Project Name: _______________________
Date of Review: ______________________
City of University Place Design Criteria and Standards
Proposed Project
Checklist for Small Lot Development Residential Projects
Y
N
Comments
Design Element 1: Site Planning and Design
 
 
 
SL1: Building Siting and Orientation
 
 
 
Site design elements display a clear and unified organization of building, landscaping and circulation elements that support the functions of the site.
 
 
 
The placement of buildings considers the existing context of the surrounding area.
 
 
 
Attached units are separated from other attached units on the same block face by one or more detached units.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL1.2.1 – SL1.2.9 for design guidelines that help meet the “Site Planning and Design” criterion)
 
 
 
SL2: Grading and Stormwater Management
 
 
 
Structures, roadways and other site improvements (drainage ways and storage areas) are designed to blend with the natural topography, with a minimum of site disturbance and grade changes.
 
 
 
Low impact development (LID) techniques are used to the extent practicable, as determined by a development site’s soil characteristics, to maximize stormwater infiltration within the site and minimize the amount of stormwater that is transferred off site.
 
 
 
Stormwater ponds are designed as a landscape amenity and planted with grass or native plants.
 
 
 
Stormwater ponds are not fenced, and do not exceed a 4 horizontal to 1 vertical slope.
 
 
 
Stormwater ponds are designed in accordance with the King County Integrated Pond Manual.
 
 
 
A maximum of 50 percent of the front yard between the facade of the home and front property line is paved or covered with impervious surface.
 
 
 
Filling and grading is in accordance with Chapter 13.25 UPMC and the King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM).
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL2.2.1 – SL2.2.5 for design guidelines that help meet the “Grading and Stormwater Management” criterion)
 
 
 
SL3: Lot Standards
 
 
 
The building placement is configured to support the neighborhood’s existing site patterns, including building location, setbacks and yard areas.
 
 
 
Minimum lot width for homes with front-loaded and side-loaded garages is 40 feet. No minimum is specified for alley-loaded and other garage designs.
 
 
 
The building setbacks ensure separation of homes and private spaces while allowing moderate density. Small-lot homes complement existing setback patterns in terms of distance to the street and spacing between homes while considering smaller lot sizes and the need for private open space.
 
 
 
If necessary, reciprocal side and/or rear yard use easements are delineated on the site plan.
 
 
 
If necessary, where a side yard easement is used, the wall facing the side yard is constructed as a “privacy wall.” In this case privacy walls do not have doors entering into the yard space of the adjacent home, nor have windows that are within 5 feet of ground level.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL3.2.1 – SL3.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Lot Standards” criterion)
 
 
 
SL4: Front Yards /Entrances
 
 
 
Primary building entries are clearly identifiable and visible from the street, with well-defined walkways from pedestrian routes to building entries.
 
 
 
Signage identifying a building’s address is visible from the street and public pedestrian walkway.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL4.2.1 – SL4.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Front Yards/Entrances” criterion)
 
 
 
SL5: Parking and Garage Placement and Design
 
 
 
The driveway and the garage are secondary to the livable portions of the house, landscaping and pedestrian entry as seen from the street.
 
 
 
Garages are located in an area to minimize the presence of the automobile.
 
 
 
On-site garages are set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front building facade with a minimum 20-foot driveway length from the face of the garage to the back of the sidewalk or access lane. Garages accessed by an alleyway are not required to provide a 20-foot driveway.
 
 
 
Shared detached garages are located no further than 160 feet from any of the housing units to which they are assigned. Shared detached garages do not exceed 44 feet in width and maintain at least an 8-foot separation from any dwellings.
 
 
 
Private detached garages maintain a minimum 5-foot separation from any dwellings.
 
 
 
A tandem driveway space is allowed on a lot and extends a minimum of 20 feet from back of sidewalk or 20 feet from back of access lane.
 
 
 
The width of the driveway (excluding curb returns) does not exceed 10 feet for single lane and 16 feet for double lane driveways.
 
 
 
Two resident parking stalls are provided for each detached small lot unit and 1.5 resident parking stalls are provided for each attached small lot unit.
 
