The following table illustrates the types of residential open spaces that may be used to meet the requirements in subsections (2) and (3) of this section:

Table 22C.080.410 Residential open space types.
Residential open space type	Percentage of required open space	Cross-reference to applicable design standards
Common internal open space	Up to 100%	22C.080.410(5)(a)
Common rooftop decks	Up to 50%	22C.080.410(5)(b)
Private ground-level open space (applicable only to adjacent dwelling units)	Up to 100%	22C.080.410(5)(c)
Private balconies	Up to 25%	22C.080.410(5)(d)
Shared indoor recreation areas	Up to 25%	22C.080.410(5)(e)
Children's play areas	Required for developments with greater than 50 units	22C.080.410(5)(f)
Note: Townhouses shall only be subject to the private ground-level open space and private balcony standards outlined in this table unless the applicant elects to substitute up to 50 percent of each unit's private open space on a square-foot per square-foot basis with common open space.

(b)

Large Multiphase Developments Under Single Ownership. Each phase of development shall meet the minimum residential open space requirements herein. Developments have the option to integrate a surplus of usable on-site open space in early phases and apply the surplus space towards meeting the requirements for subsequent phases, provided all applicable standards are met.

(5)

Residential Open Space Design Standards.

(a)

Common Internal Open Space. "Common internal open space" refers to spaces that are internal to a development and accessible to all tenants of a development, but may not be accessible to the general public. Exception: For mixed use buildings with commercial and residential uses, the common internal open spaces only need to be accessible to all dwelling units within the building. Common internal open spaces can include landscaped courtyards or decks, terraces, entrance plazas, gardens with pathways, children's play areas, pools, and water features. Accessible areas with native vegetation and areas used for storm water retention, infiltration, or other multipurpose recreational and/or green spaces that meet the design criteria herein may qualify as common internal open space.

Common Internal Open Space Design Standards.

(i)

The space shall be accessible to all residents of the development.

(ii)

Common internal open space shall be located in accessible areas that are visible from one or more units within the development.

(iii)

Required setback areas shall not count as common internal open space unless the design of the space meets the standards herein.

(iv)

Common internal open space shall feature no dimension less than 15 feet in order to provide functional leisure or recreational activity (unless otherwise noted herein). Wider minimum dimensions are required perpendicular to building elevations containing windows of dwelling units whose only solar access is from the applicable building wall. Specifically:

(A)

Twenty feet minimum dimension for such elevations up to three stories tall.

(B)

Twenty-five feet minimum dimension for such elevations four stories tall.

(C)

Thirty feet minimum dimension for such elevations five or more stories tall.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(a)(iv) Common internal open space – minimum widths when adjacent to building elevations containing windows of dwelling units whose only solar access is from the applicable building wall.
	20 feet minimum for such elevations up to three stories tall.
	25 feet minimum for such elevations four stories tall.
	30 feet minimum for such elevations five or more stories tall.

(v)

Common internal open space shall feature paths or walkable lawns, landscaping, seating, lighting, and play structures, sports courts, or other pedestrian amenities to make the area more functional and enjoyable for a range of users.

(vi)

Common internal open space shall be separated from ground level windows, streets, service areas and parking lots with landscaping, fencing, and/or other acceptable treatments that enhance safety and privacy for both the common internal open space and dwelling units.

(vii)

When possible, the space should be oriented to receive sunlight, face east, west or preferably south.

(viii)

Stairways and service elements located within or on the edge of common internal open space shall not be included in the open space calculations.

(ix)

Shared porches may qualify as common internal open space provided they are at least eight feet in depth and 96 square feet in total area.

(x)

Stormwater management elements and LID BMPs, like rain gardens, may be integrated into the design of the space and may occupy up to 25 percent of the minimum required space. Where multiple common internal open spaces are included within a development, this standard applies to all such space combined, to allow flexibility in the design of individual spaces.

(xi)

Any children's play areas integrated as a part of a common internal open space shall meet the standards of subsection (5)(f) of this section.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(a)(xii)

Common internal outdoor open space examples.

Image A includes a combination of open lawn area for informal recreation plus pathways and decorative landscape areas to enhance the setting for residents. Image B is a courtyard which includes pathways, seating areas, landscaped beds, and semiprivate spaces for adjacent ground-level units. Image C includes a covered gathering space with outdoor grills adjacent to a landscaped commons with a central pathway. Image D includes a landscaped plaza with multiple seating areas and an outdoor fireplace. Courtyards with shared pools as in Image E are acceptable. Image F includes a common green area and separate fenced off-leash dog area.

