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TAX A(--'COUNT/PARCEL NUMBER:
BUILDING PERMIT (NEW
COVENANTS (RECORDEE
CRITICAL AREAS:
DISCRETIONARY PERMIT //'S:
DRAINAGE PLAN DATED:
PARKING AGREEMENTS DATED:
EASEMENT(S) RECORDED
PERMITS(OTHER):
PLANNING DATA CHECKLIST DATED:
SCALED PLOT PLAN DATED:
SEWER LID FEE S:
SHORT PLAT FI
SIDE SEWER AS BUILT DATED:
SIDE SEWER PERMIT(S),#:
GEOTECH REPORT DATED:
DETERMINATION: 0 Conditional Waiver E] Stud Required [] Waiver
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STREET USE / ENCROACHMENT PERMIT #:
FOR:
WATER METER TAP CARD DATED: / �As
LTD #:
LOT: BLOCK:
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APPUCA110N (""BUILDING PERMIT
CITY OF EDMONDS Building Department
f
Appl. No. ............
Permit limit, one ycar
APPUCATION is hereby made for a permit to construct the. folJowing work, in acrordance with the accom-
panying plans and specifications. Two sets are submitted herewith 'or approval.
new alter Off -St.
repair ............ ... . ...........
VVork addn 4.1 ........ ... ................ ..... Parking ......
Occupancy ............... .......... Const. type .. .......................... Use , Z1, Fire zone ............................
Address.............. t ........................ Blk ......... A Addn ......................................
Lot frontage. ................... Area ... .. ..
........... .... ... Septic t,-nk ............ 2� ....................................
I
Bldg. set -backs — front ............ r. side .......... .......... 1. side .......... ............. rear ................................
...... 1_ez�,�I�� .. Address ... 14-xV r_ Tel. Nc��.-:�
Builder .............. ....... .............. Address. .............................................. Tel. No ............................. .
................................
Plansby ............ ............................................ Address .................................................... Tel. No ..............................
Remarks..................................... .............................................. ............................................................... ............................ .
The above is a correct statement, and I agree to comply with all applicable Codes and State laws regulating. this
work.
Signed Owner/Agent ......... ..................................................... Addrcss.'..A4.!Z.7 ......
PERMIT for the above work is hereby approved, subject to the above conditions, and to compliance, with. the ap"
proved plans and specifications, and Building Department notations thereon.
4
-.P.a ........ .... . ... .........
V? luxtion ....... ...... ................ Permit fee .................. ............. Recd. by
BuildingDepartment, By ...... ........................ ...................... ............... ... Date .......................... .........................................
INSPECTION RECORD
Fdn, OK ............................................ Frame, OK ........................ ...... ............... Final, OK .....................................
`4'his Permit does not cover Plumbing,. Sewer or Electrical insta�iatic,ls.
A
DEPARTMEN(1�,jF BUILDINGS
CITY OF EDMO4--,, WASHINGTON —
BUILDfNG PERMIT
Applicant hereby certifies that a plot, P)an, drawings, and sufficient details to indicate
intention to fu!fill all requiremen chcd hereto.
is of th's code are atta
Application is hereby made for permit to do the following work:
........ -------------- - .... ................ . . .... .............
......
1� .. ................... ............................... ..................................................
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..................... .. ................................ ......... ........................................ ............ .. ...................
.......... : ...................................................................................................................... ... .........
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.......... . ... .. .............. ....................... * ........... /,
............................................... ill ....... ...... .......... Ile
..................... ............................... .............................. ........................... ...................
.............................
aL ........ /1Stz;-r n2be/l ict..d block;�Ornbrcs)
I. Bufldinc, dimensions are --/ ....................... x ..... zv�—Ltl .... .........
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2. Lot dimensions are ...... .................. )c ....... //..L ............................
3. Building will be ........................ /
.... storiesin �eight.
4. Numb--r of basements ..............
.................
5. Occupancy of building will be ------- .......... .... .......
6. Bufldig will;[,�b I
... ... f �e:t cm.. ar oining lot line.
7. Owner...
- 'ILI) .... . .. .. ... . ............................
-4.2 .. ... . .. .. ........................................
8. Owner's Addrm ....
9. Builder -------------------------- ................................... .................................................... ---------
10. Builder's Address ........................................................
11. Ar5�i�t or engineer ...................................................................................................
Date.. /C? ........ ........
App!-.cart's Signature ... 0,4.1.qfj� .....................
(G.ne, - his agent)
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Estimated cost $1a.1501 ...................
GroupNo . .................................................
Life of permit. .. ............. ............
gcld� 6 Y�
Plans filed: Yes 2-1 No 0
Permission is hereby granted to do the work described hereon, according to the approved plans and specifications pertafi,-,ing hereto,
subject to compliance. with &-e ordinances of th� City of Edmonds. _Ihis copy is your receipt for --he following fees:
1. Buading'-�crmit fm .......................................... ........ $ . . ...............................
2. Sewer -ermit fee ............................................................ S ......................................
3. inspection and supmision fee ........................................ $ ........ .............................
4. 7ota! .......
Department of Buildings
PERMIT N? 501 City of Edmonds
1. n. building permit I,. which applicant Pay, when permit is ;ssued shall be based on estimated cost of the proposed structurt. at the rate of $1.00 for each
$1 000.00 Of Cost. If the actual cost of the structure. when fin2lly determined, .!:, —,;.—ed cost by more than 5%, applicant agrees to pay an additional fee
ef $2.00 for each $1000.00 of such excess cost. In such event no use permit shall be iFsu-d unti! s-h "discrepancy fee" is paid.
2. Whenever a contract for construction is estted for any structure casting more than $100.00 for, which a licensed architect or en,:'etr is not required by
(be Bu ilding Cod, of the Cit: of Edmonds, the application for a building permit &[is[[ be accompanied by a copy of the contract and a copy of the detailed
'pecificarl.sts.
3. Prior to employing any labor or commencing w:-;k. notify the Industrial Insurance Division of the Department of Labor and Industries. givini; an estimate of
,he P. yroll and take monthly ,p.,. of pay.[!,. Full instructions should be b,,:ued f-m he rua,ca, fr— of hi 13p.nment of L,b'f and industries. M.,
final payment, she owner �h.uld Obtain . release from the general contractors who in turn should obtain release from all sub ............ Th. rel—es should be
auested by the Department of Labor and Industries. ne above procedures are requircruents of the state It,dustrial Insurance Act.
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APPLICATION
for
The City of Edmonds SIDE SEWER PERNaT
NEW CONSTRUCTION REPAIRS E] EASEMENT No . ..........................................
103-08700
OWNER .................. Fred 14. Bri d_qgA ....................................................
................................ CONTRACTOR ............... .................................................................................. PERMIT No . ......................
ADDRESS .............. 6.42.11ap.le ... Street ................................................. LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT No . .............. ............................... BL4DCK No . ............................................
NAMEOF ADDITION .........................................................................................................................................
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DYE TESTED 01'1 SEWER
JULY, 1972
Approved:
DATE.... ........................................... By ...................................... ...............................
0
onohormsh County, WA Assessor Parcel Data
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SnohomishOnline Government Information & Services
County W
Washington
* R E A L * Property Information
County Home Assessor Home Treasurer Home Infon-nation on which Department to contact
Please view Disclaimer If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please Contact Us.
Date/Time:7/27/2007 2:23:42 PM Answers to Freauentiv Asked Questions about Parcel Data (opens as new window)
Return to Property Information Entry.pagg
Parcel Number 00434209501200 Prev Parcel Reference 43420950120005
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General Information
Taxpayer Name 11 Address (contact the Treasurer if you have questions)
BOITANO LOUIS 113602 30TH WEST --- SEATTLE, WA 98199
If the above mailing address is incorrect and you want to make a change, see the information on Name and
Address Changes
Owner Name 11 Address (contact the Assessor if you have questions)
BOITANO LOUIS 11 UNKNOWN - - -
If the above name and address is incorrect due to a recent sale, please see the information on Name -and
Address Changes After a Sale
Street (Situs) Address (contact the Assessor if you have questions)
642 MAPLE ST - - - EDMONDS, WA 98020-3472
Parcel Legal Description
CITY OF EDN40NDS BLK 095 D-00 - LOTS 12 & 13
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Treasurer's Tax Information
Taxes For answers to questions about Taxes, please contact the Treasurer's office (opens as
ne w window)
2007 Taxes for this parcel $5,722.27
(Taxes may include Surface Water Management and/or State Forest Fire Patrol fees. LID charges, if any, are not
included.)
To obtain a duplicate tax statement. either download our Tax Statement Request form or call 425-388-3366 to
request it by phone.
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Assessor's Property Data Characteristics and Value Data below are for 2007 tax year.
Please contact the Treasurer's office for answers to questions about Taxes (opens as new window)
For questions ONLY about property characteristics or property values (NOT taxes),
please contact the Assessor's Office
Property Values do not reflect a4justments made due to an exemption, such as a senior or disabled persons
Values exemption.
Reductions for exemptions are made on the property tax bill.
http://web5.co.snohom1sh.wa.us/propsys/asr-tr-propinq/Prpinq02-ParcelData.asp?PN=004... 7/27/2007
Snohomish County, WA Assessor Parcel Data
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Tax Year 2007 Market Land $265,000
Pending Property Values
Tax Year 2008 Market Land $490,000
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Valuation and Property Tax History
View History (opens as new window)
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Market Improvement
Market Improvement
$373,000 Market Total $638,000]
$213,0001 Market Total $703,0001
Property Characteristics
Tax Code Area (TCA) 00210 View Taxing Districts for this Parcel (opens as new window)
Use Code 130 Multiple Family 5 - 99 Units
SizeBasis ACRE Size 0-15 (Size may include undivided interest in common tracts and road parcels)
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Property Structures
Type Yr.Built Structure Description
Commercial 1959 4-plex View Structure Data (opens as new window)
D,welling 1930 1 Story View Structure Data (opens as new window)
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Property Sales since 7/31/1999
Explanation of Sa-les-Infarmation (opens as new windoxv)
Sales data is based solely upon excise affidavits processed by the Assessor.
No sales for this parcel have been recorded since 7/31/1999
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Property Maps Township/Range/Section/Quarter, links to maps
Neighborhood 5601000 Explanation of Neighborhood Code (opens as new window)
Township 27 Range 03 Section 24 Quarter SW Find parcel_ma,ps for this. Towns h i p/Range/Secfion
ji View Map of this parcel (opens as new windol:V11)
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CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH Edmonds, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 FAX (425) 771-0221
HEARING EXAMINER
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
6 U110 ING
C. 1 S911
SO 4 - 2001
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION
OF THE HEARING EXAMINER
CITY OF EDMONDS
APPELLANTS: Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews (see Exhibit 1, Attachment 2).
CASE NO.: AP-2001-88
LOCATION: 640 and 642 Maple Street (see Exhibit 1, Attachment 1).
APPEAL: Appeal of a Building Official determination regarding an alleged
dangerous building (see Exhibit 1).
Appeal of Planning Staff decision regarding a nuisance building
(see Exhibit 1, Attachment 2).
REVIEW PROCESS: Hearing Examiner, acting as Board of Appeals pursuant to ECDC
.19.00.060 for Building Official deten-nination, conducts public
hearing and makes final decision.
Hearing Examiner, conducts public hearing for Planning Division
staff decision, and makes final decision.
MAJOR ISSUES:
a. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous. Buildings;
Section 302, Dangerous Building definitions
b. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Chapter 17.40, Nonconforming Uses, Buildings,
Signs, and Lots
c. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Title 19, Building Codes
d. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Chapter 20.95,
staff review requirements.
e. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Chapter 20.105, appeals and court review.
incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister Citv - Hekinan. Jar)an
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION AND DECISION:
Staff Recommendation:
Hearing Examiner Decision
PUBLIC HEARING:
Deny the appeal
Deny the appeal, however require broken window to be
boarded up or replaced.
After reviewing the official file, which included the Building Official's Advisory Report, and
after visiting the site, the Hearing Examiner conducted a public hearing on the appeal. The
hearing on the appeal was opened at 9:36 a.m., August 16, 2001, in the City Hall, Edmonds,
Washington, and closed at 10:18 a.m. Participants at the public hearing and the exhibits offered
and entered are listed in this report. A verbatim recording of the hearing is available in the
Planning Division.
HEARING TESTIMONY:
The following. is a summary of the testimony offered at the public hearing.
From the City:
Jeanine Graf, Building Official, reviewed the staff advisory report and entered it into the
record (Exhibit 1). She said the building is not dangerous, but noted that the broken
window should be boarded up or repaired.
Steve Bullock, Senior Planner, said when the City Council issued a decision on the
building some years ago they said the cost of repairs could not exceed 50% of
replacement value of the building. However, the owner can make repairs to the building.
From the Appellants:
Scot Simpson, Appellant reviewed the last fifteen -year history of the subject building and
gave six reasons why he believed the building is dangerous and a nuisance and should be
torn down. He submitted Exhibit 3 as a summary of his hearing arguments. .
From the Building Owner:
Carol Boitano submitted Exhibit 2 and said she and her husband want to keep the
building and would like to use it for storage. She said they plan to improve it at a later
date and will pursue the necessary pen -nits then.
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 3
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS
A. HISTORY
1. Background Summary
In March of 1993 Richard and Ana Swing applied to the City for a building permit to
restore a vacant existing dwelling structure located on a lot with an existing 4-plex within
an RS-6 zone (Single Family residential — 6,000 square foot minimum lot size). (Exhibit
1, Attachment 3)
The Planning Division determined the dwelling structure to be non -conforming with
respect to setback(s) and density. The Planning Division determined that the proposed
restoration and use of the dwelling would expand the non -conformity of the existing
building as well as exceed 50% of its replacement cost, and therefore denied the issuance
of the building pen -nit application. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 4)
The staff determination to deny the building permit was appealed by the Swing's (Exhibit
1, Attachment 5) and heard before the Hearing Examiner. The Hearing Examiner
approved the appeal by Mr. & Mrs. Swing. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 6)
Scot Simpson and other neighbors appealed this decision to City Council. (Exhibit 1,
Attachment 7) The City Council reversed the decision of the Hearing Examiner and ruled
to deny the building permit to restore the dwelling structure. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 8)
On April 25, 2001 Scot Simpson and other neighbors submitted a complaint requesting
that the building be declared a nuisance and be demolished. A copy of the original
complaint is attached to the appeal documents in Exhibit 1, Attachment 2. A building or
structure may be detennined to be a dangerous building by the Building Official if criteria
of the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings are proven. The
City Building Inspector c onducted an exterior inspection of the building on May 11, 2001
(Exhibit 1, Attachment 9); no provision of the code was found in violation since the
building was vacant. The Building Official testified at the hearing that no authority was
received from the owner to enter the building, and testified further that the Building
Inspector could determine from his inspection. of the outside of the building that the
building was not a dangerous vacant building. Therefore, the Building Official
determined that the building was not considered a dangerous building.
Regarding the ECDC nuisance complaint, the Planning Division determined that the non-
confonning structure was not considered a nuisance, and although the building remains
vacant, the legal non -conforming use may continue (Exhibit 1, Attachment 10). The
complainants as well as the current property owners, Louis' and Carol Boitano, were
notified of these determinations (Exhibit 1, Attachments 11, 12, 13).
Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews appealed these staff decisions to the Hearing Examiner
(Exhibit 1, Attachment 2).
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 4
1. Chronology of Events
a. Facts:
(1) March 24, 1993: Ana Swing, property owner at that time, applies for a permit to
construct a new foundation and new floor system for the subject single-family
dwelling. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 3)
(2) March 29, 1993: After review of ECDC 17.40, the Planning Division denies
building permit application #93-24. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 4)
(3) April 5, 1993: City receives appeal from Thomas Sorenson, attorney representing
Richard and Ana Swing, regarding the Planning Division decision to deny the
building permit application to repair the subject structure. (Exhibit 1, Attachment
5)
(4) June 14, 1993: Public hearing before the Hearing Examiner on the appeal by the
Swings of the denial of their building permit application.
(5) July 2, 1993: Hearing Examiner issues a determination approving the appeal by
Mr. and Mrs. Swing. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 6)
(6) July 12, 1993: Scot Simpson and neighbors appeal the Hearing Examiner
decision to City Council. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 7)
(7) September 9, 1993: City Council reverses recommendation of the Hearing
Examiner denies issuance of the building permit for the non -conforming structure.
(Exhibit 1, Attachment 8)
(8) April 25, 2001: Complaint submitted by Scot Simpson and other neighbors
requesting that the building be declared a nuisance and be demolished. (Included
in Exhibit 1, Attachment 2)
(9) May 14, 2001: City Building Inspector inspects the building from the exterior,
finds the structure locked, inaccessible to the public, and not in danger of
dilapidation, nor a public nuisance. Reports findings to Building Official.
(Exhibit 1, Attachment 9)
(10)May 14, 2001: Building Official determines that the subject structure is not a
dangerous building pursuant to the 1997 Uniforin Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings.
(I I)June 20, 2001: Building Official receives written determination from the
Planning Division that the subject building is not considered and nuisance and the
legal non -conforming use may continue. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 10)
(12)June 22, 2001: Building Official sends letter to complainants and owners
notifying them of the Building Official and Planning Division decisions. (Exhibit
1, Attachment I I — representative letter sent to all complainants)
0
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 5
(13)July 9, 2001: Letter sent to Mr. & Mrs. Boitano informing them of the City
Council's decision dated September 9, 1993 of which they may not have been
aware. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 12)
(14)July 16, 2001: Letter sent to Mr. & Mrs. Boitano with copies of both previously
sent letters to their Seattle address. (Exhibit 1, Attachment 13)
(15) August 16, 200 1. Hearing Examiner conducts Public Hearing on the appeal.
B. APPEAL ISSUES
I. Issues raised by the Appellant:
a. Summan, of Statements by the Appellant: (See Exhibit 1, Attachment 2 and
Exhibit 3 for specific comments)
(1) The appellants state in their letter that the Building Inspector conducted an
exterior inspection only, not an interior inspection. The Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings Code has provisions defining a dangerous building that concern the
interior of the building. Since no inspection was conducted on the inside of the
building the Building Official cannot say it is safe.
(2) The appellants state that the condition of this building is defined very well by the
"Findings Conclusions of the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds" File N.
AP-93-61 . ...... The appellant's own testimony and pictures presented by the
neighbors establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of
the dry rot brought by the substandardfoundation. Testimony indicated that the
flooring has been completely destroyed by dry rot causing walls to swingftee. In
order to ascertain the damage, the appellant has been forced to remove or open
major portions of the subject building. At the current time photographs clearly
reveal a structure which is a shell resting upon an inadequate concrete block
foundation. "
(3) The appellants state that there are 17 items used to define a Dangerous Building in
the Code and most of them define this building, of which the appellants listed
four.
a) (2) Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other
means of exit is so warped, wom, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not
provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
b) (7) Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to
such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less
resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new
construction.
c) (12) Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind,
earthquake or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become
(1) and attractive nuisance to children: ..... The appellant testified at the hearing
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 6
about the existence of a broken window in the building and the potential
danger associated with that broken window.
d) (17) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute
a public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
The appellants also listed #4, 5, 6, 8 and 14 in Exhibit 1.
(4) The appellants state that the building has been occupied at times because they can
see through the window that additional floor joists have been taken out and gravel
has been added in the space under the floor that used to exist. Every time it was
used it was a danger to those who used it and very possibly to those walking or
playing around it, or to the little kids running into it with their bikes, or the big
kids climbing on its roof just for ftin.
(5) The appellants state that the second part of the Building Inspectors [Building
Official's] decision had to deal with ECDC 17.40.000. In the original letter to the
Building Inspector [Building Official], the 12 surrounding neighbors that signed
the letter stated that the building was a nuisance and asked that it be declared a
nuisance so it would have to be tom down. The Building Inspector [Building
Official] did not address that issue however and quoted an issue not raised about it
being a non -conforming building.
2. Building Official & Planning Division Written Response:
a. Facts:
(1) The Building Inspector concluded that the building is not occupied (Exhibit 1,
Attachment 9). This is supported by the appellants' statement in the letter dated
July 3, 2001 that it has not been used for more than eight years.
(2) The Building Official has determined that the subject building is not a danger to
the public since it is vacated (Exhibit 1, Attachment 15 photographs showing
general condition of exterior of building) and no provision of Section 302 of the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code applies.
(3) ECDC 17.40.000 allows certain nonconforming uses and buildings to continue
while requiring other nonconforming uses and buildings, which are declared to be
nuisances to be eliminated.
b. General Response to ADpellants. Statements Above:
(1) As stated above, the building is unoccupied; therefore the items in the Abatement
of Dangerous Buildings Code that concern the building interior are not applicable.
An inspection of the exterior of the building revealed no immediate danger to the
public or violation of the provisions of the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Code. See photographs taken of the exterior of the building by the City on July
27, 2001 (Exhibit 1, Attachment 15). The current owners, Louis and Carol
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 7
Boitano, are aware of the nonconforming condition of the structure, of the City
Council's 1993 decision, and that any no work may be done to the structure unless
it is first approved and permitted by the City (Exhibit 1, Attachments 12 and 13).
(2) As a matter of clarification for the record, the appellants refer to the Building
Inspector in the last paragraph of their letter of appeal. There are two issues being
appealed by Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews. The Building Official composed
and signed the letter dated June 22, 2001 (Exhibit 1, Attachment 11), however the
Building Official only made a determination that the building was not considered
a dangerous building per the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code. The
Planning Division made the determination that the building was not a nuisance
per ECDC 17.40.000.
(3) Summary of Planning Division memos (Exhibit 1, Attachments 10 and 14):
ECDC 17.40.000 states that, "The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain
nonconforming uses, buildings, and lots to continue while prohibiting further
nonconformity. Other nonconforming uses, buildings, signs, and lots, which are
declared to be nuisances, are required to be eliminated " ECDC 20.110.030
Nuisance Section, does not define 'a nuisance, but provides a list of described
items that shall not be allowed on properties within the City. The City Planner
determined that the non -conforming building in question couldn't be considered
as any of the items listed. Furthermore, the section states that none of these things
shall be allowed, "...except as may be allowed by any other city ordinance... "
Since ECDC 17.40.020 specifically allows for the continuation of nonconforming
buildings, the building cannot be declared a nuisance, therefore cannot be required
to be abated for being a nuisance, and shall be allowed to continue.
c. Conclusions:
(1) Because the building remains unoccupied it "...does not constitute an immediate
danger to the life, limb property or safety of the public, it may be vacated,
secured, and maintained against entry " as supported by Section 403 of the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code.
(2) The Planning Division has determined the building is not a nuisance; therefore
abatement of the building is not required for it being a nuisance.
(3) The Examiner concurs with the Appellants that the broken window should be
repaired.
DECISION
Based upon the foregoing findings and conclusions, the appeal is denied, however, the broken
window shall either be boarded up or replaced within 14 days of the date of this decision.
Waring Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 8
Entered this 28'h day of August 2001 pursuant to the authority granted the Hearings Examiner
under Chapter 20. 100 of the Community Development Code of the City of Edmonds.
aao���
Ron McConnell, FAII�p
Hearing Examiner
RECONSIDERATIONS AND APPEALS
The following is a summary of the deadlines and procedures for filing reconsideration's and
appeals. Any person wishing to file or respond to a recommendation or appeal should
contact the Planning Department for further procedural information.
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
Section 20.100.010.G allows for the Hearing Examiner to reconsider his decision or
recommendation if a written request is filed within ten (10) working days of the date of the
initial decision by any person who attends the public hearing and signs the attendance register
and/or presents testimony or by any person holding an ownership interest in a tract of land
which is the subject of such decision or recommendation. The reconsideration request must
cite specific references to the findings and/or the criteria contained in the ordinances
governing the type of application being reviewed.
APPEALS
The following is a summary of the deadlines and procedures for filing appeals. Any person
wishing to file or respond to a recommendation or appeal should contact the Building
Department for further procedural information.
The decision of the Hearing Examiner on appeals of Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Code shall be final and shall not be appealable to the City Council per ECDC Section
19.00.060B. An appeal of this final decision may be made to the Superior Court of
Snohomish County as detailed in ECDC Section 19.00.060B.. Any such action shall be
filed within 21 calendar days from the final decision of the Hearing Examiner.
The decision of the Hearing Examiner on appeals of Planning Staff decisions not
involving a project pen -nit application shall be appealable to the City Council per ECDC
20.105.030D. Such an appeal shall be filed with the Development Services Director
within 14 calendar days after the date of the decision being appealed as required in ECDC
20.105.020.
EXHIBITS:
eearing Examiner Decision
Case No.: AP-2001-88
Page 9
The following exhibits were offered and entered into the record.
1. Building Official's Advisory Report, with 15 attachments
2. Letter from Louis and Carol Boitano
3. Appeal Presentation from Scott Simpson
PARTIES OF RECORD:
Scot Simpson
632 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
Louis and Carol Boitano
36023 01h Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98199
Ralph Mathews
644 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
Edmonds Planning Division
Edmonds Building Division
0
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 - 5TH AVENUE NORTH, EDMONDS, WA 98020
BUILDING DIVISION
ADVISORY REPORT
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
To: Ron McConnell, Hearing Examiner
From: I/
Jeannine L. Grae" L-/
Building Official
Date: AUGUST 9, 2001
File: AP-2001-88
SCOT SIMPSON AND RALPH MATHEWS
Hearing Date, Time, And Place: August 16, 200 1, At 9:3 0 AM,
Third Floor, Room 304
Edmonds City Hall
121 — 5th Avenue N.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ I
A. Appellant/Appeal Information ................................................................................................................... I
B. Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 2
11. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................... 2
A. History .............................................................................................................................................. ....... 2
B. Appeal Issues ............................................................................................................................................. 4
III. APPEALS ............................................................................................................................ 6
A. Appeals ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
IV. ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................ 6
V. PARTIES OF RECORD ...................................................................................................... 6
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Appellant/Appeal Information
1. Appellan : Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews (see Attachment 2).
2. Site Location: 640 and 642 Maple Street (see Attachment 1).
3. Reques: Appeal of a Building Official determination regarding an alleged dangerous
building. Appeal of Planning Staff decision regarding a nuisance building (see Attachment 2).