 
 
A minimum of one guest stall per small lot unit is provided and is located on the lot, on a neighborhood street or in a parking court.
 
 
 
Parallel parking on neighborhood streets is a minimum 22 feet long.
 
 
 
Guest parking is not located more than 160 feet from the home it is intended to serve.
 
 
 
For homes with front-loaded garages, no more than 40 percent of a home’s facade facing the street is devoted to a garage.
 
 
 
For attached units, no more than two single-car garage doors are visible on any street-facing facade and no more than one driveway is located on each street frontage of a lot.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL5.2.1 – SL5.2.7 for design guidelines that help meet the “Parking and Garage Placement and Design” criterion)
 
 
 
SL6: Individual Outdoor Spaces
 
 
 
Outdoor spaces such as yards, decks, terraces, and patios are delineated from common space.
 
 
 
Units have a minimum of 250 square feet of private yard with no dimension less than 8 feet in width. Developments of 3 or fewer dwelling units have a minimum of 750 square feet of private yard.
 
 
 
Outdoor spaces are not located adjacent to dumpster enclosures, loading/service areas, or other incompatible uses.
 
 
 
Outdoor spaces used to meet these design elements are not located within required landscape buffer areas.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL6.2.1 – SL6.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Individual Outdoor Spaces” criterion)
 
 
 
SL7: Common Open Spaces
 
 
 
Projects are sited to maximize opportunities for creating usable, well-integrated open space.
 
 
 
A minimum of one 1/2 acre park or central open space area (pocket park) is reserved for developments exceeding 10 acres of net developable acreage. The remaining required common open space is provided through additional park area, common greens, or pedestrian entry easements.
 
 
 
If a small lot development has less than 10 acres of buildable land, a park, common green, pocket park and/or pedestrian entry easement is used to meet the common open space requirements.
 
 
 
Pocket parks are visible and open to the street or designed to serve clusters of approximately 6 to 12 homes.
 
 
 
For small lot developments of 4 or more units, each unit provides at least 350 square feet of common space. For developments of 3 or less dwelling units, there is no common space requirement.
 
 
 
Common open space is a minimum of 20 feet wide and serves a minimum of 4 homes.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL7.2.1 – SL7.2.6 for design guidelines that help meet the “Common Outdoor Spaces” criterion)
 
 
 
SL8: Utility Areas and Accessory Structures
 
 
 
Above ground utility boxes are placed in alleyways or away from public gathering spaces to the extent practicable and are screened with landscaping, which may include fencing or berms.
 
 
 
No more than one detached garage or other accessory structure is permitted per lot. This structure is architecturally consistent with the principal structure.
 
 
 
Detached garages do not exceed 18 feet to top of roof in height or more than 600 square feet in area.
 
 
 
Carriage houses do not exceed 21 feet in height or a building footprint of 600 square feet in area.
 
 
 
Greenhouses, sheds, and other accessory structures (other than garages and carriage houses) do not exceed 12 feet to top of roof in height or 150 square feet in area.
 
 
 
Accessory structures are no closer than 3 feet from the interior side or rear property line or 2 feet from an alleyway.
 
 
 
Overhangs and roof drainage do not encroach over property lines.
 
 
 
Accessory structures are not located in front yards.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL8.2.1 – SL8.2.6 for design guidelines that help meet the “Utility and Accessory Structures” criterion)
 
 
 
Design Element 2: Building Design
 
 
 
SL9: Mass, Scale and Form
 
 
 
Primary building forms are the dominating form while secondary formal elements include porches, principal dormers, or other significant features.
 
 
 
The scale, mass and height of a new house or second/upper story addition is compatible with the existing neighborhood pattern specifically in relation to height and massing of adjacent homes.
 
 
 
Primary building elevations oriented toward the street or common green have at least one articulation or change in plane. A minimum of at least one side articulation occurs for side elevations facing streets or public spaces.
 
 
 
Primary articulations are a minimum of 2 feet in depth and extend at least 20 percent of the length of the building facade. Side articulations are a minimum of one foot in depth and extend at least 20 percent of the length of the building facade.
 
