15.14.420 Residential development.
A. Policies.
1. Compatibility with Shoreline. All subdivisions and residential development should be designed at a level of site coverage and density compatible with the physical capabilities of the shoreline and water. Single-family residences are identified as a priority use only when developed in a manner consistent with control of pollution and prevention of damage to the natural environment.
2. Encourage Restoration and Environmental Design. Ecological restoration and measures to minimize environmental impacts, such as low impact development and vegetation conservation and enhancement, should be encouraged.
3. Aesthetics and Views. All subdivisions and residential development should be designed to adequately protect and/or improve the water and shoreline aesthetic qualities and to avoid impacts to scenic views and vistas.
4. Provide Public Access. Residential developments should be encouraged to provide public access to shorelines within the development and to minimize impacts of vehicular use and parking upon shoreline aesthetics.
B. Regulations.
1. Subdivisions and Plats. Subdivisions and plats shall:
a. Comply with all applicable subdivision and zoning regulations.
b. Include facilities for water supply, wastewater, storm water, solid waste, access, utilities and other support facilities in conformance with town standards and which do not result in harmful effects on the shoreline or waters. See SPMC 15.14.330 for specific wastewater requirements.
c. Be designed to prevent the need for new shoreline stabilization or flood hazard reduction measures per SPMC 15.14.300.
d. Be designed, configured and developed in a manner that assures that no net loss of ecological functions results from division of land at full build-out of all lots and throughout all phases of development.
e. Be required to cluster residential units and structures where necessary and when allowed by the town to avoid critical areas and to preserve natural features and minimize physical impacts.
f. Identify locations for community access, or conservation and utility easements, where proposed.
g. Require demonstration of proof that there is adequate space available in the newly created lots to accommodate the future structure and all buffers and setbacks.
2. Environmental Protection. Residential development including accessory uses and appurtenant structures shall:
a. Meet all applicable critical area, vegetation conservation, and water quality standards of Article 5, Appendix B, and other vegetation conservation sections of this SMP.
b. Be sufficiently set back from steep slopes and South Prairie Creek so that structural improvements, including stabilization structures, are not required to protect such structures and uses. To accomplish this, the town shall require compliance with requirements established in Appendix B and shall apply applicable vegetation conservation buffers in SPMC 15.14.320.
3. Public Access. See SPMC 15.14.310.
4. Overwater Structures. New overwater residences are prohibited.
5. Underground Utilities. See SPMC 15.14.470.
6. Single-Family Residential Development. Single-family residential development shall be given priority over multifamily development.
a. Buffer. All single-family development shall comply with the shoreline buffer established in SPMC 15.14.320(B)(2). Buffer reduction options outlined in SPMC 15.14.320(B)(16) may be applied to single-family developments.
b. Density. The minimum lot area for one single-family dwelling unit shall be 7,500 square feet.
c. Appurtenant Structures. Appurtenances to single-family development are those structures and improvements connected to the use and enjoyment of a single-family residence. Appurtenant structures shall include all structures greater than 18 inches above existing grade and may include, but are not limited to, a detached garage and/or shop, hot tubs, saunas, cabanas, antennas, and decks. A maximum of 200 square feet of appurtenant structures are allowed within the shoreline buffer. Appurtenant structures shall be prohibited over water.
7. Multifamily Residential Development. Multifamily development shall only be allowed if it can be shown that single-family development is not compatible with the site.
a. Buffer. All multifamily development shall comply with the shoreline buffer established in SPMC 15.14.320(B)(2). Buffer reduction options outlined in SPMC 15.14.320(B)(16) may be applied to multifamily developments.
b. Density. The minimum lot area for one duplex dwelling shall be 7,500 square feet.
c. Accessory Structures. Accessory structures to multifamily development are those structures and improvements connected to the use and enjoyment of a multifamily residence. Accessory structures shall include all structures greater than 18 inches above existing grade. A maximum of 200 square feet of appurtenant structures are allowed within the shoreline buffer. Accessory structures shall be prohibited over water.
d. Sewage Disposal. On-site sewage drain fields shall be located in the outer 50 percent of the shoreline buffer and designed to avoid water quality degradation and meet all applicable water quality, utility, and health standards. [Ord. 580 Att. A § 5.8, 2019.]