Gerrish
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
105 Yelm Avenue West
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
Pre-Application Meeting
September 23, 2009
These comments are preliminary in nature and are not intended to represent final comments and or requirements for the City of Yelm. Until a complete application is made, the Community
Development Department can only attempt to inform the applicant of general requirements as they appear in the form presented by the applicant at the time of pre-submission.
Proponent: Brian Gerrish
Project Proposal: Duplex Develoment
Project Location: 14747 Berry Valley Rd SW
Tax parcel number 21724230400
Zoning and Setbacks
The property is zoned Low Density Residential (R-4), Chapter 17.24 YMC. This district allows the residential subdivision of land at a density of up to 4 units per acre.
The Zoning Code does not establish minimum lot sizes, but each new lot must contain sufficient area to allow a residential structure while maintaining the following setbacks from property
lines:
Front - 15 feet to face of house
20 feet to face of garage
Side - 5 feet minimum, total of 12 feet between both yards
Rear - 25 feet
Flanking 15 feet
Maximum Height - 35 feet
All lots must have a minimum 20 feet on road frontage built to city standards. Lots within a residential subdivision shall be designed so that lots adjacent to arterial and collector
streets are not allowed direct access.
Residential developments which contain 25 or more dwelling units shall provide more than one vehicular access from an arterial or collector street.
Critical Areas
All of Yelm is considered a critical aquifer recharge area. The City critical area maps indicate that Thompson Creek runs along the east property line. The property is encumbered with
possible wetlands, mapped flood zones, and high ground water areas.
SEPA
An environmental checklist and a SEPA threshold determination is required.
Thompson Creek is not listed as a shoreline of the state, no shoreline permit is required, however, there are wetlands, flood plain, and high groundwater associated with Thompson Creek.
A critical areas report is required to determine the wetland rating and analysis. The wetland rating will then determine the wetland buffer which ranges from 50 feet to 300 feet. The
survey must include elevations which will be used to determine the actual flood zone. All development must remain outside of the flood zone.
The riparian habitat area width of 150 feet is established along Thompson Creek. When the flood area exceeds the recommended riparian habitat area width, the riparian habitat area
shall extend to the outer edge of the flooded area.
Hydrogeological studies will be necessary to delineate the high ground water flood hazard area and the base flood elevation. No development shall locate within fifty feet, measured
on a horizontal plane, from the outer edge of the high ground water hazard area or extending to a ground elevation two feet above the base flood elevation, whichever is less. The bottom
of any infiltration facility for stormwater discharge shall be located at least 6 feet above the base flood elevation.
Yelm Community Schools typically requires applicants to mitigate impacts to the District from residential growth through SEPA mitigation. The developer will be required to negotiate
an agreement with the District to mitigate school impacts. As of January 2005, mitigation fees per single family residential unit are $2,140.00 and are due and payable at building
permit issuance. The actual mitigation fee is established by contract with the District.
Site Plan Review Process
A Site Plan Review application as established by Chapter 17.84 YMC is an administrative review process. The minimum application requirements can be found at
Section 17.84.060 YMC and are listed on the application form. A notice of application is mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the site.
The site plan review committee’s decision on a site plan review application may be appealed to the Hearing Examiner, who would hold an open record hearing on the issue. The Examiner’s
decision can be appealed to the City Council, which would hold a closed record hearing and determine if the decision was supported by substantial evidence or contrary to law. If a
SEPA appeal is filed, the site plan review would be combined with that appeal and the Hearing Examiner would become the decision maker with a recommendation from the SPR Committee.
An open record hearing would be held by the examiner on the site plan review application, if combined with a SEPA appeal.
A conceptual landscaping plan is required at the time of application for site plan review. The final landscaping and irrigation plan is required as an element of civil plans, with installation
and approval prior to occupancy of the business.
Land use approval typically contains conditions of approval that the applicant must complete prior to receiving a building permit. Upon satisfactory completion of all conditions of
land use approval, the applicant can submit building plans for approval.
Residential Subdivisions
Development of the site as a residential subdivision requires Preliminary and Final Plat Approval, and includes Environmental Review. Preliminary Plat approval requires a public hearing
and approval by the Hearing Examiner. The environmental determination and preliminary plat are reviewed concurrently and can be completed in 14 to 16 weeks. Preliminary Plat approval
is valid for 5 years.
