Appendix U

Chapter:__ -- Issaquah Highlands Park, Plaza, and Woonerf Standards

Section 1.0 Purpose and Intent Section 2.0 Scope Section 3.0 Park, Plaza and/or Woonerf Plan Required Section 4.0 Installation--Security Required and Procedures Section 5.0 Requirements for Parks, Plazas, and Woonerfs Section 6.0 Park Descriptions Section 7.0 Plaza Descriptions and Special Requirements Section 8.0 Woonerf Descriptions and Special Requirements Section 9.0 Enforcement Section 10.0 Administrative Modification of Standards

1.0 Purpose and Intent The purpose of this Chapter is to encourage a variety of gathering and recreational opportunities through the inclusion of parks, plazas and woonerfs in Issaquah Highlands, formerly Grand Ridge. The intent of the standards is not to impose rigid requirements upon the designer of the park, plaza or woonerf, but rather to establish general minimum standards which will encourage the development of successful gathering spaces. It is expected that good design principles, as articulated in the Issaquah Highlands Urban Design Guidelines, will be applied at all times, including: a. Create gathering and recreational opportunities that are visually inviting to users b. Provide enjoyable places to sit, walk, gather or play c. Achieve the desired community functions d. Encourage variety and interest within the urban environment e. Ensure visual and functional continuity f. Provide for comfort and safety g. Emphasize quality h. Promote the wise and efficient use of natural resources

2.0 Scope The standards in this Chapter shall apply to Issaquah Highlands, as defined in Section 2.2.2 of the Issaquah Highlands Annexation and Development Agreement [2-Party]. Specifically, these standards shall apply to parks as defined in Section 6.0 of this Chapter and not to the large organized City play fields (baseball, softball, football, and soccer); plazas as defined in Section 7.0 of this Chapter when the plaza exceeds two thousand (2,000) square feet in size and when a significant portion directly abuts a public right of way or a public park; and woonerfs as defined in Section 8.0 of this Chapter.

3.0 Park, Plaza, and/or Woonerf Plan Required A plan for a proposed park, plaza and/or woonerf shall be submitted to the Responsible Official as part of an application for a preliminary plat, short plat, binding site plan, site development permit, or other required development or building permit. The submittal requirements shall be established by the Responsible Official. 3.1 Review Process for a Park or Plaza Plan Parks and plazas shall be reviewed according to the following provisions:

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 1 of 9 3.1.1 When part of a preliminary plat or short plat or binding site plan. When a park or plaza is proposed in a preliminary plat, short plat or binding site plan, the location, size and property ownership of the park or plaza shall be indicated and reviewed as a part of the preliminary plat, short plat or binding site plan. After approval of the preliminary plat, short plat or binding site plan, the Responsible Official shall review and approve construction plans for the park or plaza. 3.1.2 When part of a site development permit. When a park or a plaza is proposed in a project requiring a site development permit, a schematic plan for the park or plaza shall be submitted and reviewed as a part of the site development permit. After approval of the site development permit but prior to construction of site improvements, the Responsible Official shall review and approve construction plans for the park or plaza. 3.1.3 When not part of a preliminary plat or short plat, binding site plan, or site development permit. When a park or plaza is not part of a preliminary plat, short plat, binding site plan, or site development permit, the provisions of Section 3.1.2 shall apply.

3.2 Review Process for a Woonerf Plan Woonerfs are reviewed and permitted on a case by case basis by the Responsible Official in conjunction with the Fire Marshall. When proposed in a preliminary plat, short plat, binding site plan, or site development permit, a schematic plan for the woonerf shall be submitted. In determining the appropriateness of including a woonerf, the review will consider location, surface materials, adjacent building uses, adjacent building materials and heights, fire and emergency access routes, and other similar factors. After approval of a preliminary plat, short plat, binding site plan, or site development permit, the Responsible Official shall review and approve construction plans for the woonerf.

3.3 Park, Plaza, and/or Woonerf Plan Revision All revisions to an approved park, plaza, and/or woonerf plan shall be shown on a revised park, plaza, and/or woonerf plan and submitted to the Responsible Official. Plan revisions shall include the same level of detail as in the approved plan. A revised plan must be approved prior to construction of the revised plan elements.