4. Review Process:
Hearing Examiner, acting as Board of Appeals pursuant to ECDC 19.00.060 for
Building Official determination, conducts public hearing and makes final decision.
AP-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
0
Maior Issues:
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 2 of 7
Hearing Examiner, conducts public hearing for Planning Division staff decision, and
makes final decision.
a. Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings; Section 302, Dangerous
Building definitions
b. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter 17.40,
Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, Signs, and Lots
c. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Title 19, Building
Codes
d. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter 20.95,
staff review requirements.
e. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter 20.105,
appeals and court review.
B. Recommendations
Based on statements of Fact, Conclusions, and Attachments in this report we recommend DENIAL
of this appeal.
If the Hearing Examiner finds in favor of the appeal, it is recommend that the Hearing Examiner
prepare findings and an order specifying:
i. The specifics of the violation
ii. The method of abatement or repair
To include all required permits and approvals as required in the Edmonds Community
Development Code and adopted Uniform Codes, such as a Critical Areas Determination,
demolition permit, building permit, plumbing permit, mechanical permit, Architecture Design
Board approval, etc.
iii. The time by which repair or abatement is to be completed.
11. . FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS
A. History
1. Background Summary
In March of 1993 Richard and Ana Swing applied to the City for a building permit to restore a
vacant existing dwelling structure located on a lot with an existing 4-plex within an RS-6 zone
(Single Farnily residential — 6,000 square foot minimum lot size). (Attachment 3)
The Planning Division determined the dwelling structure to be non -conforming with respect to
setback(s) and density. The Planning Division determined that the restoration and use of the
dwelling would expand the non-conforn-�ty of the existing building as well as exceed 50% of
its replacement cost, and therefore denied the issuance of the building permit application.
(Attachment 4)
The staff determination to deny the building permit was appealed by the Swing's (Attachment
5) and heard before the Hearing Examiner. The Hearing Examiner approved the appeal by
Mr. & Mrs. Swing. (Attachment 6)
This decision was then appealed to City Council by Scot Simpson and other neighbors
(Attachment 7). City Council reversed the decision of the Hearing Examiner and ruled to
deny the building permit to restore the dwelling structure. (Attachment 8)
AP-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 3 of 7
On April 25, 2001 Scot Simpson and other neighbors submitted a complaint requesting that
the building be declared a nuisance and be demolished. A copy of the original complaint is
attached to the appeal documents in Attachment 2. A building or structure may be determined
to be'a dangerous building by the Building Official if criteria of the 1997 Uniform Code for
the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings are proven. An exterior inspection of the building was
conducted by the City Building Inspector on May 11, 2001 (Attachment 9); no provision of
the code was found in violation since the building was vacant. Therefore, the Building
Official determined that the building was not considered a dangerous building.
Regarding the ECDC nuisance complaint, the Planning Division determined that the non-
conforming structure was not considered a nuisance, and although the building remains
vacant, the legal non-confornting use may continue (Attachment 10). The complainants as
well as the current property owners, Louis and Carol Boitano, were notified of these
detenninations (Attachments It, 12, 13).
Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews are appealing these staff decisions to the Hearing Examiner
(Attachment 2).
2. Chronology of Events
a. Facts:
(1) March 24, 1993: Ana Swing, property owner at that time, applies for a permit to
construct a new foundation and new floor system for the subject single-family
dwelling. (Attachment 3)
(2) March 29, 1993: After review of ECDC 17.40, the Planning Division denies
building permit application #93-24. (Attachment 4)
(3) April 5, 1993: City receives appeal from Thomas Sorenson, attorney representing
Richard and Ana Swing, regarding the Planning Division decision to deny the
building permit application to repair the subject structure. (Attachment 5)
(4) June 14, 1993: Public hearing before the Hearing Examiner on the appeal by the
Swings of the denial of their building permit application.
(5) July 2, 1993: Hearing Examiner issues a determination approving the appeal by Mr.
and Mrs. Swing. (Attachment 6)
(6) July 12, 1993: Scot Simpson and neighbors appeal the Hearing Examiner decision to
City Council. (Attachment 7)
(7) September 9, 1993: City Council reverses recommendation of the Hearing Examiner
denies issuance of the building pem-iit for the non -conforming structure. (Attachment
8)
(8) April 25, 2001: Complaint submitted by Scot Simpson and other neighbors
requesting that the building be declared a nuisance and be demolished. (Included in
Attachment 2)
(9) May 14, 2001: City Building Inspector inspects the building from the exterior, finds
the structure locked, inaccessible to the public, and not in danger of dilapidation, nor
a public nuisance. Reports findings to Building Official. (Attachment 9)
(10)May 14, 2001: Building Official determines that the subject structure is not a
dangerous building pursuant to the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings.
(11) June 20, 200 1: Building Official receives written determination from the Planning
Division that the subject building is not considered and nuisance and the legal non-
conforming use may continue. (Attachment 10)
A,P-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
0
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 4 of 7
(12)June 22, 2001: Building Official sends letter to complainants and owners notif�ting
them of the Building Official and Planning Division decisions. (Attachment I I —
representative letter sent to all complainants)
(13)July 9, 2001: Letter sent to Mr. & Mrs. Boitano informing them of the City
Council's decision dated September 9, 1993 of which they may not have been aware.
(Attachment 12)
(14)July 16, 2001: Letter sent to Mr. & Mrs. Boitano with copies of both previously sent
letters to their Seattle address. (Attachment 13)
Appeal Issues
1. Issues raised by the Appellant:
a. Summary of Statements by the Appellant: (See Attachment 2 for specific comments)
(1) The appellants state in their letter that the Building Inspector conducted an exterior
inspection only, not an interior inspection. The Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Code has provisions defining a dangerous building that concern the interior of the
building. Since no inspection was conducted on the inside of the building the
Building Official cannot say it is safe.
(2) The appellants state that the condition of this building is defined very well by the
"Findings Conclusions of the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds" File N. AP-
93-61 . ...... The appellant's own testimony and pictures presented by the neighbors
establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of the dry rot
brought by the substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that theflooring has
been completely destroyed by dryrot causing walls to swing free. In order to
ascertain the damage, the appellant has been forced to remove or open major
portions of the subject building. At the current time photographs clearly reveal a
structure which is a shell resting upon an inadequate concrete blockfoundation. "
(3) The appellants state that there are 17 items used to define a Dangerous Building in
the Code and most of them define this building, of which the appellants listed four.
a) (2) Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other
means of exit is so warped, wom, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not
provide safe and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
b) (7) Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to
such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less
resistance to winds or earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new
construction.
c) (12) VvIbenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind,
earthquake or flood, or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become
(i) and attractive nuisance to childrew.....
d) (17) Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a
public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
(4) The appellants state that the building has been occupied at times because they can see
through the window that additional floor joists have been taken out and gravel has
been added in the space under the floor that used to exist. Everytime it was used it
was a danger to those who used it and very possibly to those walking or playing
around it, or to the little kids running into it with their bikes, or the big kids climbing
on its roof just for fun.
AP-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 5 of 7
(5) The appellants state that the second part of the Building Inspectors [Building
Official's] decision had to deal with ECDC 17.40.000. In the original letter to the
Building Inspector [Building Official], the 12 surrounding neighbors that signed the
letter stated that the building was a nuisance and asked that it be declared a nuisance
so it would have to be tom down. The Building Inspector [Building Official] did not
address that issue however and quoted an issue not raised about it being a non-
conforming building.
2. Building Official & Planning Division Comments:
a. Facts:
(1) The Building Inspector concluded that the building is not occupied (Attachment 9).
This is supported by the appellants' statement in the letter dated July 3, 2001 that it
has not been used for more than eight years.
(2) The Building Official has determined that the subject building is not a danger to the
public since it is vacated (Attachment 15 photographs showing general condition of
exterior of building) and no provision of Section 302 of the Abatement of Dangerous
Buildings Code applies.
(3) ECDC 17.40.000 allows certain nonconforming uses and buildings to continue while
requiring other nonconforming uses and buildings which are declared to be nuisances
to be eliminated.
b. General Response to Appellants Statements Above:
(1) As stated above, the building is unoccupied, therefore the items in the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings Code that concern the building interior are not applicable. An
inspection of the exterior of the building revealed no immediate danger to the public
nor violation of theprovisions of the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code. See
photographs taken of the exterior of the building by the City on July 27, 2001
(Attachment 15). The current owners, Louis and Carol Boitano, are aware of the
nonconforming condition of the structure, of the City Council's 1993 decision, and
that any no work may be done to the structure unless it is first approved and
pem-litted by the City (Attachments 12 and 13).
(2) As a matter of clarification for the record, the appellants refer to the Building
Inspector in the last paragraph of their letter of appeal. There are two issues being
appealed by Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews. The Building Official composed and
signed the letter dated June 22, 2001 (Attachment 11), however the Building Official
only made a determination that the building was not considered a dangerous building
per the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code. The Planning Division made the
determination that the building was not a nuisance per ECDC 17.40.000.
(3) Summary of Planning Division memos (Attachments 10 and 14): ECDC 17.40.000
states that, "The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain nonconforming uses,
buildings, and lots to continue while prohibiting further nonconformity. Other
nonconforming uses, buildings, signs, and lots, which are declared to be nuisances,
are required to be eliminated." ECDC 20.110.030 Nuisance Section, does not define
a nuisance, but provides 'a list of described items that shall not be allowed on
properties within the City. The City Planner determined that the non-conforrning
building in question cannot be considered as any of the items listed. Furthermore, the
section states that none of these things shall be allowed, "...except as may be allowed
by any other city ordinance..." Since ECDC 17.40.020 specifically allows for the
continuation of nonconforming buildings, the building cannot be declared a nuisance,
A.P-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 6 of 7
therefore cannot be required to be abated for being a nuisance, and shall be allowed
to continue.
c. Conclusion:
(1) Because the building remains unoccupied it "...does not constitute an immediate
danger to the life, limb property or safety of the public, it may be vacated, secured,
and maintained against entry" as supported by Section 403 of the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings Code.
(2) The Planning Division has determined the building is not a nuisance, therefore
abatement of the building is not required for it being a nuisance.
111. APPEALS
The following is a summary of the deadlines and procedures for filing appeals. Any person wishing to file
or respond to a recommendation or appeal should contact the Building Department for further procedural
infori-nation.
A. Appeals
The decision of the Hearing Examiner on appeals of Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code
shall be final and shall not be appealable to the City Council per ECDC Section 19.00.060B.
An appeal of this final decision may be made to the Superior Court of Snohomish County as
detailed in ECDC Section 19.00.060B. Any such action shall be filed within 21 calendar days
from the final decision of the Hearing Examiner.
The decision of the Hearing Examiner on appeals of Planning Staff decisions not involving a
project permit application shall be appealable to the City Council per ECDC 20.105.030D.
Such an appeal shall be filed with the Development Services Director within 14 calendar days
after the date of the decision being appealed as required in ECDC 20.105.020.
IV. ATTACHMENTS
I . Zoning and Vicinity Map
2. Letter of Appeal from Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews, including attached documents
3. 1993 Building Permit Application (Swings owners at that time)
4. 1993 Planning Division decision to deny permit application #93-24
5. 1993 Appeal letter from Thomas Sorenson, attorney representing Swings
6. 1993 Hearing Examiner Decision approving the appeal by Swings
7. 1993 Letter of Appeal from Scot Simpson, appealing Hearing Examiner Decision
8. 1993 City Council Decision reversing the Hearing Examiner decision and denying the building permit
application
9. Inspection Record from City Building Inspector
10. Planning Division determination that the building is not a nuisance
Letter from Building Official to complainants regarding Building Official and Planning Division
determinations.
12. Letter to current owners informing them of 1993 City Council decision.
13. Letter to current owners at their Seattle address with copies of previous correspondence to them
14. Planning Division memo in response to letter of appeal
15. Copies of photographs taken of the exterior of the building by the City June 27, 2001
AP-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
0
V. PARTIES OF RECORD
Scot Simpson & Ralph Mathews
File No. AP-2001-88
Page 7 of 7
Scot Simpson
Edmonds Planning Division
Ralph Mathews
632 Maple Street
644 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
Edmonds Building Division
Edmonds, WA 98020
Louis and Carol Boitano
3602 30'h Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98199
AP-2001-88.doc / August 9, 2001 / Staff Report
Zoning and Vicinity Map
Attachment I
File No. AP-2001-88
Building Official Interpretation
City of Edmonds
121 — 5th Ave. N.
Edmonds, WA 98020
771-0220
k
RE: 642 Maple St.
Letter dated June 22, 2001
'REC61VED
JUL - 9 2001
PERMIT COUNTEP
0
632 Maple St.
Edmonds, WA 98020
July 9, 2001
P111LD11VG
'Jul
2001
This is a letter of appeal of the decision regarding 642 Maple St. as addressed in the letter
from Jeannine L. Graf, Building Official dated June 22,2001.
The fillne fee of $300.00 enclosed.
14�1 -# /�Z tlFW
The Adjacent Property Owners List is enclosed
The Adjacent Property Owners List notarized declaration is enclosed.
The Reasons the Decision is Wrong List is enclosed
Pictures of dangerous building is enclosed.
Copy of original letter from neighbors is enclosed
Sincerel
Sc6t Simpson & Ralph Mathews
ATTACHMENT 2
File No. AP-2001-88
0
Reasons the Decision- is Wrong
Letter of Appeal To the Decision presented in the letter dated June 22, 2001 from
Jeannine L. Graf, Building Official.
The Building inspector conducted an exterior inspection. The inspector did not conduct
an interior inspection. Section 302 of the "1997 Uniform Code For The Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings" has 17 provisions that define a dangerous building. Any one of
these provisions by itself can determine a dangerous building. 16 of the 17 provisions
can or do deal with the interior of the building. The Building Inspector did not inspect
the Interior and therefore they can not say that this building is safe. In fact at one time
about ten years ago wire mess and stucco was illegally placed around the exterior of the
foundation to hid the deterioration on the exterior.
The actual condition of this building is defined very well by the "Findings Conclusions of
the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds" File No. AP-93-61 on September 1993,
when it was said "3. The appellant's own testimony and the pictures presented by the
neighbors establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of dry rot
brought by the substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that the flooring has been
completely destroyed by dry rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the
damage, the appellant has been forced to remove or open major portions of the subject
building. At the current time the photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell
resting upon an inadequate concrete block foundation." This statement was made eight
years ago.
There are 17 items used to define a Dangerous Building in the Code. Most of them
define this building. I am listing four.
2. Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other
means of exit is so warped, wom, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe
and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
7. Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to such
an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or
earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new construction.
12 Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind,
earthquake or floor or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become (i) an
attractive nuisance to children: .....
17. Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a
public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
The building has been occupied at times because we can see through the window that
additional floor joists have been taken out and gravel has been added in the space under
the floor that used to exist. Every time it was used it was a danger to those who use it and
very possible to those walking or playing around it, or to the little kids running into it
with their bikes, or the big kids climbing on its roof just for tun,
The second part of the Building Inspectors decision had to deal with ECDC 17.40.000.
in the original letter to the Building Inspector the 12 surrounding neighbors that signed
the letter stated that the building was a nuisances and ask that the building department
declare it a nuisances so that it would have to be torn down according to the code. The
building inspector did not address that issue however and quoted an issue not raised about
it being a non -conforming building.
lamp.
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14
April 10, 2001
City of Edmonds
Community Services Department
Plannim Division
250 — 5 Ave. N.
Edmonds, WA 98020
425.771.0220
This is a request that the detached single family residence behind the four-plex multi-
family dwelling at 642 Maple St be declared a nuisances and be required to be -
eliminated. This is pursuit to Section 17.40.000 of the City of Edmonds Community
Development Code.
This building has been vacant since the Edmonds City Council decided at it's August 17,
1993 meeting to deny the building permit to remodel the nonconforming. building.
The following are some quotes that describe the building as it was 8 years ago from the
"Findings Conclusions of Ae Hearing Examiner of Ae City Of Edmonds, File No. AP-
93-61 are as follows;
1) "The existing single family residence is a nonconforming structure due to its
intrusion into the setback area and density."
2) "5. Due to the substandard foundation, dry rot has destroyed the flooring
materials on the ground floor of the subject building. The owners removed
the ground floor along with a variety of other components and fixtures from
the subject building. Photographs admitted at the hearing before the City
Council indicated the subject building is basically a shell with doors, floors,
windows and other fixtures having been removed and other portions of the
structure removed or opened in order to inspect the structure."
3) "Testimony indicated that the flooring has been completely destroyed by dry
rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the damage, the appellant
has been forced to remove or open major portions of the subject building. At
the current time the photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell
resting upon an inadequate concrete block foundation."
11
F, I
L
The building is a fire hazard and a safety hazard. Broken windows and young boys don't
mix. Currently two Eve on the property. Nothing can be done to the building and the dry
rot just gets worse.
Not enough parking is provided for the four-plex and the sidewalk is frequently blocked
by parked cars forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. If the building was eliminated it
would make additional parking available.
As neighbors we want to build a good neighborly relation. When an effort was made by
volunteering to assist in tearing the budding down the effort was rejected. The stated
plan was to make a laundry out of the building.
Pictures are attached.
Respectfully submitted,
Neighbof's Name
Neighbor's Address
P Le 3t.
Gqq Cno*1aS+.
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Plan Chieck No. 91� V
MECHANICAL
This Permit covers work to be done on private Property ONLY.
GRADINGIFILL
Any construction on the public domain (Curts. sidewelks.
STATE SURCHARGE
driveways. marquees, etc.) will require separate permission.
Permit Application: 190 Days
Permit Limit: I Year - Provided Work Is Started withtin iso Days .
STORM DRAINAGE FEE
15n
-Applicant, on behalf of his or her spouse, heirs, assigns and
ENO. INSPECTION FEE
w
Successors in interest. agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City of Edmonds. Washington. Its officials,
I
5
or
employees, and agents from any and all claims for damages of
whatever nature. arising directly or Indirectly from the Issuance
of this permit. Issuance of this permit shall not be deemed to
modify, waive or reduce any requirement of any city ordinance
nor limit in any way the City's ability to enforce any ordinance
provision."
PLAN CHECK DEPOSIT
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
I hereby acknowledge that I have read lh�s application; that the
information given is correct; and that I am Ithe owner, or the duly ATTENTION APPLICATION APPROVAL
duly
.9
authorized agent of the owner. I agree to comply with city and THIS PEAMiT
State laws regulating construction; and In doing the work authoriz. AUTHORIZES This application Is not a permit until
ed I hereby. no person will be employed In violation of the Labor ONLY THE signed by the Building Official or his/her
Code of the State of Washington relating to Workmen's Compensa. WORK NOTED Deputy; and fees are paid. and receipt is
tion Insurance. INSPECTION acknowledged in space provided.
��TURE 40 ER OR AGENY1 DATE SIONE�O DEPARTMENT OFF)r.11- I SiGtIATUAE DATE
CITY OF
13 -22 y
TACHMtNT 3
EDMONDS
CALL FOR .�EASE, OAJTE
ATTENTION INSPECTION
!T S UNLAWFUL TO USE OR OCCUPY A ILDING OR STRUCTURE
1711. A FINAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN M4,DE AND APPROVAL OR p
IN 'tEFITIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN GRANTED. UBC 771-0220 ORIGINAL - File YELLOW - inspector
File No. AP-2001-88
R 3. PINK - Owner GOLD - Assess or
890 - ()9
0
CITY OF
EDMONDS
0
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works * Planning * Parks and Recreation * Engineering
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
March 29, 1993
Mr. & Mrs. Swing
2333 N. 193rd St. 'COP
Seattle, WA 98133
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swing:
I have had the opportunity to review your application for a building permit to replace the foundation of an existing
building at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds. Last week Mr. Swing contacted me and asked me if the nonconforming use of
the subject property would prohibit the proposed foundation repair. During the conversation, Mr. Swing stated that there
is a four unit apartment in the front of the property and a one unit house in the rear of the property. I told Mr. Swing that
the property was zoned for single family use, but that the buildings on the property were placed there prior to the
enactment of the single family zoning for that area.
Section 17.40 of the zoning ordinance contains several different types of legal nonconformities. Two of these are legal
nonconforming uses and legal nonconforming buildings. A legal nonconforming use is one where the use of the property
was previously allowed, but has become prohibited since the time the use began. A legal nonconforming building is one
which does not conform to size. setback, height or other bulk standard requirements, but did conform to such standards
when the building was constructed.
Considering that the property had five units, and has continuously had those five units since the time it was legal to have
five units on the property, the property is determined to have a legal nonconforming use. A legal nonconforming use
cannot be expanded in any way. Maintenance and repair, is allowed for a nonconforming use. Therefore, if the building
to be repaired is only nonconforming due to the number of dwelling units, the repair would be allowed. As you may
recall, this is what we discussed on the telephone.
Unfortunately, during our phone conversation I was not informed of the nonconforming rear setback. The RS-6 zone
district requires a 15 foot rear setback. Though your site plan does not state the specific rear sctback,'it is apparent that at
least a portion of the subject building is in the rear setback area. Considering this, your building is not only a legal
nonconforming use, but it is also a legal nonconforming building due to the protrusion into the rear setback. The height
of a nonconforming building cannot be increased, and no restoration or repair exceeding 50% of the value of the building
may be performed.
Your proposal will increase the height of the foundation, therefore it will increase the height of the building and, as
previously. stated, an increase in height will not be allowed. In addition, your permit application states that the value of
the proposed work is $30,000 The Snohomish County Assessor values all buildings on your property at $180,600. That
works out to $36,120 per unit. Therefore, with no better information, the City must assume that the subject building
valuation is $36,120. $30,000 is over 50% of $36,000. Dud to this information, the Planning Division finds that the
project as proposed cannot be approved for issuance. The application for foundation repair as submitted is denied.
Sincerely,
John Bissell, AICP
Planning Division
cc. Pern-dit Coordinator
ATTACHMENT 4
File No. AP-2001-88'
a Incorporated August 11, 1890 a
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
0 1*
RECEiVED
THOMAS C. SORENSON J U N 1 7 1993
Attorney at Law
320 Dayton St., Suite 106 PERMIT COUNTER
Edmonds, WA 98020
(206) 771-5206 (Telephone and Fax)
TO: JIM DRISCOLL, HEARING EXAMINER
FROM: THOMAS C. SORENSON, Attorney for Appellants Richard and Ana
Swing
DATE: JUNE 17,1993
FILE: AP-93-61
HEARING DATE, TIME AND PLACE: JUNE 17, 1993 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Services Conference
Room, Community Services
Building, 250 5th Ave. N.
FACTS
The facts stated in the City's Findings and Conclusions are essentially correct. The
building in question is a legal nonconforming building. It is a nonconforming
building solely because it violates currrent setback requirements. See the letter to
Mr. & Mrs. Swing of March 29, 1993, from John Bissell, AICP, City of Edmonds
Planning Division, submitted with the City's materials. The Swings applied to a
building permit to replace the foundation under the house (except under the
kitchen, where the foundation had been replaced earlier by a former owner). The
City denied the Swings' building permit application apparently because it believed
(incorrectly) that the height of the building (which the City has never contended is
nonconforming) would be increased, not because the nonconforming setback
would be reduced. Moreover, the City believed that the cost of the proposed
work (incorrectly stated in the permit application to be $30,000) would exceed
50% of "the value of the building." Id. The City based this conclusion upon a
value derived by dividing the total assessed value of the property on which the
house in question is located by the total number of units on the property, namely,
five. Moreover, appellant will show at the hearing that the. $39.000 fi2ure is
ATTACHMENT 5
R16 No. AP-2001.-.88
Mr. Jim Driscoll, Examiner
June 17, 1993 449 40
Page 2
inaccurate and that the total cost of the proposed work on the foundation and floor
is only $15,484.00.
EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE COMPLIANCE
A. The Proposed Work Is A Permissible Alteration
The City apparently relies on Section 17.40.020 F of the ECDC, which deals with
"Restoration" of damaged or destroyed nonconforming buildings. This case is,
however, actually controlled by Section 17.40.020 D.2., which states:
Alterations which otherwise conform to the, provisions of the
zoning ordinance, its site development and bulk standards, and
which to not expand any nonconforming aspect of the building,
shall be permitted.
The City has never contended that the proposed work to the building violates the
applicable zoning, site development, or bulk standards. Rather, it apparently
interpreted the prohibition in this section on expanding any nonconforming aspect
of the building to mean that no aspect of the building could be materially altered.
Since the City incorrectly believed that the proposed work would raise the height
of the building, it denied the Swings' permit appliction.
It is clear that the proposed work is permissible under this Section. The bulk of the
work to be done constitutes alterations, not restoration of a damaged or destroyed
building. The work contemplates altering the crawl space under the building and
altering the footings and depth of the foundation wall. This work is clearly
permissible under Section 17.40.020 D.2. The nonconforming aspect of the
building is its setback, not its height, and the proposed work in no way decreases
the setback. Indeed, it does not affect the setback at all. Therefore, the proposed
work is clearly permissible under this Section.
