20.00.110 Meridian neighborhood table of zoning regulations

20.00.110 Meridian neighborhood table of zoning regulations.

Areas 1 and 1A
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
1	Industrial	Planned (uses limited to those in Whatcom County’s light impact industrial zone as of April 1996, and shown in Attachment 1). Heavy industrial uses are not allowed. Adult entertainment uses are prohibited in this area.	N/A	Access; internal circulation; wetlands; buffers separating industrial from residential uses.	Sign No Protest LID Agreement for possible future improvements to Pacific Highway; contiguous road from Northwest to Pacific Highway generally along the northern boundary of Area 1 (extension of Division Rd. unimproved). Evaluation of development proposals for compatibility with airport operations. Preservation of existing natural drainage ways and wetlands. Mitigation of stormwater impacts from development. General water system improvements will be made by the city to provide the pressure and volume necessary for full development density. Properties abutting on a city owned water or sewer system must extend that system as condition of development.	See Attachment 1 – Whatcom County LII Zoning Uses.
1A	Industrial	Planned (uses limited to those in Whatcom County’s light impact industrial zone as of April 1996, and shown in Attachment 1, as well as uses permitted in the city’s planned industrial zone). Heavy industrial uses are not allowed. Adult entertainment uses are prohibited in this area.	N/A	Access; internal circulation; wetlands; buffers separating industrial from residential uses.	Sign No Protest LID Agreement for possible future improvements to Pacific Highway and I-5; construction of a contiguous road from Northwest to Pacific Highway generally along the northern boundary of Area 1, 1A, 2, and 5 (extension of Mahogany Avenue unimproved). Evaluation of development proposals for compatibility with airport operations. Properties abutting on a city owned water or sewer system must extend that system as condition of development.	See Attachment 1 – Whatcom County LII Zoning Uses.

ATTACHMENT 1 TO MERIDIAN ZONING CODE – AREA 1
Whatcom County Light Impact Industrial Zone (Chapter 20.66 WCC) April 1996
User Note: References to any section of the Whatcom County Code (WCC) are subject to interpretation and adaptation to city of Bellingham regulations and procedures as determined by the city of Bellingham planning director.
PERMITTED USES:
Fabrication of: office machines; furniture; paper products; leather products; glass products; instruments such as watches; surgical and scientific products; electrical equipment; and rubber and plastic products
Manufacture and fabrication of jewelry, silverware, toys, etc.
Manufacture, processing, treatment of metal products and machinery
Manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber and campers
Manufacture of glass, pottery, and shaping of stone products; bottling plants
Processing and packaging of drug, pharmaceutical, perfumes, cosmetics
Boat building and repair
Printing, publishing and book binding
Bottling plants
Rail, truck, and freight terminals and related services
Wholesale trade or storage
Business firm headquarters and professional offices
Construction contractors’ offices and yards
Building material yards
Communications including broadcasting and transmitting towers
Eating establishments, convenience grocery stores and gas stations primarily for employees and customers of the LII district; and public uses and community facilities
Churches
ACCESSORY USES:
Employee recreation and play areas
Temporary buildings for construction purposes
Testing and experimentation in connection with a permitted use
Retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on the site
On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with outright permitted uses or approved conditional uses
CONDITIONAL USES:
Manufacture of hydraulic cement, plaster products, and nonmetallic mineral products
Manufacture of sands
Collection, transfer, repacking, cutting and grading of food and beverage products
Repair sales and accessory sales for motor vehicles, boats and farm implements
Solid waste facilities

Area 2
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
2	Residential Single	Planned, mixed	Up to four units per acre or 10,000 square feet minimum detached lot size. Density bonuses achieved through incorporation of certain design features (see Attachment 2) can be used to increase the number of single-family dwelling units to seven units per acre. Transfer of development rights (TDRs) can also be used to increase the number of units from seven to 10 units per acre. To use the TDR density bonus, a property owner can purchase development rights from a Lake Whatcom watershed land owner or use the “fee-in-lieu-of” option. Under the fee-in-lieu-of option, a property owner/developer can purchase additional density by paying a fee to the city’s Lake Whatcom watershed property acquisition program (LWWPAP). The fee for a density bonus is calculated on a per dwelling unit basis according to a fee schedule established by the city council. One unit of additional density will be allowed for each unit purchased through use of this option. An applicant’s submittal for planned development review shall include a letter from the Bellingham finance department documenting the amount to be contributed to the LWWPAP. Mixed uses shall be subject to and consistent with city adoption of an urban/mixed residential zoning district; and may include cluster attached/detached (one lot/10,000 sq. ft. overall cluster density), and multifamily units (one unit/3,600 sq. ft.) Density bonuses achieved through incorporation of certain design features (see Attachment 2) can be used to increase the number of multifamily units to 18 or 2,500 sq. ft./unit. Transfer of development rights, or payment of “fees in lieu of” as described above, can also be used to increase the number of units to 24 or 1,800 sq. ft. per unit.	Access, spacing of curb cuts along Northwest Ave; drainage; wetlands; buffers		See Attachment 2 – Area 2 Density Bonus Criteria

ATTACHMENT 2 TO MERIDIAN ZONING CODE – AREA 2
Density Bonus Criteria (Design Features)
Minimum Performance Criteria
For all single-family development (detached and attached) and multifamily development, the following performance criteria should be required:
1. The proposed design addresses any environmental limitations identified in neighborhood planning areas, including wetlands, steep slopes, water courses, views, etc.;
2. The proposed design is compatible with the existing topography, and locates development to preserve valuable natural amenities such as isolated mature trees, wooded areas, scenic views, water courses, wetlands, and indigenous plants or animal habitats;
3. Physical and visual links between existing parks and other public open spaces are developed using drainage courses, creeks, greenways, ravines, shorelines, hillsides, and wooded areas whenever possible.
Bonuses (Design Features)
Density bonuses (design features) can be used to increase the number of single-family dwelling units from four units per acre, or approximately 10,000 sq. ft. per unit, to seven units per acre, or approximately 6,200 sq. ft. per unit. Transfers of development rights (TDRs) could also be used to increase the number of units from seven to 10 units per acre, or approximately 4,300 sq. ft. per unit.
Bonuses can also be used to increase the number of multifamily from 12 or approximately 3,600 sq. ft. per unit to 18 units per acre or 2,500 sq. ft. per unit. To increase the number of units from 18 to 24 units or approximately 1,800 sq. ft. per unit, TDRs would be needed.
The following bonuses are allowed in the UR-MX ordinance for Bellingham’s urban growth area (UGA) and would be allowed for increase in density in Area 4, Meridian neighborhood:
1. Provision of common open space that will serve the needs of the development’s residents and would include such facilities as play areas with equipment, basketball courts, handball courts, ball fields, tennis courts or swimming pools. Usable open space on the roof of a building may qualify as improved open space.
2. Provision for the preservation or restoration of historically or architecturally significant structures. The burden of designation of such structures or features as significant shall be upon the applicant. Final determination as to significance shall be made by the planning director.
3. Provision of innovative techniques such as zero lot lines, full use of alleys throughout the development, provision of design guidelines, etc.
4. Provision of housing accessible to families with household incomes which do not exceed 80 percent of median income in Bellingham as determined by HUD.
Not more than 25 percent of any overall development which takes advantage of this provision may be in housing units serving households with incomes below 80 percent of median income.

