application materials for PLN20120047.pdfCity of Edmonds RECEIVED
DEC 2 11
Land Use Application
I I ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW ®'
I I COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
I I CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FILE # �L r IrFa tfZ,ONE a �c�✓
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❑ HOME OCCUPATION DATE i e6� � �""'" 1 -- REC'D BY �- t�v" d""°-^w..
CI FORMAL SUBDIVISION I
1 SHORFSUBDIVISION FEE: o RECEIPT#
l LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT HEARING DATE
❑ PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
❑ OFFICIAL STREET MAP AMENDMENT I I HE STAFF PB ADB I CC
STREET VACATION
REZONE
SHORELINE PERMIT
VARIANCE / REASONABLE USE EXCEPTION
OTHER:
® PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INFORKATION CONTAINED® IVITIIIN THE APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC RECORD
PROPERTY ADDRESS OR LOCATION 15500 7-; tb `L 4/ E®MDpQS/ wA • 78026V
PROJECT NAME (IF APPLICABLE) (9 " P" A6'r/06W1:%r_
PROPERTY OWNER GrO. �a/yaEk pe spAl ',APFIONE#*Or_ 33 /" �d'0r-
ADDRESS _ 3"� ? IPPOO AL - t! 116 & F i% kW, ?,�y X tP?
E-MAIL �j IP P1rt n & �d�9C�37%Ij�/ FAX# qh
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TAXACCOUNT# ®�/�3 SEC. 05- TWP. 2-7AW RNG. 4 F
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT OR PROPOSED USE (�A, TTACH COVER LETTER AS NECESSARY)
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DESCRIBE HOW THE PROJECT MEE S APPLICABLE CODES (ATTACH COVER LETTER AS NECESSARY)
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APPLICANT 1,'9M6T 7NO%044,9 /AVMiMV7- PHONE#
ADDRESS "L,,LL��/ I%P1-97% .41/VE,"MTr, %r�l ' 9�'A®%
E-MAIL TA.Pimti r R atrrA-DIPS/ n /)G? FAX# A/4
CONTACT PERSON/AGENT 'rnme PHONE#
ADDRESS
E-MAIL FAX #
The undersigned applicant, and his/her/its heirs, and assigns, in consideration on the processing of the application agrees to
release, indemnify, defend and hold the City of Edmonds harmless from any and all damages, including reasonable attorney's
fees, arising from any action or infraction based in whole or part upon false, misleading, inaccurate or incomplete information
furnished by the applicant, his/her/its agents or employees.
By my signature, I certify that the information and exhibits herewith submitted are true and correct to the best of my knowledge
and that 1 am authorized to file this application on the behalf of the owner as listed below.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT/AGENT �l/!/���"" DATE /2- -/7" ?- a/2--
Proper y Owner's Authoriza(lon
"Y, '�_A"')'Cn certify under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of
Washington that the following is a true and correct statement: I have authorized the above Applicant/Agent to apply for the
subject land use application, and grant my permission for the public officials and the staff of the City of Edmonds to enter the
subject
SIGNATURE OF OWproperty for 1NERpurposes zinspectionz� and posting ,2� , ' leis applicatio r DATE r 7
Questions? Call (425) 771-0220.
Revised on 8 22'12 13 - Land Use Application Poke l of I
RECEIVED
2012
DEVELOPMEN-f SERVICES
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
ASSOCIATES, PS
12-17-2012
City of Edmonds
Community Development
121 5t" Ave.N, Edmonds, WA. 98020
Project Name: Olson Variance Narrative Criteria for Entry Drive ands Stairs
In front setback APPLICATION # 1
Plan Check No. BLD20120858
Dear Sir or Ms.,
Pursuant to our 12-17-2012 applications for 3 separate variances concerning
the property at 15500 75t" PI W., Edmonds, WA. 98026, Please find below the
Narrative for each of the required Criteria for this first variance request.
1. Special Circumstances.
Explain how special circumstances related to the property would deprive the owner of the rig
and paytleesperm/tted to other properties in the vicinity.
What special circumstances such as lot size, shape, topography, stream location, wetland location
or other unusual problem are causing an impact, which would
Require a variance?
