HomeMy WebLinkAbout4694A Ordinance - Amend PMC Title 21 for Street Connectivity - Scrivemer's ErrorsOrdinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 1
ORDINANCE NO. 4694
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
RELATING TO STREET CONNECTIVITY, AMENDING SECTIONS
21.05.020 “PURPOSE;” 21.05.030 “APPLICATION OF THIS TITLE;” 21.05.040
“EXCEPTIONS;” 21.05.060 “APPROVAL REQUIRED;” 21.10.020 “TERMS
DEFINED;” CHAPTER 21.15 “STREETS;” AND SECTION 21.20.010 “BLOCK
LENGTH” WITHIN TITLE 21 “PASCO URBAN AREA SUBDIVISION
REGULATIONS” OF THE PASCO MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, the development of a more complete transportation network can improve
pedestrian safety, increase mobility options for residents and visitors and promote improvements
in public health; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council adopted the Transportation System Master Plan via
Resolution No. 4220 on August 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco Transportation System Master Plan documents the operational and
safety performance of the City’s existing and future transportation system and provides strategies
that will support growth in and around the community through the year 2040; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco Transportation System Master Plan recognizes that the layout and
design of the local transportation system is foundational to neighborhood livability. It better serves
the full spectrum of community travel needs which can vary over time based on household size,
income, age, physical abilities, and personal preferences; and
WHEREAS, to effectively implement the Transportation System Master Plan will require
a series of updates and amendments to existing city policies, codes and regulations related to land
development, transportation management and capital project funding; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco Transportation System Master Plan identified amendments to the
Pasco Municipal Code including updates to the development regulations and subdivision code as
a major action; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco Transportation System Master Plan recommends updates to facility
spacing guidelines, access management spacing standards, and street connectivity standards; and
WHEREAS, Land Use Policy 4-A of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan encourages the
reduction and dependency of vehicle travel, and encourage pedestrian and multi-modal options by
providing compatible land-uses in and around residential neighborhoods; and
SCRIVENER’S ERRORS
This Ordinance corrects Scrivener’s errors and replaces Ordinance No. 4701
See text highlighted in yellow on pages 17 and 20
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 2
WHEREAS, Land Use Policy 4-C of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan encourages the
development of walkable communities by increasing mixed-use (commercial/residential)
developments that provide households with neighborhood and commercial shopping
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Land Use Policy 4-E of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan encourages the
orderly development of land by emphasizing connectivity and efficiency of the transportation
network; and
WHEREAS, Land Use Policy 4-F of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan supports mixed
use, smart growth, infill, and compact developments with transit and pedestrian amenities that
promote a healthy community; and
WHEREAS, Economic Development Policy 1-E of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan
recognizes that infrastructure, including transportation and utility planning, is vital to economic
development and attracting businesses; and
WHEREAS, Economic Development Policy 1-F of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan
supports and encourages residential and commercial mixed-use developments that provide
neighborhood shopping and services and promote walkable neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Economic Development Policy 3-C of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan
is to provide appropriate access through a combination of pathways, sidewalks, non-motorized
travel lands and parking; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-A of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
participation in the metropolitan and regional transportation planning efforts of the Benton-
Franklin Council of Governments; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-B of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
that our transportation and land use planning efforts and policy that meet the needs of the
community and the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-E of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan encourages
the City to provide increased neighborhood travel connections for public safety as well as
providing for transportation disbursement; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-F of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
the development of interconnected network of streets, trails, and other public ways during the
development process while preserving neighborhood identity; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-H of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
that the City maintain level-of-service “D” on all arterials and collectors and level-of- service “C”
during the PM peak-hour; and
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 3
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 1-I of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
developments to meet the standards of the Pasco Complete Streets Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy I-J of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires the
City to collaborate with appropriate agencies to conduct a review of street design standards; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 2-B of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
the City to collaborate with Ben Franklin Transit in programming transit routes, transit stops, and
supporting facilities that increase user accessibility during the development process; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 2-D of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan encourages
bicycle and pedestrian travel by providing safe and purposeful bicycle and pedestrian routes; and
WHEREAS, Transportation Policy 2-G of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
the City to collaborate with transit agencies on the design of arterial streets to improve transit
access; and
WHEREAS, Implementation Policy 1-A of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