Areas 3 and 4
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
3	Industrial/ Commercial	Planned, mixed, uses listed in Attachment 4 are allowed, as well as uses permitted in the city’s planned industrial and planned commercial zones. (Attachment 5). (Attachment 4 is intended to include all uses allowed in Whatcom County’s gateway industrial zone as of April 1996.) Heavy industrial uses are not allowed. Adult entertainment uses are prohibited in this area.	N/A	Internal circulation; preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; required yards may be reduced to achieve pedestrian orientation; landscaping buffer between industrial/commercial and residential uses.	Contiguous road from Dover St. to Pacific Highway.	Development standards 1. The building masses, open spaces around them, landscaping, and signage are integrated in a manner that recognizes the area’s visibility from I-5. 2. Portals, service loading areas, automobile access points, exterior public activity locations, parking areas and similar features are located in a manner that both maximizes the efficient use of these facilities and recognizes and addresses the development’s visibility from Interstate 5, Bakerview and Northwest Ave. See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
4	Commercial	Planned, residential units and mixed-use buildings are encouraged.	High for residential.	Internal circulation Preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; required yards may be reduced to achieve pedestrian orientation; landscaping buffer between industrial/commercial and residential uses.	Utilities Evaluation of development proposals for compatibility with airport operations, and for impacts on the I-5 corridor, and on the I‑5/West Bakerview and I-5/Northwest interchanges.	See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Area 5
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
5	Industrial/ Commercial	Planned, mixed, uses listed in Attachment 4 are allowed, as well as uses permitted in the city’s planned industrial and planned commercial zones (Attachment 5). (Attachment 4 is intended to include all uses allowed in Whatcom County’s gateway industrial zone as of April 1996.) Heavy industrial uses are not allowed. Adult entertainment uses are prohibited in this area.	N/A	Internal circulation; access; preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; required yards may be reduced to achieve pedestrian orientation; landscaping buffer between industrial/commercial and residential.	Utilities; contiguous road from Dover St. to Pacific Highway.	Development standards a. The building masses, open spaces around them, landscaping, and signage are integrated in a manner that recognizes the area’s visibility from I‑5. b. Portals, service loading areas, automobile access points, exterior public activity locations, parking areas and similar features are located in a manner that both maximizes the efficient use of these facilities and recognizes and addresses the development’s visibility from I-5, Bakerview, and Northwest Ave. c. Individual developments are designed to accommodate additional development on adjacent property in an integrated manner. See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.

ATTACHMENT 4 TO MERIDIAN ZONING CODE – Areas 3 and 5
Whatcom County Gateway Industrial Zone (Chapter 20.65 WCC) April 1996
User Note: References to any section of the Whatcom County Code (WCC) are subject to interpretation and adaptation to city of Bellingham regulations and procedures as determined by the city of Bellingham planning director.
PERMITTED USES:
– Office buildings;
– Business firm headquarters;
– Professional offices;
– Hotels, motels;
– Custom brokerage houses;
– Freight terminals;
– Indoor warehousing and storage;
– Parcel delivery service;
– Freight forwarding, inspection weighing services;
– Indoor packaging and crating;
– Wholesale trade or sales of industrial equipment;
– Light impact industrial uses related to services, distribution, manufacture and assembly of finished products contained within buildings, and do not require an EIS;
– Tourist commercial uses listed in WCC 20.63.050 through 20.63.062 , 20.63.101, and 20.63.151 through 20.63.154 ;
– Uses permitted and conditionally permitted in the neighborhood commercial zone district as listed in WCC 20.60.050 through 20.63.153 that are not dependent upon attracting freeway motorists;
– Agriculture, commercial horticulture, tree farming, excluding intensive animal husbandry, and public uses necessary in the gateway industrial district.
ACCESSORY USES:
– Employee recreation facilities;
– Temporary buildings for construction purposes;
– Screened outdoor storage;
– Retail sales and repair of merchandise manufactured, assembled, or stored on the site;
– Security and caretaker residences;
– Treatment and storage of hazardous wastes associated with permitted uses.

