20100129 NOD ApprovalCity of Yelm
Community Development Department
PO BOX 479
YELM, WA 98597
360-458-3835
NOTICE OF DECISION
DATE:
PROJECT NAME:
PROJECT LOCATION
PARCEL NUMBER:
CASE NUMBER:
December 17, 2010
America's Credit Union
415 Yelm Avenue East, Yelm, WA
22719342800
20100129
NOTICE is HEREBY ~ivEN that the Community Development Department issued a site plan
review approval to America's Credit Union in order to construct a credit union on Yelm
Avenue East in Yelm, Wa.
The complete decision may be viewed on the City's website at www.ci.yelm.wa.us and
choosing `Agendas/Notices' and `Public Notices' from the menu system. A copy of the
decision may also be obtained at the Community Development Department in City Hall
at 105 Yelm Avenue during normal business hours for a fee of 15 cents per page. For
additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at 360-
458-3835.
S TAFF REPOR T
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
Case Number: 20100129
Applicant/Owner: America's Credit Union
PO Box 33338
Fort Lewis, WA 98433-0338
Agent: Zenczak & Partners -Architects
4546 S Union Avenue, Suite 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
Request: Proposed construction of a credit union of approximately 4,380
square feet with future coffee shop.
Recommendation: Approval with conditions
Exhibit I: Site plan
Findings of Fact
The proposal includes construction of a credit union of approximately 3,105 square feet,
with a future coffee shop of 1,080 square feet on approximately .78 acres located at 415
Yelm Avenue E., Yelm, WA.
A Notice of Application was mailed to local and state agencies and surrounding property
owners on June 25, 2010, and an amended Notice of Application was mailed on August
25, 2010.
Section 17.84.020 (C) Yelm Municipal Code allows the Site Plan Review Committee to
approve a proposal when the site plan conforms to the standards, provisions and
policies of the City as expressed in its various adopted plans and codes.
The City received comments from Intercity Transit, Washington State Department of
Ecology, and the Washington State Department of Transportation during the comment
period.
Intercity Transit requested the construction of a 6 foot wide bus stop "landing pad" on
Yelm Avenue East. This request is consistent with the City of Yelm Design Guideline
Policy II.D.(2) to integrate nearby transit stops into the planning of adjacent site
improvements. This request is included as a condition of this approval. The
Washington Department of Ecology indicated that a Construction Stormwater National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit may be required, and the Washington
State Department of Transportation concurred with the MDNS mitigation of a restricted
driveway access and suggested that it be constructed in a manner to physically inhibit
any left out movement, such as restrictive curbing.
Property Characteristics
The property is identified by the Yelm Comprehensive Plan Map as Commercial (C-1)
zone which specifically allows drive through banks, savings and loan associations and
credit unions as permitted uses.
The subject property is bordered on the adjacent sides and rear by properties that are
commercially zoned but residential in use. Properties across Yelm Avenue are also
commercial zoned, and developed commercially.
The City of Yelm will provide police protection, water service, and sewer service. Fire
protection services are provided by The SE Thurston Fire/EMS (Thurston County Fire
Protection District #2).
State Environmental Policy Act
The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated Determination of
Non-Significance on August 27, 2010 based on WAC 197-11-158.
The Mitigated DNS contained the following mitigation measures:
1. The eastern driveway exiting the site shall be configured to a right turn only.
2. Any existing wells and on-site sewage disposal systems shall be abandoned
pursuant to applicable Washington State and Thurston County health
regulations. Evidence that all wells and sewage disposal systems have been
abandoned in an approved manner shall be provided prior to approval of civil
engineering plans.
Critical Areas
All of Yelm is considered a critical aquifer recharge area. Existing development
regulations require the treatment of stormwater prior to infiltration into the ground as
well as the containment of hazardous materials on-site address the potential impacts to
this critical area.
The City Critical Area Maps indicate that the property is located outside of wetlands,
flood zones, and high ground water buffer areas.
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Environmental Protection Standards
The Zoning Code establishes environmental protection standards at Chapter 17.57
YMC which address: noise; emissions; aquifer, ground, and soil contamination; and
storage.
The maximum allowable noise levels as measured at the property line of noise-
impacted uses or activities are those set forth in Chapter 173-60 WAC, titled "Maximum
Environmental Noise Levels".