Preliminary subdivision approval typically contains conditions of approval that the applicant must complete prior to receiving final subdivision approval or permits for construction.
Following land use approval the applicant is required to submit civil construction drawings to the Community Development Department for review and approval, and satisfy all conditions
of preliminary subdivision approval. Upon satisfactory completion, the applicant submits the final documentation for final plat approval. Final Plat approval takes approximately
6 to 8 weeks from the time the City receives a completed application packet.
Land Use Fees
Site Plan Review $350.00 + $50 per 1,000 sq ft per gross floor area.
SEPA $150.00
Civil Plan Review Billed on a cost recovery basis
Traffic Impact Analysis $500.00 scoping fee, and actual cost for review
Traffic Impact Fee $1,324 per peak PM trip
Water Meter Fee Based on meter size
Building Plan Review Based on 1997 UBC fee Schedule
Building Permit Based on 1997 UBC fee Schedule
Sewer Connection Fee $6,050 per ERU
Sewer Inspection Fee $145.00 per ERU
Water Connection Fee $1,500 per ERU
Fire Impact Fee $0.32 per
Design Review
Relate Development to Street Fronts
All development for properties not on pedestrian oriented streets shall include site planning measures to create an attractive street edge, accommodate pedestrian access, and support
downtown design objectives. Examples of requirements based on Downtown Goals and Policies are stated in the following:
Define street edge with building landscaping or other features.
Provide direct access to building fronts from the sidewalk.
The City will require that commercial establishments be placed along all street frontages with Residential in the back per our Design Guideline standards and to meet the intent of a
Mixed Use Planned Development.
Side and Rear Yards/ Siting Service Areas
The design guidelines indicate that service areas, and outdoor storage be located away from neighboring properties to reduce conflicts and requires screening of refuse containers located
behind the building. No refuse container shall be permitted between a street and the front of a building.
The refuse area must be large enough to accommodate a dumpster and recycle bin. Refuse areas must be screened with an enclosure of a material and design compatible with the overall
architectural theme. A six foot wall or fence shall enclose any outdoor refuse collection point. The fence shall be a solid material such as wood or masonry. The following describes
the intent in siting service areas based on the Design Guidelines:
To “reduce the visibility of unsightly uses”.
To minimize the visibility of “backs” of buildings where service areas are located.
To “encourage more thoughtful siting of trash containers and siting areas by screening its negative aspects”.
To reduce the noise impacts of service areas.
Pedestrian Circulation
The following elements must be provided as part of the site plan for new developments:
All pedestrian paths must comply with the ADA.
Adequate lighting must be provided for pedestrian access.
Walkways should be integrated with the required parking lot landscaping.
Provide pathways through parking lots
Integrate transit stops into the planning of site improvements
Provide weather protection such as a canopy to create a covered pedestrian open space.
Provide at least 200 square feet of landscaping at or near the entry.
Provide pedestrian facilities such as benches, kiosks, or bicycle racks.
Provide pedestrian scaled lighting
Adjacent window displays
Provide artwork or special pedestrian scaled signs
Building Design and Details
To encourage buildings that are comfortable at a human scale, at least three of the following features must be incorporated into the building design:
Balconies in upper stories
Bay windows
Pedestrian oriented space
Individual windows
Gable or hipped roof
Porch or covered entry
Spatially defining building elements that define an occupied space
Upper story setbacks
Composing smaller building elements near the entry or pedestrian oriented street fronts
To ensure new development is compatible with Yelm’s architectural size and character, at least two of the following features must be incorporated into the building design:
Upper story setback
Horizontal building modulation
Modulated roof line
Building articulation
To encourage unique, identifiable architectural features at intersections, at least one of the following features must be included on a façade facing a public street:
Decorated roofline
Decorative treatment of windows and doors
Decorative railings, grill work, or landscape guards
Landscape trellises
Decorative light fixtures
Decorative building materials (masonry, wood details or patterns)
Concrete block walls must use textured blocks, colored mortar or a mix of other masonry types. Concrete must be architecturally treated.
Metal roofing must be of high quality with a standing seam and can not be brightly colored.
Blank walls must be treated through trellis and plantings, landscaping beds or other methods.