ATTACHMENT 5 TO MERIDIAN ZONING CODE – Areas 3 and 5
PLANNED COMMERCIAL.
(1) For all land designated commercial, the following standards shall apply:
(2) Range of Uses Possible. Any of the following uses may be permitted in a planned proposal within a commercial general use type designation; provided that any of such uses shall not be permitted where prohibited within the applicable neighborhood plans. Certain uses may also be excluded from a particular planned area by the commission if such use(s) are found to be incompatible with the surrounding area or unsuitable to the particular site. The final decision shall set forth the uses permitted for the subject property.
Range of Uses
(1) Retail facilities of all kinds except 1 and 2 below:
a. Heavy farm and/or construction equipment sales;
b. Feed, grain and/or farm supply sales.
(2) Branch; post office, banks, financial institutions and libraries (including drive-through financial facilities).
(3) Offices of all kinds.
(4) Personal service facilities, such as:
a. Barber and beauty shops;
b. Consumer credit agencies;
c. Laundry and dry cleaning establishments;
d. Computer data service;
e. Small animal care shops (keeping of three or fewer animals overnight is permitted as an accessory use if animals are kept in an enclosed structure).
(5) Commercial recreation facilities.
(6) Eating and/or drinking establishments.
(7) Repair shops for small equipment and items.
(8) Public uses and facilities when similar in nature to other permitted uses.
(9) Private clubs and lodges.
(10) Vocational and trade schools.
(11) Motels.
(12) Public utilities, exclusive of storage yards.
(13) Service stations for automobiles.
a. Complete minor auto repairs are permitted; however, engine overhaul, body and fender work, tire recapping and vehicle sales are prohibited.
(14) Publicly owned parks and playgrounds.
(15) Day care.
(16) Apartments in conjunction with other permitted uses.
(17) Neighborhood clubs and activity centers.
(18) Mini storage facilities which deal in the warehousing of personal residential goods.
(19) Warehousing and wholesaling of products, in conjunction with retail sales of the same product, offices and other nonretail permitted uses.
(20) Short-term rentals, per BMC 20.10.037.
(21) Mixed uses if specifically listed in the neighborhood land use plan.
(22) Any conditional use permitted in the commercial chapter for a neighborhood use qualifier.
(23) Adult entertainment uses shall be prohibited in the planned commercial district.
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL.
(1) For all land designated industrial, the following standards shall apply.
(2) Range of uses possible. (9173) Any of the following uses may be permitted in a planned proposal within an industrial general use type designation; provided, that any of such uses shall not be permitted where prohibited within the applicable neighborhood plan. Certain uses may also be excluded from a particular planned industrial area by the commission if such use(s) are found to be incompatible with the surrounding area or unsuitable to the particular site. The final decision shall set forth the uses permitted for the subject property.
Range of Uses
(1) Warehousing and wholesaling of the following goods:
a. Motor vehicle and automotive parts and supplies exclusive of automotive wrecking and junk yards;
b. Furniture and home furnishings;
c. Lumber and other construction material;
d. Sporting, recreational, photographic, hobby goods, and toys and supplies;
e. Electrical goods;
f. Hardware, and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies;
g. Machinery, equipment and supplies;
h. Paper and paper products;
i. Drugs, drug proprietaries and druggists’ sundries;
j. Apparel, piece goods and notions;
k. Groceries and related products;
l. Beer, wine and distilled alcoholic beverages;
m. Miscellaneous nondurable goods, which do not constitute a fire, explosion or safety hazard.
(2) Manufacturing and assembly of the following products:
a. Dairy products;
b. Canned and preserved fruits and vegetables;
c. Bakery products;
d. Apparel and other products made from fabrics and similar material;
e. Furniture and fixtures;
f. Printing, publishing and allied industries;
g. Electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and supplies;
h. Measuring, analyzing and controlling instruments; photographic, medical and optical goods; watches and clocks;
i. Miscellaneous manufacturing industries which do not constitute a fire, explosion or safety hazard.
(3) Retail trade limited to the following:
a. Building materials, hardware, garden supply and mobile home dealers;
b. Automotive dealers and gasoline service stations;
c. Furniture, home furnishing and equipment stores;
d. Eating and drinking places;
e. Liquor stores;
f. Used merchandise stores;
g. Miscellaneous shopping goods stores;
h. Nonstore retailers;
i. Fuel and ice dealers, except fuel oil dealers and bottled gas dealers;
j. Other retail sales similar to the above.
(4) Service establishments dealing with the following:
a. Personal services (such as beauty and barber shops, shoe repair shops and laundry facilities);
b. Business services (such as advertising agencies, collection agencies, janitorial services, computer service and consulting);
c. Automotive repair, services and garages;
d. Miscellaneous repair services (such as radio, TV, watch, clock, and furniture repair);
e. Amusement and recreation services, except motion pictures (such as dance halls and bowling alleys);
f. Medical and dental laboratories;
g. Correspondence schools and vocational schools;
h. Membership organizations;
i. Small animal care shops (keeping of three or fewer animals overnight is permitted as an accessory use if animals are kept in an enclosed area);
j. Miscellaneous services (such as engineering, architectural and survey services);
k. Offices.
(5) Agricultural nurseries.
(6) Advertising devices.
(7) Veterinary services.
(8) Transportation and public utilities (such as freight operations, terminals, communication services and utility generation and transmission systems).
(9) Construction operations (such as construction offices and storage yards).
(10) Mixed uses, if specifically listed in the neighborhood land use plan.
(11) Hazardous waste treatment and storage facilities upon legislative approval of a site plan and subject to the requirements of BMC 20.16.020(G)(1).
(12) Adult entertainment uses (including adult motion picture theaters) subject to the standards in BMC 20.12.080.

Areas 6 – 9
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
6	Commercial	Planned, residential units and mixed use buildings are encouraged	High for residential	Internal circulation; preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; required yards may be reduced to achieve pedestrian orientation, link adjacent developments, or accomplish usable and open space objectives. Landscaping buffer between commercial and residential.	Utilities; contribution of land or fees for neighborhood park and trail system.	See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
7	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Internal circulation; development sensitive to hillside feature; required setbacks may be reduced to achieve pedestrian orientation, link adjacent developments, and consolidate usable and open space.	Utilities; land or fees for neighborhood park and trail system contribution.	See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
8	Residential Single	Detached; mobile home park allowed (planned permit for expansion). Planned for density above 6,000 on parcel described herein.	6,000 sq. ft. minimum detached lot size. The 3.3 acres vacant parcel (south of Barnes Rd. and north of vacated 3rd St.) adjoining the convalescent center may be developed at greater density (up to RM 2,500) through a planned permit with approval by the planning commission.	None for 6,000 sq. ft. detached lots; contribution to parks/trail system for higher density development.	None	See design standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
9	Commercial	Planned, residential units allowed; small scale office, 2,500 sq. ft. or less per building.	Minimum planned permit – residential four acres, commercial eight acres. Establish residential density through planned review process; density greater than RM 2,500 will require underground parking or an alternative approved by the planning commission.	Internal and pedestrian circulation; dedication of 10 feet right-of-way along Cordata Pkwy.	Utilities	None

