The purpose of this subchapter is to establish design standards for all commercial zones – neighborhood business (NB), community business (CB), mixed business (MB) and town center (TC-1, 2 and 3). This subchapter also applies to the MUR-35' and the MUR-45' zones for all uses except single-family attached and mixed single-family developments; and the MUR-70' zone, PA 3 and TC-4 zones for commercial and multifamily uses. Refer to SMC § 20.50.120 when developing single-family attached and detached dwellings in the MUR-35' and MUR-45' zones. Some standards within this subchapter apply only to specific types of development and zones as noted. Standards that are not addressed in this subchapter will be supplemented by the standards in the remainder of this chapter. In the event of a conflict, the standards of this subchapter shall prevail.
(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 756 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 871 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 901 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 959 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
Administrative design review approval under SMC § 20.30.297 is required for all development applications that propose departures from the design standards in this subchapter or sign standards in Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapter 8.
(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 871 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 901 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)
The purpose of this section is to determine how and when the provisions for site improvements cited in the General Development Standards apply to development proposals. Full site improvement standards apply to a development application in commercial zones NB, CB, MB, TC-1, 2 and 3, and the MUR-70' zone. This subsection also applies in the following zoning districts except for the single-family attached use: MUR-35', MUR-45', PA 3. Full site improvement standards for signs, parking, lighting, and landscaping shall be required:
A. 
When building construction valuation for a permit exceeds 50 percent of the current county assessed or an appraised valuation of all existing land and structure(s) on the parcel. This shall include all structures on other parcels if the building under permit review extends into other parcels; or
B. 
When aggregate building construction valuations for issued permits, within any cumulative five-year period, exceed 50 percent of the county assessed or an appraised value of the existing land and structure(s) at the time of the first issued permit.
C. 
Commercial Adaptive Reuse. When an existing building is proposed to be reused as a commercial use, then site improvements may be waived based on the following conditions:
1. 
The following list of uses may qualify to be exempt from the required site improvement thresholds in subsections A and B of this section:
a. 
Theater.
b. 
Health/fitness club.
c. 
Daycare.
d. 
Professional office.
e. 
Medical office.
f. 
Veterinary clinics.
g. 
General retail trade and services.
h. 
Market.
i. 
Eating and drinking establishments.
j. 
Brewpub/microbrewery/microdistillery.
k. 
Co-living housing.
2. 
The proposed use will not cause significant noise to adjacent neighbors.
3. 
No expansion of the building is allowed.
4. 
No new signs facing abutting residential uses.
5. 
Landscape buffers will be installed between parking spaces and/or drive aisles and abutting residential uses. If no room exists to provide a landscape buffer, then an opaque fence or wall can be provided as a buffer.
6. 
No building or site lighting shall shine on adjacent properties.
7. 
Administrative Design Review. Administrative design review approval under SMC § 20.30.297 is required for all development applications that propose departures from the parking standards in Subchapter 6 of this chapter, landscaping standards in Subchapter 7 of this chapter, or sign standards in Subchapter 8 of this chapter.
(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 756 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 871 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 901 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 959 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1047 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
The purpose of this section is to establish thresholds for the application of building design standards set forth in this chapter to development proposals in multifamily commercial and mixed-use residential zones.
A. 
Building design shall be required:
1. 
When building construction valuation for a permit exceeds 50 percent of the current county assessed or an appraised valuation of all existing land and structure(s) on the parcel. This shall include all structures on other parcels if the building under permit review extends into other parcels; or
2. 
When aggregate building construction valuations for issued permits, within any consecutive five-year period, exceed 50 percent of the county assessed or an appraised value of the existing land and structure(s) at the time of the first issued permit.
(Ord. 907 § 1 (Exh. C), 2020)
[1]
Code reviser’s note: Ordinance No. 907 adds the provisions of this section as 20.50.235. The section has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.
A. 
Purpose.
1. 
Promote and enhance public walking and gathering with attractive and connected development.
2. 
Promote distinctive design features at high visibility street corners.
3. 
Provide safe routes for pedestrians and people with disabilities across parking lots, to building entries, and between buildings.