 
 
Each home has a covered porch or main entry oriented towards the public realm.
 
 
 
Roof profiles define the form, scale and proportion of the home and building and reduce bulk.
 
 
 
Maximum dwelling size is 1,500 square feet for attached unit and 2,000 square feet for detached unit, including attached garages and excluding detached garages and carriage house ADU floor area.
 
 
 
Maximum FAR for individual lots does not exceed 0.45. Average FAR for all homes within a small lot development does not exceed 0.40. FAR is calculated using a site’s buildable area, including private street area and excluding critical areas and their required associated buffers.
 
 
 
Maximum dwelling height is 30 feet (where minimum roof slope of 6:12 for all parts of the roof above 20 feet is provided). Otherwise, 20 feet.
 
 
 
Maximum height is 18 feet for nonresidential structures. 21 feet for accessory structure containing a carriage house ADU.
 
 
 
Maximum size for accessory structures is 600 square feet on ground floor. Additional area is allowed on second floor to accommodate a carriage house ADU.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL9.2.1 – SL9.2.5 for design guidelines that help meet the “Mass, Scale and Form” criterion)
 
 
 
SL10: Architectural Style
 
 
 
The architectural style of the house or building enhances the character of the neighborhood.
 
 
 
The architectural form of the house or building is designed to articulate the style of the house or building.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL10.2.1 – SL10.2.4 for design guidelines that help meet the “Architectural Style”' criterion)
 
 
 
SL11: Facades and Entries
 
 
 
Facades are designed to include entries, porches and other architectural elements that relate to the human scale and provide a transition from public to private space.
 
 
 
Stoops or porches are required on all homes. At least 75% of the homes within a development have porches.
 
 
 
Stoops and porches are raised above the grade except where accessibility (ADA) is a priority. An accessible route may also be taken from a driveway.
 
 
 
All porches and stoops take access from and face a street, park, common green, pocket park, pedestrian easement, or open space.
 
 
 
Stoops are accompanied by a projecting overhead element such as a dormer, arch or gable that provides roof coverage and weather protection. Stoops are a minimum of 5 feet wide and 4 feet deep. The minimum height above grade is 12 inches.
 
 
 
Porches have a minimum dimension of 8 feet and a minimum area of 64 square feet. On corner lots, porches are encouraged to wrap around the side facade at least 6 feet.
 
 
 
Residential entries are located on the front facade and directly access the sidewalk or street.
 
 
 
Any visible side of a home located on the corner of a neighborhood street, access lane, a park, green, or pocket park meets the architectural standards of this section.
 
 
 
Windows are provided in facades facing streets, comprising at least 20% of the facade area.
 
 
 
All windows within a building and across a facade are related in design, operating type, proportions and trim.
 
 
 
Windows are used as architectural elements that add relief to the facade and wall surface.
 
 
 
Front doors reflect the architectural style of the home.
 
 
 
Windows shall employ design details, if appropriate to the architecture, such as mullions, to break the scale of the facade into smaller components.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL11.2.1 – SL11.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Facades and Entries” criterion)
 
 
 
SL12: Roofs
 
 
 
Primary roof pitches are a minimum of 6:12.
 
 
 
Roof pitches for gable forms on the public sides of the building are a minimum of 8:12.
 
 
 
Roof overhangs are a minimum of 12 inches, excluding gutter.
 
 
 
Roof material is fire retardant.
 
 
 
A variety of roof colors is used within the development.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL12.2.1 – SL12.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Roofs” criterion)
 
 
 
SL13: Materials and Colors
 
 
 
A consistent pattern and application of exterior materials is used on new homes and additions in order to enhance the appearance and character in the existing neighborhood.
 
 
 
The combination of materials on a building facade is appropriate to its style and design.
 
 
 
The appropriate transition in materials is used.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL13.2.1 – SL13.2.4 for design guidelines that help meet the “Materials and Colors” criterion)
 
 
 
SL14: Other Design Elements
 
 
 
Chimneys above the roof are at least 20 inches x 24 inches as measured in the plan.
 
