Text Size
1. Is the project going to be larger than? IS IT SEPA EXEMPT?
(a) 9 residential units;
(b) An agricultural building (barn, silo, etc.) greater than 30,000 square feet;
(c) An office, school, commercial, recreational, service or storage buildings greater than 6,000 square feet and up to 30 parking spaces.
(d) A parking lot with 30 or more parking spaces.
(e) Land fills and excavations in excess of 500 cubic yards.
These projects (listed in a-e) are exempt from the State Environmental Policy Act checklist, provided that they do not trigger that checklist requirement in one of the fashions noted below.
2. Is the proposed project something that is permitted by the Zoning Code? CHECK THE ZC & SEPA?
(a) If Yes, and the project is permitted out right - there are not zoning issues except for meeting the standards associated with parking and set backs.
(b) If NO - then the proposed project is either a Special Use, Condition Use or Prohibited Use:
* Special Use Permit - this triggers a SEPA checklist since it is a "major land action" and an application (in a letter form) can be given to the City Planner. Once the decision is made by the Planner, there is a 14 day appeal period with notice going out to everyone within 500'. If no appeal occurs, the decision of the Planner stands.
* Conditional Use Permit - this triggers a SEPA checklist. This process requires a hearing before the Planning Commission, a report from the Staff, opportunity for public comment, and then the Commission makes a decision. There is an appeal period from that decision of 14 days. The appeal is to the City Council. If there is no appeal, the decision stands.
* Prohibited Use - you can't do this project within this zone.
· ·
Note that with a conditional use or special use permit, you could be required to do specific things to address staff concerns or public concerns that are directly tied to the project. These items would also become part of the SEPA determination associated with the Checklist review.
Also, the Zoning Code sets standards for parking, set packs, height restrictions, etc. Should be consulted early in the project design stage. Regarding parking, there is a benefit to the developer to align the building next to the sidewalks and put the parking in back - less parking is needed in that situation if the developer decides to follow this path.
3. Is the project on a designated steep slope, within 150-200 feet CHECK THE CRIT AREA
of the Calawah, or within 150 feet of a creek (Mill Creek & Warner Creek)?
Steep slopes and the creeks are critical areas, and the critical areas ordinance should be consulted to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed within that ordinance.
The Calawah and a portion of lower Mill Creek are designated state waters of significance and activities within those areas may require shoreline management permits.
These types of projects may also trigger a SEPA Checklist
4. Is there a need for a new access from a City street or SR 101?
Or an improvement to the existing? NEEDS A DRIVEWAY PERMIT
Person must obtain a drive way permit, no cost for it, from City Utilities Superintendent and there are minimum requirements that have to be met for the drive approach.
Person may also need to get a new address for our E-911 system from City Utilities Superintendent as well.
5. Will the property lot have to be adjusted for the project - CHECK DEVELOPMENT
additional land purchased and added to the lot, REGULATIONS
or the lot divided to accommodate the project? SHORT PLAT/SUBDIV.
If the project will create more than nine lots greater in size than five acres, this is a subdivision and must be approved by the City Council. It must also conform to the City's development regulations.
If the division is 2-9 lots, this is a short plat and can be approved by the City Planner. Compliance with the zoning code and the development regulations is required.
If the property lines are being adjusted, this also must be done through the City Planner's office and may or may not trigger the development regulations.
6. Is the project going to be a subdivision, short plat, grading and clearing of land, business park, or a building greater than 3,500 sq. feet in size?
This triggers the development regulations. The developer may have to do street improvements, sidewalks, street lights, curbs and gutters, and utilities upgrades. If the project is very large, then there is an open space requirement that must be satisfied.
7. If the project is permitted by the zoning code, not in a critical area, not greater than 3,500 feet, nor a division of land - then the project only needs to address the following:
· Building permit - if construction is involved; Building Department
· Driveway approach permit; Utilities Superintendent
· Address permit; Utilities Superintendent
· Water and sewer connections if applicable; Utilities Superintendent
· Septic system installation County Health Dept.
· Food service permits/License County Health Dept.
8. Is the project going to need some type of signage?
You will probably need to get a $15 sign permit from the City Building Department.
OUR PHILOSOPHY - FIND A WORKABLE SOLUTION THAT ENCOURAGES DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO THAT PRESERVES OUR COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC INTERESTS IN ROADS, UTILITIES, ZONING, ETC.