Air pollution must be controlled by the operator and/or the proprietor of any land use or
activity. The ambient air quality standards specified by the Olympic Region Clean Air
Agency (ORCAA) apply to all air contaminants.
Aquifer contamination is addressed through the requirement for the treatment and
infiltration of stormwater on the subject site.
The existing house located on site will be demolished. A demolition permit from
ORCAA and the City of Yelm is required.
Concurrency
Chapter 15.40 YMC requires the reviewing authority to determine that required urban
infrastructure is available at the time of development. Concurrency means the facilities
necessary to serve a proposed development are in place or planned for and properly
funded with a reasonable expectation that the facilities will be in place at the time
needed to preserve adopted levels of service.
Concurrency with sewer infrastructure is achieved pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (B)(1)
YMC when the project is within an area approved for sewer pursuant to the adopted
sewer comprehensive plan for the city and improvements necessary to provide city
standard facilities and services are present to meet the needs of the proposed
development.
The City's Sewer Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as being within the sewer
service area and is not currently connected to the City's STEP sewer system. The
project will be required to connect to the existing sewer main located in Yelm Avenue
and extend sewer lines to the site and construct all sewer related requirements to the
standards of the Yelm Development Guidelines. The improvements required to serve
the project will be specifically identified during civil plan review. This satisfies the
requirement for concurrency with sewer infrastructure.
Concurrency with water infrastructure is achieved pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (B)(2)
YMC when the project is within an area approved for municipal water service pursuant
to the adopted water comprehensive plan for the city and improvements necessary to
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provide city standard facilities and services are present. The proposed project is
located in the City of Yelm's water service area and must connect City water service.
The State Building Code at Section 19.27.097 RCW requires evidence of water
availability and the issuance of a building permit by the City of Yelm is the City's
commitment to serve a proposal with potable water.
Water connections are based on a consumption rate of 875 cubic feet a month. The
existing single family home is currently connected to City water service. The applicant
shall submit water calculations at the time of civil plan approval to assure the proposed
use does not exceed the equivalent residential unit consumption.
Concurrency with transportation infrastructure is achieved pursuant to Section
15.40.020 (5)(c) YMC when the project:
• Makes on-site and frontage improvements consistent with city standards and
roads necessary to serve the proposed project consistent with safety and public
interest;
• Makes such off-site facility improvements, not listed on the capital facilities plan,
as are necessary to meet city standards for the safe movement of traffic and
pedestrians attributable to the project;
• Makes a contribution to the facilities relating to capacity improvements identified
in the adopted six-year traffic improvement program, in the form of a
transportation facility charge.
Frontage improvements on Yelm Avenue are complete, however the plan calls for the
construction of an additional driveway access. As stated earlier, a 6 foot bus landing
pad is required, and shall be constructed as required by Development Guideline
4G.060.
Concurrency with school infrastructure is achieved pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (B)(4)
YMC when the developer provides a letter from the local school district that the school
facilities impacted by the proposed development are present, or are on an approved
and funded plan, to assure that facilities will be available to meet the needs and impacts
of the proposed development.
The proposed commercial development will not impact the School system as it will not
increase the number of students within the school district.
Concurrency with Fire Protection is achieved pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (6) YMC
when the developer makes a contribution to the fire protection facilities as identified in
the most current version of the capital facilities plan adopted by the Yelm Fire District
(SE Thurston Fire/EMS) and endorsed by resolution of the Yelm City Council.
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Afire impact fee will be assessed at the time of building permit issuance, based on the
square footages of the buildings.
Design Review
The property is identified as being in a mixed-use district by the Yelm Design
Guidelines, which establishes requirements for new development in relation to site
planning, pedestrian access, vehicular access and parking, building design, and
landscape design.
Street Fronts (Yelm Avenue)
The design guidelines require that development must define the street edge with
building, landscaping, or other features, must provide direct access to the building from
the frontage, and provide treatment to spatially define the street edge when parking is
adjacent to street frontages.
The building is located to the front of the site, with parking located behind and screened
by landscaping. A sidewalk to the front of the building is proposed from the public
sidewalk along Yelm Avenue. This meets the Yelm design guidelines standards.
Side and Rear Yards/ Sitina 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 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.