 
 
Wood-framed chimney enclosures are permitted; however, metal termination caps are not left exposed. These tops are shroud in a metal chimney surround.
 
 
 
Columns
a. Character columns are round, fluted, or strongly related to the home’s architectural style.
b. Exposed 4 x 4- and 6 x 6-inch posts are prohibited.
 
 
 
Corners
a. Beveled and mitered corners are preferred where siding is used.
b. Metal corner clips or corner boards may also be used at corners where siding is used. Corner boards are a minimum of 2-1/2 inches in width.
 
 
 
Gutters are painted or an integral color to closely match the body color or trim color. Gutters may also have a traditional metal appearance provided through the use of copper, aluminum, galvanized material or other metal.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL14.2.1 – SL14.2.5 for design guidelines that help meet the “Other Design Elements” criterion)
 
 
 
SL15: Interior Sprinklers
 
 
 
Sprinklers are encouraged to be provided in all living spaces where not otherwise required by regulation.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guideline SL15.1.1)
 
 
 
Design Element 3: Lighting Standards
 
 
 
SL16: Lighting
 
 
 
Exterior lighting is designed as an integral part of the building and landscape design. All exterior lighting is prevented from projecting light upward either by placement beneath building eaves or by an integral shield of the fixture’s interiors as recommended by the manufacturer.
 
 
 
Site plans and architectural plans include the location of fixtures, their design and the nature and level of the illumination they will provide.
 
 
 
The lighting for neighborhood streets, access lanes, alleyways, common greens, and parks is low intensity and is from the same family of fixtures.
 
 
 
Lighting facilities and fixtures are located outside public right-of-way unless owned, operated, and maintained by a power utility franchised by the City.
 
 
 
Street lighting fixtures are a maximum height of 16 feet.
 
 
 
Sidewalks and pathways not otherwise illuminated by street lighting shall be lit with ornamental lighting fixtures. All pedestrian lighting fixtures shall be a maximum height of 12 feet.
 
 
 
If alley lights are mounted on the garage, they are no higher than 8 feet above ground and directed away from adjacent backyards and structures.
 
 
 
Lighting is limited to illumination of surfaces intended for pedestrians, vehicles, or key architectural features.
 
 
 
Street lights are placed on all internal roadways and perimeter roadways abutting the development per the design standards in UPMC § 13.20.630.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines SL16.2.1 – 16.2.10 for design guidelines that help meet the “Lighting” criterion)
 
 
 
(Ord. 559 § 6 (Exh. A § 5(B)))
Project Name: _______________________
Date of Review: ______________________
City of University Place Design Criteria and Standards
Proposed Project
Checklist for Multifamily Lot Development Residential Projects
Y
N
Comments
Design Element 1: Site Planning and Design
 
 
 
MF1: Building Siting and Orientation
 
 
 
Multifamily buildings are clustered or grouped to form neighborhoods.
 
 
 
Multifamily buildings are organized around a common open space, public open space (e.g., a greenway), natural features located on the site (e.g., a stream corridor), or community amenities such as swimming pools or other recreational facilities.
 
 
 
Individual buildings within a multifamily development are oriented to primary perimeter streets, including thoroughfares, or boundaries; or through-access drives.
 
 
 
Pedestrian building entrances face the street and are clearly visible from the street.
 
 
 
Buildings do not present blank walls lacking articulation, modulation, or window and door openings, to streets, access drives or parking areas.
 
 
 
Buildings provide windows that face the street to provide “eyes on the street” concept for safe streets.
 
 
 
Placement of buildings considers the existing context of the surrounding area. Multifamily developments respect privacy and solar access through appropriate siting of structures.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF1.2.1 – MF1.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Building Siting and Orientation” criterion)
 
 
 
MF2: Grading and Stormwater Management
 
 
 
Structures, roadways and other site improvements (drainage ways and storage areas) are designed to blend with the natural topography, with a minimum of site disturbance and grade changes.
 
