20050067 Tahoma Terra - Council PacketCity of Yelm
STAFF REPORT
To: Mayor Adam Rivas
Yelm City Council
From: Grant Beck, Director of Community Development
Date: August 1, 2005 (for August 10, 2005 City Council Meeting)
Subj: Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development
Recommendation
Accept the Hearing Examiners recommendation and approve the Conceptual Master
Site Plan for the Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development, file number MPD-05-0067-
YL, and the Final Master Site Plan for that portion of the Master Plan Development
located east of Thompson Creek.
Background
Tahoma Terra LLC has applied for a Master Plan Development on 220 acres within the
Southwest Yelm Annexation Area formerly owned by Henry Dragt.
Approval of a Master Plan Development is a three step process, two of which require
action by the City Council.
First is the review of a Conceptual Master Site Plan. The purpose of conceptual review
and approval is to establish general land use policies to guide detailed planning for and
development of the master plan area. The conceptual plan identifies the generalized
land uses, transportation circulation routes and services proposed for the site.
Review of a conceptual master site plan is performed initially by the hearing examiner.
The examiner reviews the application for consistency with the comprehensive plan and
the City's other plans and policies. The examiner makes a recommendation regarding
the conceptual master site plan to the City Council for final action.
Upon conceptual approval by the City Council, the proposed master plan boundaries,
proposed use districts, transportation routes and case file number are identified on the
official zoning map.
Next is review of a Final Master Site Plan, which consists of maps and text which
indicate major development features and services for the entire site included in the final
August 1, 2005 Page 1 of 2
City of Yelm
Public Hearing to receive comments an
the Tahoma Terra Master Plan
Development
MPD-05-0067-YL
The City of Yelm has scheduled a public hearing to receive public comment on a proposal by Tahoma
Terra, Inc., for a Master Plan Development as part of the Wednesday, August 10, 2005, City Council
meeting. The meeting will take place at Yelm City Hall Council Chambers, 105 Yelm Ave West at 7:30
p.m.
Tahoma Terra is a Master Plan Development proposed for a 220 acre parcel of land located south of
Berry Valley Road and east of l_ongmire Street. The application includes conceptual approval for the
entire property and final master site plan approval.
The Conceptual Master Site Plan for the Master Plan Development includes areas idenfied for single
family dwellings, mutli-family dwellings, townhomes, a community park and recreation area, and
neighborhood commercial. The proposal would provide between 880 and 1,200 housing units upon
completion.
For additional information, please contact Grant Beck, at 360-458-8408 The application packet may be
viewed at the City's web site at www.ci yelm.wa us.
It is the City of Yelm's policy to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you are
a person with a disability in need of accommodations to conduct business or to participate in government
processes or activities, please contact Agnes Bennick, at 360-458-8404 at least five working days prior to
the scheduled event.
u / l\~~i I~G~
Agpt~s P. Bennick, City ClerklTreasurer
Published Nisqually Valley News, July 22, 2005
PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH BELOW THIS LINE
Distribution.
City Council Packets
Mayor. Adam Rivas
Councilmembers: Don Miller
Joe Baker
Robert Isom
Ron Harding
Pat Fetterly
City Administrator Shelly Badger
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YELM
WAt NINCTON
To: Mayor Adam Rivas
Yelm City Council
City of Yelm "E"'~
STAFF REPORT
From: Grant Beck, Director of Community Development
Date: August 1, 2005 (for August 10, 2005 City Council Meeting)
Subj: Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development
Recommendation
Accept the Hearing Examiners recommendation and approve the Conceptual Master
Site Plan for the Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development, file number MPD-05-0067-
YL, and the Final Master Site Plan for that portion of the Master Plan Development
located east of Thompson Creek.
Background
Tahoma Terra LLC has applied for a Master Plan Development on 220 acres within the
Southwest Yelm Annexation Area formerly owned by Henry Dragt
Approval of a Master Plan Development is a three step process, two of which require
action by the City Council
First is the review of a Conceptual Master Site Plan The purpose of conceptual review
and approval is to establish general land use policies to guide detailed planning for and
development of the master plan area. The conceptual plan identifies the generalized
land uses, transportation circulation routes and services proposed for the site
Review of a conceptual master site plan is performed initially by the hearing examiner
The examiner reviews the application for consistency with the comprehensive plan and
the City's other plans and policies. The examiner makes a recommendation regarding
the conceptual master site plan to the City Council for final action
Upon conceptual approval by the City Council, the proposed master plan boundaries,
proposed use districts, transportation routes and case file number are identified on the
official zoning map
Next is review of a Final Master Site Plan, which consists of maps and text which
indicate mayor development features and services for the entire site included in the final
August 1, 2005 Pa~e~~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 1 of 142
master site plan, including a schedule indicating phasing of development and the means ITEM 7.a
of finanang services for the site
A camplete final master plan for the entire conceptual master site plan area must be
submitted within 10 years of conceptual approval The master plan is reviewed by the
hearing examiner who makes a recommendation to the City Council for final action. The
examiner conducts a public hearing and determines if the plan is consistent with the
conceptual approval and complies with the policies of the comprehensive plan, and the
purposes of Section 17.62 020.
A decision by the City Council approving a final master site plan shall be accompanied
by a schedule for periodic review of the master plan by the examiner not less than once
evE:ry five years following approval until development of the master plan is substantially
complete.
Finally, development applications within the Master Plan Development are reviewed
through their required review processes, but are reviewed for consistency with the
provisions of the conceptual and final master site plan approvals.
Current Situation
The Hearing Examiner held a duly advertised public hearing on the Tahoma Terra
Conceptual Master Site Plan and a Final Master Site Plan for the portion of the property
ea:>t of Thompson Creek and has recommended the City Council approve both plans.
ThE~ Hearing Examiners decision is attached to this staff report, as is the staff analysis
of the Conceptual and Final Master Site Plans prepared for the public hearing before
the Examiner.
August 1, 2005 Pa~e~~~q ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
OFFICE OF THE HEARING EXAMINER
CITY OF YELM
REPORT AND DECISION
CASE NO.: MPD-05-0067-YL - TAHOMA TERRA
APPLICANT:Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The applicant has made application for a Master Plan Development on a 220 acre parcel of
land located south of Berry Valley Road and east of Longmire Street. Concurrently with the
Conceptual approval, Tahoma Terra has applied for a final master site plan for the portion
of the property east of the Thompson Creek and a preliminary subdivision of 89 lots within
the final master site plan area The Conceptual Master Site Plan for the Master Plan
Development includes areas identified for single family dwellings, multi-family dwellings,
town homes, a community park and recreation area, and neighborhood commercial. The
proposal would provide between 880 and 1,200 housing units upon completion.
SUMMARY OF DECISION:
It is hereby recommended that the Yelm City Council approve the Conceptual Master Site
Plan of Tahoma Terra subject to the conditions contained herein.
~,~ ' /~
PUBLIC HEARING: ~~ ~~ ~ 4~
After reviewing Planning and Community Development Staff Report and examining
available information on file with the application, the Examiner conducted a public
hearing on the request as follows:
The heanng was opened on July 11, 2005, at 9 00 a.m.
Parties wishing to testify were sworn in by the Examiner
The following exhibits were submitted and made a part of the record as follows
EXHIBIT "1" - Planning and Community Development Staff Report and
Attachments
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
GRANT BECK appeared, presented the Community Development Department Staff
Report, and testified that this southwest area of Yelm was annexed in 1993 as an MPC
.The City has a blank slat~for development with uses consistent with the comprehensive
plan The MPC has its own zoning code with little direction for the first master plan The
first subdivision must be consistent with the conceptual and final plan approval.
STEVE CHAMBERLAIN appeared on behalf of the request and testified ghat they have
developed a conceptual plan for the entire 220 acres, a final plan for the area east of
Thompson Creek, and a preliminary plat of 89 lots. The site previously supported a large
dany farm and was purchased for the MPC. The site is generally level with rolling pasture
east of the creek. To the west of the creek the topography ascends to a higher plateau
covered with trees. Soils on the site consist of topsoil and sand and gravel which are
conducive to development. The dairy farm ceased operation in 1993 or 1994, but other
cattle have grazed on the site since then. They will use a natural feature design
incorporating the City design guidelines. They anticipate seven to ten years to develop the
entti~re site. They will locate the commercial area east of the creek and townhouses with
overlook the golf course. They anticipate between 700 and 1,200 dwelling units over the
220 acres. They will collect, treat, and discharge all stormwater drainage into the soil, and
will have a few ponds in the good soil areas. Sanitary sewers will serve the project as well
as a major arterial. The City will provide potable water and sanitary sewer service, and they
will construct parks throughout the development.
JEF=F SCHRAMM, traffic engineer, appeared and testified that he has provided traffic
studies for the past ten years and conducted such study for the entire MPC. He evaluated a
conceptual analysis for all phases, and for Phases 1 and 2 east of the creek. They will
provide mitigation for this project in addition to the State and City plans. The entire traffic
analysis and development for the annexation area were considered by the City and the
State The MDNS sets forth mitigating measures for traffic which includes an approximate
$1 million dollar impact fee in addition to the road improvements. The 89 lot subdivision will
require improvement of Longmire Street to Yelm Avenue to modified collector standards
with shoulders and bike lanes They will improve the Yelm/Longmire intersection with a
center turn lane. Future development will require an extension of Killion Road as a new
road to serve the development. No development will occur west of the creek until the initial
connection is made. They will also install a new traffic signal and will widen both roads
These improvements will accommodate Phases 3 through 5. For the balance of the site
they will improve Mosman Avenue and realign it to a four leg intersection which is also
consistent with the City TIP. They will provide access to SR-510 by either Mosman or the
nev/ road connection to the south All of the rmprovements are consistent with the City's
plans and methods of determining mitigation
STE=VE SHANEWISE appeared and testified that he is a wetland scientist and studied the
wetlands on the site A wetland near the south property line drains north to the creek and
the creek channel is in the wetland All wetlands meet the definition of Category 2 for which
the ordinance requires a 75 foot wide buffer, as compared with their 100 foot wide buffer
They will construct ballfields, park, and lawn m the creek bottom, and will remove fill from
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7
the wetlands and will cross the creek with a bridge Construction will affect .5 to .6 acres of
wetlands They will restore two to four acres of drained wetlands.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that they will utilize purple pipe or recycled
water from the sewer treatment plant for irrigation. While the water is not considered
drinkable, it is treated to that standard.
6OB DROLL, landscape architect, appeared and testified that 80% of his work is in the
park and recreational fields. Larger developments can impact a City They propose 60
acres of open space and parks and about 25% will be developed into active recreational
areas. The balance will consist of habitat and open space Neighborhood parks will contain
playground apparatus for elementary children. They will also have activities for adults and
seniors to include over a mile of walking trails consisting of paved, boardwalk, and crushed
rock. They will have pocket parks within subdivisions also. The main park will have two
picnic shelters.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that the applicant has 60 years experience in
developing property and in home building. This will be the most unique development in the
City and Quadrant Homes will build all of the residential dwellings. Phase 1 will consist of
89 lots. They will carry the same theme throughout the development starting with the
residences in Phase 1 which will be single family residential exclusively. The primary
access for the subdivision will be from Longer and they will work with adjoining property
owners to minimize the impacts of construction. They will also bring utilities down Longer
and will accommodate storm drainage on site.