Design Standards for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Mixed Housing Types – each development phase or building group has at least two different building types. (Exceptions may occur for smaller sites where objectives for environmental protection, retention of natural features, site design, or parks/open space are better met with a single building type, such as attached townhouse or multi-story garden apartments.)
Pedestrian connections to adjacent developments.
Natural features incorporated into site plan/development, including retention of significant vegetation and supplemented by planting of trees capable of reaching significant height and canopy, where appropriate.
Buildings arranged around usable open space such as squares, commons, courtyards, plazas.
Surface parking lots are dispersed or broken up by landscaping strips throughout site to avoid the appearance of large paved parking areas; under-building parking is encouraged where economically and physically feasible. Locating parking at the rear or side of the lot is encouraged rather than along the full length of the street front. Shared parking for uses with different peak periods is encouraged.
Building design – pitched roofs with dormers, skylights or other features; repetition with variety rather than monotonous and continuous flat facades; break facade plane at regular intervals; use upper story setbacks at corners or side-yards; articulate entries with canopies, porches or other weather protection forms. Applicable to residential, mixed commercial-residential and town center concepts.
Flexible property line setbacks in commercial and residential to achieve linked developments, pedestrian orientation and usable/open space objectives.
Zero setbacks on public streets or interior service roads encouraged for commercial buildings.
Appropriate buffering between residential and commercial.
Multiple use buildings encouraged (residential and retail or office mix) – Housing provided above commercial use in a planned development will not be considered in residential density calculations.
Signs: Planned residential standards shall apply to residential complexes. Planned commercial standards shall apply to commercial or mixed-use buildings with the following modifications:
• Monument signs are permitted up to 120 square feet and 12 feet high; pole signs are not allowed.
• Wall-mounted signs are limited to seven percent of the primary building facade with maximum four-foot-high letters; and to three percent of the secondary building facade with maximum two-foot-high letters. (Logos are included in these percentages.)
• Parapet walls may not be erected for the sole purpose of extending sign heights and when they are not in character with the rest of the building or complex.

Areas 10 – 16
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
10	Commercial	Planned – Regional Retail Center (subject to the Concomitant Agreement with Res. 34-86 filed under AF 1518797 and 1555668). See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines, Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	No max. density	Design guidelines*; internal circulation; stormwater management; fire flow; landscaping; access	None	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
11	Commercial	Planned See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	N/A	Access buffer; signs; water distribution design; flood; design guidelines*	None	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
12	Commercial	Planned, mixed – residential units are encouraged. See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	None for commercial; high for residential	Access; drainage; wetlands; buffers		See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
13	Residential Multi	Planned	Medium 3,600 sq. ft. per unit. Density bonuses to RM planned, 2,400 sq. ft. may be achieved if the project includes at least three of the elements listed under Special Regulations*	Access; drainage; wetlands; buffers	Contribution of land or fees for neighborhood park and trail system.	*Project must include at least three of the following: 1. More than two building types. 2. Provide a covered parking to unit ratio of at least 1:2 but not more than 1:1. Garages and carports must be integrated with the building design using similar materials, colors and design elements. 3. Provide a min. of 35 percent open space. 4. Provide a tot lot or play yard with playground equipment. 5. Provide an outdoor sport court (half a regulation basketball court or a regulation tennis court). 6. Provide other recreational facilities determined to be equivalent to those listed.
14	Commercial	Planned, Mixed – residential units and mixed-use buildings are encouraged. All uses allowed in the Whatcom County general commercial district as of August 1996 are allowed. Uses in the city’s planned commercial zone are allowed. See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	None for commercial; high for residential	Internal circulation; access; right-of-way dedication; preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; landscaping buffer between commercial and residential. drainage; wetlands; buffers		*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
15	Commercial	Planned, mixed, residential All uses allowed and subject to the conditions specified in the Whatcom County general commercial zoning as of August 1996 are allowed. Uses identified in the city’s planned commercial zone are allowed. (Hotels, motels with convention facilities, permanent facilities for live and performing arts, and most types of government offices are prohibited as specified in more detail in the Meridian Commercial District* Development Guidelines.	None for commercial; high density for residential	Internal circulation; preservation of mature trees and vegetation whenever possible; vegetative buffer between commercial and residential development; drainage; wetlands; buffers		*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
16	Commercial	Planned, see Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines, Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	N/A	Access; buffer; design guidelines*	None	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.

Permitted Uses in Whatcom County General Commercial Zone
August 1996
Permitted Uses:
1. Automobile, motorcycle, marine and farm implement sales, repair and service; provided, that all repair services are conducted within an enclosed building.
2. Automobile service stations, car washes and public garages.
3. Mobile home and recreational vehicle sales.
4. Eating and drinking establishments.
5. Rental agencies.
6. Indoor commercial recreation facilities limited to bowling alleys, skating rinks, indoor theaters and physical fitness centers.
7. Passenger terminal facilities.
8. Service establishments including but not limited to barber and beauty shops, laundries, dry cleaners, furniture repair, frozen food lockers, funeral parlors, animal hospitals, auction houses, financial institutions, fraternal organizations and professional offices.
9. Retail establishments including but not limited to grocery, liquor, drug, sundries, variety, building supplies, clothing, florist, nurseries, optical, sporting goods, appliance, music and pet stores.
10. Printing and publishing establishments.
11. Public facilities and utilities.
12. Rental storage establishments.
13. Public and community facilities including police and fire stations, libraries, community centers, recreation facilities, and other similar noncommercial uses.
14. Hotels and motels.
15. One single-family dwelling per lot of record.

