StaffReport.pdfED CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5 Avenue North • Edmonds, WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: PLANNING DIVISION
ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGN REVIEW
- STAFF DECISION -
ADB -2007-39:
Application by the Edmonds School District for a new walking path and outdoor seating area at Edmonds
Elementary School, located at 1215 Olympic Avenue in the Single -Family Residential (RS -12) zone.
Property Owner.
Edmonds School District 15
Edmonds Elementary School
20420 68h Avenue West
Lynnwood WA 98036
Site Location:
Applicant:
Brian Harding
Director of Facilities and Operations
Edmonds School District 15
20420 68th Avenue West
Lynnwood WA 98036
1215 Olympic Avenue in the Single Family Residential (RS -12) zone (Attachment 3).
Project Proposal:
Last year, the Applicant brought an application before the Architectural Design Board (ADB -2006-74) for
proposed playground improvements at the Edmonds Elementary School. They ended up omitting a
portion of their original application (an outdoor seating area and a new walking path) and decided to
phase the project so that they could begin on the rest of the proposed improvements, which was
completed in September of 2006. Attached are the ADB meeting minutes from 09/06/06 (Attachment 6).
Now, under what the Applicant is referring to as "Phase lI," the proposal includes providing a new
outdoor seating area ("amphitheater") in the location suggested by a neighbor and the ADB at last year's
meeting, and to also to construct a new walking path around the perimeter of the playfield. The Applicant
has described the scope of work proposed (Attachment 3), provided a site plan to show the proposal,
which has been highlighted with stars (Attachment 4), and has provided a Playground Improvement Plan
that was created by CG Engineering (Attachment 5). The outdoor seating area has been relocated based
on what was discussed during "Phase I" of the project by the ADB.
Design Review Process.
The subject site is in the single-family residential (RS -12) zone, and this project requires General Design
Review. Projects that remain under the SEPA threshold are reviewed by staff with the building permit,
and the design review is considered an administrative Staff Decision subject to the requirements of ECDC
20.11 (General Design Review), 20.95.040 (Staff Decision —No Notice Required), 16.20 (Single -Family
Residential), and the Comprehensive Plan.
Page I of 3
Staff Report for ADB -2007-39
Edmonds Elementary Playground Improvements ("Phase II")
Analysis.
1. Facts:
a. The improvements are proposed on property with a single-family residential zoning designation
(RS -12).
b. Edmonds Elementary School is the primary use of the site.
c. Edmonds Elementary is located in the "Single Family -Resource" Comprehensive Plan
Designation. The site fronts on several streets, one of which, Puget Drive. Puget Drive is
considered a Principal Arterial.
d. CG Engineering has stated that they predict that approximately 125 cubic yards of fill and
approximately 75 cubic yards of cut will be graded with this project. The project is under the
threshold that would require review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
e. The applicant has stated that the school children and the public are the intended users of the new
walking path.
f. No new landscaping is proposed and none will be removed.
g. There is an existing six-foot chain link fence along the western property line.
h. The applicant has stated that the walking path has only slight grades on its southern side, which
can be accommodated by slight grading and tapering to achieve ADA compliance.
L A goal in the Comprehensive Plan encourages one to "Design the site access and circulation
routes with pedestrians' comfort and ease of access in mind" (Page 75, Urban Design — General
Objective C.3.a).
j. A goal in the Comprehensive Plan encourages staff to "Require that new residential development
he compatible with the natural constraints of slopes, soils, geology, vegetation and drainage "
(Page 54, goal B.6).
k. ECDC 20.11.030.13,1 states, "Grading, vegetation removal and other changes to the site shall be
minimized where natural beauty exists. Large cut and fill and impervious surfaces should be
avoided. "
1. ECDC 20.11.030.C.1 states, "Communityfacilities and public or quasi public improvements
should not conflict with the existing and planned character of the nearby area. "
2. Conclusions:
a. The outdoor seating area is cut into the slope and reflects the natural topography.
b. The walking path is intended for pedestrians, and its path is flat so it will be easily accessible.
c. This project proposes minimal grading.
d. The change to the character of the site is minimal and will not conflict with the character of the
nearby area.
e. The project appears to meet the design standards in the code, however all development standards
will be reviewed with the building permit.
f. This project meets the design guidelines found in the Comprehensive Plan and the design review
chapter of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 20.11.030.
g. A building permit for the proposed playground improvements will need to be approved prior to
construction.