(b)

Common Rooftop Decks. Such spaces are a type of common internal open space located on the top of buildings or intermediate levels (e.g., upper-floor building facade stepback areas) and are available to all residents. Examples of amenities include cooking and dining areas, seating areas, gardening areas, water features, and pet play areas. Design standards:

(i)

The space shall be accessible to all residents of the development. Rooftop decks in mixed use buildings shall not be accessible to commercial tenants, employees, or customers (separate rooftop decks for commercial use are allowed but do not count as a residential open space).

(ii)

Space shall feature hard surfacing and provide amenities such as weather protection elements, gas firepits, seating areas, and other features that encourage year-round use.

(iii)

Space shall integrate landscaping elements that enhance the character of the space and encourage its use.

(iv)

Space shall incorporate features that provide for the safety of residents, such as enclosures, railings, and appropriate lighting levels.

(v)

Space shall feature no dimension less than 15 feet in order to provide functional leisure or recreational activity (unless otherwise noted herein).

(vi)

When possible, the space should be oriented to receive sunlight, face east, west or preferably south.

(vii)

Stairways and service elements located within or on the edge of common rooftop decks shall not be included in the open space calculations.

(viii)

Any children's play areas integrated as a part of a common rooftop deck shall meet the standards of subsection (5)(f) of this section.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(b)

Common rooftop deck examples.

(c)

Private Ground-Level Open Space. This space is adjacent and directly accessible to the subject unit. Examples include yards, stoops, and porches. Design standards:

(i)

Such open spaces shall be enclosed by a fence and/or hedge at least 32 inches in height to qualify, but no higher than 42 inches when adjacent to a street, through-block connection, or publicly accessible area such as a public park or plaza.

(ii)

Private unenclosed covered porches that face a street or a publicly accessible common area may qualify as open space provided they are at least 54 square feet in area, with no dimension less than six feet.

(iii)

Ground-level private open space in excess of minimum requirements in subsection (5)(c)(ii) of this section shall not be used in the calculations for determining the minimum usable open space requirements for other units in the development per subsection (3) of this section.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(c)

Private ground-level outdoor space examples.

(d)

Private Balconies. This space is adjacent and directly accessible to the subject unit. Design standards for private balconies are the following:

(i)

Private balconies in mixed use, multifamily developments should be at least partially recessed into the building facade, when provided, and integrated into the building design to provide protection from the weather.

(ii)

Balconies shall be at least 36 square feet in area with no dimension less than six feet to qualify as open space.

(iii)

Individual balconies in excess of minimum requirements in subsection (5)(d)(ii) of this section shall not be used in the calculations for determining the minimum usable open space requirements for other units in the development per subsection (3) of this section.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(d)

Private balcony examples.

(e)

Common Indoor Recreation Areas. Examples include multipurpose entertainment space, fitness center, movie theatre, kitchen, library, workshop, conference room, or similar amenities that promote shared use and a sense of community. Design standards for common indoor recreation areas are the following:

(i)

The space shall be accessible to all residents of the development.

(ii)

The space shall be located in a visible area, such as near an entrance, lobby, elevator bank, or high-traffic corridors.

(iii)

Space shall be designed specifically to serve interior recreational functions and not merely be leftover unrentable space used to meet the open space requirement. Such space shall include amenities and design elements that will encourage use by residents.

(iv)

Common indoor recreation areas may qualify as private internal common area provided they are at least 250 square feet in area.

Figure 22C.080.410(5)(e)

Common indoor recreation area examples.

(f)

Children's Play Areas. Any children's play areas integrated as a part of a publicly accessible or common internal open space shall meet all the following (in addition to the design criteria listed above):

(i)

Required children's play areas shall be at least 400 square feet.

(ii)

Measures necessary to protect children's safety from vehicular traffic shall be included, such as low fencing or landscaping to provide a physical barrier around the perimeter.

(iii)

Shade and rest areas for supervision shall be provided through the use of deciduous landscaping, architectural elements, or other means.

(iv)

Natural, creative play elements should be provided. For instance, ground slides from one level to another, tricycle tracks, swings hung from arbors or trees, paths that meander and are of varying materials and widths, water that can be manipulated, outdoor rooms made from landscape or rocks, and berms and hills.