the City to maintain codes, standards, and guidelines, which are clear, concise, and objective; and
WHEREAS, Implementation Policy 4-A of the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan requires
the City to coordinate with other governmental units in preparing development regulations; and
WHEREAS, the 2011 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan identified a series of goals and
policies to address the growing demands of bicycling and walking as a means of travel and to
achieve a more balanced transportation system; and
WHEREAS, The Pasco City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4389 – Complete Streets
Policy on July 2, 2018 indicating that the development of a more complete transportation network
can improve pedestrian safety, increase the transportation networks capacity and promote
improvements in public health; and
WHEREAS, Pasco’s Complete Street Policy states that transportation costs can be
reduced when local infrastructure encourages active transportation, which helps families replace
car trips with bicycling, walking or taking public transit; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 3853 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions adopted by
the Pasco City Council in 2018 endorsed a set a policies and procedures satisfying the Washington
State Public Work’s Board requirement and to recognize that the policies will benefit the City of
Pasco in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, Policy G-1 of Pasco’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Resolution
encourages development patterns that utilize existing infrastructure, reduce the need for new roads,
utilizes and enhance non-automobile transportation; and
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 4
WHEREAS, Policy J-1 of Pasco’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Resolution
states the City shall consider transportation projects that will contribute to a reduction in vehicle
miles travelled per capita, while maintaining economic vitality and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Policy J-2 of Pasco’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Resolution
states the City shall provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and bicyclists, to, across,
and along major transit priority streets; and
WHEREAS, the 2022 Pasco Fire Department Master Plan indicates that the distance
between the fire station and the location of the emergency influences total response time the most.
The quality and connectivity of streets, traffic congestion, and geography all play crucial roles in
travel time performance; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council recognized the importance of a highly functional,
multi-modal transportation network supporting the integration and facilitation of traffic flow,
pedestrian, bicycle and non-motorized modes of transportation as a Council Goal in 2018-2019;
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council stated ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness in the use of public resources in the delivery of municipal services, programs and
long-term maintenance and viability of public facilities as a Council Goal in 2018-2019; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council adopted Resolution No. 3895 on September 21, 2020,
that establish a set of primary Council Goals for years 2020-2021; and
WHEREAS, updating design standards for the development of new neighborhoods and
re-development to promote greater neighborhood cohesion through design elements, including
walkability is supportive of Council Goals on Quality of Life; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council adopted Resolution 4182 on May 16, 2022, that
establish a set of primary Council Goals for years 2022-2023; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council Goal for a Community Transportation Network
emphasizes the promotion of a highly functional multi-modal transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council Goals specifically call out the application of the
adopted Transportation System Master Plan including development of policies, regulations,
programs, and projects that provide for greater connectivity, strategic investment, mobility, multi-
modal systems, accessibility, efficiency, and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PASCO,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That Section 21.05.020 entitled “Purpose” of the Pasco Municipal Code
shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
21.05.020 Purpose.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 5
The purpose of this title is to regulate the division of land and development of land
within the Pasco Urban Area. This title is to also further the purpose of promoting
the health, safety, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare of the
present and future inhabitants of the Pasco Urban Area, and to:
(1) Prevent the overcrowding of land;
(2) Lessen congestion and promote safe and convenient travel by the public on
streets and highways;
(3) Promote the effective use of land;
(4) Provide for adequate light and air;
(5) Facilitate adequate provision for water, sewerage, drainage, parks and
recreational areas, and other public requirements;
(6) Provide for proper ingress and egress;
(7) Provide for the expeditious review and approval of proposed land divisions
which comply with this title, the Pasco Urban Area Zoning Ordinance, other City
Plans, policies and land use controls, and Chapter 58.17 RCW;
(8) Adequately provide for the housing, commercial and industrial needs of the
citizens of the state and City;
(9) Require uniform monumenting of land divisions and conveyance by accurate
legal descriptions;
(10) Implement the goals, objectives and policies of the Pasco Comprehensive
Plan.
Section 2. That Section 21.05.030 entitled “Application of this Title” of the Pasco
Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
21.05.030 Application of this Title.
Any plat hereafter made, or any subdivision or any part thereof lying within
the limits of the City, shall be prepared, presented for approval and recorded as
herein prescribed. The regulations contained in this title shall apply to any
development activity, the subdivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or
more lots, tracts or other division of land for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer
of ownership, whether immediate or future, including the resubdivision or
replatting of land or lots. They shall apply to each situation where there is a
dedication of streets, alleys, easements and/or land for other public uses.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 6
Section 3. That Section 21.05.040 entitled “Exceptions” of the Pasco Municipal Code
shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
21.05.040 Exceptions.
The provisions of this title shall not apply to:
(1) Cemeteries and other burial plots while used for that purpose;
(2) Division of land not containing a dedication, in which the smallest lot created
by the division exceeds five acres in area;
(3) Divisions made by testamentary provisions or the laws of descent;
(4) Any division of land for the purpose of adjusting the boundary lines between
platted or unplatted lots or both, which does not create any new or additional lot,
tract, site or division, which contains insufficient area and dimension to meet
minimum requirements for a building site;
(5) The dedication of sufficient and appropriate public street right-of-way where
the property line is located within 30 feet of the centerline of a clearly recognized
and existing local access or collector public street; or within 40 feet of the
centerline of a clearly recognized and existing primary or secondary arterial street;
or within 50 feet of the centerline of a clearly recognized and existing primary
arterial street containing a landscape median.
Section 4. That Section 21.05.060 entitled “Approval required” of the Pasco
Municipal Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
21.05.060 Plat Approval required.
Before any preliminary plat shall be recorded or be of any validity, it must be
approved by the City Council Hearing Examiner and have such other agency
approvals as set forth herein.
Before any short plat shall be recorded or have any validity, it must be approved
administratively by the Director of Community and Economic Development and
have such other agency approvals as set forth herein.
Section 5. That Section 21.10.020 entitled “Terms Defined” of the Pasco Municipal
Code shall be and hereby is amended
21.10.020 Terms defined.
“Accessibility” means the quality of travel and takes place at the community and
individual level to provide access to various land uses. It focuses on travel time,
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 7
travel cost, travel options, comfort, and risk while addressing the needs of all within
the community.
“Alley” means a dedicated narrow service way, not more than 20 feet wide,
providing a secondary means of public access to abutting properties.
“Binding site plan” means a drawing to scale utilized for the purposes of creating
lots for selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring property rights from one person,
firm, or corporation to another. A binding site plan:
(a) Identifies and shows the areas and locations of all streets, roads,
improvements, parcels, utilities, open spaces, and other information as may be
required by this title;
(b) Contains inscriptions or attachments setting forth such appropriate
limitations and conditions for the use of land as specified by this title; and
(c) Contains provisions making any development be in conformity with the site
plan for all such land.
“Block” means a group of lots, tracts, or parcels bound by a street and circulation
routes intended for public access within a well-defined and fixed boundary.
“Block Length” means the distance as measured along the street centerline of
intersecting streets from bounding intersecting street centerline to bounding
intersecting centerline.
“Boundary line adjustment” means the relocation of the boundaries between two or
more lots, which relocation does not result in the creation of any additional lot or
lots.
“Comprehensive Plan” means the current Comprehensive Plan for the City,
adopted by the City Council pursuant to state law.
“Cul-de-sac” means a road closed at one end by a circular area of sufficient size for
turning vehicles around.
“Dedication” means the deliberate conveyance of land by an owner or owners to
the City of Pasco, for any general and public uses, reserving to the owner or owners
no other rights than such as are compatible with the full exercise and enjoyment of
the public uses to which the property has been devoted.
“Developer, subdivider, platter or owner” means any person, firm or corporation
undertaking the subdividing or resubdividing of a lot, tract or parcel of land as, or
on behalf of, the owner thereof.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 8
“Easement” means a grant by the property owner to the public, corporation, or
persons, of the use of a strip of land for a specific purpose and, on or over which,
the owner will not erect any permanent improvements which serve to interfere with
the free exercise of that right.
“Final approval” means that approval given by the City Council, which authorizes
the subdivider to record his/her plat.
“Final plat” means the plan of a plat, subdivision, or dedication, or any portion
thereof, prepared for filing for record by the County Auditor, and containing all
elements and requirements set forth for final plats in these regulations.
“Hammerhead/T” means a roadway that provides a “T” shaped, three-point
turnaround space for emergency equipment.
“Improvements” means any required improvements, including streets, curb, gutter,
sidewalk, storm drainage, landscaping, utilities, pavement markings, signing, and
other appropriate improvements.
“Lot” means a portion of a subdivision, or other parcel of land, intended as a unit
for transfer of ownership or for development, being of sufficient area and
dimensions to meet minimum zoning requirements for width and area. The term
shall include tracts or parcels.
“Lot size averaging” means the area of individual lots within a development may
vary from the zoned minimum lot area; provided, that the density in the
development is compliant with the established zoning and Comprehensive Plan,
and each individual lot in the application complies with all other restrictions set
forth in PMC 21.20.070.
