 30 inches and 10 feet above sidewalk grade
The transparency zone is between 30 inches and 8 feet above grade
All vertical surfaces of the facade are used in the calculations
Other Transparency Provisions
Windows must be transparent
Ground level window area for storefronts and other nonresidential uses that is covered, frosted, or perforated in any manner that obscures visibility into the building must not count as transparent window area.
Exception: Window signs conforming with POMC § 20.132.280 may be counted as transparent window area provided the areas generally around the sign are transparent.
Display windows
Display window may be used for up to 50 percent of nonresidential transparency requirements provided they are at least 30 inches deep and allow changeable displays. Tack-on display cases as in the far right example don't qualify as transparent window area.
Integrated display windows
Tack-on display cases
Structured parking facilities
Where structured parking facilities occupy a portion of the facade, any openings simulating windows may be used to help comply with transparency requirements.
Parking garage with windows
Parking garage without windows
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. Storefront block frontages are the most vibrant and active shopping and dining areas within the city and serve the purpose of attracting pedestrians to enliven the streetscape. Blocks designated as storefront blocks include continuous storefronts placed along the sidewalk edge with small scale shops and/or frequent business entries.
Figure 20.127.150(1)
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing a storefront block frontage designation must comply with the following standards (on applicable block frontages):
Table 20.127.150(2)
Storefront Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Examples and Notes
Ground floor
Land use
Nonresidential uses, except for lobbies associated with residential or hotel/motel uses on upper floors.
Floor to ceiling height
Refer to building type (applies to new buildings only).
Retail space depth
20 feet minimum (applies to new buildings only). ⇐
Building placement
Required at front property line/back edge of sidewalk. Additional setbacks are allowed for widened sidewalks, pedestrian-oriented space (POMC § 20.127.350(4)), or where additional future right-of-way acquisition is planned by the city.
Building entrances
Must face the street. For corner buildings, entrances may face the street corner.
Facade transparency
60 percent minimum. ⇐
Also see POMC § 20.127.140 for additional clarification on transparency standards.
Weather protection
Weather protection with 8 to 15 feet vertical clearance at least 6 feet in minimum depth along at least 80 percent of facade. ⇐
Retractable awnings may be used to meet these requirements.
Weather protection must not obstruct utility poles or street trees.
Weather protection shall comply with WSDOT standards for setback from the face of the curb and may have the effect of reducing the minimum weather protection depth.
For downtown properties on Bay Street and adjacent to the city-owned marquee, new development may utilize the existing marquee (subject to approval by the public works director) or new independent weather protection to meet this provision.
Parking location
Also see Chapter 20.124 POMC for related parking requirements
New surface or ground level parking areas must be placed to the side or rear of structures and are limited to 60 feet of street frontage. ⇐
Provide a 6-foot minimum buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas meeting the standards of Chapter 20.128 POMC. ⇐
Sidewalk width
12 feet minimum between curb edge and storefront, including a minimum walking surface width of 8 feet and a clear/buffer zone with street trees. ⇐
(3) 
Departure Criteria. Departures from the above standards that feature the ⇐ symbol will be considered by the reviewing authority (the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate), provided the alternative proposal meets the purpose of the standards, plus the following criteria:
(a) 
Retail Space Depth. Reduced depths will be considered where the applicant can successfully demonstrate the proposed alternative design and configuration of the space is viable for a variety of permitted retail uses;
(b) 
Facade Transparency. The proposed alternative design treatment of facade area between ground level windows provides visual interest to the pedestrian and mitigates impacts of any blank wall areas. No less than 40 percent of the facade between 30 inches and 10 feet above the sidewalk may be approved with a departure;
(c) 
Weather Protection. Other proposed alternative design treatments must provide equivalent weather protection benefits;
(d) 
Parking Location. There must be an acceptable tradeoff in terms of the amount and quality of storefront area that is integrated with the development and the applicable parking location departure. Plus, the alternative must include design features to successfully mitigate the visual impact of additional parking areas along designated storefront streets; and
(e) 
Sidewalk Width. Alternative designs may be considered where topographical challenges exist. Alternative designs must be able to accommodate safe and comfortable pedestrian traffic anticipated for full block development.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 033-20 § 11; Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The landscaped block frontage designation emphasizes landscaped frontages and clear pedestrian connections between buildings and the sidewalk and serves the purpose of including attractive vegetation within the streetscape. This designation applies to all streets designated landscaped in POMC § 20.127.130, Community design framework maps, and all development in residential zones.