(v)

Play areas shall be designed for a variety of ages, activities, and motor skills.

(vi)

Play areas shall be located in areas that are highly visible to residents.

(Formerly 22C.080.420; Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)

§ 22C.080.420 Pedestrian-oriented spaces.

(1)

Purpose.

(a)

To require the thoughtful integration of pedestrian-oriented spaces into commercial and mixed use developments.

(b)

To enhance the design character and livability of downtown by creating vibrant spaces that accommodate active and passive activities, such as dining, resting, people watching, and recreational activities.

(2)

Applicability. The standards herein apply to developments in the downtown core zone for sites containing buildings with at least 10,000 square feet of nonresidential floor area.

(3)

Required Size of Space. Provide pedestrian-oriented space equal to at least two percent of the development site and meeting the design requirements of subsections (4) and/or (5) of this section. The required area may be consolidated in a single space or multiple spaces.

Figure 22C.080.420(3)

Required size of pedestrian-oriented space.

(4)

Pedestrian-Oriented Space Design Standards.

(a)

Required Features.

(i)

The space shall abut a public sidewalk or other major internal pedestrian route and be designed to function as a focal point and gathering spot.

(ii)

The space shall be ADA compliant and generally level with the adjacent sidewalk or internal pedestrian route. Steps, ramps and grade changes may be acceptable provided the outdoor space is designed to be visually and physically accessible from the adjacent sidewalk or internal pedestrian route and the space meets all other standards herein.

(iii)

The space shall feature no dimension less than 15 feet in order to provide functional leisure or recreational activity. Exception: Portions of sidewalk area widened beyond minimum standards may qualify as pedestrian-oriented space provided storefronts abut the sidewalk.

(iv)

The space shall be publicly accessible from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

(v)

Large spaces (greater than 5,000 square feet) shall be designed to be multifunctional to accommodate a variety of uses and activities.

(vi)

The space shall be framed on at least two sides by buildings that are oriented towards the space (via entries and generous facade transparency). Exception: Widened sidewalks that qualify as pedestrian-oriented space as set forth in subsection (4)(a)(iii) of this section only need to be framed on one side (by a storefront). Departures will be considered for unique configurations or designs that meet the purpose of the standards.

(vii)

Paved walking surfaces of either concrete or approved unit paving are required. Form-in-place pervious concrete paving is allowed. Gravel surface areas may be allowed for special seating areas.

(viii)

Except for natural areas or storm water infrastructure that contribute to the pedestrian environment, pedestrian amenities shall be integrated into the space. Examples include site furniture, artwork, drinking fountains, shade structures, kiosks, or other similar features that complement the space and encourage use of the space by a variety of users.

(ix)

Lighting is required and integral to the design of the space for (A) safety and security, (B) intended activities or events, and (C) creating a distinct and inviting atmosphere. Lighting shall conform to MMC § 22C.080.450.

(x)

Except for natural areas or storm water infrastructure that contributes to the pedestrian environment (see subsection (4)(a)(xv) of this section), at least one individual seat per 30 square feet of plaza area or open space is required. At least 50 percent of the required seating shall be built-in seating elements, while provisions for moveable seating may be used for the remaining percentage. Two feet of seating area on a bench or ledge at least 16 inches deep at an appropriate seating height qualifies as an individual seat. Reductions of up to 50 percent will be allowed for the integration of specialized open spaces that meet the purpose of the standards herein.

(xi)

Landscaping components that add visual interest and do not act as a visual barrier. This could include trees, planting beds, raised planters, and/or potted plants, or both.

(xii)

Permanent weather protection along at least 50 percent of building edges (associated with nonresidential uses) at least six feet deep with horizontal clearance between eight and 15 feet.

(xiii)

The space shall be proportional to the intended function and adjacent uses. For example, such spaces should not look or feel empty, barren, or too big when not in use.

(xiv)

The space shall include design elements that appeal to the senses. Examples include the sound of water, the smell of plants, and/or the heat of fire. Sensory experiences may vary with the season, with water being present in the summer and a fire lit in the winter.

(xv)

Storm water management elements and LID BMPs, like rain gardens, may be integrated into the design of the space and may occupy up to 25 percent of the required space. Where multiple publicly accessible open spaces are included within a development, this standard applies to all such space combined, to allow flexibility in the design of individual spaces.

(xvi)

Rules of conduct similar to those for public parks may be posted.

(b)

Prohibited Features.

(i)

Large expanses of uninterrupted paving or paving without pattern.