“Minor arterial” means a street or road which forms part of the arterial street
system, the function of which is to collect traffic from the local or residential streets
for delivery to the primary arterials.
“Mobility” means the ability and level of ease of moving people, goods, and
services.
“Monument” means a permanent-type survey marker, which conforms to the City
of Pasco standard detail for monuments, or an approved substitute.
“Neighborhood traffic management measures” means strategies to slow traffic, and
potentially reduce volumes, creating a more inviting environment for pedestrians
and bicyclists. Neighborhood traffic management measures include strategies such
as median islands, raised crosswalks, traffic humps, speed cushions and other
strategies in accordance with industry standards and best practices.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 9
“Pedestrian way” means a right-of-way dedicated to public use which cuts across a
block to facilitate pedestrian access to adjacent streets and properties.
“Plat or subdivision” means an area of land which has been divided into two or
more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, and shall include a map or maps
related thereto for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of
ownership, or for building developments, including all designations in street lines,
alley lines, public area boundaries, lot lines, easements, rights -of-way, pavement
widths, curb lines, location and size of utilities, location and size of land areas to
be dedicated; those divisions of land for agricultural purposes, where each parcel is
five acres or more in area and which do not include any new streets, easements,
rights-of-way or other provisions for necessary public areas and facilities; and
further provided, that this definition shall not apply to the division by description
of a portion of a platted lot.
"Policy” means the current practice of the City of Pasco based on industry
standards, guidelines, and current industry practices.
“Preliminary plat” means an approximate drawing of the proposed layout of streets,
blocks, lots and other elements of a subdivision or plat from which the City Hearing
Examiner gives preliminary approval to the general layout features of the
subdivision or plat.
“Primary arterial” means a street or road of great continuity which serves or is
intended to serve as the principal traffic way between separated areas of the City or
region and is designated in the Comprehensive Plan, or otherwise designated, as a
limited access highway, major thoroughfare, boulevard, parkway or other
equivalent term to identify those streets that comprise the basic structure of the
regional traffic plan.
“Public right-of-way” means any publicly owned land set aside for surface
transportation purposes, including vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian transportation,
whether improved or not improved.
“Secondary arterial” means a street or road which forms part of the arterial street
system, the function of which is to collect traffic from the local or residential streets
for delivery to the primary arterials.
“Short plat” or “short subdivision” means the division or redivision of land into
nine or fewer lots for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer of ownership.
“Street, connectivity” means street or road connections or intersections generally
achieved through the use of a grid-street pattern with shorter block lengths.
Street, Dead-End. “Dead-end street” means a street similar to a cul-de-sac, but
providing no turnaround at its closed end.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 10
Street, Frontage. “Frontage street” means an access street which is generally
parallel to and adjacent to arterials, streets, traffic ways, limited access highways
or railroad rights-of-way; and which provides access to abutting properties and
protection from through traffic.
Street, Local Access. “Local access street” means a street intended primarily for
access to abutting properties. of limited continuity, which serves or is intended to
serve the local needs of the immediate community.
Street, Private. “Private street” means a street of limited continuity, which serves
or is intended to serve the local needs of the immediate community and which has
not been dedicated to the public.
Street, Public. “Public street” means a street, whether improved or unimproved,
held in public ownership and intended to be open as a matter of right for public
vehicular travel and to provide access now or in the future to adjacent properties.
Street, Stub. “Street stub” means a temporary street ending; i.e., where the street
will be extended through adjacent property in the future, as those properties
develop. Not a permanent street-end, dead-end street or cul-de-sac.
“Street tree” means a tree planted in the right-of-way adjacent to the street.
“Tax parcel segregation” means the separation of lots of record into two or more
tax parcels for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer of ownership, and which
segregation does not result in the creation of more parcels than lots of record.
“Transportation Plan” means the Comprehensive Plan, Bike Ped Master Plan,
Transportation Improvement Plan, Transportation System Master Plan, Capitol
Improvement Plan, and other documents created by the City for the purpose of
planning future transportation improvements.
“Urban growth area” means that area designated by the County pursuant to RCW
36.70A.110, identifying the limits of the extension of urban facilities and services.
[Ord. 4496 § 2, 2020; Ord. 3736 § 2, 2005; Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 §§
26.08.010–26.08.290.]
Section 6. That Chapter 21.15 entitled “Streets” of the Pasco Municipal Code shall be
and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
21.15.010 Street connectivity layout.
(1) Continuation of Existing Streets. Streets shall normally continue as an
extension of existing streets unless good planning dictates a different solution.