The refuse area must be large enough to accommodate a dumpster and recycle bin and
designed to contain all refuse generated on site. Refuse should not be visible from
outside the enclosure. 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 proposed location of the refuse containers meets the intent of
the design guidelines.
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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
There are accessible walking paths from the street frontage to the building from the
public sidewalk as well as through the parking area.
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
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To encourage unique, identifiable architectural features at intersections, at least one of
the following features must be included on a facade 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.
Elevation plans shall be submitted as part of civil plan review.
Transportation
Yelm is a small compact community most directly affected by two state highways, SR
510 and SR 507, which bisect the community. These state routes are used by local
residents for transportation throughout the City, and for access to commercial and
residential areas throughout the community as well as serving regional traffic.
The updated Transportation element of the Yelm Comprehensive Plan identifies a
number of improvements designed to avoid the need to significantly widen existing
streets, and particularly Yelm Avenue. New development impacts the transportation
system in Yelm and, unless the improvements identified in the transportation plan are
constructed, the City would need to require developers to pay the cost of internal street
widening.
Frontage improvements on Yelm Avenue are complete, however the plan calls for the
construction of an additional driveway access. As stated earlier, a 6 foot bus landing
pad is required, and shall be constructed as required by Development Guideline
4G.060. Construction will require that the frontage and new improvements be restored
to City Standards.
The City has adopted a Transportation Facility Charge (TFC) of $1,321.00 per peak PM
trip. The concurrency chapter of the Municipal Code provides a default table that is
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used to determine new peak PM trips generated by a proposed use. A drive through
bank creates 32.73 new pm peak hour trips per 1,000 square feet.
Water Supply
Water connections are based on a consumption rate of 875 cubic feet a month and are
charged at a rate of $5,036.00 per connection (fee subject to change) inside city limits.
These fees are payable at building permit issuance.
The City's Water Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as being within the water
service area. The proposed site is currently connected to the City's water system.
An engineers estimate for additional water usage will be required as part of the civil plan
submission. The engineers estimate should also include as a separate calculation the
water usage for the credit union with the coffee shop. If the addition of the coffee shop
pushes the consumption rate over that over 875 cubic feet per month, an additional
water connection would be required.
As of the date of this approval, the City is currently at its approved water connection
limit, and no additional water connections are available. The City is actively working to
increase the source capacity of the water system as well as obtaining additional water
rights, and expects to allow new water system connections within the life of this site plan
review approval.
Commercial buildings and irrigation systems are required to provide for cross-
connection control through the provisions of a back flow assembly device installed on
the water services. A list of approved devices can be found at Chapter 246-290-490
WAC.
All commercial buildings and irrigation systems are required to provide for cross-
connection control through the provisions of a back flow prevention device installed on
the water services. A list of approved devices can be found at Chapter 246-290-490
WAC.
Any existing well(s) will need to be abandoned per Department of Ecology standards
and the water rights will need to be dedicated to the city.
Identified in the 2002 City of Yelm Water Comprehensive Plan is a requirement to install
fire hydrant locks as part of the City's water conservation and accountability program.
Sewer System
The City's Sewer Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as being within the sewer
service area and the site is not currently connected to the City's STEP sewer system.
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The project will be required to connect to the existing sewer main located in Yelm
Avenue.
This proposal will be required to install step tank(s) and associated equipment needed
to operate with the City of Yelm's step sewer system. Improvements required to serve
the project will be specifically identified during civil plan review to determine tank size
based on water consumption.
Fats, oils, and greases entering the STEP sewer system can adversely affect the
operation of the plant and the City requires all appropriate measures to avoid fats, oils
and greases from entering the system. The future coffee shop will be required to have
an appropriately sized grease interceptor installed prior to the STEP tank.
Any on-site septic systems will need to be abandoned prior to connecting to the STEP
sewer system.
The current fee to connect to the City sewer system is $6,050.00 per Equivalent
Residential Unit (each ERU equals 875 cubic feet of water consumption per month, fee
subject to change). An inspection fee of $145.00 per a connection will also be required.
stormwater
The applicant has submitted a preliminary stormwater report which includes a
conceptual design for the treatment and infiltration of the onsite stormwater. The City of
Yelm requires the design to meet the minimum standards of the 1992 stormwater
manual. The preliminary design was proposed to the standards of the 2005 stormwater
manual for Western Washington. This exceeds the City's minimum requirement.
