Figure 22C.080.220(1) illustrates the configuration of several "through-block connections" intended to enhance pedestrian circulation in the area, while also providing an option for vehicular access to on-site parking, functioning as a design amenity to new development, and breaking up the massing of buildings on long blocks. Specific regulations:
(1) Required Connections and Public Access Easement. If an applicant owns a lot containing a proposed through-block connection, within it or along the edge of the property, the applicant shall provide such through-block connections in conjunction with their project development as a public right-of-way, or public access easement, as approved by the city engineer. Exception: For uses that require large building footprints, restricted security access, or other unique requirements for restricting access, the director may approve alternatives to designated through-block connections provided the proposed design maximizes pedestrian and vehicular connectivity on and/or around the site and the designs maximize opportunities for connectivity and contribution to a network.
Figure 22C.080.220(1) Downtown Marysville planned through-block connections. |
(2) Alignment. Specific alignments for the through-block connections will be developed during the development review process for applicable sites.
(3) Accessibility. Through-block connections shall be accessible to the public at all times and may take a variety of forms, depending on the block size and use mix, as specified in subsection
(6) of this section.
(4) Design Departures. Adjustments to the through-block connection regulations in subsection
(6) of this section may be approved by the city as a departure, pursuant to MMC §
22C.080.030, provided the design:
(a) Creates a safe and welcoming pedestrian route.
(b) Provides an effective transition between the shared lane or path and adjacent uses (e.g., enhances privacy to any adjacent ground-level residential units).
(c) Functions as a design amenity to the development.
(5) Cantilever Design. Buildings may project or cantilever into minimum required easement areas on building levels above the connection provided a 13-foot, six-inch vertical clearance is maintained or as otherwise required for emergency access.
(6) Through-Block Connection Types. Unless otherwise noted in Figure 22C.080.305, required through-block connections may take any of the following forms. A combination of designs set forth above may be used for each connection.
(a) Street. Functions like a public street and features traditional curb and gutters.
(i) Applicability. The "street" design is required for the Columbia Avenue through-block connection and may be applied to any through-block connection within the subarea, as determined by the city engineer.
(ii) Roadway improvements, channelization, site access and lighting plans shall be required to be reviewed and approved by the city engineer.
(b) Woonerf Design. A "woonerf" is a shared lane where both vehicles and pedestrians share the space.
(i) Applicability. The "woonerf" or shared lane may apply to any through-block connection within the subarea.
(ii) Forty-foot minimum public access easement.
(iii) Twenty-foot-wide two-way shared travel lane featuring concrete, unit paving, or other similar decorative and durable surface material. Asphalt is prohibited.
(iv) Ten-foot minimum landscaping strips with L3 landscaping per MMC §
22C.120.110 on each side of the shared lane. Curbs and/or raised planter walls may be included in the required landscaping area.
(v) Where such through-block connection is integrated along the edge of a development, a minimum easement of 20 feet is required for the shared travel lane.
(vi) Woonerf design connections are subject to block frontage regulations in MMC §
22C.080.355.
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(b)(i) illustrates the cross-section for minimum regulations for the woonerf design. |
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(b)(i) Cross-section of minimum regulations for a Woonerf design through-block connection. |
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(b)(ii) illustrates regulations for scenarios where a through-block connection is located on the edge of a site, where its development likely will be phased in as the adjacent properties redevelop. |
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(b)(ii) Cross-section of minimum regulations for a woonerf design through-block connection when developed along the edge of development site. |
The top image illustrates a scenario where a new development includes a required access corridor on the edge of the development site abutting an existing development. In this scenario, a minimum 20-foot easement shall be required and include a shared lane. The shared lane shall be designed to allow a future connection to the adjacent site. The bottom image illustrates a second phase where the adjacent property is redeveloped. An additional 20-foot easement will be required plus a connection shall be added (where necessary to provide access for on-site parking), but the remaining area shall be landscaped with L3 Landscaping (see MMC § 22C.120.110). |
(c) Landscaped Passageway Design.
(i) Applicability. Optional design when vehicular access to the site is provided elsewhere on the site.
(ii) Thirty-foot-minimum public access easement.
(iii) Eight- to 16-foot walking path. Eight to 10-foot paths are appropriate in a residential context, whereas the wider path is more desirable where active ground level uses with outdoor seating/dining areas.
(iv) Seven- to 11-foot minimum landscaping strips (with L3 landscaping per MMC §
22C.120.110) on each side of the walking path. Raised planter walls may be included in the required landscaping area.
(v) Where such through-block connection is integrated along the edge of a development, a minimum easement of 15 feet is required for the subject walking path and landscaping. Adjustments to the walking path and landscaping widths and configurations are allowed provided the design effectively balances the following objectives:
(A) Creates a safe and welcoming pedestrian route.
(B) Provides an effective transition between the walking path and adjacent uses (e.g., enhances privacy to any adjacent ground-level residential units).
(C) Functions as a design amenity to the development.
(vi) Landscaped passageway design connections are subject to block frontage regulations in MMC §
22C.080.355.
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(c) Cross-section of minimum regulations and examples of a pedestrian access corridor. |
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(d) Urban Passage Design.
(i) Applicability. Optional design when vehicular access to the site is provided elsewhere on the site and active ground-level uses are provided along frontages.
(ii) Sixteen-foot minimum public access easement.
(iii) Urban passage design connections are subject to block frontage regulations in MMC §
22C.080.360.
Figure 22C.080.220(6)(d) Urban passage examples. |
(Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)