The City says this case is controlled by Section 17.40.020 F because the value of
the work exceeds 50% of the construction cost of the house. As explained below,
the City's factual assumption is erroneous. But in addition, there is no basis in the
Code for the staff interpretation that the distinction between Section 17.40.020 D
and Section 17.40.020 F turns on the cost of the work to be done. Rather, these
two sections deal with separate and distinct situations. Section 17.40.020 D deals
with maintenance and alteration of a building. It does not apply to damage to or
Mr. Jim Dfiscoll, g Examiner
June 17, 1993
Page 4
the house in question is located, namely, $180,600. It then divided this number by
the total number of units on the property (5) to produce an alleged value for the
house in question of $36,120. This procedure is faulty in two separate respects.
First, assessed value is not necessarily the actual value of a piece of property.
Thus, the City did not have a viable starting point for its value analysis. In fact, the
actual value of this property is far higher than its assessed value. As the City now
acknowledges. the Swings bought this property earlier this year for $330,000,
nearly twice the assessed value the City used. Even if (as appears to be the case)
the Swings paid more than the property is worth in its present condition, $330,000
must be taken as the market value of the property in repaired condition, that is, in
the condition the Swings were led to believe it was in when they bought it. The
City's method of dividing total value by the number of units gives a value of the
house in question of $66,000, not $36,120, when the correct total value of the
property is used. Thus, the City's analysis was faulty from the outset because it
was using an incorrect and extremely low figure for the value of the property on
which the house in question sits.
Second, the City compounded the problem by determining the value of the house
in question simply by dividing the assessed value by the total number of units on
the property. This procedure assumes that each of the five units on the property
contrbutes equally to the total value of the property. There is no reason to believe
this is in fact true. The house in question is a separate one family dwelling. The
other units are apartments in a fourplex. The only reasonable assumption is that
the separate dwelling, being far more desireable as a rental unit, contributes
substantially more to the value of the property than does each of the units in the
fourplex. The true value of the house is clearly substantially in excess of one fifth
of the total value of the property. Thus, the City used the wrong method of
determining the starting point for its analysis and the wrong method of deriving the
value of the unit in question from its incorrect starting point. Therefore even using
the incorrect cost figure of $30,000 stated in the permit application, the City
should have granted the permit.
CONCLUSION: It is undeniable that the City made a mistake in denying the
Swings' building permit application. The proposed alteration of the existing
building is clearly permitted by Edmonds Community Development Code Section
17.40.020 D.2. And it is just as clearly not prohibited by Section 17.40.020 F.
The proposed work in no way increases the nonconforming aspect of the building
in question. The cost of the work (even using the exaggerated figure incorrectly
V 7
Mr. Tim Driscoll, Examiner
June 17,1993
Page 5
used in the permit application) does not begin to approadh, much less exceed, 50%
of the value of the building in question. The City's denial of the Swings' building
permit application must be reversed, and the requested building permit must be
issued.
Respectfully submitted this 17th day of June, 1993.
Thomas C. Sorenson
WSBA #11977
Attorney for Appellants
hn%030615.swi
9 0
CITY OF EDMONDS,;
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
HEARING EXAMINER
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
OF THE HEARING EXAMINER OF THE
CITY OF EDMONDS
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEALS FILE: AP-93-61
OF THOMAS SORENSON
OF Ali ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
DECISION: It is ordered that the appeals of Thomas
Sorenson on behalf of Richard and Ana Swing be
approved.
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Sorenson (hereinafter referred to as appellant) on behalf of
Richard and Ana Swing, appealed the Planning Division's
interpretation relating to "alterations of nonconforming buildings"
pursuant to the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter
17.40.020, and subsequent denial by the City of a building permit
for an existing single family structure located at 640 Maple
Street, Edmonds, Washington.
At the hearing the following presented testimony and evidence:
JEFFREY S. WILSON
Planning Dept.
City of Edmonds
Edmonds, WA 98020
ANA SWING
2333 North 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
GLORIA PRIEBE
637 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
SCOT SIMPSON
632 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
THOMAS SORENSON
320 Dayton Street, Suite 106
Edmonds, WA 98020
RALPH MATHEWS
644 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
MAX PRIEBE
637 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
R.D. JENSEN
6002 - 237th Street S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
CLIFF ADAMS LEAH SIMPSON
631 Maple Street 632 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020 Edmonds, WA 98020,
ATTACHMENT 6
9 Incor ' porated August 11, 11890 File No. AP-2001-88
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 2
CHARLES P. VERRALL, SR.
654 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
At the hearing the following exhibits were admitted as part of the
record for the hearing:
Exhibit I - Staff Report with the following attachments
Attachment 1 - Vicinity/Zoning Map
of 2 - Letter of appeal (4/5/93)
of 3 - Appellant's letter in response to denial
of a building permit (4/6/93)
of 4 - Letter from City to appellant denying
building permit application (3/29/93)
- Building permit application (3/24/93)
6 - ECDC Section 17.40.020 (nonconforming
buildings)
After due consideration of the evidence presented by the
appellants, evidence elicited during the public hearing and as a
result of the personal inspection of the subject property and
surrounding areas by the Hearing Examiner, the following Findings
of Fact and Conclusions constitute the basis of the recommendation
of the Hearing Examiner.
FINDINGS OF FACTS
The subject property is developed with a detached single
family residence and a fourplex. The residential units on the
subject property are legal nonconforming structures: the existing
single iamily residence is nonconforming because the building
intrudes into the setback area. The existing single family
residence is the subject of the building permit and staff
interpretation at issue in this appeal.
2. The subject property is zoned RS-6, which requires a 6,000
square foot lot size.
3. The properties to the north, south, east, and west are
developed with detached single family residences and are zoned RS-
6.
4. On March 24, 1993 the appellant applied for a building permit
to replace the foundation under the existing single family
residence. The entire house, with the exception of the kitchen, is
proposed to have a new foundation.
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 3
5. On April 6, 1993 the Planning Division of the City of Edmonds
notified the appellant that the building permit was denied. The
basis for the denial included the concern that the height of the
residence would be increased upon completion of the new foundation;
and, that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50% of the
replacement value of the existing residence.
6. Historically, the City has used a 50% construction cost
standard to define when a proposal changes from "Maintenance and
Alterations" becomes "Restoration" as defined in ECDC 17.40.010(D)
and 17. 4 0. 02 0 (F) . Based on the staf f I s interpretation, the cost of
the proposed work exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the
residence, and the proposed work is considered to be a
"restoration" as defined in ECDC 17.40.020(F). Restoration of a
nonconforming structure is not permitted.
7. The appellant argued that ECDC 17.40.010(F) is not the proper
ordinance to determine if the cost of the proposed work exceeds 50%
of the replacement cost. According to the appellant, this
ordinance applies only to destroyed or damaged nonconforming
buildings. The structure at the subject property is neither
destroyed nor damaged, but is being repaired.
8. Thomas Sorenson, the representative for the appellant,
submitted that the height of the residence will not be increased
with the replacement of the foundation wall because the area
beneath the residence will be excavated for the new foundation. At
the public hearing the City withdrew the height violation as a
reason for denial and acknowledged that the proposal was within the
code standards. In addition, Mr. Sorenson indicated that the
assessed valuation used by the staff in determining the replacement
value\construction ratio was inaccurate.
9. The Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) section
17.40.020 establishes the guidelines used to evaluate all
nonconforming buildings, and when such buildings are required to be
brought into conformance.
10. The building permit application submitted by the appellant
stated that the value of the work to be done on the single family
residence was approximately $30,000. The staff, in reviewing the
assessor's records, determined that the value of the entire
property was $180,000. Dividing this figure by five for each unit
on site, the staff determined that the value of the single family
residence was approximately $36,000 and thus the cost of work
proposed to be done on the residence equaled approximately 83% of
the replacement cost of the structure.
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 4
11. The appellant submitted that the work proposed in the single
family residence is to construct a crawl space and a new
foundation. He contended that this amounts to ordinary maintenance
and repair of the nonconforming building and is allowed pursuant to
ECDC 17.40.020(D)(1).
12. The appellant submitted that notwithstanding the fact that the
use is permitted pursuant to ECDC 17.40.020(D) (1) . The City should
not have used the assessed value of the property, but should have
in fact looked at the market value to determine if the improvements
exceed the 50% threshold. According to the appellant, the property
was recently purchased for $330,000. If this figure is divided by
five for the five units on site, the total value of each unit is
$66,000. With the projected $30,000 improvement, the value of the
improvements is below the threshold.
13. The appellant submitted that the information on the building
permit includes activity which is not necessarily required for a
building permit. With the removal of items not required to be
permitted, the replacement value will not exceed 50% of the value
of the property.
14. The appellant submitted that by adding a new foundation and
crawl space, the nonconforming use is not being expanded but in
fact the structure is being brought closer to compliance.
15. At the public hearing testimony was received. A summary of
the testimony is as follows:
A. SCOT SIMPSON. The witness submitted that he is a
general contractor. He contended that the costs of
estimates of the appellant are incomplete because they do
not include factors such as insulation of walls and other
structural requirements that will be done for the
proposed activity. With these figures, the construction
amount should exceed 50%, according to the witness. The
witness also provided testimony with regard to parking in
the area. He contended that the property has been a
problem to the neighborhood and the proposed improvements
will be an expansion of the nonconforming use. He
contended that the general upkeep of the building has
been an issue in the past.
B. CLIFF ADAMS. The witness supported the City's
decision. He contended that the building on the site has
already been illegally raised and that it encroaches into
the alley right of way.
0 4
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 5
C. GLORIA PRIEBE. The witness submitted there is a
parking problem that has been caused by residents at this
illegal building. She contended that the best use of the
property would be to tear down the structure and to
construct one single family house on the site.
D. RALPH MATHEWS. The witness submitted that he
supports Scott Simpson's testimony about the insufficient
information with regard to construction. The witness
also contended to be concerned with parking. He
submitted that renters of the properties park in the
alley creating difficult passage of cars. He contended
that there have been many "derelict" vehicles on site and
that the renters of the properties have not been good
neighbors. They have created problems with parking and
animals.
E. LEAH SIMPSON. The witness submitted that. the
parking is a problem as well as the pets of the renters
of the properties. She contended the property has no
grass and is all pavement. Animal wastes have created
problems on the property and other properties.
F. CHARLES VERRALL. The witness submitted that the
existing use of the property is a poor use. Offstreet
parking should be provided and part of the property
should be used for parking.
CONCLUSIONS
1 . The subject property is developed with a detached single
family residence and a fourplex on one lot. The property, which is
located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds, Washington, includes illegal
nonconforming structures, including an existing single family
residence and a fourplex.
2. On March 24, 1993 the appellant applied for a building permit
to replace the foundation under the existing single family
residence. On April 6, 1993 the Planning Department of the City of
Edmonds denied the permit, contending that the height of the single
family residence would be increased upon completion of the
foundation, thereby creating an expansion on the nonconforming use.
The Planning Department also denied the permit based on its
interpretation that the cost of the new foundation exceeds 50% of
the replacement value of the existing residence.
3. The City officially withdrew its reason for the denial based
on the height. The only issue before the Hearing Examiner is
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 6
whether the proposed improvements are subject to the 50%
improvement standard as set forth in ECDC 17.40.020(F) . The City
Planning Department was in error in applying the standards of ECDC
17.40.020(F) . J
4. The nonconforming building has not been destroyed and has not
been damaged. The provisions of ECDC 17.40.020(F) are not
applicable to the review of the permit.
5. The provisions of ECDC 17.40.020(D) (1) apply for the review of
the permit. The proposal of the appellant is for the ordinary
maintenance or repair of a nonconforming building. The proposed
activity is permitted pursuant to this ordinance.
6. Parking, behavior of renters, animal wastes, and other issues
raised at the public hearing are relevant neighborhood concerns,
but they are not considerations that can be used by the Hearing
Examiner in reaching a decision of the appeal.
DECISION
Based upon the preceding findings of facts and conclusions, the
testimony and evidence submitted at the public hearing, and upon
the impressions of the Hearing Examiner upon review of testimony
and evidence, it is hereby ordered that the City Planning
Department's decision of April 6, 1993 denying the building permit
was in error. The permit should be granted because the proposed
activity is ordinary maintenance and repair of an existing
nonconforming building. The building has not been destroyed nor
damaged. The building permit should be allowed pursuant to ECDC
17.40.020(D)(1).
or)MVPmrpq
The City's decision has been reversed. The permit is granted
because the evidence and testimony submitted at the public hearing
supports the contention that the activity to be done on the
property is ordinary maintenance and repair of a nonconforming
building as allowed pursuant to ECDC 17.40.020.
Two issues which are not determinative of the decision but which
should be brought to the City's attention are: (1) how value is
determined for replacement costs of nonconforming structures; and,
(2) the neighborhood issues regarding this property..
1. The Planning Department incorrectly used ECDC
17.40.020(F) in denying the permit. As noted in the Findings
and Conclusions, and Decision of this matter, the
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP _ 93-61 7/2/93
Page 7
nonconforming building on site was not destroyed nor damaged
and therefore is not subject to the provisions of ECDC
17.40.020(F). However, the Planning Department raised an
issue which should be addressed with regard to this ordinance
even though it is not determinative of the matter. The
ordinance is unclear as to what the term "replacement cost" at
the time of destruction means. ECDC 17.40.020(F) states that
if a nonconforming building is destroyed or is damaged in an
equal amount of 50% or more of its replacement cost at the
time of destruction, the building shall not be reconstructed.
The Planning Deparmtne has used the assessed value of the
properties to determine the 50% value. However, arguments
that the assessed value should not be used but the market
value should be used are valid. The ordinance is definitely
unclear and no definition is provided in ECDC. it is
suggested that this ambiguity be corrected and that the term
"replacement costs" be defined to give direction to the public
and to the City in future cases.
2. Testimony was presented at the public hearing on the use
of the property by renters. The concerns, although not a
criteria that could be used for the decision, should be
considered by the City. The appellant is also encouraged to
work with the neighborhood to provide more reasonable use of
the properties and to control parking and other problems.
Further, the appellant should take some measures to ensure
that those renting the properties are compatible with the
other neighbors. This should include control of pets,
activities, and any other disruptive behavior.
Entered this 2nd day of July, 1993, pursuant to the authority
granted the Hearing Examiner under Chapter 20.100 of the Community
Development Code of the City of Edmonds. f
�JAKES M. DRISCOLL
i
Hearing Examiner
NOTICE OF( RIGHT TO APPEAL
written appeals alleging specific error of fact or other grounds
for appeal may be filed with the Planning Department, City of
Edmonds, Civic Center, Edmonds, Washington 98020, within fourteen
(14) days of the date of the Hearing Examiner's final action.
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 8
In this matter any appeal must be received by the Department prior
to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 1993.
AP-93-145
July 5, 1993
Planning Department RECEIVED
City of Edmonds JUL 12 1993
Civic Center
Edmonds, WA.. 98020 PERMIT COUNTER
RE: File: AP-93-61
Fi,ndings and Recommendation of the Hearing Examiner of
the City of Edmonds.
Appeal : This is an appeal to the decision of James M.
Driscoll, Hearing Examiner of.the City of Edmonds regarding
File: AP-93-61
This appeal is based on three grounds.
1) Evidence that was brought to the attention of the Hearing
Examiner at the hearing was not recorded or addressed.
2) Evidence recorded by the Hearing Examiner affecting this
decision was recorded but not addressed.
3) Information needed to make the decision that was made was
not addressed
Each of these three items will be addressed in a numbered
sequence below as they are above.
1) Regarding the testimony of Scot Simpson at the public
hearing. Mr. Simpson brought to the attention of the
Hearing Examiner the fact that in 1990 the property in
question had been illegally remodeled to increase the height
and extend the nonconforming width of the building. Mr.
Simpson provided pictures to verify this fact. The Hearing
Examiner did not record or address,this issue.
2) Regarding the testimony of Scot Simpson at the public
hearing. The Hearing examiner recorded that " -- the
proposed improvements will be an expansion of the
nonconforming use." The hearing examiner in his "Findings
and Recommendations"did not address this issue.
ATTACHMENT.7
File No. AP-2001-88
a
The proposed addition would increase the depth of the
building by P6" into the ground. ECDC 17.40.020 (B) states
1. -- it may not be changed or altered in any manner which
increases the degree of nonconformity of the building. ECDC
17.40.020 (D)(2) states " -- Alterations which otherwise
conform to the provisions of the zoning ordinance, its site
development and bulk standards, and which do not expand any
nonconforming aspect of the building, shall be permitted."
3) The hearing examiner rejected the applicability of the
provisions of ECDC 17.40.020(D)(1) on the grounds that the
building was neither damaged nor destroyed. . He does not
address the issue of damage. He does not mentioned or was
not aware that the building has been so badly damaged that
most of the building does not have a floor in it, one room
does not have a floor or beams or any wall sheathing, and
that there are holes in the exterior of the building into
the inside.
The Hearing Manager accepted the permit on the provisions of
ECDC 17.40.020(D) (1), however he did not address the issue
as to whether or not the proposed work is ordinary
maintenance and repair. Webster's New Concise Dictionary
defines repair as "the act of restoring to good condition
that which has been broken or worn by use." Replacing an
existing post and beam system with a concrete footer and
foundation wall system is not a repair , but it is adding a
whole new system.
The Hearing Examiner stated that the City historically used
a 50% construction cost standard to define when a proposal
changes from "Maintenance and Alterations" to become
"Restoration". Since in ECDC 17.40.020(F) Restoration only
relates to being destroyed or damaged it is evident that the
city historically used the 50% standard to determine if a
building is destroyed or damaged. The Hearing Examiner
rejected the City's historical definition without providing
a definition of his own.
Respectfully submit)obd,
5csf 3, Yn P, 5 Do 5-(
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4,44 MWIC S+ E.,ArA*-Wdq. 7/711.3
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40 . 46
FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS OF THE 11EARING EXAMINER
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS
APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE FILE NO. AP-93-61
STAFF DECISION: BUILDING
PERMIT APPLICATION BY
THOMAS SORENSON
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Sorenson on behalf of Richard and Anna Swing appealed a determination of the
City's Planning Division interpreting and applying development code provisions regarding
alteration of nonconforming buildings to a building permit application to remodel an existing
single family structure located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds, Washington (hereinafter "subject
property"). This matter was first heard by the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds who
issued his recommendation dated July 2, 1993, revised on July 7, 1993. The Findings and
Conclusions of the Edmonds City Council are based upon the hearing before the Hearing
Examiner, the Hearing Examiner's recommendation, the hearing before the Edmonds City
Council and the evidence produced at such hearings. The hearing before the Edmonds City
Council was held August 17, 1993 following notice provided by the City Clerk in accordance
with ordinance. No objections were received to the participation of any City Councilmember
based upon the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine or any other ground.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The subject property is currently developed with a detached single family
residence and a four-plex multi -family dwelling. The four-plex is a legal nonconforming
structure with respect to its use and density. The existing single family residence is a
nonconforming structure due to its intrusion into the setback area and density. The existing
single family residence is the subject of the building permit application and the staff
interpretation at issue in this appeal.
2. The subject property is zoned RS-6 (single family use) and each residential unit
requires a 6,000 square foot lot. The properties to the north, south, east and west are developed
with detached single family residences and are also zoned RS-6.
3. On March 24, 1993, the appellant applied for a building permit to replace the
foundation under the existing single family, residence (subject building). The entire structure
with the exception of the kitchen is propwkd to have a new foundation. Testimony indicated
that the subject building would be supported while the present foundation of concrete blocks was
SqA=b" 1, 1993
WSS55459.lXI0006.222
ATTACHMENT 8
File No. AP-2001-88
6 4
removed and a new foundation poured under the existing residence. The new foundation would
be deeper, wider and of a different type than the current foundation. The foundation at the
southern and eastern portions of the subject building would be located at their present location
within the setback area.
4. On April 6, 1993 the Building Division of the City of Edmonds notified the
applicant the building permit was denied. The basis for denial included the staff's concern that
the height of the subject building would be increased upon completion of the new foundation and
that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50 percent of the replacement value of the existing
residence.
5. Due to the substandard foundation, dry rot has destroyed the flooring materials
on the ground floor of the subject building. The owners removed the ground floor along with
a variety of other components and fixtures from the subject building. Photographs admitted at
the hearing before the City Council indicated the subject building is basically a shell with doors,
floors, windows and other fixtures having been removed and other portions of the structure
removed or opened in order to inspect the structure.
6. The appeal before the Hearing Examiner revolved around the application of
ECDC Chapter 17.40 and Section 17.40.020. The staff interpreted these code provisions to
prohibit the issuance of the building permit because the proposed work exceeds 50 percent of
the replacement cost of the residence. The staff therefore applied ECDC Section 17.40.020(F)
which prohibits the "restoration" of a nonconforming structure following damage to 50 percent
of the value of the structure.
7. When the matter reached the City Council, the City staff dropped its contention
that the height of the building would be increased. Testimony indicated that the earth underneath
the building would be excavated in order to place a new and enlarged foundation under the
structure without increasing the height of the structure.
8. The appellant's representative Thomas Sorenson presented several arguments to
the City Council:
8.1. The subject property has not been damaged within the meaning ECDC
Section 17.40.010 and 17.40.020. Subsection (D) of ECDC Section 17.40.020 permits normal
maintenance and repair and the appellant asserts that subparagraph (4) of this section is
inapplicable because the subject property has not been damaged or destroyed due to a
catastrophic event.
8.2. The enhanced foundation does not expand the nonconforming aspect of the
structure.
8.3. Evidence of prior alterations are irrelevant to the current proceeding.
SWxmb" 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.M -2-
I a 16
9. Testimony presented by the appellant at the hearing before the City Council
indicates that substantial damage to the structure occurred due to dry rot. The appellant
provided testimony that the cost of materials and labor to replace the floor alone would cost
approximately $1,200. Testimony of neighbors and their presentation indicated a higher value.
Photographs presented by the neighbors show a structure without floors, with walls detached and
with major fixtures removed from a structure which is open to the weather. Testimony indicated
that the current foundation was without value and must be completely replaced. Cost of building
a structure identical to the existing single family dwelling was estimated at approximately $30
per square foot or about $46,000 to $50,000 to totally replace. The building permit application
submitted by the appellant stated a value for the work to be done on the residence at
approximately $30,000. The entire tract according to the Snohomish County Assessor's
evaluation (which is not individually allocated )is $180,000. The appellant noted before the
Hearing Examiner that the information of the building permit includes activity which is not
necessarily required for the building permit.
CONCLUSIONS
1 . The purpose and intent of Chapter 17.40 and provisions related to nonconforming
buildings, lots and uses is set forth in Section 17.40.000 which provides:
The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain nonconforming
uses, buildings and lots to continue while prohibiting further
nonconformi . Other nonconforming uses, buildings, signs and
lots, which are declared to be nuisances, are Leguired to be
eliminated. Emphasis Added.
The City Council strictly construes the provisions of Chapter 17.40 to prohibit expansion of
nonconforming uses.
2. The construction of a new foundation which is of a broader, deeper and more
sophisticated nature than the existing foundation would take place within the setback area. Such
expansion is an expansion of a nonconforming building within the setback contrary to the
provisions of Section 17.40.020(D)(2) which permits only:
Alterations which otherwise conform to provisions of the zoning
ordinance, its site development and bulk standard, and which do
not expand into nonconforming g5Mts of the building. shall be
pgrmitted. Emphasis Added.
Further Section 17.40.020(B) provides that a nonconforming building may be maintained and
continued unless the code requires abatement but:
SW=bcr 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.M -3-
46 6
... it may not be changed or altered in anyw�a which increases the
degree of nonconformi1y of the building. Emphasis Added.
These provisions are violated by the expansion of the foundation within the setback area. The
subject building is nonconforming and its limits are defined by the existing structure in height,
depth and width. The proposed expansion of the foundation represents an expansion of the
nonconforming building within the setback area as surely as an extension of the height of the
building upward would. The improvement and expansion of the foundation would occur within
the setback area thereby expanding the bulk of the structure in the setback area by expanding
the foundation downwards and adding additional bulk. No such alteration of an existing
nonconforming structure is permitted.
3. The appellant's own testimony and the pictures presented by the neighbors
establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of dry rot brought by the
substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that the flooring has been completely destroyed
by dry rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the damage, the appellant has been
forced to remove or open major portions of the subject building. At the current time the
photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell resting upon an inadequate concrete block
foundation.
4. The valuation figures presented by the applicant/appellant and the neighbors are
inconclusive. Some figures represent replacement values, others formalize schedules of repair
under the UBC and yet others assessor's records. The City Council notes that both the applicant
and neighbors agree that the replacement value of the house is approximately $46,000 to $50,000
and the applicant's own building permit application indicates $30,000. The City Council
therefore finds that the appellant applicant has failed to sustain its burden of proof and the record
contains credible evidence to support a finding that the structure has been damaged by dry rot
to 50 percent of its value when the total work necessary to rehabilitate the structure is included.
Such repairs cannot be done in isolation and painting, plastering, . dry wall and other
improvements to the house are necessary. The pictures shown to the City Council indicate that
floors, ceilings, walls, doors and windows all need to be replaced, rebuilt or reinstalled. As
such the City Council finds that more credible evidence would indicate that the structure has
been damaged to 50 percent of its value.