Figure 20.127.160(1)
Landscaped Block Frontage Vision and Key Standards
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing a landscaped block frontage designation must comply with the following standards (on applicable block frontages):
Table 20.127.160(2)
Landscaped Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Examples and Notes
Building placement
10-foot minimum front setback, except where greater setbacks are specified in the district in Chapter 20.122 POMC or where future right-of-way need and/or acquisitions have been identified in city plans. ➲
See POMC § 20.127.230 for special design provisions associated with ground level residential uses adjacent to a sidewalk.
Building entrances
Building entrances must be visible and directly accessible from the street. ➲
For uses that front on multiple mixed designated block frontages, an entry along both streets is encouraged, but not required.
Facade transparency
25 percent minimum for buildings design with ground level nonresidential uses. ➲
20 percent minimum for residential uses. ➲
Windows must be provided on all habitable floors of the facade.
Also see POMC § 20.127.140 for additional clarification on transparency standards.
Facade transparency example.
Weather protection
Provide weather protection at least three feet deep over primary business and residential entries.
Parking location
Also see Chapter 20.124 POMC for related parking requirements.
Parking must be placed to the side, rear, below or above uses. For multi-building developments, surface and structured parking areas (ground floor) are limited to no more than 50 percent of the street frontage.
Private or shared garage entries must occupy no more than 50 percent of facade width.
Provide a 10-foot minimum buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas meeting the standards of Chapter 20.128 POMC. ➲
Landscaping
Also see Chapter 20.128 POMC for related landscaping standards.
The area between the street and building must be landscaped, private porch or patio space, and/or pedestrian-oriented space.
For setbacks adjacent to buildings with windows, provide low level landscaping that maintains views between the building and the street.
Also provide plant materials that screen any blank walls and add visual interest at both the pedestrian scale and motorist scale. For extended wall areas, provide for a diversity of plant materials and textures to maintain visual interest from a pedestrian scale.
Example of low level landscaping that screens foundation walls, provides visual interest, and maintains views from dwelling units to the street.
Sidewalk width
Six-foot minimum sidewalks are required.
Wider sidewalks may be required where designated in other code sections or in the public works standards.
(3) 
Departure Criteria. Departures from the above standards that feature the ➲ symbol will be considered by the reviewing authority (the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate), provided the alternative proposal meets the purpose of the standards, plus the following criteria:
(a) 
Building Entrances. Block frontages with steep slopes and/or those facing busy arterial streets and very limited pedestrian traffic may warrant some flexibility to this standard (particularly in residential districts).
(b) 
Facade Transparency. The proposed alternative design treatment of facade area between ground level windows provides visual interest to the pedestrian and mitigates impacts of any blank wall areas. No less than 40 percent of the facade between 30 inches and 10 feet above the sidewalk may be approved with a departure.
(c) 
Parking Location. There must be an acceptable tradeoff in terms of the amount and quality of landscaped area that is integrated with the development and the applicable parking location departure. Plus, the alternative must include design features to successfully mitigate the visual impact of additional parking areas along designated landscaped streets.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 056-19 § 24; Ord. 050-22 § 11; Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The varied block frontage designation serves areas that accommodate a mixture of ground floor uses and allows a diversity of development frontages for the purpose of contributing to the visual character of the street and enhancing the pedestrian environment.