The stormwater treatment for Yelm Avenue is accomplished through swales along Yelm
Avenue. The installation of the second driveway and bus landing pad will remove a
large portion of swale along this property frontage. The applicant must show at the time
of civil plan approval that any impacts to the conveyance of stormwater from Yelm
Avenue to the existing infiltration galleries located under the planter strip are fully
mitigated and that the design of the driveway approaches will not interfere with the
infiltration galleries.
Parking
The City of Yelm Development Guidelines, Design Guidelines, and Municipal Code
address parking regulations from many aspects, including, but not limited to the design
of lots, the number of stalls required, pedestrian pathways within lots, and safety.
The requirements of off-street parking and loading facilities 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
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amounts and arrangement of space for the particular premises even though such space
or its arrangement is in excess of the minimum set forth.
Chapter 17.72 YMC requires that banks provide one parking stall for every 300 square
feet. The coffee shop will require one parking stall for every 200 square feet. The credit
union requires 15 stalls and the future coffee shop requires 5 stalls, for a total parking
requirement of 20 stalls. The site plan meets the minimum parking requirements.
All parking areas must be surfaced with asphalt or concrete, and shall be striped and
landscaped to the standards of the development guidelines.
Parking Lot Illumination
Adequate internal parking lot lighting is necessary to provide safety to pedestrians and
vehicles. All parking areas and driveways must be lighted to a level of at least .5 foot
candle average as measured on the ground. Parking lot light fixtures shall be non-glare
and mounted no more than 20 feet above the ground to minimize the impact onto
adjacent properties.
Fire
Fire protection to the buildings shall be provided pursuant to the International Fire Code.
The specific requirements for installation of all fire hydrants, fire sprinklers and fire lanes
will be determined during civil and building plan review.
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
International Building Code requirements.
A 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 in the City of Yelm.
Landscaping
Landscaping and screening are necessary to provide screening between compatible
and incompatible land uses, to safeguard privacy and to preserve the aesthetic assets
of the City. Chapter 17.80 YMC requires all development to provide on site
landscaping.
Type 11 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 requires a combination of
trees 20 feet on center, with a minimum 50 percent evergreen, and shrubs at least 3
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feet tall planted to cover the landscaped area in 3 years. This landscaping is required
along the perimeter of the site.
The conceptual landscape plan does not meet the Type II requirements. The 8 foot
landscape strip is required along the property lines on the south and southeast lines.
The landscape strip on the northwest property line must be 8 feet wide and include
trees 20 feet on center.
Type 111 landscaping 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 and is
complete along the frontage of Yelm Avenue. Any disturbance during construction and
removed street trees must be replaced.
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.
Section 17.80.090 (F) YMC states that the owner/developer of any project requiring site
plan review approval, subdivision approval, or short subdivision approval shall provide a
performance assurance device in order to provide for maintenance of the required
landscaping until the tenant or homeowners' association becomes responsible for
landscaping maintenance. The performance assurance device shall be 150 percent of
the anticipated cost to maintain the landscaping for three years.
The City of Yelm also promotes water conservation and will require the final
landscaping plan to address the following requirements:
• Specify water efficient plant species for the Pacific Northwest.
• Limit the amount of turf grass in landscape design.
• Choose irrigation devices and design the irrigation system to positively prevent
runoff or overspray onto impermeable hardscape under all conditions regardless
of wind or possible equipment misalignment.
• Assign separate station/zones (hydrozones) to areas with dissimilar water or
scheduling requirements. For example; separate zones should be designed for
trees, shrubs, flowers, shady areas, sunny areas, drip irrigation and sprinklers.
• Locate sprinkler heads based on a thorough evaluation of physical,
environmental, and hydraulic site conditions, including wind. The design must
not permit sprinklers to overspray onto impermeable hardscape under any
condition.
• Specify drip irrigation for all zones planted in one-gallon or larger size.
• Specify weather-based irrigation controllers (WBIC).
• Specify check valves wherever necessary to prevent low-head drainage.
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The final landscaping plan shall provide complete detail of the landscape plants,
features and irrigation requirements.
Conclusions of Law
A. The Site Plan Review Committee has jurisdiction to consider and decide the
issues presented by this request.