DECISION
Based upon the record before it the City Council finds that the proposed new foundation
would alter or change the nonconforming structures located in the setback area expanding the
nonconforming nature of the structure by expanding its foundation both in type, depth and width
within the setback area. Such an expansion violates the provisions of Section 17.40.020(B)
which permits a nonconforming building to be maintained and continued provided that "...it may
not be changed or altered in any manner which increases the degree of nonconformity to the
building." Section 17.40.020(D) permits only alterations which do not expand the
Septmtrcr 1, IM
WSS55459.lX/0006.M -4-
nonconforming aspects of the structure. Secondly, the City Council finds that dry rot has
damaged the building and that repair is necessary to correct the dry rot, provide a foundation
which would not foster continued rot or decay and which brings about associated repair of the
structure and that the most credible evidence indicates that the total cost for repairs exceed 50
percent of the value.
The City Council therefore upholds the staff decision and confirms denial of issuance of
the building permit due to violation of the provisions of Chapter 17.40 of the Edmonds
Community Development Code. The building permit shall not be issued in accordance with
Section 303(a) of the Uniform Building Code requiring a finding that the proposed work be in
conformance with City ordinance.
DATED this - 9th day of September 2 1993.
Attest:
onda �JMarc , C
STWmb" 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.222
-5-
AP — ----I - 2, - &- i
INSPECTION FIELD REPORT
DATE: May 11, 2001
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 640/642 Maple Street
At the request of the Building Official, I visited the subject site to determine if the
building located adjacent to the alley was a Dangerous Building as described the Uniform
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code. I was given a copy of Section 302 of the code
for reference. All of my observations were made from the public alley. I observed a
small building behind a 4 plex located next to the alley, which may have been a house at
one time, but appeared to now be unoccupied. Power was still hooked up to an electrical
meter and phone or cable was also connected to the building. I did not witness any
dangerous situations regarding this building. It appeared to be locked and inaccessible to
the public. The building appeared to be structurally sound. A small piece of gutter had
fallen off the building, but was on private property and not effecting the public way.
REPORT COMPLETED BY
N,
DATE �5
I a-- c--)/
Lia a
Ar-%'%W 0 0 8 EnT-9
File No. AP-2001-88
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 23, 2001
To: Jeannine L. Graf, Building Official
81111LONG
JUN 2 C 2001
From: Star Campbell, Planning Division
Subject: BE-01 -54, Planning Division review for applicability to ECDC
17.40.000
A complaint was filed, signed by a number of citizens, regarding the detached
single family residence behind the four-plex at 642 Maple Street. The citizens
who filed the complaint point out that the building has been vacant since it was
denied a building permit to remodel the nonconforming building by the City in
1993. The citizens assert that the City of Edmonds should declare the residence
to be a nuisance and require it to be eliminated pursuant to Section 17.40.000 of
the City of Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC).
I have researched the applicability of the complaint to ECDC 17.40.000 and have
come up with the following:
A Building Permit was submitted for repairs to the house in 1993. The permit
was denied on the basis that the repairs would expand the nonconforming
aspect of the building, which is prohibited by ECDC Section 17.40.020. An
appeal of this staff decision was subsequently made to the hearing examiner.
The Hearing Examiner upheld the original staff decision. An appeal of the
Hearing Examiner decision was then filed to the City Council. The City Council
decision was to uphold the previous rulings.
ECDC 17.40-000 states that, "The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain
nonconforming uses, buildings, and lots to continue while prohibiting further
nonconformity. Other nonconforming uses, buildings, signs and lots, which are
declared to be nuisances, are required to be eliminated."
ATTACHMENT 10
File No. AP-2001-88
City of Edmonds c-Q Planning Division
Section 20.110.030 of the ECDC addresses nuisances. The section does not
define a nuisance. The section provides a list of items that shall not be allowed
on properties within the city. The nonconforming building in question can not be
considered to be any of the items listed. Furthermore, the section states that
none of these things shall be allowed, "except as may be allowed by any other
city ordinance..." Please see Attachment A, ECDC Section 20.110.030.
Section 17.40.020 ECDC specifically allows for the continuation of
nonconforming buildings. Please see Attachment B, ECDC Section 17.40.020.
Therefor, Planning staff finds that according to the information available and
pursuant to the Edmonds Community Development Code, the nonconforming
single family residence at 642 Maple Street cannot be declared a nuisance and
shall be allowed to continue.
4
�tp C. 1 89\3
Scott & Leah Simpson
632 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: 642 Maple Street
Dear Scott and Leah;
CITY OF EDMONDS GARY HAAKENSON
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221 MAYOR
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
June 22, 2001
The purpose of this letter is to respond to a letter submitted to the City on 4/25/01, concerning the status of a
vacant building at 642 Maple Street.
The information and questions included in the letter prompted a two part response from the City. First, that the
building is a nuisance pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code 17.40.000, and second, that the
building may be a fire and safety hazard which could constitute a dangerous building.
Regarding the dangerous building issue, a building or structure may only be determined to be a dangerous
building if criteria of the Abatement of Dangerous Building Code are proven. The City Building Inspector has
conducted an exterior inspection of the building and found no provision of the code in violation. Therefore, it is
my determination as Building Official that the building is not a dangerous building.
With regard to Edmonds Community Development Code provision 17.40.000, the City planning Division has
researched the. past public hearing records and current codes regarding the determination of nuisance non-
conforming buildings. After their research it has. been determined that although I the building is vacant it has
been determined to be legal non -conforming, and may continue pursuant to Edmonds Community Development
Code 17.40.020.
This decision is appealable by filing an appeal to Building Official Interpretation, by filing a letter of appeal,
with the filing fee of $300, within 10 business days from the date of this letter. Appeal deadline July 9, 2001
5:00 PM.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person please
call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
ATTACHMENT 11
cc: Star Campbell, Planner, Rob Chave, Planning Manager
File No. AP-2001-88
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister Citv - Helkinan. Janan
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
P lanning - Building - Engineering
C. 8C)",
Louis & Carol Boitano July 9, 2001
642 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Boitano
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
The purpose of this letter is to follow-up on the vacant building located at the rear of your property at 642.
Maple Street, Edmonds. It has occurred to me that you may not be aware of a previous City Council
decision with regard to the zoning non -conforming status of this building.
For background information, on March 24, 1993 previous landowners, Richard and Ana Swing applied
for a building permit to replace the foundation under the existing building. The permit application was
reviewed by City staff and later denied because the existing building was nonconforming in terms of
building setbacks. The Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) regulates existing
nonconforming buildings under Chapter 17.40; the purpose of this chapter is to allow certain
nonconforming uses, buildings and lots to continue while prohibiting further nonconformity. These
provisions strictly prohibit the expansion of nonconforming buildings.
The proposed construction of a new foundation was determined to be an expansion of the nonconforming
building within the setback areas and therefore the building permit was denied. The Swings appealed this
staff decision to the Hearing Examiner who concurred that the building permit should be denied. This
decision was then appealed to the City Council who heard the case on August 17, 1993 and upheld the
Hearing Examiner decision confirming denial of the building permit. I have enclosed a copy of the
Council Decision for your information.
Therefore, according to current ECDC Chapter 17.40 provisions no improvements can be made to this
building unless a variance is first obtained for any work, including interior remodeling that is non-
structural in nature. Also, since the previous owners are on record with the City that extensive dry rot in
the floorjoists exists, minimal interior use of the building (foot traffic) should occur. Lastly, there is one
broken window in the building, please repair it or board it up immediately to avoid an attractive nuisance
complaint. And, in the future if you intend to demolish the building be advised a demolition permit is
required.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person
please call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
ATTACHMENT 12
File No. AP-2001-'88
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
July 16, 2001
Louis & Carol Boitano
3602 30th Ave W
Seattle, WA 98199
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Boitano,
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
Please note the enclosed letter's were mailed to 642 Maple St., Edmonds, WA 98020 on
June 25, 2001 and July 9, 2001. They were received back in our office by July 16, 2001
"Return to Sender, Not Deliverable as Addressed".
Upon further investigation of public recordswe found the address of 640 Maple St,
Edmonds, WA., and the mailing address of 3602 301h Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199.
4 Sincerely,
CQ-a o n d
Building Department
Administrative Assistant
ATTACHMENT 13
File No. AP-2001-88
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister Citv - Hekinan. Jar)an
1'.7 C. is 9\)
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
July 13, 2001
Lois and Carol Boitano
642 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: Appeal File #AP-2001-88
Subject Property: 642 Maple Street
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Boitano:
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
As you are aware, a citizen's complaint was received by the City regarding the vacant
building located at the rear of your property. I determined that the building did not meet
the criteria in the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings Code as I stated in my letter to you
dated June 25, 2001.
This letter is to inform you that on July 9, 2001 the City received an appeal of this
decision from Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews. A Public Hearing is scheduled before
the Hearing Examiner on August 6, 2001 at 9:00 am. You will receive a formal
announcement of the hearing date and a City staff report prior to the meeting date.
Should you have any questions, please contact me a (425) 771-0220.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official
P Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
�t "2 C. 1891,
Louis & Carol Boitano
642 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: Citizens complaint
14
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Boitano,
June 25, 2001
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that a citizen's complaint has been submitted to the City on 4/25/01,
regarding the vacant building located at the rear of your property at 642 Maple Street, Edmonds.
The infon-nation and questions included in the complaint prompted a two-part response from the City. First,
that the building is a nuisance pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code 17.40.000, and second, that
the building may be a fire and safety hazard which could constitute a dangerous building.
The City has investigated the matter and has made the following determinations; regarding the dangerous
building issue, a building or structure may only be determined to be a dangerous building if criteria of the
Abatement of Dangerous Building Code are proven. The City Building Inspector has conducted an exterior
inspection of the building and found no provision of the code in violation. Therefore, it is my determination as
Building Official that the building is not a dangerous building.
With regard to Edmonds Community Development Code provision 17.40.000, the City Planning Division has
researched the past public hearing records and current codes regarding the determination of nuisance non-
conforming buildings. After their research it has been determined that although the building is vacant it has
been determined to be legal non -conforming, and may continue pursuant to Edmonds Community Development
Code 17.40.020.
Be advised, this decision is appealable by the complainants by filing a formal written appeal within 10 business
days from the date of the determination. Appeal deadline July 9, 20015:00 PM.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person please
call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
MEMORANDUM
August 2, 2001
Jeanine Graf, Building Official
Star Campbell, Planning Division
Request for Planning Division written response to AP-001-88
BUILDING
2 2001
I am responding to your attached request that I provide a written response to the
following paragraph regarding ECDC 17.040.000 from the Scot Simpson and
Ralph Mathews appeal letter:
"The second part of the Building Inspectors decision had to
deal with ECDC 17.40.000. In the original letter to the
Building Inspector the 12 surrounding neighbors that
signed the letter stated that the building was a nuisances
and ask that the building department declare it a
nuisances so that it would have to be torn down according
to the code. The building inspector did not address that
issue however and quoted an issue not raised about it
being a non -conforming building."
I have read the Building Official's letter. The highlighted paragraph in this
attached letter refers to the Planning Division's research and determination
regarding whether or not the subject building may be considered a nuisance.
The following is intended to provide clarification:
A non -conforming building and a nuisance are two separate things. According to
the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC), the subject building can
not be considered a nuisance; therefore it can not be required to be abated for
being a nuisance under ECDC 20.110.030. 1 have come to this conclusion from
my analysis of ECDC Section 20.110.030 that addresses nuisances.
This section does not contain an actual definition of a nuisance. The section does
provide a list of items that shall not be allowed on properties within the city and are
presumed to be a nuisance. These are items that are located in any front yard,
side yard, rear yard or vacant lot and include things such as potentially dangerous
machinery, broken or discarded furniture, vehicle parts, and hazardous trees.
City of Edmonds ce Planning Division File No. AP-2001-88
Furthermore, the ECDC states that, no nuisance shall be allowed, "except as may
be allowed by any other city ordinance." (ECDC Section 17.40.020) The building
in question does not appear to be comparable to anything listed as a nuisance in
the Nuisance section, ECDC 20.110.030 and therefore, cannot be considered a
nuisance.
However, even if the building could be considered a nuisance, the above quoted
ECDC Section 17.40-020 essentially states that if another section of the code
allows a building or use, the building or use shall be allowed to continue. This is
the case. The building, according to another section of the ECDC, does meet
the definition of a non -conforming building (ECDC 17.40.000). This section also
allows for the continuation of a non -conforming building. Therefore, the building
cannot be required to be abated for being a nuisance under ECDC 20.110.030.
North Side of Building
eq
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OF
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05
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North Side of Building
ATTACHMENT 15
File No. AP-2001-88
%LFJL ""IIJILAILur,
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REMO
MW
0
Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
BUILDING
l � J
i"' / 2 2001
MEMORANDUM
August 2, 2001
Jeanine Graf, Building Official
Star Campbell, Planning Division
Request for Planning Division written response to AP-001-88
I am responding to your attached request that I provide a written response to the
following paragraph regarding ECDC 17.040.000 from the Scot Simpson and
Ralph Mathews appeal letter:
"The second part of the Building Inspectors decision had to
deal with ECDC 17.40.000. In the original letter to the
Building Inspector the 12 surrounding neighbors that
signed the letter stated that the building was a nuisances
and ask that the building department declare it a
nuisances so that it would have to be torn down according
to the code. The building inspector did not address that
issue however and quoted an issue not raised about it
being a non -conforming building."
I have read the Building Official's letter. The highlighted paragraph in this
attached letter refers to the Planning Division's research and determination
regarding whether or not the subject building may be considered a nuisance.
The following is intended to provide clarification:
A non -conforming building and a nuisance are two separate things. According to
the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC), the subject building can
not be considered a nuisance; therefore it can not be required to be abated for
being a nuisance under ECDC 20.110.030. 1 have come to this conclusion from
my analysis of ECDC Section 20.110.030 that addresses nuisances.
This section does not contain an actual definition of a nuisance. The section does
provide a list of items that shall not be allowed on properties within the city and are
presumed to be a nuisance. These are items that are located in any front yard,
side yard, rear yard or vacant lot and include things such as potentially dangerous
machinery, broken or discarded furniture, vehicle parts, and hazardous trees.
City of Edmonds cQ Planning Division
0 . 0
Furthermore, the ECDC states that, no nuisance shall be allowed, "except as may
be allowed by any other city ordinance." (ECDC Section 17.40.020) The building
in question does not appear to be comparable to anything listed as a nuisance in
the Nuisance section, ECDC 20.110.030 and therefore, cannot be considered a
nuisance.
However, even if the building could be considered a nuisance, the above quoted
ECDC Section 17.40.020 essentially states that if another section of the code
allows a building or use, the building or use shall be allowed to continue. This is
the case. The building, according to another section of the ECDC, does meet
the definition of a non -conforming building (ECDC 17.40.000). This section also
allows for the continuation of a non -conforming building. Therefore, the building
cannot be required to be abated for being a nuisance under ECDC 20.110.030.
0
0
Reasons the Decision is Wrong
Letter of Appeal To the Decision presented in the letter dated June 22, 2001 from
Jeannine L. Graf, Building Official.
The Building inspector conducted an exterior *inspection. The inspector did not conduct
an interior inspection. Section 302 of the "1997 Uniform Code For The Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings" has 17 provisions that define a dangerous building. Any one of
these provisions by itself can determine a dangerous building. 16 of the 17 provisions
can or do deal with the interior of the building. The Building Inspector did not inspect
the interior and therefore they can not say that this building is safe. In fact at one time
about ten years ago wire mess and stucco was illegally placed around the exterior of the
foundation to hid the deterioration on the exterior.
The actual condition of this building is defined very well by the "Findings Conclusions of
the Hear ing Examiner of the City of Edmonds" File No. AP-93 )-61 on September 1993,
when it was said "3. The appellant's own testimony and the pictures presented by the
neighbors establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of dry rot
brought by the substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that the flooring has been
completely destroyed by dry rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the
damage, the appellant has been forced to remove or open major portions of the subject
building. At the current time the photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell
resting upon an inadequate concrete block foundation." This statement was made eight
years ago.
There are 17 items used to define a Dangerous Building in the Code. Most of them
define this building. I am listing four.
2. Whenever the walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway or other
means of exit is so warped, worn, loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe
and adequate means of exit in case of fire or panic.
7, Whenever any portion thereof has wracked, warped, buckled or settled to such
an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to winds or
earthquakes than is required in the case of similar new construction.
12 Whenever the building or structure has been so damaged by fire, wind,
earthquake or floor or has become so dilapidated or deteriorated as to become (i) an
attractive nuisance to children ......
17. Whenever any building or structure is in such a condition as to constitute a
public nuisance known to the common law or in equity jurisprudence.
The building has been occupied at times because we can see through the window that
additional floor Joists have been taken out and gravel has been added in the space under
the floor that used to exist. Every time *it was used it was a danger to those who use it and
very possible to those walking or playing around it, or to the little kids running into it
with their bikes, or the big kids climbing on its roof just for fun,
The second part of the Building Inspectors decision had to deal with ECDC 17.40.000.
In the original letter to the Building Inspector the 12 surrounding neighbors that signed
the letter stated that the building was a nuisances and ask that the building department
declare it a nuisances so that it would have to be torn down according to the code. The
building 'inspector did not address that issue however and quoted an 'issue not raised about
it being a non -conforming building.
a
C1111TY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
'tic. S19�
July 13, 2001
Lois and Carol Boitano
642 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: Appeal File #AP-2001-88
Subject Property: 642 Maple Street
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Boitano:
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
As you are aware, a citizen's complaint was received by the City regarding the vacant
building located at the rear of your property. I determined that the building did not meet
the criteria in the Abatement of Dangerous Building s Code as I stated in my letter to you
dated June 25, 2001.
This letter is to inform you that on July 9, 2001 the City received an appeal of this
decision from Scot Simpson and Ralph Mathews. A Public Hearing is scheduled before
the Hearing Examiner on August 6, 2001 at 9:00 am. You will receive a formal
announcement of the hearing date and a City staff report prior to the meeting date.
Should you have any questions, please contact me a (425) 771-0220.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
.(17 C. 18 C) \3
Scott & Leah Simpson
632 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: 642 Maple Street
Dear Scott and Leah;
0
0
CITY OF EDMONDS GARY HAAKENSON
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221 MAYOR
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
June 22, 2001
The purpose of this letter is to respond to a letter submitted to the City on 4/25/01, concerning the status of a
vacant building at 642 Maple Street.
The information and questions included in the letter prompted a two part response from the City. First, that the
building is a nuisance pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code 17.40.000, and second, that the
building may be a fire and safety hazard which could constitute a dangerous building.
Regarding the dangerous building issue, a building or structure may only be determined to be a dangerous
building if criteria of the Abatement of Dangerous Building Code are proven. The City Building Inspector has
conducted an exterior inspection of the building and found no provision of the code in violation. Therefore, it is
my determination as Building Official that the building is not a dangerous building.
With regard to Edmonds Community Development Code provision 17.40.000, the. City Planming Division has
researched the past public hearing records and current codes regarding the determination of nuisance non-
conforming buildings. After their research it has. been determined that although the building is vacant it has
been determined to be legal non -conforming, and may continue 'pursuant to Edmonds Community Development
Code 17.40.020.
This decision is appealable by filing an appeal to Building Official Interpretation, by filing a letter of appeal,
with the filing fee of $300, within 10 business days from the date of this letter. Appeal deadline July 9, 2001
5:00 PM.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact meat 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person please
call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
cc: Star Campbell, Planner, Rob Chave, Planning Manager .
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister Citv - Hekinan. Janan
. 4 . 16
CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
Louis & Carol Boitano
642 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: Citizens complaint
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Boitano,
June 25, 2001
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that a citizen's complaint has been submitted to the City on 4/25/01,
regarding the vacant building located at the rear of your property at 642 Maple Street, Edmonds.
The information and questions included in the complaint prompted a two-part response from the City. First,
that the building is a nuisance pursuant to Edmonds Community Development Code 17.40.000, and second, that
the building may be a fire and safety hazard which could constitute a dangerous building.
The City has investigated the matter and has made the following determinations; regarding the dangerous
building issue, a building or structure may only be determined to be a dangerous building if criteria of the
Abatement of Dangerous Building Code are proven. The City Building Inspector has conducted an exterior
inspection of the building and found no provision of the code in violation. Therefore, it is my determination as
Building Official that the building is not a dangerous building.
With regard to Edmonds Community Development Code provision 17.40.000, the City Planning Division has
researched the past public hearing records and current codes regarding the determination of nuisance non-
conforming buildings. After their research it has been determined that although the building is vacant it has
been determined to be legal non -conforming, and may continue pursuant to Edmonds Community Development
Code 17.40.020.
Be advised, this decision is appealable by the complainants by filing a formal written appeal within 10 business
days from the date of the detennination. Appeal deadline July 9, 20015:00 PM.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person please
call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
11
April 10, 2001
City of Edmonds
Community Services Department
Planning Division
250 — 5' Ave. N.
Edmonds, WA 98020
425.771.0220
This is a request that the detached single family residence behind the four-plex multi-
family dwelling at 642 Maple St be declared a nuisances and be required to be
eliminated. This *is pursuit to Section 17.40.000 of the City of Edmonds Community
Development Code.
This building has been vacant since the Edmonds City Council decided at it's August 17,
1993 meeting to deny the building permit to remodel the nonconforming building.
The following are some quotes that describe the building as *it was 8 years ago from the
"Findings C017chisions of T17e Heafing Examiner of The Ci(y Of Edmonds, File No. AP-
93-61 are as follows-,
1) "The existing single family residence 'is a nonconforming structure due to its
intrusion into the setback area and density."
2) "5. Due to the substandard foundation, dry rot has destroyed the flooring
materials on the ground floor of the subject building. The owners removed
the ground floor along with a variety of other components and fixtures from
the subject building. Photographs admitted at the hearing before the City
Council indicated the subject building is basically a shell with doors, floors,
windows and other fixtures having been removed and other portions of the
structure removed or opened in order to inspect the structure.,,
3) "Testimony indicated that the flooring has been completely destroyed by dry
rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the damage, the appellant
has been forced to remove or open major portions of the subject building. At
the current time the photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell
resting upon an inadequate concrete block foundation."
I
The building is a fire hazard and a safety hazard. Broken windows and young boys don't
mix. Currently two live on the property. Nothing can be done to the building and the dry
rot just gets worse.
Not enough parking is provided for the four-plex and the sidewalk is frequently blocked
by puked cars forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. If the building was eliminated it
would make additional parking available.
As neighbors we want to build a good neighborly relation. When an effort was made by
volunteering to assist in tearing the building down the effort was rejected. The stated
pian was to make a laundry out of the building.
Pictures are attached.
Respectfully submitted,
T
4eighbof's Name
Neighbor's Address
A�P
Gq(4 fy)0*1 Q. 8+.
6-3-3 A4 ow&
---- - - ------- - -------
St
C
---- — ----- I -----
---- --------
STOEETFILE
CITY OF EDMONDS GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR.
121 5TH AVE.NUE NORTH - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (425) 771-0220 - FAX (425) 771-0221
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning - Building - Engineering
C �1!14__
Louis & Carol Boitano July 9, 2001
642 Maple St
Edmonds, WA 98020
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Boitano,
The purpose of this letter is to follow-up on the vacant building located at the rear of your property at 642
Maple Street, Edmonds. It has occurred to me that you may not be aware of a previous City Council
decision with regard to the zoning non -conforming status of this building.
For background information, on March 24, 1993 previous landowners, Richard and Ana Swing applied
for a building permit to replace the foundation under the existing building. The permit application was
reviewed by City staff and later denied because the existing building was nonconforming in terms of
building setbacks. The Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) regulates existing
nonconforming buildings under Chapter 17.40; the purpose of this chapter is to allow certain
nonconforining uses, buildings and lots to continue while prohibiting further nonconformity. These
provisions strictly prohibit the expansion of nonconforming buildings.
The proposed construction of a new foundation was determined to be an expansion of the nonconforming
building within the setback areas and therefore the building permit was denied. The Swings appealed this
staff decision to the Hearing Examiner who concurred that the building permit should be denied. This
decision was then appealed to the City Council who heard the case on August 17, 1993 and upheld the
Hearing Examiner decision confirming denial of the building permit. I have enclosed a copy of the
Council Decision for your information.
Therefore, according to current ECDC Chapter 17.40 provisions no improvements can be made to this
building unless a variance is first obtained for any work, including interior remodeling that is non-
structural in nature. Also, since the previous owners are on record with the City that extensive dry rot in
the floor joists exists, minimal interior use of the building (foot traffic) should occur. Lastly, there is one
broken window in the building, please repair it or board it up immediately to avoid an attractive nuisance
complaint. And, in the future if you intend to demolish the building be advised a demolition permit is
required.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 425-771-0220. If you wish to meet in person
please call me in advance for an appointment.