This property is located within the North Edmonds Earth Subsidence and Landslide
Hazard Zone. Slopes within the site are steep to moderately sloped. The majority of
the lot is also subject to Shoreline Master Program and a 200' setback from the
ordinary high water mark. See Figure 1. which shows the minimum impact building
area. Although Owner built residences are exempt from a Shoreline Substantial
Development Permit, grading activities within the 200' setback are limited for
appurtenances to assist protection of the nearby Puget Sound. These circumstances,
not necessarily present on properties built in the even recent past, formulated the
current design concept which will require a variance for the portions of the stairs and
driveway structures within the front 25' setback. Additionally, this property lies on the
northern property line next the County Park which remains in it's primarily natural
state which reduces the impact on neighboring residential occupants. See criteria # 6
for a further explanation of this last point.
The driveway approach to the site is from the south only, due to the steep slope at
the north end of the property which at the road side is 45-60%. This approach would
require the rebuilding of an existing 6-7' ECOblock wall and subsequent construction
of a 5-6' retaining wall on the down slope side of a new driveway.
Also, 75th PI W is a narrow, infrequently traveled road which would disallow a left
hand turn at the north end due it's 12-14' width, too narrow to make the turnaround
and head south, the only way out of this area.
Since the southern approach is less steep, a conventional 20' radius descending
driveway could be built to a garage at the north end of the lot. We tried this first .See
2221 EVERETT AVENUE SUITE #201 - EVERETT, WA 98201
Phone: (425) 259-0661 - Fax: (425) 252-6911 - www-arch-design.net
Figure 2. However this driveway approach would require the Owners to back out up
the 20% grade to 751h PL W. Backing up a driveway turning at 20% grade would
create an unsafe condition, particularly for guests at night unfamiliar with the
driveway.
A turnaround area as shown in Figure 2 would avoid backing up the length of the
driveway but would require a 5'-7' cut for a retaining wall. This conventional approach
would require about 70 yards of cut and fill from the natural grade, as these walls
require a 4' min cut behind the wall to place the wall plus 2' of structural fill ( quarry
spalls ) to support the foundation, driveway and turnaround area. See Figure 3, a
portion of the original design soils report from Nelson Geotechnical Associates
describing the requirements for this wall.
Additionally, this approach exposes the unstable soils to an increased erosion hazard
during construction particularly.
These facts lead this firm to re-evaluate the approach to the site in an effort to create
a lowered impact design that would reduce the exposure of the site to potentially
increased erosion hazard, rather than the typical cut -fill approach. The current design
is of an elevated ( above the dropping grade but essentially level with the adjacent
roadway ) straight bridge driveway supported by piers below. See Figure 2a.This also
makes it significantly less dangerous to enter and exit the parking area which is a
privilege permitted to other properties as regulated by the engineering requirements
of the City of Edmonds.
These special circumstances created the current design which allows normal parking
and access. The current design also protects this portion of the site from excess cut
and fill placement and exposure to potential additional landslides during construction
while maintaining the natural integrity of site to highest degree possible.
As Nelson Geotechnical Associates have stated in their report, the soils on this site
should have a low to moderate hazard for erosion ( and consequently less likely
to fail ) in areas that are not disturbed and where the vegetative cover is not removed.
The elevated driveway achieves this goal.
Architectural Design Associates as made this minimum disturbance the primary goal
when designing the current driveway approach, placement of the residence on the
site and the foundation design. It is the opinion of Architectural Design Associates
these special circumstances on this property actually assisted the creation of this
better design which requires a variance for the portions of the driveway and stairs
structures that are within the setback.
2. Special Privilege,
Explain why the proposal is not a grant of special privilege. Is the proposal something that is
allowed to other property owners In the vldnlly, but would be disallowed on your property?
If the variance is denied?
This proposal is an effort to provide a safe and simple driveway approach without
damaging any more of the vulnerable site to excess cut and fill activities as described
in the Geotechnical report. Many homes in the area, in the past, have been faced with
burden of driving safely in and out of down sloping properties. The 25'setback
itself does not preclude a safe approach and driveway.
