CRA2023-0066 determinationCITY OF EDMONDS
121 51h Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
'nc. I S91i
Critical Area Determination (CRA2O23-0066)
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
1200 VIEWLAND WAY
Tax Account Number
00729500001200
Property Owner
JOHN C & BETTE SHARON JENSON
Applicant
JOHN JENSON
Critical Area 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: Yes
❑ Seismic Hazard Areas: NA
❑ Fish & Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (ECDC 23.90)
❑ Mapped Fish & Wildlife Habitat: NA
❑ Streams: NA
Site Description
Located at the southeast corner of 12th Ave N and Viewland Way, the subject property is currently
developed as a single-family residence. The parcel slopes down east to west as much as 40', and also
descends sharply to the south. According to the Soil Survey of Snohomish County, soils on the subject
site consist of "Alderwood Everett Gravelly sandy loams,15-25% slopes".
According to the City LiDAR data, portions of the site contain slopes greater than 40% and thus are
classified as a potential landslide hazard, and portions of the site with slopes greater than 15% are
considered a potential erosion hazard.
Any land disturbing activity within 50 feet of the steep slopes will require a geotechnical report per
requirements of ECDC 23.80, with specific reference to ECDC 23.80.060 and ECDC 23.80.070.
Additionally, an Erosion and Sediment control plan compliant with chapter 18.30 ECDC may be required
for development on a site containing an erosion hazard area which would be reviewed as part of a
building permit.
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.
TRISTAN SEWELL
Name, Title Date
Cited sections of the Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) can be found at
h ttp://www. codepublishing. com/WA/Edmonds
Page 12
Environmentally Critical Areas General Provisions (ECDC 23.40)
Wetlands (ECDC 23.50)
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://mclps.edmondswo.gov
Page 13