B. The applicant has established that the request for site plan review approval
satisfies all criteria set forth in Section 17.84.020(C) YMC, meets all
requirements of the (I) Industrial zoning classification, and meets all other
requirements of the Yelm Municipal Code. Therefore, the site plan should be
approved subject to the following conditions:
1. The conditions of the Mitigated Determination of Non-significance are hereby
referenced and are considered conditions of this approval.
2. The applicant shall show proof of compliance with the Olympic Region Clean
Air Authority for the demolition of the existing single family residence.
3. Any disturbance of existing frontage improvements and landscaping to be
replaced to City standards. Existing Street Trees shall be retained and
protected to the maximum extent possible.
4. Civil plans for ingress and egress to the site shall include restrictive curbing or
other means of physical left turn restriction.
5. The civil plans shall include a 6' wide bus stop "landing pad" on Yelm Avenue
East, meeting ADA requirements. The Civil engineering plan submission
shall include details of the bus stop.
6. The applicant shall submit water calculations for the Credit Union, and water
calculations for the Credit Union with the future coffee shop. If more than 875
cubic feet per month is proposed, an additional water connection shall be
required.
7. The proposed site shall connect to the City's STEP sewer service. The
connection fee will be based on water usage calculations and established at
the time of building permit issuance. A grease interceptor is required for the
future coffee shop.
8. Any existing wells and on-site sewage disposal systems shall be abandoned
pursuant to applicable Washington State and Thurston County health
regulations. Evidence that all wells and sewage disposal systems have been
abandoned in an approved manner is required prior to approval of civil
engineering plans.
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9. Based on the preliminary stormwater report, the civil engineering plans shall
include plans for the collection, treatment, and infiltration of stormwater in
accordance with the 2005 stormwater manual for Western Washington. Best
Management Practices (BMP's) are required during construction. A 10-foot
setback from all property lines and easements are required for stormwater
facilities.
10.Any impacts to existing stormwater conveyance or infiltration from Yelm
Avenue must be addressed in the civil plans, meeting both City and WSDOT
standards.
11. Parking shall be provided in accordance with the City of Yelm Development
Guideline standards. Based on the proposal a minimum of 20 parking stalls
are required.
12.The applicant shall submit elevation plans that show compliance with design
guideline features for building design and details.
13. Refuse collection areas shall be designed to contain all refuse generated on
site and deposited between collections. Screening shall be of a material and
design compatible with the overall architectural theme of the associated
structures. The location and access to all refuse enclosures shall be
approved, in writing, by LeMay, Inc. prior to civil plan approval.
14. Fire protection shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire
Code, as adopted by the City of Yelm, and may include FDC's, fire hydrants,
and/or fire lanes. 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 in the City of Yelm. Fee is subject to change.
15. The civil engineering plans shall include final landscaping and irrigation plans
which meet the design guidelines for the City of Yelm. The plan shall include:
• All landscaping shall consist of drought tolerant shrubs and bark or
other ground cover instead of grass.
• The conceptual landscape plan does not meet the Type II landscape
requirements. Type II landscaping is required adjacent to buildings
and around the perimeter of the site.
• Type III landscaping on Yelm Avenue must be replaced or shown to
meet the intent of the landscape requirement.
• Type IV landscaping is required in parking areas.
• A final detailed landscape plan is required as part of civil plan review
and approval.
16. To promote water conservation any irrigation shall be in the form of a drip
irrigation system, or specify weather-based irrigation controllers.
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C. The Site Plan is valid for eighteen (18) months from the date of this approval.
The applicant may request asix-month extension on the approval, if the request
is made in writing prior to the expiration date of this approval. If you need
additional information or assistance, please call the Community Development
Department at (360) 458-3835.
Decision
The request for site plan review approval is hereby granted subject to the conditions
contained in the conclusions above.
PREPARED by Tami Merriman, Associate Planner
APPROVED this 17th day of December, 2010.
Gra t B ,Director of Community Development
Site Plan Review Committee
City of Yelm
Appeal
Site Plan Approval is a Type II Administrative land use approval. An appeal of this
decision can be filed within 14 days from the date of this approval, pursuant to YMC,
Chapter 15.49, Integrated Project Review Process. Any appeal must be in writing,
contain specific factual objections, and include the appeal fee of $50.00.
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