(ii)

Service and utility areas or venting of mechanical systems.

(iii)

Long, narrow space with limited access.

(iv)

Space providing vehicular access. Exception: Woonerf-style shared access lanes may be allowed (counted at 50 percent discount) provided through traffic is minimal and the design of access feature is well-integrated into the design of the larger space.

(v)

Asphalt paving.

(vi)

Adjacent chain-link fences.

(vii)

Adjacent blank walls without blank wall treatment (MMC § 22C.080.540).

(viii)

Outdoor storage.

Figure 22C.080.420(4) Pedestrian-oriented space examples.

(Formerly 22C.080.430; Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)

§ 22C.080.430 Internal pedestrian access and design.

(1)

Purpose.

(a)

To improve the pedestrian and bicycling environment by making it easier, safer, and more comfortable to walk or ride among businesses, residences, to streets and sidewalks, to transit stops, and connections throughout the city.

(b)

To enhance access to on- and off-site open space areas and pedestrian/bicycle paths.

(2)

Access to Sidewalk. All buildings shall feature pedestrian connections to a sidewalk per applicable block frontage standards in Article IV of this chapter.

(3)

Internal Circulation.

(a)

For sites with multiple buildings, pedestrian paths connecting businesses and residential entries on the same development site shall be provided. Routes that minimize walking distances shall be utilized to the extent practical.

(b)

Sites with Residential Units. Provide direct pedestrian access between all ground-related unit entries and a public street or to a clearly marked pathway network or open space that has direct access to a public street. Residential developments shall provide a pedestrian circulation network that connects all main entrances on the site to other areas of the site, such as:

(i)

Parking areas.

(ii)

Recreational areas.

(iii)

Common outdoor spaces.

(iv)

Any pedestrian amenities.

For townhouses or other residential units fronting the street, the sidewalk may be used to meet this standard.

(Formerly 22C.080.440; Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)

§ 22C.080.440 Service areas and mechanical equipment.

(1)

Purpose.

(a)

To minimize adverse visual, odor, and noise impacts of mechanical equipment, utility cabinets and service areas at ground and roof levels.

(b)

To provide adequate, durable, well-maintained, and accessible service and equipment areas.

(c)

To protect residential uses and adjacent properties from impacts due to location and utilization of service areas.

(2)

Location of Ground Related Service Areas and Mechanical Equipment. Service areas (loading docks, trash dumpsters, compactors, recycling areas, electrical panels, and mechanical equipment areas) shall be located for convenient service access while avoiding negative visual, auditory, olfactory, or physical impacts on the streetscape environment, pedestrian-oriented spaces, uses within the development, and adjacent residentially zoned properties. Specifically:

(a)

Dumpsters shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side property lines, 10 feet from rear property lines (except when an alley is present) and 10 feet from front property lines; or be located to minimize visibility from any street, pedestrian walkway, or public park. Where the director finds that the only option for locating a service area is an area visible from a street, internal pathway or pedestrian area, or from an adjacent property, the area shall be screened with structural and landscaping screening measures provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(b)

Dumpster storage areas shall be sized to accommodate the minimum dumpster sizes and necessary access (as required by the applicable utility provider) for garbage, recycling, and composting.

(3)

Screening of Ground Related Service Areas and Mechanical Equipment. Service elements are encouraged to be integrated within the structure. Where they are not provided within the structure, the following standards apply:

(a)

Where screening of ground-level service areas is required, the following applies:

(i)

A structural enclosure shall be constructed of masonry, architectural concrete, heavy-gauge metal, or decay-resistant material that is also used with the architecture of the main building. The director may allow materials other than those used for the main building if the finishes are similar in color and texture or if the proposed enclosure materials are more durable than those for the main structure. The walls shall be sufficient to provide full screening from the affected roadway, pedestrian areas or adjacent use. The enclosure may use overlapping walls to screen dumpsters and other materials.

(ii)

Gates shall be made of heavy-gauge, site-obscuring material. Chain link or chain link with slats is not an acceptable material for enclosures or gates.

(iii)

Where the interior of a service enclosure is visible from surrounding buildings, an opaque or semi-opaque horizontal cover or screen shall be used to mitigate unsightly views. The horizontal screen/cover should be integrated into the enclosure design (in terms of materials and/or design). See Figure 22C.080.440(3) for examples.