JIM STROTT, Quadrant Homes, testified that his company is the largest home builder in
the State and that they offer an entry level product. They have a mix of lots on this site and
buyers can determine the size and quality of the home. They will have competitive pricing.
They anticipate constructing two homes per week to manage the growth. They anticipate
home sizes of 1,800 square feet which will sell for between $150,000 and $175,000 and
3,200 square foot homes which will sell for $300,000 or more.
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that SEPA review has required different conditions for
different phases. They have tied the MDNS measures to the number oftrips generated not
to the phases Police stations in the area are substandard and the applicant will pay a
police facility charge of $310 per unit for replacement of the existing structure. Staff finds
the project consistent with the comprehensive plan and the applicant had to provide more
units to obtain the minimum four dwelling units per acre. The Land Use Element promotes
mixed uses such as townhouses and neighborhood commercials, but not to compete with
the downtown businesses They will have a range of housing and housing prices They will
also provide parks and open space, but install the parks before development as they go
along The dairy farm had water rights and transferred them to the applicant A condition of
approval requires that development beyond the 89 units have a water transfer. The final
development plan contains fixed development regulations for the phases covered. The
Master Site Plan limits the size of the neighborhood commercial to ensure that it will not
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7.a
compete with downtown businesses The pocket parks will be constructed in individual
neighborhoods throughout all phases so that children don't need to go far from home. The
subdivision conditions are straight forward and staff recommends approval subject to the
mwtigatmg measures and conditions.
MARGARET CLAPP appeared and testified that she is very impressed with the proposal
and served on the Planning Commission during the southwest annexation. This MPC is
what the commission members desired, and it meets all of the tests to include significant
open space. She wants to see the wetland mitigation work and believes the applicant has
done a first class job and will provide all infrastructure.
DIANE D'ACUTI appeared and concurs with Ms. Clapp. She did has transportation
questions as she does not believe one stop light will handle the increased traffic. She also
discussed the setbacks from Thompson Creek and ascertained that the applicant is vested
under the old ordinance which requires less of a buffer. Thompson Creek will not flow
unless someone cleans it out. Adding more water will cause the creek to back up and the
streets to flood.
JAMES ZUKOWSKI appeared, asked questions, and obtained the following answers. The
conceptual plan covers 220 acres and will result in construction of 800 to 1,200 residential
units. The final plan covering the area east of the creek will result in approximately 216
units to include townhomes and commercial. He believes the Mosman extension a problem
due to ownership issues. The critical areas located at the north end of the Thompson
ballfields are still within a 100 foot buffer. He questioned the geotechnical hazard area for
the extension of the boulevard. He questioned how trails would cross the creek and
whether the picnic shelters would be for general citizen use or just for residents of the MPC
and who is in charge.
JEAN HANDLEY appeared and testified that she was at the last Planning Commission
mE:eting which updated the Critical Areas Ordinance. Now a subcommittee will testify as to
they new regulations The present regulations are outdated and she is concerned about
retention of trees and the road widening She questioned the source of funds which the City
will use to build improvements. With the new population growth, Yelm will compete with
otrier cities for grants. No one has discussed the impact on the fire department, but it will
have a large impact and create a large burden. The fire department may need another
building in addition to the police department. She questioned whether emergency vehicle
access would be a problem for the lots. If an earthquake occurs, the State will not have
any funds for this project The City should stop the MPC if the State can't fund the
improvements. She referred to the United States Supreme Court decision in the Mosman
Road issue and requested a condition prohibiting the City from exercising eminent domain.
HENRY DRAGT appeared and testified that he owned and ran the dairy on the site, and
sold the property in December. The sale was a fulfillment of his plans for the site since
19!3. The City annexed the parcel in October, 2004, and approved the southwest area for
a conceptual master plan for development to include this parcel The critical areas study
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
determined no significant impact He believes the plan a great benefit for the City
DENISE MUGLER appeared and testified that she owns the property south of the
development and that the MDNS is out of date In 1999 the checklist showed the
development plans with more open space along the borders. The townhouses have now
changed to a high density development The applicant must revisit the plan as the
apartments are shown right on her property line along the south border. Tie creek goes
through the corner and she desires more open space Either offset the apartments or
provide a greenbelt. The apartments are part of Phase 2.
ROSALIE SAECKER appeared and testified that she regularly uses Longmire. The
applicant should construct all road improvements to include bike paths and sidewalks along
Longmire. They should provide a bus stop atYelm Avenue and Longmire. She questioned
how the development will minimize traffic on Berry Valley Road.
GEORGE SWARTZ appeared and testified that he owns the property shown by red line
and that he was left out of the loop. His concern is eminent domain because his parcel is
necessary to extend Mosman Street.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that the current code requires a bufferof75
feet, but they have expanded the buffer to at least 100 feet. The ballfields are outside of the
100 foot buffer. The impact of cattle on the creek is considerably greater than urban
development. Their development will be compatible with the creek. Phase 1 consists of 89
lots. The picnic shelters are primarily for the use of the residents, but others can use them
as well. The homeowner's association can rent the shelters to outside organizations. Trees
lost on the site will be due to roads and development, but they will not lose that many trees.
The site was logged many years ago, and they will replant trees where they can. The
development will pay for its impacts with the taxes, impact fees, and required mitigation.
They have worked with the City to mitigate impacts on the fire department and police
department. They are looking at an area within the commercial portion of the MPC for the
police department. They do not want to compete with downtown business They do not
propose a big box store, just neighborhood area uses. Such would prevent residents from
having to go to SR-510 or SR-507. The townhomes can enhance the MPC by providing a
mixed residential use The townhomes are compatible with the creek and the golf course
and will contain 18 to 20 units. They have no other opportunities for townhomes on Phases
1 and 2. All internal roads will have sidewalks and bike paths Longmire will be the
preferred route which will keep traffic off of Berry Valley The timing of construction will
direct traffic to the boulevard, and neither Longmire nor Berry Valley will serve as the main
access They will regrade the steep areas to balance the site to minimize traffic during the
construction period They have elevated the trails through the wetlands and across the
creek. Critical areas abut the south side of the site, and the nearest townhouse will be set
back 50 feet from the property line.
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that both the comprehensive plan and GMA require the
applicant to use the best available science Wetland restoration is a big part of the project
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ITEM 7 a
Impacts on the fire department had a large amount of discussion in the MDNS, but the City
can't justify the use of impact fees The issue is the number of firefighters and not the fire
department's capital facilities. The fire department has no plan to increase capital facilities.
Most of the infrastructure will be located in Thurston Highlands and will be in place for that
development. They could condition the south property line setback. The standards for that
development are in the guidelines. They could codify that requirement which would concern
the non-golf course property. The State does not allow eminent domain for business or
economic purposes. The decision on Mosman is seven to ten years down the road.
MS. MUGLER reappeared and testified that the townhouses should measure 100 feet from
the off-site wetlands.
NIS. HANDLEY reappeared and testified that the applicant evaluated the creek in a drought
and did not get a true picture of its flow. ,
NIS. KELLY PETERSON appeared and questioned the impactof 1,200 homes on thewater
supply.
MR. BECK testified that the City would have the right to the water, but the depth of
withdrawal is not decided. The City could draw from other aquifers.
MS. NEWBY appeared and testified that she resides on Longmire Street and that trucks
p<~ss 25 feet from her window. A restaurant already exists at the Killion extension. She sees
years of traffic and wants Berry Valley extended.
D,ARLENE BAKER appeared and testified regarding drinking water wells.
No one spoke further in thss matter and so the Examiner took the request under
advisement.
NOTE A complete record of this hearing is available in the City of Yelm Community
Development Department
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION.
FfND1NGS.
The Hearing Examiner has admitted documentary evidence into the record, viewed
the property, heard testimony, and taken this matter under advisement
2 The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated
Determination of Nonsign~ficance on May 24, 2005, based on Section 197-11-158
WAC.
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7
3 A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to the applicant and parties of record on June
20, 2005 This notice was also posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site
on the same date, and published in the Nisqually Valley News on June 24, 2005.
4. The applicant has a possessory ownership interest in a generally rectangular,
220 acre parcel of property located south of SR-510 and west of SR-507 in the
southwest portion of the City of Yelm The applicant requests Conceptual Master
Site Plan approval for the entire parcel; Final master site plan approval for the
portion of the parcel located east of Thompson Creek consisting of approximately
55 acres; and preliminary plat approval for Phase 1, located in the northwest
corner of the site, an 89 single-family residential lots on 15 acres
5. The Draght family previously used the parcel for a dairy farm for many years, but
ceased operation in 1993. Improvements on the site include a home and
outbuildings associated with the dairy, and development of the site will require
removal of all such improvements. Thompson Creek, a Type F stream and it's
associated floodplain and wetlands, bisects the eastern portion of the site in a
north/south direction. A road used in conjunction with the dairy farm crosses
Thompson Creek near the center of the site. Topography is relatively flat, but
west of the creek, the topography rises as much as 50 feet with bluffs of 22-30
feet. Vegetation consists of pasture grass with forested areas in the northeast
and southwest portions.
6. Abutting uses to the west, east and south consist of vacant parcels, agricultural
uses, and single family dwellings on large lots. The Nisqually Valley Golf Course
abuts the northeast corner. Berry Valley Road Southeast abuts the north portion
of the west property line, and Durant Street abuts a portion of the north property
line. Longmire Street SE dead ends at Durant Street and an extension of
Longmire provides access to the dairy farm buildings.
7. The site is a portion of the 1993 southwest Yelm annexation which also included
the 1,300-acre Thurston Highlands property, the golf course, and 150 additional
acres. As part of the annexation process, the City prepared an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) that assessed the impacts of up to 5,000 dwelling units
to include several potential master plan communities, including the present site
In 1994 owners of the 1,260-acre Thurston Highlands property and the present
site obtained conceptual master plan approval for a master plan development
which included both properties The City required preparation of a Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) prior to approval The applicant
performed little, if any, work on the project, and in accordance with the Yelm
Municipal Code (YMC), the approval lapsed after five years In 1999 another
previous owner submitted an application for a master plan development for the
present 220-acre parcel which the Yelm City Council approved subject to the
preservation of the right-of-way for a boulevard designed to serve the project
However, the previous applicant did not meet City requirements, and the City
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a.
deemed the application withdrawn for lack of progress. The present applicant,
Tahoma Terra LLC ,submitted its application on March 21, 2005
8 Chapter 17 62 YMC, sets forth the requirements and procedures for master plan
developments. Section 17.62.040 YMC authorizes specific development within
an MPC as follows:
A Conceptual review and approval of the master plan;
B. Adoption of a final master plan for the site,
C. Approval of specific development actions in accordance with phasing in
the master plan.
9. The applicant requests approval of a conceptual master plan for the entire 220-
acre parcel. The conceptual plan serves as a guide to future detailed planning
and development for the project site. The conceptual plan identifies generalized
land uses, transportation circulation routes, and services. The Examiner
conducts a public hearing and then makes a written recommendation to the City
Council for final action. The final master site plan shows major development
features and services for the portion of the site included therein, including
phasing and means of financing services. The Examiner conducts a public
hearing and makes a recommendation to the City Council for final action.
