Edmonds City Code Supplement 01SUPPLEMENT DIRECTIONS
EDMONDS COMMUNITY Updated by:
DEVELOPMENT CODE
Dated:
Supplement No. 1— August 1996
New, reprinted pages included with this supplement are listed by title and page number in the
right-hand column below. The left-hand column lists obsolete material that should be removed from
the code. Follow the instruction columns in sequence: remove and replace pages as necessary.
When completed, insert these directions in a convenient place near the front of the code book. For
future reference, the person making these changes may also date and initial this page.
This supplement includes ordinances from Ordinance 3087 through 3103.
Remove these pages Insert these pages
Table of Contents
Table of Revised Pages
1-2 ................................................................ 1-2
Title 16
Title 19
Title 20
1............................................................................ 1
23 — 46.................................................. 23 — 44/46
Title 21
Ordinance Table
(Revised 8/96)
Remove these pages Insert these pages
Index
1 4............................................................. 1 4.2
11 — 17........................................................ 11 — 17
Please call Code Publishing Company (206-527-6831) should questions
arise while removing and replacing supplement pages.
(Revised 8/96)
20.1513
Critical Areas.........................................................................................
24
20.18
Group Homes.........................................................................................
43
20.19
Home Day Care......................................................................................
47
20.20
Home Occupations.................................................................................
49
20.21
Accessory Dwelling Units.....................................................................
52
20.25
Housing for the Low Income Elderly ....................................................
54
20.30
Joint Use of Parking...............................................................................
56
20.35
Planned Residential Development(PRD)..............................................
57
20.40
Rezones..................................................................................................
62
20.50
Wireless Communications Facilities......................................................
63
20.55
Shoreline Permits................................................................................ 64.4
20.60
Sign Permits...........................................................................................
65
20.65
Street Map Changes...............................................................................
71
20.70
Street Vacations.....................................................................................
72
20.75
Subdivisions...........................................................................................
75
20.80
Text and Map Changes..........................................................................
85
20.85
Variances................................................................................................86
20.90
Application Process...............................................................................
87
20.91
Public Hearings and Notice...................................................................
89
20.95
Application and Staff Review................................................................
92
20.100
Hearing Examiner, Planning Advisory Board and
City Council Review..............................................................................
94
20.105
Appeals and Court Review....................................................................
98
20.110
Civil Violation - Enforcement Procedure ............................................ 101
Title 21 Definitions
21.00
Definitions
- General............................................................................... 3
21.05
"A" Terms
................................................................................................ 3
21.10
" B" Terms
................................................................................................ 5
21.15
"C" Terms
................................................................................................ 6
21.20
"D" Terms
................................................................................................ 8
21.25
«E" Terms
................................................................................................ 9
21.30
" F" Terms.................................................................................................
9
21.35
"G" Terms
.............................................................................................. 10
21.40
"H" Terms
........................................................................................... 10.1
21.45
"1" Terms...............................................................................................
12
21.47
" J" Terms...............................................................................................
12
21.50
"K" Terms
.............................................................................................. 13
21.55
" L" Terms
.............................................................................................. 13
21.60
"M" Terms
............................................................................................. 14
21.75
"O" Terms
.............................................................................................. 15
21.80
" P" Terms...............................................................................................
16
21.85
"R" Terms
.............................................................................................. 17
Contents-3 (Revised 8/96)
21.90 " S" Terms............................................................................................... 18
21.100 " T" Terms.............................................................................................. 21
21.105 "U" Terms.............................................................................................. 22
21.110 "V" Terms.............................................................................................. 23
21.115 "W" Terms............................................................................................. 23
Tables
Index
(Revised 8/96) Contents-4
Edmonds Community Development Code Table of Revised Pages
TABLE OF REVISED PAGES
The following table is included in this code as a guide for determining whether the code volume properly
reflects the latest printing of each page. This table will be updated with the printing of each supplement.
Through usage and supplementation, pages in looseleaf publications can be inserted and removed in error
when pages are replaced on a page -for -page substitution basis.
The "Page" column lists all page numbers in sequence. The "Revised Date" column reflects the latest
revision date (e.g., "(Revised 8/96)") and printing of pages in the up-to-date volume. A "-" indicates that the
page has not been revised since the 1996 republication. This table reflects all changes to the code through
Ordinance 3103, passed July 16, 1996.
Page Revised Date
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Table of Contents
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Title 15
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Revisions-1 (Revised 8/96)
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Ordinance Tables
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(Revised 8/96) Revisions-2
Edmonds Community Development Code
16.20.020
7. Private residential docks or piers;
8. Family day care in a residential home;
9. Commuter parking lots that contain
less than 10 designated parking spaces in con-
junction with a limited community facility
meeting the criteria listed under subsection
(C)(1) of this section, except that the facility
may also be located along a designated transit
route in addition to an arterial or collector
street. Any additionally designated parking
spaces that increase the total number of spaces
in a commuter parking lot to 10 or more shall
subject the entire commuter parking lot to a
conditional use permit as specified in ECDC
16.20.010(D)(5), including commuter parking
lots that are located upon more than one lot as
specified in ECDC 21.15.075.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional
Use Permit.
1. Limited community facilities, located
on arterial or collector streets only, including
only the following: elementary schools, nurs-
ery schools, fire stations, electric substations,
pumping stations, water storage, libraries,
churches, parks, recreation facilities and bus
stop shelters.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Condi-
tional Use Permit.
1. Mini day-care facilities and pre-
schools;
2. Guest house;
3. Amateur radio transmitting antenna;
4. Accessory dwelling units;
5. Commuter parking lots with 10 or
more designated parking spaces in conjunction
with a limited community facility meeting the
criteria listed under subsection (C)(1) of this
section, except that the facility may also be
located along a designated transit route in
addition to an arterial or collector street. [Ord.
3090 §§ 1— 3, 1996; Ord. 2673 § 1, 1988; Ord.
2605 § 1, 1987; Ord. 2458 § 1, 1984; Ord.
2352 § 8, 1983; Ord. 2283 § 1, 1982].
16.20.020 Subdistricts.
There are established five subdistricts of the
RS zone in order to provide site development
standards for areas which differ in topography,
location, existing development and other fac-
tors. These subdistricts shall be known as the
RS-6 zone, the RS-8 zone, the RS-12 zone, the
RSW-12 zone, and the RS-20 zone.
16-5 (Revised 8/96)
16.20.030
16.20.030 Table of site development standards.
Sub
District
Minimum
Lot Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Minimum
Lot Width
Minimum
Street
Setback
Minimum
Side
Setback
Minimum
Rear
Setback
Maximum
Height
Maximum
Coverage
(%)
Minimum
Parking
Spaces
RS-20
20,000
100'
25'
35'& 10'
25'
25'
35%
1
RS-12
12,000
80'
25'
10'
25'
25'
35%
1
RSW-12
12,000
—
15'
10'
35'
25'
35%
1
RS-8
8,000
70'
25'
7-1/2'
15'
25'
35%
1
RS-6
6,000
60'
20'
5'
15'
25'
35%
1
See Chapter 17.50 ECDC for specific park-
ing requirements.
Thirty-five feet total of both sides, 10 feet
minimum on either side.
Lots must have frontage on the ordinary
high-water line and a public street or access
easement approved by the hearing examiner.
16.20.040 Site development exceptions.
A. Average Front Setback. If a block has
residential buildings on more than one-half of
the lots on the same side of the block, the
owner of a lot on that block may use the aver-
age of all the setbacks of the existing residen-
tial buildings on the same side of the street as
the minimum required front setback for the lot.
Detached structures such as garages; carports;
and uncovered porches, decks, steps and patios
less than 30 inches in height, and other uncov-
ered structures less than 30 inches in height
shall not be included in the "average front set-
back" determination.
An applicant for such a determination shall
provide a drawing which locates the street
property line for the entire block, as well as the
existing street setbacks of all buildings
required to be used for the purpose of calculat-
ing the "average front setback." The drawing
shall be prepared and stamped by a land sur-
veyor registered in the state of Washington.
B. Eaves and Chimneys. Eaves and chim-
neys may project into a required setback not
more than 30 inches.
C. Porches and Decks. Uncovered and
unenclosed porches, steps, patios, and decks
may project into a required setback not more
than one-third of the required setback, or four
feet, whichever is less; provided that they are
no more than 30 inches above ground level at
any point.
D. Setback Adjustments. Chapter 20.50
ECDC contains a procedure for adjusting dis-
tances and locations in special situations.
E. Corner Lots. Corner lots have no rear
setback; all setbacks other than the street set-
backs shall be side setbacks.
F. Docks, Piers, Floats.
1. Height. The height of a residential
dock or pier shall not exceed five feet above
the ordinary high water mark. The height of
attendant pilings shall not exceed five feet
above the ordinary high water mark or that
height necessary to provide for temporary
emergency protection of floating docks.
2. Length. The length of any residential
dock or pier shall not exceed the lesser of 35
feet or the average length of existing decks or
piers within 300 feet of the subject dock or
pier.
3. Width. The width of any residential
dock or pier shall not exceed 25 percent of the
lot width when measured parallel to the shore-
line.
4. Setbacks. All residential docks or
piers shall observe a minimum 10-foot side
yard setback from a property line or a storm
(Revised 8/96) 16-6
Edmonds Community Development Code
16.30.010
Chapter 16.30
RM — MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL
Sections:
16.30.000 Purposes.
16.30.010 Uses.
16.30.020 Subdistricts.
16.30.030 Site development standards.
16.30.040 Site development exceptions.
16.30.000 Purposes.
The RM zone has the following specific
purposes in addition to the general purposes
for residential zones of ECDC 16.00.010 and
16.10.000:
A. To reserve and regulate areas for a vari-
ety of housing types, and a range of greater
densities than are available in the single-fam-
ily residential zone, while still maintaining a
residential environment;
B. To provide for those additional uses
which complement and are compatible with
multiple residential uses.
16.30.010 Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Multiple dwellings;
2. Single-family dwellings;
3. Retirement homes;
4. Group homes for the disabled;
5. Boarding houses and rooming houses;
6. Housing for low income elderly in
accordance with the requirements of Chapter
20.25 ECDC;
7. Bus stop shelters.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. All permitted secondary uses in the
RS zone, if in conjunction with a single-family
dwelling;
2. Home occupations, subject to the
requirements of Chapter 20.20 ECDC;
3. The keeping of one domestic animal;
4. The following accessory uses:
a. Private parking,
b. Private swimming pools and other
private recreational facilities,
c. Private greenhouses covering no
more than five percent of the site in total;
5. Commuter parking lots containing
less than 10 designated parking spaces in con-
junction with a limited community facility
meeting the criteria listed under ECDC
16.20.010(C)(1), except that the facility may
also be located along a designated transit route
in addition to an arterial or collector street.
Any additionally designated parking spaces
that increase the total number of spaces in a
commuter parking lot to 10 or more shall sub-
j ect the entire commuter parking lot to a condi-
tional use permit as specified in ECDC
16.30.010(D)(3), including commuter parking
lots that are located upon more than one lot as
specified in ECDC 21.15.075.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional
Use Permit.
1. Offices;
2. Community facilities, including
buildings used for community activities and
services, such as:
a. Schools, colleges, universities,
b. Preschools, day-care centers,
c. Hospitals, convalescent homes,
rest homes, sanitariums,
d. Churches, temples, synagogues,
e. Fire houses, police stations,
f. Electric substations, pumping sta-
tions, water storage, drainage facilities, trans-
mitting and receiving antennas,
g. Parks, playgrounds, pools, golf
courses, tennis clubs, lodges,
h. Museums, libraries, art galleries,
zoos, aquariums, planetariums,
i. Counseling centers and residential
treatment facilities for current alcoholics and
drug abusers.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Condi-
tional Use Permit.
1. Family day-care homes;
2. Mini day-care facilities; provided
that:
a. Mini day-care facilities shall not be
operated from or within a multiple family
dwelling unit or combination of units, but
16-9 (Revised 8/96)
16.30.020
b. A permit may be issued for a mini
day-care facility to be operated in a separate,
nonresidential portion of a multi -family resi-
dential dwelling structure operated primarily
for the benefit of the residents thereof;
3. Commuter parking lots with 10 or
more designated parking spaces in conjunction
with a limited community facility meeting the
criteria listed under ECDC 16.20.010(C)(1),
except that the facility may also be located
along a designated transit route in addition to
an arterial or collector street. [Ord. 3090 §§ 4,
5, 1996; Ord. 2820 §§ 1, 2, 1991; Ord. 2818 §
1, 1991; Ord. 2673 § 2, 1988; Ord. 2458 § 2,
1984; Ord. 2283 §§ 2, 3, 1982].
16.30.020 Subdistricts.
There are established three subdistricts of
the RM zone, in order to provide site develop-
ment standards for areas which differ in topog-
raphy, location, existing development and
other factors. These subdistricts shall be
known as the RM-1.5, RM-2.4, and RM-3
zones.
(Revised 8/96) 16-10
Edmonds Community Development Code
16.30.040
16.30.030 Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum Lot
Minimum3
Area Per Minimum Minimum
Minimum Maximum Parking
Sub Dwelling Unit Street Side
Rear Maximum Coverage (Spaces
District (Sq. Ft.) Setback Setback
Setback Heights,5 (%) Per Unit)
RM-1.5 1,500 15' 10'
15' 25' 45% 2
RM-2.4 2,400 15' 10,
15' 25' 45% 2
RM-3 3,000 150 150
15' 25' 45% 2
1 Roof only may extend five feet above the stated height limit if all portions of the roof above the stated height limit have a slope of four
inches in 12 inches or greater.
Z RS setbacks may be used for single-family homes on lots of 10,000 square feet or less in all RM zones.
3 See Chapter 17.50 ECDC for specific parking requirements.
4 See definition of townhouse.
5 Maximum height for accessory structures if 15 feet.
B. Signs and Design Review. See Chapters
E. Corner Lots. Corner lots shall have no
20.10 and 20.60 ECDC for regulations.
rear setback; all setbacks other than street set-
C. Location of Parking. No parking spaces
backs shall be side setbacks. [Ord. 2559, 1986;
may be located within the street setback. [Ord.
Ord. 2526 § 4, 1985].
2559, 1986; Ord. 2424, 1984].
16.30.040 Site development exceptions.
A. Housing for the Elderly. Housing
projects for the elderly are eligible for special
parking and density provisions. See Chapter
20.25 ECDC.
B. Setback Adjustments. Chapter 20.50
ECDC contains a procedure for adjusting set-
back distances and locations in special situa-
tions.
C. Satellite Television Antenna. Satellite
television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the
architectural design board.
D. Setback Encroachments. Eaves and
chimneys may project into a required setback
not more than 30 inches. Uncovered and unen-
closed porches, steps, patios, and decks may
project into a required setback not more than
one-third of the required setback, or four feet,
whichever is less; provided that they are no
more than 30 inches above the ground level at
any point.
16-10.1 (Revised 8/96)
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(Revised 8/96) 16-10.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
16.50.010
Chapter 16.50
BC — COMMUNITY BUSINESS
Sections:
16.50.000 Purposes.
16.50.010 Uses.
16.50.020 Site development standards.
16.50.030 Operating restrictions.
16.50.000 Purposes.
The BC zone has the following specific pur-
poses in addition to the general purposes for
business and commercial zones listed in Chap-
ter 16.40 ECDC.
A. To reserve areas for those retail stores,
offices, service establishments and amusement
establishments which offer goods and services
to the entire community;
B. To ensure compact, convenient develop-
ment patterns by allowing uses that are oper-
ated chiefly within buildings;
C. To allow for multiple dwelling unit(s) as
a secondary use to business uses. [Ord. 2958 §
1, 1993].
16.50.010 Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Single-family dwelling, as regulated
in RS-6 zone;
2. Retail stores, offices and service uses,
excluding intense uses, such as trailer sales,
used car lots (except as part of a new car sales
and service dealer), and heavy equipment sales
and services;
3. New automobile sales and service;
4. Dry cleaning and laundry plants
which use only nonflammable and nonexplo-
sive cleaning agents;
5. Printing, publishing and binding
establishments;
6. Bus stop shelters;
7. Community -oriented open air mar-
kets conducted as an outdoor operation and
licensed pursuant to provisions in the
Edmonds City Code.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Limited assembly, repair or fabrica-
tion of goods incidental to a permitted or con-
ditional use;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas
to serve a permitted or conditional use;
3. Multiple Dwelling Unit(s). This use
may not be located on the ground floor of a
structure.
C. Primary Uses Requiring a Conditional
Use Permit.
1. Commercial parking lots;
2. Community facilities, as listed in the
RM district;
3. Wholesale uses;
4. Hotels and motels;
5. Amusement establishments;
6. Auction businesses, excluding vehi-
cle or livestock auctions;
7. Drive-in businesses;
8. Laboratories;
9. Fabrication of light industrial prod-
ucts;
10. Convenience stores.
D. Secondary Uses Requiring a Condi-
tional Use Permit.
1. Outdoor storage, incidental to a per-
mitted or conditional use;
2. Aircraft landings as regulated by
Chapter 4.80 ECC. [Ord. 3100 § 1, 1996; Ord.
2984 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2958 § 2, 1993; Ord.
2660 § 2, 1988; Ord. 2366 § 8, 1983; Ord.
2283 § 5, 1982; Ord. 2266 § 1, 1982].
16-13 (Revised 8/96)
16.50.020
16.50.020 Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum Minimum Minimum Maximum
Minimum Minimum Street Side Rear Maximum Floor
Lot Area Lot Width Setback Setback Setback Height Area
BC None None None Nonel Nonel 25'2 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of lot area
1 Fifteen feet from lot lines adjacent to R zoned property.
2 Roof only may extend five feet above the stated height limit if all portions of the roof above the stated height have a slope of four
inches in 12 inches or greater.
B. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See
Chapters 17.50, 20.10, and 20.60 ECDC.
C. Density. Multiple dwelling units require
3,000 square feet of site area per unit.
D. Screening. The required setback from R
zoned property shall be permanently land-
scaped with trees and ground cover and perma-
nently maintained by the owner of the BC lot.
A six-foot minimum height fence, wall or solid
hedge shall be provided at some point in the
setback.
E. Satellite Television Antennas. Satellite
television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the
architectural design board. [Ord. 2526 § 6,
1985].
16.50.030 Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be car-
ried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building, except:
1. Public utilities, and parks;
2. Off-street parking and loading areas,
and commercial parking lots;
3. Drive-in businesses;
4. Plant nurseries;
5. Seasonal farmers' markets.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with
Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Performance Standards.
[Ord. 3103 § 1, 1996].
(Revised 8/96) 16-14
Edmonds Community Development Code
16.55.030
Chapter 16.55
CW — COMMERCIAL WATERFRONT
Sections:
16.55.000 Purposes.
16.55.010 Uses.
16.55.020 Site development standards.
16.55.030 Operating restrictions.
16.55.000 Purposes.
The CW zone has the following specific
purposes in addition to the general purposes
listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas for water -dependent
and water -related uses and for uses which will
attract pedestrians to the waterfront;
B. To protect and enhance the natural fea-
tures of the waterfront, and encourage public
use of the waterfront;
C. To ensure physical and visual access to
the waterfront for the public.
16.55.010 Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. Marine -oriented services;
2. Retail uses which are either marine -
oriented or pedestrian -oriented, excluding
drive-in businesses;
3. Clubs with marine -oriented activities;
4. Public marine -oriented parks and rec-
reational and educational facilities;
5. Petroleum products storage and dis-
tribution;
6. Bus stop shelters;
7. Offices, above the ground floor,
excluding medical, dental and veterinary clin-
ics.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Off-street parking and loading in con-
nection with a permitted use.
C. Secondary Uses Requiring a Condi-
tional Use Permit.
1. Aircraft landings as regulated by
Chapter 4.80 ECC. [Ord. 2366 § 9, 1983; Ord.
2307, 1982; Ord. 2283 § 6, 1982].
16.55.020 Site development standards.
A. Table.
Minimum Minimum Minimum' Maximum Maximum
Lot Area Lot Width Setbacks Height Coverage
CW None None 15' landward of 30i2 None
bulkheads for
buildings; 60'
landward of bulk-
heads for parking
1 Fifteen feet from lot lines adjacent to R zoned property.
2 Tanks which are part of a petroleum products storage and distribu-
tion facility are allowed to be 48 feet in height.
B. Signs, Parking and Design Review. See
Chapters 17.50, 20.10 and 20.60 ECDC.
C. Satellite Television Antennas. Satellite
television antennas shall be regulated as set
forth in ECDC 16.20.050 and reviewed by the
architectural design board. [Ord. 2526 § 7,
1985].
16.55.030 Operating restrictions.
A. Enclosed Building. All uses shall be car-
ried on entirely within a completely enclosed
building except for:
1. Petroleum products storage and dis-
tribution;
2. Sales, storage, repair and limited
building of boats;
3. Public parks.
B. Nuisances. All uses shall comply with
Chapter 17.60 ECDC, Performance Standards.
16-15 (Revised 8/96)
16.60.000
Chapter 16.60
CG — GENERAL COMMERCIAL: CC
AND CG2 ZONES
Sections:
16.60.000
CC and CG2 zones.
16.60.005
Purposes.
16.60.010
Uses.
16.60.020
Site development standards.
16.60.030
Operating restrictions.
16.60.000 CC and CG2 zones.
This chapter establishes the general com-
mercial zoning district comprised of two dis-
tinct zoning categories which are identical in
all respects except as specifically provided for
in ECDC 16.60.020(A). [Ord. 2527 § 7, 1985].
16.60.005 Purposes.
The CC and CG2 zones have the following
specific purposes in addition to the general
purposes for business and commercial zones
listed in Chapter 16.40 ECDC:
A. To reserve areas where the fewest use
restrictions are imposed, in order to allow use
allocations to be made by economic and mar-
ket forces;
B. To reserve areas for those uses which
involve outdoor activities and display, fabrica-
tion, manufacturing, processing, assembling,
heavier truck traffic, and convenient vehicle
access to sales area;
C. To allow highrise buildings to the maxi-
mum intensity possible, subject to specifically
defined performance standards;
D. To allow areas zoned comparably to the
city's CG zone and adjacent to Highway 99,
currently within the unincorporated area of
Snohomish County to maintain their current
building height of 45 feet upon annexation to
the city of Edmonds. [Ord. 2527 § 7, 1985].
16.60.010 Uses.
A. Permitted Primary Uses.
1. All permitted or conditional uses in
any other zone in this title, except as specifi-
cally prohibited by subsection C of this sec-
tion;
2. Any additional use except as specifi-
cally prohibited by subsection C of this sec-
tion;
3. Mobile homes in planned residential
developments;
4. Halfway houses.
B. Permitted Secondary Uses.
1. Off-street parking and loading areas
to serve a permitted use.
C. Prohibited Uses.
1. Residential Uses located within the
first or second story of any structure, in areas
designated "Highway 99 Commercial Area" or
"Commercial Highrise" on the comprehensive
plan map.
D. Uses Requiring a Conditional Use Per-
mit.
1. Community -oriented open air mar-
kets conducted as an outdoor operation and
licensed pursuant to provisions in the
Edmonds City Code;
2. Outdoor storage;
3. Aircraft landings as regulated by
Chapter 4.80 ECC;
4. Structures exceeding the prescribed
height limit, subject to the provisions con-
tained in ECC 16.60.030(B). [Ord. 3100 § 2,
1996; Ord. 2984 § 2, 1994; Ord. 2820 § 3,
1991; Ord. 2615 § 1, 1987; Ord. 2527 § 7,
1985; Ord. 2366 § 10, 1983].
(Revised 8/96) 16-16
Edmonds Community Development Code
19.00.010
Chapter 19.00
BUILDING CODE
Sections:
19.00.000
Building code adopted.
19.00.010
Permit issuance.
19.00.030
Drainage and grading.
19.00.040
Covenant for multiple residential
buildings.
19.00.050
Demolition permits.
19.00.055
Mobile home installation
standards.
19.00.060
Interpretation, appeals and
alternate materials.
19.00.070
Fees.
19.00.080
Penalties.
19.00.110
Fully complete application.
19.00.115
Repealed.
19.00.120
Architectural design review —
Optional vesting.
19.00.127
Repealed.
19.00.130
Evidence of adequate potable
water supply required.
19.00.000 Building code adopted.
The 1994 edition of the Uniform Building
Code as published by the International Confer-
ence of Building Officials (ICBO), including
the state amendments set forth in Chapter 51-
30 WAC and Appendix Chapter 3, Divisions
1I, IV and V; Chapter 4, Division III; Chapter
9; Chapter 12, Division 11; Chapter 15; Chapter
19; Chapter 31, Divisions II and III; and Chap-
ter 33 is hereby adopted by reference as if fully
set forth, as the Building Code of the City of
Edmonds. The code shall regulate the erection,
construction, enlargement, alteration, equip-
ment, use, area and maintenance of buildings
and structures in the city; and provide for the
issuance of permits and the collection of permit
fees. [Ord. 3035 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2890 § 1,
1992; Ord. 2725, 1989; Ord. 2574 § 1, 1985;
Ord. 2519, 1985; Ord. 2436 § 2, 1984].
19.00.010 Permit issuance.
Section 106.4 of the 1994 edition of the Uni-
form Building Code is hereby repealed and
replaced with the following:
A. Issuance. The application, plans
and specifications filed by an applicant
for a permit shall be checked by the
building official. The plans may be re-
viewed by other departments of the
city to check compliance with the laws
and ordinances under their jurisdiction.
If the building official is satisfied that
the work described in an application
for permit and the plans conform to the
requirements of this code and other
pertinent laws and ordinances, includ-
ing, but not limited to the conditions of
approval of subdivisions for all proper-
ty having been subdivided as required
by Chapter 20.75 ECDC, and that the
fees specified in section 107.1 and the
fees specified in section 107.2, as
amended by ECDC 19.00.070(A),
have been paid, he shall issue a permit
to the applicant, but not otherwise.
When the building official issues the
permit, he shall endorse in writing or
stamp on both sets of plans and spec-
ifications "APPROVED." Approved
plans and specifications shall not be
changed without written authorization
from the building official, and all work
shall be done in accordance with the
approved plans.
B. Partial Permits. The building official
may issue a permit for the construction
of part of a building or structure before
the entire plans and specifications for
the whole building or structure have
been submitted and approved if the
planning director, public works director
and fire marshal also approve the issu-
ance of the partial permit.
C. Retention of Plans. One set of ap-
proved plans, specifications and com-
putations shall be retained by the
building official for a period of not less
than 90 days from date of completion
19-3 (Revised 8/96)
19.00.010
of the work covered by the plans. One
set of approved plans and specifica-
tions shall be returned to the applicant
when the permit is issued. This set
shall be kept on the building site at all
times while the work authorized is in
progress.
D. Permit Not Issued. Applications for
which no permit is issued within 180
days following the date of application
or 90 days following approval, which-
ever is sooner, shall expire by limita-
tion and plans and other data
submitted for review may thereafter be
returned to the applicant or destroyed
by the building official. The building of-
ficial may extend the time for action by
the applicant for a period not exceed-
ing 180 days upon request by the ap-
plicant showing that circumstances
beyond the control of the applicant
have prevented action from being tak-
en. No application shall be extended
more than once. In order to renew ac-
tion on an application after expiration,
the applicant shall resubmit plans and
pay a new plan review fee.
E. Validity. The issuance of a permit
or approval of plans and specifications
shall not be construed to be a permit
for, or an approval of, any violation of
any of the provisions of this code or
any applicable ordinance or law. No
permit presuming to give authority to
violate or cancel the provisions of this
code or other ordinance or law shall be
valid, except insofar as the work or use
which it authorizes is lawful.
The issuance of a permit based upon
plans and specifications shall not pre-
vent the building official from later re-
quiring the correction of errors in the
plans and specifications or from pre-
venting building construction in viola-
tion of this code or of any other
ordinance of the city or other applicable
law.
F. Expiration. Every permit issued by
the building official under the provi-
sions of ECDC Title 19 shall expire
and become null and void one year
from the date of issuance except as
provided below:
1. Demolition permits required by
ECDC 19.00.050 expire 180 days from
date of issuance.
2. Permits for moved -in buildings re-
quired by ECDC 19.35.000 shall ex-
pire 180 days from the date of
issuance.
Under the expiration of any permit re-
ferred to in this section, the applicant
shall immediately cease work; howev-
er, if the applicant has at least com-
menced work under the permit, the
applicant may, prior to the expiration of
the original permit, which is one year
from the date the original permit was
granted, apply for a permit extension
for one additional year. The permit ex-
tension, if granted, shall only be al-
lowed once. If the plans and
specifications for the permit application
are the same as the plans and specifi-
cations submitted for the original per-
mit application, the permit fee shall be
one-half the amount required for a new
permit, otherwise the full fee shall be
required. Whenever an appeal is filed
and a necessary development approv-
al is stayed in accordance with ECDC
20.105.020(B), the time limit periods
imposed under this section shall also
be stayed until final decision. This sec-
tion is intended to replace section
106.4.4 of the Uniform Building Code.
G. Suspension or Revocation. The
building official may, in writing, sus-
pend or revoke a permit issued under
(Revised 8/96) 19-4
Edmonds Community Development Code
19.00.110
the date of mailing of the written decision of
the building official.
C. Alternate Materials. Determination of
the suitability of materials and types of con-
struction may be made by application to the
board of appeals pursuant to Chapter 10.15
ECC.* [Ord. 2576, 1986].