(iv)

Collection points shall be located and configured so that the enclosure gate swing does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or does not require that a hauling truck project into any public right-of-way. Ensure that screening elements allow for efficient service delivery and removal operations.

(v)

The service area shall be paved.

Figure 22C.080.440(3)

Service enclosure screening examples.

Both enclosures include screening features on all sides, including above. Landscaping elements on the sides of the enclosures also help to mitigate the visual impacts.

(b)

The sides and rear of service enclosures shall be screened with landscaping at least five feet wide in locations visible from the street, parking lots, and pathways to soften views of the screening element and add visual interest.

DEPARTURES to the provisions of subsections (3)(a) and (b) of this section will be considered provided the enclosure and landscaping treatment meet the purpose of the standards and add visual interest to site users.

(c)

Where loading docks are sited along block frontages (only allowed when no other reasonable options are available as determined by the director), they shall be designed to minimize impacts on the pedestrian environment. Standards:

(i)

Configure loading docks/bays to minimize their frontage length along blocks.

(ii)

Integrate architectural and/or landscaping design features to screen loading dock elements and add visual interest to pedestrians along adjacent sidewalks. See blank wall treatment provisions of MMC § 22C.080.540 for standards and examples.

(4)

Utility Meters, Electrical Conduit, and Other Service Utility Apparatus. These elements shall be located and/or designed to minimize their visibility to the public. Project designers are strongly encouraged to coordinate with applicable service providers early in the design process to determine the best approach in meeting these standards. If such elements are mounted in a location visible from the street, pedestrian pathway, shared open space, adjacent use, or shared auto courtyards, they shall be screened with vegetation and/or integrated into the building's architecture.

Figure 22C.080.440(4)

Utility meter location and screening – good and bad examples.

Place utility meters in less visible locations. The lower left example is successfully tucked away in a less visible location and screened by vegetation. The right image is poorly executed and would not be permitted in such visible locations (along the sidewalk). Such meters shall be coordinated and better integrated with the architecture of the building.

(5)

Location and Screening of Roof-Mounted Mechanical Equipment.

(a)

All rooftop mechanical equipment, including air conditioners, heaters, vents, and similar equipment, shall be effectively integrated (from design standpoint) or screened from public view both at grade and from nearby higher buildings with the exception of solar panels and roof-mounted wind turbines. Screening shall be located so as not to interfere with operation of the equipment.

(b)

Rooftop mechanical equipment and associated screening features shall be set back from the exterior building walls by at least 10 feet. Exceptions may be made where the screening element is designed to help meet one or more building design standards in Article VI of this chapter.

(c)

For rooftop equipment, all screening devices shall be well-integrated into the architectural design through such elements as parapet walls, false roofs, roof wells, clerestories, or equipment rooms. Screening walls or unit-mounted screening is allowed but less desirable. Wood shall not be used for screens or enclosures. Louvered designs are acceptable if consistent with building design style. Perforated metal is not permitted.

(d)

The screening materials shall be of material requiring minimal maintenance and shall be as high as the equipment being screened.

(e)

Locate and/or shield noise-producing mechanical equipment such as fans, heat pumps, etc., to minimize sounds and reduce impacts at property lines of adjacent properties.

Figure 22C.080.440(5)

Examples of how to screen roof-mounted mechanical equipment.

The left illustration shows how rooftop mechanical equipment can be located and screened effectively. The right image shows effective location and screening, including side walls and a trellis to screen views from taller surrounding buildings.

(Formerly 22C.080.450; Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)

§ 22C.080.450 Site lighting.

(1)

Purpose.

(a)

To ensure that lighting contributes to the character of the streetscape and does not disturb adjacent developments and residences.

(b)

To protect against light pollution, thereby reclaiming the ability to view the night sky and helping to preserve the quality of life and scenic value of this desirable visual resource throughout the region and nearby natural open spaces.

(c)

To help protect and enhance human health and wellness and wildlife habitation and migration by minimizing light pollution and its impact on all forms of life.

(d)

To promote lighting practices and systems to conserve energy, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

(e)

To ensure that sufficient lighting can be provided where needed to promote safety and security on public and private property, and to allow for reasonable lighting for outdoor activities.

(f)

To provide attractive lighting that supports and enhances the urban environment, emphasizes architectural elements, and encourages pedestrian activity and wayfinding beyond daylight hours, especially during the long nights of Pacific Northwest winters.