Specific development applications within the MPC are reviewed for consistency
with the approved conceptual and final master site plan.
10. The Tahoma Terra Conceptual Master Plan application shows that 33% of the
220 acre site will remain in open space to include 24-acres of wetlands and
creek, and 38-acres of open space. The net developable area of 147-acres will
result in a minimum of 880 dwelling units and maximum of 1,200 units. The
example in the application, shows 1,092 dwelling units broken down into 872
single family units, 80 townhouses, 140 apartments. The application also shows
between 1 and 10-acres of commercial uses.
11. The Conceptual Master Site Plan shows that Phases 1 and 2 are located north of
Thompson Creek and consist of mostly single-family residential homes at
densities of four to six dwelling units per acre (northwest corner) Sandwiched
between the said residential area and the open space associated with Thompson
Creek are the neighborhood commercial uses. Moderate density residential
development at six to ten units per acre extends in a narrow band southeast from
the single family units along the north property line to the east property line. The
applicant proposes townhouses for this area which will abut both the golf course
and wetlands. South of the open space in the eastern portion of the site, the
applicant proposes moderate density residential uses at six to ten units per acre
and high density residential development at 10 to 24 units per acre. Open space
associated with steep slopes is located in the southeast corner and the balance
of the site (almost 50%) is set aside for single family residential at four to six
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
dwelling units per acre. Phase 1, consisting of 89 single family residential lots, is
located in the northwest corner: and Phase 2, which comprises the balance of
the site east of Thompson Creek, is located between the creek and Phase 1
Phases 3 through 8, consist of the a large, single family area south of the creek,
and Phase 9, consists of moderate and high density residential uses immediately
south of the creek.
12 Section 17.62.050 YMC provides that the conceptual plan must identify
generalized land uses, transportation circulation routes, and services As
previously found, the applicant has identified proposed uses and phasing. The
transportation system includes internal plat roads connecting to Longmire Street,
Berry Valley Road and via Mosman Street to SR 507. The master plan also
shows a new arterial boulevard extending southeast from Killion Road through
the site and across Thompson Creek to the south property line. Said road will
eventually extend through other master plan developments to SR-507. The
conceptual plan satisfies Section 17.62.050 YMC.
13. Section 17.62.050(C) YMC sets forth the requirement for the form and content of
an application for conceptual approval. The application satisfies afl requirements
set forth therein. Subsection (i) requires the applicant to show the means by
which the master plan meets the objectives of YMC 17.62.020. Findings on each
objective set forth therein are hereby made as follows:
A. Approval of the MPC will assure future growth and development in accord
with the City's comprehensive plan and planning policies. This proposed
MPC implements long-term goals of the City commencing with it's
decision to annex the property along with other properties in 1993. The
proposal is also consistent with two other MPC approvals covering the
same property. The MPC complies with specific comprehensive plan
policies
B. This large scale project will incorporate a full range of land uses consistent
with the comprehensive plan to include multi-family, townhouse, and
single-family residential development, neighborhood commercial uses,
and significant parks and open spaces.
C. The MPC represents safe, efficient, and economic use of the land as it
proposes high density neighborhoods, moderate density neighborhoods,
commercial uses, parks, and pedestrian trial systems
D The City of Yelm will provide water and sanitary sewer services, and the
applicant will construct the storm drainage system to meet City standards
Furthermore, the applicant will use reclaimed water from the City sewer
treatment plant to provide irrigation for ballfields, landscaped areas, and
playgrounds. Puget Sound Energy will provide electrical service and
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ITEM 7.a
natural gas.
E The MPC provides opportunities for decreased trip-lengths of automobile
travel, increased public access to mass transit, bicycle routes, and other
alternative modes of transportation. The MPC is located close to the
downtown business district of the City and within easy walking distance of
local recreation and school facilities. The neighborhoods will have
abundant walkways, alleys, parks, and trails to provide safe walking and
bicycling routes. The compact residential groupings will encourage use of
mass transit and alternative modes of transportation. Location of
neighborhood commercial uses within the site wilt eliminate the need for
many off-site shopping trips.
f=. Compliance with building code requirements will ensure reduction of
energy consumption and demand, and the significant open space acreage
will minimize degradation of wildlife habitat and natural features. Zero lot
line, cluster housing, and multi-family buildings will contribute to efficient
land use and reduce demands on energy consumption. Significant stream
and wetland buffers ensure preservation of the most critical wildlife
habitats.
G. The MPC will minimize impacts on existing neighborhoods by eventually
providing a boulevard access directly from SR 510 to SR 507, will
encourage neighborhood scale businesses to serve residents of the MPC,
and will provide internal trails and parks for on-site recreational
opportunities
H This criteria requires blending of commercial and industrial building
designs. However, the MPC proposes no industrial uses and no large
commercial areas
The proposed MPC satisfies all criteria set forth in section 17 62.020 YMC
14. Section 17.62.020(A) YMC requires that an MPC be "in accordance with the
comprehensive plan and planning policies of the City° as set forth on Pages 9-32
of the Staff Report (Exhibit "1") The project satisfies all applicable
comprehensive plan goals and policies. Staffs assessment is hereby
incorporated by this reference as if set forth in full.
15 The project meets Growth Management Act planning parameters as it proposes
an overall urban density of four dwelling units per net developable acre, and all
municipal ut-lities such as sewer, potable water, fire flow, and ~rngat~on water will
serve the site. The commercial portion of the MPC complies with policies of the
commercial development element of the comprehensive plan as the proposed
uses will not compete with the downtown businesses, nor will they draw patrons
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
from other residential areas. Limitations on the size of buildings and the
commercial area acreage will ensure that a new commercial core is not created.
A condition of approval requires the commercial area ready for construction prior
to development occurring south of Thompson Creek. The open space areas will
provide passive and active recreational opportunities and are intended to serve
all residents of the City The 60-acres of permanent open space greatly exceeds
the minimum requirement of 5% of gross area.
16 As previously found, the project proposes a variety of housing types and sizes
which will provide affordable building sites, and therefore should attract
customers of varying income and age levels. Staff has required the applicant to
construct 48-multi family units, for every 300 single-family units to ensure a
variety of affordable housing opportunities. The multi-family element represents
approximately 14% of the total projected housing units. Sidewalks, pathways,
and trails will provide pedestrian orientation throughout the entire project.
17 The most critical issue affecting approval of the MPC is traffic mitigation. Upon
build-out, the project will generate between 1,400 to 1,600 p.m. peak hour trips
and 13,300 to 15,300 average daily trips. The City has imposed a mitigating
measure in the MDNS which requires numerous road improvements triggered by
increases in project traffic. The applicant must also comply with the City's
transportation facility charge, which will upon build-out, result in the payment of
more than one million dollars. In addition, the applicant must construct the
following traffic improvements:
A. Prior to the first final subdivision approval, reconstruct Longmire Street to
a modified collector standard from the project entry to Yelm Avenue West
(SR-510).
B. Prior to approval of any final subdivision which includes the 90t" p m. peak
hour trip construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Ave West at the
Longmire Street intersection with sufficient capacity to serve anticipated
project traffic volumes.
C Prior to the 513t" p m peak hour trip, construct an extension of Killion
Road from the property to Yelm Ave West, re-align the said intersection,
construct a traffic signal, and construct left turn lanes on all four legs of the
intersection
D Prior to the 1,100t" p.m peak hour trip, reconstruct Mosman Ave to
modified collector standards from Longmire Street to SR-507, and also
construct the Mosman Avenue/ SR-507 intersection to include re-
alignmentand acenter left turn lane on SR-507.
E Prior to the 1,301 st p.m. peak hour trip, define and construct the Mosman
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ITEM 7 a
Avenue connector between Longmire Street and Solberg Street, or
continue the Killion Road Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston
Highlands Property
The applicant has demonstrated through the environmental review process that
the proposed transportation system improvements will accommodate the traffic
and maintain acceptable levels of service for current and future_residents.
18. The proposed open space plan meets the objectives of the parks and open
space element of the comprehensive plan. The City anticipates between 2,000
and 2,800 new residents will five in the MPC, and the parks level of service policy
requires 5-acres of open space per 1,000-projected population. Said policy
would require Tahoma Terra LLC., to provide between 10 and 14-acres of open
space suitable for active recreational opportunities. The proposal provides
. approximately 60-acres of open space and well over 14-acres of improved active
recreational areas. Land use goals require an MPC to maintain a minimum of
25% of the total land area as permanent open space. The Tahoma Terra project
maintains approximately 27% of the total area in open space. The applicant will
also provide small neighborhood pocket-parks with appropriate elementary-aged
activity equipment.
19. The project satisfies elements of the Natural Element, Goals and Policies of the
comprehensive plan as the applicant will protect and enhance Thompson Creek,
a fish-bearing stream, and the wetlands and floodplains associated therewith.
The applicant has provided greater buffers than required under the applicable
critical areas ordinance, and will improve wetlands degraded by the dairy farming
operation.
20. The entire City is designated as a critical aquifer recharge area, and the applicant
must meet the requirements of the 1992 Department of Ecology storm-water
manual as adopted by the City Such requires treatment of storm water prior to
release. The applicant proposes to utilize rain gardens as the storm water
treatment method The environmental documents show plant and animal priority
species and habitat in the vicinity of the site The applicant will preserve and
enhance the predominant oak woodland and Shore Pine plant communities
located along the Thompson Creek corridor and will preserve them in open
space.
21 The City does not own sufficient water rights to serve the MPC, but the City has
applied to the Washington Department of Ecology for water rights for the
southwest annexation area. White the City has not received additional rights,
Tahoma Terra has water rights associated with the previous dairy farm The
applicant has assigned these water rights to the City and the City has applied to
DOE for a transfer which, if approved, would allow the City to provide domestic
water for the initial portion of the development A previous owner of the property
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 14 of 14?_
ITEM 7 a
participated in a Sewer Local Improvement District (LID), and the City will
therefore provide water and sewer connections for 89 units
CONCLUSIONS.
The Hearing Examiner has jurisdiction to consider and decide the issues presented
by this request _ f
2. The Applicant has established that the request for Conceptual Master Site Plan
approval for Tahoma Terra is consistent will applicable policies of the City of
Yelm comprehensive plan and satisfies all criteria set forth in Chapter 17.62
YMC. Therefore, the Conceptual Master Site Plan approval for the Tahoma
Terra project should be approved subject to the following conditions:
The conditions of the Mitigated Determination ofNon-significance are hereby
referenced and are considered conditions of this approval.
2. The average density of the proposal be not less than four dwelling units
per net developable acre within each final master plan area, consistent
with Growth Management policies.
3. Proposed neighborhood commercial areas shall be centrally located within
the master plan development and shall be screened from residential
neighborhoods.