Street patterns shall take into consideration access needed to develop adjacent
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 11
properties. Sketches of a proposed street system to serve adjoining properties may
be required if it is owned by the subdivider.
(1) Connectivity to Abutting Lands. The street system of a proposed subdivision
shall be designed to provide direct and efficient connections to existing, proposed,
and planned streets adjacent to the subdivision. Wherever a proposed development
abuts unplatted land or a future development phase of an existing development,
street stubs shall be provided to allow access to future abutting subdivisions and to
extend the street system into the surrounding area. Street ends shall contain
turnarounds constructed to Uniform Fire Code standards and shall be designed to
facilitate future extension in terms of grading, width, and temporary barricades.
(2) Future Street Plan. Subdivision applicants must demonstrate, pursuant to
City standards, that the proposed development does not preclude future street
connections to adjacent lands.
(3) Public Street and Street Connectivity Requirements. Dedicating or deeding
property for right-of-way or a portion thereof to the City for public streets within,
or along the boundaries of all residential subdivisions or developments, shall be
required as a condition of application approval where the following can be
demonstrated:
(a) Facts support that such dedication is reasonably necessary as a result
of the impact created by the proposed development;
(b) Such dedication will result in proportionate mitigation of the impact
in the reasonably foreseeable future;
(c) Connectivity to the existing or foreseeable future public right-of-
way is feasible; and
(d) One or more of the following circumstances are met:
(i) A city transportation plan indicates the necessity of a new or
additional right-of-way or portion thereof for street purposes;
(ii) The dedication is necessary to provide additions of right-of-
way to existing right-of-way to meet city road standards;
(iii) The dedication is necessary to extend or to complete the
existing or future neighborhood street pattern;
(iv) The dedication is necessary to comply with road standards
and city transportation plans;
(v) The dedication is necessary to provide a public
transportation system that supports future development of abutting
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 12
property consistent with the Comprehensive Plan or Pasco
Municipal Code.
(24) Dead-End Streets. Dead-end streets are prohibited; except, where the
Comprehensive Plan or preliminary plat indicates a street is to continue past the
subdivider’s property, the City may allow the dead end until such time as the street
can be built through at a later date. Dead-end streets may be permitted in the R-S-
20 and R-S-12 districts as provided in PMC 21.15.080.
(35) Half Streets. Half streets shall be prohibited except that the City may permit
their inclusion in cases where a normal alignment of a present or future planned
street will fall half on an adjoining ownership.
(46) Street Names. When practical, Streets shall be named to conform with
existing streets on the same or reasonably similar alignment. New street names shall
be reviewed by the Planning Department, the Fire Department and/or the
Emergency 911 Coordinator to ensure that no confusion with existing street names
occurs. [Ord. 3736 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.010.]
21.15.020 Street standards.
(1) Angle of Intersection. Under normal conditions, Sstreets shall be laid out so
as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles, except where topography and
other conditions justify variations. The minimum angle of intersection of streets
shall be 70 degrees.
(2) Intersections on opposite sides of a common street shall either be aligned or
be offset a minimum of 125 feet.
(3) Street Grades. Street grades shall be constructed as directed by the City
Engineer and shall conform with the local topography to provide good access to the
adjacent properties. The maximum street grade shall not exceed 10 percent unless
specifically allowed by the City Engineer.
(4) Horizontal Sight Distances. A tangent at least 100 feet long shall be
introduced between reverse curves on primary and secondary arterials. When
tangents along a street deflect from each other by more than 10 degrees, they shall
be connected by a curve with a radius adequate to ensure a sight distance of not less
than 100 feet for secondary arterials, and of such radius as the City Engineer shall
determine for primary arterials and other special cases. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code
1970 § 26.12.020.]
21.15.030 Street improvements.
(1) Adequate and proper right-of-way improvements shall be required at the
time adjoining property is developed and shall be required on all property. As a
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 13
minimum a three-quarter street standard will be required if the property being
developed only fronts on one side of the street.
(2) Adequate and proper right-of-way improvements shall include curb, gutter,
sidewalk, illumination, traffic control devices, drainage control, engineered road
bases, asphalt driving and parking lanes, non-motorized facilities for bicyclists and
pedestrians, and monumentation. All such improvements shall be approved by the
City prior to construction and acceptance. The three-quarter street standard shall
include curb, gutter and sidewalk on the developed side and a minimum of two
complete traffic lanes.
