CRA2022-0134 Determination (2)CITY OF EDMONDS
121 5t" Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
C. 1 091J
Critical Area Determination (CRA2O22-0134)
Based on a review and inspection of the subject site, staff has determined that one or more
critical areas are located on or near the site. Critical areas are ecologically sensitive or
hazardous areas that are protected in order to maintain their functions and values.
Site Location
717 WALNUT ST
Tax Account Number
00434209103300
Property Owner
MARTIN P OLEARY
Applicant
CHRISTIAN GLADU
Critical Area(s) Present
❑ Wetlands (ECDC 23.50): NA
❑ Frequently Flooded Areas (ECDC 23.70): NA
❑ Geologically Hazardous Areas (ECDC 23.80)
❑ Erosion Hazard Areas: Yes
❑ Landslide Hazard Areas: NA
❑ Seismic Hazard Areas: NA
❑ Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (ECDC 23.90)
❑ Mapped Fish & Wildlife Habitat: NA
❑ Streams: Yes
Site DescriDtion
The soils on the site are identified as Alderwood Urban land complex, 8 -15% slopes according to the
Snohomish County soils survey. The subject property is an approximate 6,660 square foot lot, which in
its entirety slopes to the northwest at approximately 18% according to the City's LiDAR information. Site
visit confirmed LiDAR data, with a steady downward slope from Walnut Street to the NW portion of the
property lot. A slope in excess of 15% is considered a potential Erosion Hazard Area.
GIS data also indicate the presence of a potential stream approximately 65-feet from the northeastern
property line.
Streams are considered critical areas pursuant to ECDC Chapter 23.90 and may require development
buffer zones of 40ft - 150ft (ECDC 23.90.040(D)). A qualified professional will need to assess the area to
determine the classifications of the potential stream and its associated fish and aquatic habitats.
What does this mean?
The critical area regulations are only triggered when an alteration is proposed to a critical area or
its buffer. However, once an alteration in or near critical area is proposed, critical area studies and
City review and approval may be required.
What is an `Alteration'?
According to Section 23.40.005 of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC):
"Alteration" means any human -induced action which changes the existing conditions of a critical
area or its buffer. Alterations include, but are not limited to: grading, filling; dredging; draining;
channelizing; cutting, pruning, limbing or topping, clearing, relocating or removing vegetation;
applying herbicides or pesticides or any hazardous or toxic substance; discharging pollutants;
paving, construction, application of gravel; modifying for surface water management purposes;
or any other human activity that changes the existing landforms, vegetation, hydrology, wildlife
or wildlife habitat value of critical areas.
Unpermitted alteration of a critical area or buffer (including tree trimming or topping, dumping
yard waste, or application of pesticides or fertilizers) can lead to enforcement action and fines.
Before undertaking any work, please contact the City to verify whether critical area studies and
City review is necessary.
ROSE HAAS
Name, Title
Cited sections of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) can be found at
http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Edmonds
Environmentally Critical Areas General Provisions (ECDC 23.40)
Wetlands (ECDC 23.50)
5/18/2023
Date
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Frequently Flooded Areas (ECDC 23.70)
Geologically Hazardous Areas (ECDC 23.80)
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (ECDC 23.90)
Building permits — Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Areas (ECDC 19.10)
City of Edmonds GIS map tool with approximate location of critical areas: http://maps.edmondswo.gov
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