14.214.450 Vehicular Circulation and Parking.
A. Purpose.
1. To create a safe, convenient, and efficient network for vehicle circulation and parking.
2. To enhance the visual character of interior access roads.
3. To minimize conflicts between vehicle and pedestrian circulation and activity.
B. Driveways. Driveways shall meet the standards of the Snohomish Engineering Design and Construction Standards adopted by City Council resolution.
C. Drive-Throughs. Where allowed, drive-through facilities shall meet the standards of SMC 14.235.160 and the Snohomish Engineering Design and Construction Standards adopted by City Council resolution, in addition to the following:
1. For the purpose of complying with the block frontage standards in Article III of this chapter, Block Frontage Standards, drive-through lanes are considered a parking area.
2. Drive-through lanes, including waiting and holding lanes, shall be buffered from the street and internal walkways by at least one (1) of the following:
a. A planting strip at least five (5) feet wide with continuous plantings of evergreen shrubs and/or trees that will, at maturity, provide a continuous evergreen screen at least four (4) feet tall.
b. A wall at least three (3) feet high constructed of brick, stone, or siding materials that matches the principal walls of the building to which the drive-through lane provides service.
c. An alternative screening scheme may be approved, provided it reduces the negative visual impacts of views from sidewalks, pathways, and adjacent residential uses and adds visual interest.
3. Drive-through lanes shall not restrict pedestrian access between a public sidewalk and on-site buildings. Required pedestrian pathways shall not be located within required vehicle queueing space.
4. Drive-through speakers shall be volume-controlled and screened so as not to be audible from adjacent properties.
E. Inter-Site Connectivity. Vehicle access connections are required between nonresidential properties, except where the Director determines it is infeasible or undesirable (e.g., where it is determined that such a vehicle connection would negatively impact safe pedestrian movement). Vehicle access may be in the form of a dedicated or private alley, connected or shared parking lots, shared drive aisles, or similar features. (Ord. 2425, 2022)