4. 
Promote economic development that is consistent with the function and purpose of permitted uses and reflects the vision for commercial development as expressed in the Comprehensive Plan.
B. 
Overlapping Standards. Site design standards for on-site landscaping, sidewalks, walkways, public access easements, public places, and open space may be overlapped if their separate, minimum dimensions and functions are not diminished.
C. 
Site Frontage.
1. 
Development in NB, CB, MB, TC-1, 2 and 3, the MUR-45' and MUR-70' zones regardless of street classification, and development in the MUR-35' zone when located on an arterial street, shall meet the following standards:
a. 
Buildings and parking structures shall be placed at the property line or abutting public sidewalks, except when the required minimum front yard setback is greater than zero feet, in which case the building shall be placed at the minimum setback. However, buildings may be set back farther if public places, landscaping and vehicle display areas are included or future right-of-way widening or a utility easement is required between the sidewalk and the building;
b. 
All building facades in the MUR-70' zone fronting on any street shall be stepped back a minimum of 10 feet for that portion of the building above 45 feet in height. Reference dimensional Table 20.50.020(2) and exceptions;
c. 
For properties not subject to SMC § 20.40.465, the minimum height of ground floor non-residential space abutting streets shall be 15 feet, measured from finished floor to finished floor, the minimum depth shall be 20 feet, and it shall be built to commercial building code. This requirement does not apply when developing a residential-only building in the MUR-35' and MUR-45' zones;
d. 
Transparency. Buildings shall comply with the following:
i. 
Transparent window area, including glass entry doors, shall occupy a minimum of 60 percent of the ground floor facade as measured between a height of 30 inches and eight feet, where abutting principal, minor, and collector arterials, as mapped in the Transportation Master Plan. This requirement does not apply when developing a residential-only building in the MUR-35' and MUR-45' zones. The following exception applies:
On lots up to 100 feet in width, as measured where the lot abuts the right-of-way, and where no other feasible vehicle access point exists, the width of the vehicle access drive may be excluded from the ground floor facade lineal frontage for the purposes of calculating the 60 percent minimum transparent window area.
ii. 
Transparent window area, including glass entry doors, shall occupy a minimum of 45 percent of the ground floor facade as measured between a height of 30 inches and eight feet, where abutting streets not designated as principal, minor, or collector arterials, as mapped in the Transportation Master Plan. This requirement does not apply when developing a residential-only building in the MUR-35' and MUR-45' zones. The following exception applies:
On lots up to 100 feet in width, as measured where the lot abuts the right-of-way, and where no other feasible vehicle access point exists, the width of the vehicle access drive may be excluded from the ground floor facade lineal frontage for the purposes of calculating the 45 percent minimum transparent window area.
e. 
A building’s primary entry shall be located on a street frontage and recessed to prevent door swings over sidewalks, or an entry to an interior plaza or courtyard from which building entries are accessible;
f. 
Minimum weather protection shall be provided at least five feet in depth, nine-foot height clearance, and along 80 percent of the facade where over pedestrian facilities. Awnings may project into public rights-of-way, subject to city approval;
g. 
Streets with on-street parking shall have sidewalks to back of the curb and street trees in pits under grates or at least a two-foot-wide walkway between the back of curb and an amenity strip if space is available. Streets without on-street parking shall have landscaped amenity strips with street trees;
h. 
Surface parking along street frontages in commercial zones shall not occupy more than 65 lineal feet of the site frontage. Parking lots shall not be located at street corners. No parking or vehicle circulation is allowed between the rights-of-way and the building front facade. See SMC § 20.50.470 for parking lot landscape standards;
Parking Lot Locations Along Streets
i. 
New development in MUR zones on 185th Street, 145th Street, and 5th Avenue NE between NE 145th Street and NE 148th Street shall provide all vehicular access from an existing, adjoining public side street or public/private alley. If new development is unable to gain access from an existing, adjoining public side street or public/private alley, an applicant may provide access from the adjacent right-of-way; and
j. 
Garages and/or parking areas for new development on 185th Street shall be rearloaded.
