Development Codes
Streets and Sidewalks (Title 11)
Title 11 contains standards for the development and use of streets and sidewalks, including, sidewalk repair and construction, sidewalk use permits, the minimum required street improvements, design standards, access management on Highway 20, and concurrency requirements.
This Title establishes requirements for the construction and maintenance of stormwater facilities, including when and what type of stormwater facilities are required for new development.
This Title establishes requirements for the construction and maintenance of city water systems, including when and what type of water facilities are required for new development and the amount of system development charges (SDCs).
This Title establishes requirements for the construction and maintenance of city sewer systems, including when and what type of sewer facilities are required for new development and the amount of system development charges (SDCs).
Title 18 describes the process and timelines for submittal and review of land use permits, including duties of the Planning Commission, review procedures for Type I - Type VI permits, public notice requirements, hearing examiner roles and duties, development agreements, system development charges, and latecomer's agreements.
The City's Zoning Ordinance is contained in Title 19 of the Oak Harbor Municipal Code. This ordinance contains three types of regulations:
Zoning. A description of each zone and the allowed, prohibited, and conditional uses within the zone.
Development regulations. Development requirements for non-conforming uses, manufactured home parks, planned residential developments, accessory dwelling units, parking, landscaping, wireless communication facilities, signs, and essential public facilities.
Administrative provisions. Requirements for processing planned residential developments, home occupations, temporary use permits, site plan review, variances, conditional uses, zoning map amendments, and zoning text amendments.
Title 20 put regulations and standards in place for development within or near critical areas. Critical areas include critical aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, geologically hazardous areas, and wetlands.
This Title sets the minimum standards by which land may be subdivided within the City. Of note to development applicants are:
- The General Design Standards in chapter 21.50 and
- The Residential Design Standards in chapter 21.60
These two sections outline the necessary improvements for streets, lots, blocks, dead-ends, street trees, landscape buffers, pedestrian/bike connections, and stormwater ponds.
Interlocal Agreement between Island County and the City of Oak Harbor
This agreement, adopted in 2002, puts in place development standards for Oak Harbor's unincorporated Urban Growth Area (UGA) also known as the "Joint Planning Area" (JPA). This agreement includes standards for zoning, landscaping and tree retention, fire prevention, streets, open spaces, and noise attenuation. More specific standards apply to the "North Whidbey Enterprise Area" which is a sub-area within the JPA.
Shoreline Master Program (SMP)
This program places limits on uses, establishes development standards, and outlines a permit process for the purpose of protecting the environment, preserving public access, and promoting economic development within the shoreline area. The shoreline area generally falls 200 feet landward of the ordinary high water mark (OHM).
Design Regulations and Guidelines (DRGs) (PDF)
The Design Regulations and Guidelines are design standards which apply to the development of all commercial, industrial, public facility, or multi-family residential uses. The intent of the DRGs is to direct the look and function by regulating the building façade and materials, landscaping areas, parking areas, utilities, and garbage enclosures, among other aspects of a site.