*Code reviser's note: Chapter 10.15 ECC has been
repealed.
19.00.070 Fees.
Section 3310 of Appendix Chapter 33 and
section 107.2 of the 1994 edition of the Uni-
form Building Code are hereby repealed and
replaced with the following:
A. Plan -Checking Fee. The amount of
the plan -checking fee for grading, ex-
cavation and/or fill plans shall be as
set in Chapter 15.00 ECDC. Before ac-
cepting a set of plans and specifica-
tions for checking, the building official
shall collect the plan -checking fee.
Separate permits and fees shall apply
to retaining walls or major drainage
structures as indicated elsewhere in
this code. There shall be no separate
charge for standard terrace drains and
similar facilities.
B. Grading Permits. A fee for each
grading permit shall be paid to the
building official as set by Chapter
15.00 ECDC.
C. Group R-1 and M-1 Occupancies.
Fees for Group R-1 and Group M-1 oc-
cupancies shall be as set in Chapter
15.00 ECDC.
D. Fences. Fence permit fees shall be
as set in Chapter 15.00 ECDC.
E. Compliance Inspections. Housing
compliance inspection fees shall be as
set in Chapter 15.00 ECDC.
F. Relocation. Fees for the relocation
of a building (moving permit) shall be
as set in Chapter 15.00 ECDC.
[Ord. 3035 § 4, 1995; Ord. 2436 § 4, 1984].
19.00.080 Penalties.
Section 205 of the Uniform Building Code
as adopted herein is hereby amended and set
forth as follows:
It is unlawful for any person, firm, cor-
poration or other organization to erect,
construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move,
improve, remove, convert or demolish,
equip, use, occupy or maintain any
building or structure in the city, or
cause the same to be done, contrary to
or in violation of any of the provisions
of this chapter.
Any person, firm, corporation or other
organization violating any of the provi-
sions of the Uniform Building Code as
adopted herein, or other provision of
this chapter, shall be guilty of a misde-
meanor, and shall be deemed guilty of
a separate offense for each and every
day or portion thereof during which any
violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter or the Uniform Building Code
adopted herein is committed, contin-
ued or permitted, and upon the convic-
tion thereof of such violation, and each
violation thereof such person, firm,
corporation or other organization, and
the officers, directors and managers
thereof, shall be punishable as set
forth in ECC 5.50.020.
19.00.110 Fully complete application.
In accordance with the provisions of RCW
19.27.095, an applicant's rights shall vest
when a fully complete building permit applica-
tion is filed. A fully complete building permit
application is an application executed by all of
the owners of the property for which the appli-
cation is submitted or the duly authorized
agent(s) for such owners, containing each and
19-7 (Revised 8/96)
19.00.115
every document required under the terms of
these ordinances and the Uniform Building
Code and substantially complete in all re-
spects. It is anticipated that minor changes or
revisions may be required and are frequently
made in the course of any building application
review process, and such minor revisions or
changes shall not keep an application from be-
ing deemed complete if a good faith attempt
has been made to submit a substantially com-
plete application containing all required com-
ponents. Where required, the application and
supporting documents shall be stamped and/or
certified by the appropriate engineering, sur-
veying or other professional consultants. A
fully complete building permit application
shall be accompanied by all fees, including but
not limited to building permit fees and plan
check fees required under the provisions of this
chapter and the State Building Code. [Ord.
2769 § 1, 1990].
19.00.115 Letter of completeness.
Repealed by Ord. 3092. [Ord. 3078 § 1,
1996].
19.00.120 Architectural design review —
Optional vesting.
In addition to the vesting rights created by
RCW 19.27.095 and ECDC 19.00.110, an
applicant for development as defined in ECDC
20.10.010 and subject to architectural design
review may, at the applicant's option, file a
fully complete augmented architectural design
review application (hereinafter "augmented
ADB application") and vest rights under the
provisions of the Edmonds Community Devel-
opment Code and the State Building Code as
adopted and amended by the city of Edmonds,
ECDC Title 19 as then in effect.
A. Fully Complete, Augmented Applica-
tion for Architectural Design Review. An aug-
mented ADB application shall consist of:
1. A complete application for architec-
tural design review, executed by each and
every property owner of record of the develop-
ment site or their duly authorized agent(s),
accompanied by the following:
a. All fees required by ordinance,
including impact mitigation fees to be depos-
ited at the time such SEPA requirements
become final.
b. A site plan showing the current
zoning of the development site, the footprint of
all proposed structures, the total square footage
of the development structures and each sepa-
rate floor thereof, all setbacks required by ei-
ther the zoning code or state building codes,
proposed parking configurations, and en-
trances and fire exit (if separate).
c. Elevation drawings showing the
original grade of the site, any proposed alter-
ations to grade, the proposed height of the
structure and the number of stories.
d. A letter executed by all owners of
record or their duly authorized agent(s) detail-
ing the proposed use in sufficient detail to
determine whether the proposed use complies
with the zoning code then in effect and suffi-
cient, in conjunction with the other materials
to determine the occupancy classifications of
the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform
Fire Code as those codes then in effect.
e. A building permit application is
described in section 106.3.1 of the 1994 edi-
tion of the Uniform Building Code as the same
exists or is hereafter amended, and all building
permit and plan check fees — provided that the
plans required by section 106.3.1 and section
106.3.3 of the 1994 edition of the Uniform
Building Code (UBC) as the same exists or is
hereafter amended and other engineering doc-
uments, plans or drawings required by ECDC
Title 18 may be submitted within 90 days of
final architectural design board approval, or
final approval on appeal.
B. Vesting. Upon filing of the augmented
ADB application, the applicant shall be
deemed fully vested as if a fully complete
building permit application had been filed; pro-
vided:
1. The burden shall be upon the appli-
cant to supply all material required by the pro -
(Revised 8/96) 19-8
Edmonds Community Development Code
19.00.120
visions of this section and as necessary to meet
the requirements of Chapter 20.10 ECDC. The
applicant may supplement the original applica-
tion in the event an application is deemed
incomplete by the designee of the community
services director. Vesting shall occur only
when the application is complete. Failure to
supplement an incomplete application within
30 calendar days of the date written notifica-
tion is mailed, postage paid, in the United
States mail to the agent specified in the appli-
cation, shall result in forfeiture of all fees paid
and the no vesting right shall attach.
2. The application shall expire along
with all rights vested 180 days following the
date of application if final architectural design
approval is not received.
a. The community services director's
designee may issue an extension for an addi-
tional period, not exceeding 180 days upon a
request by the applicant(s) or their agent(s)
showing that circumstances beyond the control
of the applicant have prevented action from
being taken. Such application shall be filed
prior to the expiration of the original time
period. An extension shall be granted if the
architectural design board has not yet consid-
ered the application or an appeal thereof is
pending.
b. The time periods shall run concur-
rently with the periods established by section
107.4 of the 1994 edition of the Uniform
Building Code (UBC) as the same exists or is
hereafter amended. No application shall be
extended more than once. In order to renew an
application after expiration, the applicant shall
resubmit all required information and pay a
new plan review fee.
3. The applicant shall comply with all
provisions of state law and regulation and the
Edmonds Community Development Code
regarding state environmental review (SEPA).
Review periods or delays occasioned by SEPA
shall stay the time periods set by this chapter.
4. Following final architectural design
approval, the applicant shall file the plans and
information required by section 107.2 and sec-
tion 107.3 of the 1994 edition of the Uniform
Building Code (UBC) as the same exists or is
hereafter amended. An additional 90 days shall
be extended to applicants for developments
subject to Chapter 19.05 ECDC relating to
building permits within earth subsidence and
landslide hazard areas. It is anticipated that
minor adjustments and changes may and are
usually required to the plans submitted as a
result of the plan check review and administra-
tive process; provided that the following
changes shall not be considered "minor," shall
forfeit vesting rights, and shall require the fil-
ing of a new application:
a. Any substantial change not
required by the terms of architectural design
approval;
b. Any increase in excess of five per-
cent in height or total square footage or any
change which would change the occupancy
classification for the purposes of the State
Building Code, particularly the Uniform
Building and Fire Codes.
5. If any ADB application is finally de-
nied, the applicant can withdraw the project
and the building permit and plan check fees
paid shall be returned. Such withdrawal shall
be in writing. Failure to withdraw an applica-
tion prior to the expiration or extension of an
application will result in forfeiture of fees as
provided in this section and the subsections
hereof.
6. Any decision of the city staff regard-
ing the application stated in this section and its
interpretation shall be appealable only to the
Superior Court of Snohomish County by writ
of mandamus and is not subject to the provi-
sions of Chapter 20.105 ECDC.
C. Vesting Limitation. The rights vested by
ECDC 19.00.110 and 19.00.120 refer only to
zoning and building code rights protected by
RCW 19.27.095. These sections shall not be
interpreted to create vesting rights not pro-
tected by RCW 19.27.095 and shall not be
interpreted as a further limitation on the admin-
istrative obligations and legislative powers of
19-9 (Revised 8/96)
19.00.127
the city. By way of illustration and not limita-
tion, this chapter does not limit:
1. The city council's authority to create
local improvement districts;
2. The city council's authority to legis-
late life safety requirements that are not
required to recognize existing vested rights; or
3. Environmental and shorelines review
and mitigation procedures.
D. Repealed by Ord. 3092. [Ord. 3092 § 4,
1996; Ord. 3078 § 3, 1996; Ord. 3035 § 6,
1995; Ord. 2769 § 1, 1990].
19.00.127 Final decision.
Repealed by Ord. 3092. [Ord. 3078 § 2,
1996].
19.00.130 Evidence of adequate potable
water supply required.
Prior to the issuance of any building permit,
the building code official shall require written
evidence of an adequate potable water supply
from the purveyor of water to the site for
which a building permit is requested. For those
areas lying within the service area of the city of
Edmonds water utility, the written notification
of a duly authorized representative of the city's
water utility shall be sufficient; provided,
nothing herein shall be interpreted to prevent
the city or any of its water purveyors from
declaring a moratorium or other water emer-
gency limiting or otherwise restricting the
availability of adequate potable water. Appli-
cants relying on a well shall provide a copy of
applicable state approval for the appropriation
and a current test of water quality by a quali-
fied laboratory. [Ord. 2979 § 1, 1994].
(Revised 8/96) 19-10
Title 20
REVIEW CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES
Chapters:
20.00
Changes to the Comprehensive Plan..................................................3
20.05
Conditional Use Permits.....................................................................4
20.10
Architectural Design Review..............................................................5
20.12
Landscaping Requirements................................................................9
20.15A
Environmental Review(SEPA)........................................................13
20.15B
Critical Areas....................................................................................24
20.18
Group Homes....................................................................................43
20.19
Home Day Care................................................................................47
20.20
Home Occupations...........................................................................49
20.21
Accessory Dwelling Units................................................................52
20.25
Housing for the Low Income Elderly...............................................54
20.30
Joint Use of Parking.........................................................................56
20.35
Planned Residential Development (PRD)........................................57
20.40
Rezones.............................................................................................62
20.50
Wireless Communication Facilities..................................................63
20.55
Shoreline Permits...........................................................................64.4
20.60
Sign Permits......................................................................................65
20.65
Street Map Changes..........................................................................71
20.70
Street Vacations................................................................................72
20.75
Subdivisions.....................................................................................75
20.80
Text and Map Changes.....................................................................85
20.85
Variances..........................................................................................86
20.90
Application Process..........................................................................87
20.91
Public Hearings and Notice..............................................................89
20.95
Application and Staff Review..........................................................92
20.100
Hearing Examiner, Planning Advisory Board and
CityCouncil Review.........................................................................94
20.105
Appeals and Court Review...............................................................98
20.110
Civil Violation — Enforcement Procedure......................................101
20-1 (Revised 8/96)
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15A.300
1. When the city is the lead agency for a
proposal requiring an EIS and the responsible
official determines that the EIS shall be pre-
pared by employees of the city, the city may
charge and collect a reasonable fee from any
applicant to cover costs incurred, including
overhead, by the city in preparing the EIS. The
responsible official shall advise the applicant
of the projected costs for the EIS prior to actual
preparation.
2. The responsible official may deter-
mine that the city will contract directly with a
consultant for preparation of an EIS, or a por-
tion of the EIS, for activities initiated by some
persons or entity other than the city and may
bill such costs and expenses directly to the
applicant. Such consultants shall be selected
by the city.
3. The applicant shall pay the projected
amount to the city prior to commencing work.
The city will refund the excess, if any, at the
completion of the EIS. If the city's cost
exceeds the projected costs, the applicant shall
immediately pay the excess. If a proposal is
modified so that an EIS is no longer required,
the responsible official shall refund any fees
collected under paragraphs B(1) or (2) of this
section which remain after incurred costs,
including overhead, are paid.
C. The city may collect a reasonable fee
from an applicant to cover the cost of meeting
the public notice requirements of this chapter
relating to the applicant's proposal.
D. The city may charge any person for cop-
ies of any document prepared under this chap-
ter, and for mailing the document, in a manner
provided by Chapter 42.17 RCW. [Ord. 2829
§ 1, 1991].
20.15A.300 Forms — Adoption by reference.
The city adopts the following forms and sec-
tions of Chapter 197-11 WAC, as now existing
or hereinafter amended, by reference:
197-11-960 Environmental checklist.
197-11-965 Adoption notice.
197-11-970
Determination of
nonsignificance (DNS).
197-11-980
Determination of significance
and scoping notice (DS).
197-11-985
Notice of assumption of lead
agency status.
197-11-990
Notice of action.
20-23 (Revised 8/96)
20.1513.010
Chapter 20.15B
CRITICAL AREAS
Sections:
20.1513.010
Legislative findings.
20.1513.020
Definitions.
20.15B.030
Applicability and general
procedures.
20.1513.040
Exemptions and exceptions.
20.15B.050
Sequence of actions.
20.1513.060
Classification.
20.1513.070
Standards of approval.
20.15B.080
Development standards —
General.
20.15B.090
Development standards — Fish
and wildlife habitat conservation
zone.
20.15B.100
Development standards —
Frequently flooded areas.
20.15B.110
Development standards —
Geologically hazardous areas.
20.15B.120
Standards — Streams.
20.1513.130
Development standards —
Wetlands.
20.15B.140
Critical areas studies.
20.15B.150
Mitigation.
20.15B.160
Critical areas tracts and notice on
title.
20.15B.170
Administration.
20.15B.180
Severability.
20.15B.190
Liberal construction.
20.15B.010 Legislative findings.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish
special standards for the protection of critical
areas in compliance with the provisions of the
Washington Growth Management Act of 1990
(Chapter 36.70A RCW and H.B. 2929) and to
supplement the development requirements
contained in the Edmonds City Code for the
purpose of regulating development of lands,
based on the existence of critical areas as
defined in this chapter. The standards and pro-
cedures established in this chapter are intended
to protect environmentally critical areas while
accommodating the rights of property owners
to use their property in a reasonable manner. It
has been determined that the city of Edmonds
does not contain any natural resource lands as
defined by the Growth Management Act.
By regulating development and alterations
to critical areas and their buffers this chapter
seeks to:
A. Protect the public, and public and pri-
vate resources and facilities from injury, loss
of life, property damage or financial losses due
to flooding, erosion, landslide, seismic events,
soils subsidence or steep slope failure;
B. Protect unique, fragile and valuable ele-
ments of the environment including streams,
wetlands, wildlife and its habitat;
C. Mitigate impacts to environmentally
critical areas and their buffers that are ex-
cepted, allowed, or otherwise authorized under
this chapter by regulating alterations in and ad-
jacent to them;
D. Reduce cumulative adverse environ-
mental impacts to water availability, water
quality, wetlands, streams and other aquatic
resources;
E. Alert members of the public, including:
appraisers, assessors, owners, potential buy-
ers, or lessees, to the development limitations
of critical areas and their required buffers; and
F. Provide city officials with the informa-
tion and authority to protect critical areas and
their buffers, and implement the policies of the
State Environmental Policy Act, Chapter
43.21 C RCW, the city of Edmonds compre-
hensive plan, and the Growth Management
Act of 1990. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.020 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following
definitions shall apply:
A. "Adjacent" means a development pro-
posal within an area up to twice the standard
buffer width as established by this chapter for
the critical areas.
B. "Alteration" means any human -induced
action which changes the existing condition of
a critical area or its buffer. Alterations include,
but are not limited to: grading; filling; dredg-
(Revised 8/96) 20-24
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.1513.020
ing; 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 land -
forms, vegetation, hydrology, wildlife or wild-
life habitat value of critical areas.
C. "Best management practices" means a
system of practices and management measures
that:
1. Control soil loss and reduce water
quality degradation caused by nutrients, ani-
mal waste, and toxics;
2. Control the movement of sediment
and erosion caused by land alteration activi-
ties;
3. Minimize adverse impacts to surface
and ground water quality, flow, and circulation
patterns; and
4. Minimize adverse impacts to the
chemical, physical, and biological characteris-
tics of critical areas.
D. "Buffer" means the designated area
immediately next to and a part of a steep slope
or landslide hazard area and which protects
slope stability, attenuation of surface water
flows and landslide hazards reasonably neces-
sary to minimize risks to persons or property;
or a designated area immediately next to and
part of a stream or wetland that is an integral
part of the stream or wetland ecosystem.
E. "City" means the city of Edmonds.
F. "Class" or "wetland class" means
descriptive categories of wetland vegetation
communities within the wetlands taxonomic
classification system of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Cowardin, et al. 1979).
G. "Clearing" means the act of cutting
and/or removing vegetation. This definition
shall include grubbing vegetation.
H. "Compensation project" means an
action(s) specifically designed to replace
project -induced critical area or buffer losses.
Compensation project design elements may
include, but are not limited to: land acquisition
procedures; detailed plans including: func-
tional value assessments, detailed landscaping
designs, construction drawings, and monitor-
ing and contingency plans.
I. "Compensatory mitigation" means
replacing project -induced critical area or
buffer losses or impacts. Compensatory miti-
gation can include, but is not limited to, resto-
ration or creation of lost or impacted functional
values. Enhancement of critical areas may be
used for partial compensatory mitigation per
the requirements of ECDC 20.15B.150.
I "Creation" means a compensation
project performed to intentionally establish a
wetland or stream at a site where one did not
formerly exist.
K. "Critical areas" for the city of Edmonds
means fish and wildlife habitat conservation
areas, frequently flooded areas, geologically
hazardous areas, streams, and wetlands, each
as defined within this section of this chapter.
L. "Critical habitat" means habitat areas
associated with endangered, threatened, rare,
sensitive, or monitor species as deemed by the
state of Washington, Department of Natural
Resources, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice. These habitats, if altered, could reduce
the likelihood that the species will maintain
and reproduce over the long term. Such habitat
areas are documented with reference to lists,
categories, and definitions of species promul-
gated by the Washington Department of Wild-
life (Nongame Data System Special Animal
Species) as identified in WAC 232-12-011 or
232-12-014 and in the priority habitat species
lists compiled in compliance with WAC 365-
190-080, or by rules and regulations adopted
currently or thereafter by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. (See ECDC 20.15B.060
(A)(1)(a).)
M. "Developable area" means the area out-
side of any critical area and its required set-
back or buffer.
N. "Development proposal" means any
activity relating to the use and/or development
of land requiring a permit or approval from the
20-25 (Revised 8/96)
20.15B.020
city, including, but not limited to: commercial
or residential building permit; binding site
plan; conditional use permit; franchise; right-
of-way permit; grading and clearing permit;
mixed use approval; planned residential devel-
opment; shoreline conditional use permit;
shoreline substantial development permit;
shoreline variance; short subdivision; special
use permit; subdivision; flood hazard permit;
unclassified use permit; utility and other use
permit; variance; rezone; or any subsequently
required permit or approval not expressly
exempted by this chapter.
O. "Enhancement" means an action taken
to improve the condition and function of a crit-
ical area. In the case of wetland or stream, the
term means a compensation project performed
to improve the conditions of an existing
degraded wetland or stream to increase its
functional value.
P. "Erosion" means the process in which
soil particles are mobilized and transported by
natural agents such as wind, rain, frost action,
or stream flow.
Q. Erosion Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(a).)
R. "Existing and ongoing agriculture"
means those activities conducted on lands
defined in RCW 84.34.020(2), and those activ-
ities involved in the production of crops or
livestock. Activities may include the operation
and maintenance of farm and stock ponds or
drainage ditches; operation and maintenance
of existing ditches, irrigation systems includ-
ing irrigation laterals, canals, or irrigation
drainage ditches; changes from one type of
agricultural activity to another agricultural
activity; and normal maintenance, repair, or
operation of existing serviceable structures,
facilities, or improved areas. Activities which
bring a nonagricultural area into agricultural
use are not part of an ongoing operation. An
operation ceases to be ongoing when the area
on which it is conducted is converted to a
nonagricultural use or has lain idle for more
than five years.
S. "Fish and wildlife habitat conservation
areas" means those areas within the city of
Edmonds which provide habitat for state or
federally listed rare, endangered, threatened,
or sensitive species; for species of local impor-
tance as defined by this chapter and identified
in the administrative procedures; or for habitat
communities of exceptional habitat value
inventoried and mapped within the city. (See
also ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(1).)
T. "Floodplain" means the total area sub-
ject to inundation by a "100-year flood". "100-
year flood" means a flood having a one percent
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any
given year.
U. Frequently Flooded Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(2).)
V. "Functions" means the roles served by
critical areas including, but not limited to:
water quality protection and enhancement; fish
and wildlife habitat; food chain support; flood
storage, conveyance and attenuation; ground-
water recharge and discharge; erosion control;
wave attenuation; aesthetic value protection;
and recreation. These roles are not listed in
order of priority.
W. "Geologically hazardous areas" means
areas that, because of their susceptibility to
erosion, landslide, sliding and/or potential
seismic instabilities, are not suited to develop-
ment consistent with public health or safety
concerns. For the city of Edmonds these areas
include the following:
1. Erosion Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(a).)
2. Landslide Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(b).)
3. Steep Slope Hazard Areas. (See
ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(3)(c).)
4. Seismic Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(d).)
X. "Geologist" means a person who has
earned a degree in geology from an accredited
college or university and has at least five years
of experience as a practicing geologist or four
years of experience and at least two years of
post -graduate study, research or teaching. The
(Revised 8/96) 20-26
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15B.020
practical experience shall include at least three
years work in applied geology and landslide
evaluation in close association with qualified
practicing geologists and geotechnical/civil
engineers.
Y. "Geotechnical engineer" means a prac-
ticing geotechnical/civil engineer licensed as a
professional civil engineer in the state of
Washington who has at least four years of pro-
fessional employment as a geotechnical engi-
neer in responsible charge including experi-
ence with landslide evaluation.
Z. "Grading" means any one or combina-
tion of excavating, filling, or disturbance of
that portion of the soil profile which contains
decaying organic matter.
AA. "Habitats of local importance" include
a seasonal range or habitat element with which
a given species has a primary association, and
which, if altered, may reduce the likelihood
that the species will maintain and reproduce
over the long term. These might include areas
of high relative density or species richness,
breeding habitat, winter range, and movement
corridors. These might also include habitats
that are of limited availability or high vulnera-
bility to alteration, such as cliffs, shorelines,
coastal beaches, mud -flats, eel -grass beds, and
wetlands. (See ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(1)(c).)
BB. Landslide Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(b).)
CC. "Long-term commercial significance"
means the growing capacity, productivity and
soil composition of the land for long-term
commercial production, in consideration with
the land's proximity to population areas, and
the possibility of more intense uses of land.
DD. "Mitigation" means the use of any or
all of the following actions that are listed in
descending order of preference:
1. Avoid the impact altogether by not
taking a certain action or parts of an action;
2. Minimize impacts by limiting the
degree or magnitude of the action and its
implementation, by using appropriate technol-
ogy, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or
reduce impacts;
3. Rectify the impact by repairing, reha-
bilitating or restoring the affected critical area;
4. Reduce or eliminate the impact over
time by preservation or maintenance opera-
tions during the life of the development pro-
posal;
5. Compensate for the impact by replac-
ing, enhancing or providing substitute critical
areas and environments; and
6. Monitor the impacts and take appro-
priate corrective measures.
EE. "Native growth protection easements"
(NGPE) means an easement granted to the city
for the protection of native vegetation within a
critical area or its buffer.
FF. "Native vegetation" means vegetation
comprised of plant species which are indige-
nous to the Puget Sound region and which rea-
sonably could have been expected to naturally
occur on the site. Native vegetation does not
include noxious weeds as defined by the state
of Washington or federal agencies.
GG. "Natural resource lands" means agri-
cultural, forest and mineral resource lands
which have long-term commercial signifi-
cance.
HH. "Noxious weeds" means any plant
which when established is highly destructive,
competitive or difficult to control by cultural
or chemical practices, as further listed in
Chapter 16-750 WAC.
II. "Qualified critical areas consultant"
means a person who has the qualifications
specified below to conduct critical areas stud-
ies pursuant to this chapter, and to make rec-
ommendations for critical areas mitigation. For
areas of potential geologic instability, the qual-
ified critical areas consultant shall be a geolo-
gist or geotechnical engineer. For wetlands and
streams, the qualified critical areas consultant
shall be a specialist in botany, fisheries, wet-
land biology, and/or hydrology with a mini-
mum of two years' field experience with wet-
lands and/or streams in the Pacific Northwest.
JJ. "Resource lands" means areas with
long-term commercial timber, agricultural and
mineral values.
20-27 (Revised 8/96)
20.15B.020
KK. "Restoration" means the actions nec-
essary to return a stream, wetland or other crit-
ical area to a state in which its stability, and
functions and values approach its unaltered
state as closely as possible.
LL. Significant Habitat. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(1)(b).)
MM. "Species of local importance" means
those species that are of local concern due to
their population status, their sensitivity to hab-
itat manipulation, or that are game (hunted)
species. (See ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(1)(c).)
NN. Steep Slope Hazard Areas. (See
ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(3)(c).)
00. Seismic Hazard Areas. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(3)(d).)
PP. "Streams" means any area where sur-
face waters produce a defined channel or bed
which demonstrates clear evidence, such as the
sorting of sediments, of the passage of water.
The channel or bed need not contain water
year-round. This definition is not meant to
include irrigation ditches, canals, storm or sur-
face water runoff devices (drainage ditches) or
other entirely artificial watercourses unless
they are used by salmonids or used to convey
streams naturally occurring prior to construc-
tion of such watercourse. Streams are further
classified into Categories 1, 2 and 3. (See
ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(4).)
1. Category 1 Streams. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(4)(a). )
2. Category 2 Streams. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(4)(b).)
3. Category 3 Streams. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(4)(c). )
QQ. "Stormwater Management Manual"
means the Stormwater Management Manual
for the Puget Sound Basin by the Washington
State Department of Ecology (as included in
Chapter 18.30 ECDC).
RR. "Urban growth" means growth that
makes intensive use of land for the location of
buildings, structures and impermeable surfaces
to such a degree as to be incompatible with the
primary use of such land for the production of
food, other agricultural products, or fiber, or
the extraction of mineral resources. When
allowed to spread over wide areas, urban
growth typically requires urban governmental
services. Land can be characterized by urban
growth when urban growth is located upon it,
or the land is located in relationship to an area
with urban growth on it as to be appropriate for
urban growth.
SS. "Vadose zone" means the surface lay-
ers of the soils and earth which may contain
shallow water tables above permanent ground-
water areas.
TT. "Wetlands" means those areas that are
inundated or saturated by ground or surface
water at a frequency and duration sufficient to
support, and that under normal circumstances
do support, a prevalence of vegetation typi-
cally adapted for life in saturated soil condi-
tions. Wetlands less than 2,500 square feet in
total area are not regulated by this chapter.
Wetlands do not include those artificial wet-
lands intentionally created from nonwetland
sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation
and drainage ditches, grass -lined swales,
canals, detention facilities, wastewater treat-
ment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape
amenities, or those wetlands created after July
1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a
result of the construction of a road, street or
highway. However, wetlands may include
those artificial wetlands intentionally created
from nonwetland areas created to mitigate
conversion of wetlands if permitted by the city
(WAC 365-190-030(22)). Wetlands are fur-
ther classified into Categories 1, 2 and 3. (See
ECDC 20.15B.060(A)(5).)
1. Category 1 Wetlands. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(5)(a).)
2. Category 2 Wetlands. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(5)(b).)
3. Category 3 Wetlands. (See ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(5)(c).)
UU. "Wetland functions" means those nat-
ural processes performed by wetlands, such as
facilitating food chain production, providing
habitat for nesting, rearing and resting sites for
aquatic, terrestrial or avian species, maintain -
(Revised 8/96) 20-28
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15B.040
ing the availability and quality of water, acting
as recharge and/or discharge areas for ground-
water aquifers, and moderating surface water
and storm water flows. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.030 Applicability and general
procedures.
A. Applicability and Compliance. This
chapter establishes regulations and procedures
for the protection of lands which contain or are
adjacent to critical areas. Compliance with the
provisions of this chapter shall be required of
all development proposals within the city, as
defined in ECDC 20.15B.020(N), except as
provided in ECDC 20.1513.040. The city may
approve, approve with conditions, or deny any
development proposal in order to comply with
the requirements and carry out the goals, pur-
poses, and objectives of this chapter. In the
event any provision of this chapter conflicts
with any other applicable law or chapter, that
which provides the greatest protection to criti-
cal areas shall apply. Prior to fulfilling the
requirements of this chapter, the city shall not
grant any approval or permission to conduct
development or use in critical areas.