D. 
Corner Sites.
1. 
All building and parking structures located on street corners (except in MUR-35') shall include at least one of the following design treatments on both sides of the corner:
a. 
Locate a building within 15 feet of the street corner. All such buildings shall comply with building corner standards in subsection (D)(2) of this section;
b. 
Provide a public place at the corner leading directly to building entries;
c. 
Install 20 feet of depth of Type II landscaping for the entire length of the required building frontage;
d. 
Include a separate, pedestrian structure on the corner that provides weather protection or site entry. The structure may be used for signage.
Street Corner Sites
2. 
Corner buildings and parking structures using the option in subsection (D)(1)(a) of this section shall provide at least one of the elements listed below to 40 lineal feet of both sides from the corner:
a. 
Twenty-foot beveled building corner with entry and 60 percent of the first floor in non-reflective glass (included within the 80 lineal feet of corner treatment).
b. 
Distinctive facade (i.e., awnings, materials, offsets) and roofline designs beyond the minimum standards identified in SMC § 20.50.250.
c. 
Balconies for residential units on all floors above the ground floor.
Building Corners
E. 
Internal Site Walkways.
1. 
Developments shall include internal walkways or pathways that connect building entries, public places, and parking areas with other nonmotorized facilities including adjacent street sidewalks and Interurban Trail where adjacent (except in the MUR-35' zone).
a. 
All development shall provide clear and illuminated pathways between the main building entrance and a public sidewalk. Pathways shall be separated from motor vehicles or raised six inches and be at least eight feet wide. “Separated from motor vehicle traffic” means (i) there are at least three linear feet of landscaping between the closest edge of the vehicular circulation area and closest edge of the pedestrian access or (ii) separation by a building;
b. 
Continuous pedestrian walkways shall be provided along the front of all businesses and the entries of multiple commercial buildings;
Well-connected Walkways
c. 
Raised walkways at least eight feet wide shall be provided for every three double-loaded aisles or every 200 feet of parking area width. Walkway crossings shall be raised a minimum three inches above drive surfaces;
d. 
Walkways shall conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
Parking Lot Walkway
e. 
Deciduous, street-rated trees, as required by the Shoreline Engineering Development Manual, shall be provided every 30 feet on average in grated tree pits if the walkway is eight feet wide or in planting beds if walkway is greater than eight feet wide. Pedestrian-scaled lighting shall be provided per subsection (H)(1)(b) of this section.
F. 
Public Places.
1. 
Public places are required for the commercial portions of development at a rate of four square feet of public place per 20 square feet of net commercial floor area up to a public place maximum of 5,000 square feet. This requirement may be divided into smaller public places with a minimum 400 square feet each.
2. 
Public places may be covered but not enclosed unless by subsection (F)(3) of this section.
3. 
Buildings shall border at least one side of the public place.
4. 
Eighty percent of the area shall provide surfaces for people to stand or sit.
5. 
No lineal dimension is less than six feet.
6. 
The following design elements are also required for public places:
a. 
Physically accessible and visible from the public sidewalks, walkways, or through-connections;
b. 
Pedestrian access to abutting buildings;
c. 
Pedestrian-scaled lighting (subsection H of this section);
d. 
Seating and landscaping with solar access at least a portion of the day;
e. 
Not located adjacent to dumpsters or loading areas; and
f. 
Amenities such as public art, planters, fountains, interactive public amenities, hanging baskets, irrigation, decorative light fixtures, decorative paving and walkway treatments, and other items that provide a pleasant pedestrian experience along arterial streets.
g. 
Accessible potable water and electrical power shall be supplied to a public facing portion of the exterior of high-capacity transit centers, stations and associated parking.
Public Places
G. 
Multifamily Open Space.
1. 
All multifamily development shall provide open space.
a. 
Provide 800 square feet per development or 50 square feet of open space per dwelling unit, whichever is greater;
b. 
Other than private balconies or patios, open space shall be accessible to all residents and include a minimum lineal dimension of six feet. This standard applies to all open spaces including parks, playgrounds, rooftop decks and ground-floor courtyards; and may also be used to meet walkway standards as long as the function and minimum dimensions of the open space are met;
c. 