Areas 17 – 34
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
17	Commercial	Planned, parking facilities for adjacent uses may be allowed. See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	N/A	Access design; design guidelines*	Sanitary sewer improvement; Cordata Pkwy. widening for left turn storage; 10 feet right-of-way dedication for Cordata Pkwy.	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
18	Commercial	Planned. See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	N/A	Access; flood; design guidelines*	None	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
19	Residential Multi	Planned	Medium density bonuses to RM planned, 2,400 sq. ft. may be achieved if the project includes at least three of the elements listed under Special Regulations*	Access; internal circulation; drainage; wetlands; buffers	10-foot right-of-way dedication on Bakerview Rd. for future road improvements; contribution of land or fees for neighborhood park and trail system.	*Project developing at a density of 2,400 to 3,599 square feet must include at least three of the following to earn density bonus: 1. More than two building types 2. Provide a covered parking to unit ratio of at least 1:2 but not more than 1:1. Garages and carports must be integrated with the building design using similar materials, colors and design elements. 3. Provide a minimum of 35 percent open space. 4. Provide a tot lot or play yard with playground equipment. 5. Provide an outdoor sport court (half a regulation basketball court or a regulation tennis court). 6. Provide other recreational facilities determined to be equivalent to those listed.
20	Residential single	Planned	10,000 sq. ft. min. detached lot size or four units per acre. Density bonuses, achieved through use of performance criteria for cluster development found in the Bellingham land division ordinance, BMC Title 23, can be used to increase the number of units to seven units per acre, or 6,200 sq. ft. per unit. Transfer of development rights can also be used to further increase the number of units from seven to 10 per acre. To use the TDR density bonus, a property owner can purchase development rights from a Lake Whatcom watershed land owner or use the “fee-in-lieu-of” option; a property owner/developer can purchase additional density by paying a fee to the city’s Lake Whatcom watershed acquisition program (LWWPAP). The fee for a density bonus is calculated on a per dwelling unit basis according to a fee schedule established by the city council. One unit of additional density will be allowed for each unit purchased through use of this option. An applicant’s submittal for planned development shall include a letter from the Bellingham finance department documenting the amount to be contributed to the LWWPAP.	Access; drainage; wetlands; buffers	10-foot right-of-way dedication on Bakerview Rd. for future road improvements; contribution of land or fees for neighborhood park and trail system.	None
21	Commercial	Planned – See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines, Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	None	Access; design guidelines*	None	* See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines. This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
22	Commercial	Planned – Limited light industrial uses allowed** See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.	N/A	Access; buffer residential areas; design guidelines*	None	* See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines.
						**The following uses compromise the category of limited light industrial uses:
						Manufacturing of:
						– Apparel and other products made from fabrics and similar material
						– Furniture and fixtures
						– Printing, publishing and allied industries
						– Electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and supplies
						– Measuring, analyzing and controlling instruments; photographic, medical and optical goods; watches and clocks
						– Miscellaneous manufacturing industries which do not constitute a fire, explosion or safety hazard and are compatible with adjacent commercial development as determined by the director of planning and community development.
						This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
23	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Clearing; flood; wetlands; protection of Spring Creek corridor; buffer; neighborhood parks contribution.	Dedication of 30 feet of right-of-way for Cory St. between Prince and Kellogg.	None
24	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Clearing; flood; drainage; wetlands; buffer; protection of Spring Creek corridor; stormwater management; transportation; access.	Development along the east side of Cory will require dedication of 30 feet of right-of-way and improvement of Cory to one-half standard as an arterial between Prince and Kellogg. Internal access roads shall be provided to property west and east of Spring Creek.	None
25	Commercial	Planned – Limited light industrial uses allowed.**	None	Access; interface between commercial and industrial uses; design guidelines.*	None	*See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines.
		See Meridian Commercial District Development Guidelines – Identity, Land Use subsection for a list of prohibited uses.				*The following uses compromise the category of limited light industrial uses:
						Manufacturing of:
						– Apparel and other products made from fabrics and similar material
						– Furniture and fixtures
						– Printing, publishing and allied industries
						– Electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and supplies
						– Measuring, analyzing and controlling instruments; photographic, medical and optical goods; watches and clocks
						– Miscellaneous manufacturing industries which do not constitute a fire, explosion or safety hazard and are compatible with adjacent commercial development as determined by the director of planning and community development.
						This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
26	Commercial	Planned, Retail; Whatcom County PUD Ord., Chapter 20.85 WCC; Whatcom County Subdivision Ord., Chapter 21.30 WCC	Density as specified in the Cordata master plan and protective covenants.	All development shall comply with the Cordata master plan conditions, protective covenants, and all design and development guidelines; the Cordata design review committee shall review all proposals and give final approval prior to issuance of a building permit.	All stage 1 conditions of the Cordata master plan shall be met as required in the phasing schedule.	This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
27	Commercial	Planned	N/A	Access; drainage; buffers.	Internal access road; construction of Tull Rd.	This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
28	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Clearing; buffer; access; drainage.	Internal access roads.	None
29	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Clearing; flood; drainage; wetlands; buffer; protection of Spring Creek corridor; access.	Internal access roads to property west and east of Spring Creek.	None
30	Residential Multi	Planned	High	Clearing; buffer; access; drainage.	Internal access roads; construction of Tull Rd.	None
31	Industrial	Planned, light	N/A	Coordinated internal street and pedestrian circulation.	None	This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
32	Industrial	Planned, light	N/A	Clearing; access; internal circulation; buffers.	Road improvements on Guide Meridian, Kellogg Ave.; internal circulation.	This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
33	Industrial	Planned	N/A	Clearing; buffers.	Road improvements to Meridian, Horton Rd., Van Wyck Rd., Deemer Rd.; vehicle access; internal circulation; drainage; construction of Deemer Rd.	This area is exempt from retail size limits subject to conditions in BMC 20.10.025.
34	Industrial*	Planned, mixed commercial.	N/A	Controlled access with joint driveways; internal circulation.	Sidewalk improvements on Meridian St.	*See Attachment 7 – Allowed Uses for Area 34.
34	Industrial*	1. Permitted uses shall be limited to those permitted and accessory uses allowed in Whatcom County’s light impact industrial (LII) zone as of the date of annexation; retail development not associated with industrial uses is prohibited; retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on site consistent with the definition of accessory uses as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC (Definitions) is allowed.	N/A		Sidewalk improvements on Meridian St.	*See Attachment 7 – Allowed Uses for Area 34.

