17.53.103 Blocks.
A. General. The length, width, and shape of blocks shall take into account the need for adequate lot size and street width and shall recognize the limitations of the topography.
B. Size. No block shall be more than 400 feet in length between street corner lines or have a block perimeter greater than 1,600 feet unless it is adjacent to an arterial street, or unless the topography or the location of adjoining streets justifies an exception. The recommended minimum length of blocks along an arterial street is 1,800 feet.
C. Easements.
1. Utility lines. Easements for sewers, water mains, electric lines, or other public utilities shall be dedicated whenever necessary. The easements shall be at least 10 feet wide and centered on lot lines where possible, except for utility pole tieback easements which may be reduced to six feet in width. Easements of 10 feet in width shall be required along all rights-of-way. Utility infrastructure may not be placed within one foot of a survey monument location noted on a subdivision or partition plat. The governing body of a city or county may not place additional restrictions or conditions on a utility easement granted under this chapter.
2. Water courses. If a subdivision is traversed by water courses such as a drainage way, channel, or stream, there shall be provided a storm unit easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of the water course and of such width as will be adequate for the purpose, unless the water course is diverted, channeled, or piped in accordance with plans approved by the city engineer’s office. Streets or parkways parallel to major water courses may be required.
3. Pedestrian ways. When desirable for public convenience, safety, or travel, pedestrian ways not less than 10 feet in width may be required to connect to cul-de-sacs, to pass through unusually long or oddly shaped blocks, to connect to recreation or public areas such as schools, or to connect to existing or proposed pedestrian ways. (Ord. 4922 §4B, 2010).