B. Administrative Procedures. The city
planning division may develop and adopt
administrative procedures for the purpose of
carrying out the provisions of this chapter in a
more consistent and prescribed manner.
C. Inventory and Mapping. This chapter
shall apply to all critical areas located within
the city of Edmonds. The city shall conduct an
inventory of the critical areas in compliance
with the requirements of the Growth Manage-
ment Act. Critical areas not mapped are pre-
sumed to be present within the city and are
protected by the provisions of this chapter. In
the event that there is a conflict between a
mapped critical area and the criteria set forth in
this chapter, the criteria and the site specific
conditions shall control. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.040 Exemptions and exceptions.
A. General Exemptions. Except for emer-
gencies as outlined in subsection (A)(1) of this
section, city planning staff shall review the pro-
posed action and determine whether or not the
proposal is subject to these exemption provi-
sions. For actions identified under subsections
(A)(2) through (A)(5) of this section, city plan-
ning staff shall waive the requirements of this
chapter and any administrative procedures pro-
mulgated hereunder for actions which are
determined to either not pose any threat to a
critical area or its buffer, or which are legally
nonconforming buildings, structures or uses
which were in place prior to the implementa-
tion of this chapter. For actions identified under
subsection (A)(1) of this section, city planning
staff shall waive the requirements of this chap-
ter and any administrative procedures promul-
gated hereunder for actions determined by city
planning staff to qualify as emergencies iden-
tified under subsection (A)(1).
1. Emergencies that threaten the public
health, safety and welfare as defined in ECDC
20.110.020(D);
2. Remodeling, reconstruction or
replacement of legal structures and improve-
ments that do not meet the requirements of this
chapter but which are in existence on the date
the ordinance codified in this chapter becomes
effective; provided, that such activity does not
increase the potential impact to critical areas or
their buffers; or, in the case of an existing struc-
ture or improvement in geologically hazardous
areas, does not create the potential of soil
movement or risk of harm or damage to exist-
ing uses or development, or to the public
safety;
3. Normal and routine maintenance or
repair of existing utility structures or devel-
oped rights -of -way; or installation, relocation,
replacement, operation, or alteration of utili-
ties within existing public rights -of -way or
public easements. Alterations caused to fish
and wildlife habitats, streams, or wetlands by
utility work within an existing right-of-way
must restore the critical areas to, at the least,
their former functional value at the completion
of the utility construction;
20-29 (Revised 8/96)
20.15B.050
4. Existing and ongoing agriculture as
defined in ECDC 20.15B.020(R). Such activi-
ties shall not allow critical areas or their buff-
ers which are not currently under agricultural
use to be converted to agricultural use. Normal
and routine maintenance of existing irrigation
and drainage ditches shall be exempt except
for those ditches used by salmonids; or
5. An application for a building permit
for a lot within a development for which criti-
cal areas study had previously been prepared;
provided, that the previous study contemplated
and evaluated the type of development pro-
posed to occur on the lot. This exemption does
not preclude city staff from conditioning a land
division permit pursuant to the requirements of
this chapter to require subsequent individual
building permit review on specific lots within
a subdivision or short plat.
B. Public Agency or Utility Exception. If
the application of this chapter would prohibit a
development proposal essential to its ability to
provide service by a public agency or public
utility, the agency or utility may apply for an
exception pursuant to this section. After hold-
ing a public hearing pursuant to ECDC
20.100.010, the hearing examiner may
approve the exception if the hearing examiner
finds that there is no other feasible alternative
to the proposed development with less impact
on critical areas, and the proposal minimizes
the impact on critical areas. Any decision of
the hearing examiner is final unless appealed
pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.170(C). Proposals
approved for an exception by this section shall
be constructed using best management prac-
tices as defined within ECDC 20.15B.020(C).
C. Reasonable Use Exception. If the appli-
cation of this chapter would deny all reason-
able use of the property, development may be
allowed which is consistent with the general
purposes of this chapter and the public interest;
provided, that the hearing examiner, after a
public hearing, finds:
1. This chapter would otherwise deny all
reasonable use of the property;
2. There is no other reasonable use con-
sistent with the underlying zoning with less
impact on the critical area or its buffer;
3. The proposed development does not
pose an unreasonable threat to the public
health, safety or welfare on or off the property;
4. Any proposed alteration of the critical
area or its buffer is minimized to the extent pos-
sible to allow for reasonable use of the prop-
erty;
5. The proposed activity complies with
all state, local, and federal laws including
those related to sediment control, pollution
control, floodplain restrictions, and on -site
wastewater disposal;
6. The inability to derive reasonable
economic use of the property is not the result
of actions by the applicant or a predecessor in
title in segregating or dividing the property and
creating the undevelopable condition after the
effective date of the ordinance codified in this
chapter; and
7. The applicant may only apply for a
reasonable use exception under this subsection
if the applicant has also applied for a variance
pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.170(A).
Any decision of the hearing examiner
regarding this reasonable use exception shall
be final unless appealed to the city council pur-
suant to ECDC 20.15B.170(C). [Ord. 3087 §
2, 1996].
20.15B.050 Sequence of actions.
When an application for a development pro-
posal, as defined by this title, is made, the fol-
lowing sequence of actions will be required of
the applicant and city staff prior to issuance of
any development permit. Details of the full
sequence of actions will be contained in the
administrative procedures for this title.
A. Applicant completes and submits a crit-
ical areas checklist, as provided in the admin-
istrative procedures for this chapter, to
planning staff,
B. Staff reviews the checklist and deter-
mines any requirement for detailed critical
area study within two weeks of receipt of the
(Revised 8/96) 20-30
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15B.060
checklist or issues a waiver from further study
as outlined in ECDC 20.15B.140;
C. If critical areas are determined to be
present then there will be a requirement for
critical areas study per ECDC 20.1513.140.
The development permit application will not
be considered complete until the completed
critical areas study is submitted;
D. City staff will review the critical area
study and the development proposal within
two weeks of receipt;
E. The development permit application
shall be conditioned to meet the provisions of
this chapter; or, if it is determined that adverse
critical area impacts will be authorized to pro-
vide for reasonable use of a property, then the
applicant shall submit the design of a detailed
compensatory mitigation plan per the stan-
dards of ECDC 20.15B.150; and
F. City staff shall review the proposed com-
pensatory mitigation plan to determine accep-
tance/denial of the proposed compensation.
City staff may request review of the proposal
by resource agency staff or a technical consult-
ant of their choosing per ECDC 20.15B.140
(E). [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.060 Classification.
A. Critical Areas. The following areas, as
defined in ECDC 20.1513.020, are classified as
critical areas: fish and wildlife habitat conser-
vation areas, frequently flooded areas, geolog-
ically hazardous areas, streams, and wetlands.
1. Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conserva-
tion Areas. Fish and wildlife habitat conserva-
tion areas are those areas within the city of
Edmonds which provide habitat for state or
federally listed rare, endangered, threatened,
or sensitive species; for species of local impor-
tance as identified in the administrative rules;
or for habitat communities of exceptional hab-
itat value inventoried and mapped within the
city. Aquatic habitats and dependent species
such as salmonids are also regulated under
ECDC 20.15B.120, relating to streams, and
ECDC 20.15B.130, relating to wetlands. Wild-
life habitat conservation areas may be classi-
fied into the following two classes based on the
criteria provided:
a. Critical Habitats.
i. Known or documented habitat
for any species listed by the state or federal pro-
cess as rare, endangered, threatened, or sensi-
tive. Approximate locations of such habitats
will be available for city staff review on maps
located at City Hall and provided by the Wash-
ington State Department of Wildlife. Mapped
locations of habitat for known listed species
shall not be made available for public disclo-
sure.
ii. Streams, rivers, and wetlands
used by salmonids. Refer to ECDC 20.15B.120
and 20.15B.130 for further detail.
b. Significant Habitats.
i. Inventoried and mapped habitat
for species identified as having local signifi-
cance within the city of Edmonds. Areas may
include, for example, specific areas known to
be utilized by large numbers of migratory
waterfowl; or
ii. Habitats of significance within
the city of Edmonds as inventoried and
mapped during the city's critical area mapping
process.
c. Habitats and Species of Local
Importance. To be determined and defined in
locally adopted administrative procedures.
2. Frequently Flooded Areas. Those
lands in the floodplain subject to a one percent
or greater chance of flooding in any given
year. These areas include, but are not limited
to: streams, rivers, lakes, coastal areas, wet-
lands, and the like. These lands are regulated
under Chapter 19.97 ECDC.
3. Geologically Hazardous Areas.
Those areas subject to potential erosion, land-
slide, and/or potential seismic instabilities,
including the following:
a. Erosion Hazard Areas. Erosion
hazard areas are those areas of the city of
Edmonds containing soils that may experience
severe to very severe erosion hazard. This
group of soils includes, but is not limited to, the
20-31 (Revised 8/96)
20.15B.060
following when they occur on slopes of 15 per-
cent or greater:
i. Alderwood soils (15 to 25 per-
cent slopes);
ii. Alderwood/Everett Series (25
to 70 percent slopes);
iii. Everett Series (15 to 25 per-
cent slopes).
b. Landslide Hazard Areas. Land-
slide hazard areas are those areas of the city of
Edmonds which, by reason of excessively
steep slopes, unsatisfactory foundation sup-
port, stability or topography, have a risk of
earth subsidence and landslide hazard in
excess of normal allowances. The 1979 report
of Roger Lowe Associates, as amended by the
1985 report of Geoengineers, Inc., and the
landslide hazard maps established as a part of
said reports, are incorporated by this reference
and made a part of this chapter as fully as if
herein set forth. Areas designated on said
maps, or areas which match the criteria as geo-
logical hazard areas as defined by this chapter
shall be subject to the requirements of this
chapter. Field criteria for identifying landslide
hazard areas include the following:
i. Any area with slopes of 15 per-
cent or greater and impermeable soils (typi-
cally silt and clay) frequently interbedded with
granular soils (predominantly sand and gravel)
and springs or groundwater seepage;
ii. Any area which includes areas
with significant visible evidence of groundwa-
ter seepage, and which also includes existing
landslide deposits regardless of slope;
iii. Any area which has shown
movement during the Holocene epoch (from
10,000 years ago to present) or which is under-
lain by mass wastage debris of that epoch as
determined by a qualified geologist or geo-
technical engineer;
iv. Any area potentially unstable
as a result of rapid stream incision or stream
bank erosion; or
v. Any area located on an alluvial
fan, presently subject to, or potentially subject
to, inundation by debris flow or deposition of
stream -transported sediments.
c. Steep Slope Hazard Areas. "Steep
slope hazard areas" means any ground that
rises at an inclination of 40 percent or more
within a vertical elevation change of at least 20
feet (a vertical rise of 10 feet or more for every
25 feet of horizontal distance). A slope is
delineated by establishing its toe and top and
measured by averaging the inclination over at
least 20 feet of vertical relief.
d. Seismic Hazard Areas. Seismic
hazard areas are those areas subject to severe
risk of earthquake damage as a result of seis-
mically induced landslides, earth adjustments,
settlement or soil liquefaction.
4. Streams. "Streams" means any area
where surface waters produce a defined chan-
nel or bed which demonstrates clear evidence,
such as the sorting of sediments, of the passage
of water. The channel or bed need not contain
water year-round. Streams are further classi-
fied into Categories 1, 2 and 3 as follows:
a. Category 1 Streams. "Category 1
streams" means those streams where the mean
annual flow is greater than 20 cubic feet per
second and the stream meets the criteria for a
"shorelines of the state" under the Edmonds
Shoreline Master Program pursuant to Chapter
90.58 RCW.
b. Category 2 Streams. "Category 2
streams" means those streams smaller than
Category 1 streams and which are perennial; or
those that are perennial or ephemeral and are
used by salmonids.
c. Category 3 Streams. "Category 3
streams" means those streams that are inter-
mittent or ephemeral during years of normal
rainfall and are not used by salmonids.
5. Wetlands. Wetlands are classified
according to the following criteria. Note that
the term "class or wetland class" as defined in
ECDC 20.15B.020 refers to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service classification of wetlands
based on vegetative communities. The rating
of a wetland is determined by evaluating the
(Revised 8/96) 20-32
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15B.070
entire wetland in question, not just that portion
located on the property in question.
a. Category 1 Wetlands. "Category 1
wetlands" means wetlands which meet any of
the following criteria:
i. The presence of species listed
by the federal government or state as endan-
gered or threatened, or the presence of critical
or outstanding habitat for those species; or
ii. Wetlands having 40 percent to
60 percent permanent open water in dispersed
patches with two or more classes of vegeta-
tion; or
iii. Wetlands equal to or greater
than five acres in size and having three or more
wetland classes, one of which is open water; or
iv. The presence of plant associa-
tions of infrequent occurrence. These include,
but are not limited to, mature forested commu-
nities and bog systems.
b. Category 2 Wetlands. "Category 2
wetlands" are wetlands that do not qualify as
Category 1 wetlands and that meet any of the
following criteria:
i. Wetlands greater than one acre
in size; or
ii. Wetlands equal to or less than
one acre and greater than 2,500 square feet and
having two or more wetland classes; or
iii. Wetlands equal to or less than
one acre and greater than 2,500 square feet that
have a forested wetland class; or
iv. The presence of heron rooker-
ies or raptor nesting trees.
c. Category 3 Wetlands. "Category 3
wetlands" means wetlands that are equal to or
less than 1 acre and greater than 2,500 square
feet and that have one wetland class. [Ord.
3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.070 Standards of approval.
No alteration of critical areas or their buffers
shall be permitted unless the city grants an
exemption or an exception pursuant to ECDC
20.1513.040 or a variance pursuant to ECDC
20.15B.170(A). In addition, the project must
follow the prescribed sequencing of mitigation
as outlined within ECDC 20.1513.150. Any
permitted alteration of critical areas or their
buffers shall comply with the requirements of
this title.
A. Regulated Activities. Any development
proposal, as defined by this chapter, which may
impact critical areas or their buffers shall be
subject to the conditions and requirements of
this chapter. Such regulated activities shall be
undertaken following the sequence of mitiga-
tion established within ECDC 20.1513.150.
The following activities within critical areas or
their buffers shall be regulated pursuant to this
chapter:
1. The removal, excavation, grading, or
dredging of soil, sand, gravel, minerals,
organic matter, or material of any kind;
2. The dumping, discharging, or filling
with any material;
3. The draining, flooding, or disturbing
of the water level or water table;
4. The driving of pilings;
5. The placing of obstructions;
6. The construction, reconstruction,
demolition, or expansion of any structure;
7. The destruction or alteration of the
vegetation of wetlands, wildlife habitat areas,
streams, or their buffers through clearing, har-
vesting, spraying of herbicides, shading, inten-
tional burning, or planting of vegetation that
would alter the character of a critical area; pro-
vided, that these activities are not part of a for-
est practice governed under Chapter 76.09
RCW and its rules;
8. Activities that result in a significant
change of water temperature, a significant
change of physical or chemical characteristics
of water sources, including quantity, or the
introduction of pollutants including chemical
herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or excess
nutrients; and
9. Activities which bring critical areas
which are not currently in existing or ongoing
agricultural use into agricultural use. [Ord.
3087 § 2, 1996].
20-33 (Revised 8/96)
20.1513.080
20.15B.080 Development standards —
General.
A. Any development proposal on a site
which is within, includes, or is adjacent to any
critical areas must be planned, designed and
appropriately mitigated so as to demonstrate
conformance with the purposes of this chapter.
No alteration of critical areas or their buffers
shall be permitted unless the city grants an
exemption or exception pursuant to ECDC
20.15B.040, a variance granted pursuant to
ECDC 20.15B.170(A) or as provided below
for the specific category of critical area. In
addition, the following standards may be
required for all critical areas:
1. Sequencing clearing and grading
activities to minimize areas of disturbance and
allowing for clearing only during the dry sea-
son of May 1 st through September 30th;
2. Limiting vegetation removal and
mandating vegetation retention;
3. Requiring temporary fencing of clear-
ing limits around critical areas and their buff-
ers prior to any land clearing commencing on -
site;
4. Requiring buffers established pursu-
ant to the development standards established
by this chapter;
5. Requiring additional building set-
backs or the establishment of critical areas as
natural open spaces;
6. Limiting or reducing the types or den-
sities of particular uses;
7. The preparation of specific site man-
agement plans for temporary sedimentation,
erosion control, or other purposes; or
8. Site restoration to, at the least, the
preexisting conditions.
B. Buffers.
1. General. The city shall have the
authority to require buffers on critical areas
dependent upon the sensitivity of the critical
area, the degree of anticipated impact, and the
proposed land use adjacent to the critical area.
Buffer requirements for each specific type of
critical areas are contained within the develop-
ment standards sections which follow.
2. Averaging. Standard critical area
buffers may be modified, by city planning
staff, on a case -by -case basis. Avenging buffer
widths may be authorized only where the
applicant demonstrates all of the following:
a. That averaging is necessary to pro-
vide reasonable use of the property (refer to
ECDC 20.15B.040(C)(1) to (6) for definition
of "Reasonable Use");
b. That the critical area contains vari-
ations in sensitivity due to existing physical
characteristics and that reduction from stan-
dard buffer widths will occur only immedi-
ately next to the portion of the critical area
determined to be least sensitive;
c. That low intensity land uses would
be located immediately next to areas where
buffer width is reduced, and that such low
intensity land uses are guaranteed in perpetuity
by covenant, deed restriction, easement, or
other legally binding mechanism;
d. That width averaging will not
adversely impact the critical area's functional
values; and
e. That the total area contained within
the buffer after averaging is no less than that
contained within the standard buffer prior to
averaging. In no instance, except where a pre-
viously existing legal encumbrance exists,
shall the buffer width be reduced to less than
50 percent of the standard buffer width
required.
When a buffer is reduced, a buffer enhance-
ment plan using native vegetation and fencing
where appropriate must be reviewed and sub-
mitted for the area of remaining buffer. The
purpose of the buffer enhancement plan is to
improve the function of the buffer to provide
adequate protection to the critical area.
3. Increasing. Standard buffers may be
increased on a case -by -case basis when plan-
ning staff or their representative determines
that a larger buffer is necessary to protect the
critical area functions and values known to be
particularly sensitive to disturbance. A sub-
stantiated determination, prepared by staff or
(Revised 8/96) 20-34
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.1513.090
their representative, shall be attached as a per-
mit condition and shall demonstrate that:
a. A larger buffer is necessary to
maintain viable populations of existing spe-
cies; or
b. The critical areas are used by spe-
cies proposed or listed by the federal govern-
ment or the state as endangered, threatened,
rare, or sensitive; that critical or outstanding
potential habitat for those species is present; or
that nesting sites such as heron rookeries or
raptor nesting trees are present in the critical
areas or their buffers; or
c. The critical areas located within 25
feet of the toe of slopes equal to or greater than
40 percent. Such buffers may be increased to
include the top of slopes determined to be ero-
sion hazards; or
d. The land use which is proposed is
incompatible with the critical areas in ques-
tion.
C. Building Setback Lines. A building set-
back line of 15 feet is required from the edge
of any buffer to prevent construction intru-
sions into the buffer. The setback shall be iden-
tified on the site plan which is filed as an
attachment to the notice on title required by
ECDC 20.15B.160(B).
D. Authority to Condition or Deny. In addi-
tion to its general authority under this chapter
and any other applicable law or chapter, the
city may condition or deny a development pro-
posal if it is determined that the development
proposal will increase the potential of soil
movement or otherwise result in an unaccept-
able risk of injury to persons or damage to the
structure, site or adjacent properties; or will
result in an unacceptable risk of significant
harm to critical areas or their functional values.
The city further shall have the authority to
impose conditions for critical areas as provided
in ECDC 20.1513.080 through 20.1513.130.
E. Construction Monitoring. The city may
require that a qualified critical areas consult-
ant, at the direction of the city, monitor the
development proposal site during construction
at the applicant's expense. The qualified criti-
cal areas consultant shall monitor compliance
with the conditions or restrictions imposed by
the city department of community services.
The conditions imposed by the city may be
based on the recommendations in the critical
areas study conducted per the requirements of
ECDC 20.1513.140 or a mitigation plan con-
ducted per the requirements of ECDC
20.15B.150.
The city may require the qualified critical
areas consultant to make written, dated moni-
toring reports on the progress of the construc-
tion at such timely intervals as may be
specified. The city may require a final state-
ment from the qualified critical areas consult-
ant that, in his or her professional opinion,
based upon site observations and testing dur-
ing the monitoring of the construction, the
completed development substantially com-
plies with the recommendations in the critical
areas study and all conditions of approval.
F. Assurance Devices. The city may require
appropriate assurance devices, such as perfor-
mance bonds, in a form approved by the city
attorney whenever the city determines that the
public interest would not be served by the issu-
ance of a permit in critical areas without some
assurance of a means of providing for restora-
tion of such areas or repair of property damage
that may be caused by construction in such
areas. Performance bonds may be required for
an amount equal to 120 percent of the esti-
mated costs of designing and constructing the
required compensation. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.1513.090 Development standards — Fish
and wildlife habitat
conservation zone.
These areas are to be conserved for the man-
agement and maintenance of fish and wildlife
habitat. Wildlife habitat conservation zones
may overlap with other identified critical areas
within the city of Edmonds. Likely areas of
overlap include frequently flooded areas, geo-
logically hazardous areas, streams, and wet-
lands.
20-35 (Revised 8/96)
20.1513.100
Activities allowed in fish and wildlife habi-
tat areas shall be consistent with the species
located there and all applicable state and fed-
eral regulations regarding the species. City
planning staff shall defer administration and
enforcement of fish and wildlife habitat area
protection measures to the appropriate state or
federal agency responsible for administering
said protection measures. Development in
these areas shall be in accordance with the
requirements of the underlying zone and any
overlapping critical areas classification. [Ord.
3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.100 Development standards —
Frequently flooded areas.
Standards for frequently flooded areas shall
meet the requirements of Chapter 19.97
ECDC, Flood plain management. [Ord. 3087 §
2, 1996].
20.1513.110 Development standards —
Geologically hazardous areas.
A. Buffers. Buffers for geologically hazard-
ous areas shall be 50 feet in width, they shall
be maintained with their native vegetation,
and, where appropriate, be placed within the
critical areas tract. This 50-foot buffer require-
ment may be reduced to 10 feet by the director
or his/her designee upon review of critical
areas study prepared pursuant to ECDC
20.15B.140 (A) by a licensed geologist or geo-
technical engineer which clearly demonstrates
that the proposed buffer alteration will have no
adverse impact upon the site, the public or any
private party. "Adverse impact" shall include
but not be limited to a decrease in site stability
as defined in Chapter 19.05 ECDC. Such report
shall be certified in a form suitable for filing
with the Snohomish County recorder and gen-
erally comply with the provisions of this chap-
ter as well as the geotechnical report require-
ments of Chapter 19.05 ECDC. Staff approval
or disapproval of proposed buffer reductions
shall be subject to appeal pursuant to the pro-
visions of ECDC 20.105.010(A)(4).
B. Erosion Hazard Areas. Alterations
within identified erosion hazard areas shall not
be authorized without an approved erosion
control plan pursuant to Chapter 18. 30 ECDC,
which includes staged clearing, where appro-
priate. Clearing or disruption of the soils
within an erosion hazard area shall be kept at
the minimum necessary to provide reasonable
use of the site.
C. Landslide Hazard Areas. Landslide haz-
ard areas located on slopes less than 40 percent
shall only be approved to be altered if both of
the following provisions are met:
1. Proposed development will not de-
crease slope stability on any adjacent property;
and
2. The landslide hazard to the project
and adjacent property is eliminated or miti-
gated such that the proposed development on
the site is certified as stable by a licensed pro-
fessional geologist or geotechnical engineer.
Any landslide hazard area and its buffer
which combined are greater than one acre in
size shall be placed in critical areas tract for any
proposed master plan development, subdivi-
sion, short subdivision, or planned residential
development, pursuant to ECDC 20.1513.160.
Where alterations are authorized city staff shall
determine whether the remaining portion(s) of
the landslide hazard area shall be placed within
critical areas tract.
Landslide areas located on slopes greater
than 40 percent shall be regulated pursuant to
ECDC 20.15B.I IO(D).
D. Steep Slope Hazard Areas. No develop-
ment or alteration shall be allowed in steep
slope hazard areas unless the city grants an
exemption or exception pursuant to ECDC
20.1513.040, a variance is granted pursuant to
ECDC 20.15B.170(A), or unless the develop-
ment or alteration is one of the following:
1. Surface water conveyance designed to
the best available technical standard, such as
the Stormwater Management Manual, ap-
proved by the city. Installation shall absolutely
minimize disturbance to the slope, soils and
vegetation;
(Revised 8/96) 20-36
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.1513.120
2. Trails construction designed to the
best available technical standard approved by
the city. Technical standards are provided in
the U.S. Forest Service "Trails Management
Handbook" (FSH 2309.18, 1987) and "Stan-
dard Specifications for Construction of Trails"
(EM-7720-102, 1984). In no case shall trails
be constructed of impervious materials which
would contribute to surface water runoff,
unless such materials are necessary to provide
for soil stabilization or erosion control, and
trail design assures that surface water runoff
will not increase or contribute to erosion and
sedimentation;
3. Utility construction by private or pub-
lic proponents may be allowed; provided, that
city staff determines upon review of a critical
areas study that the proposed alteration shall
not subject the steep slope to the risk of land-
slide or erosion;
4. Trimming and limbing of vegetation
on steep slopes may be allowed if a clearing
plan is provided for review and approval by the
city; and provided, that the soils within the
steep slope area are not disturbed to subject the
area to the risk of erosion. Clearing shall be
subject to the requirements of Chapter 18.45
ECDC.
E. Seismic Hazard Areas. Development
proposals for sites containing a potential seis-
mic hazard area shall only be authorized by
staff to alter the seismic hazard area when the
applicant documents that:
1. A technical evaluation of the site's
specific subsurface conditions indicates that
the site is not located within a seismic hazard
area; or
2. Mitigation is implemented which ren-
ders the proposed development as stable as if it
were not located within a seismic hazard area.
City staff may rely upon independent
review of the technical analysis of site condi-
tions pursuant to Section 20.15B.140(E). [Ord.
3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.120 Standards — Streams.
No alteration to a stream or buffer shall be
permitted unless the city grants an exception
pursuant to ECDC 20.1513.040 or unless one of
the following applies. In all cases of stream
alteration, crossing, or proposed work within
the channel, all city, state, and federal regula-
tions shall apply. Based on the definitions
within ECDC 20.1513.020, at the time of adop-
tion of this chapter, the city of Edmonds does
not contain any Class I streams; language
regarding these streams is present in order to
regulate those Class 1 streams which the city
may at some point incorporate into its jurisdic-
tion.
A. Required Buffers. Buffers for streams
shall be measured on each side of the stream,
from the top of the bank. The following are the
standard buffers for streams:
1. Category 1 streams and Category 2
streams with salmonids shall have a 50-foot
buffer.
2. Category 2 streams shall have a 25-
foot buffer.
3. Category 3 streams shall have a 10-
foot buffer.
B. Stream Crossings. For Category I
streams, crossings may be allowed only if all
reasonable construction techniques and best
management practices are used to avoid distur-
bance to the stream bed or bank. Upon comple-
tion of construction, the area affected shall be
restored to an appropriate grade, replanted with
native species and/or otherwise protected
according to a plan approved by the planning
official, and maintained and monitored per the
requirements of ECDC 20.15B.150(B). For all
categories of streams, the applicant must dem-
onstrate that best management practices will be
used during construction to provide the follow-
ing:
1. Fisheries protection, including no
interference with fish migration or spawning;
2. All crossings shall be constructed
during summer low flow periods and shall be
timed to avoid stream disturbance during peri-
ods when stream use is critical to salmonids;
20-37 (Revised 8/96)
20.15B.120
3. Crossings shall not occur over salmo-
nid spawning areas unless no other possible
crossing site exists;
4. Crossings and culverted portions of
the stream shall be minimized to the extent fea-
sible and serve multiple purposes and multiple
lots whenever possible;
5. Roads may cross streams only on pre-
viously approved rights -of -way, provided no
practical alternative exists and adequate provi-
sion is made to protect and/or enhance the
stream through appropriate mitigation. Roads
shall be designed and located to conform to
topography, and maintained to prevent erosion
and restriction of the natural movement of
groundwater as it affects the stream;
6. Roads and utilities shall be designed
in conjunction to minimize the area of distur-
bance to the stream; and
7. Roads shall be constructed so as to
minimize adverse impacts on the hydrologic
quality of the stream or associated habitat to a
degree acceptable to the city.
C. Stream Relocation. Relocation of a
stream to provide greater reasonable use of a
property shall only be authorized under the fol-
lowing conditions:
1. Category 1 streams shall not be relo-
cated;
2. Category 2 streams shall not be relo-
cated except for public road projects which
have been authorized by the public agency or
utility exception process set out in ECDC
20.15B.040(B); and
3. Category 3 streams may be relocated
under a mitigation plan for the purpose of
enhancement of in -stream resources; provided
all appropriate floodplain protection measures
are used, and the requirements of the Storm -
water Management Manual, and all other
applicable permit and code requirements have
been met.
D. Trails. After reviewing the proposed
development and technical reports, city plan-
ning staff may determine that a pedestrian -only
trail may be allowed in the outer 25 percent of
a stream buffer; provided nonimpervious sur-
face materials are used, all appropriate provi-
sion is made to protect water quality, and all
applicable permit requirements have been met.
