20.28.070 Open space and landscaping.
Open space provides recreational opportunities and public and private gathering areas, allows sunlight to enter into living spaces, and provides a spacious and inviting feel. The minimum required open space areas for residential uses, as listed in Table 20.16-2, shall be maintained pursuant to these regulations.
A. Residential Open Space. The open space regulations in CMC 20.16.050(B), Open Space for MDR and HDR Zones, shall apply to required residential open space areas in all mixed-use development, except as provided elsewhere in this section.
B. Open Space/Public Plazas in Civic Mixed-Use Zone. Site planning for sites within the Civic Mixed-Use Zone shall integrate the street pedestrian environment through the use of courtyards, plazas, street furniture, and walkways. Public and private walkways, passages, paseos, and related facilities shall be provided.
1. Seating Options. Pedestrian spaces shall provide a variety of seating options, areas of sun and shade for year-round climatic comfort, shelter, and night lighting to encourage public activity and to provide for safety.
2. Visibility from Public Street. Pedestrian spaces shall be visible from public streets and sidewalks, as determined by the responsible review authority.
3. Lighting. Lighting shall be incorporated into plazas, paseos, courtyards, and other common open areas to enhance the pedestrian environment and provide for public safety. Lighting shall be low mounted and downward casting so as to reduce light trespass onto adjacent properties.
C. Pervious Area and Open Space. Pervious areas set aside as usable open space may also serve as areas for infiltration of stormwater runoff, subject to review and approval by the city engineer. Use of open space areas for stormwater control shall be incorporated into plans to comply with the provisions of Chapter 20.68 CMC (Low Impact Development Measures) that may be amended from time to time.
D. Mixed-Use Open Space Share. Mixed-use buildings shall be arranged to create opportunities for open space for the residential uses. In general, open space areas for residential uses shall be separated from nonresidential uses on the site. However, the sharing of open space may be permitted as part of the development review permit procedures when it is clear that the open space will provide direct benefit to residents of the project and subject to the following limitations:
1. Horizontal Mixed-Use Share. Up to 30 percent of the required open space for residential uses in a horizontal mixed-use project may be provided within the nonresidential component of the project.
2. Vertical Mixed-Use Share. Up to 50 percent of the required open space for residential uses in a vertical mixed-use project may be provided within the nonresidential component of the project. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).