Sincerely,
Jeannine L. Graf
Building Official, CBO
Incorporated August 11, 1890
Sister City - Hekinan, Japan
FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS OF THE HEARING EXAMMM
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS
APPEAL OF ADMIMSTRATIVE FILE NO. AP-93-61
STAFF DECISION: BUILDING
PERMIT APPLICATION BY
THOMAS SORENSON
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Sorenson on behalf of Richard and Anna Swing appealed a determination of the
City's Planning Division * interpreting and applying development code provisions regarding
alteration of nonconforming buildings to a building permit application to remodel an existing
single family structure located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds, Washington (hereinafter "subject
property"). This matter was first heard by the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds who
issued his recommendation dated July 2, 1993, revised on July 7, 1993. The Findings and
Conclusions of the Edmonds City Council are based upon the hearing before the Hearing
Examiner, the Hearing Examiner's recommendation, the hearing before the Edmonds City
Council and the evidence produced at such hearings. The hearing before the Edmonds City
Council was held August 17, 1993 following notice provided by the City Clerk in accordance
with ordinance. No objections were received to the participation of any City Councilmember
based upon the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine or any other ground.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The subject property is currently developed with a detached single family
residence and a four-plex multi -family dwelling. The four-plex is a legal nonconforming
structure with respect to its use and density. The existing single family residence is a
nonconforming structure due to its intrusion into the setback area and density. The existing
single family residence is the subject of the building permit application and the staff
interpretation at issue in this appeal.
2. The subject property is zoned RS-6 (single family use) and each residential unit
requires a 6,000 square foot lot. The properties to the north, south, east and west are developed
with detached single family residences and are also zoned RS-6.
3. On March 24, 1993, the appellant applied for a building permit to replace the
foundation under the existing single family residence �subject building). The entire structure
with the exception of the kitchen is proposed to have a new foundation. Testimony indicated
that the subject building would be supported while the present foundation of concrete blocks was
Scptember 1, 1"3
WSS55459.IX/0006.222
0.. 0
removed and a new foundation poured undei the existing residence. The new foundation would
be deeper, wider and of a different, type than the current foundation. The foundation at the
southern and eastern portions of the subject building would be located at their present location
within the setback area.
4. On April 6,. 1993 the Building Division of the City of Edmonds notified the
applicant the building permit was denied. The basis for denial included the staff's concern that
the height of the subject building would be increased upon completion of the new foundation and
that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50 percent of the replacement value of the existing
residence.
5. Due to the substandard foundation, dry rot has destroyed the flooring materials
on the ground floor of the subject building. The owners removed the ground floor along with
a variety of other components and fixtures from the subject building. Photographs admitted at
the hearing before the City Council indicated the subject building is basically a shell with doors,
floors, windows and other fixtures having been removed and other portions of the structure
removed or opened in order to inspect the structure.
6. The appeal before the Hearing Examiner revolved around the application -of
ECDC Chapter 17.40 and Section 17.40.020. , The staff interpreted these code provisions to
prohibit the issuance of the building permit because the proposed work exceeds 50 percent of
the replacement cost of the residence. The staff therefore applied ECDC Section 17.40.020(F)
which prohibits the "restoration" of a nonconforming structure, following damage to 50 percent
of the value of the structure.
7. When the matter reached the City Council, the City staff dropped its contention
that the height of the building would be increased. Testimony indicated that the earth underneath
the building would be excavated in order to place a new and enlarged foundation under the
structure without increasing the height of the structure.
8. The appellant's representative Thomas Sorenson presented several arguments to
the City Council: .
8.1. The subject property has not been damaged within the meaning ECDC
Section 17.40.010 and 17.40.020. Subsection (D) of ECDC Section 17.40.020 permits normal
maintenance and repair and the appellant asserts that subparagraph (4) of this section is
inapplicable because the subject property has not been damaged or destroyed due to a
catastrophic event.
structure. .
8.2. The enhanced foundation does not expand the nonconforming aspect of the
8.3. Evidence of prior alterations are irrelevant to the current proceeding.
SqAmber 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.M -2-
9. Testimony presented by the appellant at the hearing before the City Council
indicates that substantial damage to the structure occurred due to dry rot. The appellant
provided testimony that the cost of materials and labor to.replace the floor alone would cost
approximately $1,200. Testimony of neighbors and their presentation indicated a higher value.
Photographs presented by the neighbors show a structure without floors, with walls detached and
with major fixtures removed from a structure which is open to the weather. Tespimony indicated
that the current foundation was without value and must be completely replaced. �Cost of building
a structure identical to the existing single family dwelling was estimated at approximately $30
per square foot or about $46,000 to $50,000 to totally replace. The building permit application
submitted by the appellant stated a value for the work to be done on the residence at
approximately $30,000. The entire tract according to the Snohomish County Assessor's
evaluation (which is not individually allocated )is $180,000. The appellant noted before the
Hearing Examiner that the information of the building permit includes activity which is not
necessarily required for the building permit.
CONCLUSIONS
1 . The purpose and intent of Chapter 17.40 and provisions related to nonconforming
buildings, lots and uses is set forth in Section 17.40.000 which provides:
The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain nonconforming
uses, buildings and lots to continue while prohibiting further
nonconformi1y. Other nonconforming uses, buildings, signs and
lots, which are declared to be nuisances. are Muired to be
eliminated. Emphasis Added. .
The City Council strictly construes the provisions of Chapter 17.40 to prohibit expansion of
nonconforming uses.
2. The construction of a new foundation which is of a broader, deeper and more
sophisticated nature than the existing foundation would take place within the setback area. Such
expansion is an expansion of a nonconforming building within the setback contrary to the
provisions of Section 17.40.020(D)(2) which permits only:
Alterations which otherwise conform to provisions of the zoning
ordinance, its site development and bulk standard, and which do
not expand into nonconforming gaMts of the building, shall be
Wrmitted. Emphasis Added.
Further Section 17.40.020(B) provides that a nonconforming building may be maintained and
continued unless the code requires abatement but:
Sqftmb,,r 1, M
WSS55459.IX/0006.222 -3-
... it may not be changed or altered in anyway which increases the
degree of nonconformiV o 'the building. Effi phasis Added.
These provisions are violated. by the expansion of the foundation within the setback area. The
subject building is nonconforming and its limits are defined by the existing structure in height,
depth and width. The proposed expansion of the foundation represents an expansion of the
nonconforming building within the setback area as surely as an extension of the height of the
building upward would. The improvement and expansion of the foundation would occur within
the setback area thereby expanding the bulk of the structure in the setback area by expanding
the foundation downwards and adding additional bulk. No such alteration of an existing
nonconforming structure is permitted.
3. The appellant's own testimony and the pictures presented by the neighbors
establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of dry rot brought by the
substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that the flooring has been completely destroyed
by dry rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the damage, the appellant has been
forced to remove or open major portions of the subject building. At the current time the
photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell resting upon an inadequate concrete block
foundation.
4. The valuation figures presented by the applicant/appellant and the neighbors are
inconclusive. Some figures represent replacement values, others formalize schedules of repair
under the UBC and yet others assessor's records. The City Council notes that both the applicant
and neighbors agree that the replacement value of the house is approximately $46,000 to $50,000
and the applicant's own building permit application indicates $30,000. The City Council
therefore finds that the appellant applicant has failed to sustain its burden of proof and the record
contains credible evidence to support a finding that the structure has been damaged by dry rot
to 50 percent of its value when the total work necessary to rehabilitate the structure is included.
Such repairs cannot be done in isolation and painting, plastering, dry wall and other
improvements to the house are necessary. The pictures shown to the City Council indicate that
floors, ceilings, walls, doors and windows all need to be replaced, rebuilt or reinstalled. As
such the City Council finds that more credible evidence would indicate that the structure has
been damaged to 50 percent of its value.
DECISION
Based upon the record before it the City Council finds that the proposed new foundation
would alter or change the nonconforming structures located in the setback area expanding the
nonconforming nature of the structure by expanding its foundation both in type, depth and width
within the setback area. Such an expansion violates the provisions of Section 17.40.020(B)
which permits a nonconforming building to be maintained and continued provided that "...it may
not be changed or altered in any manner which increases the degree of nonconformity to the
building." Section 17.40.020(D) permits only alterations which do not expand the
Septembor 1, 1993
WSS55459.lX/0006.222 -4-
nonconforming aspects of the structure. Secondly, the City Council finds that dry rot has
damaged the building and that repair is necessary to correct the dry rot, provide a foundation
which would not foster continued rot or decay and which brings about associated repair of the
structure and that the most credible evidence indicates that the total cost for repairs exceed 50
percent of the value.
The City Council therefore upholds the staff decision and confirms denial of issuance of
the building permit due to violation of the provisions of Chapter 17.40 of the Edmonds
Community Development Code. The building permit shall not be issued in accordance with
Section 303(a) of the Uniform Building Code requiring a finding that the proposed work be in
conformance with City ordinance.
DATED this - 9th day of September ) 1993.
Attest:
onda �JMarc , C
September 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.222
-2r
A, P
6 40- ge��
RPL_ E.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURE REQUEST
lei
DATE OF REQUEST:
NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
DOCUMENTS REQUESTED:
— / �7 - I
WWAX-A,
Signature.
(Staff Use Only) (0 - 5 COPIES FREE)
1. Non-profit organization @ . 10 per page:
Charge: _ pages @ 10 per page = $
2. General public @ .25 per page:
Charge: _ pages @ .25 per page = S
TOTAL S
DOCUMENTS PROVIDED:
Pick-up:
f i le:-ord k data\ disclos,
8 9 0 - 19 q -
March 29, 1993
Mr. & Mrs. Swing
2333 N. 193rd St.
Seattle, WA 98133
CITY OF EDMONDS
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS. WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works * Planning * Parks and Recreation * Engineering
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swing:
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
I have had the opportunity to review your application for a building permit to replace the foundation of an existing
building at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds. Last week'Mr. Swing contacted me and asked me if the. nonconforming use of
the subject property would prohibit the proposed foundation repair. During the conversation, Mr. Swing stated that there
is a four unit apartment in the front of the property and a one unit house in the rear of the property. I told Mr. Swing that
the property was zoned for single family use, but that the buildings on the property were placed there prior to the
enactment of the single family zoning for that area.
Section 17.40 of the zoning ordinance contains several different types of legal nonconformities. Two of these are legal
nonconforming uses and legal nonconforming buildings. A legal nonconforming use is one where the use of the property
was previously allowed, but has become prohibited since the time the use began. A legal nonconforming building is one
which does not conform to size, setback height or other bulk standard requirements, but did conform to such standards
when the building was constructed.
Considering that the property had five units, and has continuously had those five units' since the time it was legal to have
five units on the property, the property is determined to have a legal nonconforming use. A legal nonconforming use
cannot be expanded in any way. Maintenance and repair, is allowed for a nonconforming use. Therefore, if the building
to be repaired is only nonconforming due to the number of dwelling units, the repair would be allowed. As you may
recall, this is what we discussed on the telephone.
Unfortunately, during our phone convershtion I was not informed of the nonconforming rear setback. The RS-6 zone
district requires a 15 foot rear setback. Though your site plan does not state the specific rear setback, it is apparent that at
least a portion of the subject building is in the rear setback area. Considering this, your building is not only a legal
nonconforming use, but it is also a legal nonconforming building due to the protrusion into the rear setback. The height
of a nonconforming building cannot be increased, and no restorationor repair. exceeding 50% of the value of the building
may be performed.
Your proposal will increase the height of the foundation, therefore it will increase the height of the building and, as
previously stated, an increase in height will not be allowed. In addition, your permit application states that the value of
the. proposed work is $30,000 The Snohomish County Assessor values all buildings on your property at $190,600. That
works out to $36,120 per unit. Therefore, with no better information , the City must assume that the subject building
valuation is $36,120. $30,000 is over 50% of $36,000. Due to this iriformation, the Planning Division finds that the
project as proposed cannot be approved for issuance. The application for foundation repa . ir as submitted is denied.
Sincerely,
John Bissell, AICP
Planning Division
cc. Permit Coordinator
a fricorporatec! A.J2L.St 117 1890 �*
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
, 890 - 19 9
CITY OF EDMONDS
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works e Planning * Parks and Recreation e Engineering
October 6, 1993
Ana M. Swing
2333 N. 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
RE: Plan Check #93-24
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
According to building division records the subject permit application
expired on September 24, 1993. Your plans will be held for 10 days in
order that you may come in and pick them up. If they are not picked up
by October 16, 1993 they will be recycled. The Building Official may
grant a one-time 180 day extension upon written request of the
applicant stating the reasons for the request.
If you have any questions, call the Building Department at 771-3202.
Thank you,
Sharon F. No l an
Permit Coordinator
10
Incorporated August 11, 1890
USE
CITY OF EDMONDS ZONE
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATIONI,joB
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inspection Required El
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This Permit covers work to be done on private property ONLY.
GRADINGIFILL
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driveways, marquees, etc.) will require separate permission.
STATESURCHARGE
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Permit Application: 180 Days
Permit Limit: I Year - Provided Work Is Started Within 180 Days
STORM DRAINAGE - FEE
"Applicant, on be * half of his or her spouse, heirs, assigns and
ENG. IIINSPECTIO FEE
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TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
provision."
I hereby acknowledge that I have read Iqls application; that the
information given is correct; and that I am the owner, or th.e duly
ATTENTION
APPLICATION APPROVAL
authorized agent of the owner. I agree to comply with city and
state laws regulating construction; and In doing the work authoriz-
THIS PERMIT
AUTHORIZES
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771-0220
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This Permit covers work to be done oin private Otop GIFILL
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Any construction on the public domain (curbs, sldewpj
driveways, marquees, etc.) will require separate perml GE
Permit Application: 180 Days
Permit Limit: 1 Year - Provided Work Is Started Withirg! 9 STORM DRAINAGE FEE
"Applicant, on behalf of his or her spouse, tjeIrs,ftg 5 and ENG. INSPECTION FEE
In successors in interest,. agrees to indemnIfy,%eV%n hold
harmless the City of Edmonds, WashlngtMk officials,
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< whatever n6ture, arising directly or indirectly from the Issuance
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I provision."
I hereby acknowledge that I have read this application; that the
Information given Is correct; and that I am the owner, or the duly ATTENTION APPLICATION APPROVAL
authorized agent of the owner. I agree to comply with city and THIS PERMIT
state laws regulating construction; and In doing the work authoriz- AUTHORIZES This application is not a permit until
ed thereby, no person III be e p I yed In violation of the Labor ONLY THE signed by the Building Official or his/her
Code otAhe State of Wialhington7re Ing to Workmen's Compensa- WORK NOTED Deputy; and fees are paid, and receipt is
tion It 0/Ance and AC 18.27. INSPECTION acknowledged in space provided.
SIGNAT WNER 0 A NT). DATEPICuhlil) DEPARTMENT
CITY OF OFFICIAL'S SIGNATURE DATE
AM EDMONDS
L j CALL FOR RELEASED BY DATE
ATTENTION INSPECTION
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE OR OCCUPY A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
UNTIL A FINAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN MADE AND APPROVAL OR ORIGINAL — File YELLOW — Inspect
A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN GRANTED, UBC 771-0220 01
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CITY OF EDMONDS LAURA M. HALL
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS. WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221 MAYOR
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works * Planning e Parks and Recreation 9 Engineering
April 25, 1994
Mr. Steve Kunkel
Kunkel Master Building Inc.
5427 118th Avenue Southeast
Bellevue, Washington 98006
RE: Swing Remodel @ 640 Maple Street
Plan Check #94-72
t R IT FILt
s i E
The Building Division has completed an initial review of the subject application and the
following information is required:
1. Provide an as -built of the existing foundation in order for the City to determine if the
City Council decision on Appeal #93-145 is satisfied. This decision limits the scope of
work on the foundation and is directly related to the existing foundation.
2. By City letter dated 3/29/94 the owners were notified that according to Snohomish
County Assessors records the assessed value of the subject residence was $36,120.00.
The City shaH continue to use this figure in calculating the restoration costs and
determining the percentage of improvement on the structure. The owners have the ability
to have the residence re -assessed by the County or the City will review a revised appraisal
from a licensed appraiser. Currently, based on your bidof $21,033.00 the improvement
exceeds 50% of the, assessed value and a permit could not be issued.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 771-0220.
Thank you,
Jeannine L. Graf
Acting Building Official
* Incorporated August 11, 1890 *
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
CITY OF EDMONDS
LAURA M. HALL
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 FAX (206) 771-0221 MAYOR
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
890 0 C� Q� Public Works e Planning * Parks and Recreation * Engineering
April 25, 1994
Mr. Steve Kunkel
Kunkel Master Building Inc.
5427 118th Avenue Southeast
Bellevue, Washington 98006
RE: Swing Remodel @ 640 Maple Street
Plan Check #94-72
The Building Division has completed an initial review of the subject application and the
following information is required:
1. Provide an as -built of the existing foundation in order for the City to determine if the
City Council decision on Appeal #93-145 is satisfied. This decision limits the scope of
work on the foundation and is directly related to the existing foundation.
2. By City letter dated 3/29/94 the owners were notified that according to Snohomish
County Assessors records the assessed value of the sub ect residence was $36,120.00.
The City shall continue to use this figure in calculating the restoration costs and
determining the percentage of improvement on 'the structure. The owners have the ability
to have the residence re -assessed by the County or the City will review a revised appraisal
from a licensed appraiser. Currently, based on your bid of $21,033.00 the improvement
exceeds 50% of the assessed value and a permit could not be issued.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 771-0220.
Thank you,
00,;N A51-4
Jeannine L. Graf
Acting Building Official
0 Incorporated August 11, 1890 0
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
STEVE KPNKEL
MasteT Builders, Inc.
j 81
P14DIN
.1994
May'2,
RAY U-S
'lq94�J
Richard a'nd,Ana Swihg,,,,
2333 North, 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
Dear Richard'and
Ana,
is'
As you know by now from our, meeting last Thursday, it is. unlikely that we Will, -be sued'A
building permit for repairs at 640'Maple even' if we get a new appraisal that,would meet,
the 50% repair cost rule. A copy of Jeanine's letter is enclosed.'
The building department people liked our'pro'posal and did all, they could to* help us but
Jeanine from the Building Department said itwould be -unlikely that the City Attorney
would allow the permit to be issued. - Her opinion was based on a review of the Decision
of the Cit ` Council from the last appeal made by you.
y
The next steps would be to submit an independent appraisal, of the. property apd a 1� ds-
built" foundation plan, wait fdr the firl.al,decision on the.'Perliftit and appeal this decisiop, if
the permit is,denied.',The permit application will'remain in effect until October 6, 199,4 if
you choose to pursue it flaIrther. I think it's fair to say thatyou have mh&more than a
reasonable effort to make iepairs so that - this -unit could be on . ce again tented.All the
evidence suggests that you r:eally bought a property with 4'rentable units'not5.
Here's the final accounting for my time:
March:- 19.75 hrs
'Apfil: - '24.0 hrs
Total:. 43.5*hr,sat$45 $1,957.50
Overhead and Profit: 2,0%. No) Charge
Total: $1,957150
Sales tax:' $ 160.52
Grah d total: $2,118.02'*
350+1026 376.00
Less deposits.
Balance due'. $ 142'.02
Please C`all if.1 can be of any further service.
Sincerely,. A
S evq u e
t K nk 1) Master Builders, Inc., 7
Steve Kunkel, President,
5427.1 i8th Ave. S.E','- 8'ellevue,'WA98006(i (206) 643-9095\�
it
STEVt KPNKEL
Master Builders, Inc.
May'2,.1994.
Y 0
1994
Richard and Ana Swing.
2333 North 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
Dear Richard and Ana,
As you know by now from our meeting last Thursday it is unlikel that we will-be-issued'a
building permit for repairs at 640 Maple even' if we get a new appraisal that would meet
the 50% repair cost rule. A copy of Jeanine's letter is enclosed.
The building department people liked our-pro'posal and did all.they could to help us 6u't',
Jeanine from the Building Department said it, would be unlikely that the City Attorney
would allow the permit to be issued. Her opinion w�s -based on A review of thebe cision
of the City Council from the last appeal ;made by you.
The next steps would be to submit an independent appraisal of the. property and a as -
built" foundation plan, wait for the final.,decision on the.permit and appeal this decisiop, if!
the permit is, deified. , The permit application will * remain in effect until October 6, 199,4 if
you choose to pursue it further. I think it's fair to say that..you have mhde more than a
reasonable effort to make repairs s6,that t ' his unit could be once again rented. All the
evidence suggests that you really bought aproperty with 4 rentable units -not, 5.
Here!s the final accounting for my time:
March:- 1�35 hrs
jApIrd: - )24.0 hrs;
Total. 41.5-hrsat$45 $1,957.5
0,�erhead and Profit: 20% No)Ch4rge
Total: .$1,957-:50
Sales tax:' 60.52
Grand total-. $2,118.02'
Uss de 350+1026 437600
posits.
Balance due: - $ ii�.:02
Please call if I can.be of any further service.
F
Sincerely,
Stevq Kunkel! Master Builders, Inc.'.
V
Ku I
Steve' nke, President
5427.118th Ave. S.E.: gellevue,'WA 98006
(206) 643-9095\1
FINDINGS CONCLUSIONS OF THE HEARING.EXAMINER
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS
APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE FILE NO. AP-93-61
STAFF DECISION: BUILDING
PERMIT APPLICATION BY
THOMAS SORENSON
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Sorenson on behalf of Richard and Anna Swing appealed a determination of the
City's Planning Division interpreting and applying development code provisions regarding
alteration of nonconforming buildings to a building permit application to remodel an existing
single family structure located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds, Washington (hereinafter "subject
property"). This matter was first heard by the Hearing Examiner of the City of Edmonds who
issued his recommendation dated July 2, 1993, revised on July 7, 1993. The Findings and
Conclusions of the Edmonds City Council are based upon the hearing before the Hearing
Examiner, the Hearing Examiner's recommendation, the hearing before the Edmonds City
Council and the evidence produced at such hearings. The hearing before the Edmonds City
Council was held August 17, 1993 following notice provided by the City Clerk in accordance
with ordinance. No objections were received to the participation of any City Councilmember
based upon the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine or any other ground.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The subject property is currently developed with a detached single family
residence and a four-plex multi -family dwelling. The four-plex is a legal nonconforming
structure with respect to its use and density. The existing single family residence is a
nonconforming structure due to its intrusion into the setback area and density. The existing
single family residence is the subject of the building permit application and the staff
interpretation at issue in this appeal.
2. The subject property is zoned RS-6 (single family use) and each residential unit
requires a 6,000 square foot lot. The properties to the north, south, east and west are developed
with detached single family residences and are also zoned RS-6.
3. On March 24, 1993, the appellant applied for a building permit to replace the
foundation under the existing single family residence (subject building). The entire structure
with the exception of the kitchen is proposed to have a new foundation. Testimony indicated
that the subject building would be supported while the present foundation of concrete blocks was
Sepwmber 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.222
0 0
removed and a new foundation poured under the existing residence. The new foundation would
be deeper, wider and of a different type than the current foundation. The foundation at the
southern and eastern portions of the subject building would be located at their present location
within the setback area.
4. On April 6, 1993 the Building Division of the City of Edmonds notified the
applicant the building permit was denied. The basis for denial included the staff's concern that
the height of the subject building would be increased upon completion of the new foundation and
that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50 percent of the replacement value of the existing
residence.
5. Due to the substandard foundation, dry rot has destroyed the flooring materials
on the ground floor * of the subject building. The owners removed the ground floor along with
a variety of other components and fixtures from the subject building. Photographs admitted at
the hearing before the City Council indicated the subject building is basically a shell with doors,
floors, windows and other fixtures having been removed and other portions of the structure
removed or opened in order to inspect thestructure.
6. The appeal before the Hewing Examiner revolved around the application of
ECDC Chapter 17.40 and Section 17.40.020. The staff interpreted these code provisions to
prohibit the issuance of the building permit because the proposed work exceeds 50 percent of
the replacement cost of the residence. The staff therefore applied ECDC Section 17.40.020(F)
which prohibits the "restoration" of a nonconforming structure following damage to 50 percent
of the value of the structure.
7. When the matter reached the City Council, the City staff dropped its contention
that the height of the building would be increased. Testimony indicated that the earth underneath
the building would be excavated in order to place a new and enlarged foundation under the
structure without increasing the height of the structure.
8. The appellant's representative Thomas Sorenson presented several arguments to
the City Council:
8.1. The subject property has not been damaged within the meaning ECDC
Section 17.40.010 and 17.40.020. Subsection (D) of ECDC Section 17.40.020 permits normal
maintenance and repair and the appellant asserts that subparagraph (4) of this section is
inapplicable because the subject property has not been damaged or destroyed due to a
catastrophic event.
8.2. The enhanced foundation does not expand the nonconforming aspect of the
structure.
8.3. Evidence of prior alterations are irrelevant to the current proceeding.
Scptember 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.2n -2-
�111 9L
0 0
9. Testimony presented by the appellant at the hearing before the City Council
indicates that substantial damage to the structure occurred due to dry rot. The appellant
provided testimony that the cost of materials and labor to replace the floor alone would cost
approximately $1,200. Testimony of neighbors and their presentation indicated a higher value.
Photographs presented by the neighbors show a structure without floors, with walls detached and
with major fixtures removed from a structure which is open to the weather. Testimony indicated
that the current foundation was without value and must be completely replaced. Cost of building
a structure identical to the existing single family dwelling was estimated at approximately $30
per square foot or about $46,000 to $50,000 to totally replace. The building permit application
submitted by the appellant stated a value for the work to be done on the residence at
approximately $30,000. The entire tract according to the Snohomish County Assessor's
evaluation (which is not individually allocated )is $180,000. The appellant noted before the
Hearing Examiner that the information of the building permit includes activity which is not
necessarily required for the building permit.
CONCLUSIONS
1 . The purpose and intent of Chapter 17.40 and provisions related to nonconforming
buildings, lots and uses is set forth in Section 17.40.000 which provides:
The purpose of this chapter is to allow certain nonconforming
uses, buildings and lots to continue while prohibiting furthe
nonconformi1y. Other nonconforming uses, buildings, signs and
lots, which are declared to be nuisances. are Lequired to be
eliminated. Emphasis Added.