ATTACHMENT 7 TO MERIDIAN ZONING CODE – Allowed Uses for Area 34
Whatcom County Light Impact Industrial Uses
City of Bellingham
User Note: References to any section of the Whatcom County Code (WCC) are subject to interpretation and adaptation to city of Bellingham regulations and procedures as determined by the city of Bellingham planning director.
Planned Industrial (Mixed)
Area 34
Cordata Stage II/West Guide Annexation
PERMITTED USES
Manufacturing, processing, fabrication
• The manufacturing and processing of food of a nature that meets the purpose and performance standards of this district excluding primary processing of meat and fish products.
• Fabrication of office, computing and accounting machines.
• Manufacture of miscellaneous textile goods and fabrication of apparel including clothing, hats, caps, millinery fur products; and miscellaneous fabricated textile products.
• Fabrication of furniture and fixtures including household, office and public building furniture; and partitions, shelving and lockers.
• Fabrication of paper products including paperboard containers, boxes, carrion boxes and paper containers.
• Printing and publishing newspapers, periodicals and books; commercial printing; book binding; and manufacture of manifold business forms and greeting cards.
• Fabrication of leather products including belting; packing; cut stock and findings for shoes and boots; shoes; footwear; gloves and mittens; luggage; personal leather goods and handbags.
• Fabrication of glass products including glass products from prepared materials; stone cutting; and monuments.
• Processing and packaging of drugs, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics.
• Fabrication of electrical equipment including industrial apparatus and household appliances, radio and television sets; communications equipment; electrical components and accessories; and electric lighting equipment and lamps.
• Fabrication of instruments, photographic goods, optical goods, watches and clocks, and including engineering, scientific, surgical, medical, dental and ophthalmic products.
• Manufacture and fabrication of jewelry, silverware, plated ware, musical instruments and parts, toys, sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils and other office and artistic supplies; novelties, buttons and notions; and miscellaneous manufacture.
• Manufacture, processing, treatment or fabrication of metal products and machinery; provided, that smelters and re-melting mills and the manufacturing of turbines, oil machinery, mining machinery, industrial process ovens, paper, and textile or rolling mill machinery shall be prohibited.
• Manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork, mobile homes, travel trailers, campers, miscellaneous wood products and other buildings, roofing and construction materials; provided, that all odor and noise producing processes shall be conducted within an enclosed structure equipped with such scrubbing, filtering equipment or noise reduction equipment as is necessary to mitigate the odor and/or noise produced.
• Fabrication of rubber products from finished rubber only and manufacture of miscellaneous plastic products from purchased resins only.
• Manufacture of glass, glass products, pottery and related products, and cutting and shaping of stone products.
• Bottling plants.
Transportation/communication facilities/offices
• Rail, truck and freight terminals; warehousing and storage; parcel delivery service; freight forwarding; inspection weighing services; and packaging and crating.
• Communications including telephone exchanges, and radio and television broadcasting stations and transmitting towers.
• Business firm headquarters and professional offices.
Other uses allowed
• Boat building and repair.
• Construction contractors’ business offices and storage and equipment yards.
• Wholesale trade or storage of durable and nondurable goods including automobile parts and supplies; tires and tubes; furniture and home furnishings; lumber and other construction materials; sporting goods, toys and hobby goods; metal service centers and offices; electrical goods; hardware, plumbing and heating equipment; machinery equipment and supplies; jewelry, watches and precious stones; other durable goods; paper and paper products; drugs, proprietaries and sundries; apparel, piece goods and notions; groceries and related products; beer, wine and distilled beverages; waste bottles; waste boxes; rags; waste paper; wiping rags and miscellaneous nondurable goods; provided, however, that trade, storage or processing of sulphur shall be prohibited.
• Building material yards, if screened by a fence and/or vegetation; provided, that screening shall not be required between two contiguous yards where the operator of each yard agrees that such screening is unnecessary.
• Eating establishments, convenience grocery stores, cafes and gas stations operating primarily for the convenience of employees, clients and customers of the district; providing the following criteria are met:
(1) Maximum floor area is 3,000 square feet per use;
(2) No more than two pump islands for each gas station;
(3) Centrally located within the district to primarily serve the industrial uses of this district and not to primarily serve adjacent nonindustrial uses.
Public uses and community facilities
• Churches.
• Residential development limited to nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential uses associated with a church campus is allowed.
• Public uses and community facilities including police and fire stations, libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and other similar noncommercial uses.
Similar uses allowed
• Other uses similar in nature to the uses listed above which are consistent with the purpose and intent of the district to be approved through the planned development process.
Accessory uses
• Employee recreation facilities and play areas.
• Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the duration of such construction.
• Testing and experimentation in connection with a principally permitted use.
• Other accessory uses and buildings, including security and caretaker residences, customarily appurtenant to a principally permitted use.
• Retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on the site and consistent with the definition of accessory uses as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC (Definitions).*
• On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with outright permitted uses.
• Billboards, subject to the provisions of this title, and only within the Bellingham overlay zones delineated by BMC 20.08.020, Figure 15.
• Consistent with the Meridian neighborhood, the following uses are prohibited: permanent facilities for live or performing arts, and government offices except Armed Forces recruiting offices, branch post offices, and branch libraries or public safety facilities (such as fire stations).
*WCC 20.97.005, Accessory Use:
Accessory use means a use customarily incidental to a permitted use; provided, that such use shall be located on the same lot as the permitted use except where specifically permitted elsewhere in zoning district regulations.

Area 35
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
35	Industrial*	Planned, mixed commercial, and residential, except that: 1. Permitted uses shall be limited to those permitted and accessory uses allowed in Whatcom County’s light impact industrial (LII) zone as of the date of annexation; 2. Retail development not associated with industrial uses is prohibited; retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on site consistent with the definition of accessory uses as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC (Definitions) is allowed; and residential development limited to nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential uses associated with a church campus is allowed. Conditional uses allowed in Whatcom County’s light impact industrial (LII) zone as of the date of annexation may be allowed in this area as part of the planned development process.	High for residential	Limited access; joint driveways; internal circulation; Wetland and Stream Ordinance.	Sidewalk improvements on Meridian St. appropriate alignment of the east-west Slater Connector arterial route with the intersection at Meridian St. shall be determined.	*See Attachment 8 – List of Permitted Uses in Area 35.

