Exhibit 4 - Applicant declarations.pdfDecember 14, 2007
ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS TO THE RESIDENCE OF
CLARE & STEVE LONG
20024 MAPLEWOOD DR., EDMONDS 98026
Applicant Declarations
Description
Description of Proiect and requested variance: Project is a two story
addition to the rear of the existing single family residence. Variance
request is. to allow a small portion of the added roof ridge to exceed the
required 25' height limit by approx. 20" to align with the existing ridge.
See attached site plan, floor plans, exterior elevation sketch and photos
(dated 12114107).
Criteria
Special Circumstances.
• Topography: lot slopes down toward rear, therefore increasing
calculated height without any gain of interior space;
• Tall trees at property line to south provide public benefit, but keeps
house in shade. Height of addition allows more access to sunlight.
2. Not a_Grant of Special Privilege.
• The original house was built in 1944, prior to height restrictions.
Therefore this original height (which we propose to match) was not a
special privilege.
• The neighbor at 930 — 12th Pl. North was recently granted a garage
height variance
• Property rights of height exceeding 25' are common to the vicinity: e.g.
at the property immediately to the south, there is a house of the same
vintage that has a height of approx. X35' to the adjacent grade.
3. Comprehensive Plan. Goals of Comp Plan and how this project meets
and exceeds these goals. (goals stated in italics):
• "Drainage management", "Anticipate and Influence the orderly and
coordinated development of land and building"
o two story addition (in lieu of added footprint) allows for added
living area without increasing impervious surface
M U CCI / TRUCKSESS
1949 Ninth Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119 206 283 2141 Fax 206 283 0056
Long Residence Variance Application
12/14/07
page 2
o two story addition (in lieu of added footprint) allows for
maintaining open space
• "Build on historical character", "The City should continue to support an
historic preservation program to identify and preserve the city's historic
architectural character", "Historic preservation: Identify and encourage
the preservation of lands, sites, and structures that have historical
significance"
o the distinctive "Farmhouse Gothic" style of this house is
proposed to be preserved with a compatible addition. The most
significant feature of the style is the steep roof, which we intend
to match with the addition.
o when neighbors were asked to provide signatures for letter of
support (attached), many commented on the special charm that
this house lends to the neighborhood
"Protect neighborhoods from incompatible additions to existing
buildings that do not harmonize with existing structures in the area
"Additions or alterations to significant architectural buildings should
conform to the style and period of the initial construction as much as
possible"; "In addition to traditional height and bulk standards, design
is an important aspect of housing and determines, in many cases,
whether or not it is compatible with its surroundings':
o the requested minorincrease in height allows the configuration
and scale of the structure to be compatible with the existing
structure (rather than being a disproportionately scaled addition
with a shallow pitch or flat roof).
"Growth management... reduce sprawl; encourage coordinated
development; maximize the economic benefits of that infrastructure;
incentives or other measures to ensure that land adjacent to
infrastructure facilities is utilized"
o this project adds bedroom space wlin exist structure while
maintaining the land's open space (minimized footprint)
o increased occupant capacity of existing home utilizing existing
infrastructure
• "Support retention and rehabilitation of older housing within Edmonds
whenever it is economically feasible", "Preserve and rehabilitate the
stock of older housing in the community"
M U CCI / TRUCKSESS
1949 Ninth Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119 206 283 2141 Fax 2136 283 0056
Long Residence Variance Application
12/14/07
page 3
o maintain this existing housing stock with an update to make it
more usable
• "To promote the public health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity
and the general welfare and values of the community"
o this project has a positive effect on these criteria
4. Zoninq Ordinance.
The approval of the variance will be consistent with the zoning
ordinance.
• The existing single family residential use of this property is in
conformance with the permitted primary use of this zone (RS -12, single
family dwelling units). The use will remain unchanged.
• Apart from the requested minor height increase, the structure conforms
to the Table of Site Development Standards, RS -12 zone.
5. Not Detrimental.
• The addition is on back side of house, not seen from the street and is
visible to only one neighbor (who wholly supports the project)
• No views or sunlight blocked. No physically injurious or harmful
conditions created for this property or surrounding property.
• The addition, built as proposed, will increase property values
• The surrounding neighbors unanimously support the construction of
the proposed addition. Refer to attached letters of support.
6. Minimum Variance.
• The proposed addition ties in with the existing roof peak and will not
exceed it in height.
• A design alternative of a pitched roof of less steepness would be a
very unfortunate esthetic concession for this traditional rural type of
house.
• Though a flat roof structure would accomplish the desirable added floor
space, this would be a maintenance problem and its appearance would
not be compatible with the style of the house.
• Minimal added bulk—since the existing house is only slightly over 25',
when we match the existing ridge height, we are adding a very small
amount of roof`bulk (refer to drawings)
M U C C I / T R U C K S E S S
1949 Ninth Avenue.West Seattle. WA 98119 206 283 2141 Fax 206 283 0056
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October 26, 2007
Hearing Examiner
c/o City of Edmonds Development Services Dept.
Planning Division
121 — 5 Ave. North
Edmonds, WA 98020
re: Height Variance Request for Addition to the Long Residence
20024 Maplewood Drive, Edmonds
Dear Hearing Examiner:
We are neighbors of the property referenced above. We have viewed drawings
of the proposed addition and we are writing in support of the project.
Though not visible because of its location on the back of the house, the pitch of
the roof on the proposed addition is consistent with the unique style of the
original house and would be an attractive alteration. To maintain the pitch, a
minor height variance is being requested.
We feel the slight encroachment into the height limit is not in any way
detrimental. We fully support the Long's effort to improve their home in a
manner that would be an asset to our neighborhood and we encourage you to
grant their variance request.
Sincerely,
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cc: Joseph M. Mucci, AIA
October 26, 2007
Hearing Examiner
c/o City of Edmonds Development Services Dept.
Planning Division
121 — 5 Ave. North
Edmonds, WA 98020
re: Height Variance Request for Addition to the Long Residence
20024 Maplewood Drive, Edmonds
Dear Hearing Examiner.-
We
xaminer:
We are neighbors of the property referenced above. We have viewed drawings
of the proposed addition and we are writing in support of the project.
Though not visible because of its location on the back of the house, the pitch of.
the roof on the proposed addition is consistent with the unique style of the
original house and would be an attractive alteration. To maintain the pitch, a
minor height variance is being requested.
We feel the slight encroachment into the height limit is not in any way
detrimental. We fully support the Long's effort to improve their home in a
manner that would be an asset to our neighborhood and we encourage you to
grant their variance request.
cc: Joseph M. Mucci, AIA