The City Council strictly construes the provisions of Chapter 17.40 to prohibit expansion of
nonconforming uses.
2. The construction of a new foundation which is of a broader, deeper and more
sophisticated nature than the existing foundation would take place within the setback area. Such
expansion is an expansion of a nonconforming building within the setback contrary to the
provisions of Section 17.40.020(D)(2) which permits only:
Alterations which otherwise conform to provisions of the zoning
ordinance, its site development and bulk standard, and which do
not expand into nonconforming aWgcts of the building. shall b
Wrmitted. Emphasis Added.
Further Section 17.40.020(B) provides that a nonconforming building may be maintained and
continued unless the code requires abatement but:
Septcmber 1, M .
WSS55459.IX/0006.222 -3-
AD- C- i
0 0
... it may not be changed or altered in anyway which increases the
degree of nonconformijy of he buildin . Emphasis Added.
These provisions are violated ' by the expansion of the foundation within the setback area. The
subject building is nonconforming and its limits are defined by the existing structure in height,
depth and width. The proposed expansion of the foundation represents an expansion of the
nonconforming building within the setback area as surely as an extension of the height of the
building upward would. The improvement and expansion of the foundation would occur within
the setback area thereby expanding the bulk of the structure in the setback area by expanding
the foundation downwards and adding additional bulk. No such alteration of an existing
nonconforming structure is permitted.
3. The appellant's own testimony and the pictures presented by the neighbors
establish that the repairs have been necessitated due to the action of dry rot brought by the
substandard foundation. Testimony indicated that the flooring has been completely destroyed
by dry rot causing walls to swing free. In order to ascertain the damage, the appellant has been
forced to remove or open major portions of the subject building. At the current time the
photographs clearly reveal a structure which is a shell resting upon an inadequate concrete block
foundation.
4. The valuation figures presented by the applicant/appellant and the neighbors are
inconclusive. Some figures represent replacement values, others formalize schedules of repair
under the UBC and yet others assessor's records. The City Council notes that both the applicant
and neighbors agree that the replacement value of the house is approximately $46,000 to $50,000
and the applicant's own building permit application indicates $30,000. The City Council
therefore finds that the appellant applicant has failed to sustain its burden of proof and the record
contains credible evidence to support a finding that the structure has been damaged by dry rot
to 50 percent of its value when the total work necessary to rehabilitate the structure is included.
Such repairs cannot be done in* isolation and painting, plastering, dry wall and other
improvements to the house are necessary. The pictures shown to the City Council indicate that
floors, ceilings, walls, doors and windows all need to be replaced, rebuilt or reinstalled. As
such the City Council finds that more credible evidence would indicate that the structure has
been damaged to 50 percent of its value.
DECLSION
Based upon the record before it the City Council finds that the proposed new foundation
would alter or change the nonconforming structures located in the setback area expanding the
nonconforming nature of the structure by expanding its,foundation both in type, depth and width
within the setback area. Such an expansion violates -the. provisions of Section 17.40.020(B)
which permits a nonconforming building to be maintained and continued provided that "...it may
not be changed or altered in any manner which increases the degree of nonconformity to the
building." Section 17.40.020(D) permits only alterations which do not expand the
SWcmber 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX/0006.222 -4-
nonconforming aspects of the structure. Secondly, the City Council finds that dry rot has
damaged the building and that repair is necessary to correct the dry rot, provide a foundation
which would not foster continued rot or decay and which brings about associated repair of the
structure and that the most credible evidence indicates that the total cost for repairs exceed 50
percent of the value.
The City Council therefore upholds the staff decision and confirms denial of issuance of
the building permit due to violation of the provisions of Chapter 17.40 of the Edmonds
Community Development Code. The building permit shall not be issued in accordance with
Section 303(a) of the Uniform Building Code requiring a finding that the proposed work be in
conformance with City ordinance.
DATED this - 9th day of September 9 1993.
Attest:
onda 1. Marctf, City Clerk
Septmber 1, 1993
WSS55459.IX10006.222
-5-
0 0
Councilmember Palmer referenced a letter attached to the agenda memo from the City of Mill Creek.
Councilmember Palmer said he agrees with'the concerns and questions listed by Mill Creek, and
asked Ms. Oblde to find the answers to the questions posted by Mill Creek. Ms. Ohle replied affir-
matively. Councilmember Kasper agreed with Councilmember Palmer
Ms. Oblde'said she would keep the Council informed on the progress of the Plan.
Councilmember Dwyer suggested item 10 be continued to August 24th, due to the late hour. COUNCIL -
MEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT EARLING, TO CONTINUE ITEM 10 TO THE AUGUST 24
COUNCIL MEETING. MOTION CARRIED with Councilmember Hall voting no as there was a member of the
audience present to listen this particular subject.
HEARING ON APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION ISSUED UNDER FILE NO. AP-93-61 (APPELLANT:
Jeff Wilson, Planning Supervisor, said on March 24, 1993, Richard and Ana Swing applied for. a
building permit to replace the foundation under an existing single family residence. The existing
house is a nonconforming building located in a RS-6 zone. The permit application was to construct
a new foundation under the entire house, excluding the kitchen. On April 6. 1993, the Planning
Division notified the Swings that the building permit was denied. The basis for the denial includ-
ed the concern that the height of the residence would be increased upon completion of the new
foundation; and, that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50% of the replacement value of the
existing residence as defined in ECDC 17.40.020(F).
Thomas Sorenson, Attorney on behalf of the Swings. appealed the Planning Division's interpreta-
tion to the Hearing Examiner. On July 2, 1993, the Hearing Examiner upheld the appeal and over-
turned the Planning Division's interpretation. If the Hearing Examiner's decision stands, the
permit will be issued because the proposed activity will be interpreted a-s ordinary maintenance
and repair of an existing non -conforming building. On July 12, 1993, Scot Simpson, et a], ap-
pealed the Hearing Examiner's decision to the City Council -
Council Discussion
Councilmember Palmer questioned the wording "level of destruction shall be made by the Building
Official". Councilmember Palmer asked where documentation existed as to the level of destruction.
Mr. Wilson said he doesn't recall any written documentation with regards to this particular issue.
Testimony of the Applicant
Tom Sorenson, Attorney for Tom and Ana Swing, presented City Clerk Rhonda March with copies of a
Hearing Brief for distribution to the Mayor and Council. The brief was marked "Exhibit 1".
Mr. Sorenson said the Swings respectfully submit that the decision of the Hearing Examiner is
correct on the law and facts, that the arguments made by the Appellants, are without merit, and
the City Council must affirm the decision of the Hearing Examiner.
Mr. Sorenson said the property in question consists of two structures. The larger strucutre is a
fourplex located towards the front of the property, and a detached single family residence which
is presently uninhabitable until the proposed work is completed. This single-family -residence is
the subject of the appeal. Mr. Sorenson said the proposed work does not expand the nonconforming
aspect of the structure. the building has not been damaged or destroyed within the meaning of the
code, and said the work required does not exceed the 50% threshold the Planning Department speaks
of. Mr. Sorenson requested the Council uphold the decision of the Hearing Examiner.
R. D. Jensen, General Contractor, spoke on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Swing. Mr. Jensen said the work
required does not exceed the actual replacement cost.
Testimony of the Appellant
Ralph Matthews, 644 Maple, spoke on behalf of the appellants and read from a letter formulated by
the appellants. Copies of the letter were given to City Clerk Rhonda March, and marked "Exhibit
2". The letter referenced past correspondence from a previous building official which stated
"Because of the nonconforming nature of the structure, the structure itself would lose its non-
conforming status under the building and zoning codes if a conforming foundation were placed
under it. This would require the building to be removed". The letter stated because of the
present damage to the house, the repairs needed on the house would be far more -than 50% of its
il.,:�.� 4
EXHIBIT 2
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 6 August 17, 1993
0 0
value.. The letter stated, in par * t, that all the flooring except in the kitchen is gone. there is
a 4 foot wide ground to ceiling opening -in the exterior -wall; the bathroom is totally gone includ-
ing interior walls; about half of the interior wall sheathing is gone exposing walls with no
insulation; and large section of ceiling sheathing is gone exposing no insulation in the roof.
Mr. Matthews said this is not normal maintenance.
Leah Simpson, 632 Maple, additional spokesperson for the appellants gave photographs to the City
Clerk for distribution to the Mayor and Council depicting the property in question. Ms. Simpson
explained that the amount of work required far exceeds the value and said the work is not general
maintenance and should not be treated as such. Ms. Simpson said the house should.be completely
rebuilt.
Public Testimon
Kenneth Bowne, Edmonds resident. said the front of the lot in question is very close to the
street and does not know how the structure was ever allowed to be built in the first place. Mr.
Bowne expressed concern for the way the building is situated on the property -
As no other member of the public wished to speak on this. issue, Mayor Hall closed the public
portion of the hearing.
Council discussion
Councilmember Palmer said there is a past history on this subject and said for the purpose of
receiving additional testimony and information from the City Attorney, COUNCILMEMBER PALMER
MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER KASPER, TO RE -OPEN THE HEARING.
Under discussion. Councilmemb.er Dwyer expressed concern with getting factual testimony from the
City's legal counsel. Councilmember Palmer said he respected this concern. COUNCILMEMBER PALMER
RESCINDED HIS MOTION. THE SECONDER AGREED.
City Attorney Scott Snyder said if the Council wants to review past history, the Council can
continue the hearing in order to get further information. Councilmember Hall said he doesn't know
how helpful it would be to get past information when this is a different owner than past files
indicate.
Councilmember Kasper said the City has the power to require structures to be in conformance with
its ordinances and regulations.
Councilmember Dwyer said when viewed in light of the purpose of the ordinances that regulate
nonconforming uses, this is not a difficult issue. Councilmember Dwyer said as Councilmember
Kasper said, the City has the power to require structures to be in conformance with its ordinanc-
es and regulations. Councilmember Dwyer said the City of Edmonds, as have most cities, has decid-
ed to be somewhat lenient in that regard and allow structures which were in conformance when
constructed, but have fallen out of conformance, to remain and not have to immediately have to be
replaced. In searching for a logical rule for when replacement is required, the City has made a
determination that when 50% of the cost of replacing the building is exceeded, then the City has
something that is more like total destruction-
Councilmember Dwyer said the Hearing Examiner made his decision based on his belief that this was
ordinary maintenance and repair. Councilmember Dwyer said he believes the Hearing Examiner was
wrong in that regard. The photographs and testimony is that floors were falling in and that walls
were barely hanging on and were swinging. Councilmember Dwyer said repairing matters such as
these are not ordinary repairs and maintenance. With regards to the valuation question, the Staff
has historically relied upon assessed valuation and exceeding its threshold.
As a procedural matter, COUNCILMEMBER PALMER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HALL, TO EXTEND THE
MEETING. MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Dwyer believes the Staff is correct in their determination and the Hearing Examiner
as incorrect in his determination.
COUNCILMEMBER DWYER MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER PALMER, THAT THE DECISION OF THE HEARING
EXAMINER BE REVERSED AND THE DECISION OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL BE REINSTATED. MOTION CARRIED.
City Attorney Scott Snyder said he would have the Findings of Facts prepared foe the September 7
Council Consent Agenda.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL APPROVED MINUTES
Page 7 August 17, 1993
8 9 0
0 F
CITY OF
EDMONDS
0
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
HEARING EXAMINER
ORDER
FROM THE HEARING EXAMINER
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEAL
OF THOMAS SORENSON
OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
FILE: AP-93-61
It is hereby ordered that the Conclusionst page five, paragraph
one, of the Decision of the above captioned matter should read:
The subject property is developed with a detached single
family residence and a fourplex on one lot. The
property, which is located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds,
Washington, includes legal nonconforming structures,
including an existing single family residence and a
fourplex.
All other paragraphs remain unchanged.
DONE AND DATED this day of July, 1993.
S M. DRISCOLL
ing Examiner
0 Incorporated August 11, 1890 *
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
8 go
CITY OF
EDMONDS
r- -I
L—A
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
HEARING EXAMINER
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
OF THE HEARING EXAMINER OF THE
CITY OF EDMONDS
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPEALS FILE: AP-93-61
OF THOMAS SORENSON
OF All ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
DECISION: It is ordered that the appeals of Thomas
Sorenson on behalf of Richard and Ana Swing be
approved.
INTRODUCTION
Thomas Sorenson (hereinafter referred to as appellant) on behalf of
Richard and Ana Swing, appealed the Planning Division's
interpretation relating to "alterations of nonconforming buildings"
pursuant to the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter
17.40.020, and subsequent denial by the City of a building permit
for an existing single family structure located at 640 Maple
Street, Edmonds, Washington.
At the hearing the following presented testimony and evidence:
JEFFREY S. WILSON
Planning Dept.
City of Edmonds
Edmonds, WA 98020
ANA SWING
2333 North 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
GLORIA PRIEBE
637 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
SCOT SIMPSON
632 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
CLIFF ADAMS
631 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
THOMAS SORENSON
320 Dayton Street, Suite 106
Edmonds, WA 98020
RALPH MATHEWS
644 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
MAX PRIEBE
637 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
R.D. JENSEN
6002 - 237th Street S.W.
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
LEAH SIMPSON
632 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
0 Incorporated August 11, 1890 0
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
0 0
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 2
CHARLES P. VERRALL, SR.
654 Maple Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
At the hearing the following exhibits were admitted as part of the
record for the hearing:
Exhibit 1 - Staff Report with the following attachments
Attachment 1 - Vicinity/Zoning Map
if 2 - Letter of appeal (4/5/93)
to 3 - Appellant's letter in response to denial
of a building permit (4/6/93)
of 4 - Letter from City to appellant denying
building permit application (3/29/93)
If 5 - Building permit application (3/24/93)
of 6 - ECDC Section 17.40.020 (nonconforming
buildings)
After due consideration of the evidence presented by the
appellants, evidence elicited during the public hearing and as a
result of the personal inspection of the subject property and
surrounding areas by the Hearing Examiner, the following Findings
of Fact and Conclusions constitute the basis of the recommendation
of the Hearing Examiner.
FINDINGS OF FACTS
e
1. The subject property is developed with a detached single
family residence and a fourplex. The residential units on the
subject property are legal nonconforming structures: the existing
single iamily -residence is nonconforming because the building
intrudes into the setback area. The existing single family
residence is the subject of the building permit and staff
interpretation at issue in this appeal.
2. The subject property is zoned RS-6, which requires a 6,000
square foot lot size.
3.� The properties to the north, south, east, and west are
developed with detached single family residences and are zoned RS-
6.
4. On March 24, 1993 the appellant applied for a building permit
to replace the foundation under the existing single family
residence. The entire house, with the exception of the kitchen, is
proposed to have a new foundation.
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HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 3
5. On April 6, 1993 the Planning Division of the City of Edmonds
notified the appellant that the building permit was denied. The
basis for the denial included the concern that the height of the
residence would be increased upon completion of the new foundation;
and, that the cost of the new foundation exceeded 50% of the
replacement value of the existing residence.
6. Historically, the City has used a 50% construction cost
standard to define when a proposal changes from "Maintenance and
Alterations" becomes "Restoration" as defined in ECDC 17.40.010(D)
and 17. 4 0. 02 0 (F) . Based on the staf f I s interpretation, the cost of
the proposed work exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the
residence, and the proposed work is considered to be a
"restoration" as defined in ECDC 17.40.020(F). Restoration of a
nonconforming structure is not permitted.
I
7. The appellant argued that ECDC 17.40.010(F) is not the proper
ordinance to determine if the cost of the proposed work exceeds 50%
of the replacement cost. According to the appellant, this
ordinance applies only to destroyed or damaged nonconforming
buildings. The structure at the subject property is neither
destroyed nor damaged, but is being repaired.
8. Thomas Sorenson, the representative for the appellant,
submitted that the height of the residence will not be increased
with the replacement of the foundation wall because the area
beneath the residence will be excavated for the new foundation. At
the public hearing the City withdrew the height violation as a
reason for denial and acknowledged that the proposal was within the
code standards. In addition, Mr. Sorenson indicated that the
assessed valuation used by the staff in determining the replacement
value\construction ratio was inaccurate.
9. The Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) section
17.40.020 establishes the guidelines used to evaluate all
nonconforming buildings, and when such buildings are required to be
brought into conformance..
10. The building permit application submitted by the appellant
stated that the value of the work to be done on the single family
residence was approximately $30,000. The staff, in reviewing the
assessor's records, determined that the value of the entire
property was $180,000. Dividing this figure by five for each unit
on site, the staff determined that the value of the single family
residence was approximately $36,000 and thus the cost of work
proposed to be done on the residence equaled approximately 83% of
the replacement cost of the structure.
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 4
11. The appellant submitted that the work proposed in the single
family residence is to construct a crawl space and a new
foundation. He contended that this amounts to ordinary maintenance
and repair of the nonconforming building and is allowed pursuant to
ECDC 17.40.020(D)(1).
12. The appellant submitted that notwithstanding the fact that the
use is permitted pursuant to ECDC 17.40.020(D) (1) . The City should
not have used the assessed value of the property, but should have
in fact looked at the market value to determine if the improvements
exceed the 50.% threshold. According to the appellant, the property
was recently purchased for $330,000. If this figure is divided by
five for the five units on site, the total value of each unit is
$66,000. With the projected $30,000 improvement, the value of the
improvements is below the threshold.
13. The appellant submitted that the information on the building
permit includes activity which is not necessarily required for a
building permit. With the removal of items not required to be
permitted, the replacement value will not exceed 50% of the value
of the property.
14. The appellant submitted that by adding a new foundation and
crawl space, the nonconforming use is not being expanded but in
fact the structure is being brought closer to compliance.
15. At the public hearing testimony was received. A summary of
the testimony is as follows:
A. SCOT SIMPSON. The witness submitted that he is a
general contractor. He contended that the costs of
estimates of the appellant are incomplete because they do
not include factors such as insulation of walls and other
structural requirements that will be done for the
proposed activity. With these figures, the construction
amount should exceed 50%, according to the witness. The
witness also provided testimony with regard to parking in
the area. He contended that the property has been a
problem to the neighborhood and the proposed improvements
will be an expansion of the nonconforming use. He
contended that the general upkeep of the building has
been an issue in the past.
B. CLIFF ADAMS. The witness supported the City's
decision. He contended that the building on the site has
already been illegally raised and that it encroaches into
the alley right of way.
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HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 5
C. GLORIA PRIEBE. The witness submitted there is a
parking problem that has been caused by residents at this
illegal building. She contended that the best use of the
property would be to tear down the structure and to
construct one single family house on the site.
D. RALPH MATHEWS. The witness submitted that he
supports Scott Simpson's testimony about the insufficient
information with regard to construction. The witness
also contended to be concerned with parking. He
submitted that renters of the properties park in the
alley creating difficult passage of cars. He contended
that there have been many "derelict" vehicles on site and
that the renters of the properties have not been good
neighbors. They have created problems with parking and
animals.
E. LEAH SIMPSON. The witness submitted that. the
parking is a problem as well as the pets of the renters
of the properties. She contended the property has no
grass and is all pavement. Animal wastes have created
problems on the property and other properties.
F. CHARLES VERRALL. The witness submitted that the
existing use of the property is a poor use. offstreet
parking should be provided and part of the property
should be used for parking.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The subject property is developed with a detached single
family residence and a fourplex on one lot. The property, which is
located at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds, Washington, includes illegal
nonconforming structures, including an existing. single family
residence and a-fourplex.
2. On March 24, 1993 the appellant applied for a building permit
to replace the foundation under the existing single family
residence. On April 6, 1993 the Planning Department of the City of
Edmonds denied the permit, contending that.the height of the single
family residence would be increased upon completion of the
foundation, thereby creating an expansion on the nonconforming use.
The Planning Department also denied the permit based on its
interpretation that the cost of the new foundation exceeds 50% of
the replacement value of the existing residence.
3. The City officially withdrew its reason for the denial based
on the height. The only issue before the Hearing Examiner is
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 6
whether the proposed improvements are subject to the 50%
improvement standard as set forth in ECDC 17.40.020(F). The City
Planning Department was in error in applying the standards of ECDC
17.40.020(F).
4. The nonconforming building has not been destroyed and has not
been damaged. The provisions of ECDC 17.40.020(F) are not
applicable to the review of the permit.
5. The provisions of ECDC 17.40.020(D) (1) apply for the review of
the permit. The proposal of the appellant is for the ordinary
maintenance or repair of a nonconforming building. The proposed
activity is permitted pursuant to this ordinance.
6. Parking, behavior of renters, animal wastes, and other issues
raised at the public hearing are relevant neighborhood concerns,
but they are not considerations that can be used by the Hearing
Examiner in reaching a decision of the appeal.
DECISION
Based upon the preceding findings of facts and conclusions, the
testimony and evidence submitted at the public hearing, and upon
the impressions of the Hearing Examiner upon review of testimony
and evidence, it is hereby ordered that the City Planning
Department's decision of April 6, 1993 denying the building permit
was in error. The permit should be granted because the proposed
activity is ordinary maintenance and repair of an existing
nonconforming building. The building has not been destroyed nor
damaged. The building permit should be allowed pursuant to ECDC
17.40.020(D)(1).
COMMENTS
The City's decision has been reversed. The permit is granted
because the evidence and testimony submitted at the public hearing
supports the contention that the activity to be done on the
property is ordinary maintenance and repair of a nonconforming
building as allowed pursuant to ECDC 17.40.020.
Two issues which are not determinative of the decision but which
should be brought to the City's attention are: (1) how value is
determined for replacement costs of nonconforming structures; and,
(2) the neighborhood issues regarding this property..
1. The Planning Department incorrectly used ECDC
17.40.020(F) in denying the permit. As noted in the Findings
and conclusions, and Decision of this matter, the
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HEARING EXAMINER RECOMIENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 7
nonconforming building on site was not destroyed nor damaged
and therefore is not subject to the provisions of ECDC
17.40.020(F). However, the Planning Department raised an
issue which should be addressed with regard to this ordinance
even though it is not determinative of the matter. The
ordinance is unclear as to what the term "replacement cost" at
the time of destruction means. ECDC 17.40.020(F) states that
if a nonconforming building is destroyed or is damaged in an
equal amount of 50% or more of its replacement cost at the
time of destruction, the building shall not be reconstructed.
The Planning Deparmtne has used the assessed value of the
properties to determine the 50% value. However, arguments
that the assessed value should not be used but the market
value should be used are valid. The ordinance is definitely
unclear and no definition is provided in ECDC. it is
suggested that this ambiguity be corrected and that the term
"replac . ement costs" be defined to give direction to the public
and to the City in future cases.
2. Testimony was presented at the public hearing on the use
of the property by renters. The concerns, although not a
criteria that could be used for the decision, should be
considered by the City. The appellant is also encouraged to
work with the neighborhood to provide more reasonable use of
the properties and to control parking and other problems.
Further, the appellant should take some measures to ensure
that those renting the properties are compatible with the
other neighbors. This should include control of pets,
activities, and any other disruptive behavior.
Entered this 2nd day of July, 1993, pursuant to the authority
granted the Hearing Examiner under Chapter 20.100 of the Community
Development Code of the City of Edmonds.
ES M. DRISCOL
ring Examiner
Written appeals alleging specific error of fact or other grounds
for appeal may be filed with the Planning Department, City of
Edmonds, Civic Center, Edmonds, Washington 98020, within fourteen
(14) days of the date of the Hearing Examiner's final action.
HEARING EXAMINER RECOMMENDATION
RE: AP-93-61 7/2/93
Page 8
In this matter any appeal must be received by the Department prior
to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19, 1993.
RECEIVED
THOMAS C. SORENSON J U N 1 7 1993
Attorney at Law
320 Dayton St., Suite 106 PERMIT COUNTER
Edmonds, WA 98020
(206) 771-5206 (Telephone and Fax)
TO: JIM DRISCOLL, HEARING EXAMINER
FROM: THOMAS C. SORENSON, Attorneyfor Appellants Richard and Ana
Swing
DATE: JUNE 17,1993
FILE: AP-93-61
HEARING DATE, TIME AND PLACE: JUNE 17, 1993 at 9:00 A.M.
Community Services Conference
Room, Community Services
Building, 250 5th Ave. N.
FACTS
The facts stated in the City's Findings and Conclusions are essentially correct. The
building in question is a legal nonconforming building. It is a nonconforming
building solely because it violates currrent setback requirements. See the letter to
Mr. & Mrs. Swing of March 29, 1993, from John Bissell, AICP, City of Edmonds
Planning Division, submitted with the City's materials. The Swings applied to a
building permit to replace the foundation under the house (except under the
kitchen, where the foundation had been replaced earlier by a former owner). The
City denied the Swings' building permit application apparently because it believed
(incorrectly) that the height of the building (which the City has never contended is
nonconforming) would be increased, not because the nonconforming setback
would be reduced. Moreover, the City believed that the cost of the proposed
work (incorrectly stated in the permit application to be $30,000) would exceed
50% of "the value of the building." Id. The City based this conclusion upon a
value derived by dividing the total assessed value of the property on which the
house in question is located by the total number of units on the property, namely,
five. Moreover, appellant will show at the hearing that the $30,000 figure is
EXHIBIT 9
FILE NO. AP - U-61
M r. Jim Driscoll, F'. ring Examiner
June 17, 1993
Page 2
inaccurate and that the total cost of the proposed work on the foundationand floor
is only $15,484.00.
EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE COMPLIANCE
A. The Proposed Work Is A Permissible Alteration
The City apparently relies on Section 17.40.020 F of the ECDC, which deals with
"Restoration" of damaged or destroyed nonconforming buildings. This case is,
however, actually controlled by Section 17.40.020 D.2., which states:
Alterations which otherwise conform to the provisions of the
zoning ordinance, its site development and bulk standards, and
which to not expand any nonconforming aspect of the building,
shall be permitted.
The City has never contended that the proposed work to the building violates the
applicable zoning, site development, or bulk standards. Rather, it apparently
interpreted the prohibition in this section on expanding any nonconforming aspect
of the building to mean that no aspect of the building could be materially altered.
Since the City incorrectly believed that the proposed work would raise the height
of the building, it denied the Swings' permit appliction.
It is clear that the proposed work is permissible under this Section. The bulk of the
work to be done constitutes alterations, not restoration of a damaged or destroyed
building. The work contemplates altering the crawl space under the building and
altering the footings and depth of the foundation wall. This work is clearly
permissible under Section 17.40.020 D.2. The nonconforming aspect of the
building is its setback, not its height, and the proposed work in no way decreases
the setback. Indeed, it does not affect the setback at all. Therefore, the proposed
work is clearly permissible under this Section.
The City says this case is controlled by Section 17.40.020 F because the value of
the work exceeds 50% of the construction cost of the house. As explained below,
the City's factual assumption is erroneous. But in addition, there is no basis in the
Code for the staff interpretation that the distinction between Section 17.40.020 D
and Section 17.40.020 F turns on the cost of the work to be done. Rather, these
two sections deal with separate and distinct situations. Section 17.40.020 D deals
with maintenance and alteration of a building. It does not apply to damage to or
Mr. Jim Driscoll, J ring Examiner
June 17, 1993
Page 3
destruction of a building, those matters being the subject of Section 17.40.020 F.
If the work to be done does not deal with damage or destruction but rather with
alteration or maintenance of a structure not resulting from damage or destruction,
the work is controlled by Section 17.40.020 D, which makes no reference to the
cost of the work to be done.
The intent of the two Code sections is clearly different. The policy of the Code
expressed in Section 17.40.020 D is to allow alteration and maintenance of a
nonconforming building which is otherwise in good condition so long as the work
does not increase the nonconforming aspect of the building. However, if a
nonconforming building has been so substantially damaged or destroyed that it
would cost more than half its value to rebuild it (as opposed to maintain or alter
it), then the Code favors removing the nonconforming building. This policy is
expressed in Section 17.40.020 F. Thus, the two Code sections deal with different
factual situations and different public policies. The distinction between them in no
way depends on the cost of the proposed work but rather on the nature of that
work.
In the present case, while some of the proposed work is arguably restoration, the
bulk of the work, including nearly all of the work to the foundation, is alteration,
not restoration. Because that work in no way increases the nonconforming aspect
of the building, that is, does not reduce the set back, the work is permissible under
the Code.
B. The Proposed Work Is Not A Prohibited Restoration
As noted. above, the City relies on Section 17.40.020 F of the ECDC in its denial
of the Swings' building permit application. This Section prohibits reconstruction
of a damaged or destroyed nonconforming building "in an amount equal to 50% or
more of its replacement cost at the time of destruction ...... This case is actually
controlled by Section 17.40.020D.2., as explained above. The only part of the
proposed work that might be considered "restoration" of a damaged building is the
replacement of the floor joists that have been damaged by dry rot and insects. The
scope of this work clearly does not exceed 50% of the value of the building.
However, even if Section 17.40.02OF controlled here, it is clear that the City has
misapplied it.
The City started its analysis with the total assessed value of the property on which
A
Mr. Jim Driscoll, Y * ring Examiner
June 17, 1993
Page 4
the house in question is located, namely, $180,600. It then divided this number by
the total number of units on the property (5) to produce an alleged value for the
house in question of $36,120. This procedure is faulty in two separate respects.
First, assessed value is not necessarily the actual value of a piece of property.
Thus, the City did not have a viable starting point for its value analysis. In fact, the
actual value of this property is far higher than its assessed value. As the City now
acknowledges. the Swings bought this property earlier this year for $330,000,
nearly twice the assessed value the City used. Even if (as appears to be the case)
the Swings paid more than the property is worth in its present condition, $330,000
must be taken as the market value of the property in repaired condition, that is, in
the condition the Swings were led to believe it was in when they bought it. The
City's method of dividing total value by the number of units gives a value of the
house in question of $66,000, not $36,120, when the correct total value of the
property is used. Thus, the City's analysis was faulty from the outset because it
was using an incorrect and extremely low figure for the value of the property on
which the house in question sits.
Second, the City compounded the problem by determining the value of the house
in question simply by dividing the assessed value by the total number of units on
the property. This procedure assumes that each of the five units on the property
contrbutes equally to the total value of the property. There is no reason to believe
this is in fact true. The house in question is a separate one family dwelling. The
other units are apartments in a fourplex. The only reasonable assumption is that
the separate dwelling, being far more desireable as a rental unit, contributes
substantially more to the value of the property than does each of the units in the
fourplex. The true value of the house is clearly substantially in excess of one fifth
of the total value of the property. Thus, the City used the wrong method of
determining the starting point for its analysis and the wrong method of deriving the
value of the unit in question from its incorrect starting point. Therefore even using
the incorrect cost figure of $30,000 stated in the permit application, the City
should have granted the permit,
CONCLUSION: It is undeniable that the City made a mistake in denying the
Swings' building permit application. The proposed alteration of the existing
building is clearly permitted by Edmonds Community Development Code Section
17.40.020 D.2. And it is just as clearly not prohibited by Section 17.40.020 F.
The proposed work in no way increases the nonconforming aspect of the building
in question. The cost of the work (even using the exaggerated figure incorrectly
t
Mr. Jim Driscoll, U-iring Examiner
June 17, 1993
Page 5
used in the permit application) does not begin to approach, much less exceed, 50%
of the value of the building in question. The City's denial of the Swings! building
permit application must be reversed, and the requested building permit must be
issued.
Respectfully submitted this !7th day of June, 1993.
'�-�--x
Thomas C. Sorenson
j
Itr9%e930615.swi
WSBA #11977
Attorney for Appellants
0 0
CITY OF EDMONDS
250 5TH AVENUE NORTH, EDMONDS, WA 98020
PLANNING DIVISION
ADVISORY REPORT
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
TO: JIM DRISCOLL, HEARING EXAMINER
FROM:
?effre4yyS. Wilson, AICP
Current Planning Supervisor
DATE: June 14, 1993
FILE: AP-93-61
HEARING DATE, TIME, AND PLACE:
JUNE 17, 1993 AT 9:00 AM
Community Services Conference Room -
Community Services Building
250 5th Avenue North
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Appellant Information .............................................................................. I
Recommendation.................................................................................... 2
SiteDescription ...................................................................................... 2
History................................................................................................ 3
Edmonds Community Development Code Compliance ........................................ 3
Appendices........................................................................................... 4
Partiesof Record .................................................................................... 4
1. INTRODUCTION
A. APPELLANT INFORMATION
1. Appellant: Thomas Sorenson, Attorney at Law representing Richard and
Ana Swing.
2. Site Location: 640 Maple Street (see Attachment 1).
3. Rgquest: Appeal of Planning Division interpretation related to
"alterations of nonconforming buildings" pursuant to Edmonds
Community Development Code (ECDC) Chapter 17.40.020, and
AP93-61/6-11-91REPORMSTAFF
Richard ,/Sorenson
File No. A I
Page 2 of 40
subsequent denial by the City of a building permit for an existing single-
family structure located at 640 Maple Street (see Attachments 2 through
4).
4. Review Process: Appeal; Hearing Examiner conducts public hearing
and makes final decision.
13
5. Major Issues:
a. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Chapter 20.95 (SETBACK ADJUSTMENTS).
b. Compliance with Edmonds Community Development Code
(ECDC) Section 20.105 (APPEALS AND COURT REVIEW).
B. RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on Statements of Fact, Conclusions, and Attachments in this report, we
recommend denial of this appeal.
U. FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS
A. SITE DESCRIPTION
1. Site Development and Zoning:
a. Facts:
(1) Land Use: The subject property is developed with a
detached single-family residence and a four-plex. The
residential units on the subject property are currently legal
nonconforming structures.
The existing single-family residence building, is currently
nonconforming because the building intrudes into the
setback area.
The existing single-family residence is the structure which
is the subject of the building permit and staff
interpretation in question (see Attachment 4).
(2) Zoning: The subject property is zoned RS - Single
Residential - 6,000 square foot lot size requirement (RS-
6), (see Attachment 1).
2. Neighboring Development and Zoning:
a. Facts:
(1) North: Developed with detached single-family
residences, and zoned RS-6 (see Attachment 1).
(2) South: Developed with detached single-family residences,
and zoned RS-6 (see Attachment 1).
AP93-61/6-11-91REPORTSWAFF
Richard � ,/Sorenson
File No. Ap" I
Page 3 of 4W
(3) East: Developed with detached single-family residences,
and zoned RS-6 (see Attachment 1).
(4) West: Developed with detached single-family residences,
and zoned RS-6 (see Attachment 1).
B. HISTORY
1. Fact: The subject property is developed with a detached single-family
residence and a four-plex. The residential units on the subject property
are currently legal nonconformities.
2. Fact: The existing single-family residence building, is currently
nonconforming because the building intrudes into the setback area.
3. Fact: The appellant (applicant) applied for a building permit on March
24th, 1993, to replace the foundation under the existing single-family
residence, except the kitchen which had already been replaced (see
Attachment 5).
4. Fact: The appellant was notified by the Planning Division on April 6th,
1993, that the building permit was denied. The basis for the denial
included the concern that the height of the residence would be increased
upon completion of the new foundation; and, that the cost of the new
foundation exceeded 50% of the replacement value of the existing
residence (see Attachment 4).
5. Fact: A building permit for the existing single-family residence was
denied by the City on the basis that the proposed construction would
increase the degree on nonconformity (see Attachment 4).
6. Fact: The representative for the appellant (Tom Sorenson, Attorney at
Law) has stated in a phone conversation with the Current Planning
Supervisor for the City of Edmonds, that the height of the residence will
not be increased with the replacement of the foundation wall, but rather,
that the area beneath the residence will be excavated. In addition, Mr
Sorenson has indicated that the assessed valuation used by the staff in
determining the replacement value/construction ratio was inaccurate, in
that the property recently sold for $330,000 and not the $180,000 used
by the planning staff.
C. EDMONDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE COMPLIANCE
a. Fact: Section 20.95.050 establishes the appeal procedures to
appeal a Staff interpretation.
2. a. Facts:
(1) Section 17.40.020 establishes the provisions which are
used to evaluate all nonconforming buildings, and
determining when such buildings are required to be
brought into conformance (see Attachment 6).
AP93-61/6-11-91REPORTSWrAFF
Richard ', /Sorenson
File No. AQW I
Page 4 of 4W
(2) The building permit application appeared to indicate that
the height of the existing residence would be increased
with the replacement of the foundation wall (see
Attachment 5).
(3) The building permit application indicated that the value of
the work to be done is was approximately $30,000. In the
absence of more specific information, staff determined
that the value of the existing residence was approximately
$36,000. Therefore, the cost of work equaled
approximately 83% cost of replacement cost of the
structure. (see Attachments 4 and 5).
(4) Historically, the City has used a 50% construction cost as
the break point to define when a proposal changes from
"Maintenance and Alterations" to become "Restoration"
as defined in ECDC Sections 17.40.020.D and
17.40.020.F. Under the staff's interpretation, because the
cost of the proposed work exceeds 50% of the
replacement cost of the residence, the proposed work is
considered to be a "restoration" as defined in ECDC
17.40.020.F (see Attachment 6). Restoration of a non-
conforming structure is not permitted.
(5) The question under appeal is whether the staff's
interpretation is correct; i.e. is it appropriate to use the
50% threshold standard for "restoration" as the cutoff
point in defining whether a building proposal should be
considered to be "maintenance and alterations" or
Of restoration". A second question concerns whether it is
reasonable to use assessed value as a substitute for
replacement value in the absence of other information.
III. APPENDICES
Attachments I through 6 are attached.
1. Vicinity/Zoning Map
2. Letter of Appeal (received 4/5/93)
3. Appellant's letter in Response to Denial of Building Permit (received 4/6/93)
4. Letter from City to Appellant Denying Building Permit Application (3/29/93)
5. Building Permit Application (3/24/93)
6. ECDC Section 17.40.020 (NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS)
IV. PARTIES OF RECORD
Appellant: Anna Swing; 2333 North 193rd Street; Seattle, WA 98133
Tom Sorenson; Attorney at Law; 320 Dayton Street, Suite 106; Edmonds, WA 98020
Planning Division
Building Section
AP93-61/6-11-91REPORTSWAFF
V,
8 9 0 � 19 9 -
0
40
CITY OF EDMONDS
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works 9 Planning 9 Parks and Recreation e Engineering
October 6., 1993
Ana M. Swing
2333 N. 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
RE: Plan Check #93-24
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
According to building division records the subject permit application
expired on September 24, 1993. Your plans will be held for 10 days in
order that you may come in and pick them up. If they are not picked up
by October 16, 1993 they will be recycled. The Building Official may
grant a one-time 180 day extension upon written request of the
applicant stating the reasons for the request.
If you have any questions, call the Building Department at 771-3202.
Thank you,
Sharon F. Nolan
Permit Coordinator
I)A
10
0 Incorporated August 11, 1890 0
Sistef'%�ities International — Hekinan, Japan
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City of Edmonds
250 5th Ave N.
Edmonds, Wa., 98020
Project: Swing Plan Review 93-24
640 Maple
Dear Ms. Nolan
Richard Swing
2333 n. 193rd.
Seattle, Wa.
Enclosed please find two set of copies of the
information you requested in your letter of 7-8-93.
1) The plot plan has been drawn to a 1-20 scale -. see
document
RECEIVED
AU6.1 6 1993
PERMIT COUNTER
2) Two copies of the plan for the foundation design, stamped by
the professional engineering office Johnson Coastline, Assoc. has
been provided - see document
3) A foundation plan has been provided with the
position of vents indicated on the plan - see foundation plan
4) Crawl space access, as indicated on the'plan�is under the
kitchen - see foundation plan I
5) A floor plan has been provided.
6) . The lengths of the anchor bolts are 1/2"/by 10'(1top) and 1/2"by
8f,d
bottom) - see engineering design
7) The R value of insulation in the floor will be R30
8) The thickness of the proposed footing is provided on the
engineering design document.
9) The new crawl space will require the removal of 45 cu. yds of
earth.
10) Xmil poly overlapped 12 // will be used in crawl space - see
engineering design.
11) A shoring plan has been providejd.��,�f,7/ kf6l
12) In regard t; *n
1� I on in the walls, all new walls will be
insulated with ecaus e the r e was no insulation in them pre-
s
viously. The k chen wal ls are existing. Interior bathroom and
utility walls wil.1 be replaced with new studs - see Proposed
Changes to Swing Rental House
a) There will be no new electrical work other than
the replacement of what was there already
b) There will be no new plumbing other than the
replacement of ruste ' d pipes.
c).New sheetrock work will be done by owner. Taping.
will be subcontracted.
d) Gutters will be installed on north and south eaves
of house and east eave of carport.
I sincerely hope this answers all your questions. Please
advise myself and my contractor Mr. Jensen as to when we may -begin
work. The delays to this project have already been costly. Again,
thank you for your speedy attention to this matter.
Richard Swing
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Notice of Modification
The undersigned owners, in consideration of the approval of a.
modification under Section 106 of the Uniform. Building Code by.
the Building Official of the City of Edmonds, do hereby record
this notification to prospective purchasers and lenders.
1. Subject Site. This notice is filed with respect to a?,
structure located at 642-1/2 Maple Street, City of Edmonds
Washington, legally described as:
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This document is a covenant to notify which touches and
concerns the previously described,land and shall run with the
land to any future purchasers, heirs, assigns. or other -party
acquiring an interest in the property.
2. Modification. A modification to the requirements of the
Uniform Building Code has been granted to the foundation of
the structure. The structure itself is currently a legal
non -conforming use in the City of Edmonds in that it is
grandfathered under the terms of the City's ordinances as
they exist, but does not comply with the current requirements
of either the zoning code or uniform building code.
Alterations or modifications in the structure could require
it to be brought into compliance with such codes.
Prospective purchasers are urged to review the approval
modification contained in Building Code File
No. and to consider the comments of the
building official conta uch file.
DONE this Al day of V , 1990.
OWNERS:
George T
WSS52571M
�qdl
Marga-�et Terek
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VOL. 2376PAGE1 3 5- 6
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FRONT
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BUILDING DEPARTMENT
WORK 9 110
ADDRESS
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APPROVED DATE-
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PERVA�T UMBER
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RECEIVED
MAR 2 4 1993
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PERMIT COUNTER
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March 29, 1993-
Mr. & Mrs. Swing
2333 N. 193rd St.
Seattle, WA 98133
CITY OF EDMONDS
250 - 5TH AVE. N. - EDMONDS, WA 98020 - (206) 771-0220 - FAX (206) 771-0221
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Public Works a Planning * Parks and Recreation 9 Engineering
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Swing:
LAURA M. HALL
MAYOR
coz��) �
I have had the opportunity to review your application for a building permit to replace the foundation of an existing
building at 640 Maple Street, Edmonds. Last week'Mr. Swing contacted me and asked me if the nonconforming use of
the subject property would prohibit the proposed foundation repair. During the conversation, Mr. Swing stated that there
is a four unit apartment in -the front of the property and a one unit house in the rear of the property. I told Mr. Swing that
the property was zoned for single family use, but that the buildings on the property were placed there prior to the
enactment of the single family zoning for that area.
Section 17.40 of the zoning ordinance contains several different types of legal nonconformities. Two of these are legal
nonconforming uses and legal nonconforming buildings. A legal nonconforming use is one where the use of the property
was previously allowed, but has become prohibited since the time the use began. A legal nonconforming building is one
which does not conform to size, setback, height or other bulk standard requirements, but did conform to such standards
when the building was constructed.
Considering that the property had five units, and has continuously had those five units since the time it was legal to have
five units on the property, the property is determined to have a legal nonconforming use. A legal nonconforming use
cannot be expanded in any way. Maintenance and repair, is allowed for a nonconforming use. Therefore, if the building
to be repaired is only nonconforming -due to the number of dwelling . units, the repair would be allowed. As you may
recall, this is what we discussed on the telephone.
Unfortunately, during our phone conversation I was not informed of the nonconforming rear setback. The RS-6 zone
district requires a 15 foot rear setback. Though your site plan does not state the specific rear setback, . it is apparent that at
least a portion of the subject building is in the rear setback area. Considering this, your building is not only a legal
nonconforming use, but it is also a legal nonconforming building due to the protrusion into the rear setback. The height
of.a nonconforming building cannot be increased, and no restoration or repair exceeding 50% of the value of the building
may be performed.
Your proposal will increase the height of the foundation, therefore it will increase the height of the building and, as
previously. stated, an increase in height will not be allowed. In addition, your permit application states that the value of
the proposed work is $30,000 The Snohomish County Assessor values all buildings on your property at $180,600. That
works out to $36,120 per unit. Therefore, with no better information , the City must assume that the subject building
valuation is $36,120. $30,000 is over 50% of $36,000. Due to this information, the Planning Division finds that the
project as proposed cannot be approved for issuance. The application for foundation repair as submitted is denied.
Sincerely,
John Bissell, AICP
Planning Division
cc. Permit Coordinator
0 1
9 Incorporated August 11, 1890.o
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PROQJE SS INSPECTIONS PER USC 305
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(TYPE OF USE, BUSINESS OR ACTIVITY) EXPLAIN:
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NUMBER OF STORIES
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Plan Check No. V
MECHANICAL
This Permit covers work to be done on private property ONLY.
GRADING/FILL
Any construction on the public domain (curbs, sidewpiks,
driveways, marquees, etc.) will require separate permission.
STATE SURCHARGE
Permit Application: 180 Days
Permit Limit: I Year - Provided Work Is Started Within 180 Days
STORM DRAINAGE FEE
"Applicant, on behalf of his or her spouse, heirs, assigns and
ENG. INSPECTION FEE
5,�
,n
successors in interest, agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City of Edmonds, Washington, Its officials,
m
employees, and agents from any and all claims for damages of
a:
<
whatever nature, arising directly or indirectly from the Issuance
of this permit. Issuance of this permit shall not be deemed to
PLAN CHECK DEPOSIT
0
modify, waive or reduce any requirement of any city ordinance
x
norl . imit in any way the City's ability to enforce any ordinance
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE
provision."
I hereby acknowledge that I have read ills application; that the
information given is correct; and that I am ihe owner, or the duly
ATTENTION
APPLICATION APPROVAL
authorized agent of the owner. I agree to comply with city and
state laws regulating construction; and In doing the work authoriz-
THIS PERMIT
AUTHORIZES
This application Is not a permit until
ed thereby, no person will be employed in violation of the Labor
ONLY THE
signed by the Building Official or his/her
Code of the State of. Washington relating to Workmen's Compensa-
WORK NOTED
Deputy; and fees are paid, and receipt is
tion Insurance.
INSPECTION
acknowledged in space provided.
NATURE'(O R OR -AGENT) DATE SIGNED
DEPARTMENT
3 -.2 Y
CITY OF
OFFJrlA1 'c� SIGNATURE DATE
ilikii".11%
EDMONDS
I
ATTENTION
CALLIFOR
.�.EASEL DATE
INSPECTION
IT IS UNLAWFUL TO USE OR OCCUPY A ILDING OR STRUCTURE
'INTIL A FINAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN MADE AND APPROVAL OR
771-0220
ORIGINAL — File YELLOW — Inspector
Li
nERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY HAS BEEN GRANTED. UBC
R 3.
102-81
PINK — Owner GOLD — Assessor
08/16/93 13,05
1A
March 10, 1993
93rO33-100
Richard and Anna Swing
2333 N. 193rd Street
Seattle, WA 98133
2 206 2591359 JOHNSON/CUASTLIN
7�
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FILE -COPY
RE: I Foundation Damage at 642 Maple Street, Edmonds, WA
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Swing:
C04q;'-
Per your request, I made a site visit to check the condition of the existing foundation of
the above -referenced site.
The existing one-story wood frame house is supported by 8 x 16 concrete block
foundation.
The existing 6" log f I . oor joist are dry -rotted and damaged by carpenter. ants due to close �
contact with soil and lack of ventilation. The detarioration of the wood member has taken
place during a period of 10 years or more.
We recommend reinforcing the existing concrete block foundation with a now concrete
foundation and floor joist. (See details enclosed).
if you have any question, please feel free to call.
Sincerely,
J; UONI OMASINE S kCIATEIS, INC.
Nick Lehtinen, P.E.
Senior Project Manager
�_- — , f116 /� P_ 3
5a— - 6-;r1,i7oc--
&gir1eefing1pimr;ning—,79ii Bond Street, Suite 201� Everett, Washington 96201.(206)259-6071[Seotde362-6884
02
Notice of Modification
in consideration of the approval of a
The undersigned owners,
modification under Section 106 of the uniform Building Code by.
the Building official of the City of Edmonds, do hereby record
this notification to prospective purchasers and lenders.
1.
Subject Site. This notice is f iled with respect to a
structure located at 642-1/2 Maple Street, city of Edmonds,
Washington, legally described as:
Lot 1.2 a.*,4 /_3 / S1,VC_k q5-1 Pte& 0-7t- 4e (�4y Oil' cfei;�.Ols
r-e_"-^AA 1'." ve
3S'
C6,-4j -F
4-� o E "S4 5+&/ 4- O-r "_S4A'A)-/0q
This document is a covenant to notify which touches and
concerns the previously described land and shall run with the
land to any future purchasers, heirs, assigns. or other part . y
acquiring an interest in theproperty.
2. Modification. A modification to the requirements of the
Uniform Building Code has been granted to the foundation of
the structure. The structure itself is currently a legal
non -conforming use in the City of Edmonds in that it is
grandfathered under the terms of the City's ordinances as
they exist, but does not comply with the current requirements
of either the zoning code or uniform �building code.
Alterations or modifications in the structure could require
it to be brought into compliance with such codes.
Prospective purchasers are urged to review the approval
modification contained in Building Code File
No. — and to consider the comments of the
building official containe -in such file.
DONE this /T day of &..Ao... 199o.
OWNERS:
Marga-let Terek
George Teroc
WSS52571M
1 0009100 504 VOL. 2376PAGE1356
431.
CaQjVj,�M �jtgr BE 1,RIT,,m: No 'v-JIML C(>IPIAIIRS -ILL BE
-�JJJS FORM KiST BE WIP1,ETE.
RijcjilVED ,TE, A
APR 2 0 1990 CITY OF EMMS
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TYPE oF ACTION EXPB=:
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mz= OF 327VES=GATION': TIME REQUIPM:
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CONSTRUCTION PEnmIT APPLICATION JOB SUITE/APT
OWNER NAMEINAME OF BUSINESS ADDRESS
Lf.GAL DEbCRIF7TION Y�Lcl twuo,(m "I) P Nu
MAILI.NG ADDRE:�:; 'I
12 ICU PUBLIC FIGHT .1 %NA1 P111 FlICIAL 111EeT MAP. 'El
APPROVED By
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SEE ENGINEERING MEMO DATED
4 CITY zip IT:-,LEPHONC NUMBER REMARKS
NAME
lit
� a Description of Property - !nclude all easements
�101� t�elow or attach two copies)
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Tax ACCOUnt Parcel No.