ATTACHMENT 8 – Whatcom County Light Impact Industrial Uses – Allowed Uses for Area 35
CITY OF BELLINGHAM PLANNED INDUSTRIAL (MIXED) – AREA 35
User Note: References to any section of the Whatcom County Code (WCC) are subject to interpretation and adaptation to city of Bellingham regulations and procedures as determined by the city of Bellingham planning director.
Cordata Stage II/West Guide Annexation
Permitted uses
Manufacturing, processing, fabrication
• The manufacturing and processing of food of a nature that meets the purpose and performance standards of this district excluding primary processing of meat and fish products.
• Fabrication of office, computing and accounting machines.
• Manufacture of miscellaneous textile goods and fabrication of apparel including clothing, hats, caps, millinery fur products; and miscellaneous fabricated textile products.
• Fabrication of furniture and fixtures including household, office and public building furniture; and partitions, shelving and lockers.
• Fabrication of paper products including paperboard containers, boxes, carrion boxes and paper containers.
• Printing and publishing newspapers, periodicals and books; commercial printing; book binding; and manufacture of manifold business forms and greeting cards.
• Fabrication of leather products including belting; packing; cut stock and findings for shoes and boots; shoes; footwear; gloves and mittens; luggage; personal leather goods and handbags.
• Fabrication of glass products including glass products from prepared materials; stone cutting; and monuments.
• Processing and packaging of drug, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and cosmetics.
• Fabrication of electrical equipment including industrial apparatus and household appliances, radio and television sets; communications equipment; electrical components and accessories; and electric lighting equipment and lamps.
• Fabrication of instruments, photographic goods, optical goods, watches and clocks, and including engineering, scientific, surgical, medical, dental and ophthalmic products.
• Manufacture and fabrication of jewelry, silverware, plated ware, musical instruments and parts, toys, sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils and other office and artistic supplies; novelties, buttons and notions; and miscellaneous manufacture.
• Manufacture, processing, treatment or fabrication of metal products and machinery; provided, that smelters and remelting mills, and the manufacturing of turbines, oil machinery, mining machinery, industrial process ovens, paper, and textile or rolling mill machinery shall be prohibited.
• Manufacture, processing, treatment and fabrication of lumber, millwork, mobile homes, travel trailers, campers, miscellaneous wood products and other buildings, roofing and construction materials; provided, that all odor and noise producing processes shall be conducted within an enclosed structure equipped with such scrubbing, filtering equipment or noise reduction equipment as is necessary to mitigate the odor and/or noise produced.
• Fabrication of rubber products from finished rubber only and manufacture of miscellaneous plastic products from purchased resins only.
• Manufacture of glass, glass products, pottery and related products, and cutting and shaping of stone products.
• Bottling plants.
Transportation/communication facilities/offices
• Rail, truck and freight terminals; warehousing and storage; parcel delivery service; freight forwarding; inspection weighing services; and packaging and crating.
• Communications including telephone exchanges, and radio and television broadcasting stations and transmitting towers.
• Business firm headquarters and professional offices.
Other uses allowed
• Boat building and repair.
• Construction contractors’ business offices and storage and equipment yards.
• Wholesale trade or storage of durable and nondurable goods including automobile parts and supplies; tires and tubes; furniture and home furnishings; lumber and other construction materials; sporting goods, toys and hobby goods; metal service centers and offices; electrical goods; hardware, plumbing and heating equipment; machinery equipment and supplies; jewelry, watches and precious stones; other durable goods; paper and paper products; drugs, proprietaries and sundries; apparel, piece goods and notions; groceries and related products; beer, wine and distilled beverages; waste bottles; waste boxes; rags; waste paper; wiping rags and miscellaneous nondurable goods; provided, however, that trade, storage or processing of sulphur shall be prohibited.
• Building material yards, if screened by a fence and/or vegetation; provided, that screening shall not be required between two contiguous yards where the operator of each yard agrees that such screening is unnecessary.
• Eating establishments, convenience grocery stores, cafes and gas stations operating primarily for the convenience of employees, clients and customers of the district; providing the following criteria are met:
1. Maximum floor area is 3,000 square feet per use;
2. No more than two pump islands for each gas station;
3. Centrally located within the district to primarily serve the industrial uses of this district and not to primarily serve adjacent nonindustrial uses.
Public uses and community facilities
• Churches.
• Residential development limited to nursing homes, assisted living, and other residential uses associated with a church campus is allowed.
• Public uses and community facilities including police and fire stations, libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and other similar noncommercial uses.
Similar uses allowed
• Other uses similar in nature to the uses listed above which are consistent with the purpose and intent of the district to be approved through the planned development process.
Accessory uses
• Employee recreation facilities and play areas.
• Temporary buildings for construction purposes for a period not to exceed the duration of such construction.
• Testing and experimentation in connection with a principally permitted use.
• Other accessory uses and buildings, including security and caretaker residences, customarily appurtenant to a principally permitted use.
• Retail sales of merchandise manufactured, assembled or stored on the site and consistent with the definition of accessory uses as defined in Chapter 20.97 WCC (Definitions).*
*WCC 20.97.005, Accessory Use:
Accessory use means a use customarily incidental to a permitted use; provided, that such use shall be located on the same lot as the permitted use except where specifically permitted elsewhere in zoning district regulations.
• On-site treatment and storage facilities for hazardous wastes associated with outright permitted uses.
• Billboards, subject to the provisions of this chapter, and only within the Bellingham overlay zones delineated by BMC 20.08.020, Figure 15.
• Consistent with the Meridian neighborhood, the following uses are prohibited: permanent facilities for live or performing arts, and government offices except Armed Forces recruiting offices, branch post offices, and branch libraries or public safety facilities (such as fire stations).
Conditional uses.
• Conditional uses may be considered through the planned development process.
• Manufacture of hydraulic cement; concrete gypsum and plaster products; and abrasive asbestos and miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral products.
• Manufacture of sands.
• Repair, service and accessory sales for motor vehicles, boats and farm implements.
• Solid waste disposal facilities and sites of a permanent nature including, but not limited to, landfills, incinerators, and transfer stations, excluding sewage sludge.
• Transitory solid waste facilities for treatment, storage, or collection, including, but not limited to: recycle centers and drop boxes for household materials excluding large items such as automobiles or major appliances; noncommercial composting and mulching facilities; and including but not limited to the type of facilities operated by neighborhood or public service organizations.
• Golf courses and commercial recreation facilities related to golf courses.

Area 36
Area	Zoning	Use Qualifier	Density	Special Conditions	Prerequisite Considerations	Special Regulations
36	Institutional	Whatcom Community College	As specified in Chapter 20.40 BMC.	None	None	None

MERIDIAN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

The design guidelines listed in the Meridian neighborhood zoning section of the land use and development code are to be used in the preparation of planned development contracts for projects in the Meridian neighborhood and as the basis for development of future, more specific design standards. They are intended to supplement the regulations contained in the land use development ordinance by providing additional design guidance, but are not regulatory in the same manner as the standards contained in that ordinance. The planning director may allow alternatives, which provide an equal or better design solution and meet the intent of this section. Applications for planned developments shall include adequate information in their submittal to specifically depict how the guidelines have been addressed.

When these guidelines are applied to planned development contract amendments, their application should be roughly proportional to the degree of alteration proposed and bear a relationship to impacts from the proposed development.

IDENTITY

The Meridian commercial district is represented by the map at the end of this section.

Land Use

•The primary focus of the Meridian commercial district is that of a regional retail center. Major cultural, convention, and civic functions are encouraged to locate in the central business district.

•The following uses are prohibited in the Meridian commercial district: hotels; permanent facilities for live or performing arts; and government offices except Armed Forces recruiting offices, branch post offices, and branch libraries or public safety facilities (such as fire stations). Motels are permitted, provided any motel shall not include a total combined meeting room area of over 5,000 square feet. All temporary lodging facilities shall provide the number of parking spaces specified for “motels.”

CONNECTIVITY

•Developments shall be connected by public sidewalks. The sidewalk design shall match the city design standard recommended for the particular street system or design guidelines for the Meridian commercial district. The Meridian Street sidewalk design standard provides that a walkway separated from the curb by a cobble and tree well strip be used until such time as an alternative design standard may be adopted.