Figure 20.127.170(1)
Varied Block Frontage Options and Standards
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing a varied block frontage have the option to comply with either the storefront or landscaped block frontage provisions as set forth above, with the following modifications (on applicable block frontages):
Table 20.127.170(2)
Varied Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Examples and Notes
Building placement
Buildings may be placed up to the sidewalk edge provided they meet storefront standards set forth above.
10-foot minimum front setback for other buildings, except where greater setbacks are specified in the district per Chapter 20.122 POMC. ➲
Additional setbacks may be required where future right-of-way need and/or acquisitions have been identified in city plans.
See POMC § 20.127.230 for special design provisions associated with ground level residential uses adjacent to a sidewalk.
Facade transparency
Any storefront buildings on these block frontages must meet the storefront block frontage transparency standards above. ➲
40 percent minimum for buildings designed with nonresidential uses on the ground floor within 10 feet of sidewalk. ➲
25 percent minimum for buildings designed with nonresidential uses on the ground floor. ➲
20 percent minimum for residential buildings. ➲
Windows must be provided on all habitable floors of the facade.
Also see POMC § 20.127.140 for additional clarification on transparency standards.
Facade transparency example – nonresidential use.
Facade transparency example – residential use.
(3) 
Departure Criteria. Departures from the above standards that feature the ➲ symbol will be considered by the reviewing authority (the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate), provided the alternative proposal meets the purpose of the standards, plus the following criteria:
(a) 
Minimum Setback. For residential uses, provide design treatments that create an effective transition between the public and private realm. This could include a stoop design or other similar treatments that utilize a low fence, retaining wall, and/or hedge along the sidewalk.
Figure 20.127.170(3)
Stoop Examples
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 056-19 § 24; Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The marine block frontage designation serves areas that accommodate a mixture of ground floor uses and allows a diversity of development frontages for the purpose of contributing to the visual character of the street and enhancing the pedestrian environment.
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing a marine block frontage have the option to comply with either the storefront or landscaped block frontage provisions as set forth above, with the following modifications (on applicable block frontages). Additionally, all development within the 200-foot shoreline zone must comply with the requirements of the city's shoreline master program, including but not limited to requirements for location (including setbacks from the shoreline), allowable uses within the applicable shoreline environment designation, view protection and public access.
Table 20.127.180(2)
Marine Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Examples and Notes
Building placement
Buildings may be placed up to the sidewalk edge provided they meet storefront standards set forth above.
10-foot minimum front setback for other buildings, except where greater setbacks are specified in the district per Chapter 20.122 POMC. ➲
Additional setbacks may be required where future right-of-way need and/or acquisitions have been identified in city plans.
See POMC § 20.127.230 for special design provisions associated with ground level residential uses adjacent to a sidewalk.
Facade transparency
Any storefront buildings on these block frontages must meet the storefront block frontage transparency standards above. ➲
40 percent minimum for buildings designed with nonresidential uses on the ground floor within 10 feet of sidewalk. ➲
25 percent minimum for buildings designed with nonresidential uses on the ground floor within 20 feet of the sidewalk. ➲
20 percent minimum for residential buildings. ➲
Windows must be provided on all habitable floors of the facade.
Also see POMC § 20.127.140 for additional clarification on transparency standards.
Facade transparency example – nonresidential use.
Facade transparency example – residential use.
Parking location
Parking must be placed to the side, below, or above uses. No more than 50 percent of the street frontage may be occupied by parking and drive aisles. ➲
Parking in the front requires a departure (see subsection (3)(c) of this section). Parking to the rear may only be approved in conjunction with a variance and/or shoreline variance. The construction of any parking within a shoreline area must be consistent with the requirements of the city's shoreline master program.
No more than 50 percent of the street frontage may be occupied by parking and drive aisles. A 10-foot minimum buffer of landscaping must be provided between the street and off-street parking areas, which meets the landscaping requirements of Chapter 20.128 POMC. New parking structures must feature landscaped setbacks at least 10 feet in width.
(3) 
Departure Criteria.
