21.13.190 MDD Residential Usable Open Space.
A. General. On-site usable open space is an important feature for residential uses as it provides residents with a place, or places, to relax and/or recreate without the need to leave their building. The minimum residential usable open space requirement in Table 21.13.120A establishes the minimum percentage of a development that must be set aside to provide usable open space for residents. Every development that includes residences shall provide usable open space in an amount equal to or greater than the amount specified in Table 21.13.120A.
B. Alternatives for configuration of the total amount of usable open space.
1. Common open space is open space that is open to all residents. It includes landscaped courtyards or decks, gardens with pathways, children’s play areas, and other multipurpose recreational or green spaces. Except for rooftop open space, it may be used to meet up to 75 percent of the usable open space requirement.
2. Common open space shall be large enough to provide functional leisure or recreational activity as determined by the Technical Committee. The minimum dimension shall be 20 feet.
3. Private open space is open space that is not open to all residents. It includes balconies, patios, and other multi-purpose recreational or green spaces. It may be used to meet up to 50 percent of the usable open space requirement. Private open spaces shall be at least 50 square feet, with no dimension less than five feet.
4. Rooftop open space may be used to meet up to 50 percent of the usable open space requirement.
5. Parking areas, driveways, and pedestrian access other than pedestrian access required by Washington State Rules and Regulations for Barrier-Free Design shall not be counted as usable open space, except any pedestrian path or walkway traversing through the open space if the total width of the common usable open space is 18 feet or wider.
C. Configuration of usable open space for ground-oriented residential uses in the MDD5 zone.
1. The definition of common open space and private open spaces in subsection B above apply here.
2. The minimum dimension for private open space shall be 15 feet. The minimum dimension for common open space shall be 25 feet. The usable open space requirement for ground-oriented units shall be 20 percent of the unit size.
3. Private open space may be used to meet up to 100 percent of the usable open space requirement. (Ord. 2883)