Development Standards—Design Requirements | Town Center
9. Site planning – Open space
circulation and parking areas shall not be considered usable open space. iii. Common open space. Spaces that are available to all the residents in a particular development. Types of common open space include landscaped courtyards or decks, front porches, gardens with pathways, children’s play areas, or other multi-purpose recreational and/or green spaces. iv. Indoor recreation area. A room or indoor space where formal or informal recreational activities, such as exercise, classes, reading, meetings, board games, etc., can take place. v. Landscaped open space. Areas featuring primarily vegetation or special pavements and outdoor furniture. Pedestrian-oriented, usable, common and multifamily open space may also be considered landscaped open space provided the landscaped elements meet the standards set forth in SDC 21.07.070. Calculations to determine compliance with landscaped area standards shall apply to development on each lot. Public rights-of-way or alleys shall not count as lot area in the calculations.
a. Intent and Explanation of Terms. The Sammamish Town Center Plan Policy OS-1 calls for “a hierarchy of interconnected public and private open spaces, ranging from an active town centralized plaza or town square to less formal gathering areas, quiet residential courts, and natural open spaces.” To implement this directive, this section and SDC 21.07.060B.5. establish standards for several different types of open spaces in different settings within the Town Center. This section establishes requirements for the amounts and location of open spaces, and SDC 21.07.060B.5. sets standards for the characteristics and elements of each type of required open space. To facilitate the application of these two sections, the following terms are employed. i. Pedestrian-oriented open space. Publicly accessible spaces that enliven the pedestrian environment by providing opportunities for outdoor dining, socializing, relaxing, etc., and visual amenities that contribute to the unique character of the Town Center. Pedestrian-oriented open spaces are often, but not necessarily, associated with commercial and civic uses where pedestrian activity is particularly encouraged. ii. Usable open space. Space that accommodates human activity, generally featuring some pavement, lawn area, or element such as a play area that allows for movement. Gardens with pathways for strolling and trails or walkways may be considered usable open space. Usable open space may be either public or private. Steep slopes, critical areas, and vehicle
Critical areas, if within the applicable lot, shall be counted as landscaped open space in the calculations.
vi. Multifamily open space. Private open space primarily, but not necessarily, exclusively for the use of the development’s residents. Multifamily open space may be in the form of balconies, decks, common open space (courtyards or gardens, etc.,
Effective | January 1, 2022
Title 21: Sammamish Development Code | 467
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