 
 
Low impact development (LID) techniques are used to the extent practicable, as determined by a development site’s soil characteristics, to maximize stormwater infiltration within the site and minimize the amount of stormwater that is transferred off site.
 
 
 
Stormwater ponds are designed as a landscape amenity and planted with grass or native plants.
 
 
 
Stormwater ponds are not fenced, and do not exceed a 4 horizontal to 1 vertical slope.
 
 
 
Filling and grading is in accordance with Chapter 13.25 UPMC and the King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM) to control stormwater runoff impacts to adjacent properties.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF2.2.1 – MF2.2.5 for design guidelines that help meet the “Grading and Stormwater Management” criterion)
 
 
 
MF3: Parking
 
 
 
Carports, parking areas and parking structures are internalized in building groupings or oriented away from street frontage.
 
 
 
Parking areas and freestanding parking structures (detached garages or carports) do not occupy more than 30 percent of each public street frontage. Freestanding parking structures that are visible from public streets are sited to be perpendicular to the street to reduce visual impacts on the streetscape.
 
 
 
Total number of required parking spaces is broken up into smaller “blocks” of parking, with no more than 10 parking spaces per parking block.
 
 
 
Parking garages and driveways do not dominate the streetscape and substantially diminish or eliminate on-street parking.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF3.2.1 – MF3.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Parking” criterion)
 
 
 
MF4: Common Open Spaces
 
 
 
New development sets aside a percentage of the net site acreage as common open space for the use and enjoyment of the development’s residents. The minimum amount of open space (as a percentage of net land area) is 17%.
 
 
 
Open space areas are clearly identified on the development plan. Common outdoor spaces shall provide at least 6 amenities from the design standards list to accommodate a variety of ages and activities.
 
 
 
To the maximum extent practicable, common open space land is compact and contiguous unless the land is used as a continuation of an existing greenway, trail, or other linear park, or unless specific topographic features require a different configuration.
 
 
 
Common open space is organized to create integrated systems of open space that connect with open space, parks, schools, etc.
 
 
 
Common open space is accessible to all residents of the development.
 
 
 
A variety of common open spaces is provided throughout the neighborhood in the form of parks, common greens, pocket parks, and pedestrian easements.
 
 
 
Where common open space is bordered by private rear or side yards, opaque fences and walls are not erected in such yards bordering the open space.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF4.2.1 – MF4.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Common Open Spaces” criterion)
 
 
 
MF5: Accessory Structures
 
 
 
The design of the mailboxes and mailbox enclosures is consistent with the architectural style of the development and matches the colors and materials of other on-site buildings.
 
 
 
Mailboxes are clustered and lockable consistent with U.S. Postal Service (USPS) standards.
 
 
 
Trash enclosures are of sufficient size to house the number and size of trash bins and containers needed to accommodate the waste generated by the building user, including trash, cardboard, cans and bottles, food waste, green waste and other recyclables.
 
 
 
Trash enclosures are integrated into the site plan to minimize enclosure visibility and accommodate truck access.
 
 
 
Trash enclosures are constructed of durable materials and the color, texture, and architectural detailing is consistent with the overall site and building design.
 
 
 
Backflow prevention devices are included in the plans for design review and are screened from public view by the use of landscaping, berms, low walls and other such screening devices.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF5.2.1 – MF5.2.7 for design guidelines that help meet the “Accessory Structures” criterion)
 
 
 
MF6: Signage
 
 
 
Signage contributes to the development’s identity as a unique environment. Professionally designed, creative signage is strongly encouraged, especially for internal directions and building identification.
 
 
 
Clear legible entry signage is provided to identify the development. Internal circulation signage and visitor parking areas are also clearly indicated.
 
 
 
Building numbers and individual unit numbers are readily visible from the nearest street or access way, in a consistent location, well lit at night, and compatible with the overall design of the development.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF6.2.1 – MF6.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Signage” criterion)
 
 
 
Design Element 2: Building Design
 
 
 
MF7: Mass, Scale and Form
 
 
 
Multifamily building designs incorporate visually heavier and more massive elements at the building base, and lighter elements above the base.
 