(a) 
Minimum Setback. For residential uses, provide design treatments that create an effective transition between the public and private realm. This could include a stoop design or other similar treatments that utilize a low fence, retaining wall, and/or hedge along the sidewalk.
(b) 
Facade Transparency. The proposed alternative design treatment of a facade area between ground level windows shall provide visual interest to the pedestrian and mitigate impacts of any blank wall areas. Up to a 40 percent reduction in the minimum amount of facade transparency may be approved via departure.
(c) 
Parking Location. Parking may be located in front of a building (between a building and an adjacent street) if other parking locations are demonstrated to be infeasible due to topography, property shape or size, or other contextual circumstances. When a departure is requested to allow parking in front of a building, the parking must provide an acceptable tradeoff in terms of the amount and quality of landscaped area that is integrated with the development and must include design features to successfully mitigate the visual impact of additional parking areas along the street.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 056-19 § 24; Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The gateway block frontage designation serves strategic areas fronted by highways or other high visibility arterials that feature heavy vehicular traffic. These standards serve the purpose of providing attractive landscaped frontages, limiting the extent of visible surface parking, and accommodating the needs of pedestrians.
Figure 20.127.190(1)
Gateway Block Frontage Vision
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing the gateway block frontage designation must comply with the landscaped block frontage provisions as set forth above, with the following modifications:
Table 20.127.190(2)
Gateway Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Examples and Notes
Building placement
The minimum setback for buildings is 25 feet. ➲
Building entrances
At least one (publicly accessible for commercial buildings) building entrance must be visible and directly accessible from the street. ➲
Parking location
Parking must be placed to the side, rear, below or above uses. ➲
For multi-building developments, surface parking and the ground floor of structured parking areas are limited to no more than 60 percent of the street frontage. ➲
A 25-foot buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas meeting the performance standards of Chapter 20.128 POMC. ➲
(3) 
Departure Criteria. See the departure criteria for landscaped frontages, POMC § 20.127.160(3).
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The internal roadway storefront block frontage designation is intended to apply to some existing commercial storefront areas that are located on internal roadways or parking lots. The purpose of this designation is to reinforce and enhance the storefront environment if and when changes occur over time.
Figure 20.127.200(1)
Internal Roadway Storefront Frontage Vision
(2) 
Standards. Development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 on sites containing the internal roadway storefront block frontage designation must comply with the storefront block frontage standards as set forth above, with only the following modifications:
Table 20.127.200(2)
Internal Roadway Storefront Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Facade transparency
At least 50 percent of ground floor between 30 inches and 10 feet above the sidewalk. ➲
Landscaping
Trees must be integrated along the sidewalk every 50 feet of lineal frontage on average. Trees may be in tree grates or in planting strips.
Sidewalk width
12 feet minimum between curb edge and storefront, including a minimum walking surface width of 8 feet and a clear/buffer zone with street trees. ➲
(3) 
Departure Criteria. See the departure criteria for storefront frontages, POMC § 20.127.150(3).
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. All other block frontages in districts that are not designated in the design framework maps are provided greater flexibility with regards to the design of development frontages. These block frontages include a combination of side streets (where most uses front on other adjacent streets) and service oriented streets (often characterized by industrial or service types of uses). While there is greater flexibility in the amount of transparency of facade and the location of surface and structured parking, the purpose of these standards is to ensure that development frontages along these streets provide visual interest at all observable scales and meet the design objectives of the city.
(2) 
Standards. All development as set forth in POMC § 20.127.130 with applicable block frontage designations must comply with standards below (on applicable block frontages):
Table 20.127.210(2)
Other Block Frontage Standards
Element
Standards
Building placement
Where allowed in the applicable zoning district, buildings may be placed up to the sidewalk edge provided storefront block frontage standards above are met (except where otherwise noted herein).
10-foot minimum front setback for other buildings, except where greater setbacks are specified in the district per Chapter 20.122 POMC. ➲
See POMC § 20.127.230 for special design provisions associated with ground level residential uses adjacent to a sidewalk.
