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A. Purpose. The purpose of the Downtown pedestrian system is to:

1. Provide safe pedestrian routes removed from traffic;

2. Enhance the appearance of buildings and their settings;

3. Provide a unified design element to complement varying architectural styles;

4. Soften the appearance of parking lots and service storage areas; and

5. Provide for the planting of street trees and other vegetation appropriate for an urban setting.

B. Installation of Pedestrian System. The various components of the pedestrian system are shown on Map 10.3, Downtown Pedestrian System; RZC 21.10.150.C, Pedestrian System Description; Map 10.4, Town Center Pedestrian System; and RZC 21.10.150.N, Downtown Street Cross Sections, all of which are incorporated as a part of this section. As property is developed or redeveloped, corresponding portions of the systems shall be installed or otherwise provided for by the property owner/developer. The setback zone specifies the minimum distance measured from the back of sidewalk. Where the setback zone is specified as zero feet, the building shall be built to the back of the sidewalk. The mid-block segments shown on the map represent desired connections between blocks. In order to provide flexibility, the actual alignment shall be determined through the site plan land use permit process.

Map 10.3
Downtown Pedestrian System

Map 10.3 Downtown Pedestrian System

Note: Online users may click the map for a full-size version in PDF format.

C. Pedestrian System Description. The table and graphics below depict the various pedestrian system cross sections that are called out in the corresponding Map 10.3, Downtown Pedestrian System, above. Pedestrian System Types I through VI are grouped together in a common table as they are located along street fronts. Pedestrian System Type VII shared street has no standard section. Site-specific design details shall be prepared in conjunction with any redevelopment proposal in order to create a shared space environment that facilitates placemaking.

Figure 21.10.150A
Downtown Pedestrian System: Typical Cross-Section

Figure 21.10.150A

Table 21.10.150A
Downtown Pedestrian System: Cross-Section Dimensions

Ped. Zone

Roadway

Ped. Zone

Cross Section

Setback Zone

Sidewalk

5-foot Planting Strip or
4-foot Furniture Zone with Tree Grates

5-foot Planting Strip or
4-foot Furniture Zone with Tree Grates

Sidewalk

Setback Zone

I

2

8

4

4

8

2

II

2

8

4

4

8

2

III

14

6

5

5

6

14

IV

7

8

5

5

8

8

V

17

8

5

5

8

17

VI

8

8

4

4

8

8

Figure 21.10.150B. Repealed.

Figure 21.10.150C
Type VIII – A 12-foot asphalt trail following natural elements, such as rivers and streams, with pedestrian connection to buildings.

Type VIII – A 12-foot asphalt trail following natural elements, such as rivers and streams, with pedestrian connection to buildings.

Figure 21.10.150D
Type IX - A 30-foot-wide mid-block pathway with an 8-foot sidewalk in the middle and 11 feet of landscaping/plaza on each side.

Type IX - A 30-foot-wide mid-block pathway with an 8-foot sidewalk in the middle and 11 feet of landscaping/plaza on each side.

Map 10.4
Town Center Pedestrian System

Map 10.4 Town Center Pedestrian System

Note: Online users may click the map for a full-size version in PDF format.

D. Easements/Dedications. Where a pedestrian system walkway exists or is required outside of a public right-of-way, an easement or the dedication to the City of Redmond may be required to provide continuity of the walkway to adjoining property. In case of dedication, residential density shall be calculated based on pre-dedication lot area.

E. Permitted Encroachments. Upper floors of buildings, marquees, potted plants, awnings, blade signs, and roof projections may extend over the pedestrian system when the encroachment is integrated into the pedestrian system by providing a covered walkway, plaza, or it otherwise complements pedestrian activities. Buildings, marquees, and roof projections may extend over pedestrian systems when the encroachment is integrated into the pedestrian system by providing a covered walkway, plaza, or it otherwise complements pedestrian activities.

Figure 21.10.150E
Buildings, marquees, and roof projections may extend over pedestrian systems when the encroachment is integrated into the pedestrian system by providing a covered walkway, plaza, or it otherwise complements pedestrian activities.