 
 
The massing of larger residential buildings is broken down to convey a sense of “home,” and give individuality to each unit that lies within it.
 
 
 
Building massing is subdivided into portions or segments compatible with the adjacent residential scale.
 
 
 
Facades of long buildings are architecturally subdivided into shorter segments every 25 to 50 feet.
 
 
 
Each vertical module of units incorporate architectural features that help to individually distinguish them, such as wall breaks, projections, distinct color schemes and individual roof treatments.
 
 
 
Roof profiles define the form, scale and proportion of the building and reduce bulk.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF7.2.1 – MF7.2.3 for design guidelines that help meet the “Mass, Scale and Form” criterion)
 
 
 
MF8: Architectural Style
 
 
 
Architectural style of the building enhances the character of the neighborhood.
 
 
 
The architectural form of the building is carefully designed to articulate the style of the building.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF8.2.1 – MF8.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Architectural Styles” criterion)
 
 
 
MF9: Facades and Entries
 
 
 
All building entries adjacent to a collector or residential (local) public street or to a public street or private drive with on-street parking are pedestrian-scaled. Pedestrian-scaled entries are those that provide an expression of human activity or use in relation to building size. Doors, windows, entranceways, and other features such as corners, setbacks, and offsets are used to create pedestrian scale.
 
 
 
Buildings with long facades use design techniques to break up long continuous building walls, reduce the architectural scale of the building and add visual interest.
 
 
 
Fronts of buildings are articulated through the use of bays, insets, balconies, porches, or stoops related to entrances and windows.
 
 
 
When there are common entries, they are clearly identifiable and visible from the street, with well-defined walkways from pedestrian routes to building entries.
 
 
 
Front yards include an entrance sequence between the sidewalk and the building including elements such as trellises, site furnishings, low hedges, landscaped borders, and special paving.
 
 
 
Facades facing streets are not dominated by garage doors and driveways, or present blank walls lacking articulation, modulation, or window and door openings.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF9.2.1 – MF9.2.2 for design guidelines that help meet the “Facades and Entries” criterion)
 
 
 
MF10: Windows and Doors, Porches and Balconies
 
 
 
All multifamily building elevations contain windows, except when necessary to assure privacy for adjacent property owners.
 
 
 
All windows within a building and across a facade relate in design, operating type, proportions and trim.
 
 
 
Windows are used as architectural elements that add relief to the facade and wall surface.
 
 
 
Windows employ design details, if appropriate to the architecture, such as mullions, to break the scale of the facade into smaller components.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF10.2.1 – MF10.2.8 for design guidelines that help meet the “Windows and Doors, Porches and Balconies” criterion)
 
 
 
MF11: Materials and Color
 
 
 
Consistent pattern and application of exterior materials is used on new buildings and additions in order to enhance the appearance and character in the existing neighborhood.
 
 
 
The combination of materials on a building facade is appropriate to its style and design.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF11.2.1 – MF11.2.6 for design guidelines that help meet the “Material and Color” criterion)
 
 
 
MF12: Roof Design
 
 
 
Roof materials relate to the design and architectural style of the building.
 
 
 
Pitched roofs on multifamily buildings have a minimum slope ratio of 6:12.
 
 
 
On buildings where sloping roofs are the predominant roof type, each building has a variety of roof forms. For instance, a gable or hip configuration is used with complimentary sheds, dormers, and other minor elements. Other roof forms will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
 
 
Roof forms are designed to correspond and denote building elements and functions such as entrances and arcades.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guideline MF12.2.1 for a design guideline that helps meet the “Roof Design” criterion)
 
 
 
Design Element 3: Lighting
 
 
 
MF13: Lighting Design
 
 
 
Exterior lighting is designed as an integral part of the building and landscape design.
 
 
 
Site plans and architectural plans include the location of fixtures, their design and the nature and level of the illumination they will provide.
 
 
 
Illumination levels are provided to address security concerns, especially for parking lots, pedestrian paths, outdoor gathering spaces, at building entries and any other pedestrian accessible areas.
 