Building entrances
Building entrances facing the street are encouraged. At a minimum, at least one building entry visible and directly accessible from the street is required. ➲
Where buildings are setback from the street, pedestrian connections are required from the sidewalk.
Facade transparency
For storefronts, at least 60 percent of ground floor between 30 inches and 10 feet above the sidewalk is required. ➲
Other buildings designed with nonresidential uses on the ground floor within 10 feet of sidewalk, at least 30 percent of the ground floor between four and eight feet above the sidewalk. ➲
Other buildings, at least 10 percent of the entire facade (all vertical surfaces generally facing the street). ➲
Window area that is glazed over or covered in any manner that obscures visibility into the storefront space shall not count as transparent window area.
Weather protection
At least three feet deep over primary business and residential entries.
Parking location
Also see Chapter 20.124 POMC for related parking requirements
There are no parking lot location restrictions.
A 10-foot buffer of landscaping between the street and off-street parking areas meeting the performance standards of Chapter 20.128 POMC is required. ➲
Landscaping
Also see Chapter 20.128 POMC for related landscaping standards
The area between the street and building must be landscaped and/or include private porch or patio space.
For setbacks adjacent to buildings with windows, provide low level landscaping that maintains views between the building and the street.
Also provide plant materials that screen any blank walls and add visual interest at both the pedestrian scale and motorist scale. For extended wall areas, provide for a diversity of plant materials and textures to maintain visual interest from a pedestrian scale.
Sidewalk width
Where storefront buildings are proposed, sidewalks must meet storefront block frontage standards above. Otherwise, six-foot wide minimum sidewalks are required.
(3) 
Departure Criteria. Departures from the above standards that feature the ➲ symbol will be considered by the reviewing authority (the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate) provided the alternative proposal meets the purpose of the standards, plus the following criteria:
(a) 
Minimum Setback. Provide design treatments that create an effective transition between the public and private realm. This could include a stoop design to other similar treatments that utilize a low fence, retaining wall, and/or hedge alone the sidewalk.
(b) 
Facade Transparency. The design treatment of a facade and/or landscape element provides visual interest to the pedestrian and mitigates impacts of any blank wall area.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
Trails referenced in the community design framework maps in POMC § 20.127.130 aligned adjacent to a street are subject to the applicable block frontage designation for the street. For trails referenced in the community design framework maps that are not adjacent to streets, developments fronting such trails must comply with the other block frontage standards set forth in POMC § 20.127.210.
Figure 20.127.220
Trail/Park Frontage Examples
The development in the left image includes a courtyard that orients towards the trail. The low fence allows visibility between the uses, yet divides public and private space in an acceptable manner. The right image illustrates an active commercial use fronting on the trail.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
For residences with ground floor living spaces facing a sidewalk or pedestrian path in a residential or mixed use development, the building must feature at least one of the public/private space transition elements described below. The objective of this standard is to ensure privacy and security for residents, and an attractive and safe walkway that complements the qualities of the adjoining residences within a residential complex.
(1) 
Raised Deck or Porch Option. Provide at least a 60-square-foot porch or deck raised at least one foot above grade. The porch or deck must be at least six feet wide, measured perpendicular to the building face. (The deck may be recessed into the unit floor plan so that deck does not extend from the building face a full six feet.) A low fence, rail or hedge, two feet to four feet high, may be integrated between the sidewalk or internal walkway and deck or porch.
(2) 
Front Setback Options. Provide a minimum 10-foot setback between the sidewalk or internal walkway and the face of the residence. Design options for the front setback:
(a) 
Landscaped area, meeting the provisions of Chapter 20.128 POMC.
(b) 
Semi-private patio space screened by a low fence or hedge (see Chapter 20.128 POMC, Development Standards – Landscaping).
(3) 
Raised Ground Floor. If the residence's ground floor is a minimum of three feet above the grade adjacent to the building, then the landscaped area in subsection (2)(b) of this section may be reduced to four feet wide (except where greater setbacks are specified for the applicable zoning district in Chapter 20.122 POMC).