No motorized vehicles shall be allowed within
a stream or its buffer except as required for nec-
essary maintenance or security. Vegetative
edges, structural barriers, signs or other mea-
sures must be provided wherever necessary to
protect streams by limiting vehicular access to
designated public use or interpretive areas.
Access areas must incorporate design fea-
tures and materials which protect water quality
and allow adequate surface and groundwater
movement, and must be located so as not to
disturb nesting, breeding, and rearing areas.
E. Stream Channel Stabilization. Stream
channel stabilization may be allowed only
when movement of the stream channel threat-
ens existing residential or commercial struc-
tures, public improvements, unique natural
resources, or the only possible existing access
to a legal lot. Channel stabilization must be
done in compliance with the provisions of this
title and other applicable city, state and federal
codes and regulations.
F. Drainage Ditch Maintenance. When
drainage ditches that carry salmonids are
maintained it shall be conducted with the use
of best management practices developed in
consultation with resource agencies with
expertise and/or jurisdiction. These features
may be regulated as Category 2 streams pursu-
ant to the requirements of this chapter.
G. Development Conditions. Conditions on
development proposals involving streams and
their associated buffers may include, among
other things, the following; provided nothing
herein shall be construed to otherwise limit the
city's authority to impose conditions designed
to meet the purposes and objectives of this title:
1. Sequencing clearing and grading
activities to minimize areas of disturbance;
2. Limiting vegetation removal and
mandating vegetation retention;
3. Requiring buffers established pursu-
ant to the development standards established
by this title;
(Revised 8/96) 20-38
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.15B.130
4. Requiring additional building set-
backs or the establishment of critical areas
tracts and/or native growth protection ease-
ments pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.160;
5. Limiting or reducing the types or den-
sities of particular uses;
6. Requiring the preparation of specific
site management plans for temporary sedimen-
tation, erosion control, or other purposes; or
7. Requiring site restoration. [Ord. 3087
§ 2, 1996].
20.15B.130 Development standards —
Wetlands.
Alteration to wetlands and their buffers
shall only be allowed pursuant to the provi-
sions of ECDC 20.15B.040 or as provided
below. Any authorized alteration of a wetland
must follow the prescribed sequencing of mit-
igation as outlined in ECDC 20.15B.150.
Impacts to wetlands or their buffers shall be
compensated for at the replacement ratios
specified in ECDC 20.15B.130(D), and pursu-
ant to compensatory mitigation plan as
required within ECDC 20.15B.150.
A. Alterations.
1. Category 1 Wetlands. No alteration to
Category 1 wetlands shall be authorized unless
the city grants an exemption or exception pur-
suant to ECDC 20.1513.040 or a variance is
granted pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.170. Cate-
gory 1 wetlands or their buffers shall not be
used for stormwater management purposes
including engineered retention/detention or
constructed biofiltration features such as bio-
swales. Conveyance of pretreated stormwater
may be allowed to pass through the buffer into
the Category 1 wetland if the manner of con-
veyance mimics that found in the natural buffer
condition, i.e., infiltration and/or sheet flow.
2. Category 2 Wetlands. No alteration to
Category 2 wetlands shall be authorized unless
the city grants an exemption or exception pur-
suant to ECDC 20.1513.040 or a variance is
granted pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.170(A).
Category 2 wetlands shall not be used for
stormwater management purposes including
retention/detention unless such use is part of a
publicly designed and funded program to con-
trol identified stormwater problems for the
greater public good or a program installed pur-
suant to a private development permit which is
constructed to public standard, consistent with
city policy such as a basin study and dedicated
to and accepted for public use.
When use of Category 2 wetlands for reten-
tion/detention purposes is authorized, all
requirements of the Stormwater Management
Manual shall be met, and the proposal and
design is in compliance with the latest findings
of the Puget Sound Wetlands Research
Project, and the applicant demonstrates to the
satisfaction of city planning staff that no
adverse impacts will occur to the functional
values of the wetland.
Treatment of stormwater for water quality
concerns shall not be allowed within the buff-
ers of Category 2 wetlands. Conveyance of
stormwater may be allowed through the buffer
if, upon review of the project design, staff
determines that the proposed conveyance
method poses a minimum risk to the function
and value of the buffer and no adverse impacts
are posed to the wetland itself.
3. Category 3 Wetlands. The following
use of Category 3 wetlands for stormwater
management and conveyance shall apply: veg-
etation -lined swales designed for stormwater
management may be placed within the outer
25 percent of the buffer when topographic con-
straints determine there are no other upland
alternative locations. Swales used for convey-
ance of stormwater may be placed through the
buffer only if that is shown to be the most
effective and nonimpacting manner to convey
pretreated stormwater into the wetland. Cate-
gory 3 wetlands shall not be used for the treat-
ment of stormwater for water quality.
B. Wetland Edge Delineation. The Federal
Manual for Identifying and Delineating Juris-
dictional Wetlands (1987) shall be used for
conducting wetland delineations for the
requirements of this title. Data collected dur-
ing a delineation study shall be included as part
20-39 (Revised 8/96)
20.1513.140
of the wetland study requirements for ECDC
20.15B.140(C).
C. Required Buffers. The following buffers
shall be required for wetlands based on the cat-
egory of wetland as outlined in ECDC
20.15B.060(A)(5). The city may allow buffer
averaging per the requirements and limitations
within ECDC 20.15B.080(B)(2).
Buffer conditions shall prohibit or limit the
removal or alteration of existing vegetation in
the buffer areas as necessary to preserve the
functions of the wetland. Any disturbance of
the buffer areas shall be replanted with a
diverse plant community of native vegetation
appropriate for the site approved by the city.
Category 1 — 100-foot;
Category 2 — 50-foot;
Category 3 — 25-foot.
D. Replacement Ratios. Any person who
alters or proposes to alter a wetland or its buff-
ers shall restore or create equivalent or greater
areas of wetland or buffer than those altered in
order to compensate for wetland or buffer
losses. The following ratios apply to creation
or restoration which is in -kind, on -site, and
timed prior to or concurrent with alteration.
These ratios do not apply to remedial actions
resulting from illegal alterations. The first
number specifies the acreage of wetlands
which are required to be replaced (created) and
the second specifies the acreage of wetlands
altered (lost).
Category 1: 6:1
Category 2:
forested 3 :1
shrub 2:1
emergent 1.5:1
Category 3: 1.25:1
[Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.140 Critical areas studies.
A. Required. When an application for a
development proposal on a site that includes,
is adjacent to, or could significantly impact
critical areas is proposed, city staff shall
require the submission of a critical areas study,
prepared by a qualified consultant, pursuant to
the requirements of this section. Staff shall
make a determination whether the develop-
ment proposal site includes, is adjacent to, or
faces potentially significant impacts to critical
areas or their buffers. That determination shall
be rebuttable and the decision of the director
that any area lies within critical areas or their
buffers shall be appealable as a staff decision
in accordance with provisions of ECDC
20.105.010(A)(3).
B. Waivers. When staff determines, based
on review of the critical areas checklist, a pre-
liminary field investigation, and the review of
technical information available to staff, that:
1. There will be no alteration of the crit-
ical areas or its required buffers pursuant to the
requirements of this chapter;
2. The development proposal will not
impact the critical areas in a manner contrary
to the goals, purposes, objectives and require-
ments of this chapter; and
3. The development proposal meets the
minimum standards of this chapter; then
4. Staff may waive the requirement for a
more detailed critical areas study.
In no case may staff waive the need for a
detailed compensatory mitigation plan if criti-
cal areas impacts are identified, unless the
applicant is proposing to use a plan already
reviewed and approved by staff which meets
the criteria and standards of this chapter.
C. Critical Areas Studies — Contents. When
it is determined by the staff of the city that a
critical areas study is required for a develop-
ment activity proposal, the minimum criteria
for study content specific to each critical areas
type will be required. Detailed criteria will be
provided within the administrative procedures
for this chapter. When proposing compensa-
tory mitigation designs, additional detailed
studies will be required.
D. City -Approved Critical Areas Consult-
ant. Promptly following the effective date of
the ordinance codified in this chapter, and at
the beginning of every calendar year thereaf-
ter, the city shall issue a request for qualifica-
tions and proposals from qualified critical
(Revised 8/96) 20-40
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.1513.150
areas technical consultants for the purpose of
identifying qualified consultants for the city.
An applicant may choose one of the qualified
technical consultants on the city's approved
list in preparing critical areas studies per the
requirements of this chapter or may apply to
utilize an alternative consultant. If an alterna-
tive consultant is approved he/she should be
added to the approved list. An alternative con-
sultant shall meet all criteria for inclusion on
the city's list of approved consultants. The
applicant, the consultant, and the city shall
enter into a three party contract for the purpose
of conducting the critical areas study. All costs
associated with the critical areas study shall be
born by the applicant.
E. Independent Review. Based on a review
of the information contained in the critical
areas study and the conditions of the develop-
ment proposal site, the planning official may
require independent review of any such study.
This independent review shall be performed by
a qualified technical consultant selected by the
city and paid for by the city. The purpose of
such independent review is to provide the city
with objective technical assistance in evaluat-
ing the accuracy of submitted reports and/or
the effects on critical areas which may be
caused by a development proposal and to facil-
itate the decision -making process. Staff may
have technical assistance provided by appro-
priate resource agency staff if such assistance
is available in a timely manner. [Ord. 3087 § 2,
1996].
20.1513.150 Mitigation.
A. Mitigation Sequence. As defined in this
chapter, mitigation includes avoiding, mini-
mizing or compensating for adverse impacts to
critical areas or their buffers. When a proposed
development activity poses potential adverse
impacts to critical areas or their buffers the fol-
lowing prioritized sequence of mitigation shall
be followed:
1. Avoid the impact altogether by not
taking a certain action or parts of an action;
2. Minimize impacts by limiting the
degree or magnitude of the action and its
implementation, by using appropriate technol-
ogy, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or
reduce impacts;
3. Rectify the impact by repairing, reha-
bilitating or restoring the affected environ-
ment;
4. Reduce or eliminate the impact over
time by preservation and maintenance opera-
tions during the life of the action;
5. Compensate for the impact by replac-
ing, enhancing, or providing substitute
resources or environments; and
6. Monitor the impact and the compen-
sation project and taking appropriate correc-
tive measures.
B. Compensatory Mitigation. As a condi-
tion of any permit allowing alteration of criti-
cal areas or their buffers, or as an enforcement
action pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.170(B), the
city shall require that the applicant shall pro-
vide compensatory mitigation in the form of
restoration, recreation or creation of the criti-
cal areas and their buffers in order to offset the
impacts resulting from the applicant's or viola-
tor's actions. The minimum overall goal of
compensatory mitigation shall be no net loss of
the function and size of the critical areas.
Enhancement of existing significantly
degraded wetlands or streams may be consid-
ered for partial compensation. When enhance-
ment of an existing significantly degraded
wetland or stream is proposed as compensation
for the loss of existing functional wetland(s) or
stream(s), the replacement ratios as provided
within ECDC 20.15B.130(D) shall be doubled.
Compensation shall be completed prior to wet-
land or stream alteration, where possible.
Compensatory mitigation for streams, wet-
lands, and wildlife habitat conservation areas
shall follow an approved compensatory miti-
gation plan pursuant to ECDC 20.15B.150,
with the replacement ratios specified in ECDC
20.15B.130(D) and shall meet the following
minimum performance standards:
20-41 (Revised 8/96)
20.1513.160
1. The proposed compensatory mitiga-
tion will establish quantifiable goals and
objectives in order for the city to determine the
success of the plan over time in order to release
performance bonds or require contingency
actions if necessary;
2. The compensatory mitigation will be
conducted on property, demonstrated by the
applicant, to be able to be protected and man-
aged to avoid further development or degrada-
tion, and to provide for long-term preservation
of the compensation;
3. The applicant and their representa-
tives shall demonstrate sufficient scientific
expertise, supervisory capability, and financial
resources (including bonding) to carry out the
project; and demonstrate the capability for
monitoring the site and to make corrections
during this period if the project fails to meet
projected goals; and
4. The compensatory mitigation shall be
installed and monitored and corrections shall
be made to ensure it meets the goals estab-
lished pursuant to subsection (13)(1) of this
section. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.1513.160 Critical areas tracts and notice
on title.
A. Critical Areas Tracts. The city may
require that where development or alteration is
prohibited or limited based on the presence of
critical areas or their buffers, pursuant to this
chapter, the critical areas and/or their buffers
may be placed in a separate critical areas tract
or easement. The city may require that the crit-
ical areas tract be designated as a native
growth protection easement. Appropriate sur-
vey markings and permanent signage shall be
installed on the property at the boundary of the
critical areas and/or the buffers. Such require-
ments, if any, shall be included as conditions
of approval.
B. Notice on Title. The owner of any prop-
erty that is subject to the provisions of this
chapter shall, as a condition of approval pursu-
ant to the provisions of this chapter, record
with the records and elections division of Sno-
homish County a notice in a form approved by
the city providing notice of the presence of
critical areas or buffers on the property, the
application of this chapter to the property, and
that limitations on actions in or affecting such
areas or buffers may exist. The form of such
notice may be adopted by administrative rule.
[Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.1513.170 Administration.
A. Variances. Variances from the standards
of this title may be authorized by the hearing
examiner in accordance with the procedures set
forth in Chapter 20.85 ECDC. In granting such
a variance, the hearing examiner shall find:
1. Because of special circumstances
applicable to the subject property, including
size, shape, topography, location or surround-
ings, or the size or nature of the critical areas,
the strict application of this title would deprive
the subject property all reasonable use of the
property.
2. The granting of the variance is the
minimum necessary to accommodate the
development proposal and will not be materi-
ally detrimental to the public welfare or injuri-
ous to the property or improvements in the
vicinity and zone in which the property is situ-
ated, or contrary to the goals and purposes of
this chapter.
B. Enforcement Penalties. Any violation of
the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a
public nuisance subject to abatement and a
misdemeanor subject to penalty of a fine of up
to $500.00 and/or imprisonment for 90 days or
will be subject to civil penalties pursuant to
Chapter 20.110 ECDC. Each day of violation
shall constitute a separate offense. The plan-
ning official or his or her designee shall have a
right to enter upon any property at reasonable
times and to make such inspection necessary to
determine compliance with the provisions of
this chapter. If the property is occupied, the
planning official shall make a reasonable effort
to locate the owner or person in charge to
request entry. The planning official is further
(Revised 8/96) 20-42
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.18.020
authorized to take such actions as may be nec-
essary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
C. Appeals. Any decision to require critical
areas study pursuant to this chapter may be
appealed to the hearing examiner pursuant to
Edmonds Community Development Code.
Any decision to approve, condition or deny a
development proposal based on the require-
ments of this title may be appealed in accor-
dance with the appeal procedures and stan-
dards applicable to the subject development
proposal permit or approval. If there are no
applicable appeal procedures elsewhere in the
Edmonds Community Development Code,
then any final decision of the hearing examiner
may be appealed to the city council upon filing
a notice of appeal with the city clerk within 10
working days of the date of the hearing exam-
iner's written decision. Such appeal to the
council shall be on the record. [Ord. 3087 § 2,
1996].
20.15B.180 Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or its appli-
cation to any person or property is held invalid,
the remainder of the chapter or the application
of the provision to other persons or property
shall not be affected. [Ord. 3087 § 2, 1996].
20.15B.190 Liberal construction.
This chapter shall be liberally construed to
give full effect to the objectives and purposes
forwhich itwas enacted. [Ord. 3087 § 2,1996].
Chapter 20.18
GROUP HOMES
Sections:
20.18.010 Purpose.
20.18.020 Pre -hearing requirements.
20.18.030 Operating conditions.
20.18.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to set reason-
able regulations for the establishment and
operations of group homes (including similar
social service facilities, such as halfway house,
counseling centers), which may be located in
RM zones only.
20.18.020 Pre -hearing requirements.
A. Application. In addition to the informa-
tion required by ECDC 20.95.010, the appli-
cant for a conditional use permit for a group
home shall provide a statement of the impacts
that would result from the establishment and
operation of the proposed facility, including:
1. A complete description of the facility,
its clients and operators, and its proposed oper-
ating conditions;
2. An analysis of the need for the pro-
posed facility in the city;
3. A financial statement for the pro-
posed facility;
4. Further information and analysis as
required by the community development
director to completely disclose the impacts of
the proposed facilities.
The community development director shall
review the statement for accuracy, complete-
ness and objectivity before releasing it to the
public. The hearing on the conditional use per-
mit shall not be held until 30 days after the
director issues the statement.
B. Neighborhood Meeting. The community
development director (or designee) shall hold
a public meeting with any applicant for a group
home or other residential social service facility
and residents of the neighborhood. Notice of
the meeting shall be given as required in
20-43 (Revised 8/96)
20.18.030
ECDC 20.91.010, except that the distance
specified in that section shall be changed to
600 feet. The hearing shall be held at least 10
days after the issuance of the statement
required above but no more than 10 days
before the conditional use permit hearing.
[Ord. 3078 § 8, 1996].
20.18.030 Operating conditions.
A. Financial Statement. The operator of an
approved group home shall present an updated
financial statement to the community develop-
ment director before February 1 of each year.
B. Neighborhood Representative. At the
hearing on the conditional use permit, the res-
idents of the neighborhood attending may des-
ignate a representative to maintain liaison with
the operators of the facility if the conditional
use permit is approved. The representative
shall be notified of, and be permitted to attend,
all meetings of the board or governing body of
the facility.
(Revised 8/96) 20-44/46
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.50.010
potential increase or decrease in value to the
property owners.
20.40.020 Contract rezones.
An applicant may propose conditions to be
imposed by contract on a rezone. If the appli-
cant wishes to take this approach, the proposed
conditions shall be reviewed at all public hear-
ings on the rezone.
20.40.030 Notice.
Notice of rezone hearings (and text change)
before the planning advisory board shall be the
same as set forth for proposed amendments to
the comprehensive plan in ECDC 20.00.020
for newspaper publication and pursuant to
ECDC 20.91.010. [Ord. 3078 § 13, 1996].
Chapter 20.50
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITIES
Sections:
20.50.000
Purpose.
20.50.010
Development standards for micro
facilities.
20.50.020
Development standards for mini
facilities.
20.50.030
Development standards for
macro facilities.
20.50.040
Development standards for
monopole I.
20.50.050
Development standards for
monopole II.
20.50.060
Development standards for
lattice towers.
20.50.070
Additional conditional use permit
criteria for monopole I, monopole
II and lattice tower.
20.50.080
Exemption.
20.50.090
Obsolescence.
20.50.000 Purpose.
In addition to the general purposes of the
comprehensive plan and the zoning ordinance,
this chapter is included in the Community
Development Code to provide for a wide range
of locations and options for wireless commu-
nication providers while minimizing the
unsightly characteristics associated with wire-
less communication facilities and to encourage
creative approaches in locating wireless com-
munication facilities which will blend in with
the surroundings of such facilities. [Ord. 3099
§ 1, 1996].
20.50.010 Development standards for
micro facilities.
A. Micro facilities are permitted in all
zones.
B. A micro facility shall be located on
existing buildings, poles or other existing sup-
port structures. A micro facility may locate on
buildings and structures; provided, that the
20-63 (Revised 8/96)
20.50.020
interior wall or ceiling immediately adjacent to
the facility is not designated residential space.
C. Antennas equal to or less than four feet
in height (except omni-directional antennas
which can be up to six feet in height) and with
an area of not more than 580 square inches in
the aggregate (e.g., one -foot diameter parabola
or two -foot by one and one -half -foot panel as
viewed from any one point) are exempt from
the height limitation of the zone in which they
are located. Structures which are nonconform-
ing with respect to height may be used for the
placement of omni-directional antennas pro-
viding they do not extend more than six feet
above the existing structure. Placement of an
antenna on a nonconforming structure shall
not be considered to be an expansion of the
nonconforming structure.
D. The micro facility shall be exempt from
review by the architectural design board if the
antenna and related components are the same
color as the existing building, pole or support
structure on which it is proposed to be located.
E. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronic equipment shall be contained
wholly within a building or structure, or other-
wise appropriately concealed, camouflaged or
located underground.
F. In single-family residential (RS) zones,
micro facilities for a specific wireless provider
shall be separated by a distance equal to or
greater than 1,320 linear feet from other micro
facilities of the same wireless provider. [Ord.
3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.020 Development standards for
mini facilities.
A. Mini facilities are permitted in all zones
except single-family residential (RS) zones.
B. The mini facility may be located on
buildings and structures; provided, that the
immediate interior wall or ceiling adjacent to
the facility is not a designated residential space.
C. The mini facility shall be exempt from
review by the architectural design board if the
antenna and related components are the same
color as the existing building, pole or support
structure on which it is proposed to be located.
D. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronic equipment shall be contained
wholly within a building or structure, or other-
wise appropriately concealed, camouflaged or
located underground.
E. Mini facilities shall comply with the
height limitation specified for all zones except
as follows: Omni -directional antennas may
exceed the height limitation by 10 feet, or, in
the case of nonconforming structures, the
antennas may extend 10 feet above the existing
structure. Panel antennas may exceed the
height limitation if affixed to the side of an
existing nonconforming building and blends in
architecturally with the building. Placement of
an antenna on a nonconforming structure shall
not be considered to be an expansion of the
nonconforming structure. [Ord. 3099 § 1,
1996] .
20.50.030 Development standards for
macro facilities.
A. Macro facilities are permitted in all
zones except single-family residential (RS)
zones.
B. Macro facilities may be located on build-
ings and structures; provided, that the immedi-
ate interior wall or ceiling adjacent to the
facility is not a designated residential space.
C. The macro facility shall be exempt from
review by the architectural design board if the
antenna and related components are the same
color as the existing building, pole or support
structure on which it is proposed to be located.
D. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronic equipment shall be contained
wholly within a building or structure, or other-
wise appropriately concealed, camouflaged or
located underground.
E. Macro facilities shall comply with the
height limitation specified for all zones, except
as follows: Omni -directional antennas may
exceed the height limitation by 15 feet, or, in
the case of nonconforming structures, the
antennas may extend 15 feet above the existing
(Revised 8/96) 20-64
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.50.050
structure. Panel antennas may exceed the
height limitation if affixed to the side of an
existing building and architecturally blends in
with the building. Placement of an antenna on
a nonconforming structure shall not be consid-
ered to be an expansion of the nonconforming
structure. [Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.040 Development standards for
monopole I.
A. Monopole I facilities are only permitted
in the general commercial (CG) zones shown
on plate 5.
B. Monopole I facilities are permitted in
business (BC, BN) zones and certain public
and open space sites (i.e., Woodway High
School, Edmonds High School, and Five Cor-
ners Water Tank/Fire Station 6) with a condi-
tional use permit.
C. Monopole I facilities are not permitted
in residential zones (RS and RM), the com-
mercial waterfront (CW), open space (OS),
public (P) zones, except when expressly pro-
vided for in this chapter.
D. Antennas equal to or less than 15 feet in
height or up to four inches in diameter may be
a component of a monopole I facility. Antennas
which extend above the wireless communica-
tions support structure shall not be calculated
as part of the height of the monopole I wireless
communications support structure. For exam-
ple, the maximum height for a monopole I shall
be 60 feet and the maximum height of antennas
which may be installed on the support structure
could be 15 feet, making the maximum permit-
ted height of the support structure and antennas
75 feet (60 feet plus 15 feet).
E. Co -location on an existing support struc-
ture shall be permitted. Macro facilities are the
largest wireless communication facilities
allowed on monopole I.
F. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronics equipment and the associated
cabling connecting the equipment shelter or
cabinet to the monopole I facilities shall be
concealed, camouflaged or placed under-
ground. Monopole I facilities shall be subject
to review by the architectural design board
using the procedures and review criteria spec-
ified in Chapter 20.10 ECDC and this chapter.
G. Monopole I facilities shall be landscaped
in conformance with Chapter 20.12 ECDC.
H. Monopole I facilities adjacent to a sin-
gle-family zone shall be set back a distance
equal to the height of the wireless communica-
tion support structure from the nearest single-
family lot line. [Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.050 Development standards for
monopole II.
A. Monopole II facilities are only permitted
in the general commercial (CG) zones shown
on plate 5; provided the wireless communica-
tions support structure shall be designed to
accommodate two or more wireless communi-
cations facilities.
B. Monopole II facilities which exceed 150
feet in height or and located within 300 feet of
a residential (RS or RM) zone or located in cer-
tain public and open space sites (i.e., Woodway
High School, Edmonds High School, and Five
Corners Water Tank/Fire Station 6) shall
require a conditional use permit.
C. Monopole II facilities are not permitted
in residential (RS and RM) zones, business
(BN and BC), commercial waterfront (CW),
open space (OS), public (P) zones, except
where expressly provided for in this chapter.
D. Co -location of wireless communication
facilities on an existing support structure shall
be permitted.
E. Macro facilities are the largest permitted
wireless communication facilities allowed on a
monopole II facility. Antennas which extend
above the monopole II wireless communica-
tions support structure shall not be calculated
as part of the height of the wireless communi-
cations support structure. For example, the
maximum height for a monopole II facility
shall be 150 feet and the maximum height of
antennas which may be installed on the sup-
port structure could be 15 feet, making the
maximum permitted height of the support
20-64.1 (Revised 8/96)
20.50.060
structure and antennas 165 feet (150 feet plus
15 feet).
F. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronics equipment and the associated
cabling connecting the equipment shelter or
cabinet to the monopole II facility support
structure shall be concealed, screened, camou-
flaged or placed underground. Monopole II
facilities shall be subject to review by the
architectural design board using the proce-
dures and review criteria specified in Chapter
20.10 ECDC and this chapter.
G. Monopole II facilities shall be land-
scaped in conformance with Chapter 20.12
ECDC.
H. Monopole II facilities adjacent to a sin-
gle-family zone shall be set back a distance
equal to the height of the wireless communica-
tion support structure from the nearest single-
family lot line. In any case, if the monopole II
facility is within 300 feet of any residentially
zoned (RS or RM) lot, a conditional use permit
will be required.
I. Monopole II facilities shall be separated
from each other by a distance equal or greater
than 1,320 feet. [Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.060 Development standards for
lattice towers.
A. Lattice towers are only permitted in the
general commercial (CG) zones shown on
plate 5; provided the wireless communications
support structure is built to accommodate the
location of two or more wireless communica-
tions facilities.
B. Lattice towers which exceed 150 feet in
height or are located within 300 feet of a resi-
dential (RS or RM) zone or are located in cer-
tain public and open space sites (i.e., Woodway
High School, Edmonds High School, and Five
Corners Water Tank/Fire Station 6) shall
require a conditional use permit.
C. Monopole II facilities are not permitted
in residential (RS and RM) zones, business
(BN and BC), commercial waterfront (CW),
open space (OS) and public (P) zones except
where expressly provided for in this chapter.
D. Co -location on an existing support
structure shall be permitted without an addi-
tional conditional use permit; provided there is
not substantial change to the existing support
structure.
E. Macro facilities are the largest permitted
wireless communication facilities allowed on a
lattice tower. Antennas which extend above
the lattice tower wireless communications sup-
port structure shall not be calculated as part of
the height of the wireless communications
support structure. For example, the maximum
height (without a conditional use permit) for a
lattice tower shall be 150 feet and the maxi-
mum height of antennas which may be
installed on the support structure could be 15
feet, making the maximum permitted height of
the support structure and antennas 165 feet
(150 feet plus 15 feet).
F. The shelter or cabinet used to house
radio electronics equipment and the associated
cabling connecting the equipment shelter or
cabinet to the lattice tower support structure
shall be concealed, screened, camouflaged or
placed underground. Lattice towers shall be
subject to review by the architectural design
board using the procedures and review criteria
specified in Chapter 20.10 ECDC and this
chapter.
G. Lattice towers shall be landscaped in
conformance with Chapter 20.12 ECDC.
H. Lattice Towers adjacent to a single-fam-
ily zone shall be set back a distance equal to or
greater than the height of the wireless commu-
nication support structure from the nearest sin-
gle-family lot line. In any case, if the lattice
tower is within 300 feet of a single-family lot,
a conditional use permit will be required.
I. Lattice towers shall be separated from
each other by a distance equal or greater than
1,320 feet. [Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.070 Additional conditional use
permit criteria for monopole I,
monopole II and lattice tower.
In addition to the conditional use permit cri-
teria specified in Chapter 20.05 ECDC, the fol-
(Revised 8/96) 20-64.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.50.090
lowing specific criteria shall be met before a
conditional use permit can be granted:
A. Visual Impact. Antennas may not
extend more than 15 feet above their support-
ing structure, monopole lattice tower, building
or other structure.
1. Site location and development shall
preserve the pre-existing character of the sur-
rounding buildings and land uses and the zone
district to the extent consistent with the func-
tion of the communications equipment. Wire-
less communication towers shall be integrated
through location and design to blend in with the
existing characteristics of the site to the extent
practical. Existing on -site vegetation shall be
preserved or improved, and disturbance of the
existing topography shall be minimized, unless
such disturbance would result in less visual
impact of the site to the surrounding area.
2. Accessory equipment facilities used
to house wireless communications equipment
should be located within buildings or placed
underground when possible. When they can-
not be located in buildings, equipment shelters
or cabinets shall be screened and landscaped in
conformance with Chapter 20.12 ECDC.
B. Noise. No equipment shall be operated
so as to produce noise in levels above 45 dB as
measured from the nearest property line on
which the attached wireless communication
facility is located.