4 A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the site) shall be set aside as permanent
open space with a variety of active and passive recreational
improvements. An area within the identified open space equivalent to five
percent of the gross area of each final master site plan application shall be
identified and improved within the community park area as part of each
final master site plan approval and implementation
5. A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the total land area) shall accommodate
medium and high density residential development This can be
accomplished through all four proposed land use designations
~ r ~
Prior to approval of any residential development west of Thompson Creek,
the neighborhood commercial center should be improved and ready for
the construction of commercial buildings Improved means that any
applicable land use or land division approvals have been issued and all
required site improvements for the land use or land division approval has
been completed ~~
7 For every 300 single family detached, duplex, or town home dwelling units,
48 multi-family units shall be constructed The multi-family dwelling units
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM t a
required to meet the prescribed ratio shall be under construction prior to
issuance of building permits for the next block of single family dwelling,
duplex, or town home dwelling units
8 Prior to approval of any development within a final master site plan
approval area, the applicant shall prepare an infrastructure plan that
includes water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and streets` The plan
shall be consistent with the Capital Facilities Plans for the City and shall
include sufficient design detail in order to review subsequent development
approvals. The plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City prior
to the issuance of building permits for dwellings or commercial buildings
within each approved development within a final master plan area.
9 Each final master plan shall include provisions for a full network of
sidewalks and pathways throughout the master plan to encourage
multimodal opportunities. The boulevard shall accommodate transit stops
for school and public transit opportunities.
10. Each final master plan application shall provide for the continuation of
streets within the Yelm Urban Growth Area pursuant to the polices of the
Comprehensive Plan.
11. A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the site) shall be identified as permanent
open space with a variety of formal and informal recreational
improvements. Prior to dwelling construction in any development, land
equivalent to five percent of the gross area of each Final Master Plan area
shall be developed within the community park area.
12 Every final master plan shall include provisions for one pocket park for
every 50 residential units within a neighborhood. Larger `community'
parks of between'/2 acre and 5 acres which are centrally located may be
substituted for half the required `pocket' parks at a ratio of 1 acre for every
50 lots.
RECOMMENDATION
1t is hereby recommended that the Yelm City Council approve the Conceptual Master
Site Plan of Tahoma Terra subject to the conditions contained in the conclusions above
ORDERED this 2~d day of August, 2005
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 16 of 142.
ITEM 7 a
STEPHEN K. CAUSSEAUX, JR.
Hearing Examiner
TRANSMITTED this 2"d day of August, 2005, to the following:
ENGINEER SCA Consulting Group -
4200 6th Avenue SE, Ste. 301 f
Lacey, WA 98503
OTHERS:
Jenise Mugler Darlene Baker
15009 Highway 507 SE P.O. Box 727
Yelm, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
Margaret Clapp Henry and Jane Dragt
18309 Cook Road SE 5815 95th Avenue SW
Yelm, WA 98597 Olympia, WA 98512
Steven Chamberlain Jean Handley
4200 6th Avenue SE P.O. Box 1657
Lacey, WA 98057 Yelm, WA 98597
Diane D'Acuti Larry Schamm
19436 93`d Avenue SE 18217 Highway 507 SE
Yelm, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
George Swartz James Zukowski
2410 Crestline Drive NW P.O. Box 858
Olympia, WA 98502 Yelm, WA 98597
Rosalie Saecker Linda J. Powell
412 SW McKenzie Avenue P O Box 891
Yelm, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
Bob Droll Gaye Newby
4405 7th Avenue SE 15105 Longmire Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503 Yelm, WA 98597
Mary Lou Clemens Curtis Smelser
15030 Longmire St 1201 Third Avenue, Ste 3400
Yelm, WA 98597 Seattle, WA 98101
John Turner City of Yelm
545 Mcphee Road SW Tami Merriman
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7.a
OI}~mpia, WA 98502 105 Yelm Avenue West
P.O Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
OFFICE OF THE HEARING EXAMINER
CITY OF YELM
REPORT AND DECISION
CASE NO.: MPD-05-0067-YL - TAHOMA TERRA
APPLICANT:Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The applicant has made application for a final master site plan on the portion of the
Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development located east of Thompson Creek.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATION:
It is hereby recommended to the City of Yelm City Council that the Final Master Plan for
Phases 1 and 2 of the Tahoma Terra project be approved subject to adoption of then Final
Master Plan Development Guidelines.
PUBLIC HEARING:
After reviewing Planning and Community Development Staff Report and examining
available information on file with the application, the Examiner conducted a public
hearing on the request as follows
The hearing was opened on July 11, 2005, at 9.00 a.m.
Parties wishing to testify were sworn in by the Examiner.
The following exhibits were submitted and made a part of the record as follows
EXHIBIT "1" - Planning and Community Development Staff Report and
Attachments
GRANT BECK appeared, presented the Community Development Department Staff
Report, and testified that this southwest area of Yelm was annexed in 1993 as an MPC
The City has a blank slat for development with uses consistent with the comprehensive
plan The MPC has its own zoning code with little direction for the first master plan. The
first subdivision must be consistent with the conceptual and final plan approval
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
STEVE CHAMBERLAIN appeared on behalf of the request and testified that they have
dEyveloped a conceptual plan for the entire 220 acres, a f~na! plan for the area east of
Thompson Creek, and a preliminary plat of 89 lots The site previously supported a large
dairy farm and was purchased for the MPC. The site is generally level with rolling pasture
east of the creek. To the west of the creek the topography ascends to a higher plateau
covered with trees. Soils on the site consist of topsoil and sand and gravel which are
conducive to development. The dairy farm ceased operation m 1993 or 1994, but other
cattle have grazed on the site since then. They will use a natural feature design
incorporating the City design guidelines. They anticipate seven to ten years to develop the
entire site. They will locate the commercial area east of the creek and townhouses with
overlook the golf course. They anticipate between 700 and 1,200 dwelling units over the
220 acres. They wilt collect, treat, and discharge all stormwater drainage into the soil, and
wi41 have a few ponds in the good soil areas. Sanitary sewers will serve the project as well
as a major arterial. The City will provide potable water and sanitary sewer service, and they
will construct parks throughout the development.
JEFF SCHRAMM, traffic engineer, appeared and testified that he has provided traffic
studies for the past ten years and conducted such study for the entire MPC. He evaluated a
conceptual analysis for all phases, and for Phases 1 and 2 east of the creek. They will
provide mitigation for this project in addition to the State and City plans. The entire traffic
analysis and development for the annexation area were considered by the City and the
State. The MDNS sets forth mitigating measures for traffic which includes an approximate
$1 million dollar impact fee in addition to the road improvements. The 89 lot subdivision will
require improvement of Longmire Street to Yelm Avenue to modified collector standards
with shoulders and bike lanes. They will improve the Yelm/Longmire intersection with a
center turn lane. Future development will require an extension of Killion Road as a new
road to serve the development. No development will occur west of the creek until the initial
connection is made. They will also install a new traffic signal and will widen both roads.
These improvements will accommodate Phases 3 through 5. For the balance of the site
they will improve Mosman Avenue and realign it to a four leg intersection which is also
consistent with the City TIP. They will provide access to SR-510 by either Mosman or the
new road connection to the south. All of the improvements are consistent with the City's
pl<~ns and methods of determining mitigation
STEVE SHANEWISE appeared and testified that he is a wetland scientist and studied the
wetlands on the site. A wetland near the south property line drains north to the creek and
the creek channel is in the wetland All wetlands meet the definition of Category 2 for which
thE~ ordinance requires a 75 foot wide buffer, as compared with their 100 foot wide buffer
Triey will construct ballfields, park, and lawn in the creek bottom, and will remove fill from
thE° wetlands and will cross the creek with a bridge Construction will affect .5 to 6 acres of
wetlands They will restore two to four acres of drained wetlands
MR CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that they will utilize purple pipe or recycled
water from the sewer treatment plant for irrigation While the water is not considered
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 20 of 14~~
ITEM 7 a
drinkable, it is treated to that standard
BOB DROLL, landscape architect, appeared and testified that 80% of his work is in the
park and recreational fields Larger developments can impact a City They propose 60
acres of open space and parks and about 25% will be developed into active recreational
areas The balance will consist of habitat and open space. Neighborhood parks will contain
playground apparatus for elementary children. They will also have activities for adults and
seniors to include over a mile of walking trails consisting of paved, boardwalk, and crushed
rock. They will have pocket parks within subdivisions also. The main park will have two
picnic shelters.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified thatthe applicant has 60 years experience in
developing property and in home building. This will be the most unique development in the
City and Quadrant Homes will build all of the residential dwellings. Phase 1 will consist of
89 lots. They will carry the same theme throughout the development starting with the
residences in Phase 1 which will be single family residential exclusively. The primary
access for the subdivision will be from Longer and they will work with adjoining property
owners to minimize the impacts of construction. They will also bring utilities down Longer
and will accommodate storm drainage on site.
JIM STROTT, Quadrant Homes, testified that his company is the largest home builder in
the State and that they offer an entry level product. They have a mix of lots on this site and
buyers can determine the size and quality of the home. They will have competitive pricing
They anticipate constructing two homes per week to manage the growth. They anticipate
home sizes of 1,800 square feet which will sell for between $150,000 and $175,000 and
3,200 square foot homes which will sell for $300,000 or more
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that SEPA review has required different conditions for
different phases They have tied the MDNS measures to the number of trips generated not
to the phases. Police stations in the area are substandard and the applicant will pay a
police facility charge of $310 per unit for replacement of the existing structure. Staff finds
the project consistent with the comprehensive plan and the applicant had to provide more
units to obtain the minimum four dwelling units per acre The Land Use Element promotes
mixed uses such as townhouses and neighborhood commercials, but not to compete with
the downtown businesses They will have a range of housing and housing prices They will
also provide parks and open space, but install the parks before development as they go
along. The dairy farm had water rights and transferred them to the applicant A condition of
approval requires that development beyond the 89 units have a water transfer. The final
development plan contains fixed development regulations for the phases covered. The
Master Site Plan limits the size of the neighborhood commercial to ensure that it will not
compete with downtown businesses The pocket parks will be constructed in individual
neighborhoods throughout all phases so that children don't need to go far from home. The
subdivision conditions are straight forward and staff recommends approval subject to the
mitigating measures and conditions
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
MARGARET CLAPP appeared and testified that she is very impressed with the proposal
and served on the Planning Commission during the southwest annexation This MPC is
what the commission members desired, and it meets all of the tests to include significant
open space. She wants to see the wetland mitigation work and believes the applicant has
done a first class job and will provide all infrastructure.
DIANE D'ACUTI appeared and concurs with Ms. Clapp. She did has transportation
questions as she does not believe one stop light will handle the increased traffic. She also
discussed the setbacks from Thompson Creek and ascertained that the applicant is vested
under the old ordinance which requires less of a buffer Thompson Creek will not flow
unless someone cleans it out. Adding more water will cause the creek to back up and the
streets to flood.
JAMES ZUKOWSKI appeared, asked questions, and obtained the following answers. The
conceptual plan covers 220 acres and will result in construction of 800 to 1,200 residential
units. The final plan covering the area east of the creek will result in approximately 216
units to include townhomes and commercial. He believes the Mosman extension a problem
due to ownership issues. The critical areas located at the north end of the Thompson
ba~llfields are still within a 100 foot buffer. He questioned the geotechnical hazard area for
the extension of the boulevard. He questioned how trails would cross the creek and
whether the picnic shelters would be for general citizen use or just for residents of the MPC
acid who is in charge.