This variance request is particular to this site with it's unique and challenging
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2221 EVERETT AVENUE SUITE #201 - EVERETTWA98201
Phone: (425) 259-0661 - Fax: (425) 252-69 11 - wwwarch-design,net
a guardrail that is very rational and thoughtful but requires a variam:L� in the front
setback
In light of the recent advances and awareness in ecological management practices
as highlighted by the adoption of Shoreline Master Program, it is the responsibility of
design professionals to make every attempt to create minimum impacts in their
designs, particularly on highly sensitive properties such this.
Although there is a alternate method of accessing the garage avid parking, as
described above that was more common for development such as this in the past,
granting this variance is not a special privilege but rather a sincere effort to allow a
safe and simple parking and driveway with minirnurn impact to the site using a
portion of front setback for this function only.
3. Comm-h-ensime Plan
Explain how the PrOPOSC71 is COIISis&,'17t with /-/7(,? G()1)7P1_0h(16'1V(? PINT,
The Comprehensive Plan designation is residentia I .-resource. This proposed
develo ment meets the hi
2221 EVERETT AVENUE SUITE #201 EVERETT, WA 98201
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4. honing Ordinance
Explain how the proposal /,s, co1?s15j"(-?17t W//'/r the purposes of the Zoning Orclil7-717c"? with the Zone
DIStrict in which the property is located,
Residential development is allowed on this as a Permitted Primary Use per
ECDC 16.20.010. The property is zoned RS-20 and the proposed residence meets the
development standards as per ECDC Table 16.20.030 except for the variances for
which we are currently submitting.
This application for variance is for allowing the proposed driveway and entry
stairs to be within the 25'front setback.
Under separate applications, we are also applying for 2. A variance to allow the
proposed maximum height to be 3'-0" above the allowed 25'from average grade
and 3. A variance to allow a 3'-0"floor area within the required 25'north side
setback.
S. Not Detrimental
EXPla'n how the PI-OPOSal is not detrimental. cl 7tal, Will the pottl6n Of YOWPMPOS'al for which you seek
a variance cause a loss of proper-ty valtle, Scel?ic vlew Or use of the sul touncling I)l'opel-lies? Will
-'r njurious or hal-17 flyl to c7 ly
The portion of the project for which you seek a variance b(-' PhYSICallY 7
pelSO17 0/7 yarn- property 0/- SUI-11OU17CAng properties ?
This proposed variance will cause no harm or be detrimental to either the people
or property.
Firstly, the purpose of this variance is to provide a safe and simple driveway
for access to the garage and parking as defined in the criteria regarding Special
Circumstances above. The gently sloped, guardrail protected, elevated driveway
allows for easy access and avoids the curves and steep slopes of the alternative
driveway we explored and have shown in Figure 2. The driveway and stairs are both
protected by a sturdy metal guardrail built to last and per building code requirements.
We feel this safe and simple driveway will actually increase the value of this property
as it appeals to those of limited mobility. The driveway is a gentle slope arid the stairs
have 2 intermediate landings which is beyond code requirements.
Secondly, as has been stated before, the concept driving this proposal is to also do
our best to help maintain public health and welfare by keeping the residence within
the low impact building zone which assists the overall protection of both the site and
theresidential occupants of the proposed residence.
The proposed residence has little affect on scenic view as the neighbor to the north
is the county park, the neighbor to the south's view is not affected and the neighbor
to the east's floor and deck area are well upslope and only partially in sight,
see Figure #4.
6. Minimum Variance
Explainhow the proposed variance is theI771n#nult? r7eracled to jjc 7o cony
I (Jate the plopose(I
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This proposed variance, as explained in the text of Criteria #1 Special Circumstances,
is requested to provide a safe and simple driveway and parking area for the
occupants and guests of the proposed residence. Although another way to provide
a curving and steep driveway can be accornplished, it is our opinion this steep &
curving driveway takes to great a toll on the site and is less safe.
2221 EVERETT AVENUE SUITE #201 - EVERETT, WA 98201
Fax:
Given that fact this site is extremely sensitive both in terms of the ultimate safety to
the occupants and the greater issues of the surrounding environment, we feel thi's
minimum encroachment into the front setback is why this variance helps to mitigate,
in particular, the hazards and potential for a landslide occurring during construction
and throughout the life of the residence.