3.4 Review Processes for Park, Plaza or Woonerf Plan Revisions Revisions to an approved park, plaza, or woonerf plan shall be reviewed according to the following processes: 3.4.1 Review Process for Park and Plaza Plan Revisions Park and plaza plan revisions shall be reviewed and approved by the Responsible Official. 3.4.2 Review Process for Woonerf Plan Revisions Woonerf plan revisions shall be reviewed and approved by the Responsible Official in conjunction with the Fire Marshall.

4.0 Installation - Procedures and Security Required a. All parks, plazas, and woonerfs within Issaquah Highlands shall be installed in accordance with generally accepted professional practices. This requirement shall apply, but not be limited, to plants, structures, turf and other materials, and optional irrigation systems. b. To improve the survival rates of landscape materials, consideration shall be given, but not limited to, the following issues: 1. the season in which the landscape materials were planted; and 2. the types of landscape materials (e.g. native vs. exotic); and 3. irrigation systems; and

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 2 of 9 4. soil conditions. c. To insure that all landscaping material used in privately constructed but publicly owned and maintained parks, plazas, and woonerfs shall be in good condition, installed properly, and become established, a cash deposit or other financial instrument acceptable to the Responsible Official worth twenty-five (25) percent of the value of park, plaza, and/or woonerf landscape material shall be posted with the City prior to the issuance of a final plat or construction of binding site plan or site development permit improvements. d. If any plant dies or is not kept in good condition within the two year period, the Responsible Official shall notify the developer and require replacement within a specified time period. If the plant is not replaced within the specified time period, the Responsible Official may use whatever portion of the deposit is needed to replace the plant. The Responsible Official may use either City employees or private contractors to replace plants and may assess the actual costs of replacement against the deposit, if it is sufficient; and against the owner of the property, if the deposit is insufficient to cover the costs. e. At the end of one year the Responsible Official shall refund the amount of the deposit balance which exceeds one-half of the original required deposit. f. At the end of two years the Responsible Official shall refund the remaining balance of the original required deposit. g. General guidelines for regular maintenance procedures shall be as follows: Litter Pickup Weekly, or more if necessary Mowing Turf Weekly, April through October, or more if necessary Weeding Planting Beds Monthly or as needed Sweeping Weekly, or more if necessary; Plazas and Parks Monthly, or more if necessary

The above guidelines are to serve as a standard for minimum maintenance operations. It is recognized that these procedures may vary due to weather conditions, seasonal events, etc.

5.0 Requirements for Parks, Plazas and Woonerfs The following general, setback, and landscape buffer requirements shall apply to Issaquah Highlands parks, plazas, and woonerfs.