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REMODEL GARAGE
POOL
STOVE I RETAININGWALL]
[]WOOD
INS E R T I I ROCKERY
RENEWAL
(TYPE OF USELBUSINESS OF; ACTIVIII Y) EXPLAIN:
NUMBER OF STORIES
NUMBER OF
DWELLING
UNITS
NATURE OF WORK TO BE DONE (ATTACH PLOT PLAN)
SIZE IBUILDING SUPPLf SIZE [FIXTURE UNITS
SIGN AREA
ENV. REVL�',
ADB NO.
., PROPOSED
EXEMPT
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PLANNINC REVIEW BY
SETBACKS — FEET
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LOT COVERAGE
FRONT SIDE
BEAR
I
REMA9KS
TYPE OF
SPECIAL INSPECTOR 2EA JOCCUPANOY OC,�UPANT
FEOUIFEO GROUP P LOAD
I -I YE S JA
NO
REM.RKS
PROGRESS INSPECTIONS PER LIBC 305
FINAL INSPECTION
REQUIREn
Oct
VACEIA:, ON
PIN CHECK FEE
BUILDING
PLUMBING
eckNo.
Plan Ch 4
-SHANICAL
T;iis Permit covers _ulk to be bone on private property ONLY.
Any construction or. the public domain (curts, sidewMlks,
driveways, marquees. etc will require separate permission.
GRADINGIFILL
STATE SURCHARGE
Permit Application: 18,0 Days
Permit Limit; 1 Year - Provided Work is Started Within 1.60 Days
"Applicant. on behalf of his or her spouse, heirs, assigns and
successors In interest. aprees to indemnify. defend and hold
harmless the City of Edmonds, Washington, its officials.
n
employees, and age IS from any and all claims for damages of
isin directl 0. indiractl from the issuance
t
w atever nature. ar g y y
5, of lh�s permit. Issuance of this permit shall not be deemed to PLAN CHECK DEIOSIT
nod.tv, waive or reduce anv requirement of any city ordinance
nor limit in any way the City's ability to enforce any ordinarLe TOTAL
AMOUNT DUE
provision."
4?1
I hereby acknowledge that 1 have read this application: that the
ATTENTION
APPLICATION APPROVAL
inlormation gi,en i3 �;orrect; and that : am the owner. or the duly !
� -,%�
authorize agent oi the owner. I agree to corr.pIv with city and
d
a
'AlUT."111"IT
This application is not a permit until
state laws regulalint; construclicn; and in doing the work authoriz. ii
C."."
signed ty the Building Official or his
� M,
,�o 9
d ereby. no person will be -�mployed in violation )f the Labor
e t h
ONLY THE
WORK NOTED
Deputy: and fees are paid, and.receipt is
Code of tt,.e State of Washington relating to Workmen's Compensa
cxknowledged in zpace provided.
flon insurance.
AGE171 IEC
INSPECTION
p EPARTMENT
OFF[rIAL'S IGNAT _E
2" /50
C17Y OF
77
EDMONDS
CAI * LFOR
64.1" DATE
ATTENTION
JNSPECT!ON
�.ELFASED
IT IS UNLAWPUL TO USE OR OCCUPY A EUILDING OR STRUCTURE
771-3202
UNTIL A F:NAL INSPECTION HAS BEEN MADE AND APPROVAL OR
A CERTIF CATE OF OCCUPANCY HAS 3EEN GRANTED. UBC
ORIGINAL —'FOP YELLOW lnnp�v
PINK OW,.cr GOLO Assesso
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RECORD OF INSPECTIONS
INSPECTOR
DATE APPROVED
SETBACKS ..............
FOUNDATION:
Footing
We.. ...
Pier/Porch
Retaining Wall ..........
PLUMBING:
Underground ...... . .
Rough�-In .
CF.
HEATING:
C- as Test
Gas Piping
Equipmnt ...
CF....................
FRAMING
SHEETROCK NAILING ...
It
�"h yr
SPECIAL INSPECTION
411
FINAL APPROVAL
FOR OCCUPANCY
0A1
4-
1 4 '
5/14/90
TO: Fi le
rROM: Dick Mumma//�J
RE: 642 MADLE STREET
On 5/14/90, visited 642 Maple Street, talked to owner of the property.
Notified her and two workers on site that a Stop Work was still in
�Jfect and that all work must stop on the site until the permit is
issued. Home owner said they were confused; that they thought work was
only to stop on one side of the house. �4e reaffirmed that all work
was to stop on the project until the pni"-mit was issued. We asked the
property owner to come into the office and pick up the plans for
corrections as required.
While on the site, John Bissell and I observed that the work had
continued on repair of t!-,e foundation. The existiag concrete block and
stones had benn encapsulated in a concrete pour around two-thirds of
the house. We explained to the homeowner that the foundation was not
of an approved type and would probably have to be removed.
RRM/sfn
642flAPLE/TXTCSPLN
14 ----------
CITY OF EDMONDS LARRY NAUGHTEN
N-1 VAIQR
250 -5T-i AVE, N - -UMONDC. WA 9SNO - (20r) 771-3202
CONINAUNIT-Y SERVICES: PETER E. HAHN
171 Public Works Planning Parks zmd Recreation Erincerin, DIRECTOR
9 0
George and Marguerite Tarek
PO Box 12
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: 642 1/2 Maple
Dear homeowner,
on May 5, 1990 I issued a permit for repairs to your rental house
at 642 1/2 Maple Street and lifted a Stop Work that was issued on
foundation
May 14, 1990. Work included in the permit i,,-as a new
in original
under the existing home. The foundation described your
block foundation. You changed that
submittal was to be a masonry
design during the plan review to a typical concrete foundation.
n
On or about Julv 2nd, ! received a call from a COMP lainant
had
reporting you had not installed a new foundation but covered
mesh and
the existing variety of blocks, bricks and wo od with wire
the call, I
covered the mesh with concrete. After receiving
the ccnplaint had
insuected the site to see if the allegations of
-
the foundation had been completeC, without the
any merit. I found
necessary inspections required by the building code. I could not
determine what construction techniques or material were used since
my depLrtment did. not perform the required foun dation inspection
per section 305 of the Uniform Building Code.
j
Therefore, I take the following action;
1. Pursuant to Section 202 (d) of the UBC, I order you to Stop
Work on this structure until the necessary foundation
inspection is conducted by an approved special inspector or
a licensed engineer to establish the foundation is in
compliance with the approved plans.
3. Since the stability of the foundation is in ques tion thus
causing the stability of the house to be in question, the
requirement of the paragraph above must be met by July 27,
1990.
o Incorporated August 11, 1800 *
Sister Cities International — Hekinan. ',Par,
W
If the deadline above is riot met, the building will be found *n
v iolation of it's �;-_cupancy puvsuant to section 202(e) of the IJBC
and ordered vacated. if you have any questions about this action
feel free to call me a�,/71-3202 during normal business hours.
Richard R "a
Building �fMfuimia 1
City of Edmonds
cc: John Bissell., Code enforcenent Tech.
Kary Lou Block, Planning Manager
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
Terek.rrm
P 772 229 329
RECEIPT FOR CERTIFIED MAIL
A0,11MRANCE COVERAGE PROVIDED
OT. FOR IfITERNATIONAL WIL
(See Reverse)
1 5 Senim
George & t1arquerite Terek
Street and No.
P. 0. Box 12
P.0 . State and, zip coce
Edmonds VIA 98020
Postage S
C�e,,ned Fee
S_�C,�f Delwery Pee
OC! y F�c
Pet— Re,p,
* -ha'. and D
S6,0_g to ho�
Da,e. and ddress of Daltvery
Cz TOTAL Poslage and Fees
p st k 0, oate
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CITY OF EDMONDS
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250 - 51H A VC N. . EDMO�14()S. WA 96020 . (','OG) 7711202
COMMUNITY SERVICE&
Public Worl:s - P13nning - Parks and Recreation Engineering
9 0
1
July 27, 1990
0
LARRY S. NAUGHI
MA
PETER E. W
DIRE,
George and Margaret Terek
P.o. Box 12
Edmonds, WA 98020
Re: 642 _1/2MapIP pending
Jim writinj to update You an the status of the action tW is
on your property at 642 1/2 Maple.
My inspection of your property recently did not disclose any condition
that I would consider hazardous, even though the existing -foundation
was not installed in compliance with the current code. I also saw that
compliance was impossible because of your non -conforming status. Any
height of the building tc provide for the required
change in the e made your structure an
,em, would hav
clearance under your floor syst , ict application of the
illegal use. In your case, I believe the str
building codes would be a severe hardship --and the codes do provide for
some leniency in special cases.
As far as your case is concerned, I have concluded that the strict
application of the code is practically impossible and have requested,
the city Attorney review the status Of your file and make a
recommendation. 1 have asked if he coold consider a declaration an
your deed notifying any Potential buyeir that the foundation system was
repaired but is not in compliance with.the current code, and, because
of the configurati'on of the existing foundation, potential problems
could occur in the future. As a result of this review, I have
suspended any,action on your property until a decision has been
received from ur City Attorney,
'ece ived 'rom u r "'y
Richard R;. umma
Building official
City of Eftonds
RRM/sfn
cc: city Attorney
Mary Lou Block
TEREK2/TXTSFN61
- Incorporated August I I - 1990 "
Sister Cities International — Hekinan, Japan
7";:r
CITY OF ED,' ON D_Q
4.P: ';F]02U - (20,51) 771-3202
SIH AVE N - CDMONM�
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Public Works - Plannino
C3
go . 19"
July 27, 1990
irks and Recreation - Engineering
Scott Snyder, City Attorney
ogden, Murphy & Wallac6
2100 Westlake Center Tower
1501 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-1686
LARRY S. NAUGHTEN
yAyon
PETER E. HAHN
D,RLCT01
Re: GEORGE AND MARGARET TEREK
During our regular Tuesday meeting on July 24, 1990, we discussed a
reasonable resolution for the Terek problem. As you recall, Mrs. Terek
had begun working on her residence to repair the foundation without
Ifirst obtaining a building permit. We -issued a "Stop Work" and
required a permit. Mrs. Terek then agreed to install a typical
concrete foundation, but, after repairs began he realized it would be
impossible to comply and completed repairs wiihout calling for the
required inspections. A complainant notified our office that work had
continued on the project that was not in compliance with the plans.
I nspected the sitp on iijly 23, 1990, and found the foundation system
to be in relatively good condition even though 4t was not in compliance
with the current code. Because of the age of the house, I suspect at
the time of its installiation it may have been a 1,,gal foundation but no
longer compliEs Vith the current code. The problem that the Tereks
face, is that any r.-vement of the house upward to inst311 a legal
foundation would cause it to lose its non -conforming status and make it
an illegal use. Therefore, in the meeting, we discussed tha
possibility of attaching a statement to the deed of the property
declaring that the structure is not in compliance with the current
building codes, and some language to the effect that the existing
foundation may deteriorate over a period of time.
I've enclose
,A a copy of the Jile for your review and recommendations
Richard R. Mumma
Building official
City of Edmonds
RRM/sfn
enclosure
TEREKI/TXTSFN61.
- Mcorporated Augusf 11 1. 1890 *
Sister Cities international — Hekinan, Japan
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4AUGH T EN
CITY OF 'EDMONDS LARRY S. f
OFFICE OF
THE CITY ATTORNEY
447-700C FAX: 447-2015
1191Q0
3�
9 0 - 1 9 C,
DATE: p.ugust 2, 1990
TO: Dick Mumma, Building official
FROM: W. Scott Snyder, Office of the city Attorney
RE: Terek Rental Home--642 112 Maple
ile regarding the repair of a rental
You have �orwarded to me a f
lncated at 642-1/2
ay;d
home owned by George and Margaret Terek
ity of Edmonds. while the full details are Nll,
Maple in the C:
contained in the file which you have 'provided me, it is mY W14po,
under;tanding that the existing structure s foundation system was
'vely condition altht�ugh not in compliance with
in relat good
ventually.
current code. The lack of proper ground clearance may e
In order to bring the
lead to determination of the structure.
foundation into compliance with the code, the house would need to
from 18 to 24 inches. Any such movement of the
be moved upward
house would cause the structure to lose its non -conforming status
under the zoning code.
The work described in the pe=-it application was installation cf
foundation. The plans were chunged to specify a
a mason--y block
The actual uork co-mpleted consisted
Z;
typical concrete foundation.
blocks, bricks and wood
of covering the existing foundation of
with wire mesh and concrete.
As you are aware, section 104(b) of the UBC provides that:
...........
alterations or repairs may be made
Additions,
to any building without requiring the exis-�_ing
%b
-ements
building . . . to comply wit3� all requir.
of the code, provided the addition,.alteratian
or repair conforms to that required for a new
building or structure.
The section continues that no change can be made which will cause
the building to be in violation of the code or unsafe in
specified categories. it is my understanding that the work which
was done cloes not make the building unsafe. On the other hand it
n, which will lead to the
does not stabilize the existing conditio
the
gradual deterioration of the structure. Needless to say,
work which was done does not comply with the existing code.
Section 104 continues, however, to provide that alterations or
repairs to existing buildings which are non-structural and which
2100 Westlake Center Tower, 1601 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-16--3
o Incorporate(I AUgUS( 1 0
Sister Cities Ii.ternational Hck;nan, Japan
I c d� -
el _4
P
ilP I
IV
go
Memo to Dick Muuima
August 2, 1990
Page 2
will not adversely affect any structural member may be made-
" . . . with the same materials of which the building . . . is
constructed." You may wish to consider whether the repairs are
non-structural. if in your opinion they are, you should consider
whether the materials are the same as that which the buildina was
originally constriicted.
Sections 105 and 106 deal with approved alternates and practical
difficulties. Section 105 requires that a suggested alternative
have a design which complies with tha code and is an equivalent
to the code requirement's in terms of suitability or strengr-h.
The new design does not comply with the code and would not
provide structural strength equivalent to t,-.-:-t of code approved
foundations. Therefore, section 105 does not appear applicable.
Section 106 provides that the building official may approve
modifications in situations where strict application of the
letter of the. code would be impractical, and the modification
conforms to the intent and purpose of the code and would not
lessen the fire protection requirements or "any degree of
structural integrity. 11 If you wish to approve a modification
this seems the most practical alternative. The foundation wcrk
which was done does nothing to improve the structural stability
of the non -conforming foundation but neither does it decrease its
stability.
Therefore, while you cannot approve the work which was done under
strict application of the code, you could find that it is non-
structural work under Section 104(b) if it is of the same
materials which the building was originally constructed. If the
materials are different, and they appear to be due to the mesh,
you could approve a modification through section !06 of the
section !U4(b) non-structural requirements. section 106 requires
the Building Official to enter notice into the records of the
nodification which has been approved. Your suggestion that a
brief notice be recorded wou'l-A be a logical extension of Section
106's requirements and should be a part of your modification
decision. Attached as Exhibit A is language which I suggest be
included in your modification decision. Feel free to vary it
according to the actual contents of your inspections and your own
common sense. Exhibit B is a notice for recording. Rather than
contain detailed information, it puts future purchasers on record
notice by advising them that they should consult the building
permit files and inform themselves of the modification which has
been approved.
If you have any queotions please feel free to call.
WSS:tcp
0006.040:WSS52571M
.2 J
S
�7 3P
EXZIBIT A
Draft languagf, for i1iclusion in modification decision:
The undersigned building official of the City of Edmonds has
inspected foundation work done on the structure located at 642-
1/2 MaplP street, city of Edmonds, Washington. Work was done
under building permit application No. but did not
comply with the oriainal application or t�ie amended
application. The -work which was done consisted of coverina an
existing non -conforming foundation of bricks, blocks and ;�ood
with a wire mesh and concrete. The work which was done is not in
conformance with the code and could not be approved under
Sections 104(b) or 105 of the Uniforia Building Code.
In my judgment however, the work was not structural in nature.
It did not improve the structural stability of the non -conforming
foundation bulk. neitl'er does it reduce the stability of the
existing foundation. The foundation does not provide tie
sufficien,'C. ground clearance required by the current code and
continued deterioration of the foundation and the structure
should be anticipated. Any purchaser of the prol.,:-rty should
conduct a structural inspection of the foundation and consider
the recommendation their own experts and should not rely on the
issuance of a building permit as any indication that the
structure complies with existing codes.
Because of the non -conforming nature of the structure, the
structure itself would be lose its non -conforming status under
building and zoning codes if a conforming foundation were placed
under it. This would re.cpAre the building to be removed. For
these reasons, I find that. there are "practical difficulties"
with the application of the code as terms used in Section 106 of
tho Uniform Building Code. I therefore apprcved a modification
of S�w 104 (b) , specif ically f inding that the alterations and
repairs to the existing structure were "non-structural" - The
modification which I have approved is using materials,
specifically wire mesh, that were not incorporated in the
original structure.
This modification and approval should not be taken as an
indication that the current structure cOmplies with the
provisions of 'the Uniform Building Code or the Zoning Code of
city of Edmonds. It is non -conforming in both contexts. I have
no indication however that the structural intogrity of the
structure has been lessen by the work and may have had some
slight inprovement. I therefore! approve thii7 modification
subject to the filing of a notice to prospective purchasers and
lenders in the records of Snohomish County, Washington. If the
notice is not filed, this modification will be void, the
structure will become an illegal nonconforming use and I will
require it to be removed.
WSS52571M
7-7—
Notice of Modification
!he undersigned owners, in consideration of the appi.-)val of -3
iodification under Section 106 of the uniform Building Code by
�he Building official of the City of Edmonds, do hereby record
:hls notificaticn to prospective purchasers and lenders.
au�j_qcr_ Site. This notice is f iled with respect to a
str%'�Lture located at 642-1/2 Maple Street, c3l,:y of Edmonds,
Washington, legally described as:
This document is a covenant to notify which touches and
concerns the previously described land and shall run with the
land to any future purchasers, heirs, assigns or other party
.acquiring an interest in the property.
Xg_dAgjcatio A modif ication tj the re mirements of the
J2. - granted tc the foundation of
Uniform Buildin�; code has been
the structure. The structure itself is currently a legal
non -conforming use in the city of Edmonds in that it i.-;
grandfathered under the terms of the City's ordinances as
they exist, but does not oomply with the current requirements
of either the zoning code or uniform building code.
Alterations or modifications in the structure could require
it to be brought into compliance with such codes.
Prospective purchasers are urged to review the approval.
modif icatio:i contained in Building Code File
No. aid to consider the comments of the
building official contained in such I,ile.
DONE this _ day of 1990-
OWNERS'
George Tarek Margaret Terek
WSS52571M
i�iR
i_AFI11Y S. NAUGHTEN
NDS MAYOR
CITY OF EDMO
.(206) 771.3,02
250. El HAVE. N. - EDMONDS. WAIJ802()
PETER E. HAHN f:
COMMUNI TY SERVICES: arks and R--creation Engj(1-_eriog OMECTOR
89 114 Public Works Planning P
August 14, 1990
George & Margarita Terel,
post office Box 12
Edmonds, Washington 98020
RE: 6,�2 1/2 Maple Street
Permit #900402
As a followup to try letter dated 7/27/9C, I have miade the following
determination on the foundation work at 642 1/2 Maple Street. A site
inspection revealed that repair work on the foundation was not done in
a--cordance with minigium standards of the M8 edition of the Uniform
Building Code, .(UBC) as required under permit #900402. The work which
was done consisted of covering the 2xisting non -conforming foundation
of bricks, blacks and wood with a wire mesh and concrete. The work is
not In conformance with UBC standards and -It cannot be approved under
strict interpretation of Sections 104 (b) or 1o5 of the UBC.
It is my judgement however, that the work is not structural in nature
and does not improve or reduce the structural stability of the existing
non -conforming foundation. Further, the existing foundation does not
provide the sufficient ground clearance required by the current code
f the foundation and the structure should
and continued deterioration a I
be anticipated. Any future purchaser of the property should conduct a
private structural inspection of the foundation and consider the
recommendation of their own experts and should not rely on the issuance
of a building permit by the City C-s any indication that the structure
complies with the existing codes.
As you are aware, since the building is non -conforming it would lose
its status uneer the building and zoning codes if a conforming
foundation were placed under the structure. This would require the
building to be �or these reasons, I find that there are
'practical difficulties-- with the application of the code as terms used
4n section 106 of the UBC. I therefore approve a modification cf UBC
Section 104 (b), specifically finding that the alterations and repairs
to the existing structure are "non-strlictural". The modification which
'f4cally wire mesh, that are
1 have approved is using materials, SP2cl ,
not incorporated in the original structure.
a incorporated August 11. 1890 0
Sister C;ties Internationai — Hekinan. Japan
'f tl)
A
George & Margarita Terek
August 14, 1990
Page Two
This modification and approval should not be taken as an indication
that the current structure complies with the provisions of the UBC or
the Community Development Code of the City of Edmonds, it is
non -conforming in both contexts. I have no indication however that the
structural integrity of the structure has been lessened by the work and
may have had some sli5ht improvement.
I therefore approve this modification subject to the filing of a notice
to prospective purchasers and lenders in the records of Snohomish
Cointy, Washington. If the notice in not filed, this modification will
-�e void, the structure will become an illegal non -conforming use, and I
will require it to be removed. The jotice of Modication form is
attached, it must be completed, signed by all owners of the property,
notarized and recorded with Snohomish County. A copy of the recorded
monds Building division by no later
document must be provided to the Ed
rded
than September 14, 1990. Failure to provide a copy of the reco
document by this date will result in immediate action to abate the " Z
structure.
if there are any questions please contact me at 771-3202.
Richa�-d R. Mumma
Building Officia,
cc: City Attorney
Notice of Modification
The undersigned owners, in consideration of the approval of a
modification under Section 106 of the Uniform Building Code by
the Building OI:ficial of the City of Edmonds, do hereby record
this notification to prospective purchasers aiid lenders.
1. Subiect Site. This notice is filed with respect to a
structure located at 642-1 / 12 Maple Street, City of Edmonds,
Washington, legally described as;
Lot Y-4 Q A
(f'; C'14 I's4 "'J", '-i cry,
This document is a covenant to notify which touches and
concerns the previously descxibed land and shall- run with the
land to any future purchasers, heirs, assigns or other party
acquiring an interest in the property.
2. Modigication. A modification to the requirements of the
Uniform Building Code has been granted to the foundation of
the structure. The structure itself is currently a legal
non -conforming use in the City of Edmonds in that it is
the City's ordinances as
grandfathered under the terms of
they exist, but doas not comply with the current requ irements
of either the zoning code or uniform building code.
Ali-erations or modifications in the structure could require
'ance. with
it to be brought into compl-4 such codes.
Prospective purchasers are urged to review the approval
modification contained in Building Code File
ments of the
No. and to consider the con
building official containe n such file.
DONE this day of
OWNERS:
J2
George Ter.- Marga�et Terek
WSSF�2571?1
9000 10 i) 5 04
VLA*
-I-
I
lb
Z
A� 9
t
14
MORTGAGE HOLDER/LENDER:
STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF6664e�,--111
I certif%, that I know
or have satisfactory evidence'that,
A
George Terek sign;d this instrument
and acknowledged it tc be his
mentioned in this
free and voluntary act for
the purposes
instrument.
...... .... .
DATED this _I—Lday of
Alt" 1990.
NOTARY PUBLIC
M,
STATE OF WASHINGTON
)ss:
COUNVI
certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that
Margaret Terek signeid this instrument and acknowledged it to be
in this
her free and voluntary act
fcjr the purposes mentioned
instrument.
........ "I,;,-*,.
17
DATED this_,/ --aav of
1990.i-,
e,
NOTi Y PUBL*C
M cormiss ion ex
v pi
STATE OF WASHINGTON
)ss-
COUNTY OF
I certify that I
know r have satisfactory evidence
sl gned thi3 inst--um--nt, on oath
that the
stated that (he/she) was authorized to execute
(title)
instrumebt and acknowledged
it Els the
WSS52571M
10 C. 5 0 A
of to be, the free ;...Id voluntary act of
such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in thit3
instrument.
DATED this _ day of 1990.
z
7,i
nK'
WSS52571M
i')OOq 10 0 5 0 4
NOTARY PUBLIC
my commission expires;
-3-
- (-I
nt
LU
r D
Z)
A,-
I
LARRY S. vlAUGHTEN
OFEDMONDS !�Mon
CITY
77 1 .:Q02
(200
5TH AVE. N V.11, 911020
Lcv!�, 250 PETER E. HAHN
COMMUNITY SERVICES:
Public Works - plj.nning - Paflks and Recreation Engineering
. . . . . . . . . . .
LETTER �OF TRANSMITTAL
)�A c-, I
Plan review number:
)Ject: C 0 4
�&ncss
?,nsmitting: —Plans & CaIcs— Soi:, RePOrt Othc,-
Com-ments:
For your information:
_101 'i��
ested by vour office:
As requ
Per y lie, %/\-X—
For structural plan review:
r
For non-structural plan review:
For -Washington State Energy Code review:
For NTorthwest Energy Code review: rJL
F017 Fire Code review:
ff
Note attachpd comments:
For Corrections and resubmittal: Building Division
Respond to leftr in writing: CV\,
Rcsubmit 2 revised plans:.--- City Official
Send directly to City Building Division:
- Incorporated AUgLJSt ]L 1890
Sisler Citl�s jr,terri,)tjonal — Hekinan. JaPa-v,