Respectfully submitted,
James A. Thomas, Architect
Architectural Design Associates, PS
2221 Everett Ave # 101, Everett , WA. 98201
0: 425-259-0661 C: 425-681-7731
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Revised Geotechnical Engineering Report
Olson Residence
15500 — 75`" Place West
Edmonds, Washington
July 15, 2011
NGA File No. 8342B I 1
Page 13
FIGUIZE
RETAINING WALLS
STRUCTURAL. FILL
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
review all plans for grading on this project. We do not recommend grading on steep slopes, or placing
irrigation systems near the slopes.
Foundation Support
Current plans indicate that the entire residence will be supported on 16- to 24-inch reinforced concrete
piers, extending a minimum of 25 feet below existing ground surface.
An open -hole drilling method will likely be feasible based on our field observations, however, if caving
conditions are encountered, pile casing will be required. The holes should be cleaned of any slough or
water prior to pouring concrete. We recommend that the concrete be readily available on site at the time
of drilling. The holes should not be left open for any extended period of time, as sloughing debris and/or
groundwater seepage into the excavations may hamper pier installation.
For piers installed successfully as described above, we recommend using a design axial compression
capacity of 25 and 40 tons for 16- and 24-inch piers, respectively. Lateral resistance on the piers could be
calculated based on an equivalent fluid density of 200 pounds per cubic foot (pef) applied to two pile
diameters. The upper 15 feet should be neglected for the purpose of calculating the lateral resistance.
Structural Fill
General: Fill placed beneath foundations, pavements, and other settlement -sensitive structures, or behind
retaining walls should be placed as structural fill. Structural fill, by definition, is placed in accordance
with prescribed methods and standards and is monitored by an experienced geotechnieal professional or
soils technician. Field monitoring procedures would include the performance of a representative number
of in -place density tests to document the attainment of the desired degree of relative compaction. The
area to receive the fill should be prepared as outlined in the Site ]Preparation and Grading subsection of
this report. Sloping areas to receive till should be benched prior to fill placement. The benches should be
level and at least four feet wide.
Materials: Structural fill should consist of a good quality, granular soil., free of organics and other
deleterious material and be well graded to a maximum size of about three inches. All-weather fill should
contain no more than five -percent fines (soil finer than U.S. No. 200 sieve, based on that. fraction passing
Revised Geotechnical Engineering Report
Olson Residence
15500 — 75"' Place West
Edmonds, Washington
July 15, 2011
NGA File No. 8342E I I
Page 14
the U.S. 3/4-inch sieve), We do not anticipate placement of significant volumes of structural fill for this
project. The on -site soils consist of moisture -sensitive silty materials and slide debris. We recommend
that the on -site material not be used as structural fill. We should be retained to evaluate the suitability of
proposed structural fill materials at the time of construction.
Fill Placement: Following subgrade preparation, placement of structural fill may proceed. All filling
should be accomplished in uniform lifts up to eight inches thick. Each lift should be spread evenly and be
thoroughly compacted prior to placement of subsequent lifts. All structural fill underlying building areas
and pavement subgrade should be compacted to a Minimum of 95 percent of its maximum dry density.
Maximum dry density, in this report, refers to that density as determined by the . ASTM D-1557
Compaction Test procedure. The moisture content of the soils to be compacted should be within about
two Percent Of optimum so that a readily compactable condition exists. It may be necessary to over -
excavate and remove wet soils in cases where drying to a compactable condition is not feasible. All
compaction should be accomplished by equipment of a type and size sufficient to attain the desired degree
of compaction.
Retaining Walls
We understand that retaining walls up to nine feet high will be incorporated into project plans. We
recommend that retaining walls be kept as short as possible.
The lateral pressure acting on subsurface retaining walls is dependent on the nature and density of the soil
behind the wall, the amount of lateral wall movement which can occur as backfill is placed, wall drainage
conditions, the inclination of the backfill, and other possible surcharge loads. For walls that are free to
yield at the top at least one thousandth of the height of the wall (active condition), soil pressures will be
less than if movement is limited by such factors as wall stiffness or bracing (at -rest condition), We
recommend that walls supporting horizontal backfill and not subjected to hydrostatic forces be designed
using a triangular earth pressure distribution equivalent to that exerted by a fluid with a density of 40 pef
for yielding (active condition) walls, and 60 pef for non -yielding (at -rest condition) walls.
