buffers

These images illustrate design solutions for the buffer streets previously shown.

The Code allows for different options based on quality of the existing vegetation.

Should the City have a standard design for these corridors?

This could: provide a more effective urban forest; improve aesthetics; and, may even allow for walking and bicycle trails separated from the street.

ends - connectivity

Street patterns that limit connectivity, as illustrated in the delayering exercise earlier, affect movement throughout the city.

The routes shown here clearly impeded by the breaks, or ends, in the street network.

Staff would like to develop code requirements that would 1) provide clearer direction for creating street connectivity, and 2) ensure that non-vehicular connections are required through all street ends.

The following images illustrate how this has been achieved on occasion.

ends - parks

This type of design has a street ended at a public facility – in this case a park.

ends - through & park

This design provides access to the park with a non-street connection from the cul-de-sac. The park also has street frontage on the other side.

Such connections provide options and greater efficiency for people on bike and foot; which in turn makes non-vehicle transportation choices more viable.

If desired by the Commission, design standards for both parks and street ends could be developed to promote this kind of beneficial design.

ends - through

Here a through connection is provided to support residents not traveling by car.

Would the Commission like to see these kinds of transportation options included in the design regulations for plats?

connections

Staff have been able to require applicants to incorporate transit stops along major streets.

SEPA and traffic reports have been used to require these.

Improved Code could increase connectivity between these facilities and walkways, and improve their effectiveness, especially for those most dependant upon these transportation options, youth and seniors.

connections - grid

By using the 10% open space requirement of the PRD process staff were able to encourage an applicant to use this area to provide a cross block connection where there is no street connection.

Unfortunately this type of solution is again, project specific.

The Planning Commission may wish to have staff develop Code language that promotes more systemic use of these kinds of design solutions.

connections - short cut

The same is true for this example where a “short cut” is provided where people would otherwise have to travel a much greater distance, along a route more appropriate for vehicles.

access design

This photo show a pedestrian access design that takes into account a number of important aspects that make it function well: sight lines and visual access to the path; landscape improvements; overall width, and location.

access design

Narrower pedestrian connections do not achieve the same level of design by limiting visual access and creating a confined feeling.
Attention to this kind of detail is outside of the current Code.
Staff would like to explore developing standards for these and other pedestrian connections and trails.

alleys

Alleys have been “reintroduced” as an alternative by applicants, to: 1) improve the visual character of streets (with garages in the rear of homes) and, 2) improve walkability.

This is an option available to all subdivisions, but has been used very sparingly by applicants.