5.1 General Requirements The following general requirements shall apply to Issaquah Highlands parks, plazas and woonerfs: a. Views and linkages to and other public spaces and buildings shall be respected and reinforced through site planning and/or design elements. b. Parks, plazas and woonerfs shall be located to minimize construction impacts on critical areas. c. Children’s play areas and activities should be located away from streets on which the design speed exceeds thirty-five (35) miles per hour. Children’s play areas and activities located within a facility that is adjacent to a street shall consider measures (e.g. hedges and fences) necessary to protect children’s safety. d. Where possible, summer shade areas should be incorporated when providing children’s play areas. Shading may be accomplished by deciduous landscaping, architectural elements, temporary structures, or other means. e. All play areas and structures shall conform to the requirements noted in the current editions of publication F1487 “Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifications for Playground Equipment for Public Use” published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and “The Handbook for Public Playground Safety” published by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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f. Temporary structures and portable carts may be permitted. g. Portable carts must maintain at least four (4) feet of unobstructed between the cart and the sidewalk edge for pedestrian movement and obtain applicable or associated licenses, permits or approvals. h. Adequate drainage shall be provided. i. Access for maintenance shall be provided. j. Maintenance costs shall be taken into consideration during the review of plans for a public park, plaza or woonerf. k. Electrical and water service shall be provided as needed for irrigation, event lighting, park lighting, security, maintenance, water features or drinking fountains. l. When used, lighting shall be designed and located to minimize adverse impacts on abutting uses, streets, or critical area habitats. m. Benches and trash receptacles shall be incorporated where appropriate. n. or other devices shall be used for limited controlled access and where appropriate for emergency and maintenance access. o. Plans shall conform to any applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). p. Perimeter plantings shall be compatible with the style of adjacent landscaping. q. Native, drought tolerant, or plant materials supportive of urban wildlife habitat shall be used where appropriate. r. Continued maintenance and selective pruning and removal of vegetation which may be hazardous to the safety, visibility, and clearances of pedestrians, bicyclists, and automobiles. All pruning shall be done in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture Standards in place in January of 1997. Topping (the severe reduction of branches without consideration of the specifications for cutting back) of trees is prohibited. s. All fertilizer applications shall conform to the standards required by Appendix D of the Issaquah Highlands Annexation and Development Agreement [2-Party]. Fertilizer applications shall be made in a manner that will inhibit their entry into waterways, wetlands and storm drains. t. The use of pesticides and herbicides shall conform to the standards required by Appendix D of the Issaquah Highlands Annexation and Development Agreement [2-Party]. Pesticide and herbicide applications shall be made in a manner that will inhibit their entry into waterways, wetlands, and storm drains. u. All plants shall be adapted to their sites (sun exposure, cold hardiness, hydrozones, soil type, soil pH, etc.). Plants with differing environmental/cultural requirements shall not be used together if desirable circumstances cannot be provided for both. New plant materials shall consist of native or drought tolerant varieties or non-native species that have adapted to the climatic conditions of the Puget Sound region. v. All plant materials used shall meet the most recent American Association of Nurseryman Standards for nursery stock: ANSI 260.1. w. Plants having similar water use characteristics (hydrozones) shall be grouped together. x. All landscaped areas shall incorporate water conservation standards as required by Appendix F of the Issaquah Highlands Annexation and Development Agreement [2-Party]. y. Soil amendments may be necessary for a healthy growing medium, which will increase the survival rate for new planting and reduce on-going maintenance requirements: 1) Incorporate water and nutrient holding materials into the soil as deep as possible. Use fully composted organic material. 2) Mulch new planting areas to minimize evaporation, reduce weed growth and slow erosion. Use fully composted material. 3) Feather all mulches used in planter beds to the base of the plants.

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 4 of 9 4) Water tubes should also be added to the tree plantings to allow water to penetrate the soil.

5.2 Street Setback Requirements for Parks, Plazas and Woonerfs No street setbacks are required for parks, plazas, or woonerfs. This standard shall supersede any conflicting street setback requirements in the Issaquah Highlands Dimensions Standards.

5.3 Interior Setback Requirements for Parks, Plazas and Woonerfs Interior setbacks shall be provided as follows: 5.3.1. Plazas and woonerfs. No interior setback is required. 5.3.2. Parks. When a park as defined in Section 6.0 of this Chapter directly abuts a rear or side property line of a residential use, any portion of a climbing structure which exceeds five (5) feet in height shall be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the property line. 5.3.3. Conflicting standards. These standards shall supersede any conflicting interior setback requirements in the Issaquah Highlands Dimensions Standards.

5.4 Landscape Buffer Requirements for Parks, Plazas and Woonerfs No landscape buffers are required for parks, plazas and woonerfs other than those buffers, if any, established through the review of a required park plan. This standard shall supersede any conflicting requirements in the Issaquah Highlands Landscaping Standards.

6.0 Parks The purpose of these parks is to expand the recreational opportunities available in the community by providing for additional types of parks within the Urban Open Space and the Development Sub-areas. The elements included in a particular type of park will vary depending on the function(s) of the park and the location of the park 6.0.1. Public Parks. Public parks are parks located on public property. They are owned by a governmental entity. They can be constructed or maintained by a governmental entity, a private entity or a private non-profit entity. The hours of public access and the private use of public parks shall be as established by the Issaquah Municipal Code or by administrative rules promulgated by the Responsible Official. 6.0.2. Private Parks. Private parks are parks located on private property. They are owned, constructed, and maintained by a private entity or a private non-profit entity. Public access is permitted but not required and shall be as established by the property owner (e.g. days and hours of operations, fee events, private functions, conduct).

6.1 Vest Pocket Parks The term “vest pocket park” was coined in the 1960s when small areas within highly concentrated urban neighborhoods were transformed into parks devoted to recreation and green space uses.. Vest pocket parks are located in commercial or residential neighborhoods, can fulfill a wide variety of purposes, and can serve people of various age groups and abilities. They can be developed for active or passive recreational use. They vary in configuration depending on the surrounding land uses and the activities the vest pocket park supports. Within Issaquah Highlands they shall be private parks. The following are examples of possible types of improvements in vest pocket parks: a. Art garden b. Picnic area c. Open lawn area d. Children’s play area e. Horseshoe pits f. Water garden

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 5 of 9 g. Exercise course h. Barbecue area

When reviewing a proposed vest pocket park plan, the Responsible Official will consider safety, compatibility with surrounding uses, location, and whether the size of the vest pocket park is appropriate to the use (s).