Required landscaping can be used for open space if it does not obstruct access or reduce the overall landscape standard. Open spaces shall not be placed adjacent to service areas without full screening; and
d. 
Open space shall provide seating that has solar access at least a portion of the day.
Multifamily Open Spaces
H. 
Outdoor Lighting.
1. 
All publicly accessible areas on private property shall be illuminated as follows:
a. 
Minimum of one-half footcandle and maximum 25-foot pole height for vehicle areas;
b. 
One to two footcandles and maximum 15-foot pole height for pedestrian areas; and
c. 
Maximum of four footcandles for building entries with the fixtures placed below second floor.
2. 
All private fixtures shall be shielded to prevent direct light from entering neighboring property.
3. 
Prohibited Lighting. The following types of lighting are prohibited:
a. 
Mercury vapor luminaires.
b. 
Outdoor floodlighting by floodlight projection above the horizontal plane.
c. 
Search lights, laser source lights, or any similar high intensity light.
d. 
Any flashing, blinking, rotating or strobe light illumination device located on the exterior of a building or on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel.
Exemptions:
1.
Lighting required for emergency response by police, fire, or medical personnel (vehicle lights and accident/crime scene lighting).
2.
Lighting in swimming pools and other water features governed by Article 680 of the National Electrical Code.
3.
Signs and sign lighting regulated by Chapter 20.50 SMC, Subchapter 8.
4.
Holiday and event lighting (except for outdoor searchlights or strobes).
5.
Sports and field lighting.
6.
Lighting triggered by an automatic emergency or security alarm system.
I. 
Service Areas.
1. 
All developments shall provide a designated location for trash, composting, recycling storage and collection, and shipping containers. Such elements shall meet the following standards:
a. 
Located to minimize visual, noise, odor, and physical impacts to pedestrians and residents;
b. 
Paved with concrete and screened with materials or colors that match the building;
c. 
Located and configured so that the enclosure gate swing does not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic, nor require a hauling truck to project into public rights-of-way; and
d. 
Refuse bins shall not be visible from the street.
Trash/Recycling Closure with Consistent Use of Materials and Landscape Screening
J. 
Utility and Mechanical Equipment.
1. 
Equipment shall be located and designed to minimize its visibility to the public. Preferred locations are off alleys; service drives; within, atop, or under buildings; or other locations away from the street. Equipment shall not intrude into required pedestrian areas.
Utilities Consolidated and Separated by Landscaping Elements
2. 
All exterior mechanical equipment, with the exception of solar collectors or wind power generating equipment, shall be screened from view by integration with the building’s architecture through such elements as parapet walls, false roofs, roof wells, clerestories, equipment rooms, materials and colors. Painting mechanical equipment strictly as a means of screening is not permitted.
(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 663 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 695 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 741 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 756 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 767 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 789 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 850 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 901 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 907 § 1 (Exh. B), 2020; Ord. 1000 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Purpose.
1. 
Emphasize quality building articulation, detailing, and durable materials.
2. 
Reduce the apparent scale of buildings and add visual interest for the pedestrian experience.
3. 
Facilitate design that is responsive to the commercial and retail attributes of existing and permitted uses.
4. 
Create an active and inviting space for pedestrians, with visually interesting storefronts and seamless transitions between public rights-of-way and private space.
B. 
Building Articulation.
1. 
Commercial buildings fronting streets other than state routes shall include one of the two articulation features set forth in subsections (B)(2)(a) and (b) of this section facing a street, parking lot, or public place. Parking structure facades fronting public streets shall apply to this subsection only as material, color, texture, or opening modulations and not as offset modulations. Building facades less than 60 feet wide are exempt from this standard.
Building Facade Articulation
2. 
Commercial buildings fronting streets that are state routes shall include one of the two articulation features below no more than every 80 lineal feet facing a street, parking lot, or public place. Building facades less than 100 feet wide are exempt from this standard. Parking structure facades fronting public streets shall apply to this subsection only as material, color, texture, or opening modulations and not as offset modulations.
a. 
