2007-151_809-CaryRd.pdf
CRITICAL AREAS RECONNAISSANCE REPORT
Site Location:Tax Acct. Number:
809 Cary Road 27032400713900
Determination:Determination #:
Study Required CRA-2007-151
Applicant:Owner:
Robert Preston Robert Preston
CRITICAL AREAS RECONNAISSANCE REPORT:STUDY REQUIRED (CRA-2007-151)
During review and inspection of the subject site, it was found that the site may contain or be adjacent to
critical areas, including a Landslide Hazard Area, pursuant to Chapter 23.40 of the Edmonds Community
Development Code (ECDC).
The LiDAR map (attached) indicates that there is a steep slope along the western edge of the property as
it slopes down to the BNRR right of way. The applicant states that this slope is not on his property,
however, even if it is indeed adjacent to the critical area (top of slope) the property is still impacted by the
steep slope buffer. See attached map for approximate top of slope. Projects proposed further than 65 feet
from the top of slope (50’ buffer + 15’ setback from the critical area) will not require a geotechnical
report. The proposed conditional use permit for an amateur radio antenna (CU-2007-86) is sited further
than 65’ from the top of the slope, so the Planning Division would not require a geotechnical report with
the building permit application.
GENERAL CRITICAL AREAS REPORT REQUIREMENTS
Critical Areas Reports identify, classify and delineate any areas on or adjacent to the subject property that
may qualify as critical areas. They also assess these areas and identify any potential impacts resulting
from your specific development proposal. If a specific development proposal results in an alteration to a
critical area the critical areas report will also contain a mitigation plan. You have the option of completing
the portion of the study that classifies and delineates the critical areas and waiting until you have a
specific development proposal to complete the study. You may also choose submit the entire study with
your specific development application.
Please review the minimum report requirements for all types of Critical Areas which are listed in
ECDC 23.40.090.D. There are additional report requirements for different types of critical areas (see
below).
Note that it is important for the report to be prepared by a qualified professional as defined in the
ordinance. There are options on how to complete a critical areas study and an approved list of
consultants that you may choose from. You may contact the Planning Division for more information.
General Mitigation Requirements for all Critical Areas are discussed in ECDC 23.40.110 through
23.40.140.
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STUDY REQUIREMENT – LANDSLIDE HAZARD AREA
It appears that this property contains or is adjacent to a Landslide Hazard Area.
A Landslide Hazard Area is any area with a slope of forty percent (40%) or steeper and with a vertical
relief of ten (10) or more feet (except areas composed of consolidated bedrock).
Landslide Hazard Areas are further defined and illustrated in ECDC 23.80.020.B.
In addition to the general requirements for Critical Areas reports referenced above, specific Critical
Area report requirements for Landslide Hazard Areas are provided in ECDC 23.80.050.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ASSOCIATED WITH LANDSLIDE HAZARD AREAS
Development is restricted within a Landslide Hazard Area and its buffer.
Projects that will intrude into these areas will require a report by a licensed Geotechnical Engineer.
The criteria that are applied depend on the amount that the buffer is reduced.
The buffer can be reduced to a minimum of ten (10) feet (with an additional 15’ building setback per
ECDC 23.40.280) if a report is prepared that meets the standards listed in ECDC 23.80.050). The
alteration must also meet the requirements listed ECDC 23.80.060.
In addition, proposals to reduce the buffer to less than ten (10) feet must comply with the design
standards listed in ECDC 23.80.070.A.3.
ALLOWED ACTIVITIES
Certain activities are allowed in or near critical area buffers as specified in ECDC 23.40.20. If you have
any questions about whether your proposed development qualifies as an allowed activity, please contact a
Planner for more information.
EXEMPT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Certain development proposals may be exempt from Critical Areas Requirements (ECDC 23.40.230). If
you think that a specific development proposal may be exempt, contact a Planner for more information.
Gina Coccia, Planner November 21, 2007
Name, Title Signature Date
* NOTE: Cited sections of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) can be found on the City of Edmonds website
atwww.ci.edmonds.wa.us.
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