20.927.050 Incentives for Providing Alleys.
Any development subject to this chapter which provides alley access to at least 50 percent of the total number of lots shall qualify for the following modifications to development standards:
A. The development plan required by Section 20.927.040A1 is not required to include items d-g.
B. The maximum lot coverage may be increased as follows:
1. In lower density residential districts, maximum lot coverage shall be 55%.
2. In higher density residential districts, maximum lot coverage shall be 65%.
C. If an alley is to be privately-owned within a public easement, the area which extends across individual lots may be included in the minimum required lot area and counted when calculating maximum lot coverage.
D. For lots which obtain access from a rear alley, decks constructed above the driveway shall not be counted toward the maximum lot coverage.
E. If an alley is to be publicly-owned, the alley area may be subtracted from the overall area used to calculate required on-site tree density.
F. Minimum setbacks may be reduced as follows:
1. No additional side or rear setback is required for increase in building height above 20'.
2. Minimum rear yard setback from edge of alley pavement to garage or carport may be either 4' or at least 18'. Uncovered parking spaces may be set back 4' from the edge of the alley pavement.
3. Covered porches which consume at least 40% of the front width of the residence may encroach up to 6 feet into the required front setback.
G. Large species street trees (trees maturing at 45' in height listed on the City’s Street Tree Selection List) may substitute for a portion of required on-site tree density. If the minimum on-site tree density pursuant to VMC 20.770.080 cannot be met either on individual lots or in a common tract, the Planning Official may allow a .5 tree unit credit for every large street tree if provided within 8-foot wide minimum landscape strips or planter areas throughout the development.
H. Deciduous trees of 2" minimum caliper that are planted in an alley right-of-way or alley easement may be counted toward the minimum required on-site tree density.
I. Alternative surface water treatment. The Public Works Director may approve alternative methods for treatment and disposal of surface water from alleys, as appropriate, including: the use of pervious paving, or other BMP’s approved by the Western Washington Stormwater Manual.
J. Streets may be constructed to one of the approved narrow lot neighborhood street standards of VMC Title 11, as approved by the Transportation Manager. (Ord. M-3778, Added, 12/04/2006, Sec 2)