For the height of the building, each facade shall be offset at least two feet in depth and four feet in width, if combined with a change in siding materials. Otherwise, the facade offset shall be at least 10 feet deep and 15 feet wide.
b. 
Vertical piers at the ends of each facade section that project at least two inches from the facade and extend from the ground to the roofline.
3. 
Multifamily buildings or residential portions of a commercial building shall provide the following articulation features at least every 35 feet of facade facing a street, park, public place, or open space. Parking structure facades fronting public streets shall apply to this subsection only as material, color, texture, or opening modulations and not as offset modulations:
a. 
Vertical building modulation 18 inches deep and four feet wide, if combined with a change in color or building material. Otherwise, the minimum depth of modulation is 10 feet and the minimum width for each modulation is 15 feet. Balconies may be used to meet modulation; and
b. 
Distinctive ground or first floor facade, consistent articulation of middle floors, and a distinctive roofline or articulate on 35-foot intervals.
Multifamily Building Articulation
Multifamily Building Articulation
4. 
Rooflines shall be modulated at least every 120 feet by emphasizing dormers, chimneys, stepped roofs, gables, or prominent cornices or walls. Rooftop appurtenances may be considered a modulation. Modulation shall consist of a roofline elevation change of at least four feet every 50 feet of roofline.
5. 
Every 150 feet in building length along the streetfront shall have a minimum 30-foot-wide section that is offset by at least 20 feet through all floors.
Facade Widths Using a Combination of Facade Modulation, Articulation, and Window Design
6. 
Buildings shall recess or project individual windows above the ground floor at least two inches from the facade or use window trim at least four inches in width.
Window Trim Design
7. 
Weather protection of at least three feet deep by four feet wide is required over each secondary entry.
Covered Secondary Public Access
8. 
Materials.
a. 
Metal siding shall have visible corner moldings or trim and shall not extend lower than four feet above grade. Masonry, concrete, or other durable material shall be incorporated between the siding and the grade. Metal siding shall be factory finished with a matte, nonreflective surface.
Masonry or Concrete Near the Ground and Proper Trimming Around Windows and Corners
b. 
Concrete blocks of a singular style, texture, or color shall not comprise more than 50 percent of a facade facing a street or public space.
c. 
Stucco must be trimmed and sheltered from weather by roof overhangs or other methods and shall be limited to no more than 50 percent of facades containing an entry. Stucco shall not extend below two feet above the grade.
d. 
The following exterior materials are prohibited:
i. 
Repealed by Ord. 1047.
ii. 
Corrugated, fiberglass sheet products; and
iii. 
Plywood siding.
e. 
Fencing. Vinyl coated chain-link fences are allowed in the commercial zones. Untreated chain-link fencing that is not screened from public view, razor wire, or barbed material shall not be allowed.
C. 
Ground Floor Nonresidential.
1. 
New buildings subject to SMC §§ 20.40.465 and 20.50.020(A)(11)(b) shall comply with these provisions.
2. 
These requirements apply to the portion of the building’s ground floor abutting a public right-of-way (ROW).
3. 
Required Amount of Nonresidential Space.
a. 
A minimum of 75 percent of the lineal frontage abutting principal, minor, and collector Arterials, as mapped in the Transportation Master Plan, shall consist of nonresidential space. Up to 25 percent of the lineal frontage may consist of facilities associated with the multifamily use, such as lobbies, leasing offices, fitness centers and community rooms. The following exception applies:
On lots up to 100 feet in width, as measured where the lot abuts the right-of-way, and where no other feasible vehicle access point exists, the width of the vehicle access drive may be excluded from the lineal frontage for the purposes of calculating the 75 percent minimum nonresidential frontage.
b. 
A minimum of 60 percent of the lineal frontage abutting streets not designated as principal, minor, or collector arterials shall consist of nonresidential space. Up to 40 percent of the lineal frontage may consist of facilities associated with the multifamily use, such as lobbies, leasing offices, fitness centers and community rooms. The following exception applies:
On lots up to 100 feet in width, as measured where the lot abuts the right-of-way, and where no other feasible vehicle access point exists, the width of the vehicle access drive may be excluded from the lineal frontage for the purposes of calculating the 60 percent minimum nonresidential frontage.
