20241126 Ltr (PPlat_PRD Req) 2230396.10
Civil Engineers
Structural Engineers
Landscape Architects
Community Planners
Land Surveyors
Neighbors
TACOMA
2215 North 30th Street
Suite 300
Tacoma, WA 98403-3350
253.383.2422 TEL
www.ahbl.com
November 26, 2024
Mr. Gary Cooper
Building and Planning Manager
City of Yelm
901 Rhoton Road NW
Yelm, WA 98597
Project: Viewmont Place, AHBL No. 2230396.10
Subject: Request for Preliminary Plat and Planned Residential Development
Dear Gary:
Please find attached the Preliminary Plat and Planned Residential Development (PRD)
submittal package for Viewmont Place, a proposed 115-lot residential plat in the city of Yelm.
This letter will provide a project description and a response to the criteria for approval for the
PRD.
Project Description
The Viewmont Place project proposes 115 single-family residential lots on Parcels
21724120100 and 21724120200. The parcels are approximately 19.23 acres and are zoned
R6, Moderate Density Residential. The 115 new residential lots will be created through the
Preliminary Plat and PRD process. The new lots will be served by interior plat roads that
access from Mountain View Road SE and Killion Street SE. The lot sizes vary from
3,600 square feet up to 6,717 square feet. The minimum lot width proposed is 40 feet. The
maximum density for the R6 zoning district is six units per gross acre. The gross acreage for
the project is 19.23 acres, resulting in six units per NDA. The proposed density is compliant
with the maximum density allowed in the R6 zone.
The internal onsite local roads will include curb, gutter, sidewalk, and street trees. Water and
sewer will be provided by City of Yelm. The project will be constructed in one phase.
The project proposes a PRD for flexibility in the underlying zoning bulk standards, specifically
the rear yard setback of 25 feet. The project proposes a rear yard setback of 20 feet.
Planned Residential Development (PRD) – YMC 18.14.080
A Planned Residential Development (PRD) overlay is required to vary from the development
regulations of the zoning district in which it is located.
Criteria for approval. A planned residential development shall be approved if:
1. It is consistent with the goals and policies of the city of Yelm comprehensive plan ;
Response: The proposal is consistent with the goals and policies of the Yelm
Comprehensive Plan by providing development in urban areas where public
facilities exist, promoting a variety of housing types and enhancing recreational
opportunities. The reduction of rear yard setbacks still provides ample room for
backyards in a dense community and allows for large community-level recreation
and open spaces.
Mr. Gary Cooper
November 26, 2024
2230396.10
Page 2 of 2
2. It meets minimum requirements for fire and life safety;
Response: The reduced rear yard setback will not affect fire and life safety.
3. It provides adequate provisions for utilities and other public services, roads, streets, and
sidewalks necessary to serve the needs of the development;
Response: The roads will be constructed to Yelm standards, with curb, gutter , and
sidewalks for safe walking. The plat will connect to City of Yelm Water and Sewer,
with hydrants provided throughout the plat.
4. There are no unavoidable impacts to adjoining streets and neighborhoods;
Response: Reducing the rear yard setbacks will not have any impact on adjoining
streets and neighborhoods.
5. The development creates no greater burden on present and public utilities and services
that would result from traditional development;
Response: The reduced rear yard setback will not affect public utilities and
services.
6. The development is better than that resulting from traditional development:
Response: The proposed project is setting aside 1.39 acres (7.22%) as open space
and recreation areas. This is in excess of the required 5% open space. A tot lot is
proposed in Tract D. Tracts B and G will provide active recreation for teenagers
and adults. These recreational areas will meet the needs of all age groups within
the development.
If you have any questions, please call me at (253) 383-2422.
Sincerely,
Sheri Greene
Assistant Project Manager
SG/lsk
c: Kirk Wilson, Evan Mann – Soundbuilt Homes, Inc.
Matt Weber – AHBL
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