C. Other — Application and Conditional
Use Criteria — FCC Pre-emption. In any pro-
ceeding regarding the issuance of a conditional
use permit under the terms of this chapter, fed-
eral law prohibits consideration of environ-
mental effects of radio frequency emissions to
the extent that the proposed facilities comply
with the Federal Communications Commis-
sion regulations concerning such emission.
[Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.080 Exemption.
The following are exempt from the require-
ment of a conditional use permit, and shall be
considered a permitted use in all zones where
wireless and attached wireless communica-
tions facilities are permitted: Minor modifica-
tions of existing wireless communications
facilities and attached wireless communica-
tions facilities, whether emergency or routine,
so long as there is little or no change in the
visual appearance. Minor modifications are
those modifications, including the addition of
antennas, to conforming wireless and attached
wireless communications facilities that meet
the performance standards set forth in this
chapter. [Ord. 3099 § 1, 1996].
20.50.090 Obsolescence.
A wireless communications facility or
attached wireless communications facility
shall be removed by the facility owner within
six months of the date it ceases to be opera-
tional or if the facility falls into disrepair. [Ord.
3099 § 1, 1996].
20-64.3 (Revised 8/96)
20.55.000
Chapter 20.55
SHORELINE PERMITS
Sections:
20.55.000
Purpose.
20.55.010
Application requirements.
20.55.020
Notice.
20.55.025
Substantial development permits
for limited utility extensions and
bulkheads.
20.55.030
Review.
20.55.040
Variances.
20.55.050
Filing with state.
20.55.060
Effective date.
20.55.000 Purpose.
This chapter establishes the permit review
procedure for shoreline permits, as required by
the State Shorelines Management Act, Chapter
90.58 RCW and Chapter 173-14 WAC. A
shoreline permit is required for any develop-
ment defined as a substantial development in
RCW 90.58.030(3)(e), and WAC 173-14-030,
to be built on a shoreline as defined in RCW
90.58.030(2)(d) and (e), or as the same may be
amended.
20.55.010 Application requirements.
In addition to the material required in Chap-
ter 20.95 ECDC, the application shall contain
all material required by WAC 173-14-110, or
as the same may be amended.
20.55.020 Notice.
A. Publication. In addition to the require-
ments of Chapter 20.91 ECDC, notice shall be
given by publication in a newspaper of general
circulation in Edmonds at least once a week on
the same day of the week for two consecutive
weeks. Except as specially provided hereafter
in ECDC 20.55.025, the last day of publication
shall be at least 30 days before the first public
hearing on the permit.
B. Contents. Except as specially provided
hereafter in ECDC 20.55.025, and in addition
to the requirements of Chapter 20.91 ECDC,
the notice of the hearing examiner shall state
that before the first pubic hearing, any person
may request a copy of the final action on the
permit. The notice shall also contain all infor-
mation required by WAC 173-14-070, or as
the same may be amended. [Ord. 3078 § 14,
1996; Ord. 2930 § 1, 1993].
20.55.025 Substantial development
permits for limited utility
extensions and bulkheads.
An applicant for a substantial development
permit for a limited utility extension or for the
construction of a bulkhead or other measures
to protect a single-family residence and its
appurtenant structures from shoreline erosion
shall be subject to the following procedures:
A. The public comment period referred to
under ECDC 20.55.020(A) shall be 20 days.
The notice provision set forth in ECDC
20.55.020(B) shall state the manner in which
the public may obtain a copy of the city's deci-
sion on the application no later than two days
following its issuance;
B. The city shall issue its decision to grant
or deny the permit within 21 days of the last
day of the comment period specified in subsec-
tion A of this section; and
C. If there is an appeal, to the city, of the
decision to grant or deny the permit, the appeal
shall be finally determined by the city within
30 days;
D. For purposes of this section, a limited
utility extension means the extension of a util-
ity service that:
1. Is categorically exempt under Chap-
ter 43.21 C RCW for one or more of the follow-
ing: natural gas, electricity, telephone, water or
sewer;
2. Will serve an existing use in compli-
ance with Chapter 90.58 RCW; and
3. Will not extend more than 2,500 lin-
ear feet within the shorelines of the state. [Ord.
2930 § 2, 1993].
(Revised 8/96) 20-64.4
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.60.080
tures. [Ord. 3078 § 15, 1996; Ord. 2710,
1989].
20.60.060 Incidental signs.
A. Definition. An incidental sign is one
which does not advertise or identify a good,
service, or business, and which is provided
solely for the convenience of the public. An ex-
ample is a directional sign for off-street park-
ing. Off -site directional signs for schools,
churches, institutional uses, park facilities and/
or listing the meeting dates of community ser-
vice clubs are considered as incidental signs.
B. Standards. Incidental signs shall be sized
to accomplish the intended purpose and may
not exceed six square feet in area. Incidental
signs do not require a sign permit but shall
require a street use permit if proposed for loca-
tion within the public right-of-way and off the
premises of the applicant. They shall be con-
sistent with the overall design theme of a site,
and shall not result in clutter or confusion. The
architectural design board may, at its option,
review the incidental sign program for any site
and require changes to meet the requirements
of this subsection. [Ord. 3078 § 15, 1996; Ord.
2710, 1989; Ord. 2488 § 2, 1985].
20.60.065 Group service club signs.
A. The city, in its sole discretion, may
approve the location of a sign grouping infor-
mation relating to the meetings of service
clubs through the street use permit process. It
is intended that all such information be located
at one or more central locations, with one sign
at each location, and that the proliferation of
such signs be avoided. The sign shall not
exceed eight feet in height and shall have such
other dimensions as determined through the
street use permit process. The design of the
sign shall be subject to architectural design
board approval and may include appropriate
landscaping. Changes in the sign which meet
the general approval of the board shall not be
subject to further review.
B. The group sign and any required land-
scaping shall be maintained by the service
organizations whose individual sign elements
are on the group display. Failure to maintain
the sign or its individual elements shall result
in the removal of said sign by the city and/or
revocation of the street use permit. [Ord. 3078
§ 15, 1996; Ord. 2710, 1989].
20.60.070 Residential area signs.
A. Individual Residence Signs. They may
contain only the name and address of the resi-
dent, may be lighted at all times, and may not
exceed three square feet in area. No permit is
required.
B. Residential Development Identification.
These signs are allowed to identify residential
developments or neighborhoods containing
more than one residential unit. One sign may
be installed near each vehicle entrance. No
interior lighting is permitted. The require-
ments of ECDC 20.60.040 shall be met for
freestanding signs. Signs may not exceed 10
square feet. One attached sign may be used in
lieu of allowable freestanding signs.
C. Signs for Conditional Nonresidential
Uses in Residential Areas. Examples of these
uses are churches, professional offices and
institutional uses. Signs for these uses shall
meet the same standards as residential devel-
opment identification signs in subsection B of
this section. [Ord. 3078 § 15, 1996].
20.60.080 Temporary signs.
A. Definition. A temporary sign is one
advertising an event that is occurring or will
occur, or a product or service that is available
for a short, limited period of time. Temporary
signs are not permanently attached to a site and
include paper signs and sandwich boards.
Trailer signs are specifically excluded from
this definition.
B. Standards. No permit is required for
temporary signs, but they are not allowed to
continually advertise goods, services or events
on a site; permanent signs shall be used for that
purpose. Unless otherwise specified below, no
temporary sign shall exceed 10 square feet.
20-69 (Revised 8/96)
20.60.090
C. Business Opening Signs. Maximum
duration shall be one month. Maximum area,
per site, shall be one square foot of sign area
per one lineal foot of wall containing the pub-
lic entrance into the building.
D. Sale Signs. Maximum duration shall be
one month.
E. Quitting Business, Fire Sale, and Similar
Signs. Maximum duration shall be not more
than two months.
F. Real Estate (For Sale, Sold, or Lease)
Signs. Maximum duration shall be seven days
after the date of closing. Lease signs shall
remain only so long as space is available in the
building. Maximum area, per site, shall be six
square feet and the sign shall be located only
on the property for sale.
G. Construction Signs. Sign copy shall be
limited to information about a building under
construction or being remodeled. Maximum
duration shall be until construction is com-
pleted or one year, whichever is shorter. Max-
imum area shall be 32 square feet.
H. Campaign Signs. Sign copy shall be lim-
ited to information about a candidate, political
party or public issue involved in a current elec-
tion campaign. Campaign signs are permissi-
ble at the edge of public right-of-way (provided
they are not hazardous to pedestrian or vehicu-
lar traffic or located within landscaped areas).
Such signs shall be removed within 10 days
after the primary, general or special election to
which they pertain. Campaign signs may not
otherwise be placed on public property such as
parks, landscaped areas within the right-of-
way or the areas around public buildings. Max-
imum sign area shall be eight square feet.
I. Seasonal Decoration Signs and Signs
Advertising a Public Event. Maximum dura-
tion shall be from one month before the event
to seven days after the event. There shall be no
specific size limitation for these signs. [Ord.
3093 § 1, 1996; Ord. 3078 § 15, 1996; Ord.
3037 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2488, 1985; Ord. 2287 §
1, 1982; Ord. 2586, § 1, 1986].
20.60.090 Prohibited signs.
A. General. All signs not expressly permit-
ted by this chapter are prohibited.
B. Off -Site Signs. Signs which are not
directly related to the use or activity operated
on the site of the sign are prohibited.
C. Hazards. Signs which the director of
public works determines to be a hazard to vehi-
cle or water traffic because they resemble or
obscure a traffic control device, or because
they obscure visibility needed for safe traffic
passage, are prohibited. These signs shall be
removed if they already exist.
D. Confiscation of Prohibited Signs in Pub-
lic Rights -of -Way. All signs which are located
within a public right-of-way and not erected
pursuant to a permit or other government
approval are hereby declared to be a public nui-
sance under the limitations herein expressed.
The planning director, or designee, in his or her
discretion may remove such signs after the
determination that:
1. The sign is permanently affixed or
creates an immediate hazard to pedestrian or
motor vehicle traffic; and
2. Confiscation is the most reasonable
and practical means of abating such nuisance.
Any signs confiscated by the city shall be
held for 10 working days after which such
signs may be destroyed or otherwise disposed
of. The owner of any confiscated signs may
recover the same upon payment of a $25.00 fee
to cover the cost of confiscation and storage.
[Ord. 3078 § 15, 1996; Ord. 2488, 1985].
20.60.100 Administration.
A. General. The community development
director is responsible for administering and
enforcing the provisions of this chapter. He or
she shall adopt application requirements for
sign permits. Fees shall be as stated in Chapter
15.00 ECDC.
B. Installation Permits. Many signs require
installation permits under Chapter 19.45
ECDC and may require plan checking fees as
well.
(Revised 8/96) 20-70
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.90.005
C. Comprehensive Plan. That the approval
of the variance will be consistent with the com-
prehensive plan;
D. Zoning Ordinance. That the approval of
the variance will be consistent with the pur-
poses of the zoning ordinance and the zone dis-
trict in which the property is located;
E. Not Detrimental. That the variance as
approved or conditionally approved will not be
significantly detrimental to the public health,
safety and welfare or injurious to the property
or improvements in the vicinity and same
zone;
F. Minimum Variance. That the approved
variance is the minimum necessary to allow
the owner the rights enjoyed by other proper-
ties in the vicinity with the same zoning.
20.85.020 General requirements.
A. Review. The hearing examiner shall
review variances as provided in ECDC
20.100.010.
B. Appeals. Any person may appeal a hear-
ing examiner decision to the city council as
provided in Chapter 20.105 ECDC.
C. Time Limit. The approved variance
must be acted on by the owner within one year
from the date of approval or the variance shall
expire and be null and void, unless the owner
files an application for an extension of time
before the expiration and the city approves the
application.
D. Review of Extension Application. An
application for an extension of time shall be
reviewed by the community development
director as provided in ECDC 20.95.050.
E. Location. A variance applies only to the
property for which it has been approved and
may not be transferred to any other property.
Chapter 20.90
APPLICATION PROCESS
Sections:
20.90.000 Scope.
20.90.005 Exemption.
20.90.010 Application process.
20.90.000 Scope.
The chapter sets forth the processes for
reviewing development applications and the
minimum standards which apply whenever a
development approval is required by ECDC
Title 20 or a project permit application, as
defined by RCW 36.70B.020(4) as now or
hereafter amended, is required by ECDC Titles
18 and 19. The individual portions of the
Edmonds Community Development Code
may set additional requirements, such as dif-
ferent periods of time, additional methods of
giving notice, and so forth. [Ord. 3092 § 5,
1996; Ord. 3078 § 18, 1996].
20.90.005 Exemption.
A. Partial Exemptions. The following per-
mits shall be exempt from the project consoli-
dation requirements of ECDC 20.90.010(B),
the notice of application requirements of
ECDC 20.91.010(A) and (C), and the notice of
decision requirements of ECDC 20.90.010(E):
1. Any and all project permits, as
defined by RCW 36.70B.020(4), as now or
hereafter amended, required by any provision
of ECDC Titles 18 and 19.
2. Lot line adjustments as identified in
ECDC 20.75.050.
3. Building permits as identified in
Chapter 19.00 ECDC that are categorically
exempt from environmental review under
Chapter 43.21C RCW.
4. Staff decisions authorized by Chap-
ters 20.10 and 20.12 ECDC.
B. Complete Exemption. In addition to the
exemptions listed under ECDC 20.90.005(A),
the following permits shall also be exempt
from the letter of completeness required by
20-87 (Revised 8/96)
20.90.010
ECDC 20.90.010(D) and the final decision
requirements of ECDC 20.90.010(E):
1. Building permits subject to earth sub-
sidence and landslide review as identified in
Chapter 19.05 ECDC.
2. Building permits submitted as part of
an augmented application for architectural
design review as identified in ECDC
19.00.120.
3. Building permits subject to environ-
mental review under Chapter 43.21 C RCW.
[Ord. 3092 § 6, 1996].
20.90.010 Application process.
A. Application. All applications for devel-
opment permits or other city approvals
required by the community development code
shall be submitted on forms provided by the
city of Edmonds. All such applications shall
include the information required by the appro-
priate chapter of the community development
code. The community services director or
his/her designee may require such additional
information as reasonably necessary to fully
and properly evaluate the proposal.
B. Project Consolidation.
1. The city shall consolidate the review
of development applications in order to inte-
grate and avoid duplication or needless delay
in the permitting and environmental review
process. Applications consolidated in this way
shall be considered to be a development
project for the purposes of this chapter.
2. Decisions and hearings shall be
scheduled so that no more than one open
record public hearing is held on all applica-
tions received on a development project, and
no more than one closed record appeal hearing
is held on the same project. In situations where
an open record public hearing is required
before more than one decision -making body
for a consolidated project, the decision -mak-
ing body with the broadest decision -making
authority as determined by the planning man-
ager shall hold the public hearing and shall
have sole authority to render a final decision.
C. Pre -Application Meetings. Applicants
for development permits are encouraged to
participate in an informal meeting prior to the
formal submission of application(s) for city
review and approval. The purpose of the meet-
ing is to discuss, in general terms, the proposed
development, city standards, policies, and
design guidelines, the permit process and
approvals that will be required.
D. Letter of Completeness.
1. Within 28 calendar days of receiving
a date -stamped application, the city shall
review the application and provide the appli-
cant(s) with a written statement that the appli-
cation is complete or incomplete.
2. A project application shall be
declared complete only when it contains all of
the following materials:
a. A fully completed, signed, and
acknowledged development application and
applicable review fees;
b. A fully completed, signed, and
acknowledged environmental checklist for
projects subject to review under the State
Environmental Policy Act;
c. A fully completed, signed, and
acknowledged critical areas checklist for
projects subject to the critical areas ordinance
of the city of Edmonds (Chapter 20.15B
ECDC);
d. The information specified for indi-
vidual permit approvals under the appropriate
chapters of the community development code;
e. Any supplemental information or
special studies identified by the community
services director as authorized by ECDC
20.90.010(A)(1).
3. For applications determined to be
incomplete, the city shall identify, in writing,
the specific requirements or information nec-
essary to complete the application. Upon sub-
mittal of the specified information, the city
shall, within 14 calendar days, issue a letter of
completeness or identify what additional infor-
mation is required.
E. Final Decision.
1. Time. The final decision on a devel-
opment project shall be made within 120 cal -
(Revised 8/96) 20-88
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.91.010
endar days from the date of the Letter of
Completeness issued under ECDC 20.90.010
(D). Exceptions to this include:
a. Amendments to the comprehen-
sive plan or community development code;
b. Any time required to correct plans,
perform studies or provide additional informa-
tion; provided, that within 14 calendar days of
receiving the requested additional information,
the community services director shall deter-
mine whether the information is adequate to
resume the project review;
c. Substantial project revisions made
or requested by an applicant, in which case the
120 days will begin again from the time that
the city determines the revised application to
be complete;
d. All time required for the prepara-
tion and review of an environmental impact
statement pursuant to the State Environmental
Policy Act;
e. Projects involving the siting of an
essential public facility;
f. An extension of time mutually
agreed upon by the city and the applicant;
g. All time required for the adminis-
trative appeal of a determination of signifi-
cance.
2. Effective Date. The final decision of
the hearing body or city council shall be effec-
tive on the date stated in the decision, motion,
resolution, or ordinance.
3. A notice of decision shall be issued
upon the rendering of a final decision on a
project permit application. The notice shall
also include a statement of any threshold deter-
mination made under Chapter 43.21 C RCW
and the procedures for administrative appeal,
if any. The notice of decision may be a copy of
the report or decision on the project permit
application. The notice shall be provided to the
applicant and to any person who, prior to the
rendering of the decision, requested notice of
the decision or submitted substantive com-
ments on the application. [Ord. 3092 §§ 7, 8,
1996; Ord. 3078 § 18, 1996].
Chapter 20.91
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICE
Sections:
20.91.000 Scope.
20.91.010 Public notice.
20.91.020 Procedure.
20.91.000 Scope.
The following sections set minimum stan-
dards which apply whenever a notice of devel-
opment application or public hearing is
required by this title. The individual portion of
this title may set additional requirements, such
as different periods of time, additional meth-
ods of giving notice, and so forth. [Ord. 3078
§ 19, 1996. Formerly 20.90.000].
20.91.010 Public notice.
A. Notice of Development Application.
The notice of development application shall
include but not be limited to the following:
1. Name of the applicant;
2. Date of application, date of the letter
of completeness, and date of notice of devel-
opment application;
3. Location of the project, including
vicinity map;
4. Project description;
5. Requested permits and approvals, and
identification of other permits not included in
the application to the extent known by the city;
6. Requested studies;
7. Location of application materials for
public review, including any existing or
required environmental documents;
8. The public comment period, being
not less than 14 nor more than 30 calendar
days from the date of the notice;
9. City contact information;
10. The time, place and date of the pub-
lic hearing, if a hearing has been scheduled;
11. A statement that the decision on the
application will be made within 120 days of
the date of the letter of completeness.
20-89 (Revised 8/96)
20.91.010
B. Notice of Public Hearing. The notice of
public hearing shall contain at least the follow-
ing:
1. A general description of the projector
proposal. When a notice of application is re-
quired, the elements of the notice as described
under subsection A of this section shall also be
included in the notice of public hearing.
2. A nonlegal description or map of the
location of the property including the street
address if there is one. For formal subdivisions
see ECDC 20.75.065.
3. The time, place and date of the hear-
ing.
4. The place where further information
is available.
5. A statement that oral comments at the
hearing may be subject to a time limit, and an
invitation to submit written comments before
the hearing or oral comments at the hearing.
C. Notice Procedures.
1. Within 14 calendar days of issuing a
letter of completeness under subsection D of
this section, the city shall issue a notice of
development application. The city shall pro-
vide notice according to the procedures set
forth in subsection (C)(3) of this section.
2. The city shall give notice of public
hearing at least 10 working days before the
hearing date. The city shall provide notice
according to the procedures set forth in subsec-
tion (C)(3) of this section.
3. Except as specifically stated in sub-
section (C)(4) of this section, public notice
shall be provided as follows:
a. Mailings to:
i. Applicant and owner of the
property involved.
ii. Owners, as shown on the
records of the county assessor, and to street
addresses of property located within 300 feet
(except in the case of group homes, see Chap-
ter 20.18 ECDC) of the property involved in
the proposal.
b. Posting. Notice shall be posted at
conspicuous places on or near the property
involved in the proposal. The staff shall either
post three notices at or near the site or erect a
large on -premises sign, conspicuously placed
in a prominent location on the property, which-
ever shall, in the sole opinion of the staff, pro-
vide the public with the best notice of the
proposed action. The on -premises sign shall be
erected by the city and shall be in a format as
developed by the community development
director. The prorated cost of the sign and a fee
for erection shall be charged to the applicant as
an addition to any charge or fee imposed by
ECDC Title 15. The on -premises sign shall be
an incidental sign within the meaning of ECDC
20.60.060(A) erected for the convenience of
the public and shall not be deemed an illegal
use in any zone nor shall it impact any existing
sign package relating to any site.
c. Publication. Notice shall be pub-
lished at least once in the official newspaper of
the city, if one has been designated, or in a
newspaper of general circulation. Information
required by subsection A of this section may
be excluded from published notice.
4. Notice procedures for the below mat-
ters shall be as follows:
a. Rezones (amendment to official
zoning map), see newspaper publication pur-
suant to ECDC 20.40.030. In addition notice
shall be given by:
i. Posting (subsection (C)(3)(b) of
this section),
ii. Mailings (subsection (C)(3)(a)
of this section); or if more than 100 parcels are
involved in a rezone, as an alternative to indi-
vidually mailed notices, notice may be given
by publishing at least one notice as a display
ad, at least one -quarter page in size, in a news-
paper of general circulation in Edmonds as set
forth in Chapter 1.03 ECC at least 10 working
days before the hearing, and
iii. Publication (subsection (C)(3)
(c) of this section).
b. Zoning ordinance text changes
(identified in ECDC 20.80.020), newspaper
publication under ECDC 20.40.030. Further, if
the community development director deter-
mines that the change is significant enough to
(Revised 8/96) 20-90
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.91.020
warrant extra notice, he or she may also notice
the change(s) proposed by newspaper display
advertisements as set forth above.
c. Comprehensive plan text amend-
ment, newspaper publication under ECDC
20.00.020. If the community development di-
rector determines that the change is significant
enough to warrant extra notice, he or she may
also notice the change(s) proposed by newspa-
per display advertisements as set forth above.
d. Comprehensive plan map amend-
ment, newspaper publication under ECDC
20.00.020. If the community development di-
rector determines that the change is significant
enough to warrant extra notice, he or she may
also notice the change(s) proposed by newspa-
per display advertisements as set forth above.
e. Formal subdivisions, see ECDC
20.75.065 in addition to the requirements of
this chapter.
f. Street vacations, see ECDC
20.70.020.
g. Shoreline substantial development
permits, see ECDC 20.55.020 in addition to
the requirements of this chapter. [Ord. 3092 §
9, 1996; Ord. 3078 § 19, 1996; Ord. 2930 § 3,
1993; Ord. 2919 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2726, 1989.
Formerly 20.90.010].
20.91.020 Procedure.
A. Staff Report. The staff shall present its
report and recommendation, and answer ques-
tions from the person or members of the body
holding the hearing.
B. Public Testimony. The person presiding
over the hearing shall declare the public hear-
ing open. The applicant, and/or his representa-
tives, if any, shall speak first. If the hearing is
on the application of a person requesting
review of an approved permit or an appeal
from a staff decision, which is unrelated to an
application for a permit, that individual or
individuals shall speak first. Following the
presentation of the applicant, the appellant, if
any, shall be allowed to speak. Then any inter-
ested person may be heard. After all interested
members of the public have had a fair opportu-
20-90.1 (Revised 8/96)
This page left intentionally blank.
(Revised 8/96) 20-90.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.100.020
3. Shoreline permits;
4. Appeals from staff decisions, such as
denials or conditions of public works permits
(see ECDC 18.00.020), temporary parking lots
(see ECDC 17.50.090) and temporary build-
ings (see ECDC 17.70.010), etc.;
5. Hearings on protests of staff deci-
sions, such as denials or conditions of public
works permits (see ECDC 18.00.020), tempo-
rary parking lots (see ECDC 17.50.090) and
temporary buildings (see ECDC 17.70.010),
etc.;
6. Hearings on draft environmental
impact statements;
7. Preliminary plats for formal subdivi-
sions;
8. Review of approved permit, see
ECDC 20.100.040;
9. Such other matters as may be referred
by the city code.
C. Pre -Hearing. The hearing examiner shall
review all information in the project file kept
by the community development department,
including the application, staff report, environ-
mental impact statements, and so forth. The
hearing examiner shall visit the project site.
D. Public Hearing. The hearing examiner
shall hold a public hearing on each project
reviewed in the manner provided in Chapter
20.91 ECDC. The community development
department shall give notice as required by
that chapter.
E. Findings and Conclusions. Within 10
working days following the conclusions of all
testimony and hearings, unless the applicant
agrees to an extension of time, the hearing
examiner shall make findings and conclusions,
and take action based only on information
reviewed under subsections C and D of this
section, and a visit to the project site after the
hearing, if one was made. The findings and
conclusions shall explain how the decision or
recommendation will carry out and implement
the comprehensive plan or Edmonds and other
community development codes. The examiner
shall send a copy of the findings and conclu-
sions to the applicant, the community develop-
ment department, to any person who requests a
copy, and the city council. The findings and
conclusions shall contain any conditions
placed on an approval or permits.
F. Criteria. The hearing examiner shall
make findings, reach conclusions and take
action in accordance with the findings and cri-
teria contained in the ordinance governing the
type of application being reviewed.
G. Reconsideration. The hearing examiner
shall reconsider his decision or recommenda-
tion on any matter before him if a written
request is filed within 10 working days of the
date of the initial decision by any person who
attends the public hearing and signs the atten-
dance register and/or presents testimony or by
any person holding an ownership interest in a
tract of land which is the subject of such deci-
sion or recommendation. Any such reconsider-
ation request shall cite specific references to
the findings and/or the criteria contained in the
ordinances governing the type of application
being reviewed.
The hearing examiner shall promptly review
the reconsideration request and within five
working days issue a written response, either
approving or denying the request. If the recon-
sideration request is denied, the 10-working-
day appeal deadline of the hearing examiner's
decision shall recommence for the remaining
number of days. If, upon the review of the re-
quest for reconsideration, the hearing examiner
believes that an error or omission is significant
and may alter his or her decision or recommen-
dation, he or she may at his or her discretion:
1. Amend the decision to incorporate
any omitted material and/or fact or to correct
the error; or
2. Elect to present a brief to the city
council outlining the error or omission and its
anticipated impact on his or her decision. [Ord.
3078 § 21, 1996; Ord. 2616 § 1, 1987].
20.100.020 Planning advisory board
review.
A. Scope. The planning advisory board
shall review, and make recommendations to
20-95 (Revised 8/96)
20.100.030
the city council, on the following permits and
approvals under this section:
1. Rezones (amendments to the official
zoning map).
2. Changes to the text of ECDC Titles
16 and 17 (zoning ordinance).
3. Changes to the comprehensive plan
text map (ECDC Title 15), excluding fees.
4. Such other matters as may be referred
by the city code.
B. Procedures. The planning board shall
follow the procedures of the hearing examiner
as specified by ECDC 20.100.010 in making a
recommendation to the city council except for
the following:
1. Site visits, as required by ECDC
20.100.010(C), are not mandatory and may
only be conducted as a part of the public hear-
ing process; and
2. Written planning board recommenda-
tions shall be completed and approved within
20 working days of the date on which a final
recommendation is made by the board. The 10-
day limit of ECDC 20.100.010(E) shall not
apply. [Ord. 3091 § 1, 1996; Ord. 3078 § 21,
1996].
20.100.030 City council action on
recommendations.
A. Normal Review. The city council shall
consider a recommendation of the hearing
examiner or planning advisory board at its next
available public meeting. The council may
adopt or remand the recommendation at that
meeting; provided, however:
1. Street vacations require a hearing by
council as provided in Chapter 20.70 ECDC.
2. In the case of a local improvement dis-
trict or a utility local improvement district hear-
ing held in accordance with the provisions of
ECDC 20.100.010(B)(5) and RCW 35.44.070,
review the recommendations of the hearing
examiner and any appeal taken therefrom. Any
person aggrieved by the recommendation of
the hearing examiner shall be entitled to a
review of the record by the city council upon
the filing of a written appeal from the recom-
mendations of the hearing examiner within 10
working days of the date of mailing of the hear-
ing examiner's final recommendations after
disposition of a motion for reconsideration, if
any such motion is filed. The council shall base
its decision upon the record established before
the hearing examiner and may adopt, reject or
modify the recommendations of the hearing
examiner in whole or in part, or may in its dis-
cretion remand the matter to the hearing exam-
iner for further proceedings; provided, how-
ever, that in the event of an appeal, the council
shall hear argument of the appellant based on
said record. Adoption by ordinance of a final
assessment roll shall commence the appeal
period established by Chapter 35.44 RCW.
These provisions shall control over any con-
flicting provision and shall be read in conjunc-
tion with the requirements of RCW 35.44.190
through 35.44.270.
B. Optional Public Hearing. If the council
wishes to consider any change to the recom-
mendation, the council shall set a public hear-
ing in the manner provided in Chapter 20.91
ECDC. After the hearing the council shall
approve, modify, conditionally approve, deny
or remand the proposal. In the case of amend-
ment to the zoning ordinance (or map) or com-
prehensive plan (or map) in the event of a
remand the council shall specify the time
within which the planning advisory board shall
report back its findings and recommendations
to the council.
