Chapter 23.310 — Residential Zoning Districts

The purpose of this chapter is to establish residential zoning districts in the city, along with allowed use and development standards applicable to those districts. These districts are consistent with and implement the city's General Plan residential land use categories (rural residential, estate residential, low density residential, medium density residential, and high density residential). (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 2.4.010); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1-2022 § 3 (Exh. A))

The following descriptions of each residential zoning district identify the characteristic uses, intensity of uses, and level of development intended for that district:

• A. Rural Residential (RR) Zoning District. This district is applied to areas of the city where development is limited to low density concentrations of single-family dwellings. The zone implements the General Plan's rural residential land use category by allowing residential developments between 0.1 and 0.5 dwelling units per acre. The zone is applied to parcels of land along or at the edge of the city, helping to define the city's boundary. The zone is intended to provide a gradual transition of density from the urban core to a rural edge of the community. Development in this zone is characterized by smaller local roads, the rural nature of improvements and services (e.g., no curb, gutter, streetlights), and larger lots. Limited agricultural-related uses (e.g., farming, animal keeping) are permitted in this zone when compatible with the primary residential use.

• B. Estate Residential (ER) Zoning District. This district is applied to areas of the city where development is limited to low density concentrations of single-family dwellings. The zone implements the General Plan's estate residential land use category by allowing for residential development between 0.51 and 2.0 dwelling units per acre. The zone is applied to parcels of land near the edge of the city where urban development approaches the rural areas of the region. This zone promotes a gradual transition

between urban areas and the rural country by introducing a more rural lifestyle with larger lots (between one-half acre and two acres in size). The ER zone also allows for specific nonresidential development that is in keeping with both the residential and rural nature of the zone, such as public safety facilities, parks, trails, and open space, and religious/institutional facilities. Generally, development within the zone is characterized by larger lots, two-lane roads, and formal curb and gutter at the roadway edge. Street lighting (in addition to safety lighting at intersections) and sidewalks may be included, but are not required. Public water and sewer service is encouraged, but should only be required when it is immediately available to the individual lot or in proximity to a new estate residential development.

• C. Residential (RD) Zoning Districts. These districts are established to provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for residential development to meet the housing needs of the city's present and expected future population with due allowance for the need for a choice of sites. There are 12 individual RD zones as listed below. The number associated with the RD district corresponds to the maximum gross density allowed in the district. The general character of each district is listed as part of the allowed density range and is intended to help guide development within the district, consistent with and accompanying descriptions in the General Plan.

d for a choice of sites. There are 12 individual RD zones as listed below. The number associated with the RD district corresponds to the maximum gross density allowed in the district. The general character of each district is listed as part of the allowed density range and is intended to help guide development within the district, consistent with and accompanying descriptions in the General Plan.

1. RD-1 Zoning District (One Dwelling Unit per Acre Maximum). This district should be applied to areas that are semi-rural in character, featuring a combination of larger lots typically found in rural areas but also more urban roadway and infrastructure improvements. This zone is targeted for more executive-style housing and allows for development in the 0.51 to 1.0 dwelling units per acre range, consistent with the estate residential General Plan land use category.

2. RD-2 Zoning District (Two Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district should be applied to areas that are semi-rural in character, featuring a combination of larger lots typically found in rural areas but also more urban roadway and infrastructure improvements. This zone is targeted for more executive-style housing and allows for development in the 1.1 to 2.0 dwelling units per acre range, consistent with the estate residential General Plan land use category.

3. RD-3 Zoning District (Three Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district allows for development in the 2.1 to 3.0 dwelling units per acre range. This district should be applied to areas that are strictly residential; however, other compatible neighborhood support facilities and public/quasi-public uses, such as parks, religious institutions, and community gathering facilities, may be located in the district.

4. RD-4 Zoning District (Four Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district should be applied to areas that are generally residential; however, the district does allow for other compatible neighborhood support facilities and public/quasi-public uses, such as parks, religious institutions, and community gathering facilities. The district allows for development in the 3.1 to 4.0 dwelling units per acre range.

5. RD-5 Zoning District (Five Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district makes up the vast majority of residential development built in the city prior to incorporation. The zone allows for residential development in the 4.1 to 5.0 dwelling units per acre range, as well as other compatible neighborhood support facilities and public/quasi-public uses, such as parks, religious institutions, and community gathering facilities.