Parking Lot Location and Design
The requirements for off-street parking and their design shall be regarded as the minimum; however, the owner, developer, or operator of the premises for which the parking facilities
are intended shall be responsible for providing adequate amounts and arrangement of space for the particular premises even though such space is in excess of the minimum set forth.
Chapter 17.72 YMC requires multi-family dwelling units to provide (2) two parking spaces per unit. In all parking facilities containing 25 or more parking spaces, a maximum of 25
percent of the required parking spaces may be compact.
A parking plan shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review and approval at the time of application for site plan review. All required parking areas must be
paved, striped and landscaped.
A standard stall is 9 feet by 20 feet while a compact stall is 8 by 16. A loading space must accommodate a truck 45 feet in length, 12 feet in width, and 14 feet tall.
All parking areas must be surfaced with asphalt or concrete, and shall be striped and landscaped to the standards of the development guidelines.
The design details for parking lot construction can be found in the Yelm Development Guidelines.
Open Space
The Growth Management Act establishes a goal for open space and recreation that states “encourage the retention of open space and development of recreational opportunities, conserve
fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and water, and develop parks” [RCW 36.70A.020(9)].
Chapter 14.12 YMC provides guidelines for the retention and creation of open space within the City. This chapter requires a minimum of 10 percent of the gross area of a multi-family
development be dedicated as usable open space. Appropriate uses of dedicated open space include parks or athletic fields; off-road footpaths or bicycle trails; or any other use found
by the City to further the purposes of the Parks Chapter of the Municipal Code.
The proposed undisturbed shoreline area to the west would qualify for the 10 percent open space requirement although it does not meet the intent of the Mixed Use Planned Residential
requirement as usable open space for the enjoyment of the occupants. The City will require the proposal to provide usable open space in the form of a tot lots and sport courts incorporated
within the proposed residential development.
Landscaping Types and Description
The purpose of landscaping requirements is to preserve the aesthetic character of communities; to promote retention and protection of existing vegetation; and to reduce the impacts of
development on drainage systems and natural habitats.
Type II landscaping is intended to provide visual separation of uses from streets, and visual separation of compatible uses so as to soften the appearance of streets, parking areas and
building elevation. It is used around the perimeter of a site with a minimum planting area of eight-feet in width. When used adjacent to a building, a minimum five-foot planting area
shall be provided. Type II landscaping will be required around the perimeter of the site.
Type III landscaping is intended to provide visual relief where clear sight is desired. This type is utilized along pedestrian corridors and walks for separation of pedestrians from
streets and parking areas. The minimum width for Type III landscaping shall be six feet. Type III landscaping is required as a part of street frontage improvements. Type III landscaping
along Creek Street will include drought tolerant shrubs and bark instead of grass.
Type IV landscaping is intended to provide visual relief and shade in parking areas. Parking shall have at least 24 square feet of landscape development for each parking stall proposed.
Each area of landscaping must contain at least 100 square feet of area and must be at least six feet in any direction.
Type V landscaping is to provide visual relief in storm water retention/detention areas with vegetation that is suitable and will thrive in hydric soils.
Ingress/Egress
Ingress and egress at the site shall be consistent with the Yelm Development Guidelines, section 4B.140.
The subdivision code, Chapter 16.16.090 requires that the layout of streets shall provide for continuation of streets existing in adjoining subdivisions. This property is bordered by
Berry Valley Road to the east and north, Thompson Creek to the west, and proposed commercial development to the south. There is no opportunity for a continuation of streets for this
parcel.
Transportation
Ingress and egress at the site shall be consistent with the Yelm Development Guidelines, Section 4B.140. As a mixed use development, one shared commercial access shall be provided.
The Traffic Impact Analysis required as part of the environmental review will indicate the impacts that the development will have on the transportation system and suggest mitigation
measures that may be required.
Frontage improvements shall be consistent with Yelm’s Development Guidelines. These improvements shall consist of asphalt widening, curb and gutter, landscape planter, street trees,
sidewalk and street lighting.
Berry Valley Road is classified as a “Neighborhood Collector.” This project will be required to construct full street improvements along the frontage of Berry Valley Road. Your improvements
will be constructed symmetrically centered on the existing right of way centerline.
