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A. Design Intent. LUC 20.25M.030.B and C require City permit approvals to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan including Light Rail Best Practices which emphasizes the need for context sensitivity in design. Subsection B of this section is intended to provide guidance to any CAC formed pursuant to LUC 20.25M.035.B regarding the existing and planned contexts within which RLRT systems or facilities are proposed. The information contained in this subsection is intended to provide a framework for the CAC’s work, and to help the CAC determine whether a context sensitive outcome has been achieved through the incorporation of location-appropriate design features in required light rail permits.

B. Context and Design Considerations – By Subarea. The RLRT systems or facilities proposed within the following subareas of the City should respond to the contextual considerations identified below:

1. Southwest Bellevue Subarea. In addition to complying with all applicable provisions of the Southwest Bellevue Subarea Plan, the design intent for the RLRT system and facility segment that passes through this subarea is to contribute to the major City gateway feature that already helps define Bellevue Way and the 112th Corridor. The RLRT system or facility design should reflect the tree-lined boulevard that is envisioned for the subarea, and where there are space constraints within the transportation cross-section, design features such as living walls and concrete surface treatments should be employed to achieve corridor continuity. The presence of the South Bellevue park and ride and station when viewed from the neighborhood above and Bellevue Way to the west, as well as from park trails to the east, should be softened through tree retention where possible and enhanced landscaping and “greening features” such as living walls and trellises. Design features for the alignment passing through this subarea and for the East Main Station should include landscaping that provides dense screening when viewed from residential areas and visual relief along transportation rights-of-way while maintaining sightlines that ensure user safety. Design features should be incorporated to discourage vehicular drop-off activities adjacent to the single-family areas. The character of this area is defined by:

a. The expansive Mercer Slough Nature Park;

b. Historic references to truck farming of strawberries and blueberries;

c. Retained and enhanced tree and landscaped areas that complement and screen transportation uses from residential and commercial development; and

d. Unique, low-density residential character that conveys the feeling of a small town within a larger City.

2. Downtown Subarea. In addition to complying with all applicable provisions of the Downtown Subarea Plan, the design intent for the RLRT system and facility segment that passes through this subarea is to enhance Downtown Bellevue’s identity as an urban center that serves as the residential, economic, and cultural heart of the Eastside. The above-ground expression of the Downtown Station is envisioned as a highly utilized urban “place” with an architectural vocabulary that not only reflects and communicates the high quality urban character of Downtown as a whole, but also complements the immediately adjacent civic center uses including Bellevue City Hall, Meydenbauer Convention Center, the Transit Center, Pedestrian Corridor, and the Downtown Art Walk. The alignment crossing over I-405 will be prominent to visitors entering, leaving, and passing through the Downtown, and its design should be viewed as an opportunity to create a landmark that connects Downtown Bellevue with areas of the City to the east. The station and freeway crossing should reflect Bellevue’s branding, and should be comfortable and attractive places to be and experience, with high quality furnishings and public art that capitalize on place-making opportunities. The character of this area is defined by:

a. Private entertainment and cultural attractions;

b. High quality urban amenities such as pedestrian oriented development and weather protection that encourages people to linger and not just pass through;

c. High rise buildings that attract a creative and innovative work force;

d. Multifamily developments that attract urban dwellers that are less tied to their vehicles to accomplish day-to-day tasks;

e. Great public infrastructure including roadways, transit and pedestrian improvements, parks and public buildings; and

f. Stable property values that make it a desirable place for businesses to locate and invest.

3. Wilburton/NE 8th Street Subarea. In addition to complying with all applicable provisions of the Wilburton/N.E. 8th Street Subarea Plan, the design intent for the RLRT system and facility segment that passes through this subarea is to focus on the hospital station’s role as a gateway location to points east of Downtown on to BelRed and beyond. The alignment crossing over I-405 should create a cohesive connection between the Downtown and hospital stations, but the hospital station itself should have its own identity. With significant ridership anticipated to be generated from the Medical Institution District to the west, the hospital station should take design cues from the hospital, the ambulatory health care center, and the medical office buildings that were designed to be responsive to the Medical Institution Design Guidelines that are shaping the character of this area. The character of this area is emerging and design guidelines envision an area defined by:

a. Outdoor spaces that promote visually pleasing, safe, and healing/calming environments for workers, patients accessing health care services, and visitors;

b. Buildings and site areas which include landscaping with living material as well as special pavements, trellises, screen wall planters, water, rock features, art, and furnishings;

c. Institutional landmarks that convey an image of public use and provide a prominent landmark in the community; and

d. Quality design, materials, and finishes to provide a distinct identity that conveys a sense of permanence and durability.