JEAN HANDLEY appeared and testified that she was at the last Planning Commission
m~seting which updated the Critical Areas Ordinance. Now a subcommittee will testify as to
the new regulations. The present regulations are outdated and she is concerned about
retention of trees and the road widening She questioned the source of funds which the City
will use to build improvements. With the new population growth, Yelm will compete with
other cities for grants. No one has discussed the impact on the fire department, but it will
have a large impact and create a large burden The fire department may need another
building in addition to the police department. She questioned whether emergency vehicle
access would be a problem for the lots. If an earthquake occurs, the State will not have
any funds for this project. The City should stop the MPC if the State can't fund the
improvements. She referred to the United States Supreme Court decision in the Mosman
Road issue and requested a condition prohibiting the City from exercising eminent domain.
HI=NRY DRAGT appeared and testified that he owned and ran the dairy on the site, and
sold the property in December. The sale was a fulfillment of his plans for the site since
1993. The City annexed the parcel in October, 2004, and approved the southwest area for
a conceptual master plan for development to include this parcel The critical areas study
determined no significant impact He believes the plan a great benefit for the City
JENISE MUGLER appeared and testified that she owns the property south of the
development and that the MDNS is out of date In 1999 the checklist showed the
development plans with more open space along the borders The townhouses have now
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
changed to a high density development The applicant must revisit the plan as the
apartments are shown right on her property line along the south border The creek goes
through the corner and she desires more open space. Either offset the apartments or
provide a greenbelt. The apartments are part of Phase 2
ROSALIE SAECKER appeared and testified that she regularly uses Longmire. The
applicant should construct all road improvements to include bike paths and sidewalks along
Longmire They should provide a bus stop at Yelm Avenue and Longmire. She questioned
how the development will minimize traffic on Berry Valley Road
GEORGE SWARTZ appeared and testified that he owns the property shown by red line
and that he was left out of the loop. His concern is eminent domain because his parcel is
necessary to extend Mosman Street
MR. CHAMBERLAI N reappeared and testified that the current code requires a buffer of 75
feet, but they have expanded the buffer to at least 100 feet. The ballfields are outside of the
100 foot buffer. The impact of cattle on the creek is considerably greater than urban
development. Their development will be compatible with the creek. Phase 1 consists of 89
lots. The picnic shelters are primarily for the use of the residents, but others can use them
as well. The homeowner's association can rent the shelters to outside organizations. Trees
lost on the site will be due to roads and development, but they will not lose that many trees.
The site was logged many years ago, and they will replant trees where they can. The
development will pay for its impacts with the taxes, impact fees, and required mitigation.
They have worked with the City to mitigate impacts on the fire department and police
department. They are looking at an area within the commercial portion of the MPC for the
police department. They do not want to compete with downtown business. They do not
propose a big box store, just neighborhood area uses. Such would prevent residents from
having to go to SR-510 or SR-507. The townhomes can enhance the MPC by providing a
mixed residential use. The townhomes are compatible with the creek and the golf course
and will contain 18 to 20 units. They have no other opportunities for townhomes on Phases
1 and 2. All internal roads will have sidewalks and bike paths. Longmire will be the
preferred route which will keep traffic off of Berry Valley. The timing of construction will
direct traffic to the boulevard, and neither Longmire nor Berry Valley will serve as the main
access They will regrade the steep areas to balance the site to minimize traffic during the
construction period. They have elevated the trails through the wetlands and across the
creek. Critical areas abut the south side of the site, and the nearest townhouse will be set
back 50 feet from the property line
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that both the comprehensive plan and GMA require the
applicant to use the best available science Wetland restoration is a big part of the project.
Impacts on the fire department had a large amount of discussion in the MDNS, but the City
can't justify the use of impact fees The issue is the number of firefighters and not the fire
department's capital facilities The fire department has no plan to increase capital facilities
Most of the infrastructure will be located in Thurston Highlands and will be in place for that
development They could condition the south property line setback The standards for that
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
development are m the guidelines. They could codify that requirement which would concern
they non-golf course property. The State does not allow eminent domain for business or
economic purposes. The decision on Mosman is seven to ten years down the road.
M:> MUGLER reappeared and testified that the townhouses should measure 100 feet from
they off-site wetlands.
MS. HANDLEY reappeared and testified that the applicant evaluated the creek in a drought
and did not get a true picture of its flow.
M~>. KELLY PETERSON appeared and questioned the impact of 1,200 homes on the water
supply.
MF:. BECK testified that the City would have the right to the water, but the depth of
withdrawal is not decided. The City could draw from other aquifers.
M~~. NEWBY appeared and testified that she resides on Longmire Street and that trucks
pass 25 feet from her window. A restaurant already exists at the Killion extension. She sees
years of traffic and wants Berry Valley extended.
DA,RLENE BAKER appeared and testified regarding drinking water wells.
No one spoke further in this matter and so the Examiner took the request under
advisement.
NGTE. A complete record of this hearing is available in the City of Yelm Community
Development Department
FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION:
FINDINGS
1. The Hearing Examiner has admitted documentary evidence into the record, viewed
the property, heard testimony, and taken this matter under advisement
2. The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated
Determination of Nonsignificance on May 24, 2005, based on Section 197-11-158
WAC
3. A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to the applicant and parties of record on June
20, 2005 This notice was also posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site
on the same date, and published in the Nisqually Valley News on June 24, 2005.
4. The applicant has a possessory ownership interest in a generally rectangular,
220 acre parcel of property located south of SR-510 and west of SR-507 in the
southwest portion of the City of Yelm. The applicant requests Conceptual Master
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ITEM 7 a
Site Plan approval for the entire parcel; final master site plan approval for the
portion of the parcel located east of Thompson Creek consist+ng of approximately
55 acres; and preliminary plat approval for Phase 1, located in the northwest
corner of the site, which proposes 89 single-family residential lots on 15 acres
5 The Draght family previously used the parcel for a dairy farm for many years, but
ceased operation in 1993. Improvements on the site include a home and
outbuildings associated with the dairy, and development of the site wi11 require
removal of all such improvements. Thompson Creek, a Type F stream and it's
associated floodplain and wetlands, bisects the eastern portion of the site in a
north/south direction. A road used in conjunction with the dairy farm crosses
Thompson Creek near the center of the site. Topography is relatively flat, but
west of the creek, the topography rises as much as 50 feet with bluffs of 22-30
feet. Vegetation consists of pasture grass with forested areas in the northeast
and southwest portions.
6 Abutting uses to the west, east and south consist of vacant parcels, agricultural
uses, and single family dwellings on large lots. The Nisqually Valley Golf Course
abuts the northeast corner. Berry Valley Road Southeast abuts the north portion
of the west property line, and Durant Street abuts a portion of the north property
line. Longmire Street SE dead ends at Durant Street and an extension of
Longmire provides access to the dairy farm buildings
7 The site is a portion of the 1993 southwest Yeim annexation which also included
the 1,300-acre Thurston Highlands property, the golf course, and 150 additional
acres. As part of the annexation process, the City prepared an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) that assessed the impacts of up to 5,000 dwelling units
to include several potential master plan communities, including the present site.
In 1994 owners of the 1,260-acre Thurston Highlands property and the present
site obtained conceptual master plan approval for a master plan development
which included both properties The City required preparation of a Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) prior to approval The applicant
performed little, if any, work on the project, and in accordance with the Yelm
Municipal Code (YMC), the approval lapsed after five years. In 1999 another
previous owner submitted an application for a master plan development for the
present 220-acre parcel which the Yelm City Council approved subject to the
preservation of the right-of-way for a boulevard designed to serve the project
However, the previous applicant did not meet City requirements, and the C+ty
deemed the application withdrawn for lack of progress The present applicant,
Tahoma Terra LLC., submitted its appl+cation on March 21, 2005
8 Phases 1 and 2, located east of Thompson Creek, consist of 55 acres Phase 1
will be developed into 89 single family residential homes, and Phase 2 is
proposed for development into approximately 20 townhomes and 123 s+ngle
family residential homes. In addition, Phase 2 will provide lots for five commercial
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
buildings and open space park areas assoaated with Thompson Creek.
9 The site plan shows Phase 1 located in the northeast corner of the site and
access provided via Longmire Street and Berry Valley Road. Phase 2 is located
to the west and south of Phase 1 and will take access from the same two roads.
Upon development of future phases to the west of Thompson Creek, the
applicant will construct the Tahoma Terra Boulevard along the north property line
of Phase 1 and through the western portion of Phase 2. The boulevard will
separate the commercial uses from the single family uses. A road extending
south from Longmire Street along the east property line will provide access to
approximately 20 townhomes located adjacent to the Nisqually Valley Golf
Course. The abutting property owner to the south of the proposed townhomes
requested a greater buffer width from her property line. Such will be addressed
during the processing of a land use application covering Phase 2. The Final
Master Plan shows a buffer width of approximately 50 feet.
1 CI. The Final Master Plan shows a grid street system with all lots accessing from
internal plat roads and access to the commercial area provided directly from the
bulkhead and from a driveway system between the critical areas and the
buildings. The buildings will have pedestrian access from Tahoma Terra
Boulevard. A large parking area serving the community park is shown near the
intersection of Longmire Street and Tahoma Terra Boulevard.
11. Prior to obtaining Final Master Plan approval, the applicant must show that the
request satisfies the applicable criteria set forth in Section 17.62.060 YMC.
Findings on each criteria are hereby made as follows.
A. The applicant has submitted maps and a text which show major
development features and services for the first two phases.
B The proposed Final Master Plan for Phases 1 and 2 provides all
information required by Section 17.62.060(E) YMC as it sets forth the
acreage within Phases 1 and 2, the total number of dwelling units, and the
average number of dwelling units per acre (232 units on 55 acres) which
calculates to a gross density of 4.2 dwelling units per acre. The conceptual
site plan sets forth the acreage of open space including a separate figure
for active recreation space and the percentage of the total area
C The neighborhood commercial requirements set forth in the Final Master
Plan Development guidelines set forth the approximate floor area and type
of commeraal use. Said section authorizes a maximum building size of
30,000 square feet, maximum building footprint of 16,000 square feet,
maximum impervious surface coverage of 70%, and building setback
requirements Said plan presently shows four buildings of 24,000 square
feet and one building of 4,800 square feet The present Final Master Plan
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ITEM 7
approval application reflects five acres of commercial uses
D The means by which the proposed master plan meets the objectives set
forth m Section 17 62.020 YMC are the same as for the conceptual
master plan, and findings thereon are incorporated by their reference as if
set forth in full.