Internal plat roads will be classified as a “Local Access Residential.” This roadway requires paved traffic lanes, paved parking lanes, concrete curb and gutter, planter islands, 5’
sidewalk and street lighting. This street classification allows on street parking. The required right of way to be dedicated for the local access roadways is 56’.
The street improvements may not be limited to the above comments. This project will be required to complete a Traffic Impact Analysis that may require additional mitigation.
The City of Yelm has adopted a Transportation Facility Charge (TFC) of $1,324 per PM peak trip generated by new development. The code provides a default table that the applicant can
use to determine the number of new PM trips generated by a proposal.
The TFC charges are based on the type of use proposed. Each use may be significantly different. For example, the traffic generated from a fast food restaurant is much greater than
a “sit-down” restaurant. Retail sales are also determined by different factors.
EXAMPLE: Gross Floor Area / 1,000 x $1,324=TFC
Traffic Facilities Charges may be applied to off-site improvements required to mitigate potential significant impacts attributed to the proposed development if the required improvements
are capacity related.
Water
The proposed site is currently located in the City of Yelm’s water system service area but is not connected to the water system. This project will be required to connect and to extend
the water main across its frontage. This project will also be required to install water main, fire hydrants, and water meters along all new proposed roadways within the subdivision.
The minimum size water main is 8” in diameter within the project limits.
The nearest water location for connection is at the intersection of Berry Valley Road and Berry Valley Drive. The water main is 8” in diameter.
The water comp plan has shown a 10” water main to be installed to serve this area. This location will be generally located along the Berry Valley Road corridor.
Residential water connections are based on a consumption rate of 900 cubic feet a month and are charged at a rate of $1,500 per a residential connection (fee subject to change) inside
city limits. Each residential unit would be charged for one connection. This fee is payable at building permit issuance.
Irrigation Meter:
An irrigation meter shall be installed for the purpose of irrigation. An approved backflow prevention device will be required for all landscape irrigation connections.
Cross Connection Control:
Washington State Department of Health, in WAC 246-290-490 states that all group A water systems with 1000 or more connections are required by the department of health to develop and
implement a cross control connection program. This program requires all commercial buildings and irrigation systems to have a back flow prevention device installed on the water services.
A list of approved devices can be located at the above referenced Washington Administrative Code.
Fire Protection
All projects need to have fire protection for the buildings. It is likely that fire flow may be an issue at this location, which will be addressed through building official review of
the proposed building uses and construction material used for the buildings.
The International Building Code (IBC) provides occupancy ratings for different types of uses. The fire coverage and sprinkler system for the proposed use must meet IBC requirements.
Fire Impact Fee pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (B)(6) YMC is established at a rate of $0.32 per square foot of development for all new development I the City of Yelm.
Stormwater
Developments with additional impervious surface are required to provide stormwater facilities pursuant to the 1992 DOE Stormwater Manual. Stormwater treatment for all impervious surfaces,
such as internal and frontage streets is to be treated on site.
The size and design would be reviewed as part of the site plan review and further review at civil plan submittal. An operations and maintenance agreement will be required.
ADA Requirements
The American Disabilities Act required that facilities are ADA accessible. Facility improvements will have to meet current code. Review of these improvements will be determined upon
further review of the civil and architectural plans.
Civil Plan Review Process
Civil Plan review generally takes place after a land use approval. The Yelm Development Guidelines contain standard details for all infrastructure requirements, including parking lot
layout, sewer and water lines, STEP tank design, and stormwater control.
Building Permit Process
Building Plan review, permitting and inspections will be based on Title 15 Yelm Municipal Code, adopting the 2006 IBC, IMC, UPC, IFC and the 2006 Washington State Energy Code. By resolution,
the City of Yelm re-adopted the 1997 UBC, UMC and UPC Fee schedules.
Building Plans may be submitted after Site Plan Review approval. Five(5) sets of plans, one of which may be half scale, two (2) sets of engineering calculations, energy calculations
and specifications will be required. Due to the size of the occupancy, an integrated sprinkler and fire alarm system will be required. These plans may be submitted at a later date
along with any required kitchen suppression systems. All fire related items 5’ outside the building will be subject to civil review along with domestic water, waste, and storm water.
Concurrently with Site Plan Review two sets of building and accessory building elevations must be submitted for review of the building for consistency with the Design Guidelines.
Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks for Building Plan Review and 2 weeks for design guideline review.