(2)

Applicability. All outdoor lighting outside of public rights-of-way shall comply with the provisions herein. This includes, but is not limited to, new lighting, replacement lighting, additions and alterations, or any other lighting whether attached to buildings, poles, structures, the earth, or any other location.

(a)

Exemptions.

(i)

Lighting solely for signs.

(ii)

Underwater lighting.

(iii)

Temporary and seasonal cord-and-plug portable lighting.

(iv)

Construction or emergency lighting.

(v)

Outdoor rope and string lights for outdoor seating and gathering areas.

(3)

General Standards. Exterior lighting shall be integrated as both a functional safety element and a design element that enhances the character and use of the site and building, while minimizing negative impacts on uses on and off the site.

(a)

All luminaires shall be fully shielded and shall not emit light into the upper hemisphere around the luminaire or onto adjacent properties and structures, either through exterior full cut-off shields or through optics within the fixture. Support and mounting systems for luminaires shall not allow post-installation adjustments that could defeat compliance with this requirement.

(b)

On-site lighting elements throughout and surrounding the site should be complementary, including pedestrian pathway, accent and parking lot lighting, lighting of adjacent developments and the public right-of-way.

(c)

Except as provided in this section, outdoor lighting is encouraged to follow the intensity, technology, and other recommendations of the International Dark Sky Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Figure 22C.080.450(3)

Examples of appropriate light shielding.

(4)

Height.

(a)

Freestanding lighting fixtures in parking lots shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Lighting fixtures on the top level of parking garages shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

(b)

Pedestrian scale lighting shall not exceed 15 feet in height.

(c)

Building-mounted exterior lighting shall not be placed at any point greater than 20 feet above the adjacent grade, except the height limit is 14 feet when within 100 feet of a single-family zone. This standard does not apply to fully recessed lights, such as when mounted on the underside of a gas station fueling canopy or building roof overhang.

Figure 22C.080.450(4)

Examples of site lighting.

(5)

Lighting Levels.

(a)

All public areas shall be lighted with average minimum and maximum levels as follows:

(i)

Minimum (for low or nonpedestrian and vehicular traffic areas) of one-half foot candle.

(ii)

Moderate (for moderate or high volume pedestrian areas) of one to two foot candles.

(iii)

Maximum (for high volume pedestrian areas and building entries) of four foot candles.

(b)

Lighting shall be provided at consistent levels, with gradual transitions between maximum and minimum levels of lighting and between lit areas and unlit areas. Highly contrasting pools of light and dark areas shall be avoided.

(c)

Light levels at the property line should not exceed 0.1 foot candles (fc) adjacent to business properties, and 0.05 foot candles adjacent to residential properties.

(6)

Parking Lot Lighting. Lighting parking lots shall be appropriate to create adequate visibility at night and evenly distributed to increase security. Lighting shall be located so that trees within the parking lot do not obscure the operation of the light fixture.

(7)

Lighting Color (Chromaticity). The correlated color temperature of all outdoor lighting shall be 3,500 Kelvin maximum or lower (refer to American National Standards Institute's publication C78.377 for guidance on LED lighting). Exceptions may be made for architectural floodlighting, accent lighting, or outlining.

Figure 22C.080.450(7)

Kelvin temperature chart.

(8)

Exterior Lighting Controls. Automated control systems, such as energy management systems, photoelectric switches, motion sensors and astronomic timer switches, shall be used to meet the hours of operation requirements and the technical and energy efficiency requirements of the applicable Washington State Energy Code. Exceptions:

(a)

Egress lighting as required by the building code.

(b)

Lighting required for accessibility.

(c)

Lighting required by statute, law, or ordinance to operate all night.

(d)

A manual override at each exit door is allowed regardless of automatic control device.

(e)

Seasonal holiday lighting and event lighting.

(9)

Prohibited Lighting.

(a)

Dynamic lighting.

(b)

Luminaires exceeding 500,000 peak candelas and/or 500,000 lumens.

(c)

Laser lighting.

(d)

Any lighting of critical areas.

(e)

Any lighting that may be confused with warning signals, emergency signals, or traffic signals.

(f)

Mercury, low pressure sodium, or other light sources in public areas that can impede or distort the perception of actual colors.

(g)

Blinking, flashing, intermittent, and/or moving lights unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the Marysville Municipal Code.

(h)

Lighting permanently attached to trees.

(Formerly 22C.080.460; Ord. 3191 § 6 (Exh. B), 2021; Ord. 3295 § 10 (Exh. J), 2023)