906 Yelm Ave E Notes
The City of Yelm is an equal opportunity employer and provider
PRE-SUBMISSION NOTES
APRIL 21, 2021
Christine Lee proposes to expand an existing unit in the Nisqually Plaza to add additional
square footage to the front of the building, rearrange interior walls between adjoining units,
construct new emergency access from the rear of the building, and remove an existing
loading dock.
The property is zoned Commercial (C-1). Retail is an allowed use in the C-1 zone.
PROCESS
The approval process from initial concept to final occupancy consists of three steps: land
use review, civil plan review, and building life/safety review.
Land Use
As the project is an expansion of commercial space 25% or less of the building footprint, a
ministerial site plan is required. The ministerial review is an administrative review and does
not require notification of the application to surrounding property owners, nor does it require
a public hearing before the Hearing Examiner. A complete application will be routed to the
City Public Works Department for comment.
Building elevations, site utility screens and refuse enclosure details showing compliance
with City of Yelm Design Guidelines shall be submitted with the site plan review application.
City staff reviews the application, and provides an approval with conditions to bring the site
into consistency with the development regulations of the Unified Development Code.
The ministerial site plan review process typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
Civil Plan Review
Civil plans are required for the construction of driveways, parking areas, stormwater
treatment and public infrastructure. Civil plans must be provided to show compliance with
the most current Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
Please define how the loading dock will be abandoned.
Building Life/Safety
Yelm has adopted the International Building Codes and reviews building plans for life/safety
and consistency per these codes, as adopted by Washington State. Electrical permits and
inspections are through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
A first review of structural plans typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Additional reviews may be
needed depending on the quality of the initial plan sets.
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CONSISTENCY WITH DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Environmental
This project as proposed is exempt from SEPA pursuant to WAC 197.11.800(2)(F).
Transportation
The project as proposed does not require any further transportation improvements.
Parking
The project as proposed does not require any additional parking.
The site must provide appropriate Fire Department vehicle access. Access lane widths are
determined by building size and height. This includes driveway radius and internally.
Site Design
The Unified Development Code includes standards for parking lot design, landscaping, and
adequately sized service areas. Features required include screening of outdoor storage and
service areas, landscaping including an internal perimeter landscape, and landscape
requirements for above ground stormwater facilities.
Refuse areas are to be enclosed and landscaped. Illumination requirements are found at
Section 18.59.050 YMC and include standards for walkway and parking lot lighting.
Pedestrian circulation is required to provide connection to public sidewalks, within the
development, and to adjoining properties.
All new development is subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The addition to
the front of the building removes pedestrian access leaving perceived pedestrian pathway
that does not meet ADA standards. The minimum required pedestrian pathway width is 36
inches. A possible way to achieve this standard would be to provide a designated pathway.
In addition to the pedestrian pathway, all faded pedestrian crosswalks along the building
frontage must be repainted, as well as fire lane markings. Curbing or other safety measures
shall be provided to protect pedestrians from traffic parallel to the walk way.
Potable Water
The property is connected to the City of Yelm’s water service. It is anticipated that the
addition to the building and the Harbor Freight tenant will not increase water usage.
All commercial buildings and irrigation systems are required to provide for cross-connection
control through the provisions of a back flow prevention device (reduced pressure backflow
assembly) installed on the water services. A list of approved devices can be found at
Chapter 246-290-490 WAC. The backflow device is required to be installed after the meter
and tested by a certified backflow tester.
Fire hydrants, with hydrant locks are required based on the International Fire Code. Specific
details will be reviewed at both land use application, and during civil plan review.
Waste Water
The property is located in served by the City of Yelm’s STEP sewer system.
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Storm Water
As the project is not proposing additional impervious surfaces, additional stormwater
facilities will not be required. The City has adopted the most recent version (2019) of the
Washington State Department of Ecology Storm Water Manual. (SWMMWW).
Building
All buildings and site improvements must meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
requirements.
Building plans must include details that clearly outline the changes proposed to the building
and the materials used to construct the elements changed.
If you intend to remove the exterior door to the riser room and replace it with an access door
on the interior of the building NFPA 20 requires:
1. If a fire pump room is not directly accessible from the outside it shall be accessible
through a fire-resistant rated corridor from an enclosed stairway or exterior exit.
2. According to NFPA 13, the Fire Department Connection should be located on the
street side of a facility.
FEES & CHARGES
LAND USE REVIEW
Ministerial Site Plan Review $250
CIVIL PLAN REVIEW
Civil Plan Application $250
City Staff Review $54 per Hour
Consultant Review Actual Cost
BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW
Building Permit Based on Valuation
Fire Impact Fee (per new square foot) 0.36
These notes are based solely on the site plan and description submitted in April, 2021. They are meant
to map out the process for approval and to point out any potential conflicts with City standards and are
NOT meant to fully review the proposal.