Departures: Other transition design measure that adequately protects the privacy and comfort of the residential unit and the attractiveness and usefulness of the walkway at least as effectively as subsections (1) through this subsection (3).
See Figure 20.127.230 below for examples of the above treatments.
Figure 20.127.230
Acceptable Public/Private Transitional Space Design between Sidewalk or Walkways and Ground Level Residential Units.
The upper left image uses a low fence and landscaped setback. The right images use landscaped terraces and elevated ground level units. The lower left image uses a landscaped berm between the walkway and semi-private open space.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
Where a property fronts onto more than one street and each street has a different frontage designation, each building frontage must comply with the standards for the block frontage upon which it fronts, with the following clarifications:
(1) 
Where a conflict exists between frontage standards, the review authority will apply the standards of a block frontage pursuant to the following order of preference:
(a) 
Storefront.
(b) 
Varied.
(c) 
Marine.
(d) 
Landscaped.
(e) 
Gateway.
(f) 
Other.
Subsections (2) through (5) of this section clarify how the order of preference works for particular frontage elements.
(2) 
Building Location. For corner sites with landscaped block frontage on one street and storefront or varied on another, a storefront frontage may wrap around the corner (on the landscaped block frontage side) for up to a half block width or no more than 120 feet (whichever is more).
(3) 
Entrances. For corner sites, entrances on both streets are encouraged, but only one entrance is required. For corner sites with frontage on a storefront block frontage on one side, an entrance must be placed on the storefront block frontage side. For corner sites with a mix of designations that do not include a storefront block frontage, the entry must be placed in the order of preference identified above.
Departures may be considered, provided the location and design of the entry and block frontage treatments are compatible with the character of the area and enhance the character of the street.
(4) 
Transparency. For corner sites at least one block frontage must meet the applicable transparency standards (based on the order of preference above). For the second block frontage, the review authority may approve a reduction in the minimum amount of transparency by 50 percent. For street corners with the same designations on both frontages, buildings must employ the full transparency on the dominant frontage (based on the frontage width or established neighborhood pattern).
(5) 
Parking. Surface parking (including ground floor parking in a structure) adjacent to a street corner is not allowed, except:
(a) 
Corner lots with nondesignated frontages (other) on both streets.
(b) 
Other combination of block frontages, except those with a storefront designation, via a departure and subject to the applicable departure criteria.
Figure 20.127.240
Clarifying Block Frontage Standards on Street Corners
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
(1) 
Description/Purpose. The high visibility street corner requirements apply to those sites designated as such on the community design framework maps in POMC § 20.127.130. The purpose is to accentuate street corners with high visibility to the public.
(2) 
Designation Criteria. High visibility street corners may be designated in:
(a) 
Special high visibility intersections in business districts.
(b) 
Intersections with a high level of pedestrian activity.
(c) 
Special high visibility gateway intersections leading into the city or a particular business district.
(d) 
Existing or planned intersections that are intended to become the focal point of a particular business district or neighborhood center.
(3) 
Standards. Sites located on high visibility street corners must meet the following requirements:
(a) 
Buildings must be located within 20 feet of the street corner.
(b) 
At least one of the following special features must be included (Figure 20.127.250 below illustrates acceptable examples):
(i) 
Corner plaza.
(ii) 
Cropped building corner with a special entry feature.
(iii) 
Decorative use of building materials at the corner.
(iv) 
Distinctive facade articulation.
(v) 
Sculptural architectural element.
(vi) 
Other decorative elements that meet the purpose of the standards.
Figure 20.127.250
Acceptable High Visibility Street Corner/Gateway Site Examples
Building 1 includes a corner tower. Building 2 features cropped building corners with decorative elements. Building 3 uses a decorative canopy. Building 4 uses a change in building materials and facade articulation at the corner. Building 5 incorporates a plaza at the corner.