Page 2 of 3
Staff Report for ADB -2007-39
Edmonds Elementary Playground Improvements ("Phase II")
Technical Review:
The Engineering Division, Building Division, Fire Department, Public Works Department, and the Parks
& Recreation Department have reviewed this application. Brian McIntosh, the Director of the Parks &
Recreation Department, stated that this is a "great project. " The Public Works Department stated,
"Existing water main under proposed site is scheduled for replacement later this year. " Planning staff
checked with the Engineering Division, and apparently, the watermain is currently in the process of being
installed. The Edmonds School District has given the City of Edmonds an easement for this process.
Public Comments:
The City has not received any comment letters for this project.
Decision:
Based on the facts, conclusions, and attachments to this report, staff finds that the design review for this
project (file number ADB -2007-0039) is APPROVED with the following condition:
1. The applicant must obtain a building permit for the proposed work, and individual elements of this
project are required to meet all applicable city codes.
Attachments:
1. Land Use Application
2. Zoning/Vicinity Map
3. Scope of Work Letter
4. Site Plan
5. Playground Improvement Plan
6. ADB -2006-75 09/06/06 Meeting Minutes
I have reviewed the application for compliance with the Edmonds Community Development Code.
d JIiV4v o S. 09.1 001
Gina Coccia, Planning Division
Appeals.
Date
The following is a summary of the deadlines and procedures for filing appeals, pursuant to ECDC
20.105.010.A, which describes how appeals of a Staff Decision shall be made. The appeal shall be made
in writing, and shall include the decision being appealed along with the name of the project applicant and
the date of the decision, the name and address of the individual or group appealing the decision, their
interest in the matter, and reasons why the appellant believes the decision to be wrong, and the fee. The
appeal must be filed with the Development Services Director within fourteen (14) calendar days after the
date of the decision being appealed. Appeals are presented to the Hearing Examiner.
Page 3 of 3
city of edmonds '
land use application APR .1! S 2007 _
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JW ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW
Q COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT {
❑ CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FILE # Ay?�' '� ' ZONE S'
❑ HOME OCCUPATION DATE : , 0-07. RECD BY J�y
❑ FORMAL SUBDIVISION FEE -I15•0b RECEIPT # Fit'i 44 ?P
❑ SHORT SUBDIVISION
❑ LOT I.,INE ADJUSTMENT HEARING DATE a�Mf Y1 Qr
❑ PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
❑ OFFICIAL STREET MAP AMENDMENT D HE ❑ STAFF ❑ PB VADB ❑ CC
❑ STREET VACATION
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❑ SHORELINE PERMIT C� l� � yvl rG�1 Q rgP/ � � t 5P w d
❑ VARIANCE / REASONABLE USE EXCEPTION oo — A t b m vey
❑ OTHER: I.I fin/ 5f 2�,
PROPERTY ADDRESS OR LOCATION I Z IS O"Jwx
PROJECT NAME (IE APPLICABLE) s.. o.++ ace bot i -
PROPERTY OWNsIt ESD /moi' PHONE # Od U
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E-MAIL ADDRESS FAX #
TAX ACCOUNT # 4 aSO P9 CW,9 99012`x` 2 SEC. 2¢TW�P. 2 7 / RNG. 3
DESCRIPTIONOFPRQJECT OR PROPOSED USE // rA�t,T p • / ilk /`iY1}I� zD06 -'
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ADDRESS 2 A VZo J Q�v E.vu /� e s 7�/F�aL�QyJa.+.ol J ��✓: e Q ��!
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CONTACT PERSON/AGENT PHONE #
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E-MAIL ADDRESS FAX #
The undersigned applicant, and his/her/its heirs, and assigns, in consideration on the processing of the application
agrees to release, indemnify, defend and hold the City of Edmonds harmless from any and all damages, including
reasonable attorney's fees, arising from any action or infraction based in whole or part upon false, misleading,
inaccurate or incomplete information furnished by the applicant, his/her/its agents or employees.
By my signature, I certify that the information and exhibits herewith submitted are true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and that I am authorized to file this application on the be if of the owner as listed below.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT/AGE DATE " %F
Property Owner's Authorization
By my signature, I certify that I have authorized the above Applicant/Agent to apply for the subject land use
application, and grant my permission for the public officials and the staff of the City of Edmonds to enter the subject
property for the purposes of inspection and posting attendant to this application.
SIGNATURE OF OWN DATE
This application form was revised on 1127100. To verify whether it is still current, call (E425) 771-0220,
L:ILIBRARWLANNINGTa= & HandowsTublic HandoussSLand Use Applica6an.dw
11
Attachment 1
Land Use Application
EDMONDS.
EDMONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT Brian Harding
Director
Is FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS
20420 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98036-7400
425-431-7334 FAX 425-431-7059
SCHWL http:l/www.edmonds.wednet.edu
n t S T R E C T
Includes Brier, Edmonds; Lynnwood., Mountlake Terrace, and Woodway
April 18, 2007
To: City of Edmonds
From: Brian Harding
Subject: Edmonds Elementary playfield improvements
ADB 2006-71 and 75
The enclosed drawings illustrate phase II of the Edmonds Elementary playfield
improvement project. Phase 1, completed in September, 2006 provided an enhanced play
area with new equipment and seating areas, basketball court. The extensive renovation
removed approximately six thousand square feet of asphalt to accommodate the new play
area with an engineered wood chip safety cushion. The successful completion of phase
one provided enhanced safety in one of the state's largest public school play structures
Phase Il of this project will provide a relocated outdoor seating area and walking path
around the perimeter of the playfield. Water mitigation and water quality measures are
also incorporated. The new seating area includes drainage connected to an existing
systems and features student created ceramic tiles applied to the back rest of the ultra -
block seating units. The instructional area provides sufficient area for ADA accessibility
and a level accessible route. Thank you for your consideration.
Brian Harding
Director, Facilities & Operations
APR 1 8 2007
PLANNING DIEPT
Attachment 3
Scope of Work Letter
.OUR MISSION.
To ADVOCATE for all students by PROVIDING a teaming environment which EMPOWERS students, staff and the community to MA30MTZE their
personal, creative and academic potential in order to BECOME lifelong learners and responsible world citizens.
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FILE NO. ADB -06-75: Continuance on the application by the Edmonds School District for the Edmonds
Elementary Playground and Field Project located at 1215 Olympic Avenue in the Single Family Residential
(RS -12) zone.
Diana White, 831 North Stream Lane; Brian Harding, Edmonds School District, 20420 68th Avenue West, Lynnwood;
and Dave McGlantry, Edmonds Elementary School, were present.
Staff Planner Gina Coccia presented the continuation of the application by Edmonds School District for the Edmonds
Elementary playground and field project, located at 1215 Olympic Avenue in the Single Family Residential (RS -12)
zone. The applicant has provided a revised site plan per the board's request and added dimensions and a legend. The
walking path has been omitted and the outdoor student seating area, which was labeled as an amphitheater, is not part of
the current project proposal. Staff mailed a courtesy notice to applicants within 300 feet, letting them know about the
meeting, and gave them a brief description of the project. She noted that the applicant wishes to make a presentation
tonight and answer any questions. Stair recommends approval of ADB -2006-75.
Boardmember Schaefer asked if there had been a resolution to the stream setback question. Mr. Bullock explained that
it is not an issue because the applicant has withdrawn the portion of the project that deals with the path and the path was
the only part of the project that came close to the stream buffer.
Diana White thanked the supporters for coming. She introduced Mr. McGlantry and Mr. Harding from the school
district.
Ms. White reported that the playground equipment is in and is a big hit. She explained that because of the size of the
project it was decided after the last meeting to break it up into more manageable pieces and they will not discuss the
walking path and the amphitheater this evening but will deal with those at a later time.
She noted that the pressing items for them include the playground and expanding the basketball court. She explained
that when room was made for the new playground, there were two playgrounds that were combined together and they
consequently lost their basketball court. The hope is to get the basketball hoops back and they would like to extend the
paving out. The area is 18 by 57, which is an extension to provide enough room for the basketball court. The sidewalk
is another issue that they feel is necessary for safety improvements and to make the school a better place. The baseball
field improvement proposed in phase one is at the main baseball diamond, and there are existing benches that they
would like to remove and replace with low rise, three -tiered bleachers. There are eight park benches, some with backs
and some without backs that are two-sided and wide enough for viewing on both sides. There are two benches with
backs and many of them without backs that will be located in a popular student pick-up and drop-off area. Little cut-
outs or niches have been created for picnic tables. The picnic tables are ADA -accessible, octagon -shaped, and have
four posts instead of a single post so that kids will not be able to tip them over easily. A couple of tetherball poles need
to be relocated. A new triple hoop shoot was purchased with the playground equipment. The asphalt for the new
basketball court is 11 by 57 and will allow for installation of the far end basketball hoops. It will be smaller than an
average court but should be enough for a game of elementary hoop. The asphalt is for the sidewalk safety
improvements. She pointed out that when the middle section was torn out, the maintenance people also tore out the
asphalt on the upper section, too, ending up removing about 6,000 square feet of asphalt. The area that they would like
to pave is 1,200 feet. Their products have been ordered and are sitting in a warehouse awaiting approval. She hoped
that the board would approve and agree with these items and help to complete phase one of the project.
