25.127.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the mixed-use (MU) district is to allow the location of a compatible and integrated mix of commercial (and office, education and government uses) with residential uses, as established within the comprehensive plan. This zone district is intended to provide a high level of diversity in housing types including townhouses and flats in mid-rise buildings ranging from two to six stories to move toward the City’s land use and housing goals and policies relating to density and a broad range of housing types, as required under the Growth Management Act, Chapter 36.70A RCW. In addition, ground floor neighborhood-scale commercial and/or office uses are encouraged to create a cohesive bike and pedestrian-oriented community.
These uses are to be designed to complement and support the nearby retail, office, and residential uses within close proximity to each other resulting in reduced vehicle trips and a more sustainable and convenient environment with potential access to transit.
Furthermore, it is the purpose of this chapter to:
(1) Create and maintain usable open spaces for the enjoyment of occupants, employees and/or patrons;
(2) Encourage a variety of building types including mixed-use structures, for residential and nonresidential uses;
(3) Encourage maximum efficiency in the layout of streets, use of “complete streets” that incorporate pedestrian, bicycling, and transit options, utility network and other improvements;
(4) Promote the sensitive treatment of significant features of the natural environment, including vegetation, waterways and views and viewsheds; and
(5) Provide for developments that result in high quality design. [Ord. 4668A § 2, 2024; Ord. 4668 § 2, 2023; Ord. 4514 § 2, 2021.]