C. Findings and Conclusions. The council
shall state its findings and conclusions to sup-
port the decision based on the required findings
and criteria in this code governing the type of
application being reviewed and based on evi-
dence presented at the council hearing. The city
council action shall be final and shall be put
into writing by ordinance, resolution and/or
minutes along with any conditions placed on an
approval. [Ord. 3078 § 21, 1996; Ord. 2552,
1986; Ord. 2485, 1985].
(Revised 8/96) 20-96
Edmonds Community Development Code
20.100.040
20.100.040 Review of approved permits.
A. Scope. Any permit approved by the city
under the community development code may
be reviewed under this section if the conditions
of the permit are not being met, the require-
ments of the city code of Edmonds are not
being met, or the permitted activity is causing
a nuisance or hazardous condition. A permit
20-96.1 (Revised 8/96)
This page left intentionally blank.
(Revised 8/96) 20-96.2
Title 21
DEFINITIONS
Chapters:
21.00 Definitions — General.........................................................................3
21.05 "A" Terms..........................................................................................3
21.10 `B" Terms...........................................................................................5
21.15 " C" Terms...........................................................................................6
21.20 "D" Terms..........................................................................................8
21.25 «E„ Terms...........................................................................................9
21.30 " F" Terms...........................................................................................9
21.35 "G" Terms........................................................................................10
21.40 "H" Terms.....................................................................................10.1
21.45 "1" Terms..........................................................................................12
21.47 «J" Terms..........................................................................................12
21.50 "K" Terms........................................................................................13
21.55 " L" Terms.........................................................................................13
21.60 «M„ Terms........................................................................................14
21.75 "0" Terms........................................................................................15
21.80 " P" Terms.........................................................................................16
21.85 "R" Terms.........................................................................................17
21.90 " S" Terms.........................................................................................18
21.100 " T" Terms.........................................................................................21
21.105 "U" Terms........................................................................................22
21.110 "V" Terms........................................................................................23
21.115 "W" Terms........................................................................................23
21-1 (Revised 8/96)
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.05.020
Chapter 21.00
DEFINITIONS — GENERAL
Sections:
21.00.000 General.
21.00.000 General.
A. Normal Meanings. For the purpose of
the community development code, all words
used in the code shall have their normal and
customary meanings, unless specifically
defined otherwise in this code.
B. Rules.
1. Words used in the present tense
include the future.
2. The plural includes the singular, and
vice versa.
3. The words "shall" and "may not" and
"no — may" are mandatory.
4. The word "may" indicates that discre-
tion is allowed.
5. The word "used" includes "designed,
intended or arranged" to be used.
6. The masculine gender includes the
feminine and vice versa.
7. Distances shall be measured horizon-
tally unless otherwise specified.
8. The word "building" includes a por-
tion of a building or lot.
C. Adopted Codes. Where a code or codes
have been adopted by reference or incorpora-
tion which may contain a definition or defini-
tions conflicting with those set forth in this
chapter, for the purpose of that particular refer-
enced or incorporated code, and only that
code, the definition therein shall prevail.
D. Cross References. Sections which make
only cross-reference to another term are not
intended to be synonymous with the other
term, but are only intended to serve as a find-
ing aid to the other term unless specifically
stated to mean the same.
Chapter 21.05
"A" TERMS
Sections:
21.05.005
Accessory antenna device.
21.05.010
Accessory buildings.
21.05.015
Accessory dwelling unit.
21.05.020
Accessory use.
21.05.021
Adult bookstore.
21.05.022
Adult entertainment center.
21.05.023
Adult motion picture theater.
21.05.025
Alley.
21.05.030
Animal hospital.
21.05.035
Antenna.
21.05.040
Alteration(s).
21.05.050
Attached sign.
21.05.055
Attached wireless
communication facility.
21.05.060
Auto wrecking.
21.05.005 Accessory antenna device.
Accessory antenna device is an antenna
including, but not limited to, test mobile anten-
nas and global positioning (GPS) antennas
which are less than 12 inches in height or
width, excluding the support structure. [Ord.
3099 § 2, 1996].
21.05.010 Accessory buildings.
Accessory building means one which is sub-
ordinate to the main building, and is incidental
to the use of the main building on the same lot.
21.05.015 Accessory dwelling unit.
Accessory dwelling unit is a structure
attached to or constructed within a single-fam-
ily dwelling that has living facilities for one
individual or family separate from the primary
single-family dwelling including at least, but
not limited to, a kitchen, bathroom, and sleep-
ing quarters. [Ord. 2352 § 10, 1983].
21.05.020 Accessory use.
Accessory use means a use incidental and
subordinate to the use of the main building on
the same lot.
21-3 (Revised 8/96)
21.05.021
21.05.021 Adult bookstore.
An adult bookstore is a business having as a
substantial portion of its trade, the display, bar-
ter, rental and/or sale of printed matter, video-
tapes, disks or cassettes, films, pictures or
other material or paraphernalia distinguished
or characterized by an emphasis on matter
depicting, describing, or relating to specific
sexual activities or specific anatomical areas,
as defined herein. [Ord. 2279 § 1, 1982].
21.05.022 Adult entertainment center.
Adult entertainment center means a busi-
ness having as a substantial part of its trade
live dancers or entertainers who depict specific
sexual activities or display specific anatomical
areas as defined herein, including but not lim-
ited to topless dance centers, so-called exotic
dance centers, and body painting studies. [Ord.
2279 § 2, 1982].
21.05.023 Adult motion picture theater.
An enclosed building or open area used for
presenting material distinguished or character-
ized by an emphasis on matter depicting,
describing, or relating to specific sexual activ-
ities or specific anatomical areas, as defined
herein. [Ord. 2279 § 3, 1982].
21.05.025 Alley.
An alley is a publicly dedicated right-of-
way which provides a secondary means of
access; the definition of street shall include an
alley; provided, however, that an alley shall
not be considered a street for the purposes of
calculating the setback and front yard require-
ments. No lot fronting on a street and an alley
shall be considered either a corner lot or a lot
having two street frontages. [Ord. 2502, 1985].
21.05.030 Animal hospital.
An animal hospital means a building for the
medical or surgical treatment of animals or
pets, including dog, cat, and veterinary hospi-
tals including the boarding of hospitalized ani-
mals but not excluding the boarding of animals
not treated medically or surgically. (See also,
Domestic Animal.)
21.05.035 Antenna.
Antenna is any system of poles, panels,
rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used
for the transmission or reception of radio fre-
quency signals.
A. Omni -directional antenna (also known
as a "whip antenna") transmits and receives
radio frequency signals in a 360-degree radial
pattern. For the purpose of Chapter 20.50
ECDC, an omni-directional antenna is up to 15
feet in height and up to four inches in diameter
(see Title 22, Plate 1).
B. Directional antenna (also known as a
"panel antenna") transmits and receives radio
frequency signals in a specific directional pat-
tern of less than 360 degrees (see Title 22,
Plates 1 — 4).
C. Parabolic antenna (also known as a "dish
antenna") is a bowl -shaped device for the
reception and/or transmission radio frequency
communications signals in a specific direc-
tional pattern. [Ord. 3099 § 3, 1996].
21.05.040 Alteration(s).
Alteration(s) mean a change or rearrange-
ment of the structural parts of existing facili-
ties or an enlargement by extending the sides
or increasing the height or depth or the moving
from one location to another. In buildings for
business, commercial, industrial or similar
uses, the installation or rearrangement of parti-
tions affecting more than one-third of a single
floor area shall be considered an alteration.
21.05.050 Attached sign.
Attached sign means a sign attached to a
building.
21.05.055 Attached wireless
communication facility.
Attached wireless communication facility is
a wireless communication facility that is
affixed to an existing structure and is not con-
sidered a component of the attached wireless
(Revised 8/96) 21-4
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.10.070
communications facility (see Title 22, Plates 1
— 4). [Ord. 3099 § 4, 1996].
21.05.060 Auto wrecking.
(Means the same as Car Wrecking.)
Chapter 21.10
"B" TERMS
Sections:
21.10.010
Bike (or bicycle) lane.
21.10.020
Bike -pedestrian path.
21.10.030
Boarding house.
21.10.040
Building.
21.10.050
Building area.
21.10.060
Building envelope.
21.10.070
Building line.
21.10.010 Bike (or bicycle) lane.
This is a route designated by striping or
curbs on an improved street right-of-way.
21.10.020 Bike -pedestrian path.
Improved path adjacent to a roadway or on
a separate right-of-way which can be utilized
by bicycles or pedestrians. When adjacent to
roadways, it will have a rolled curb.
21.10.030 Boarding house.
Boarding house means a dwelling unit in
which not more than four roomers, lodgers, or
boarders are housed or fed.
21.10.040 Building.
Building means any structure having a roof,
excluding all forms of vehicles even though
immobilized. (See also, Accessory Building
and Completely Enclosed Building.)
21.10.050 Building area.
Building area means the portion of a lot
within which a structure may be built, bounded
by the required setbacks.
21.10.060 Building envelope.
Building envelope means the three-dimen-
sional space in which a building or structure
may be built as delineated by setbacks and
building height restrictions.
21.10.070 Building line.
Building line means the line of that face or
21-5 (Revised 8/96)
21.15.010
corner or part of a building nearest the property Chapter 21.15
line, excluding a maximum of 30 inches of the
eaves. "C" TERMS
Sections:
21.15.010
Car (or auto or automobile)
wrecking.
21.15.020
City.
21.15.030
City council (or council).
21.15.035
Co -location.
21.15.040
Commercial parking lot.
21.15.050
Commercial garage.
21.15.060
Commercial kennel.
21.15.070
Commercial use.
21.15.075
Commuter parking lots.
21.15.080
Completely enclosed building.
21.15.090
Conditional use.
21.15.092
Convenience store.
21.15.095
Congregate care facility.
21.15.100
Corner lot.
21.15.110
Coverage.
21.15.010 Car (or auto or automobile)
wrecking.
Car wrecking means the collecting, disman-
tling, storage, salvaging, or sale of parts of
machinery or vehicles not in running condi-
tion.
21.15.020 City.
City means the city of Edmonds in the state
of Washington.
21.15.030 City council (or council).
City council (or council) means the city
council of the city of Edmonds.
21.15.035 Co -location.
Co -location exists when more than one
wireless communications provider mounts
equipment on a single support structure (i.e.,
building, monopole, lattice tower). [Ord. 3099
§ 5, 1996].
21.15.040 Commercial parking lot.
Commercial parking lot means a site where
parking spaces are rented or leased to persons
(Revised 8/96) 21-6
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.15.110
other than those who live or work on the same
site. (See also, Off -Street Parking and Private
Parking.)
21.15.050 Commercial garage.
Commercial garage means a building used
for storage, repair, or servicing of motor vehi-
cles as a commercial use.
21.15.060 Commercial kennel.
Commercial kennel means a building in
which four or more domestic animals at least
four months of age are kept commercially for
board or breeding. [Ord. 2759 § 2, 1990].
21.15.070 Commercial use.
Commercial use means an activity with
goods, merchandise, or services for sale or rent.
21.15.075 Commuter parking lots.
Commuter parking lot means a parking lot
or portion of a parking lot composed of new or
existing parking spaces that are designated for
use by persons who travel to or from Edmonds
as part of a commute that includes a form of
transportation other than single occupant vehi-
cle, such as nonmotorized transportation for
distances of more than a quarter of a mile, car-
pooling or transit. In determining the number
of parking spaces in a commuter parking lot,
all parking spaces within a lot as defined by
ECDC 21.55.010 shall be construed as part of
the same commuter parking lot as well as any
spaces within 300 feet of each other. [Ord.
3090 § 6, 1996].
21.15.080 Completely enclosed building.
Completely enclosed building means one
designed and constructed with all exterior
walls of the structure solid from the ground to
the roof line, and containing no openings
except for windows and doors which are
designed to be closed.
21.15.090 Conditional use.
Conditional use means a use allowed in one
or more zones as defined by the zoning code
but which, because of characteristics peculiar
to such use, because of size, hours of opera-
tion, technical processes or equipment, or
because of the exact location with reference to
surroundings and existing improvements or
demands upon public facilities, requires a spe-
cial permit in order to provide a particular
degree of control to make such uses consistent
with and compatible with other existing or per-
missible uses in the same zone or zones.
Multiple uses or any combination of uses,
any of which require a conditional use permit,
shall be allowed on a single lot only upon the
grant of a conditional use permit. [Ord. 2660 §
7, 1988].
21.15.092 Convenience store.
A convenience store shall mean a small
retail commercial establishment which sells
and/or rents a limited selection and variety of
perishable and nonperishable food items and
grocery related items, video cassettes and sun-
dries which by their nature are geared toward
rapid customer turnover. [Ord. 2660 § 6,
1988].
21.15.095 Congregate care facility.
A congregate care facility shall be given the
same definition as a retirement home. [Ord.
2818 § 4, 1991].
21.15.100 Corner lot.
Corner lot means a lot which has frontage on
two or more streets where the streets meet.
21.15.110 Coverage.
Coverage means the total ground coverage
of all buildings or structures on a site measured
from the outside of external walls or support-
ing members or from a point two and one-half
feet in from the outside edge of a cantilevered
roof, whichever covers the greatest area.
21-7 (Revised 8/96)
21.20.010
Chapter 21.20
"D" TERMS
Sections:
21.20.010
Day-care facility.
21.20.020
Dedication.
21.20.030
Domestic animal.
21.20.035
Dock.
21.20.040
Drive-in business.
21.20.050
Dwelling unit.
21.20.010 Day-care facility.
The following definitions shall apply to the
various day-care facilities allowed in the dif-
ferent zone districts:
A. Family Day -Care Home: A residence
used for the care of children under the age of
12 located in the family dwelling of the person
or persons under whose direct care the child or
children are placed, accommodating six or
fewer children for full-time care and two chil-
dren for part-time care, such numbers to
include those members of the resident family
who are under the age of 12 years old. This
definition shall apply regardless of whether the
care is provided for compensation.
B. Mini Day -Care Facility: A structure
used for the care of children under the age of
12 located in a facility other than a family
dwelling or located in the family dwelling of
the person or persons under whose direct care
the child or children are placed, which accom-
modates 12 or fewer children including those
of the resident family who are under the age of
12 years of age, regardless of whether said ser-
vices are provided for compensation.
C. Day -Care Center: A structure for the
care of children under the age of 12 located in
a facility which accommodates 13 or more
children regardless of whether such services
are provided for compensation. [Ord. 2458 § 4,
1984].
21.20.020 Dedication.
Dedication means the gift of land by an
owner for any public use.
21.20.030 Domestic animal.
Domestic animal means one normally kept
incidental to a single-family dwelling. In-
cluded are dogs and cats; excluded are wild or
exotic animals, horses and cows, chickens,
goats, or other similar animals.
21.20.035 Dock.
Dock means a structure designed to float
upon the water, and which is attached to shore-
line and is used for moorage or other water -
related activity such as swimming or diving.
[Ord. 2605 § 3, 1987].
21.20.040 Drive-in business.
A drive-in business means a business or por-
tion of a business where a consumer is permit-
ted or encouraged either by the design of
physical facilities or by the provisions of ser-
vices and/or packaging procedures, to carry on
business while seated in a motor vehicle. In
some instances, such as self-service gasoline
stations, customers may need to get out of their
vehicle in order to obtain the product or ser-
vice. This definition shall include but not be
limited to service stations, car washes, and
drive-in restaurants or banks. [Ord. 2660 § 5,
1988].
21.20.050 Dwelling unit.
Dwelling unit means a building providing
complete housekeeping facilities for one fam-
ily. Dwelling unit does not include recreation
vehicles or mobile homes. (See also, Multiple
Dwelling Units and Family.)
(Revised 8/96) 21-8
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.30.030
Chapter 21.25
"E" TERMS
Sections:
21.25.010 Easement.
21.25.020 Equipment shelter or cabinet.
21.25.010 Easement.
Land which has specific air, surface, or sub-
surface rights conveyed for use by an entity
other than the owner of the subject property or
to benefit some property other than the subject
property. [Ord. 2924 § 1, 1993].
21.25.020 Equipment shelter or cabinet.
Equipment shelter or cabinet is a room, cab-
inet or building used to house equipment for
utility or service providers (see Title 22, Plates
1 — 4). [Ord. 3099 § 6, 1996].
Chapter 21.30
"F" TERMS
Sections:
21.30.010
Family.
21.30.020
Fence.
21.30.030
Flag lot.
21.30.035
Float, recreational.
21.30.040
Floor area.
21.30.050
Formal subdivision.
21.30.060
Foster home.
21.30.070
Fraternity.
21.30.080
Freestanding sign.
21.30.010 Family.
Family means an individual or two or more
persons related by genetics, adoption, or mar-
riage, or a group of five or fewer persons who
are not related by genetics, adoption, or mar-
riage and none of whom are wards of the court
unless such wards are related by genetics,
adoption, or marriage to all other members of
such group living together in a dwelling unit.
21.30.020 Fence.
Fence means any construction of wood,
metal, masonry or other material which pro-
vides a visual and/or physical obstruction to an
observer at ground level. This definition shall
exclude any portion of a retaining wall which
is below finished grade and which is contigu-
ous with the fence. Any portion of a base or
foundation for the fence which does not serve
a necessary and bona fide purpose of retaining
earth shall not be considered a retaining wall
but rather a part of the fence. [Ord. 2772 § 2,
1990] .
21.30.030 Flag lot.
Flag lot means a lot which has a frontage of
less than one-half of the minimum lot width on
the principal street or principal access ease-
ment. Flag lots are also known as pipestem lots
or panhandle lots. (See also, Lot.)
21-9 (Revised 8/96)
21.30.035
21.30.035 Float, recreational.
A recreational float is an offshore platform
used for water -dependent activities such as
swimming and diving. [Ord. 2605 § 4, 1987].
21.30.040 Floor area.
Floor area means the sum of the gross hori-
zontal areas of the floors of a building or build-
ings, measured from the exterior faces of
exterior walls and from the centerline of divi-
sion walls. Floor area shall include: basement
space, elevator shafts and stairwell at each
floor, mechanical equipment rooms or attic
spaces with headroom of seven feet six inches
or more, penthouse floors, interior balconies
and mezzanines, and enclosed porches. Floor
area shall not include: accessory water tanks
and cooling towers, mechanical equipment or
attic spaces with headroom of less than seven
feet six inches, exterior steps or stairs, terraces,
breezeways, and open spaces.
21.30.050 Formal subdivision.
(See ECDC 20.75.030.)
21.30.060 Foster home.
Foster home means a social service facility
licensed by the state as a full-time foster family
and described as an agency which regularly
provides on a 24-hour basis to one or more
individuals, but not more than six individuals.
[Ord. 2818 § 3, 1991].
21.30.070 Fraternity.
Fraternity means a building occupied by and
maintained exclusively for students affiliated
with an academic or professional college or
university, or other recognized institution of
higher learning and regulated in some part by
that institution.
21.30.080 Freestanding sign.
Freestanding sign means a sign not attached
to a building. [Ord. 2605 § 4, 1987].
Chapter 21.35
"G" TERMS
Sections:
21.35.010 Garage.
21.35.017 Ground floor.
21.35.020 Group sign.
21.35.030 Guest house.
21.35.040 Guyed tower.
21.35.010 Garage.
(See also, Commercial Garage.)
21.35.017 Ground floor.
The ground floor of a structure is that floor
which is closest in elevation to the finished
grade along the width of the side of the struc-
ture that is principally oriented to the street
which provides primary access to the subject
property. A structure consisting of a building
with multiple entrances divided into individual
offices and related uses shall have only one
ground floor. In the event that the use of the
building shifts traffic from one entrance to
another or there is uncertainty in determining
which entrance provides "primary access," the
primary entrance as established by the historic
use of the structure shall control unless the
transfer of the "primary access" from one
street orientation to another is brought about in
conjunction with the building or its use being
brought into full compliance with all current
code requirements. [Ord. 2958 § 4, 1993].
21.35.020 Group sign.
Group sign means a sign or signs on one
sign structure serving two or more businesses
sharing a parking facility.
21.35.030 Guest house.
Guest house means a detached structure
with not more than two bedrooms, accessory
to a single-family dwelling, having no kitchen
facilities, used primarily for sleeping quarters,
not occupied by paying tenants, and located on
a lot of at least 20,000 square feet in area.
(Revised 8/96) 21-10
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.40.030
21.35.040 Guyed tower.
Guyed tower is a wireless communication
support structure which is usually over 100
feet tall, which consists of metal crossed strips
or bars and is steadied by wire guys in a radial
pattern around the tower. Guyed towers are
often constructed in rural areas and are used to
support antennas and related equipment. [Ord.
3099 § 7, 1996].
Chapter 21.40
"H" TERMS
Sections:
21.40.005
Halfway house.
21.40.010
Hearing examiner.
21.40.020
Hedge.
21.40.030
Height.
21.40.040
Home occupation.
21.40.050
Horse.
21.40.055
Hospitals.
21.40.060
Hotel.
21.40.005 Halfway house.
A halfway house shall include state licensed
group care homes for juvenile delinquents,
halfway houses providing residence in lieu of
institutional sentencing, halfway houses pro-
viding residence to those needing correctional
institutionalization, and detoxification centers
licensed by the state where alcohol and drug
abusers can be placed in lieu of incarceration
for detoxification and treatment from the
effects of alcohol and drugs. [Ord. 2820 § 6,
1991].
21.40.010 Hearing examiner.
Hearing examiner means the person
employed by the city of Edmonds to hold hear-
ings and make recommendations or decisions
on various land use applications.
21.40.020 Hedge.
Hedge means a fence or boundary formed
by a dense row of shrubs or low trees.
21.40.030 Height.
Height means the average vertical distance,
from the average level of the undisturbed soil
of the site covered by a structure, to the highest
point of the structure, excluding the following:
A. Church steeples;
B. Elevator penthouses, not to exceed 72
square feet in horizontal section, or three feet
in height, for that portion above the height
limit;
21-10.1 (Revised 8/96)
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(Revised 8/96) 21-10.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.55.020
Chapter 21.50
"K" TERMS
Sections:
21.50.010 Kennel.
21.50.020 Kitchen.
21.50.010 Kennel.
(See, Commercial Kennel.)
21.50.020 Kitchen.
Kitchen means any room used for cooking
or preparation of food.
Chapter 21.55
"L" TERMS
Sections:
21.55.005
Lattice tower.
21.55.010
Lot.
21.55.020
Lot area.
21.55.030
Lot depth.
21.55.040
Lot line.
21.55.050
Lot width.
21.55.060
Landslide hazard area and earth
subsidence.
21.55.005 Lattice tower.
Lattice tower is a wireless communication
support structure which consists of metal
crossed strips or bars to support antennas and
related equipment (see Title 22, Plate 3). [Ord.
3099 § 8, 1996].
21.55.010 Lot.
Lot means a single tract of land legally cre-
ated as a separate building site with frontage on
a street or access easement. For purposes of this
code, adjoining lots under common ownership,
which were created without subdivision or
short subdivision approval from applicable city
or county governments, shall be considered as
one lot and subject to the regulations contained
herein. The terms of this section shall apply
regardless of whether the individual adjoining
lots meet current zoning requirements. (See
also, Corner Lot, Flag Lot, Interior Lot, and
Irregular Lot.)
21.55.020 Lot area.
Lot area means the total horizontal area
within the boundary lines of a lot. Lot area
shall normally exclude any street rights -of -
way and access easements. If additional right-
of-way has been required in accordance with
the provisions of ECDC 18.80.010, note 4, as
the same exists or is hereafter amended, lot
area shall be calculated to include the addi-
tional right-of-way required over and above
21-13 (Revised 8/96)
21.55.030
the standard established by that section. [Ord.
2713, 1989].
21.55.030 Lot depth.
Lot depth means the depth of the lot mea-
sured on a line approximately perpendicular to
the fronting street and midway between the
sidelines of the lot.
21.55.040 Lot line.
Lot line means any line enclosing the lot
area. (See also, Rear Lot Line, Side Lot Line,
and Street Lot Line.)
21.55.050 Lot width.
Lot width means the distance between the
lot lines measured at right angles to the line
establishing the lot depth at a point midway
between the front lot line and the rear lot line.
Excluded from the computation will be that
area of the lot used primarily for access.
21.55.060 Landslide hazard area and
earth subsidence.
Those areas identified in the Roger Lowe
Associates, Inc. report as on file with the city
clerk and the accompanying landslide hazard
map as having a greater than zero percent
probability of landslide or subsidence hazard.
[Ord. 2445 § 2, 1984].
Chapter 21.60
"M" TERMS
Sections:
21.60.002 Macro facility.
21.60.004 Micro facility.
21.60.006 Mini facility.
21.60.010 Mobile home.
21.60.020 Mobile home park.
21.60.030 Moorage.
21.60.040 Motel.
21.60.045 Monopole I.
21.60.046 Monopole II.
21.60.050 Multiple dwelling.
21.60.060 Multiple dwelling units.
21.60.002 Macro facility.
Macro facility is an attached wireless com-
munication facility which consists of antennas
equal to or less than 15 feet in height or a par-
abolic antenna up to one meter (39.37 inches)
in diameter and with an area not more than 100
square feet in the aggregate as viewed from
any one point. [Ord. 3099 § 9, 1996].
21.60.004 Micro facility.
Micro facility is an attached wireless com-
munication facility which consists of antennas
equal to or less than four feet in height (except
omni-directional antennas which may be up to
six feet in height) and with an area of not more
than 580 square inches in the aggregate (e.g.,
one -foot diameter parabola or two -foot by one
and one -half -foot panel) as viewed from any
one point. The permitted antenna height
includes the wireless communication facility
support structure (see Title 22, Plate 1). [Ord.
3099 § 10, 1996].
21.60.006 Mini facility.
Mini facility is an attached wireless commu-
nication facility which consists of antennas
equal to or less than 10 feet in height or a par-
abolic antenna up to one meter (39.37 inches)
in diameter and with an area not more than 50
(Revised 8/96) 21-14
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.60.050
square feet in the aggregate as viewed from
any one point. [Ord. 3099 § 11, 1996].
21.60.010 Mobile home.
Mobile home means a building over 32 feet
in length, assembled and transported to a site
ready for occupancy, and which is not placed
on a permanent foundation and does not meet
the provision of the building code for houses.
(See also, Trailer.)
21.60.020 Mobile home park.
Mobile home park means land where two or
more mobile homes are stored or used. (See
also, Trailer Park.)
21.60.030 Moorage.
Moorage means a place to tie up or anchor a
boat.
21.60.040 Motel.
Motel means a building containing units
which are used as individual sleeping units
having their own private toilet facilities and
sometimes their own kitchen facilities,
designed primarily for the accommodation of
transient automobile travelers. Accommoda-
tions for trailers are not included. This term
includes tourist court, motor lodge, auto court,
cabin court, motor hotel, motor inn and similar
names. (See also, Hotel.)
21.60.045 Monopole I.
Monopole I is a wireless communication
facility which consists of a support structure,
the height of which shall not exceed 60 feet
(see Title 22, Plate 2). [Ord. 3099 § 12, 1996].
21.60.046 Monopole II.
Monopole II is a wireless communication
facility which consists of a wireless communi-
cations support structure, greater than 60 feet
in height erected to support wireless communi-
cation antennas and connecting appurtenances
(see Title 22, Plate 2). [Ord. 3099 § 13, 1996].
21.60.050 Multiple dwelling.
Multiple dwelling means a building or a
group of buildings on the same site containing
two or more separate dwelling units. (See also,
Dwelling Unit.)
21-14.1 (Revised 8/96)
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(Revised 8/96) 21-14.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.85.080
Chapter 21.85
"R" TERMS
Sections:
21.85.010
Rear lot line.
21.85.020
Rear setback.
21.85.030
Recreation facilities.
21.85.035
Related equipment.
21.85.040
Restaurant.
21.85.050
Retirement home.
21.85.060
Riding academy.
21.85.070
Roof.
21.85.080
Rooming house.
21.85.010 Rear lot line.
Rear lot line means a line or lines which are
opposite and most distant from the street lot
line. (See also, Lot Line.)
21.85.020 Rear setback.
Rear setback means the minimum distance
required by this code for buildings to be set
back from the rear lot line. (See also, Setback.)
21.85.030 Recreation facilities.
Recreation facilities means uses such as
boat or yacht clubs, swimming pools, athletic
clubs, golf, and country clubs, tennis courts,
and so forth.
21.85.035 Related equipment.
Related equipment is all equipment ancillary
to the transmission and reception of voice and
data via radio frequencies. Such equipment
may include, but is not limited to, cable, con-
duit and connectors. [Ord. 3099 § 14, 1996].
21.85.040 Restaurant.
Restaurant means a building where food is
sold to the public for on -premises consump-
tion or to go. It may include alcoholic beverage
service only if under a class C, D, or H state
liquor license.
21.85.050 Retirement home.
Retirement home means a place of resi-
dence for several families or individuals in
apartment -like quarters, which may feature
services such as limited nursing facilities, min-
imum maintenance living accommodations,
and recreation programs and facilities.
21.85.060 Riding academy.
Riding academy means an establishment
where horses are kept for riding, driving, or
stabling for compensation or as an accessory
use in the operation of a club, association,
ranch or similar establishment.