 
 
The height of luminaries is in scale with the building and site design and in no case shall the height exceed 16 feet in height from grade.
 
 
 
The light source for externally illuminated signs is positioned so that light does not shine directly on adjoining properties, cause glare, or shine in the eyes of motorists or pedestrians.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines MF13.2.1 – MF13.2.11 for design guidelines that help meet the “Lighting Design” criterion)
 
 
 
(Ord. 559 § 6 (Exh. A § 5(C)))
Project Name: _______________________
Date of Review: ______________________
City of University Place Design Criteria and Standards
Proposed Project
Checklist for Landscaping and Planting Requirements
Y
N
Comments
L1: General Landscape Design
 
 
 
Landscaping is an integral part of the overall site design, rather than functioning as a camouflage for unused or unusable spaces or poor architectural design.
 
 
 
Larger, more mature plant materials are used as much as possible to ensure that some immediate effect on the project’s appearance will be attained within two years of planting.
 
 
 
All landscaped public or common areas and front yard landscaping within a development have automatic irrigation systems or xeriscape concepts to ensure plant survival.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines L1.2.1 – L1.2.10 for design guidelines that help meet the “General Landscape Design” criterion)
 
 
 
L2: Yard Landscape Design
 
 
 
Front yard landscaping reinforces other design elements of the home through the use of vines on trellises, hedges, or low fences or walls.
 
 
 
Fences and hedges are not placed near neighborhood streets, access lanes, or alleyways in such a way to create a safety or entering sight distance concern and they complement building and site design.
 
 
 
Front Yard Decorative Fences: Front yard fences are decorative and help to define semi-private areas in the front of the building or between the building and a common open space area.
 
 
 
a. The maximum height is 3 feet except that decorative posts and gates may have a maximum height of 4 feet.
 
 
 
b. Front yard decorative fences are located at least 1 foot from sidewalks and walkways to allow for planting between edge of sidewalk and fence.
 
 
 
c. Front yard decorative fences provide a balance of solid surfaces and voids, such as picket or open rail fence styles.
 
 
 
d. Front yard decorative fences are constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, masonry, or steel picket or comparable. Solid privacy fences, vinyl fences and chain link are prohibited.
 
 
 
Hedges:
 
 
 
a. The maximum height of a hedge in a front yard, corner side yard, or area between the building and a common open space area is 3 feet.
 
 
 
b. The maximum height of hedges in interior and rear yards of multifamily developments is 6 feet, except when located abutting a common open space area the maximum may be 3 feet.
 
 
 
c. The maximum height of hedges in rear yards of small lot developments is 6 feet, except when located abutting a common open space area the maximum may be 3 feet. Hedges are not allowed in interior side yards in small lot developments.
 
 
 
Privacy Fencing: Privacy fencing is permitted in rear yards and is in character with the building’s architecture.
 
 
 
a. The maximum height of privacy fencing is 6 feet, provided that portions above 4 feet are visually permeable through the use of open rails, ironwork, trellis or other treatment to encourage interaction between neighbors.
 
 
 
b. Privacy fencing adjacent to a public space is set back a minimum of 1 foot from the property line.
 
 
 
c. Planting is provided along fences that face a street or public spaces.
 
 
 
d. If privacy fencing is located along an alleyway, a gate is provided for access to the alleyway.
 
 
 
e. Privacy fencing is constructed of wood, simulated wood, iron, masonry, or steel picket or comparable. Vinyl or chain link fencing is not permitted.
 
 
 
Walls, hedges, and fences used to define outdoor private spaces that are not located within a required yard are a maximum of 6 feet. Portions above 4 feet in height are visually permeable through the use of open rails, ironwork, trellis or other treatment to encourage interaction among neighbors.
 
 
 
At least one tree having a minimum caliper size of 2 inches or height of 8 feet is planted in the front yard of each small lot development home that has a front yard setback of 15 feet or greater unless this would conflict with an approved street tree planting plan.
 
