BLD20150882 Plan review comments.pdfCITY OF EDMONDS * 1215" AVENUE NORTH • EDMONDS, WA 98020
PHONE: 425.771.0220 +FAX: 425.771.0221 o WEB: www.edmondsw av
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: BUILDING • ENGINEERING + PLANNING
July 29, 2015
Jim Musar
Aspects Inc.
aspectsinc@comcast.net
RE: PLAN REVIEW COMMENTS FOR PERMIT# BLD20150882
REROOF/PORCH/INTERIOR REMODEL AT 8418 187TH STREET SW
Dear Jim,
I have reviewed the above building permit application for the Planning Division. Before I can
sign off on the permit, however, the following corrections must be addressed through the
submittal of a cover letter and updated plans with changes called out:
1. Nonconforming setbacks: The site plan indicates that the existing house does not
comply with the current minimum 10 -foot side setback from the east and west
property lines as required for the RS -10 zone. As you have indicated, the house was
built in 1959, which was prior to annexation of the site into the City of Edmonds in
1963. Pursuant to ECDC 17.40.020, the structure is considered to be nonconforming
with respect to those setbacks.
Although the City's code allows for the maintenance of an existing nonconforming
structure, ECDC 17.40.020.D.3 indicates that any alterations to a nonconforming
building must comply with current site development standards and may not expand
any nonconforming aspect of the building: "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." In
other words, nonconforming buildings are considered to be 'shrink-wrapped' and can
only be expanded in those areas that meet current code.
In this case, you are proposing to increase roof pitch within the nonconforming side
setback areas (increasing from what appears to be 2:12 up to 4:12). I cannot approve
of the increased roof pitch within those areas —there is existing pitch there already
and satisfactory drainage has been achieved with a roof of that slope for many years
(although maintenance of the existing roof is now clearly necessary). For that reason,
staff could also not be supportive of a variance request.
Please submit three copies of the revised site plan and two copies of any revised building plan
sheets to a Permit Coordinator. Office hours are Monday — Friday between 8:00am and
4:30pm. The permit counter is closed for permit submittals on Wednesdays.
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If you have any questions, please contact me at (425) 771-0220 or
michmamelxlugston @ edmondswa.gov
Sincerely,
At14" &'
Mike Clugston, AICP
Associate Planner
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