4. 
All ground floor nonresidential spaces abutting a right-of-way shall be constructed at a minimum average depth of 30 feet, with no depth less than 15 feet, measured from the wall abutting the right-of-way frontage to the rear wall of the nonresidential space. A public place, as required by SMC § 20.50.240(F), may be included in the average depth calculation provided it is designed cohesively and integrated with the nonresidential space. The average depth of nonresidential space may be measured from the lot line abutting the right-of-way and include the public place.
5. 
All ground floor nonresidential spaces shall be constructed with a minimum floor-to-floor height of 15 feet.
(Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 901 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 968 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1000 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1047 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Purpose. To allow outdoor seating on private property that creates an active and inviting space for people and promotes economic development consistent with the vision for commercial development articulated in the Comprehensive Plan.
B. 
Applicability. This section applies to outdoor seating associated with a brewpub, eating and drinking establishment, microbrewery, or microdistillery that is located on the same lot, or part of an interdependent site plan consisting of multiple lots.
C. 
Compliance With Other Codes and Standards. All outdoor seating areas shall be operated in a safe and sanitary manner and shall comply with the following:
1. 
All applicable provisions of Chapter 15.05 SMC, Construction and Building Codes, including, but not limited to, the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, and the National Electrical Code;
2. 
Chapter 9.05 SMC, Noise Control;
3. 
All applicable licensing requirements of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board;
4. 
Accessibility requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA); and
5. 
All applicable provisions of the Code of the King County Board of Health, including, but not limited to, Title 5 and Title 5R, Food-Service Establishments.
D. 
Permit Requirements. Outdoor seating areas shall obtain a permit. If a building permit is required for any structure(s) used for the outdoor area, then review and approval shall occur concurrent with the building permit.
E. 
Use. The outdoor seating area shall comply with the following:
1. 
It shall be accessory to a brewpub, eating and drinking establishment, microbrewery, or microdistillery; and
2. 
It shall not be used exclusively for storage or accessory uses that do not meet the purpose of this section.
F. 
Design Standards. Outdoor seating areas shall comply with the following:
1. 
If the outdoor seating area is within a building, as defined by the Development Code, then compliance with the minimum setbacks set forth in SMC § 20.50.020 is required.
2. 
Required Barriers.
a. 
Any edge of the outdoor seating area that is within 20 feet of a right-of-way vehicle travel lane shall be enclosed with a permanent or movable barrier(s).
b. 
Barrier(s) shall be between 30 and 42 inches in height and consist of fencing, railing, planters, or other approved elements. If alcohol is served, the barrier(s) shall comply with WAC 314-03-200, as amended, which shall satisfy this code provision.
c. 
Barrier(s) shall be constructed of finish quality materials such as steel, safety glass or finished wood, or other approved materials as determined by the Director.
d. 
Barrier(s) shall comply with the clear sight triangle standards required by the Engineering Development Manual.
3. 
Tables and Seating.
a. 
Tables and seating shall not obstruct doors or exits.
b. 
Tables and seating shall be made of durable, quality materials, including molded plastic, resin wicker, decorative metal or finish grade wood, or other approved materials as determined by the Director.
4. 
Weather Protection.
a. 
All tents, canopies, fabric screens, and umbrellas are subject to approval by the building official for any structural requirements and by the Fire Marshal for flame-retardance.
b. 
Tents, canopies, awnings, fabric screens, and umbrellas shall be made of durable, quality materials.
5. 
Ventilation. Barriers, tents, fabric screens, and other vertical materials erected as part of the outdoor seating area shall allow adequate ventilation. This does not apply to exterior building walls used for interior eating or drinking areas.
6. 
Operation and Maintenance. Any of the elements of the outdoor seating areas are not permitted and shall be removed if they are not securely attached, create a traffic hazard, or are not maintained in good condition and free of damage, including but not limited to holes, rips, dents, or mold.
(Ord. 969 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)