STF2021-0035 WSDOT Noise Variance Staff DecisionCITY OF EDMONDS
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.gov
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
NOISE VARIANCE STAFF DECISION
Project: Pavement Preservation at Edmonds Ferry Terminal
Applicant: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
File Number: STF2021-0035
Associated Permit(s): None
Date of Decision: February 11, 2022
Reviewed By: Jeanie McConnell, Engineering Program Manager
Leif Bjorback, Building Official
I. INTRODUCTION
The applicant has applied for a noise variance (Attachment 1) for 10 non-consecutive nights to
conduct pavement restoration activities at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal and within the ferry
holding lanes. The work proposed falls within WSDOT property and does not require a separate
right-of-way construction permit.
The following is staff’s analysis and decision on the proposal.
II. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Request: The applicant is requesting a noise variance for work proposed as part of a
paving and preservation project at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal.
2. Review Process: A noise variance shall be processed as a Type 1 permit procedure
pursuant to ECDC 20.01.003(B) and reviewed in accordance with the criteria found in
ECDC 5.30.120
3. Project Owners: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
4. Applicant: Akberet Ghebreghzabiher, WSDOT
5. Location: Edmonds Ferry Terminal and Ferry Holding Lanes – SR-104
6. Activities, Equipment and Factors: Refer to Attachments 2 & 3.
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B. PUBLIC CONVENIENCE – Will the work result in significant delays for transportation,
services, or other customer needs if done only during the day and within the hour restrictions
set out in other parts of ECC Chapter 5.30?
The proposed work will take place at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal and as such, work
performed during normal working hours would result in significant delays for transportation,
services, or other ferry user needs.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY – Does working at night significantly improve safety conditions for the
traveling public and/or construction workers?
Performing work at night will avoid ferry interruptions and will minimize roadway hazards to
workers and any of the public that would otherwise need to travel through the construction
zone.
D. PUBLIC EXPOSURE – What will be the setting for any proposed work outside of regular
hours? Is it located on an arterial street or in a mostly residential area?
Proposed work will take place at the Edmonds Ferry Terminal on the west side of the railroad
tracks, as well as within the ferry holding lanes north of the ferry terminal booths.
E. PUBLIC COSTS – Does a limited amount of authorized work outside of regular hours
established by this chapter save the public significant cost compared to daytime work?
Yes, work performed outside regular hours will avoid delays to ferry users and in turn save
costs related to delays in transportation, services or alternative transportation routes.
F. NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES – Have all reasonable steps been taken to reduce the
impact of any necessary noise outside the standard hours?
The applicant has indicated that reasonable steps will be taken to reduce the impact of noise
outside standard hours. The contractor will be instructed to avoid parking and idling vehicles
next to residences. In addition, a WSDOT after-hours noise compliant phone number will be
provided.
III. DECISION
Based on the Findings of Fact and Conclusions, the following decision is issued by the City of
Edmonds Development Services Department. The noise variance, is APPROVED with the
following conditions:
1. The noise variance is granted for 10 non-consecutive nights, Monday – Thursday, between
April 1, 2022 and September 30, 2022. Work on Federal Holidays to be excluded from this
approval.
2. The City shall be notified 24-hrs in advance of work start by emailing
engineeringpermits@edmondswa.gov
3. Construction activity and associated traffic control shall be managed by WSDOT and
performed consistent with MUTCD standards.
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4. The grant of a variance shall not relieve any person from the requirements of ECC 5.30.130
relating to public disturbance noises.
IV. APPEALS
Type I permit decisions may be appealed by a party of record to Snohomish County superior
court within 21 days of the date of the decision pursuant to ECDC 20.07.006.
V. PARTIES OF RECORD
City of Edmonds
121 5th Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020
WSDOT
Akberet Ghebreghzabiher
15700 Dayton Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133
VI. ATTACHMENTS
1. Application
2. Project Plans
3. Equipment List
c: File - STF2021-0035
Susan McLaughlin, Development Services Director
Kraig Strum, Edmonds PD
Development Services Admin