Image 6 shows a decorative landscaped area with a trellis and neighborhood gateway sign.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))
Recently annexed or rezoned commercial or mixed use properties along with large undeveloped sites necessitate a different approach to applying block frontage standards. The provisions below identify the purpose, applicable sites, block frontage designation options, and special standards for developing community design framework master plans. Such master plans are also an option for property owners to change designations on existing community design framework maps (POMC § 20.127.130).
(1) 
Purpose.
(a) 
To provide a thoughtful and fair process to plan for the development of large and new commercial and mixed use sites consistent with Port Orchard's comprehensive plan.
(b) 
To promote the arrangement of streets, buildings, open space, parking and service areas that creates a strong sense of community and enhances the character of Port Orchard.
(c) 
To avoid uncoordinated patterns of development that waste valuable land, compromise vehicular and pedestrian access, and degrade the character of Port Orchard.
(2) 
Applicable Sites.
(a) 
Recently annexed sites zoned as one of the commercial or mixed use zoning districts.
(b) 
Sites recently rezoned to one of the commercial or mixed use zoning districts that are not addressed in the community design framework maps in POMC § 20.127.130.
(3) 
Block Frontage Designations Options.
(a) 
Prior to site development of applicable sites, a community design framework master plan must be developed, approved and adopted into the Port Orchard comprehensive plan per the procedures set forth in Chapter 20.04 POMC, Comprehensive Plan Amendments. The master plans must include:
(i) 
New streets and internal roadways along with block frontage designations (types included in this section).
(ii) 
Any designated high visibility street corners.
(iii) 
Any planned open spaces, trails, and shared use paths.
(iv) 
Any special phasing conditions.
(v) 
Other special design conditions unique to the site and plan that must be implemented with future site plan development.
(b) 
Community design framework master plans may utilize any existing block frontage designations that border the site, or include an alternative block frontage designation type or types, subject to master plan approval.
(c) 
Alternatively, site plan development may occur on applicable sites without an approved and recorded community design framework master plan provided all block frontages comply with the standards for varied block frontages as set forth in subsection (4) of this section.
(4) 
Design Standards. Community design framework master plans must meet the purpose as set forth above plus the following parameters for specific sites:
Table 20.127.260(4)
Community Design Framework Master Plan Design Standards
The provisions below are intended to guide the design of individual community design framework master plans. They are referred to as standards, since all proposed plans must successfully demonstrate how they comply with the provisions herein.
All Sites
• Configure site to create a pedestrian-oriented focal point. Such a focal point could be a main street (storefront), a central square surrounded by storefronts or other similar features.
• Larger sites have greater expectations in the amount of storefront designated frontages.
• Goals, policies and concepts from adopted plans must be used to help determine compliance with these standards.
Figure 20.127.260(4)
Development Examples
Examples of commercial centers configured to create a pedestrian-oriented focal point. Parking areas are carefully located to provide convenience while minimizing impacts to the visual and pedestrian environment.
(5) 
Review Process and Application Requirements.
(a) 
Community design framework master plans must be processed as a Type II decision set forth in POMC § 20.22.040.
(b) 
Community design framework master plans are subject to application requirements set forth in Chapter 20.24 POMC. Supplemental application submittal requirements include:
(i) 
A conceptual site development plan that identifies the following elements (if applicable):
(A) 
Proposed new public and private streets (including any public rights-of-way).
(B) 
Proposed block frontage designations.
(C) 
Proposed land use(s) concept (to the extent anticipated or desired).
(D) 
Proposed nonmotorized circulation elements.
(E) 
Proposed pedestrian-oriented focal point and/or other open spaces or recreational features.
(F) 
Critical areas and buffers.
(G) 
Utility areas.
(H) 
Proposed or potential development phases.
(ii) 
Other information as necessary to support compliance with the design standards set forth in subsection (4) of this section.
(Ord. 008-18 § 2 (Exh. 1); Ord. 008-25 § 16 (Exh. O))