21.85.070 Roof.
Roof means the top covering of a building or
structure.
21.85.080 Rooming house.
Rooming house means a boarding house.
21-17 (Revised 8/96)
21.90.008
Chapter 21.90
"S" TERMS
Sections:
21.90.008
Satellite television antenna.
21.90.009
Seasonal farmers' market.
21.90.010
Secondary use.
21.90.011
Service club.
21.90.012
Service station, automobiles.
21.90.014
Service station, self.
21.90.020
Setback.
21.90.030
Short subdivision.
21.90.040
Side lot line.
21.90.050
Side setback.
21.90.060
Sidewalk or trail.
21.90.070
Sign.
21.90.080
Single-family dwelling (unit).
21.90.090
Site.
21.90.095
Small animal hospital.
21.90.100
Sorority.
21.90.101
Specific anatomical areas.
21.90.102
Specific sexual activities.
21.90.110
Story.
21.90.120
Street.
21.90.130
Street lot line.
21.90.140
Street setback.
21.90.150
Structure.
21.90.160
Structural alterations.
21.90.170
Subdivision.
21.90.008 Satellite television antenna.
A satellite television antenna is an apparatus
capable of receiving communications from a
transmitter or a transmitter relay located in
planetary orbit. (Ord. 2526 § 1, 1985.)
21.09.009 Seasonal farmers' market.
Seasonal farmers' market is a retail market
specializing in the sale of farm -grown or
home-grown produce, flowers, plants or other
similar perishable goods. The market is sea-
sonal use permitted only during the period
between May and September, inclusive, of any
given year. [Ord. 3103 § 2, 1996].
21.90.010 Secondary use.
Secondary use means a use of a site which is
secondary and subordinate to the primary use
of the site, and may exist only when a primary
use is existing on the same lot. The floor area
devoted to all secondary uses shall be less than
that devoted to the primary use.
21.90.011 Service club.
A service club is a bona fide charitable, non-
discriminatory fraternal, or service organiza-
tion, incorporated as a not -for -profit organiza-
tion under the laws of the state of Washington,
recognized as a tax exempt organization by the
Internal Revenue Service, and performing
community service within the city of Ed-
monds. [Ord. 2710, 1989].
21.90.012 Service station, automobiles.
An automobile station means a business that
provides for any or all of the following:
A. The sale of gasoline, diesel or other fuels
used for the propulsion of motor vehicles,
when such products are delivered directly into
the fuel tanks of automobiles.
B. The servicing of motor vehicles and
operations incidental thereto, incidental to the
retail sale of fuels, petroleum products and
automotive accessories; automobile washing
by hand; waxing and polishing of automobiles;
auto detailing; tire changing and repairing
(excluding recapping); battery service whether
charging or replacement, excluding repair and
rebuilding; radiator cleaning and flushing,
excluding steam cleaning and repair; and
installation of automotive accessories.
C. The following services if performed
entirely within a building: lubrication of motor
vehicles; brake service limited to servicing and
replacement of brake cylinders, aligns and
brake shoes; wheel balancing; inspection, test-
ing, adjustment, and replacement or servicing
of carburetors, coils, condensers, distributor
caps, fan belts, filters, generators, points,
rotors, spark plugs, voltage regulators, water
and fuel pumps, water hoses and wiring, muf-
(Revised 8/96) 21-18
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.90.102
flers and tail pipes, and pollution control
devices and equipment. [Ord. 2660 § 3, 1988].
21.90.014 Service station, self.
For the purposes of this code a "self-service
station" means an automobile service station at
which one or more of the fuel dispensing
pumps is designated for operation by the retail
gasoline consumer. [Ord. 2660 § 4, 1988].
21.90.020 Setback.
Setback means the minimum distance that
buildings/structures or uses must be set back
from a lot line, excluding up to 30 inches of
eaves. (See also, Rear Setback, Side Setback,
and Street Setback.)
21.90.030 Short subdivision.
(See ECDC 20.75.030.)
21.90.040 Side lot line.
Side lot line means any lot line that is not a
street or rear lot line. (See also, Lot Line.)
21.90.050 Side setback.
Side setback is the minimum distance
required by this code for a building to be set
back from a side lot line.
21.90.060 Sidewalk or trail.
Sidewalk or trail for purposes of ECDC
Title 15 means pedestrian facilities which are
not desirable routes for bicycles because of
curbs, obstacles, uneven surfaces, and pedes-
trian traffic, etc. They are primarily for pedes-
trian use.
21.90.070 Sign.
(See ECDC 20.60.010.)
A. Attached, see Attached Sign.
B. Construction, see Chapter 19.45 ECDC.
C. Freestanding, see Freestanding Sign.
D. Group, see Group Sign.
E. Permit, see Chapter 20.60 ECDC.
F. Projecting, see Projecting Sign.
G. Wall, see Wall Sign.
H. Window, see Window Sign.
21.90.080 Single-family dwelling (unit).
Single-family dwelling (and single-family
dwelling unit) means a detached building used
by one family, limited to one per lot.
21.90.090 Site.
Site, when used in describing an approval or
permit process in this code, means the property
which is the subject of the approval or permit
application.
21.90.095 Small animal hospital.
A small animal hospital means a veterinary
facility which treats small domestic house pets
such as dogs, cats, birds, fish and/or other small
exotic animals under 100 pounds. This defini-
tion shall not include veterinary facilities
which board or breed domestic animals or
which treat, board or otherwise house or care
for horses, sheep, cattle, pigs or other species
of animals which typically weigh over 100
pounds per mature individual. [Ord. 2759 § 3,
1990] .
21.90.100 Sorority.
Sorority means the same type of use as a fra-
ternity, particularly for females.
21.90.101 Specific anatomical areas.
Specific anatomical areas are defined as:
A. Less than completely and opaquely cov-
ered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks,
and the female breast below a point immedi-
ately above the top of the areola;
B. Human male genitals in a discernibly
turgid state, even if completely and opaquely
covered. [Ord. 2279 § 4, 1982].
21.90.102 Specific sexual activities.
Specific sexual activities is defined as:
A. Human genitals in a state of sexual stim-
ulation; and/or
B. Acts of human masturbation, sexual
intercourse or sodomy; and/or
C. Fondling or other erotic touching of
human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or the
female breast. [Ord. 2279 § 5, 1982].
21-19 (Revised 8/96)
21.90.110
21.90.110 Story.
Story means that part of a building lying
between two floors or between the floor and
ceiling of the highest usable level in the build-
ing.
21.90.120 Street.
Street means the public or private right-of-
way or access easement which provides vehi-
cle access to more than three lots.
21.90.130 Street lot line.
Street lot line means the line or lines along
the edge of a street or access right-of-way or
easement. Where the official street map shows
a proposed right-of-way, the edge of the pro-
posed right-of-way shall be used as the street
lot line. If additional right-of-way has been
required as provided in ECDC 18.80.010, note
4, and such requirement unreasonably restricts
the building footprint established by setback
requirements, the city staff may calculate
required setbacks for issuance of a building
permit by alternatively measuring the setback
from the standard street lot line, and not from
the new street lot line as increased by a
requirement levied under the authority of
ECDC 18.80.010, note 4. [Ord. 2713, 1989].
21.90.140 Street setback.
Street setback means the minimum distance
required by this code for buildings to be set
back from the street lot line.
21.90.150 Structure.
Structure means a combination of materials
constructed and erected permanently on the
ground or attached to something having a per-
manent location on the ground. Not included
are residential fences less than six feet in
height, retaining walls, rockeries, and similar
improvements of a minor character less than
three feet in height.
21.90.160 Structural alterations.
(See Alterations.)
21.90.170 Subdivision.
(See ECDC 20.75.030.)
(Revised 8/96) 21-20
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.100.080
Chapter 21.100
"T" TERMS
Sections:
21.100.010
Tavern.
21.100.020
Temporary building or structure.
21.100.030
Through lot.
21.100.040
Townhouse.
21.100.050
Trails.
21.100.060
Trailer.
21.100.070
Trailer park.
21.100.080
Transmission tower.
21.100.010 Tavern.
Tavern means a building where beer and/or
wine is served to the public, which holds a
class A or B license from the Washington State
Liquor Control Board.
21.100.020 Temporary building or
structure.
Temporary building or structure means a
building or structure not having or requiring
permanent attachment to the ground or involv-
ing structures which have no required perma-
nent attachment to the ground.
21.100.030 Through lot.
Through lot means a lot fronting on two
streets that is not a corner lot.
21.100.040 Townhouse.
Townhouse means a multiple dwelling unit
meeting the following criteria:
A. No dwelling unit overlapping another
vertically;
B. Common side walls joining units;
C. Not more than six dwelling units in one
structure;
D. Coverage shall not exceed the aggregate
coverage of the individual structures as
defined in the zoning code;
E. Lot area per unit for purposes of subdivi-
sion may be as small as the coverage of the
individual unit, so long as the overall density
meets the zoning on the site. Portions of the
site not subdivided for individual units shall be
held in common by the owners of the individ-
ual units.
21.100.050 Trails.
(See Sidewalks.)
21.100.060 Trailer.
Trailer means a vehicle designed for short-
term living, small enough to be towed by a
standard automobile. (See also, Mobile
Home.)
21.100.070 Trailer park.
Trailer park means land used for the tempo-
rary parking of two or more trailers. (See also,
Mobile Home Park.)
21.100.080 Transmission tower.
Transmission tower is a freestanding struc-
ture, other than a building, on which commu-
nication devices are mounted. Transmission
towers may serve either as a major or minor
communication facility. Examples include, but
are not limited to:
A. Monopoles;
B. Lattice towers;
C. Guyed towers. [Ord. 3099 § 15, 1996].
21-21 (Revised 8/96)
21.105.010
Chapter 21.105
"U" TERMS
Sections:
21.105.010 Undisturbed soil.
21.105.115 Usable satellite signal.
21.105.020 Use.
21.105.030 Used car lot (or sales).
21.105.010 Undisturbed soil.
Undisturbed soil means the condition of the
site at the time a building permit application is
made to the city, before any site work occurs.
However, where the site has been altered by
grading, cutting, or filling or similar activities
before the application for a building permit,
the building official shall make the determina-
tion from then available data of the mean ele-
vation of the undisturbed soil. If the
undisturbed soil elevation is not readily deter-
mined due to demolition of an existing struc-
ture, the contours may be reconstructed by the
building official to coincide with adjoining
topography to determine the undisturbed soil
elevations. If the proposed structure occurs
where no setbacks are required, the elevation
of the surface (sidewalk, alley, or soil) of the
property line at or nearest the intersection of
the sides of the building height rectangle will
be considered undisturbed soil. Where the
building official deems it necessary, he shall
have the right to require establishment of a
datum point from which all height measure-
ments shall be made.
21.105.115 Usable satellite signal.
A usable satellite signal is a satellite signal
which when acquired by the use of a properly
installed, maintained, and operated satellite
television antenna of a high quality readily
available on the public market and when
viewed on a conventional television set is at
least equal in picture quality to that received
from local commercial television stations or
by way of cable television. [Ord. 2526 § 2,
1985].
21.105.020 Use.
Use means the purpose land or building or
structures now serve or for which they are
occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, or
intended. (See also, Accessory Use, Condi-
tional Use, Commercial Use, Permitted Use,
Primary Use, Private Use, and Secondary Use.)
21.105.030 Used car lot (or sales).
Used car lot (and used car sales) means any
place outside a building where two or more
used automobiles are offered or displayed for
sale.
(Revised 8/96) 21-22
Edmonds Community Development Code
21.115.030
Chapter 21.110
"V" TERMS
Sections:
21.110.010 Vacation.
21.110.010 Vacation.
A statutory procedure by which the city may
relinquish its interest in streets, alleys, or ease-
ments. [Ord. 2926 § 1, 1993].
Chapter 21.115
"W" TERMS
Sections:
21.115.010
Wall sign.
21.115.020
Window sign.
21.115.022
Wireless communication facility.
21.115.024
Wireless communication support
structure.
21.115.030
Working day.
21.115.010 Wall sign.
Wall sign means a sign that is parallel to and
not projecting at any angle from a wall, or
which is painted directly on a wall.
21.115.020 Window sign.
Window sign means a sign which is
attached to (including paint or other adhesive
method), or located near, a window so as to be
seen as a sign by persons outside the building.
21.115.022 Wireless communication
facility.
Wireless communication facility is an
unstaffed facility for the transmission and
reception of low -power radio signals consist-
ing of an equipment shelter or cabinet, a sup-
port structure, antennas (e.g., omni-
directional, panel/directional or parabolic) and
related equipment. [Ord. 3099 § 16, 1996].
21.115.024 Wireless communication
support structure.
Wireless communication support structure
is the structure erected to support wireless
communication antennas and connecting ap-
purtenances. Support structure types include,
but are not limited to, stanchions, monopoles,
lattice towers, wood poles or guyed towers (see
Title 22, Plates 1 — 4). [Ord. 3099 § 17, 1996].
21.115.030 Working day.
Working day means any day during which
the city administrative offices are open for nor-
mal business. [Ord. 2269 § 2, 1982].
21-23 (Revised 8/96)
Edmonds Community Development Code
Ordinance Table
915 12/19/61
Moving buildings (19.35)
2461 09/25/84
Adopts SEPA rules, repeals Ch. 20.15
1429 07/01/69
Street name changes (19.80)
(20.15A)
1522 12/01/70
Amending swimming pool code (19.55)
2466 11/20/84
Provides subdivision compliance (20.75)
1715 06/04/74
Adopts 1973 Uniform Plumbing Code
2470 12/04/84
Draining of swimming pools (18.10)
(19.30)
2471 12/04/84
Application for parking lot construction
2138 05/13/80
Commercial vehicle parking (8.48, 17.50)
(18.95)
2190 01/06/81
Revised fees for planning building (15.00)
2475 01/15/85
Streets and driveways (18.80)
2191 01/20/81
New business license fees (4.72) (15.00)
2477 01/15/85
Adopts comprehensive sidewalk plan
2242 10/13/81
Enforcement of sign code (20.60)
(15.50, 18.90)
2252 12/22/81
Raises in -lieu parking fees (15.00, 17.50)
2479 02/05/85
Barrier -free design standards (19.95)
2264 02/02/82
Adopting 1981 Edition of APWA
2485 03/12/85
Hearing examiner may hold hearings
Standards(18.80)
(20.100)
2266 02/09/82
Requiring conditional use permit for
2488 04/02/85
Amends sign code (20.60)
amusement (16.50)
2491 04/23/85
Amends Ch. 18.05 re: undergrounding
2268 02/09/82
Allows radio antennas to exceed 15 feet
(18.05)
(16.20)
2493 05/14/85
Amends Ch. 20.70, establishing
2269 02/09/82
Defines term "working day" (20.105,
presumptions (20.70)
21.115)
2498 06/04/85
Amends variance authority for
2270 02/09/82
Planning director authority (20.05)
undergrounding (15.00, 18.05)
2271 02/09/82
In -lieu parking (17.50)
2502 06/18/85
Adds § 21.05.025 to define term "alley"
2273 02/09/82
Increases fees for land use application
(21.05)
(15.00)
2514 08/06/85
Call for election on general obligation
2277 03/09/82
Sign permit application (20.10, 20.60,
bonds (17.50)
20.105)
2519 09/03/85
Repeals Appendix 1 of Uniform Building
2279 03/16/82
Prohibiting adult theatres (16.00, 21.05,
Code (19.00)
21.90)
2526 10/01/85
Regulation of installation of satellite
2280 03/23/82
Filing parking plan prior to issuance
(16.20, 16.30, 16.45, 16.50, 16.55, 21.90,
(17.50)
21.105)
2283 03/30/82
Allows bus stop shelters (16.20, 16.30,
2527 10/15/85
Amendments re: Highway 99 (16.60)
16.45, 16.50, 16.55)
2534 11/12/85
Limits class of person benefited (19.100)
2287 04/20/82
Regulating trailer signs (20.60)
2536 l l//85
Establishes license for street vendor (4.12,
2290 05/04/82
Uniform Fire Code, Life Safety Code
4.72, 18.70)
(19.75)
2541 12/10/85
Clarifies issuance of conditional use
2291 05/04/82
Zoning of annexed land (17.00)
permits (17.70)
2292 05/04/82
Aggregating nonconforming lots (17.40)
2548 02/04/86
Amends shoreline master program (15.38)
2302 06/01/82
Amends fees in community development
2549 02/11/86
Regulates permit fees for satellite (15.00)
(15.00)
2552 03/18/86
Defines appeal procedure re: hearing
2307 06/29/82
Allows offices in CW zone (16.55)
examiner (20.100)
2352 02/08/83
Regulating accessory dwelling units
2559 04/01/86
Amendments re: site development
(16.20, 17.50, 20.21, 21.05)
standards (16.30)
2353 02/08/83
Smoke detector alarms in residential
2574 08//86
Adopts 1985 Editions of Uniform Codes
structures (Repealed by 3035)
(19.00, 19.10, 19.15, 19.20, 19.45, 19.55,
2360 03/29/83
Extends time requirement for filing
19.75)
(20.35)
2575 08//86
Adopts revised flood insurance rate
2366 05/24/83
Regulating aircraft landings (4.80, 16.50,
(19.97)
16.55, 16.60)
2576 08//86
Amends building permit appeal
2374 06/21/83
Amends SEPA ordinance (20.105)
procedures (19.00)
2379 07/12/83
Amends community development code
2577 09/09/86
Provides for insurance protection (18.70)
(20.75)
2581 09/09/86
Amends provisions of Ord. 2548 (15.38)
2387 07/26/83
Adopts by reference street tree plan
2584 10/07/86
Appeals staff decision, extends period
(18.85)
(20.105)
2417 02/07/84
Shoreline master program amendments
2585 10/07/86
Swimming pools (19.55)
(15.38)
2586 10/07/86
Deletes trailer signs as permitted (20.60)
2419 02/14/84
Floodplain management (19.00, 19.97)
2591 12/09/86
Prohibits appeals by city staff (20.105)
2424 04/10/84
Amends conditional uses (16.30)
2604 03/03/87
Increases building permit fees by $10
2427 05/08/84
Hearing examiner review of sign code
(15.00)
(20.60)
2605 03/10/87
Permits private piers and boathouses
2428 05/15/84
Amends Title 18, parking (18.95)
(16.20, 21.20, 21.30, 21.80)
2429 05/15/84
Amends zoning ordinance (17.40, 20.60)
2610 05/05/87
Location (spacing) of private fire alarms
2436 06/09/84
Adopts 1982 building codes (19.00)
(19.75)
2445 07/17/84
Lifts building moratorium (21.55)
2611 05/05/87
Smoke detectors (19.75)
2458 09/04/84
Regulation of home day care facilities
2615 05/12/87
Permits mobile homes (16.60)
(16.20, 16.30, 20.19, 21.20)
2616 05/12/87
Reconsideration of hearing examiner
decision (20.100)
Tables -1 (Revised 8/96)
Ordinance Table
2621 06/02/87
Amends § 19.55.060 re: swimming pools
2829 04/02/91
Amends § 20.15A.290(a) (20.15A)
(19.55)
2833 05/12/91
Amends § 17.70.030 (17.70)
2623 06/09/87
Amends short subdivision ordinance
2842 07/16/91
Amends § 15.00.020(a) (15.00)
(20.75)
2866 01/21/92
Amends § 19.05.050 (19.05)
2626 07/07/87
Amends Title 19 to comply with state law
2867 01/28/92
Amends § 20.105.010 (20.105)
(19.25, 19.30, 19.75)
2874 03/17/92
Adds interim critical areas (Expired)
2640 10/06/87
Amends Ch. 18.05 re: utility wires (18.05)
2876 03/31/92
Amends Ord. 2874 (Repealed by 3076)
2652 01/17/88
Amends § 17.40.020 (17.40)
2877 03/31/92
Repealing and reenacting Ch. 16.65
2655 02/02/88
Establishes building permit fees (15.00)
(16.65, 16.80)
2660 03/01/88
Amends conditional use for convenience
2879 04/21/92
Amends § 15.36.020(c) and 15.36.030
stores (16.45, 16.50, 21.15, 21.20, 21.90)
(15.36)
2661 03/01/88
Enacts provisions relating to landslides
2882 05/18/92
Amends § 15.00.020, fee schedules
(19.00, 19.05)
(15.00)
2666 03/15/88
Amends Ord. 2661 re: landslide hazard
2885 06/16/92
Amends § 2 of Ord. 2874 (Repealed by
(19.05)
3076)
2673 06/21/88
Family day care and mini -day care (16.20,
2890 07/07/92
1991 Editions of Uniform Building and
16.30, 20.19)
Fire Codes (19.00, 19.05, 19.20, 19.25,
2676 07//88
Suspends water service (7.10, 20.105)
19.30, 19.45, 19.55, 19.75, 19.90, 19.95,
2691 11/22/88
Amends CDC re: flood damage prevention
19.96)
(19.97)
2913 01/26/93
Adopting commute trip reduction (17.95,
2704 03/13/89
Amends § 20.90.020 relating to testimony
20.110)
(20.91)
2916 04/06/93
Amending § 18.40.020 (18.40)
2705 03/21/89
Amends § 20.105.060 re: development
2917 04/06/93
Amending relating to expiration (19.00)
code (20.105)
2919 04/30/93
Amends that owners must notify (20.91)
2710 04/25/89
Service club signs (20.60, 21.90)
2920 04/20/93
Amends on average front setback (16.20)
2712 04/25/89
Condemns certain property for 208th
2921 04/20/93
Amends for site development (16.60)
(21.30)
2922 04/20/93
Repealing Ch. 20.50, setback adjustment
2713 04/20/89
Amends CDC relating to street standards
(20.50)
(18.80, 21.55, 21.90)
2924 04/20/93
Adding new section to definitions (21.20)
2724 06/27/89
Replaces rescinded Ord. 2721 (19.75)
2925 04/20/93
Adding new section to definitions (21.80)
2725 07/05/89
Adopts 1988 version of Uniform Building
2926 04/20/93
Adding a new chapter to definition
Code (19.00, 19.10, 19.15, 19.20, 19.25,
(21.105)
19.30, 19.45, 19.55, 19.75)
2927 04/20/93
Amendments relating to street use plan
2726 07/05/89
Provides for public hearing notice (20.91)
(15.00, 18.70)
2728 07/25/89
Amendments re: compliance (19.05)
2930 05/18/93
Amends Ch. 20.55; adds § 20.55.020
2731 08/01/89
Amends § 18.80.070 re: alley access
(20.55, 20.91)
(18.80)
2933 06/11/93
Repealing and reenacting Ch. 20.70
2737 09/26/89
Provides maximum slope of parking lot
(20.70)
(18.95)
2934 06/01/93
Amends Ch. 20.110 re: public nuisance
2747 01/02/90
Adds new Ch. 17.90 (17.90)
(20.110)
2754 02/20/90
Amends procedure re: street name change
2935 06/01/93
Amends Ch. 20.50, establishes sunset
(18.50)
clause (Expired)
2759 02/27/90
Amends to permit small animal hospital
2936 06/01/93
Retitles and amends § 17.40.070 (17.40)
(16.45, 21.15, 21.90)
2938 07/20/93
Amends § 19.05.005, renumbers and adds
2769 04/17/90
Provides alternate vesting of development
sections (19.05)
rights (19.00, 20.10)
2950 09/07/93
Repeals § 18.40.030, conditional use
2771 04/24/90
Amends provisions of dangerous building
permit, grading (20.15A)
code (19.20)
2951 09/07/93
Amends Ch. 20.20 re: home occupation
2772 05/22/90
Amends § 21.30.020 (17.30, 21.30)
(20.20)
2776 06/05/90
Access to dwelling units (20.21)
2952 09/28/93
Amends § 15.00.020(a)(17) (15.00)
2781 06//90
Amends § 15.10.000 to include elements
2954 09/28/93
Amends Ch. 17.30, fences (17.30)
(Repealed by 3030)
2955 10/05/93
Amends Ch. 20.10, architectural design
2792 08/28/90
ADB landscape standards (20.12)
(20.10)
2794 09/18/90
Prohibits tandem parking (18.95)
2958 10//93
Amends § 21.35.017, definition (16.50,
2801 10/16/90
New Ch. 10.110, establishes civil
21.35, 21.60)
violation (20.110)
2959 11/01/93
Amends Ch. 20.10, architectural design
2804 11/05/90
Adds Ch. 18.45 re: land clearing (18.45)
(20.10)
2817 01/08/91
Amends Ch. 20 re: accessory dwelling
2971 01/25/94
Add § 3.13.091, public art projects (3.13)
(20.21)
(20.10)
2818 01/08/91
Amends re: low income elderly (16.30,
2979 04/05/94
Amends Ch. 19, building code: permit
20.25, 21.15, 21.30, 21.40)
(19.00)
2819 01/15/91
Amends Ch. 17.50.090 (17.50)
2981 05/17/94
Scrivener's error § 17.40.030 (17.40)
2820 01/27/91
Amends § 16.30.010 (16.30, 16.60, 20.35,
2984 06/07/94
Open air market temporary license (16.50,
21.40)
16.60)
(Revised 8/96) Tables - 2
Edmonds Community Development Code
Ordinance Table
2991 08/16/94 Amends § 20.75.155 (20.75)
3013 03/21/95 Adds Ch. 18.30, storm water management
(18.30)
3014 03/21/95
Repeals and replaces §§ 20.1513.070
(A)(3)(c), 20.15B.120(A), (D) and (E)(5),
and amends § 20.105.010(A)(4), critical
areas (20.105)
3018 04/18/95
Adds § 18.80.005, highway access
management (18.80)
3023 05/16/95
Amends § 15.00.020(A), 20.10.010,
20.10.020(A), 20.10.080, 20.12.000,
20.60.020, community development code
(15.00, 20.10, 20.12, 20.60)
3024 05/16/95
Amends § 17.40.030, community
development code (17.40)
3028 06/06/95
Adds § 20.15B.040(D), community
development code (Expired)
3030 06/30/95
Repeals Chs. 15.05 — 15.30, 15.45 and §§
15.40.010 and 15.40.020; adds new Ch.
15.05; and repeals and replaces §§
20.00.010 and 15.40.000 introduction,
comprehensive plan (15.05, 15.40)
3035 07/28/95
Repeals and replaces §§ 19.00.000,
19.00.010 introduction and subsection
(A),19.00.070 introduction, 19.00.010(F),
19.00.120(A) and (B), 19.05.005,
19.10.000, 19.20.000, 19.25.000,
19.45.000, 19.55.000, 19.75.000, and §
902.2.2.2 of the Uniform Fire Code;
repeals §§ 19.75.015 and 19.75.175,
building codes (19.00, 19.05,19.10, 19.20,
19.25, 19.45, 19.55, 19.75)
3037 07/28/95
Amends § 20.60.080(H), signs (20.60)
3065 01/23/96
Re-enacts Ch. 20.1513, interim critical
areas (Expired)
3074 03/06/96
Amends §§ 20.1513.070, 20.15B.120 and
20.105.010, review criteria and procedures
(20.105)
3076 03/19/96
Repeals and replaces Ch. 20.00, changes
to the comprehensive plan (20.00)
3078 03/25/96
Adds Ch. 20.91 and §§ 19.00.115,
19.00.127, 19.00.120(D); amends Chs.