•Site design shall include a pedestrian access element that provides pedestrian routes from streets and transit stops to building entrances and between buildings. Bus stops should be considered at locations recommended by Whatcom transportation authority.

•Large parking areas may be required to provide additional pedestrian walkways from parking areas to building entrances. Walkways shall be separated from parking stalls and driving lanes (except at crossings, where painted designations may be used.) They shall be designed to provide a four-foot-wide clear walkway, free from encroachment by vehicle bumpers, cart racks and other obstructions. Trails along open space and creek systems as recommended in the Open Space section shall be included in the project design and connected with the other pedestrian routes in the site. Pedestrian connections shall not cross truck loading areas. Walkways and landscaping shall be used to provide separation between parking areas and building entrances. Connections between private sidewalk systems in adjacent developments shall be provided if they are determined to be both feasible and necessary for a good pedestrian circulation plan.

•Development shall be clustered to encourage joint use of driveways, parking and signs.

•All subdivision, short plats, and lot line adjustments shall be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with driveway access point spacing policies and regulations.

•The spacing and number of driveways shall be limited as specified in the Circulation section to the extent possible given ownership and topographical considerations.

•Direct vehicular access shall be provided between developments whenever feasible to allow traffic to move between businesses without using arterial streets.

DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

•District boundaries should maintain a distinction between the core commercial district and adjacent residential and commercial areas. Site designs shall provide appropriate buffers in transition areas, particularly at boundaries between commercial and residential zones.

Buffering Adjacent Residential Zones:

•Outdoor storage shall not be permitted unless it can be permanently screened from view by adjacent residential properties. The height of material displayed or stored shall be limited to assure adequate screening.

•Loading areas shall be screened from public view. Methods to attenuate noise from loading activity shall be employed as needed to protect residential zones.

•Screening between the development and residential zones shall incorporate trees, primarily evergreens, that will provide total year round screening.

•Use of outdoor speakers shall be prohibited near residential zones.

•Exterior lighting shall have a cut-off angle that eliminates spillover of light onto adjacent residential properties. Light sources shall be shielded as necessary to minimize glare impacts on residential zones.

•Views of grade level and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened from adjacent residential property by use of parapets, fences, walls and/or landscaping as appropriate.

NATURAL SYSTEMS

•Natural topographical features and amenities including but not limited to stream and open space corridors shall be integrated into site designs as a significant design element.

•Open space and natural vegetation shall be retained along streams in a manner consistent with city codes and the local topography.

•Incorporate significant existing vegetation within required buffers or landscaping designs whenever possible.

DESIGN

•As a future component of the district’s development regulations, design guidelines should be developed for site layout, buildings, signs, and landscaping. The guidelines should also address changeable design elements within the street rights-of-way such as street furniture and landscaping. The business community should be encouraged to work with the city and design professionals to identify standards appropriate for the Meridian commercial district. These recommended standards should then be incorporated into adopted city plans and/or development codes as design guidelines for the Meridian commercial district.

Site Components:

•Commercial developments of over 20,000 square feet of gross floor area shall provide consolidated area for pedestrian plazas, parks or seating areas at the rate of one percent of the gross floor area. This area may be adjacent to a building entrance, bus stop or open space/trail area, provided it is abutting a pedestrian walkway, is lighted and is visible from a main entrance of the building.

•The area shall contain seating, trash container(s) and landscaping. Minimum width shall be 10 feet. The facility shall be available to customers and employees without a fee. Areas accessible to vehicles and areas immediately in front of entrance doors will not be counted in the calculation of this area. Indoor pedestrian plazas that are designed to provide an equivalent function and include windows to the outdoors, such as a mall courtyard, may be used to satisfy this provision.

•Landscaped yards of at least 15 to 25 feet shall be maintained from arterial streets and yards of at least five to 10 feet shall be provided on other streets measured from the property line. Buildings shall be set back at least 25 feet from Meridian Street. Significant grade changes, street design requirements or other features may necessitate wider yards.

•Developers are encouraged to incorporate crime prevention through the use of environmental design (CPTED).*

•Service areas shall be screened from streets and pedestrian walkways. Adequate space shall be reserved for garbage and recycling functions where appropriate.

•If stormwater basins are used for stormwater treatment or detention, the location shall be coordinated with other elements of the site and integrated with site landscaping.

Grading:

•Site development shall incorporate the existing topography to the extent feasible. When retaining walls are necessary, terraced and landscaped walls are preferred.

•Where earth berms are used, adequate horizontal space shall be provided to allow appropriate side slopes and support proposed vegetation.

Landscaping:

•Parking areas shall contain landscaping islands to break up large expanses of hard surfacing. Scale of parking islands, their location and spacing and tree species shall be appropriate for the scale of the parking area. Planting areas shall be designed to protect trees from vehicles.

•Landscaping areas shall be provided between driveways and property lines, with the exception of joint driveways.

•Landscaping maintenance shall be guaranteed for two growing seasons to assure required screening and landscaping functions will be established as intended. A maintenance bond, assignment of funds or other financial guarantee provided to the city in the amount of 50 percent of the value of the landscaping is an acceptable instrument.

•Landscaping plans should include coniferous trees and evergreen vegetation in the mixture of plant materials to the extent feasible based on site characteristics.

Buildings and Signs:

•On street and entry sides, buildings shall include storefront windows and avoid blank walls unless screening is required due to zone boundaries or other factors. There shall be consistent architectural treatment of all sides of the building facing streets and entries.

•Sign design standards should be developed for the Meridian commercial district that promote effective business identification, reduce sign clutter and complement the district design goals. Sign plans for developments shall include limitations on the location and area of wall signs, minimize the number of freestanding signs and integrate signage with building and site design.

*CPTED principles of natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance can be used to minimize the potential for crime in new developments. Well designed buildings, parking lots, garages, sidewalks, and open courtyards and appropriate lighting can be encouraged in new developments.

[Ord. 2022-11-025 § 11 (Exh. D); Ord. 2021-10-044 § 23 (Exh. A); Ord. 2018-12-036 § 15 (Exh. E); Ord. 2018-11-024 § 2; Ord. 2017-11-025 §§ 14 (Exh. G), 15 (Exh. H); Ord. 2014-10-056 §§ 2, 3; Ord. 2013-02-007 §§ 2 – 5; Ord. 2010-12-075; Ord. 2010-12-074].