12. The Final Master Plan for the portion of the property east of Thompson Creek is
compatible with the conceptual plan, assuming that the development guidelines
are adopted throughout the entire area Said guidelines are consistent with the
conceptual site plan and the City's comprehensive plan
13. According to the traffic impact study provided by Transportation Engineering
Northwest, a qualified transportation engineering firm, Phases 1 and 2 at buildout
will generate 512 p.m. peak hour trips and 5,120 average daily trips. Phase 1 will
generate 90 p.m. peak hour trips and 850 average daily trips, and Phase 2 will
add 422 p.m. peak hour trips and 4,270 average daily trips. Phase 2 includes 125
units of single family detached housing, 20 condominiums, a gas station with car
wash, and 48,000 square feet of gross floor area for office/commercial building
uses. The traffic analysis anticipates that 85% of the traffic will travel northeast to
SR-510 and 15% southwest to SR-507. Traffic mitigation includes payment of the
City's Transportation Facility Charge, the reconstruction of Longmire Street to a
modified collector standard and construction of a center left turn lane on SR-510
at the Longmire Street intersection. Upon any development west of Thompson
Creek, the applicant must construct the Killion Road extension which will include
a traffic signal and left turn lanes on all four legs of the intersection with SR-510.
The traffic engineer estimates that three different intersections will have a
decreased level of service, and one turning movement will have an increased
level of service. Development of additional phases resulting in the construction of
Tahoma Terra Boulevard and the installation of a full service, traffic controlled
intersection with SR-510 should significantly improve traffic movement
CONCLUSIONS:
The Hearing Examiner has jurisdiction to consider and decide the issues presented
by this request.
2 The applicant has established that the request for Final Master Plan approval for
Phases 1 and 2 satisfies all criteria set forth m Chapter 17 62 YMC, is consistent
with the City Comprehensive Plan, and meets all other requirements of the YMC
Therefore, the Final Master Plan should be approved and the Tahoma Terra Final
Master Plan Development Guidelines should be adopted to cover development of
Phases 1 and 2
RECOMMENDATION
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ITEM 7.a
It is hereby recommended to the Yelm City Council that the Final Master Plan of Phases
1 and 2 of the Tahoma Terra project be approved subject to adoption of the Final
Master Plan Development Guidelines.
ORDERED thlS 2"d day of August, 2005.
STEPHEN K. CAUSSEAUX, JR.
Hearing Examiner
TRANSMITTED this 2"d day of August, 2005, to the following:
APIPLICANT:Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
ENGINEER: SCA Consulting Group
4200 6th Avenue SE, Ste. 301
Lacey, WA 98503
OTIHERS:
Jenise Mugler Darlene Baker
15009 Highway 507 SE P.O. Box 727
Yel~m, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
Margaret Clapp
18~~09 Cook Road SE
Yelm, WA 98597
Steven Chamberlain
4200 6th Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98057
Diane D'Acuti
19436 93~~ Avenue SE
Yelm, WA 98597
George Swartz
2410 Crestline Drive NW
Olympia, WA 98502
Henry and Jane Dragt
5815 95th Avenue SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Jean Handley
P.O Box 1657
Yelm, WA 98597
Larry Schamm
18217 Highway 507 SE
Yelm, WA 98597
James Zukowski
P O. Box 858
Yelm, WA 98597
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
Rosalie Saecker
412 SW McKenzie Avenue
Yelm, WA 98597
Bob Droll
4405 7~h Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Mary Lou Clemens
15030 Longmire St
Yelm, WA 98597
John Turner
545 Mcphee Road SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Linda J Powell
P O Box 891
Yelm, WA 98597
Gaye Newby
15105 Longmire Street SE
Yelm, WA 98597
Curtis Smelser
1201 Third Avenue, Ste. 3400
Seattle, WA 98101
City of Yelm
Tami Merriman
105 Yelm Avenue West
P O Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM t a
AGENDA ITEM 7
Page 30 of '14~
ITEM 7 a
OFFICE OF THE HEARING EXAMINER
CITY OF YELM
REPORT AND DECISION
CASE NO.: SUB-05-0068-YL (part of MPD-05-0067-YL)
APPLICANT:Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6"' Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The applicant is preliminary plat approval to allow construction of 89 single family units, on
approximately 20 acres. The applicant has applied for approval of a Conceptual Master
Plan Development of approximately 220 acres, Final Master Plan approval for
approximately 40 acres, and preliminary plat approval of approximately 20 acres. Included
in the Final Master Site Plan is the completion of commercial space and developed open
space
SUMMARY OF DECISION
Request granted, subject to conditions.
PUBLIC HEARING:
After reviewing Planning and Community Development Staff Report and examining
available information on file with the application, the Examiner conducted a public
hearing on the request as follows:
The heanng was opened on July 11, 2005, at 9:00 a m
Parties wishing to testify were sworn in by the Examiner.
The following exhibits were submitted and made a part of the record as follows
EXHIBIT "1" - Planning and Community Development Staff Report and
Attachments
GRANT BECK appeared, presented the Community Development Department Staff
Report, and testified that this southwest area of Yelm was annexed in 1993 as an MPC
The City has a blank slat for development with uses consistent with the comprehensive
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ITEM 7 a
plan l~he MPC has its own zoning code with little direction for the first master plan The
first subdivision must be consistent with the conceptual and final plan approval
STEVE CHAMBERLAIN appeared on behalf of the request and testified that they have
developed a conceptual plan for the entire 220 acres, a final plan for the area east of
Thompson Creek, and a preliminary plat of 89 lots. The site previously supported a large
dairy farm and was purchased for the MPC. The site is generally level with`rolling pasture
east of the creek. To the west of the creek the topography ascends to a higher plateau
covered with trees Soils on the site consist of topsoil and sand and gravel which are
conducive to development. The dairy farm ceased operation m 1993 or 1994, but other
cal;tle have grazed on the site since then. They will use a natural feature design
incorporating the City design guidelines. They anticipate seven to ten years to develop the
entire site. They will locate the commercial area east of the creek and townhouses with
overlook the golf course. They anticipate between 700 and 1,200 dwelling units over the
220 acres. They will collect, treat, and discharge all stormwater drainage into the soil, and
will have a few ponds in the good soil areas. Sanitary sewers will serve the project as well
as a major arterial. The City will provide potable water and sanitary sewer service, and they
will construct parks throughout the development.
JEFF SCHRAMM, traffic engineer, appeared and testified that he has provided traffic
studies for the past ten years and conducted such study for the entire MPC. He evaluated a
conceptual analysis for all phases, and for Phases 1 and 2 east of the creek They will
provide mitigation for this project in addition to the State and City plans. The entire traffic
analysis and development for the annexation area were considered by the City and the
State. The MDNS sets forth mitigating measures for traffic which includes an approximate
$1 million dollar impact fee in addition to the road improvements. The 89 lot subdivision will
require improvement of Longmire Street to Yelm Avenue to modified collector standards
with shoulders and bike lanes They will improve the Yelm/Longmire intersection with a
center turn lane. Future development will require an extension of Killion Road as a new
road to serve the development. No development will occur west of the creek until the initial
connection is made. They will also install a new traffic signal and will widen both roads
These improvements will accommodate Phases 3 through 5. For the balance of the site
they will improve Mosman Avenue and realign it to a four leg intersection which is also
consistent with the City TIP. They will provide access to SR-510 by either Mosman or the
new road connection to the south All of the improvements are consistent with the City's
plans and methods of determining mitigation
STEVE SHANEWISE appeared and testified that he is a wetland scientist and studied the
wetlands on the site. A wetland near the south property line drains north to the creek and
the creek channel is in the wetland All wetlands meet the definition of Category 2 for which
the ordinance requires a 75 foot wide buffer, as compared with their 100 foot wide buffer
They will construct ballfields, park, and lawn in the creek bottom, and will remove fill from
the wetlands and will cross the creek with a badge. Construction will affect 5 to .6 acres of
wetlands. They will restore two to four acres of drained wetlands
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ITEM 7 a
MR CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that they will utilize purple pipe or recycled
water from the sewer treatment plant for irrigation While the water is not considered
drinkable, it is treated to that standard.
BOB DROLL, landscape architect, appeared and testified that 80% of his work is in the
park and recreational fields. Larger developments can impact a City. They propose 60
acres of open space and parks and about 25% will be developed into active recreational
areas. The balance will consist of habitat and open space Neighborhood parks will contain
playground apparatus for elementary children They will also have activities for adults and
seniors to include over a mile of walking trails consisting of paved, boardwalk, and crushed
rock. They will have pocket parks within subdivisions also. The main park will have two
picnic shelters.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that the applicant has 60 years experience in
developing property and in home building. This will be the most unique development in the
City and Quadrant Homes will build all of the residential dwellings. Phase 1 will consist of
89 lots. They will carry the same theme throughout the development starting with the
residences in Phase 1 which will be single family residential exclusively. The primary
access for the subdivision will be from Longer and they will work with adjoining property
owners to minimize the impacts of construction. They will also bring utilities down Longer
and will accommodate storm drainage on site.
JIM STROTT, Quadrant Homes, testified that his company is the largest home builder in
the State and that they offer an entry level product. They have a mix of lots on this site and
buyers can determine the size and quality of the home They will have competitive pricing.
They anticipate constructing two homes per week to manage the growth They anticipate
home sizes of 1,800 square feet which will sell for between $150,000 and $175,000 and
3,200 square foot homes which will sell for $300,000 or more.
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that SEPA review has required different conditions for
different phases. They have tied the MDNS measures to the number of trips generated not
to the phases. Police stations in the area are substandard and the applicant will pay a
police facility charge of $310 per unit for replacement of the existing structure. Staff finds
the project consistent with the comprehensive plan and the applicant had to provide more
units to obtain the minimum four dwelling units per acre. The Land Use Element promotes
mixed uses such as townhouses and neighborhood commercials, but not to compete with
the downtown businesses. They will have a range of housing and housing prices They will
also provide parks and open space, but install the parks before development as they go
along The dairy farm had water rights and transferred them to the applicant. A condition of
approval requires that development beyond the 89 units have a water transfer. The final
development plan contains fixed development regulations for the phases covered. The
Master Site Plan limits the size of the neighborhood commercial to ensure that it will not
compete with downtown businesses. The pocket parks will be constructed in individual
neighborhoods throughout all phases so that children don't need to go far from home. The
subdivision conditions are straight forward and staff recommends approval subject to the
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
mitigating measures and conditions.
MARGARET CLAPP appeared and testified that she is very impressed with the proposal
and served on the Planning Commission during the southwest annexation This MPC is
wl-iat the commission members desired, and it meets all of the tests to include significant
open space. She wants to see the wetland mitigation work and believes the applicant has
done a first class job and will provide all infrastructure. `
DIANE D'ACUTI appeared and concurs with Ms. Clapp. She did has transportation
questions as she does not believe one stop light will handle the increased traffic. She also
discussed the setbacks from Thompson Creek and ascertained that the applicant is vested
under the old ordinance which requires {ess of a buffer. Thompson Creek will not flow
unless someone cleans it out. Adding more water will cause the creek to back up and the
streets to flood.
JAMES ZUKOWSKI appeared, asked questions, and obtained the following answers. The
conceptual plan covers 220 acres and will result in construction of 800 to 1,200 residential
units. The final plan covering the area east of the creek will result in approximately 216
unMts to include townhomes and commercial. He believes the Mosman extension a problem
dine to ownership issues. The critical areas located at the north end of the Thompson
baNlfields are still within a 100 foot buffer. He questioned the geotechnical hazard area for
the extension of the boulevard. He questioned how trails would cross the creek and
whether the picnic shelters would be for general citizen use or just for residents of the MPC
and who is in charge.