(3) The developer of real property shall be responsible for installing the
required improvements within the respective half of right-of-way width abutting
the real property being developed, provided such improvements consist of at least
two traffic lanes.
(4) Minimum sidewalk widths, not including the six-inch curb, shall not be less
than the minimum dimension for sidewalks as follows:
(a) Residential zones: four and one-half feet;
(b) Commercial zones: six and one-half feet. [Ord. 4454A § 3, 2019;
Ord. 4454 § 3, 2019; Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.030.]
(4) Right-of-way widths shall be adequate for current, near-term, and long-term
growth, and shall be adequate to accommodate bike/ped facilities suitable for all
ages and capabilities in accordance with the Complete Streets ordinance, and per
the standard specifications as prepared by the City Engineer.
(5) Functional classification designation and spacing is to be determined by the
City Engineer based on application of road spacing recommendations prov ided in
the Pasco Municipal Code, with consideration for existing nearby road
classifications, existing ROW width, and accommodating areas of inadequate road
infrastructure.
(6) All improvements within the City of Pasco public right-of-way shall be in
conformance with the Pasco Complete Policy 12.15.
21.15.040 Arterials.
Arrangement of arterial streets in a subdivision shall conform to the Comprehensive
Plan as adopted by the City.
Principal Arterials connect major activity centers as well as the interstate system.
They will serve a variety of travel movements supporting longer/lengthier trips and
are primarily intended to serve regional traffic movement.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 14
Minor Arterials create direct connections through the city. They generally provide
the primary connection to other Arterial or Collector Streets and access to larger
developed areas and neighborhoods.
(1) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way widths for all arterials shall
be as follows:
(a) Arterial, primary with landscaped median: 100 feet;
(b) Arterial, primary without landscaped median: 80 feet;
(c) Arterial, secondary: 80 feet.
(2) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all arterials, measured
from the face of curb to the face of curb, shall be as per the standard specifications
as prepared by the City Engineer. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.040.]
21.15.050 Collector streets.
When possible, collector streets shall be planned to conveniently channel traffic
from access streets onto the primary and secondary arterials.
Collectors provide local traffic circulation throughout the city and serve to funnel
traffic from the arterial street network to streets of the same or lower classification.
They typically have minor access restrictions.
(1) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way widths for all collector
streets shall not be less than 60 feet.
(2) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all collector streets shall
not be less than 38 feet. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.050.]
21.15.055 Neighborhood Collector Streets
Neighborhood Collector Streets are facilities with locations where local access
needs should be balanced with enhanced pedestrian and bicycle amenities and
provide connections between several adjacent neighborhoods and the collector or
arterial network. These streets shall provide direct and efficient access and maintain
slow vehicle operating speeds to accommodate safe use by all modes and provide
local neighborhood access.
21.15.060 Local access streets.
When possible, access streets shall be planned so as to discourage through traffic
to short cut onto collector streets and primary and secondary arterials.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 15
Local Access Streets provide local access and circulation for traffic, connect
neighborhoods, and often function as through routes for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Local Streets should maintain slow vehicle operating speeds while providing
convenient access to multimodal travel.
(1) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way widths for all local access
streets shall not be less than 60 feet.
(2) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all local access streets shall
not be less than the following dimensions:
(a) Thirty-eight feet from the face of curb to the face of curb on
residential access streets;
(b) Thirty-six feet width of asphalt pavement for streets in the RS-12
and RS-20 zones without curbs. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.060.]
21.15.070 Cul-de-sacs.
Cul-de-sacs will be permitted where topography or other conditions justify their
use.
A cul-de-sac shall only be permitted when the applicant demonstrates that natural
features or topographical constraints, existing development patterns, and the Pasco
Municipal Code make it impossible to provide a more connected street network.
Where the City Engineer determines that a cul-de-sac is allowed, all of the
following standards shall be met:
(1) Cul-de-sacs should normally be less than 300 feet, but will be permitted up
to 600 feet in length
(1) The cul-de-sac shall not exceed a length of 600 feet. The length of the cul-
de-sac shall be measured along the centerline of the roadway from the near side of
the intersecting street to the farthest point of the cul-de-sac.
(2) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way widths for all cul-de-sacs
shall not be less than 60 feet with a 110-foot diameter turnaround.
(2) The cul-de-sac is in conformance with the most updated version of the
Design and Construction Standards and Specifications.
