07-0796 Plan Review Comments (2).pdfCITY OF EDMONDS • 121 5th AVENUE NORTH • EDMONDS, WA 98020
PHONE: 425.771.0220 • FAX: 425.771.0221 • WEB: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: PLANNING • ENGINEERING • BUILDING
August 21, 2007
Steve and Theresa Cline
8610 Maplewood Lane
Edmonds, WA 98026
RE: PLAN REVIEW COMMENTS FOR PLAN CHECK # 2007-0796
DETACHED STRUCTURE AT 20704 77TH PLACE WEST
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Cline:
I have reviewed the above building permit application for the Planning Division. As the
garage/shop is proposed, I cannot sign off on the permit for the following reason:
1. Setbacks. Your parcel at 20704 77th Place West is defined as a through lot in the
Edmonds Community Development Code. In other words, it fronts on two streets but
is not a corner lot. As a result, you have two 25-foot street setbacks (east and west)
and two 7.5-foot side setbacks (north and south). Your proposal used the exception
that allows rear setbacks to be reduced to a minimum of 5 feet for an accessory
structure of less than 600 square feet. In this case, however, there is no rear setback
from the western property line but rather a street setback and, unfortunately, there is
no exception in the Code for street setback reduction for accessory structures.
Going forward, it appears that there is enough space on the western portion of the
parcel to move the garage eastward and attach it to the proposed addition. I reviewed
the addition (BLD-2007-0971) concurrently with the garage and that proposal appears
to meet City requirements for setbacks and height.
Another option could be to pursue a setback variance for the garage. I have enclosed
the City’s variance handout for your review. The process is costly (approximately
$1350), time-consuming, and there is no guarantee that it will be approved by the
Hearing Examiner. However, if you think you can meet all six variance criteria, it is
a possibility.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 425-771-0220 (x1330). As I mentioned above, I
am able to sign off on your proposed addition. If you choose to relocate the garage and can meet
setbacks, that is something I could approve without resorting to the variance process.
Sincerely,
Development Services Department - Planning Division
Mike Clugston
Planner