 
 
Shrubs:
 
 
 
a. A continuous row of shrubs is planted adjacent to that portion of a foundation facing a public space. Spacing reflects the varying growth habits of the selected species and ensures effective screening of the foundation. The use of a mix of species and varieties within a foundation planting area is encouraged.
 
 
 
b. Shrubs have an average size of 2-gallon for native plants and 3-gallon for non-native.
 
 
 
Entry walks have a minimum width of 3 feet.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines L2.2.1 – L2.2.4 for design guidelines that help meet the “Yard Landscape Design” criterion)
 
 
 
L3: Parking Area Landscaping
 
 
 
All parking areas provide interior landscaping for shade purposes and aesthetic enhancement.
 
 
 
Curbed planter areas are provided at the end of each parking aisle to protect parked vehicles from the turning movements of other vehicles.
 
 
 
Parking lots are landscaped with broad branching shade trees at a minimum ratio of 3 trees per 10 parking spaces for single-loaded stalls, 6 trees per 20 parking spaces for double-loaded stalls and one tree for every 3 parking spaces for smaller parking bays.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines L3.2.1 – L3.2.6 for design guidelines that help meet the “Parking Area Landscaping” criterion)
 
 
 
L4: Landscaping and Planting Requirements
 
 
 
Planting Calculation and Installation:
If the calculation of the number of plantings results in a fraction of 0.5 or greater, the fraction is rounded up to the next whole number. If the calculation of the number of plantings results in a fraction of less than 0.5, the fraction is rounded down to the previous whole number. Existing trees may be used to meet the tree requirements in the planting calculations.
 
 
 
Parks:
 
 
 
a. One 2-inch caliper or 8-foot tall canopy or ornamental tree is planted for every 2,000 square feet of park area.
 
 
 
b. Shade trees are provided adjacent to play structures and at other elements in the park, such as sport courts and benches.
 
 
 
c. A pathway, with a minimum width of 3 feet, connects parks to neighborhood streets, access lanes or other pedestrian connections.
 
 
 
Common Greens and Pocket Park:
 
 
 
a. One 2-inch caliper or 8-foot tall canopy or ornamental tree is planted for every 1,000 square feet of common green or pocket park area.
 
 
 
b. The common greens and pocket parks are planted with plants that reflect the character and the intended use of the greens.
 
 
 
c. A pathway, with a minimum width of 3 feet, connects common greens or pocket parks to neighborhood streets, access lanes or other pedestrian routes.
 
 
 
Pedestrian Easements:
Trees are required along all pedestrian easements to provide shade.
 
 
 
a. Trees have a minimum caliper of 2 inches at time of planting unless the City determines that a particular species or cultivar, which is available only in a smaller size, is the preferred selection for a specific location.
 
 
 
b. Trees are spaced 20 to 30 feet on center, depending on the form and spacing requirements for the selected trees.
 
 
 
c. Trees are placed so as not to block sight distance or create a safety concern.
 
 
 
d. Generally, tree species are selected from the City’s Approved Street Tree Palette (UPMC § 13.20.1060), which is contained in the City’s Streetscape Design Standards and Guidelines adopted pursuant to this chapter. The City may approve trees not on the Approved Street Tree Palette (UPMC § 13.20.1060) provided a registered landscape architect or certified arborist demonstrates to the satisfaction of the City that the proposed tree species will not cause damage to infrastructure or create nuisance conditions.
 
 
 
Shrubs are planted within a minimum 15 percent of easement space.
 
 
 
a. Shrubs are spaced to reflect the varying growth habits of the selected species.
 
 
 
b. Shrubs have an average size of 2-gallon for native plants and 3-gallon for non-native.
 
 
 
Groundcover or perennials must fully cover the remaining landscape area. Plantings are designed to achieve a minimum planting area coverage of 90 percent of required coverage within 3 years of installation.
 
 
 
(Refer to Design Guidelines within L4.1 – L4.4 for design guidelines that help meet the “Landscaping and Planting Requirements” criterion)
 
 
 
(Ord. 559 § 6 (Exh. A § 5(D)))