A. Standard frontage improvements shall be upgraded or installed pursuant to standards set forth in the Transportation Master Plan Street Classification Map, the Master Street Plan adopted in Chapter
12.10 SMC, and the Engineering Development Manual for the specific street which is substandard to satisfy adequate public roadways required for subdivisions by Chapter
58.17 RCW and Chapter
20.30 SMC, Subchapter 7, and to mitigate direct impacts of land use approvals.
B. Standard frontage improvements consist of right-of-way dedication, curb, gutter, sidewalk, amenity zone and landscaping, drainage improvements and pavement overlays up to one-half of each right-of-way abutting a property as defined in the Master Street Plan. Additional improvements may be required to ensure safe movement of traffic, including pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and nonmotorized vehicles. The improvements can include transit bus shelters, bus pullouts, utility undergrounding, street lighting, signage and channelization.
C. Frontage improvements are 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;
2. When aggregate building construction valuations for issued permits, within any five-year period after March 30, 2013, 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;
4. For development consisting of one or more dwelling units on a single parcel; or
5. One detached single-family dwelling in the MUR zones.
D. Exemptions to frontage improvements are limited to:
1. Subdivision, short plats, and binding site plans where all of the lots are fully developed.
2. Instances where the street will be improved as a whole through a capital improvement project or local improvement district within five years of permit issuance. In such cases, a contribution may be made and calculated based on the improvements that would be required of the development. Contributed funds shall be directed to the City’s capital project fund and shall be used for the capital project and offset future assessments on the property resulting from an LID. An LID “no-protest” commitment shall also be recorded. Adequate interim levels of improvements for public safety shall be required.
3. Construction of accessory dwelling units.
E. Waivers may be approved by the Director of Public Works to not require frontage improvements under the following circumstances if the Director determines:
1. The installation of the improvements will cause a safety hazard; or
2. Construction of improvements will adversely impact critical areas that cannot be mitigated.
The applicant shall utilize the deviation from the engineering standards process specified in SMC §
20.30.290. The applicant shall address how the waiver satisfies the criteria for a deviation as well as the applicable conditions of this subsection. Supporting documentation and application fees shall be submitted with the waiver request.
F. All improvements required under this chapter shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Engineering Development Manual. Deviation from the Engineering Development Manual may be considered through a deviation process as set forth in SMC §
20.30.290.
G. Required improvements shall be installed by the applicant prior to final approval or occupancy.
H. Subdivisions improvements shall be completed prior to the final plat approval. A bond or other surety may be allowed as provided for in SMC §
20.30.440 in lieu of completion of all improvements.
(Ord. 591 § 2 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 615 § 4, 2011; Ord. 631 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2012; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 756 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 850 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)