30.23A.030 Compatibility design standards.
(1) The purpose of compatibility design standards is to require additional features to be incorporated into higher density residential development when located adjacent to properties zoned and developed or designated for lower density single-family use in order to enhance the compatibility between uses.
(2) Where residential development is subject to the provisions of this chapter, the provisions in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2) shall establish when the compatibility design standards in this section apply. When the adjacent property is within the UGA, it must also have one of the following characteristics, in addition to a zoning classification indicated with a "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2), before the compatibility measures are required:
(a) A lower intensity designation than the project site on the Future Land Use map of the GMA Comprehensive Plan;
(b) Platted and developed residential lots averaging 10,000 square feet in area or less; or
(c) Homes located within 50 feet of the property line that have an average age of 15 years or less.
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Zoning Classification of Adjacent Property → |
R-9,600, R-8,400 |
R-7,200 |
Non-Urban Zones |
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Proposed Use ↓ |
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Single-family detached at less than seven dwellings per gross acre |
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Single-family detached at seven dwellings or more per gross acre1 |
Yes |
Yes |
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Single-family attached at less than seven dwellings per gross acre |
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Single-family attached at seven dwellings or more per gross acre |
Yes |
Yes |
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Yes |
Yes2 |
Yes |
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Multifamily |
Yes |
Yes2 |
Yes |
Where "yes" is marked in the table, and at least one characteristic in SCC 30.23A.030(2) is present, SCC 30.23A.030(3) shall apply.
Footnote 1: This use shall also include any subdivision or short subdivision using the lot size averaging provisions of SCC 30.23.210, and shall apply only to that portion of the site where lots 6,000 square feet or less in size are proposed.
Footnote 2: The compatibility requirements for townhouse, mixed townhouse, and multifamily development shall not apply along property lines adjacent to property zoned R-7,200 and developed with townhouse or mixed townhouse development.
(3) When compatibility design standards are applicable, residential development shall incorporate at least two of the following design standards:
(a) Increase the minimum building setback to 20 feet from those lot lines abutting urban zones, and 40 feet for those lot lines abutting non-urban zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2);
(b) Limit maximum building height to 30 feet within 50 feet of those abutting property lines to zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2);
(c) Increase the perimeter landscaping vegetation by at least 50 percent over the amount required in SCC 30.25.017, or if no perimeter landscaping is required, provide a minimum 10-foot wide perimeter Type A landscaped buffer pursuant to the standards in SCC 30.25.017;
(d) Limit townhouse and multifamily buildings located within 50 feet of abutting property lines to zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2) to a maximum of three dwelling units per building with a minimum separation of 25 feet between buildings;
(e) Separate single-family detached and duplex dwelling structures by at least 20 feet between buildings located within 50 feet of abutting property lines to zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2);
(f) Incorporate two architectural features, such as those described in SCC 30.23A.040(2) or the Snohomish County Residential Design Manual to break up blank walls greater than 500 square feet that face properties in zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2); or
(g) Provide a decorative wall or solid and landscaped fence between buildings and adjacent properties located in zones marked "yes" in SCC Table 30.23A.030(2) that:
(i) Uses brick or stone;
(ii) Is a minimum height of five feet;
(iii) Incorporates architectural detailing, such as posts, ornamental iron grillwork, or other elements prescribed in the Snohomish County Residential Design Manual; and
(iv) Incorporates landscaping, openings, and other design elements that break up the continuity of a solid wall or fence at least every 10 feet unless otherwise approved by the director. (Added by Amended Ord. 08-101, Jan. 21, 2009, Eff date Apr. 21, 2009; Amended by Amended Ord. 12-018, May 2, 2012, Eff date May 21, 2012; Amended by Ord. 17-062, Oct. 18, 2017, Eff date Dec. 17, 2017).