6. RD-6 Zoning District (Six Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district allows for development between 5.1 and 6.0 dwelling units per acre. This district should be applied to areas that are primarily single-family residential; however, the district does allow for other compatible neighborhood support facilities and public/quasi-public uses, such as parks, religious institutions, and community gathering facilities.

(Six Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district allows for development between 5.1 and 6.0 dwelling units per acre. This district should be applied to areas that are primarily single-family residential; however, the district does allow for other compatible neighborhood support facilities and public/quasi-public uses, such as parks, religious institutions, and community gathering facilities.

7. RD-7 Zoning District (Seven Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This is a medium density residential zoning district, allowing development in the 6.1 to 7.0 dwelling units per acre range. Properties in this zone typically include higher density singlefamily homes (attached and detached). Other compatible neighborhood support uses may also be permitted, such as parks and religious institutions.

8. RD-10 Zoning District (10 Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). As a medium density residential zoning district, this district allows development in the 7.1 to 10.0 dwelling units per acre range and includes both higher density single-family homes (attached and detached) and more traditional multifamily residential development. This district should be applied to areas that are located in proximity to neighborhood and employment centers and provides a compatible transition to lower density residential development.

9. RD-15 Zoning District (15 Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). As with other medium density residential zoning districts, this district allows for both higher density single-family (attached and detached) and more traditional multifamily residential development. The district allows for residential development in the 10.1 to 15.0 dwelling units per acre range, is typically located in proximity to neighborhood and employment centers, and provides a compatible transition to lower density residential development.

10. RD-20 Zoning District (20 Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district is a high density residential zoning district which allows 18.1 to 20.0 dwelling units per acre. Typical development in this district includes apartments, condominiums, and other high density multifamily dwellings. The district also provides additional living opportunities for people of varying needs and income levels (e.g., residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, congregate care facilities).

11. RD-25 Zoning District (25 Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This high density residential district allows for development in the 20.1 to 25.0 dwelling units per acre range and includes apartments, condominiums, and other high density residential multifamily dwellings. The district also provides additional living opportunities for people of varying needs and income levels (e.g., residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, congregate care facilities).

gh density residential district allows for development in the 20.1 to 25.0 dwelling units per acre range and includes apartments, condominiums, and other high density residential multifamily dwellings. The district also provides additional living opportunities for people of varying needs and income levels (e.g., residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, congregate care facilities).

12. RD-30 Zoning District (30 Dwelling Units per Acre Maximum). This district allows for high density residential development (e.g., apartments, condominiums) in the 25.1 to 30.0 dwelling units per acre range. As with other high density residential districts, this district also provides additional living opportunities for people of varying needs and income levels (e.g., residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, congregate care facilities).

• D. Medium Density Residential (MDR). This district designates property for the development of a wide range of housing types with a density range between 6.1 and 18.0 dwelling units per acre. The MDR district is intended for higher density single-family homes (attached or detached), condominiums, and small apartment complexes. This district provides a compatible transition between the lower density residential neighborhoods of the city and the urban centers.

• E. High Density Residential (HDR). This district designates property for the development of residential uses with a density between 20.1 and 40.0 dwelling units per acre. The HDR district is intended for higher density residential development, such as apartments, condominiums, lofts, and other multi-story residential uses. This district is typically located along major roadways and transit corridors near and adjacent to or within service and employment centers. High density residential development is designed to be pedestrian- and transit-friendly.

• F. Residential Mobile Home (RMH). This district provides for the development of mobile home parks and/or the placement of mobile homes on individual lots within an approved subdivision of lots to accommodate mobile homes as the primary dwelling unit. The RMH zone also allows for the development of associated support uses, such as community centers, parks, and common areas, as part of both mobile home parks and mobile home subdivisions. Development in this district is limited to 7.1 to 18.0 dwelling units per acre.

• (Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 2.4.020); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1-2022 § 3 (Exh. A))

Table 23.310-1 identifies allowed uses and corresponding permit requirements for the residential zoning districts subject to compliance with Chapter 23.304 RCMC (Land Use Classification) and all other provisions of this title. Descriptions/definitions of the land uses can be found in Article 11 of this title (Definitions). The specific use regulations column in the table identifies the specific chapter or section where additional regulations for that use type are located within this title.