(3) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all cul-de-sacs shall not be
not less than:
(3) The cul-de-sac shall provide a pedestrian and bicycle accessway connecting
to adjacent developments, or adjacent developable lands. Such accessways shall
conform to the latest City Design and Construction Standards and Specifications
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 16
(a) Thirty-six feet from the face of curb to the face of curb, with an 90-
foot turnaround;
(b) Thirty-six feet of the pavement width pavement, with a 80-foot
turnaround in the RS-12 and RS-20 zones without curbs. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999;
Code 1970 § 26.12.070.]
21.15.080 Hammerhead/T.
Hammerhead/Ts are only permitted in R-S-20 and R-S-12 zoning districts where
property was platted in the county prior to annexation and existing development
precludes the expectation that a standard cul-de-sac can be developed.
(1) Dead-end streets with hammerheads should normally be less than 300 feet,
but will be permitted up to 450 feet in length.
(2) Streets with hammerheads shall not serve more than eight lots.
(3) Right-of-Way Widths for Streets Intersecting Hammerheads. Minimum
right-of-way widths for all dead-end streets with hammerheads serving no more
than eight lots shall not be less than 40 feet, with no on-street parking.
(4) Right-of-Way Widths for Hammerheads. Minimum right-of-way widths for
hammerheads shall not be less than 30 feet, with no on-street parking.
(5) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all dead-end streets with
hammerheads shall not be less than the following dimensions:
(a) Thirty-two feet from the face of curb to the face of curb;
(b) Thirty feet of pavement width where there is no curb and gutter;
(c) Twenty-eight feet of pavement for hammerheads;
(6) Hammerheads shall comply with the minimum requirements set forth in
Figure 21.15.080.01 or 21.15.080.02. [Ord. 3736 § 3, 2005; Code 1970 §
26.12.075.]
21.15.090 Alleys.
The developer may provide alleys in a development, subject to the following
standards:
(1) Dead-end alleys shall be prohibited unless there is provided a turnaround
with an asphalt diameter of 80 feet and a right-of-way diameter of 100 feet.
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 17
(2) Sharp changes in direction of alleys shall be avoided. Where such changes
cannot be avoided, there shall be a corner cut-off with a minimum inside radius of
50 feet shall be provided.
(3) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way width of all alleys shall not
be less than 20 feet.
(4) Roadway Widths. Minimum roadway widths for all alleys shall not be less
than 16 feet. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.080.]
21.15.100 Pedestrian and bicycle accessways.
Pedestrian ways may be required by the City to allow cross access for pedestrians
in areas of exceptionally long blocks or for access to recreational facilities or
schools.
At approved cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets, gaps in pedestrian connectivity, or along
blocks approved at more than the maximum block length standard, pedestrian and
bicycle accessways must be constructed between lots to avoid excessive travel
distances for bicycles and pedestrians. Accessways shall be provided within
dedicated right-of-way. Accessways shall be located to provide a reasonably direct
connection between likely pedestrian destinations and shall be consistent with the
Pasco Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, Transportation System Master Plan and
Comprehensive Plan where applicable.
A reasonably direct connection is a route that minimizes out-of-direction travel for
people likely to use the connection considering terrain, safety, and likely
destination.
Required accessways shall conform to the most updated version of the Design and
Construction Standards and Specifications and the City’s current policies. Required
accessways shall be designed to encourage non-motorized use and be adequately
and appropriately lit for night-time use. When pedestrian and bicycle accessways
provide connections through adjacent blocks, the accessways shall align to provide
a direct path and include safe and accessible street crossing treatments.
At each pedestrian and bicycle accessway abutting a neighborhood collector or
local access street, a complete mid-block pedestrian crossing will be provided
across the street. Improvements outside the developed parcel may be required to
provide a complete crossing and a code compliant receiving ADA ramp. When
streets are wider than 2 lanes, a pedestrian refuge island may be required.
(1) Right-of-Way Widths. Minimum right-of-way widths for all pedestrian
ways shall not be less than 10 feet. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 § 26.12.090.]
Section 7. That Section 21.20.010 entitled “Block length” of the Pasco Municipal
Code shall be and hereby is amended and shall read as follows:
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 18
21.20.010 Block length. Transportation System Standards.
In general, intersecting streets shall be provided at such intervals as to serve cross
traffic adequately and to meet existing streets or customary subdivision practices in
the vicinity. Blocks shall not exceed 1,320 feet. Blocks for business use shall
normally not be less than 600 feet in length. [Ord. 3398 § 2, 1999; Code 1970 §
26.16.010.]
