Planning comments 1 (2).pdf1
Clugston, Michael
To:Lemcke, Pam
Subject:5 Corners upgrade
Pam,
I have some additional comments regarding the proposed upgrades at the 5 Corners water tank site (BLD-2008-0866). As
proposed, the new fence surrounding the site is shown at 10' plus an additional 2' of barbed wire on 100% of the fence
(Sheet 11). Unless you get a variance from the Hearing Examiner, fences can only be 6' and only 25% of the length of the
fence could be topped with the barbed wire. I the fence might work since it is a critical public facility, but that portion of the
code doesn't allow it outright (ECDC 17.100.050.D - see below). Additional landscaping will also be needed, particularly
along Bowdoin and the eastern access drive (Type IV would appear to be appropriate - see 20.13).
D. General – Screening. Electrical substations, water/sewer pump stations, maintenance and storage yards shall
be adequately screened from adjacent residential properties with a solid wall or sight-obscuring fence not less
than six feet in height. Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 20.13 ECDC.
I realize that the above code requires a fence greater than 6' but it does not say it can be had without a variance as is
required in the fence code':
17.30.000.C. Unless a variance is first obtained, no fence shall be more than six feet in height as measured from
the top of the fence to the lowest original grade.
I would imagine that getting a variance should be pretty straightforward in this case since it is for a public facility, in the
CIP, etc. An application still needs to be made to the H.E., though, per ECDC 20.85
(http://www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/Public_Handouts/Planning/P86-Variance.pdf). If you can get all the info together in the next
week or two, we might be able to get this onto the HE agenda in early or mid December.
Diane mentioned that we still haven't gotten the CA checklists yet either.
Mike
Mike Clugston, AICP
Planner
Development Services Department
City of Edmonds
phone: 425-771-0220
fax: 425-771-0221
clugston@ci.edmonds.wa.us