City of Bellingham Municipal Code

20.40.050 - MASTERPLAN ELEMENTS AND STANDARDS

A master plan for an Institutional area shall discuss specifically and make provisions for all concerns referred to in the Special Conditions listed for that area. The master plan shall include alternatives representing different landowners' choices for resolving issues raised during the planning process. The master plan shall also include at least the following elements and standards.

A. Elements. The following subjects shall be dealt with in both written and graphic formats. Maps shall be drawn at a scale appropriate to adequately show the plan proposals.

1. Land Use
a. The masterplan shall include maps and plans showing the following information.

b. The rationale for the proposed land use classifications shall also be discussed. A list of the specific uses which would be allowed within each area shown on the land use classification plan shall also be included in the land use element.

2. Circulation

a. The circulation element of the masterplan shall include maps showing the following information:

i. Existing streets and rights-of-way within the Institutional area, as well as those leading to it from nearby arterials.

ii. A plan for circulation within the Institutional area, including provisions for automobile, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation systems.

iii. Plans showing how access to the site will be provided, including alignment and profiles of any new roads and standards for their development as discussed in Section 20.40.050 B.

iv. The general location and approximate capacity of parking facilities shall be shown relative to the circulation system within the Institutional area.

b. Narrative within the circulation element shall include a description of the existing circulation facilities - including the size and condition of any developed streets and sidewalks. Problems with the existing circulation system and proposals to deal with those problems shall be addressed. The phasing of circulation improvements within the Institutional area shall also be specified pursuant to subsection (4) below.
3. Utilities
a. Maps shall be provided in the masterplan showing the following information:

i. The location and size of all existing city utilities which are developed within the Institutional area or which lead to the site.

ii. Plans for the location and sizing of utilities extensions and/or improvements which will be necessary as the site is developed.
b. The utilities element shall also contain a description of the existing utilities, including the capacities and condition of existing lines. Those capacities shall be discussed in relationship to the additional capacity required for future development within the Institutional area. Proposed improvements to correct any substandard conditions and to provide service to future development shall also be discussed. Phasing of those improvements relative to development of the area shall be delineated pursuant to subsection (4) below.
4. Phased Development Schedule. The Master Plan shall include provisions which the City determines necessary for the phased development of the Institutional area. These may include special warrant levels for street improvements and signalization; and/or square footage development levels by use types or other appropriate levels which would trigger certain public amenities (bus shelters, recreational open space, bike and pedestrian ways, etc.) or utility improvements (storm drainage, sanitary sewers, water lines, etc.) The master plan shall include provision for the improvements required to raise the institutional site's ability to handle a higher level of development as projected by the Master Plan.
5. Open Space.
a. The open space element of the Master Plan shall include maps showing the following information:

i. The topography of the institutional area with at least a 5' contour interval.

ii. Drainage courses, treed areas, and other major natural features, such as marsh areas or rock outcrops.

iii. A plan showing areas to be reserved as open space areas, including those left in a natural state, and those landscaped for active or passive uses or standards for development of such spaces.
b. The open space element of the Master Plan shall also contain a written description of the relationship of the proposed open space plan to the nature features and conditions within the institutional area. There shall also be included a discussion of how the open space patterns will serve to buffer uses in the Institutional area from adjacent, less intensive uses.

1. Permitted uses for each area shown on the land use classification plan for the Institutional area as required in Section 20.40.050A(1).

2. Building height limitations with special attention given to those peripheral areas within the Institutional area which border other areas with less intensive land use designation.

3. Site coverage limitations within the area.

4. Yard (or setback) requirements to those peripheral Institutional areas which border other areas with less intensive land use designations.

5. Landscaping requirements with special attention given to those peripheral Institutional areas which border other areas with less intensive land use designations.

6. Parking requirements including: the number and kinds of parking required, the design of the parking areas, and the location of parking areas relative to the uses they will serve, and other adjacent uses.

7. Street standards shall be specified which will accommodate the anticipated future needs. Facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, and transit should be taken into consideration. In no case shall right-of-way widths be less than minimum city requirements.

8. Standards for signing shall also be specified, with particular attention given to impacts on adjacent less intensive uses. A standardized design theme for signing for the entire Institutional area may be included in the plan.

9. Provisions for handicapped access shall be specified.