Streets, alleys, and bikeways shall be designed to provide continuous, efficient, and
economical travel ways, including pedestrian and bicycle travel, and create a safe
and pleasant environment. In order to promote efficient vehicular and pedestrian
circulation throughout the city, an interconnected street network shall be provided
through development activities.
(1) Facility Spacing Guidelines
Functional Classification Maximum Spacing
Principal Arterial 1 to 2 miles
Minor Arterial 1 mile
Collector ½ mile
Neighborhood Collector ¼ mile
Local Access Street or Bicycle Pedestrian
Facilities
660 feet
a. Maximum spacing refers to the distance between facilities with the same or
higher functional classification. Deviations, when justified, due to a significant
barrier such as topography, existing development or pr esence of natural areas
are subject to approval by the City Engineer.
(2) Access Management Spacing Standards
Access management practices will be implemented at the discretion of the City
Engineer based on site-specific constraints, anticipated future projects, safety concerns,
spacing from intersections, intersection and driveway queue logistics, and other
considerations. Below is a general guideline for access management spacing, though
more stringent requirements may be imposed during development review. Roads with
current or planned raised curbs or medians will likely be limited to right-in/right-out
only driveway access.
Spacing Guidelines Principal
Arterials
Minor
Arterials Collectors Neighborhood
Collectors
Local
Access
Streets
Minimum Driveway
Spacing (Driveway to
Driveway)
300 feet 250 feet 150 feet 75 feet N/A
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 19
Minimum Full-Access
Driveway Spacing
(Setback from
Intersection)
300 feet 250 feet 150 feet 75 feet 25 feet
Minimum Right-In/Right-
Out Driveway Spacing
(Setback from
Intersection)
150 feet 125 feet 75 feet 50 feet 25 feet
1. All distances measured from the edge of adjacent approaches.
2. Driveways shall be located on the lowest classification of roadway abutting the
development unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
3. The Washington State Department of Transportation requires 1,320 between an
interchange and the closest driveway. (Source: State of Washington.
Washington Administrative Code Section 468-52-040 Access Control
Classification System and Standards.
(3) Street Connectivity Standards
Spacing Guidelines Principal
Arterials
Minor
Arterials Collectors Neighborhood
Collectors
Local
Access
Streets
Standard Maximum Block
Length 660 feet 660 feet 660 feet 660 feet 660 feet
a. A pedestrian and bicycle accessway may be a substitute for a public street
when calculating block length, but in no case shall the distance between
public streets exceed 990 feet.
b. Block length is measured from centerline to centerline of intersecting streets
c. Provisions for a direct path for bikes and pedestrians, safe routes to school
(if applicable), and neighborhood traffic management measures will be
required when within ½ mile of the following unless the public road
network provides a shorter or equivalent trip length:
i. Current or planned public transportation facility
ii. Public School, library, or education facility
iii. Public park, trail, open space, or recreational facility
iv. Health related services or facilities (e.g., hospital, urgent care,
pharmacy)
(4) Standard maximum block length may be exceeded if an applicant demonstrates
the existence of one or more of the following conditions:
a. Physical conditions preclude a block length of 660 feet or less. These
conditions may include topography or the existence of physical features,
including, but not limited to wetlands, ponds, streams, channels, rivers,
lakes or steep grades, or a resource under protection by State or Federal law;
Ordinance – Amending PMC – 21 “Pasco Urban Area Subdivision Regulations” - 20
b. Buildings or other existing development on adjacent lands, including
previously subdivided but vacant lots/parcels that physically preclude a
block length of 660 feet or less, considering the potential for re-
development;
c. Where the extension of a public street into the proposed development would
create a block length exceeding 660 feet, the total block length shall be as
close to 660 feet as possible.
(5) When block length exceeds the established maximums due to one of the
conditions listed in subsections (4)(a) through (4)(d) (4)(c), a mid-block
pedestrian and bicycle street crossing shall be provided.
Section 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word
of this Ordinance should be held to the invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the validity or
constitutionality of any other section, subsection, sentence, clause phrase or word of this
Ordinance.
Section 9. Corrections. Upon approval by the city attorney, the city clerk or the code
reviser are authorized to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including scrivener’s errors
or clerical mistakes; reference to other local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations; or
numbering or referencing of ordinances or their sections and subsections.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take full force and effect five (5) days
after approval, passage and publication as required by law.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, this 20th day of November,
2023.
Pete Serrano
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Debra Barham, CMC Kerr Ferguson Law, PLLC
City Clerk City Attorneys
Published: November 26, 2023