JEAN HANDLEY appeared and testified that she was at the last Planning Commission
meeting which updated the Critical Areas Ordinance. Now a subcommittee will testify as to
the new regulations. The present regulations are outdated and she is concerned about
retention of trees and the road widening She questioned the source of funds which the City
wilN use to build improvements. With the new population growth, Yelm will compete with
other cities for grants. No one has discussed the impact on the fire department, but it will
have a large impact and create a large burden. The fire department may need another
building in addition to the police department. She questioned whether emergency vehicle
access would be a problem for the lots If an earthquake occurs, the State will not have
any funds for this project The City should stop the MPC if the State can't fund the
improvements She referred to the United States Supreme Court decision in the Mosman
Road issue and requested a condition prohibiting the City from exercising eminent domain
HENRY DRAGT appeared and testified that he owned and ran the dairy on the site, and
sold the property in December. The sale was a fulfillment of his plans for the site since
1993 The City annexed the parcel in October, 2004, and approved the southwest area for
a conceptual master plan for development to include this parcel The critical areas study
determined no significant impact. He believes the plan a great benefit for the City.
JENISE MUGLER appeared and testified that she owns the property south of the
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AGENDA ITEM ~' a
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ITEM 7 a
development and that the MDNS is out of date. In 1999 the checklist showed the
development plans with more open space along the borders The townhouses have now
changed to a high density development. The applicant must revisit the plan as the
apartments are shown right on her property line along the south border The creek goes
through the corner and she desires more open space Either offset the apartments or
provide a greenbelt. The apartments are part of Phase 2
ROSALIE SAECKER appeared and testified that she regularly uses Longmire. The
applicant should construct all road improvements to include bike paths and sidewalks along
Longmire. They should provide a bus stop at Yelm Avenue and Longmire. She questioned
how the development will minimize traffic on Berry Valley Road.
GEORGE SWARTZ appeared and testified that he owns the property shown by red line
and that he was left out of the loop. His concern is eminent domain because his parcel is
necessary to extend Mosman Street.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN reappeared and testified that the current code requires a buffer of 75
feet, but they have expanded the buffer to at least 100 feet. The ballfields are outside of the
100 foot buffer. The impact of cattle on the creek is considerably greater than urban
deve-opment. Their development will be compatible with the creek. Phase 1 consists of 89
lots. The picnic shelters are primarily for the use of the residents, but others can use them
as well The homeowner's association can rent the shelters to outside organizations. Trees
lost on the site will be due to roads and development, but they will not lose that many trees
The site was logged many years ago, and they will replant trees where they can. The
development will pay for its impacts with the taxes, impact fees, and required mitigation
They have worked with the City to mitigate impacts on the fire department and police
department. They are looking at an area within the commercial portion of the MPC for the
police department. They do not want to compete with downtown business. They do not
propose a big box store, just neighborhood area uses Such would prevent residents from
having to go to SR-510 or SR-507. The townhomes can enhance the MPC by providing a
mixed residential use The townhomes are compatible with the creek and the golf course
and will contain 18 to 20 units. They have no other opportunities for townhomes on Phases
1 and 2. All internal roads will have sidewalks and bike paths Longmire will be the
preferred route which will keep traffic off of Berry Valley. The timing of construction will
direct traffic to the boulevard, and neither Longmire nor Berry Valley will serve as the main
access. They will regrade the steep areas to balance the site to minimize traffic during the
construction period. They have elevated the trails through the wetlands and across the
creek Critical areas abut the south side of the site, and the nearest townhouse will be set
back 50 feet from the property line.
MR. BECK reappeared and testified that both the comprehensive plan and GMA require the
applicant to use the best available science Wetland restoration is a big part of the project
Impacts on the fire department had a large amount of discussion in the MDNS, but the City
can't ~ustity the use of impact fees The issue is the number of firefighters and not the fire
department's capital facilities The fire department has no plan to increase capital facilities.
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ITEM 7 a
Most of the infrastructure will be located m Thurston Highlands and will be in place for that
development. They could condition the south property line setback. The standards for that
development are in the guidelines. They could codify that requirement which would concern
the non-golf course property. The State does not allow eminent domain for business or
economic purposes. The decision on Mosman is seven to ten years down the road.
MS. MUGLER reappeared and testified that the townhouses should measure 100 feet from
the off-site wetlands.
M:>. HANDLEY reappeared and testified that the applicant evaluated the creek in a drought
and did not get a true picture of its flow.
M:>. KELLY PETERSON appeared and questioned the impact of 1,200 homes on the water
supply.
MFt. BECK testified that the City would have the right to the water, but the depth of
withdrawal is not decided. The City could draw from other aquifers.
M:>. NEWBY appeared and testified that she resides on Longmire Street and that trucks
pass 25 feet from her window. A restaurant already exists at the Killion extension. She sees
years of traffic and wants Berry Valley extended.
DA,RLENE BAKER appeared and testified regarding drinking water wells.
No one spoke further in this matter and so the Examiner took the request under
advisement
NOTE. A complete record of this hearing is available in the City of Yelm Community
Development Department
FINDINGS. CONCLUSIONS AND DECISION
FINDINGS
The Hearing Examiner has admitted documentary evidence into the record, viewed
the property, heard testimony, and taken this matter under advisement
2 The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated
Determination of Nonsignificance on May 24, 2005, based on Section 197-11-158
WAC
3 A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to the applicant and parties of record on June
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ITEM 7 a
20, 2005. This notice was also posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site
on the same date, and published in the Nisqually Valley News on June 24, 2005
4. The applicant has a possessory ownership interest in an irregularly shaped, 15 acre
parcel of property abutting the west side of Durant Street, the south side of Berry
Valley Road, and the north side of Longmire Street within the southwest portion of
the City of Yelm. The applicant requests preliminary plat approval to allow
subdivision of the site into 89 single family residential lots with an average lot size of
5,500 square feet.
5. The proposed preliminary plat is Phase 1 of the Tahoma Terra Master Planned
Community (MPC) which contemplates between 800 and 1,200 residential units on
220 acres. Tahoma Terra has received conceptual master plan approval for the
entire 220 acres and final master plan approval for Phases 1 and 2 located east of
Thompson Creek. The preliminary plat is in accordance with the approved final
master plan.
6. The preliminary plat map shows access provided from Longmire Street and Berry
Valley Road. An intemal plat road extends between said roads and four internal plat
roads extend to the west property line of Phase 1 and will provide access into Phase
2 upon its development The site is located within the Low Density Residential (R4-
6) classification of the Tahoma Terra Final Master Plan Development Guidelines.
Said classification authorizes residential single family subdivisions as outright
permitted uses and allows a minimum density of four dwelling units per gross acre
and a maximum density of six dwelling units per gross acre The applicant proposes
a residential single family subdivision at a density of 5.9 dwelling units per gross
acre Said classification provides building height, off-street parking, lot access, and
setback requirements which all lots and structures thereon must meet
7. Chapter 14.12 of the Yelm Municipal Code (YMC) requires new subdivisions to
provide a minimum of 5% of the gross area as usable open space While the
preliminary plat shows no open space, the Tahoma Terra MPC provides
approximately 60 acres of open space land which includes Thompson Creek and its
associated floodplain and wetland system. The applicant will enhance this area with
park facilities and footpaths The conceptual and final master plans require a
minimum of one pocket park for every 50 dwelling units, or a combination of pocket
parks with a centrally located larger park serving the subdivisions. Such will ensure
that the plat makes appropriate provision for open spaces, parks and recreation, and
playgrounds
8 A mitigating measures in the MDNS requires the applicant to enter a school
mitigation agreement with the Yelm School District Entry of such agreement will
ensure appropriate provision for schools and school grounds.
9 The applicant has elected to use City street standards for all interior, local access,
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ITEM 7 a
residential streets within the subdivision The applicant will construct all streets to
the local access standard which includes two, 11 foot wide travel lanes; two, seven
foot wide parking lanes; concrete, rolled edge curb and gutter, six foot wide planter
strip with street trees 35 feet on center, five foot sidewalk on one side of the street,
and street lighting. The applicant will dedicate all streets to the City upon final plat
approval. As previously found, the subdivision provides for continuation of streets to
adjoining subdivisions. The conceptual plan shows a street grid system and
continuation of all streets throughout future development within the MPC. The
preliminary plat will comply with the City's Transportation Facility Charge, and will
also construct the traffic improvements required by the MDNS. These measures
include the reconstruction of Longmire Street to a modified collector standard from
the project entry to SR-510 Furthermore, the MDNS requires that prior to approval
of any development permit which includes the 90~' peak p.m. trip generated from the
project, the applicant must construct a center left turn Pane on SR-510 at the
Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve anticipated traffic
volumes. According to the applicant's traffic study, Phase 1 will generate 90 p.m
peak hour trips, and therefore prior to final plat approval, the applicant must
reconstruct Longmire Street and install a center left turn lane. Such improvements
and payments will ensure that the Phase 1 preliminary plat makes appropriate
provision for streets, roads, alleys, and other public ways.
10. The City of Yelm will provide both domestic and fire flow to the site, and the
applicant will decommission any existing water wells pursuant to Department of
Ecology (DOE) standards. The applicant will assign/dedicate water rights
associated with said wells to the City which shall use said water to supply Phase 1.
The applicant will also use reclaimed water from the City's wastewater treatment
plant for irrigation, decorative fountains, street cleaning, dust control, firefighting,
and other uses with the exception of public consumption. The City will also provide
sanitary sewer service to each lot The preliminary plat makes appropriate provision
for potable water supplies and sanitary waste.
11 The applicant will design the storm water drainage system to City standards as set
forth m the 1992 Department of Ecology stormwater Manual Said standards
requires all development to both treat and control stormwater. The conceptual
design provides both treatment and infiltration and includes low impact development
technologies for stormwater treatment to include rain gardens. The City has
reviewed the conceptual report and finds it appropriate The plat makes appropriate
provision for drainage ways
12 The appi~cant will construct sidewalks on at least one side of internal plat roads and
will provide adequate street lighting to include street lights at internal street
intersections and pedestrian scale fighting along internal portions of residential
streets. The plat makes appropnate provision for safe walking conditions
13 The applicant will comply with all City landscaping standards and has proposed a
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street tree planting plan which incorporates such requirements The applicant will
also landscape the open space areas and storm water facilities The perimeter must
have Type 2 landscaping or a fence.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Hearing Examiner has jurisdiction to consider and decide the issLes presented
by this request.
2. The proposed preliminary plat makes appropriate provision for the public health,
safety, and general welfare for open spaces, drainage ways, streets, roads, alleys,
other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary waste, parks and
recreation, playgrounds, schools and school grounds, and safe walking conditions
3. The proposed subdivision is in conformity with the Low Density Residential zone
classification of the Tahoma Terra Development Guidelines.
4. All public facilities impacted by the subdivision are adequate and available to serve
the development.