6.2 Community Gardens Community gardens are common areas provided for the purpose of gardening. They are various sizes and can serve all age groups and abilities. They can be located within or adjacent to commercial or residential neighborhoods or in the Issaquah Highlands Urban Open Space. Community gardens within Issaquah Highlands can be either public or private parks. The following are examples of community gardens: a. Pea-patch b. Cutting flower gardens c. Demonstration gardens d. Compost centers e. Container gardens f. Terraced gardens

When reviewing a proposed community garden plan, the Responsible Official will consider safety, compatibility with surrounding uses, location, and whether the size of the community garden is appropriate to the use (s).

6.3 Local Parks Local parks are park areas designed to provide passive unstructured use and/or play areas for nearby residents and/or employees. A local park is distinguishable from a vest pocket park because it is larger and provides either bigger or a greater number of use areas. Local parks can be located in or adjacent to a residential neighborhood or commercial area, in the Issaquah Highlands Urban Open Space, or for example, in the case of parks, in the public right of way. Local parks within Issaquah Highlands can be either public or private parks. The following are examples of possible types of improvements in a local park: a. Children’s play area b. Multi-purpose open space such as areas for volleyball, informal softball or soccer, kite flying, picnicking, etc. c. Multi-purpose paved area such as for basketball, tetherball, a tennis backboard, a painted chess board, etc. d. Picnic area e. Exercise course f. Trails

Local parks vary widely in size depending on the number and type of activities supported. When reviewing a plan for a local park, the Responsible Official will consider safety, compatibility with surrounding uses, and the location, mix, and size of proposed recreational activity areas.

6.4 Park Special Requirements The following special requirements shall apply to parks: Park areas may be allowed in critical areas provided they receive site specific approval by the Responsible Official. The Responsible Official will apply the standards contained in the Issaquah Highlands Critical Areas Standards.

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 6 of 9 a. Native plant species and plants deemed suitable for riparian habitat shall be used along streams and wetland buffer zones.

7.0 Plazas Plazas are outdoor open gathering places which are primarily hard surface, but which may contain landscaping. They denote important places, create a focus, and/or increase light and air at street level. They also function as points of orientation. They may be located adjacent to buildings, within a park or other open space, or independent. 7.0.1. Public Plazas. Public plazas are plazas located on public property. They are owned by a governmental entity. They can be constructed or maintained by a governmental entity, a private entity or a private non-profit entity. The hours of public access and the private use of public plazas shall be as established by the Issaquah Municipal Code or by administrative rules promulgated by the Responsible Official. 7.0.2. Private Plazas. Private plazas are plazas that are located on private property and that meet the plaza criteria contained in Section 2.0 of this Chapter. They are owned, constructed, and maintained by a private entity or a private non-profit entity. Private plazas shall be available for public gathering and events to the extent provided in the rules and regulations of the property owner (e.g. days and hours of operation, fee events, private functions, conduct).

7.1 Plaza Special Requirements The following special requirements shall apply to plazas: a. Plazas may be constructed with , pavers, or special paving material. Asphalt is not permitted except as a paving accent material. b. Root barriers shall be provided for all trees planted within plazas. c. Seating must be provided. The seating may be fixed or moveable, or a combination of both. Required seating may be provided by ledges, fountains, sculptures, benches, chairs, stairs, etc. At least two (2) of the seats shall meet ADA standards. For purposes of determining the number of seats provided on a bench, ledge, fountain, etc., eighteen (18) lineal inches on a horizontal surface is considered one (1) seat. d. The spacing, location and type of required street trees may be modified when adjacent to a plaza. e. A portion of a plaza may be used for reserved seating for restaurants or other uses. f. Permanent structures may be provided within a plaza provided they do not preclude use of and access to the plaza by the general public. Structures may be enclosed or open air and may be leased for commercial use. g. Physical obstructions between a plaza and a sidewalk or public park shall be designed to provide sufficient visibility to protect the public safety of the users of the plaza and to ensure that public access to the plaza is convenient, obvious and welcoming. No walls or structures shall exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height above the abutting sidewalk or public park for a total of more than fifty (50) per cent of the lineal footage along one side of a plaza that directly abuts a public street right of way or public park.