4. BelRed Subarea. In addition to complying with all applicable provisions of the BelRed Subarea Plan, the design intent for the RLRT system and facility segment that passes through this subarea is to foster a new path for BelRed that is directed toward a model of compact, mixed use, and “smart growth” that represents a departure from the area’s historic industrial roots. The 2013 context provides only glimpses of the future that is envisioned for this area. As a result, the public investment in light rail infrastructure provides an opportunity to reinforce the future outcomes that are desired for the area. The desired future character of this area is undefined by current development, but the BelRed Subarea Plan envisions a condition that is defined by:

a. A thriving economy anchored by major employers, businesses unique to the subarea, and services important to the local community;

b. Vibrant, diverse, and walkable neighborhoods that support housing, population, and income diversity;

c. A comprehensive and connected parks and open space system;

d. Environmental improvements resulting from redevelopment;

e. A multimodal transportation system;

f. An unique cultural environment;

g. Scale of development that does not compete with Downtown, and provides a graceful transition to residential areas farther to the east; and

h. Sustainable development using state of the art techniques to enhance the natural and built environment and create a livable community.

C. Additional General Design Guidelines.

1. In all land use districts, any RLRT system or facility should use context sensitive design to integrate above-grade project components into the community. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Incorporation of superior urban design, complementary materials, and public art into significant project components;

b. Use of landscaping, material, or finish treatments that soften the appearance and perception of significant structural or concrete elements;

c. Incorporation of durable materials to ensure that facilities retain their appearance, functionality, and community value over time; and

d. Context sensitive design considerations shall include building materials and texture, building scale relative to nearby structures, and relationship to streets and adjacent uses.

2. Additional Design Guidelines for Specific RLRT Facilities. In all land use districts, the following design guidelines shall apply to the specific RLRT facilities noted below:

a. Station design should provide, create, or promote:

i. Access and linkages to the surrounding community;

ii. Weather protection, including rain, wind, and sun protection, with overhead weather protection covering not less than 30 percent of the platform area;

iii. A place that works for both large and small numbers of people; and

iv. Design that encourages social interaction among people;

v. Design that uses available technology to deter crime. Examples include:

(1) Visibility of station platform from adjacent streets and parking;

(2) Open and well-lighted pedestrian connections to parking and adjacent community;

(3) Video surveillance on station platforms and trains; and

(4) Establishing and enforcing a fare-paid zone for station platforms;

vi. Station design should facilitate transfers between different modes of transportation with an emphasis on safety for people transferring between the station platform and the various modes. This should include, where appropriate, well-lighted and secure storage sufficient to accommodate a range of modes (e.g., bicycles and other small motorized and nonmotorized vehicles).

b. Traction power substations shall be sited, screened, and/or incorporate architectural materials and treatments to minimize visual and operational impacts to surrounding uses.

c. Ventilation structures shall incorporate context sensitive design that shall incorporate appropriate building materials and texture, building scale relative to nearby structures, and relationship to streets and adjacent uses.

d. Signs shall comply with the Bellevue Sign Code (Chapter 22B.10 BCC); provided, that departures from the specific requirements of Chapter 22B.10 BCC may be allowed if approved by the Director as part of a master signage plan for an RLRT system.

e. Retaining walls, acoustical barriers, tunnel portals and other concrete and masonry structures of a similar nature shall, as appropriate, be screened by landscaping, textured, or incorporate artwork.

f. Signal bungalows shall provide innovative façade treatments, e.g., artistic anti-graffiti laminate wraps, as approved by the Director.

g. Straddle Bents. Straddle bents are discouraged except where necessary for the effective functioning of the RLRT facility or where other right-of-way operational or safety considerations necessitate straddle bent use.

h. Crossovers. Crossovers shall not be permitted within an RLRT transition area except where necessary for the effective functioning of the RLRT facility, and in such case shall be located in the area with the least impact to private property developed in a residential use. (Ord. 6101, 2-25-13, § 1)