Lynch 6-12-07.doc
June 12, 2007
Roy Lynch
24212 Firdale Ave.
Edmonds, WA. 98020
Case: # ZE-07-157, 158, 159, 160 (2007-0065)
Subject Property: 24212 Firdale Ave., Edmonds, WA. 98020
Dear Mr. Lynch,
The City received a complaint regarding commercial painting in a residential zone, a structure built in the
side setback, pliable plastic buildings in the front setback and airborne paint from the painting. The
regulations relating to the subject property’s current use in the ECDC are as follows:
ECDC 20.20 - Home occupations are a permitted use in residential zones but do require a business license
and home occupation permit. There are seven criteria that must be met to obtain an administrative home
occupation permit. If a home occupation proposal doesn’t meet one or more of the criteria the property
owner may apply for a conditional use permit. There is no guarantee a conditional use permit will be
granted if an application is submitted.
ECDC 4.72.020 Business license required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, engage in or practice any business in the city of Edmonds
without first having obtained a business license from the city. If more than one business is located on a
single premises, a separate license shall be required for each separate business conducted, operated,
engaged in or practiced. \[Ord. 3282 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1139 § 1, 1965\].
ECDC 16.20.030 - Site development standards require a 7.5 foot side yard setback and a 25 foot street
setback in a RS-8 Zone. Buildings over 120 square feet or attached to the house require a building permit.
Accessory buildings are addressed as follows:
• Permanent structures - exemptions from building permit
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses;
provided the floor area of the building measured to the exterior wall or post does not exceed 120 square feet
with a maximum eave of 30 inches (building must comply to setback and height requirements for zone)
• ECDC 17.70.010 Other temporary buildings - Temporary structures
Except as provided below in ECDC 17.70.030, a conditional use permit shall be required to construct a
temporary building in any zone. The permit shall be valid for a period of one year; provided however, that
said permit may be extended by the community services director for a single one-year extension upon
submittal of a written application prior to the expiration of the original permit. All the requirements of the
zoning district shall be met. Said application for a conditional use permit or an appeal of the staff decision
granting or denying the extension of such a permit shall be reviewed by the hearing examiner in accordance
with the requirements for any other conditional use permit under ECDC 20.100.010, with the decision
being appealable to the city council under the procedures applicable to any other conditional use permit.
\[Ord. 2833 § 1, 1991; Ord. 2541, 1985\].
7/14/2017 Lynch, 24212 Firdale Ave
Plastic/canvas canopy/tent buildings in summary:
1. When a plastic/canvas building over 120 square feet is constructed without a permit it is either an
unapproved building or an unapproved temporary building. Buildings over 120 square feet require a
building permit and must meet minimum IBC provisions. A plastic/canvas structure is considered non-
conventional and can not meet minimum building code requirements (snow load) and therefore cannot
obtain a building permit.
2. An alternative is to consider it a temporary building. This requires a conditional use permit prior
to construction as described above. The permit is valid for one year and the application can be extended for
a second year. A conditional use permit application with the Hearing Examiner is approximately $1300
depending on property particulars.
3. Whether a building is less than 120 square feet or over 120 square feet, it must meet the required
setbacks and height limits.
Corrective actions required:
Please contact me by June 20, 2007 to respond to the information above.
If you are interested in running a commercial business at that location, please make full
application for a City of Edmonds business license and home occupation permit by July 10, 2007.
Otherwise, without a home occupation permit and business license, any business activities must
cease immediately. Any vehicles worked on should be registered to this address.
Vehicles outside on the property must be currently licensed and operable.
All accessory structures must meet setbacks. Detached accessory structures over 120 square feet
or additions attached to the house require a building permit. Please obtain a building permit for
the addition to the north side of the house or remove. As previously noted, the side yard setback
must be maintained.
Regarding the plastic tent structures: The Planning Board and City Council will be reviewing the
current regulations later this year and provide direction on future tent/canopy regulations. The
enforcement may remain the same (as noted above) or may be modified. In either case,
enforcement is postponed on the plastic tent/canopy structures until the Council’s decision.
Puget Sound Clean Air regulates painting should a home occupation permit be obtained.
Please call me at 425-771-0220 ext. 1716 if you have any questions regarding this letter. Thank you in
advance for your cooperation and assistance.
Sincerely,
Mike Thies
Code Enforcement Inspector
thies@ci.edmonds.wa.us
cc. Puget Sound Clean Air