8.0 Woonerfs “Woonerf” is a Dutch term which means a circulation area shared by pedestrians, wheeled users and vehicles, and accessible to surrounding uses. While pedestrians and vehicles mingle, the pedestrian, rather than the vehicle, is accorded the dominant role. Special layout and street furniture emphasize the prime function of the area as being a place for people. Driving speed is reduced to walking speed, and parking is allowed only in designated areas. Woonerfs are located in areas where urban space is encouraged to extend into the street. Elements of woonerfs may vary depending on the abutting uses. Within Issaquah Highlands woonerfs, like streets, shall be constructed by a private entity but can be

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 7 of 9 owned or maintained by a private or governmental entity. Access and use provisions shall be the same as those pertaining to public or private streets within Issaquah Highlands.

8.1 Woonerf Special Requirements The following special requirements shall apply to woonerfs: a. Woonerf designs shall accommodate vehicles but emphasize pedestrian use. b. Paving materials shall not include asphalt except as an accent material. c. The entrance(s) shall be clearly signed and distinguished by such things as changes in surface materials or grade. d. calming devices shall be provided as necessary to reduce driving speed to walking speed. e. Parking areas, if provided, shall be clearly recognizable and parking spaces shall meet the dimensional requirements of the Issaquah Highlands Parking Standards. f. Pedestrian and vehicular routes shall not be differentiated by or striping. g. A clear area of at least two feet in depth shall be provided on the shared surface in front of any adjacent entrances to dwellings, businesses, or garages so that emerging drivers or pedestrians can see and be seen by approaching traffic. h. The woonerf shall be sufficiently well lit after dark to enable drivers to see potential obstacles such as changes in level, and for drivers and pedestrians to see each other.

9.0 Enforcement

9.1 Responsibility The responsibility for construction and proper maintenance of any park, plaza or woonerf shall be the legal owner, unless the legal owner and the City mutually agree and record it to be otherwise. If such construction or proper maintenance is not performed, the ultimate responsibility for construction and proper maintenance shall be borne by the legal owner of the property on which the park, plaza, or woonerf is located. The Responsible Official or his/her designee may require, when necessary, that the property owner or agent be party to, or applicant for, any required permit. 9.2 Authority The Responsible Official is authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this Chapter and is empowered to promulgate such rules and regulations as may from time to time be necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Chapter, subject to City Council approval. 9.3 Violations of this Chapter Any violation of this Chapter is subject to the enforcement provision of the IMC Chapter 1.36.

10.0 Administrative Modification of Standards

10.1 Authority Unless otherwise specified, the Responsible Official may vary the specific requirements of this Chapter as an Administrative Modification of Standards.

10.2 Purpose The purpose and intent of an Administrative Modification of Standards is to provide the flexibility to modify standards at the administrative level without permitting an adjustment that significantly impacts the surrounding uses in an adverse manner.

10.3 Process Through Administrative Review the Responsible Official has the authority to make decisions regarding Administrative Modification of Standards. The Responsible Official shall evaluate the

PKSPLWF5-3.DOC 2/24/2017 Page 8 of 9 information which has been provided by the applicant according to the approval criteria in Section 10.4 of this Chapter and any public comment which has been received. When necessary in reaching a decision, the Responsible Official may consult with professionals in the appropriate fields selected jointly by the City and the developer. The Responsible Official's decision on the Administrative Modification of Standards is final unless appealed as provided in Appendix L of the Issaquah Highlands Annexation and Development Agreement [2-Party].

10.4 Approval Criteria Approval must be based on a determination that the modification is consistent with the purpose and intent of this Chapter. The following approval criteria shall be used to determine whether an Administrative Modification shall be granted: a. The modification(s) will be equal to, or superior in, fulfilling the intent and purpose of the park, plaza, and/or woonerf standards; and b. The modification(s) does not negatively impact the abutting property owners in a significant manner; and c. The modification(s) does not negatively impact water quality in a significant manner; and d. The modification(s) does not create significant additional impacts on public services; and e. The granting of the modification(s) does not negatively impact any safety features of the project nor create any hazardous features.

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