Jan 09 Oak Harbor Planning Commission presentation for the Subdivision Code Update Project

1. Subdivision Code Update

18. More accurate reflection of Comprehensive Plan Include language about sustainability, for example. Update purpose statement to reflect the intent of this Project Readability 21.10.010 Title – Purpose Improved readability of the Code Streamlined review process diagrams to help clarify meaning Opportunities to augment and/or replace Code language with clear drawings describing specific provisions. Readability Title 21 Improved readability of the Code Streamlined review process. clarity, consistency and accuracy changes Throughout these Code Sections all language will be reviewed and modified to identify and eliminate wordiness, redundancy and unnecessary complexity. Readability Title 21 Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

19. A more complete assessment of subdivision applications This may include references to safe networks for pedestrians/non-motorized transportation for example. Expand the list of elements identified Sustainability Livability 21.20.060 – Approval or Disapproval of Subdivision and Dedication – Factors to be Considered – Conditions for Approval – Findings – Release from Damages Eliminating redundancy within the Code Allow forms to be periodically updated outside the complex Review Process V for Code revision. Delete this Code language. Reconciled with Chapter 18.20 – Permit Process Article III. Readability 21.20.010 Process for Preliminary Subdivision and section 21.20.030 – Prints, Applications and Fee Submittal. Clarification of meanings of various standards Definitions such as “building setback line”. The definitions updated Readability 21.10.040 Definitions Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

20. Improved aesthetics and function that fulfill Comprehensive Plan policies (such as more useable open spaces and integration of various uses, trails, transit stops, and neighboring subdivisions). New or refined language for: landscape buffers; use screening; subdivision entrance features; required walkways and their design standards; etcetera. Updated language that will clearly define performance standards/parameters for the required improvements as applicable. Readability 21.40.040 – Required Improvements. Improve the quality of information on final plats. This language would cover “standard” or typical easements. Specific easement language developed Readability 21.30.040 (7)(a) Easements Improve the quality of information on final plats. Specific requirements for tables that identify calculations for open space, etcetera. Updates to reflect the additional/amended requirements that result from the Project. Readability 21.30.040 – Prescribed form. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

21. Improved function and aesthetics of street network in subdivisions. Define specific street section options and performance requirements. Reflect the desire for street sections that are narrower and provide more of the features commonly referred to as “complete” streets. Livability (4) Street Right-of-Way Requirements. Improvement of subdivision form and function which addresses current shortfalls in pedestrian orientation. Refinement of requirements to support pedestrian linkages. Improve the overall connectivity of the street network to avoid the continued development of disjointed and unconnected neighborhoods that have resulted from recent developments. Sustainability Livability 21.40.070 – Street and Block Layout. More contemporary and environmentally sound subdivision development. Limit the amount and impact of clearing and grading activity on a site. Amendments as determined appropriate based on the PSP LID Project findings. Sustainability 21.20.050 – Grading and Clearing. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

22. More livable and integrated subdivisions that support pedestrian oriented designs. Design standards for both parks and street ends to promote non-vehicular connections. There are a number design parameters that could be added to this Section and therefore it may be adapted as a new Design Standards/Required Improvements section (as in the current Short Subdivision Chapter). Livability 21.50.010 – General Improvements More contemporary and environmentally sound subdivision development with reduced environmental impacts. Some of the main recommendations of the LID Project. It is expected that a number of the main PSP LID Project recommendations could be added to this Section to achieve significant environmental improvements. Sustainability 21.50.010 – General Improvements (3) Drainage Simplification of Code and reduced confusion. Refined performance standards for unusually shaped lots. Revised language to address consistent problems with flag lots. Sustainability Readability 21.40.080 – Lots Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

23. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. Develop diagrams and drawings to be included in various Sections to help clarify meaning. Opportunities to augment and/or replace Code language with clear drawings describing the specific provisions. Readability Chapter 19.31 Planned Residential Developments Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. Examples include clarity, consistency and accuracy changes Identify and eliminate wordiness, redundancy and unnecessary complexity. Readability Chapter 19.31 Planned Residential Developments More effective short plat regulations that support infill. The unique difficulty identified with the street frontage requirements of short plats. The overall structure of the Short Subdivision Chapter 21.60, shall be amended to reflect the structure of the revised Subdivision Chapter. Sustainability Chapter 21.60, Short Subdivision Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

24. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. More refined performance parameters for determining consistency with these standards. Readability 19.31.040 General Standards and Requirements – Parcel Size. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. More refined performance parameters for determining consistency with these standards will be developed. Readability 19.31.030 General Standards and Requirements – Density Ensure that open space is appropriately integrated into the overall design of neighbourhoods to improve aesthetics, and access. Active/passive recreation requirements for open space. Specific design parameters will be defined for open space to improve function and aesthetics similarly as those described above for Title 21. Sustainability Livability Chapter 19.31 Planned Residential Developments: 19.31.020 General Standards and Requirements – Open Space. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

25. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. Remove Section This Section is entirely redundant, as traffic analysis is part of the Engineering review. Readability 19.31.070 General Standards and Requirements – Access to Development. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. This Section requires clear parameters and definitions. Readability 19.31.060 General Standards and Requirements – Uses Permitted. This may ensure that the city develops more closely to the standards expected and defined in the Comprehensive Plan. The City may wish to require the use of the PRD standards with all plats that are greater than 10 – 15 acres as opposed to the current standard of 20 acres. Sustainability Livability 19.31.050 General Standards and Requirements – Mandatory Application of Standards. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

26. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. This section will be deleted as it restates the zoning standards, and can not be varied. Readability 19.31.110 General Standards and Requirements – Building Height. Provide greater assurance that the visual impacts of increased density are addressed. Improve aesthetics of new development within the community. Specify the design of required screening/buffers. This Section will be amended to provide specific screening design standards and a more clear description. Livability 19.31.090 General Standards and Requirements – Yards. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. Provide flexibility in lot sizes and dimensions based upon specific conditions of the property. Added clarification of the parameters that must be met to support any change in requirements (as described). Readability 19.31.080 General Standards and Requirements – Permissive Variations in Requirements. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section

27. More livable and integrated subdivisions that support pedestrian oriented designs/uses as outlined with the Project's principle foci. For example: revised open space requirements. The Design Standards will be more specific and eliminate the complexity of options that has historically resulted in confusion and less than optimal subdivision designs. Livability Readability 19.31.220 Preliminarily Development Plan – Planning Commission Review. Improved readability of the Code, and overall understandability for all readers/stakeholders. Streamlined review process. This section will be deleted as it relates to a standard that can not be varied and is redundant, restating the parking standards. Readability 10.31.140 General Standards and Requirements – Off-Street Parking. Expected Results Examples Discussion Project Focus Code Section