Use regulations in the table are shown with representative symbol by use classification listing: "P" symbolizes uses allowed by right, "AUP" symbolizes uses that require an administrative use permit, "C" symbolizes uses that require approval of a conditional use permit, and "N" symbolizes uses that are not permitted.

(click here to view the full table)

(click here to view the full table)

Notes:

1. Duplexes/halfplexes are permitted (P) on corner lots by right. On interior lots, an administrative use permit (AUP) is required. In such instances, duplexes/halfplexes are exempt from the density requirements of the zoning district; provided, that the overall neighborhood or subdivision has an average density within the allowable range. 2. Domestic pets: Keeping of more than four dogs, more than four cats, or any combination of five or more cats and dogs is considered a kennel for the purposes of this code and not permitted in zones that do not permit a kennel. 3. Exotic animals: No more than five exotic animals are permitted per parcel. All exotic animals shall be kept and maintained in such a way that is consistent with the odor, particulate matter, and air contaminant standards of RCMC § 23.737.040 . 4. Livestock animals: Two livestock animals may be permitted for each half-acre of land. All livestock animals shall be kept and maintained in such a way that is consistent with the odor, particulate matter, and air contaminant standards of RCMC § 23.737.040 . 5. Poultry: All poultry shall be kept and maintained in such a way that is consistent with the odor, particulate matter, and air contaminant standards of RCMC § 23.737.040 . 6. Poultry: Only the keeping of backyard hens shall be allowed with a proper permit and all hens shall be kept and maintained in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 8.11 RCMC. 7. Permitted as an accessory use to an otherwise permitted use in the listed district (e.g., community clubhouse). 8. Transitional housing shall be treated like similar uses as required by state law (e.g., a single-family home used for transitional housing is subject to same requirements as a typical single-family home, apartment building treated similar to apartment building, etc.). 9. Senior independent living facilities are required to meet provisions in Chapter 23.901 RCMC (Residential Uses). 10. See additional provisions in RCMC § 23.901.080 (Family day care (large)). 11. See additional provisions in RCMC § 23.901.090 (Residential care home (large)). 12. Limited to 25 percent of building square footage of religious institutions, schools and multifamily developments larger than 20 units in size. 13. All commercial activity, display and storage shall occur within a building or within a screen enclosure. 14. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is prohibited in all residential zones pursuant to RCMC § 6.90.030 , and personal indoor cannabis cultivation is permitted only on parcels with private residences which meet the requirements of RCMC § 6.90.040 , and such personal cannabis cultivation is subject to the regulations contained in Chapter 6.90 RCMC. 15. Private community gardens and market gardens are allowed in residential districts up to a maximum one acre in size and pursuant to applicable regulations in RCMC § 23.904.030 (Urban agriculture). Approval of an administrative use permit is required for said uses greater than one acre in size. Zoning certification is required for properties one acre or less in size. 16. See allowances for temporary on-site sales of agricultural products in RCMC § 23.904.030 . 17. Dormitories are permitted as an accessory use to a public or private school, subject to approval of a conditional use permit.

pproval of an administrative use permit is required for said uses greater than one acre in size. Zoning certification is required for properties one acre or less in size. 16. See allowances for temporary on-site sales of agricultural products in RCMC § 23.904.030 . 17. Dormitories are permitted as an accessory use to a public or private school, subject to approval of a conditional use permit.

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 2.4.030); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 1-2020 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 1-2022 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 3-2023 § 3 (Exh. A))

The following development standards are applicable to the residential zoning districts. These standards, along with other development standards (e.g., landscaping requirements, signs, parking standards) in this title and citywide design guidelines, are intended to assist property owners and project designers in understanding the city's minimum requirements and expectations for high quality development.

(click here to view the full table)

(Ord. 27-2008 § 1 (Exh. A § 2.4.040); Ord. 12-2011 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 30-2013 §§ 3, 4 (Exh. A); Ord. 1-2015 § 3; Ord. 4-2017 § 3 (Exh. B); Ord. 10-2017 § 3; Ord. 3-2019 § 5 (Exh. A); Ord. 1-2022 § 3 (Exh. A))