Buildings, marquees, and roof projections may extend over pedestrian systems when the encroachment is integrated into the pedestrian system by providing a covered walkway, plaza, or it otherwise complements pedestrian activities.

F. Width Measured from Back of Curb. Where a pedestrian system adjoins a public street, the system’s width shall be measured from the back of the existing or proposed curb.

G. Construction Standards. Construction standards for sidewalks are identified in the City of Redmond’s Standard Specifications and Details.

H. Driveway Crossings. Driveways crossing the pedestrian system shall be minimized and joint use of driveways required, when feasible, to separate vehicles and pedestrians. Areas in driveways will not be calculated as part of the area required to be landscaped in the pedestrian system.

I. Access to Buildings. Pedestrian access from the primary building to the pedestrian system along the street shall not be interrupted by vehicular circulation, parking, or other elements that discourage pedestrian use.

J. Interior Block Pedestrian System. Interruptions of mid-block pedestrian systems by vehicular circulation or parking are not permitted.

K. Variations Not Meeting Standards. Variations in the pedestrian system that do not meet minimum standards may be approved by the Technical Committee. Variations may be allowed after consideration of the following factors:

1. Existing right-of-way available to meet standards;

2. Existing buildings encroaching in linkage area;

3. Pedestrian and vehicular volumes anticipated;

4. Existing vegetation;

5. Disruption of system continuity;

6. Accessibility to buildings.

L. Street Trees Generally. Street trees within the Downtown neighborhood shall be provided according to guidelines on file with the Planning Department. As property is developed or redeveloped, trees shall be installed or otherwise provided for by the property owner/developer. Where no guidance is available, refer to RZC 21.32.090 Street Trees, for standards.

M. Requirements for Street Trees.

1. Location. Trees shall be spaced according to guidelines on file with the Planning Department. Trees shall be planted in planter strips where they exist or are required per this section RZC 21.10.150, Pedestrian System. Where sidewalks are required to be contiguous with street curbs, trees shall be planted in irrigated tree wells, with City-approved root barriers, next to the street. Street trees may be grouped in larger planters near the curb, if found more appropriate through the Administrative Design Flexibility process. Street trees that cannot be placed next to the street due to inadequate planter strip width, street furniture, driveways, or utilities shall be planted in the abutting yard area.

2. Street trees shall be planted according to guidelines outlined in RZC 21.32, Landscaping.

N. Downtown Street Cross Sections.

1. Guidelines for Application.

a. The Technical Committee shall review and approve each component of the street cross section on a project by project basis and has the authority to alter street cross section widths and uses.

b. Street cross section widths, as detailed in the RZC Appendix 2A. Downtown Street Requirements, apply at the middle of the block.

i. The widths and existence of each component may vary at intersections, as determined by the Technical Committee.

ii. Intersection design shall be based upon the Pedestrian System Plan, Bicycle System Plan, and Design Guidance chapters of the Transportation Master Plan; Bicycle Facilities Design Manual; the City’s Construction Specifications in RZC Appendix 2, Construction Specification and Design Standards for Streets and Access; and any corridor study adopted by the City Council for the street(s) in question.

c. Dedicated right-of-way shall be 60 feet, except in cases where there is more than one general purpose lane going the same direction, wherein the dedicated right-of-way shall be determined by the Technical Committee. Any sidewalk width required by Map 10.3, Downtown Pedestrian System, exceeding the required right-of-way shall be provided through an easement.

d. Provisions of medians and left turn lane access shall be determined on a project-by-project basis, based on traffic speeds, volumes, and collision history, and using recognized engineering standards, such as those published by AASHTO, ITE, or other recognized authority.

e. Utilities, such as power, telephone, and cable, shall be placed under the sidewalk.

f. When designing multimodal corridors refer to the Modal Corridors section of the Transportation Master Plan. Corridors shall support all modes.

g. See RZC 21.52.030.F, Required Public Improvements, to review additional options and requirements. (Ord. 2679; Ord. 2803; Ord. 2958; Ord. 2978)

Effective on: 11/30/2019