Ms. White spoke about the previous location of the amphitheater site and how she had met with Mr. Hertrich and he
explained his concerns and had pointed out another location to her that she looked at and liked and decided to go with
the new spot. It is in a great area, is quieter, and is more of a natural amphitheater setting. The trees to the northeast
will help to provide shade. She thought the amphitheater was great in being an outdoor classroom and learning center
Attachment 6
ADB -2006-75 9/6/06 Meeting Minutes
....................... .
and there will be enough room for two classrooms to sit. She reported that Edmonds in Bloom has provided a grant for
one thousand dollars and has stipulated that it be used in honor of one of their teachers who had passed away, Mr.
Hamilton, and it will be a great way to commemorate his career at Edmonds.
Ms. White pointed out that they have met many times with both district personnel and city personnel and felt that the
people who were all doing the work were on the same page. She noted that last weekend flyers had been distributed to
discuss the new playground and some of the things planned for in the next couple of months, with numbers listed on it
to call and e-mail. She had received an e-mail response stating how supportive the School District had been in
informing the neighbors of everything that was going on. She said that there are still details on the walking path to be
determined before anything definitive can be brought to the ADB, but she hoped that the board would agree to approve
the items that can be done to complete phase one.
Pro Tem Chairman Utt asked if the proposed walkway would be asphalt paved. Ms. White replied that the proposed
walkway would be asphalt paving and it will be separated from the parking.
Boardmember Schaefer referred to the removal of about 6,000 square feet of pavement and the addition of a little less
than 1,200 square feet for the basketball court and some pavement for the expanded walkway. He wanted to know what
the net difference was in terms of paving on the site and all of its phases. Ms. White thought that the walking path was
calculated at about 7,000 square feet, but they are considering using pervious concrete. Boardmember Schaefer stated
he supported using pervious pavement, particularly for a walking surface.
Boardmember Michel thanked the applicant for bringing revised details to the board and felt the project looked great.
Pro Tem Chairman Utt discussed the feeling on the board's part before that they were turning down a project that was
hurting the kids in the community and he explained that he thought the main reason the project was not approved and
carried over to this meeting was because of conflicting information that the board had been receiving. He thought that
the applicant had done an excellent job and complimented all of the individual supporters who were present.
Roger Hertrich, 1020 Puget Drive, commented that the school ground improvements has been an excellent effort by the
parents and the project has become a success and is the kind of thing that everyone would love to see at their schools.
He appreciated the board recognizing the setback situation with this facility and believed that the Edmonds code should
reflect something with greater setbacks for major facilities where there is a lot of activity. Even though it may not be a
real setback, he felt it was a good setback for buffering private property. He thanked Brian Harding for correcting the
checklist that said there was no stream on the property, and pointed out that the city had finally found the stream.
Pro Tem Chairman Utt inquired if salmon have found the stream. Mr. Hertrich acknowledged that there are no salmon
in the upper reaches and there are a couple of pipes that go downstream. He realized that the condition of the stream
was worse than what he had thought it was where it runs from 9d' Avenue down through people's yards.
Mr. Hertrich commented that the location of the amphitheater has been a natural bowl for a long time and teachers take
their kids outside and the kids play out there in the wintertime and slide down. It will be a little bumpy if something is
put in for seating but he thought it buffered the surrounding residential properties well. He did not think there were
enough benches and equipment being put in. He thought that if the parents wanted to add more benches in between the
playground and the soccer field it would benefit a lot of people.
Pro Tem Chairman Utt closed public comments to move into board deliberation.
In response to Mr. Utt's regarding the salmon, Boardmember Schaefer stated that there are a number of fish blockages
between the property and down to Shell Creek, with significant grade changes that have been there for a long time.
BOARDMEMBER MICHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY BOARDMEMBER KENDALL, TO APPROVE
MINOR PROJECT ADB -06-75 WITH THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF THIS PROJECT ARE REQUIRED TO MEET ALL APPLICABLE
CITY CODES, SPECIFICALLY AS IT RELATES TO THE HEIGHT AND SETBACKS OF THE
BASEBALL BACKSTOP AND BLEACHERS;
2. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO APPLY FOR AND OBTAIN ALL
NECESSARY PERMITS;
THE BOARD FINDS THAT WITH THESE CONDITIONS, THE PROPOSAL IS CONSISTENT WITH
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND OTHER ADOPTED CITY POLICIES, AND THE PROPOSAL
SATISFIES THE CRITERIA AND PURPOSES OF ECDC CHAPTER 20.10 - ADB CRITERIA AND ECDC
CHAPTER 20.12 - LANDSCAPING, AND STAFF HAS FOUND THE PROPOSAL MEETS THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.