Revised Geotechnical Engineering Report
Olson Residence
15500 — 75 h Place West
Edmonds, Washington
July 15, 2011
NGA File No. 8342B11
Page 17
of the piles. A 50 percent reduction of this value can be applied for the purpose of designing the wall
lagging. The passive resistance could be calculated based on a 100 pef equivalent fluid density acting on
two effective pile diameters below the base of the exposed portion of the wall, This value incorporates a
factor of safety of 2. The below -grade portion of the wall should not be shorter than twice the wall stick-
up height.
The soldier pile wall should be installed by a shoring contractor experienced with this type of system.
Although we anticipate that an open -hole drilling method will be adequate for installing the soldier piles
in the on -site soils, the shoring contractor should be capable of casing the holes as sloughing and/or water
seepage may be encountered. It might be prudent to perform one or more "test" holes to confirm
installation conditions prior to finalizing work plans. Any sloughing or water that may collect in the
drilled holes should be removed prior to pouring grout. Grout should be readily available on site at the
time the holes are drilled. The holes should not be left open for any length of time, as that may increase
the potential for caving and water seepage to impact wall installation.
If groundwater seepage is encountered, we recommend that the concrete be trerni.ed from the bottom of
the excavations to displace the groundwater to the surface. Extra Portland Cement may also be placed in
the bottom of the excavations to reduce the effects of seepage. The spoils from the soldier pile
excavations are expected to be moisture -sensitive materials and should be removed from the site. We
should be retained to monitor on site activities during the soldier pile wall installation on a full-time basis.
The wall should be lagged using pressure -treated timber or concrete panels. Adequate gaps should be
maintained between the lagging elements to allow water flow through the face of the wall. Also, all wall
backfill should consist of 2-inch clean drain rock. It is imperative that water not be allowed to pool
behind the wall, therefore extreme care should be taken not to contaminate the drain rock with silt or
organics. In wet conditions, it might be necessary to use a filter fabric along the back of the drainage
layer.
Pavement Subgrade
Pavement subgrade preparation should be completed as recommended in the Site Preparation and
Grading and Structural Fill subsections of this report. Depending on the tolerance to pavement
Revised Geotechnical Engineering Report
Olson Residence
15500 -- 75h Place West
Edmonds, Washington
July 15, 2011
NGA File No. 8342B 11
Page 18
cracking, we recommend that the upper two feet of the existing material be reproved and replaced with
structural fill. The pavement subgrade should be proof -roiled with a heavy, rubber -tired piece of
equipment, to identify soft or yielding areas that may require repair prior to placing any structural fill and
prior to placing the pavement base course. We should be retained to observe the proof -rolling and
recommend repairs prior to placement of the asphalt or hard surfaces. If the existing soil is left in place,
the pavement section should be thickened to further reduce the effects of settlement.
Repairs of Recent Landslide
For the landslide that was recently experienced on the steep slope on the property, we recommended
that the exposed soil be covered with heavy duty erosion control matting such as Tensar C350 Turf
Reinforcement Mat, or equivalent. Prior to placing the matting, any areas of loose soils should be
removed to expose dense native soil. The matting should be staked at the top of the slope with two to
three rows of two- to three-foot long metal rebar that is either bent at the end or has a metal "T"
welded to the end. The mat should be laid flush to the slope and staked to the exposed soil on the
slope a minimum of every five feet. The slide debris that accumulated behind the small retaining wall
should be cleaned out. After the matting netting is placed, we recommended that deep-rooted
vegetation be planted on the slope and grass seed be planted to re-establish vegetation growth. All
surface water flow should be permanently directed away from the slide area. We should be retained to
monitor the repairs of the landslide.
Site Drainage
Surface Drainage: The finished ground surface should be graded such that stormwater is directed to at),
appropriate stormwater collection system. Water should not be allowed to collect in any area where
footings, slabs, or retaining walls are to be constructed. Final site grades should allow for drainage away
from the structure and away from the steep slopes. We suggest that the finished ground be sloped at a
minimum gradient of three percent, for a distance of at least 10 feet away from the structure and slopes.
Surface water should be collected by permanent catch basins and drain lines, and be discharged into an
appropriate discharge system. Under no circumstances should water be allowed to flow uxtcontrolled over
the site slopes or excavation walls.
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OLSON RE'SIDENCE,