PLLN20120021-DRIVEWAY SLOPE WAIVER REQUEST.pdfnOMEGA
ENGINEERING, INC.
May 22, 2017
2707 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
t 425_387.3820
f 425_259.9 958
Jeanie McConnell
Engineering Program Manager
City of Edmonds�� s°�
RE: Waiver Request for Driveway Slope for Ritter SP.
Permit Application #: PLN20120021
Dear Jeanie,
For this project, it is necessary that we request a waiver for the maximum driveway slope on this project.
ECDC 18.80.060.D limits the maximum slope for a driveway to 14%. The proposed driveway for this
short plat will be slightly less than 20%, 19.1 % as currently designed.
Justification for Waiver Request:
This project is in an area where the existing slopes range up to 40% or more and is considered a
landslide hazard area. The project Geotechnical Engineer has reviewed the site and has provide some
recommended improvements to account for this, like a debris wall. This in turn has impacts on the
grading for the site along with the existing slopes as noted.
To minimize the depth of cuts into the existing soils and reduce the need for retaining walls or at a
minimum reduce the wall heights a steeper driveway is required. By utilizing the steeper driveway slope
the driveway as designed will be at existing grade by the time it reaches Lot B. In contrast, a 14%
driveway slope would have left the driveway 3-feet or more below grade which would have resulted in
higher retaining structures and foundations along the access on Lot A along with the foundation wall for
the future SFR on Lot A.
The other benefits of utilizing the steeper driveway slope is the reduction in the disturbance area for this
project. The retention of the existing vegetation around the construction work is vital in protecting the site
and downstream area from erosion and sediment during construction. In addition, the steeper driveway
will provide a safe "landing" area for cars at the intersection with Olympic View Dr which will reduce a
potential safety hazard and provide driveways on -site for the future SFRs that will be easier to navigate
and park on.
Thank you for taking the time to review the revised plans for this project. Please feel free to contact me
with any questions you may have.
/Sincerl ,
M. Smeby, P.E.
Principle Engineer