20.10, 20.12, 20.60, 20.90, 20.95, 20.100,
20.105, §§ 20.18.020, 20.19.010,
20.35.020, 20.35.040, 20.35.120,
20.40.030, 20.55.020, 20.75.065 and
20.80.020, review criteria and procedures
(19.00, 20.10, 20.12, 20.18, 20.19, 20.35,
20.40, 20.55, 20.60, 20.75, 20.80, 20.90,
20.91, 20.95, 20.100, 20.105)
3080 04/02/96
Adds § 20.80.020(C), text and map
changes(20.80)
3081 04/02/96
Adds § 17.00.060, general zoning
regulations (17.00)
3087 05/07/96
Repeals and replaces Ch. 20.1513, critical
areas (20.1513)
3090 05/07/96
Adds §§ 16.20.010(B)(9) and (D)(5),
16.30.010(B)(5) and (D)(3), and 21.15.75;
amends § 16.20.010(C), commuter
parking (16.20, 16.30, 21.15)
3091 05/07/96
Repeals and replaces § 20.100.020(B),
planning advisory board review (20.100)
3092 05/20/96
Adds § 20.90.005; amends §§ 20.90.000,
20.90.010(B), (E)(2) and (3), and
20.91.010(C)(3)(c); repeals §§ 19.00.115,
19.00.120(D) and 19.00.127, permit
processing (19.00, 20.90, 20.91)
3093 05/20/96 Amends 20.60.080(H), sign permits
(20.60)
3099 07/02/96 Adds Ch. 20.50, wireless communications
facilities, and §§ 21.05.005, 21.05.035,
21.05.055, 21.15.035, 21.25.020,
21.35.040, 21.55.005, 21.60.002,
21.60.004, 21.60.006, 21.60.045,
21.60.046, 21.85.035, 21.100.080,
21.115.022, 21.115.024, definitions
(20.50, 21.05, 21.15, 21.25, 21.35, 21.55,
21.60, 21.85, 21.100, 21.115)
3100 07/02/96 Amends §§ 16.50.010(A)(7) and
16.60.010(D)(1), open air markets (16.50,
16.60)
3103 07/16/96 Adds §§ 16.50.030(A)(5) and 21.90.009,
seasonal fanners' markets (16.50, 21.90)
Tables - 3 (Revised 8/96)
Edmonds Community Development Code
Building permits
—A—
Adult entertainment centers See Zoning
Agriculture See Zoning
Aircraft landings See Zoning
Amendments to code
Applicability, scope 20.80.000
Procedural 20.80.010
Zoning, planning 20.80.020
Amusement establishments See Zoning
Antennae See Zoning
Appeal procedures
Applicability, scope 20.105.000
Consolidation 20.105.005
Decisions by staff, hearing examiner 20.105.010
Filing 20.105.020
Hearing examiner actions 20.105.040
Procedural irregularities 20.105.050
Review by court 20.105.070
Staff actions 20.105.030
Violation, penalty 20.105.060
Aquaculture
Shorelines master program 15.38.000
Aquariums
See also Zoning
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
Architectural design review
Appeals 20.10.080
Applicability, scope 20.10.010
Building design, landscape criteria 20.10.070
Design criteria, examples of 20.10.075
Findings required 20.10.060
Permit approval
development, exemptions 20.10.020
time limits, extensions of 20.10.090
Plans, preliminary submittal of 20.10.040
Purpose 20.10.000
Review, notice, bonds 20.10.050
Vesting rights, application of 20.10.045
Art galleries See Zoning
Auction businesses See Zoning
—B—
Boarding houses See Zoning
Boat and motor sales and repairs
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
Boat launching ramps
Shorelines master program 15.38.070
Bond
Landscaping 20.12.040
Breakwaters
Shorelines master program 15.38.110
Building code
Adopted 19.00.000
Amendments
Section 106.4 19.00.010
Section 205 19.00.080
Section 3310 19.00.070
Appeals, interpretation of 19.00.060
Architectural design review 19.00.120
Drainage, grading requirements 19.00.030
Fees 19.00.070
Mobile home installation standards 19.00.055
Multiple residential building requirements 19.00.040
Permits
See also Building permits
application requirements 19.00.110
demolition 19.00.050
issuance 19.00.010
water supply, quality, prior to issuance 19.00.130
Purpose of adoption 19.100.000
Violation, penalty 19.00.080
Building, moving of
Application review 19.35.010
Bonds 19.35.050
Inspection 19.35.020
Permits 19.35.000
Plans required 19.35.040
Removal of defective parts 19.35.030
Building permits
See also Development permit applications
Landslide, earth subsidence hazard areas
amendments to code 19.05.005
application requirements, format of 19.05.030
application review 19.05.060
approval of building official for construction
19.05.090
bonds, liability insurance 19.05.050
definitions
architect 19.05.020
building official 19.05.020
director 19.05.020
earth subsidence and landslide hazard area
19.05.020
geologist 19.05.020
geotechnical engineer 19.05.020
land surveyor 19.05.020
site 19.05.020
stable 19.05.020
structural engineer 19.05.020
denial, conditions 19.05.080
issuance 19.05.070
monitoring compliance during construction
19.05.100
plans and specifications submittal 19.05.040
purpose 19.05.000
Index-1 (Revised 8/96)
Bulkheads
Bulkheads
Shorelines master program 15.38.100
Bus stop shelters See Zoning
—C—
Churches See Zoning
City council
Permit review 20.100.030
Clubhouses See Zoning
Colleges and universities See Zoning
Commercial activities
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
Commercial, sport fishing
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
Comprehensive plan
See also Zoning
Adopted 15.05.000
Changes
applicability, scope 20.00.000
council action 20.00.040
findings required 20.00.050
notice 20.00.020
recommendations, copy of 20.00.030
submittal 20.00.010
Comprehensive sidewalk plan
adopted 15.50.000
effect, applicability 15.50.010
Comprehensive street plan
map 15.40.030
purpose 15.40.000
Fees
applications 15.00.020
permits, sewer connection 15.00.030
General 15.35.000
Officials, duties 15.00.040
Purpose 15.00.010
References to code sections, departments, officials
15.00.050
Regulated actions 15.00.060
Severability 15.00.070
Shorelines master program
citizen involvement 15.35.010
conservancy environment 15.36.020
environments designated 15.36.000
format of requirements 15.35.020
goals and policies
conservation, preservation 15.37.040
economic 15.37.000
environmental 15.3 7.000
historic, cultural, educational, scenic values
15.37.050
land uses 15.37.060
location of thoroughfares and facilities
15.37.020
public access 15.37.010
recreation 15.37.030
implementation
administration, permit procedure, uses, and
variances 15.39.030
board review 15.39.020
policy changes 15.39.010
purpose, intent 15.39.000
map 15.35.020
natural environment 15.36.030
philosophy 15.35.000
rural environment 15.36.040
urban environment 15.36.010
Title, citation 15.00.000
Conditional use permits
See also Zoning
Findings, criteria 20.05.010
Requirements, review 20.05.020
Scope 20.05.000
Convalescent homes See Zoning
Convenience stores See Zoning
Court review See Appeal procedures
Critical areas
See also Development permit applications; SEPA
Administration 20.15B.170
Appeals See Administration
Applicability, general procedures 20.1513.030
Applications
approvals 20.1513.070
reviews 20.15B.050
Classifications 20.15B.060
Construction of chapter 20.1513.190
Definitions
adjacent 20.15B.020
alteration 20.15B.020
best management practices 20.1513.020
buffer 20.1513.020
city 20.15B.020
class 20.1513.020
clearing 20.15B.020
compensation project 20.15B.020
compensatory mitigation 20.15B.020
creation 20.1513.020
critical areas 20.15B.020
critical habitat 20.15B.020
developable area 20.1513.020
development proposal 20.1513.020
enhancement 20.15B.020
erosion 20.15B.020
erosion hazard areas 20.1513.020
existing and ongoing agriculture 20.15B.020
(Revised 8/96) Index-2
Edmonds Community Development Code
Definitions
fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
20.15B.020
floodplain 20.15B.020
frequently flooded areas 20.15B.020
functions 20.15B.020
geologically hazardous areas 20.15B.020
geologist 20.15B.020
geotechnical engineer 20.15B.020
grading 20.15B.020
habitats of local importance 20.15B.020
landslide hazard areas 20.15B.020
long-term commercial significance 20.15B.020
mitigation 20.15B.020
native growth protection easements 20.15B.020
native vegetation 20.15B.020
natural resource lands 20.15B.020
noxious weeds 20.15B.020
qualified critical areas consultant 20.15B.020
resource lands 20.15B.020
restoration 20.15B.020
significant habitat 20.15B.020
species of local importance 20.15B.020
steep slope hazard areas 20.15B.020
seismic hazard areas 20.15B.020
Stormwater Management Manual 20.15B.020
streams 20.15B.020
urban growth 20.15B.020
vadose zone 20.15B.020
wetland class 20.15B.020
wetland functions 20.15B.020
wetlands 20.15B.020
Development standards
fish and wildlife habitat conservation zone
20.15B.090
frequently flooded areas 20.15B.100
general 20.15B.080
geologically hazardous areas 20.15B.110
streams 20.15B.120
wetlands 20.15B.130
Exemptions and exceptions 20.15B.040
Findings 20.15B.010
Mitigation 20.15B.150
Penalties See Administration
Severability 20.15B.180
Studies 20.15B.140
Tracts, notice on title 20.15B.160
Variances See Administration
—D—
Dangerous building code
Additions
Section 302 19.20.010
Adopted 19.20.000
Contaminated structures 19.20.010
Day care centers, nurseries, preschools See Zoning
Definitions
Accessory antenna device 21.05.005
Accessory buildings 21.05.010
Accessory dwelling unit 21.05.015
Accessory use 21.05.020
Adult bookstore 21.05.021
Adult entertainment center 21.05.022
Adult motion picture theater 21.05.023
Alley 21.05.025
Alteration(s) 21.05.040
Animal hospital 21.05.030
Antenna 21.05.035
Attached sign 21.05.050
Attached wireless communication facility 21.05.055
Auto wrecking 21.05.060
Automobile service station 21.90.012
Bike (or bicycle) lane 21.10.010
Bike -pedestrian path 21.10.020
Boarding house 21.10.030
Building 21.00.000, 21.10.040
Building area 21.10.050
Building envelope 21.10.060
Building line 21.10.070
Car (or auto or automobile) wrecking 21.15.010
City 21.15.020
City council (or council) 21.15.030
Co -location 21.15.035
Commercial garage 21.15.050
Commercial kennel 21.15.060
Commercial parking lot 21.15.040
Commercial use 21.15.070
Commuter parking lots 21.15.075
Completely enclosed building 21.15.080
Conditional use 21.15.090
Congregate care facility 21.15.095
Convenience store 21.15.092
Coverage 21.15.110
Day care facility 21.20.010
Dedication 21.20.020
Directional antenna 21.05.035
Dock 21.20.035
Domestic animal 21.20.030
Drive-in business 21.20.040
Dwelling unit 21.20.050
Easement 21.25.010
Equipment shelter, cabinet 21.25.020
Family 21.30.010
Fence 21.30.020
Flag lot 21.30.030
Float, recreational 21.30.035
Floor area 21.30.040
Formal subdivision 21.30.050
Index-3 (Revised 8/96)
Definitions
Foster home 21.30.060
Primary use 21.80.070
Fraternity 21.30.070
Private 21.80.080
Freestanding sign 21.30.080
Private parking 21.80.090
Garage 21.35.010
Projecting sign 21.80.100
General 21.00.000
Rear lot line 21.85.010
Ground floor 21.35.017
Rear setback 21.85.020
Group sign 21.35.020
Recreational facilities 21.85.030
Guest house 21.35.030
Related equipment 21.85.035
Guyed tower 21.35.040
Restaurant 21.85.040
Halfway house 21.40.005
Retirement home 21.85.050
Hearing examiner 21.40.010
Riding academy 21.85.060
Hedge 21.40.020
Roof 21.85.070
Height 21.40.030
Rooming house 21.85.080
Home occupation 21.40.040
Satellite television antenna 21.90.008
Horse 21.40.050
Seasonal farmers' market 21.90.009
Hospitals 21.40.055
Secondary use 21.90.010
Hotel 21.40.060
Self service station 21.90.014
Interior lot 21.45.010
Service club 21.90.011
Irregular lot 21.45.020
Setback 21.90.020
Kennel 21.50.010
Shall 21.00.000
Kitchen 21.50.020
Short subdivision 21.90.030
Landslide hazard area and earth subsidence 21.55.060
Side lot line 21.90.040
Lattice tower 21.55.005
Side setback 21.90.050
Lot 21.55.010
Sidewalk or trail 21.90.060
Lot area 21.55.020
Sign 21.90.070
Lot, corner 21.15.100
Single-family dwelling unit 21.90.080
Lot depth 21.55.030
Site 21.90.090
Lot line 21.55.040
Small animal hospital 21.90.095
Lot width 21.55.050
Sorority 21.90.100
Macro facility 21.60.002
Specific anatomical areas 21.90.101
May 21.00.000
Specific sexual activities 21.90.102
Micro facility 21.60.004
Story 21.90.110
Mini facility 21.60.006
Street 21.90.120
Mobile home 21.60.010
Street lot line 21.90.130
Mobile home park 21.60.020
Street setback 21.90.140
Monopole I 21.60.045
Structural alterations 21.90.160
Monopole II 21.60.046
Structure 21.90.150
Moorage 21.60.030
Subdivision 21.90.170
Motel 21.60.040
Tavern 21.100.010
Multiple dwelling 21.60.050
Temporary building or structure 21.100.020
Multiple dwelling units 21.60.060
Through lot 21.100.030
Off-street parking 21.75.020
Townhouse 21.100.040
Office 21.75.010
Trailer 21.100.060
Omni -directional antenna 21.05.035
Trailer park 21.100.070
Open space 21.75.030
Trails 21.100.050
Parabolic antenna 21.05.035
Transmission tower 21.100.080
Pedestrian -bike path 21.80.040
Undisturbed soil 21.105.010
Permit coordinator 21.80.020
Usable satellite signal 21.105.115
Permitted use 21.80.010
Use 21.105.020
Person 21.80.030
Used 21.00.000
Petroleum products storage and distributing 21.80.050
Used car lot (or sales) 21.105.030
Pier 21.80.055
Vacation 21.110.010
Planning advisory board 21.80.060
Wall sign 21.115.010
Planning official 21.80.065
Window sign 21.115.020
(Revised 8/96) Index-4
Edmonds Community Development Code
Dry land storage
Wireless communication facility 21.115.022
Wireless communication support structure 21.115.024
Working day 21.115.030
Development permit applications
See also Appeal procedures; Permits
Applicability, scope 20.90.000
Exemptions 20.90.005
Hearings, public standards
applicability, scope 20.91.000
notice 20.91.010
procedures 20.91.020
Process 20.90.010
Development, residential
Shorelines master program 15.38.050
Disposal of solid waste
Shorelines master program 15.38.140
Docks, piers, moorage
Shorelines master program 15.38.060, 15.38.070
Drainage facilities See Zoning
Dredging, spoil deposits
See also Zoning
Shorelines master program 15.38.150
Drive-in businesses See Zoning
Dry cleaning and laundry plants See Zoning
Dry land storage
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
Index-4.1 (Revised 8/96)
This page left intentionally blank.
(Revised 8/96) Index-4.2
Edmonds Community Development Code
Zoning
Fences, gates 19.55.030
Maintenance of pool 19.55.050
Nuisances 19.55.040
Setbacks 19.55.020
Violation, penalty 19.55.060
Swimming pools See under Public works; Zoning
—T—
Tennis courts See Zoning
Trails and paths
See also Zoning
Shorelines master program 15.38.070
NAM
Utilities
Shorelines master program 15.38.080
Utility wires See under Public works
N'10
Variances See under Zoning
Ventilation and indoor air quality standards
Adopted 19.96.000
Violation, penalty 19.96.010
Vibration See Performance standards under Zoning
IbI'm
Waste disposal See Performance standards under
Zoning
Water storage See Zoning
Wireless communications facilities
Conditional use permits 20.50.070
Development standards
lattice towers 20.50.060
macro facilities 20.50.030
micro facilities 20.50.010
mini facilities 20.50.020
monopole I 20.50.040
monopole II 20.50.050
Exemption 20.50.080
Obsolete facilities 20.50.090
Purpose of provisions 20.50.000
Z�
Yacht, boat clubs
Shorelines master program 15.38.010
—Z—
Zoning
See also Amendments to code; Appeal procedures;
Architectural design review; City council;
Comprehensive plan; Conditional use permits;
Critical areas; Definitions; Development permit
applications; Dwelling units, accessory; Group
homes; Hearing examiner; Home day care;
Home occupations; Junk vehicles; Low income
housing; Nuisances; Planned residential
development (PRD); Planning advisory board;
SEPA; Subdivisions
Accessory dwelling units
RS zone 16.20.010
Administration
applicability 17.00.000
Administrative offices
P zone 16.80.010
Adult bookstores 16.00.030
Adult entertainment centers 16.00.030
Adult motion picture theaters 16.00.030
Agriculture
OS zone 16.65.010
Aircraft landings
BC zone 16.50.010
CG zone 16.60.010
CW zone 16.55.010
Amateur radio transmitting antenna
RS zone 16.20.010
Amusement establishments
BC zone 16.50.010
Annexed areas, coordination with county 17.00.060
Applicability 16.00.020
Aquariums
RM zone 16.30.010
Art galleries
RM zone 16.30.010
Assembly, repair, fabrication of goods
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
Auction businesses
BC zone 16.50.010
BC zone 16.50.010
off-street parking 16.50.010
purpose 16.50.000
site development standards 16.50.020
uses 16.50.010
BN zone
businesses open 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 16.45.010
off-street parking 16.45.010, 16.45.030
purpose 16.45.000
site development standards 16.45.020
uses 16.40.010
Index-11
(Revised 8/96)
Zoning
Boarding houses
RM zone 16.30.010
Bonds, required 17.10.000
Breakwaters construction
MR zone 16.70.010
Building height See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Bus stop shelters
BC zone 16.50.010
CW zone 16.55.010
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Business and commercial zones
purpose 16.40.000
CC districts established
CG zone 16.60.000
CC zone See CG zone
CG zone
CG2 zone established 16.60.000
off-street parking 16.60.010
purpose 16.60.005
site development standards 16.60.020
uses 16.60.010
CG2 zone See CG zone
Churches
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Clubhouses
P zone 16.80.010
Colleges and universities
P zone 16.80.010
Commercial parking lots
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010, 16.45.030
Commercial vehicle regulations
off-street parking 17.50.100
Commercial waterfront See under CW zone
Commercial, sport and shell fishing
MR zone 16.70.010
Community business zone See under BC zone
Community clubhouses
P zone 16.80.010
Community facilities
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
RM zone 16.30.010
Community -oriented open-air markets
BC zone 16.50.010
CG zone 16.60.010
Commute trip reduction plan
compliance, applicability, notice, requirements
17.95.030
definitions
affected employee 17.95.010
affected employer 17.95.010
alternative mode 17.95.010
alternative work schedule 17.95.010
base year 17.95.010
carpool 17.95.010
commute trips 17.95.010
commuter matching services 17.95.010
compressed work week 17.95.010
CTR guidelines 17.95.010
CTR law 17.95.010
CTR plan 17.95.010
CTR program 17.95.010
CTR zone 17.95.010
custom bus/buspool 17.95.010
days 17.95.010
dominant mode 17.95.010
Edmonds 17.95.010
employer 17.95.010
exemption 17.95.010
flex -time 17.95.010
full-time employee 17.95.010
implementation 17.95.010
mode 17.95.010
peak period 17.95.010
peak period trip 17.95.010
proportion of single -occupant vehicle trips or
SOV rate 17.95.010
single work site 17.95.010
single -occupant vehicle (SOV) 17.95.010
single -occupant vehicle (SOV) trips 17.95.010
telecommuting 17.95.010
transit 17.95.010
transportation management organization
(TMO) 17.95.010
vanpool 17.95.010
vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per employee
17.95.010
week 17.95.010
weekday 17.95.010
writing, written or in writing 17.95.010
exemptions, modifications, enforcement 17.95.040
incorporated 17.95.020
title, purpose 17.95.010
violation, penalties 17.95.040
Commuter parking lots
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Conservation areas
OS zone 16.65.010
Convalescent homes
RM zone 16.30.010
Convenience stores
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
(Revised 8/96) Index-12
Edmonds Community Development Code
Zoning
Counseling centers
RM zone 16.30.010
CW zone
off-street parking 16.55.010
purpose 16.55.000
restrictions on operations 16.55.030
site development standards 16.55.020
uses 16.55.010
Day care centers
RM zone 16.30.010
Day care centers, nurseries, preschools
P zone 16.80.010
Design review See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Downtown business area
off-street parking 17.50.070
Drainage facilities
RM zone 16.30.010
Dredging and filling of land
MR zone 16.70.010
Drive-in businesses
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010, 16.45.030
Dry cleaning and laundry plants
BC zone 16.50.010
Dry cleaning stores
BN zone 16.45.010
Dust See under Performance standards
Dwelling units
RS zone 16.20.010
Educational and recreational facilities
MR zone 16.70.010
Electric substations
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Electrical interference See under Performance
standards
Elementary schools
RS zone 16.20.010
Encroachments See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Fabrication of light industrial products
BC zone 16.50.010
Fallout shelters
RS zone 16.20.010
Family day care
RS zone 16.20.010
Family day care homes
RM zone 16.30.010
Fences, hedges
height restrictions 17.30.010
permits, variances 17.30.000
Fire hazards See under Performance standards
Fire houses
RM zone 16.30.010
Fire stations
P zone 16.80.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Floor area See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Forest and wildlife preserves
OS zone 16.65.010
Foster homes
RS zone 16.20.010
General commercial See under CG zone
Golf courses
RM zone 16.30.010
Group homes for disabled
RM zone 16.30.010
Guest houses
RS zone 16.20.010
Halfway houses
CG zone 16.60.010
Hedge See under Fences, hedges
Height See site development standards under Specific
Zone
Home occupations
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Hospitals
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
Hotels and motels
BC zone 16.50.010
Joint use
off-street parking 17.50.060
Keeping domestic animal
RM zone 16.30.010
Keeping of domestic animals
RS zone 16.20.010
Keeping of horses
RS zone 16.20.010
Laboratories
BC zone 16.50.010
Landscaping
See also Landscaping; Planter area; site
development standards under Specific Zone
off-street parking 17.50.080
Laundromats
BN zone 16.45.010
Libraries
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Lighting See under Performance standards
Location, uses
off-street parking 17.50.040
Index-13 (Revised 8/96)
Zoning
Lodges
RM zone 16.30.010
Lot coverage See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Low income housing for elderly
RM zone 16.30.010
Map
interpretation, boundaries 17.00.020
locations, boundaries 17.00.010
regulations on file 17.00.050
Marine resource zone See under MR zone
Marine -oriented clubs
CW zone 16.55.010
Marine -oriented services
CW zone 16.55.010
Memorial buildings
P zone 16.80.010
Mineral extraction
MR zone 16.70.010
Mini day-care facilities
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Mobile homes
CG zone 16.60.010
MR zone
purpose 16.70.000
uses 16.70.010
Multiple dwelling units
BC zone 16.50.010
Multiple dwellings
RM zone 16.30.010
Multiple residential zone See under RM zone
Municipal and franchised service facilities
P zone 16.80.010
Municipal cemeteries
P zone 16.80.010
Municipal, state, federal buildings
P zone 16.80.010
Museums
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
Neighborhood business zone See under BN zone
New automobile sales and service
BC zone 16.50.010
Noise See under Performance standards
Nonconforming uses
buildings 17.40.020
definition, abatement, notice, application 17.40.010
lots 17.40.030
purpose 17.40.000
signs 17.40.040
Nursery schools
RS zone 16.20.010
Odors, gases See under Performance standards
Off-street loading areas
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.030
CG zone 16.60.010
CW zone 16.55.010
Off-street parking
See also Parking
commercial vehicle regulations 17.50.100
downtown business area, fees 17.50.070
joint use 17.50.060
landscaping 17.50.080
location, uses 17.50.040
purpose 17.50.000
required 17.50.010
single-family dwelling 17.50.020
size, number requirements 17.50.030
space requirements 17.50.020
standards 17.50.050
temporary lots, improvements 17.50.090
Offices
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
CW zone 16.55.010
RM zone 16.30.010
Open space zone See under OS zone
Open-air recreational facilities
P zone 16.80.010
OS zone
purpose 16.65.000
uses 16.65.010
Outdoor storage
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
CG zone 16.60.010
P zone 16.80.010
Outpatient clinics
BN zone 16.45.010
P zone
purpose 16.80.010
site development standards 16.80.030
uses 16.80.010
Parking See Off-street parking; site development
standards under Specific Zone
Parking facilities
OS zone 16.65.010
Parks
BN zone 16.45.030
CW zone 16.55.010
OS zone 16.65.010
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Particulate matter See under Performance standards
(Revised 8/96) Index-14
Edmonds Community Development Code Zoning
Performance standards
Public art galleries
applicability 17.60.030
P zone 16.80.010
compliance, proof of 17.60.020
Public schools
general 17.60.010
P zone 16.80.010
purpose 17.60.000
Public use See under P zone
Performing arts facilities
Public utilities
P zone 16.80.010
BN zone 16.45.030
Permit criteria
OS zone 16.65.010
P zone 16.80.020
Pumping facilities
Petroleum products storage and distribution
P zone 16.80.010
CW zone 16.55.010
Pumping stations
Planetariums
RM zone 16.30.010
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Plant nurseries
Purpose 16.00.010
BN zone 16.45.030
Reclamation areas
Planter area
OS zone 16.65.010
applicability 17.80.000
Recreational facilities
definitions 17.80.010
CW zone 16.55.010
maintain 17.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
owner 17.80.010
RS zone 16.20.010
maintenance required 17.80.030
Recycling collection facilities
notice, enforcement 17.80.040
applicability 17.90.000
violation, penalty 17.80.050
approval 17.90.020
Playfield lighting
definitions
P zone 16.80.010
recycling boxes 17.90.010
Playgrounds, playfields
maintenance 17.90.030
OS zone 16.65.010
permit revocation 17.90.060
P zone 16.80.010
violation
RM zone 16.30.010
appeal 17.90.050
Police stations
notice of 17.90.040
P zone 16.80.010
penalty 17.90.070
RM zone 16.30.010
Regulations
Pools
code compliance required 17.00.030
RM zone 16.30.010
enforcement, violation, penalties 17.00.040
Postal facilities
Renting of rooms
P zone 16.80.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Preschools
Residential uses on first or second stories
RM zone 16.30.010
CG zone 16.60.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Residential zones
Printing, publishing, binding establishments
purpose 16.10.000
BC zone 16.50.010
Rest homes
Private docks or piers
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Rest rooms
Private greenhouses
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
Restrictions on operations
RS zone 16.20.010
BC zone 16.50.030
Private parking
CG zone 16.60.030
RM zone 16.30.010
Retail stores
RS zone 16.20.010
BC zone 16.50.010
Private stables
BN zone 16.45.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Retail uses
Private swimming pools
BN zone 16.45.010
RM zone 16.30.010
CW zone 16.55.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Index-15 (Revised 8/96)
Zoning
Retirement homes
RM zone 16.30.010
Rezones
applicability, scope 20.40.000
conditions 20.40.020
notice 20.40.030
review 20.40.010
RM zone
purpose 16.30.000
site development
exceptions 16.30.040
standards 16.30.030
subdistricts 16.30.020
uses 16.30.010
RM-1.5 established
RM zone 16.30.020
RM-2.4 established
RM zone 16.30.020
RM-3 established
RM zone 16.30.020
Rooming houses
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone
purpose 16.20.000
site development
accessory buildings 16.20.050
exceptions 16.20.040
table 16.20.030
subdistricts 16.20.020
uses 16.20.010
RS-12 zone established
RS zone 16.20.020
RS-20 zone established
RS zone 16.20.020
RS-6 zone established
RS zone 16.20.020
RS-8 zone established
RS zone 16.20.020
RSW-12 zone established
RS zone 16.20.020
Sanitariums
RM zone 16.30.010
Satellite television antennas See site development
standards under Specific Zone
Schools, colleges, universities
RM zone 16.30.010
Scientific installation
MR zone 16.70.010
Screening See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Seasonal farmers' markets
BC zone 16.50.030
Senior centers
P zone 16.80.010
Service and repair shops
P zone 16.80.010
Setbacks See site development standards under
Specific Zone
Sewage treatment facilities
P zone 16.80.010
Ship and boat movement
MR zone 16.70.010
Shoreline permits
application requirements 20.55.010
authorized start date for construction 20.55.060
development permits 20.55.025
filing with state 20.55.050
notice 20.55.020
purpose 20.55.000
review 20.55.030
variances 20.55.040
Signs
See also site development standards under Specific
Zone
definitions
identification structure 20.60.050
wall graphic 20.60.050
freestanding 20.60.040
group service club 20.60.065
incidental 20.60.060
installation, variances 20.60.100
permit required 20.60.010
prohibited 20.60.090
projecting signs, maximum area 20.60.030
purpose 20.60.000
regulations, approval 20.60.020
residential area 20.60.070
temporary 20.60.080
violation, penalty 20.60.100
wall -mounted 20.60.045
Single-family dwellings
BC zone 16.50.010
BN zone 16.45.010
off-street parking 17.50.020
RM zone 16.30.010
Single-family residential See under RS zone
Size, number requirements
off-street parking 17.50.030
Small animal hospitals
BN zone 16.45.010
Space requirements
off-street parking 17.50.020
Stadiums, bleachers
P zone 16.80.010
Standards
off-street parking 17.50.050
Storage, open See under Performance standards
(Revised 8/96) Index-16
Edmonds Community Development Code
Zoning
Street map
changes to
applicability, scope 20.65.000
approval 20.65.020
review 20.65.010
street vacations 20.65.030
Street vacations
applicability 20.70.010
application 20.70.060
criteria 20.70.020
file, public record 20.70.100
findings, final decision 20.70.140
hearings
continuation of 20.70.120
date of 20.70.070
presentation by planning manager 20.70.130
required 20.70.110
initiation of proceedings 20.70.050
limits, prohibitions 20.70.040
notice 20.70.090
purpose 20.70.000
rights, grants to public utilities 20.70.030
staff report, contents of 20.70.080
Structures exceeding height limit
CG zone 16.60.010
Submerged cable installation
MR zone 16.70.010
Substations
P zone 16.80.010
Swimming pools
P zone 16.80.010
Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving
MR zone 16.70.010
Synagogues
RM zone 16.30.010
Temples
RM zone 16.30.010
Temporary lots, improvements
off-street parking 17.50.090
Temporary uses
buildings, other 17.70.010
municipal offices 17.70.030
parking lots 17.70.020
security units 17.70.000
Tennis courts
RM zone 16.30.010
Title, citation 16.00.000
Trails and natural scenic areas
OS zone 16.65.010
Transmitting, receiving antenna
RM zone 16.30.010
Transportation storage and maintenance
P zone 16.80.010
Treatment facilities for drug, alcohol abusers
RM zone 16.30.010
Variances
applicability, scope 20.85.000
findings 20.85.010
requirements, review, appeals 20.85.020
Vibration See under Performance standards
Waste disposal See under Performance standards
Water storage
P zone 16.80.010
RM zone 16.30.010
RS zone 16.20.010
Wholesale uses
BC zone 16.50.010
Zoos
RM zone 16.30.010
Index-17 (Revised 8/96)