BLD2006-1205 Bowman 4-13-07 letter.pdfrnC.1890
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CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5TH AVENUE NORTH • EDMONDS, WA 98020 • t425) 771-0220 • FAX (425) 771-0221
Website: www_dedmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Planning • Building • Engineering
April 13, 2007
Robert and Nancy Miller
851 Walnut Street
Edmonds, WA 98020
RE: 851 Walnut, Driveway Approach
Dear Mr. and Mrs- Miller,
GARY HAAKENSON
MAYOR
In her letter to you dated February 14, 2007, Jeannine Graf, Building Official, advised you that a
separate letter from the City would address the issue of the "setback" distance required for your
proposed garage. In your -phone calls to Ms. Graf, you have requested a refund of your permit
fees because of what you consider to be a mistake made by City staff.
I have reviewed this situation and determined that City staff did not make a mistake. With
regards to the permit application you submitted, the building setback requirement is correctly 15
feet from the alley. However, the City has a separate code requirement that driveway approaches
be 20 feet long. Specifically, Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC)18.80.060.C.1
states that "Driveway approaches shall extend from the edge of the existing street a distance of 20
feet or to the edge of the property line, whichever is greater. Approaches shall be constructed of
asphalt pavement or an equivalent approved by the city engineer." In this case, the definition of a
street includes an alley.
The Engineering Division flan Review Corrections dated November 15, 2006 correctly cited the
driveway approach requirement of ECDC 18.80.060.C.1. Although the requirement for a 20 foot
paved driveway approach may limit the possible configurations or orientation for a garage, or
snake siting a garage on a particular lot more challenging, it is not a "setback" requirement and
does not necessarily conflict with the 15 foot setback requirement.
We are evaluating whether we should change the requirement for the 20 foot paved driveway
approach. However, it is a current code requirement.
Again, I have determined that City staff did not make a mistake regarding the required setback
and/or driveway approach for your project, and therefore, we will not refund your permit fees.
Sitcrely,
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DUANE V. BOWMAN
Development Services Director
0 Incorporated August 11, 1890 0