5. The project is within the City's sewer service area and said system has capacity to
serve all lots
6. The proposed preliminary plat will serve the public use and interest by providing an
attractive location for a single family residential subdivision and by helping
implement the Tahoma Terra Master Planned Community, and therefore should be
approved subject to the following conditions:
The proponent shall comply with the mitigation requirements of the MDNS
issued on May 24, 2005, which include:
The developer shall mitigate transportation impacts through the
payment of a transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to
Chapter 15.40 YMC The fee shall be paid at the time of building
permit issuance.
The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation
improvements
o Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the
applicant shall reconstruct Longmire Street to a modified
collector standard from the project entry to Yelm Avenue
West (SR 510)
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a
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ITEM 7 a
final subdivision) which includes the 90th peak P M trip
generated from the project, the applicant shall construct a
center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) at the
Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve
the anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a
final subdivision) which includes the 513th peak P.M. trip
generated from the project, construction of the Killion Road
Boulevard extension from the property to Yelm Avenue West
(SR-510) along with the realignment of Killion Road, a traffic
signal, and left turn lanes on all four legs of the intersection
with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes
generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a
final subdivision) which includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip
generated from the project, reconstruct Mosman Avenue to
modified collector standards from Longmire Street to 1st
Avenue (SR-507) and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue
intersection to include realignment and a center left-turn lane
on 1st Avenue (SR-507) with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a
final subdivision) which includes the 1,301st peak P M trip
generated from the project, define and construct the
Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and
Solberg Street OR; continue the Boulevard to SR 507
through the Thurston Highlands property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated
with Yelm Avenue (SR 510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be
submitted to the Washington Department of Transportation and the
City of Yelm for review and approval and all required improvements
shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to approved plans,
and inspected and approved by the City of Yelm and Washington
Department of Transportation
To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface
waters, plant communities and animal communities along the
Thompson Creek corridor and its associated wetlands, the
applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement plan to
improve the surface water features of the site for both habitat and
recreation purposes Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a
schedule for implementing improvements tied to the number of
dwelling units of each subdivision within the Master Planned
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ITEM 7 a
Community.
The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community
Schools to mitigate project impacts to the School District
Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final
subdivision) beyond the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water
rights to the City of Yelm sufficient to serve the proposed use within
that area of the final master site plan and the first 89 lots. The
conveyance shall be made to the City through a water rights
agreement between Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm. This
condition is not applicable if the City obtains water rights through
the Department of Ecology which are sufficient to serve the
projected density of the City, its urban growth area, and the subject
property.
Prior to disturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the
applicant shall submit to the City of Yelm Community Development
Department a geotechnical report that identifies established best
management practices for all activity within the geologic hazard
areas and only allows activities which:
o will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to
adjacent properties beyond pre-development conditions;
o will not adversely impact other critical areas;
o are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated
or mitigated to a level equal to or less than pre-development
conditions;
o are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or
geologist.
Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall enter into a
mitigation agreement with the City of Yelm which includes a
mitigation fee toward the replacement of a police station required to
be expanded in order to serve the proposed development The
mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's aliquot impact on
the need for replacement police station, which is $310 per housing
unit
2 Each dwelling unit with the subdivision shall connect to the City water
system. The applicant has provided to the City a "Water Right Conveyance
and Right-of-Entry Agreement" This conveyance establishes the water
connection fees.
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 41 of 142
ITEM 7 a
3 The existing wells shall be abandoned per Washington State Department of
Ecology standards Any water rights associated with the we{I shall be
deeded to the City of Yelm.
4 All conditions for cross connection control as required in Section 246-290-490
WAC
5. Each dwelling within the subdivision shall connect to the City S.T. E. P. sewer
system. The connection fee and inspection fee will be established at the time
of building permit issuance. Existing septic systems shall be abandoned per
the Thurston County Department of Health standards.
6. The applicant shall connect to the City's reclaimed water system. All
irrigation systems for planting strips and required landscaping located within
any open space, stormwater tracts, and the Boulevard shall be served by an
irrigation system utilizing reclaimed water where available. The civil plans
shall identify proposed reclaimed water lines, meters, and valves
7. The applicant shall provide a final landscape and irrigation plan for this
subdivision as a part of civil plan submission. Landscape plans shall meet
Chapter 17.80 YMC, or as amended in the Final Master Plan approval.
8. The applicant shall provide for a minimum of one Npocket park" for the
preliminary plat of 89 lots, and the completion of the proposed three (3) acres
of open space area located at the southwest end of Longmire Street
9. The proponent shall design and construct all stormwater facilities in
accordance with the 1992 DOE stormwater Manual, as adopted by the City
of Yelm, and as amended m the Final Master Plan Approval. Best
Management Practices (BMP's) are required during construction.
10 The final stormwater plan shall be submitted with avif engineering plans and
shall include an operation and maintenance plan
11 Storm water facilities shall be located m a separate recorded tract owned and
maintained by the homeowners association.
12 All roof drain runoff shall be infiltrated on each lot utilizing individual drywells
13 The stormwater system sha11 be held in common by the Homeowners
Association The Homeowners Agreement shalt include provisions for the
assessment of fees against individual lots for the maintenance and repair of
the stormwater facilities
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 42 of 142
ITEM 7 a
14 The proponent shall submit a fire hydrant plan to the Community
Development Department for review and approval as part of the civil
engineering plans prior to final subdivision approval.
15 The proponent shall submit fire flow calculations for all existing and proposed
hydrants All hydrants must meet minimum City standards
16 The proponent shall be responsible for the installation of hydrant locks on all
fire hydrants required and installed as part of development The proponent
shall coordinate with the Yelm Public Works Department to purchase and
install required hydrant locks. Hydrant lock details shall be Included in civil
plan submission.
17 Street lighting will be required. Civil plan submittal shall include a lighting
design plan for review and approval.
18 Prior to the submission of final plat application, the proponent will provide the
Community Development Department an addressing map for approval
19 Prior to the submission of final plat application, a subdivision name must be
reserved with the Thurston County Auditor's Office.
20 The proponent shall submit a final landscaping and Irrigation plan for this plat,
along with the phased open space improvements with civil engineering plans
21 The proponent shall provide a performance assurance device in order to
provide for maintenance of the required landscaping for this plat, 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.
DECISION
The request for preliminary plat approval of Phase 1 of the Tahoma Terra Master Planned
Community is hereby granted subject to the conditions contained In the conclusions above.
ORDERED this 2"d day of August, 2005
STEPHEN K. CAUSSEAUX, JR.
Hearing Examiner
TRANSMITTED this 2"d day of August, 2005, to the following
-13-
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 43 of 14~
ITEM 7.a
APPLICANT Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
ENGINEER. SCA Consulting Group
4200 6th Avenue SE, Ste. 301
Lacey, WA 98503
Ol'HERS:
Jen-se Mugler Darlene Baker
15()09 Highway 507 SE P.O. Box 727
Yelm, WA 98597 Yefm, WA 98597
Margaret Clapp Henry and Jane Dragt
18309 Cook Road SE 5815 95th Avenue SW
Yelm, WA 98597 Olympia, WA 98512
Steven Chamberlain Jean Handley
4200 6~h Avenue SE P.O. Box 1657
Lacey, WA 98057 ~ Yelm, WA 98597
D-a~ne D'Acuti Larry Schamm
19436 93`d Avenue SE 18217 Highway 507 SE
Yelm, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
George Swartz James Zukowski
24'10 Crestline Drive NW P.O. Box 858
Olympia, WA 98502 Yelm, WA 98597
Rosalie Saecker Linda J. Powell
412 SW McKenzie Avenue P.O Box 891
Yelm, WA 98597 Yelm, WA 98597
Bolo Droll Gaye Newby
44C-5 7th Avenue SE 15105 Longmire Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503 Yelm, WA 98597
Mary Lou Clemens Curtis Smelser
15C-30 Longmire St 1201 Third Avenue, Ste 3400
Yefm, WA 98597 Seattle, WA 98101
John Turner City of Yelm
545 Mcphee Road SW Tami Merriman
Olympia, WA 98502 105 Yefm Avenue West
-14-
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 44 of 142
ITEM 7
P O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 45 of 142.
ITEM 7 a.
CASE NO.: SUB-05-0068-YL (part of MPD-05-0067-YL)
NOTICE
1 RECONSIDERATION Any interested party or agency otrecord, oral or
written, that disagrees with the decision of the hearing examiner may make a written
request for reconsideration by the hearing examiner. Said request shall set forth specific
errors relating to~
A Erroneous procedures,
B. Errors of law objected to at the public hearing by the person requesting
reconsideration,
C. Incomplete record,
D. An error in interpreting the comprehensive plan or other relevant material, or
E. Newly discovered material evidence which was not available at the time of
the
hearing The term "new evidence" shall mean only evidence discovered after the hearing
held by the hearing examiner and shall not include evidence which was available or which
could reasonably have been available and simply not presented at the hearing for whatever
reason
The request must be filed no later than 4 30 p m on August 15, 2005 (10 days from
mailing) with the Community Development Department 105 Yelm Avenue West, Yelm, WA
98597 This request shall set forth the bases for reconsideration as limited by the above
The hearing examiner shall review said request in light of the record and take such further
aclion as he deems proper The hearing examiner may request further information which
-16-
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 46 of 142
ITEM 7 a
shall be provided within 10 days of the request
2 APPEAL OF EXAMINER'S DECISION The final decision by the Examiner
may be appealed to the city council, by any aggrieved person or agency of record, oral or
written that disagrees with the decision of the hearing examiner, except threshold
determinations (YMC 15.49.160) in accordance with Section 2.26.150 of the Yelm
Municipal Code (YMC)
NOTE: In an effort to avoid confusion at the time of filing a request for
reconsideration, please attach this page to the request for reconsideration.
-1~-
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 47 of 142
ITEM 7
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 48 of 142
I of TliE p
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4 ns
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~ YELM~ ~~
WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT ITEM 7 a
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
Case Number MPD-05-0067-YL
Applicant Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
Agent Steve Chamberlain, P.E.
Request: Conceptual Master Site Plan Approval
Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................. .......... 1
Proposal and History ............................................................................................. .......... 2
Public Notices -------------------•--------......................................................................... .......... 4
State Environmental Policy Act ........................................................................... .......... 5
Master Plan Development Process .................................................................... ........ 8
Applicable Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies ....................... ....... .. .. ..... .. 9
Growth Management Act Planning Parameters ............ ......... ....................... ......... 9
Land Use ....................................................................................................... ........10
Housing ............................................................................................ ....... .......11
Public Facilities and Utilities ............................................................................ ........13
Transportation ................. ...................................... .................. ..... ....... 14
Parks and Open Space .... .. ............................................. .......... ....... ....... 22
Siting Essential Public Facilities ................................................................. ...... 23
Environment ....... ...................................... ........ .... ......... ...... . .....24
Water Rights ........ ...... ........ ..-. .... ..- ..... -- ... ..-- - .. . 33
Community Development Department Recommendation ... ................. ...... ...... 34
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 49 of 142
{TEM 7.a
Proposal and History
Tahoma Terra LLC has made application for a Master Plan Development on a 220 acre
parcel of land located south of Berry Valley Road and east of Longmire Street
Concurrently with the Conceptual approval, Tahoma Terra has applied fof a final master
site plan for the portion of the property east of Thompson Creek-and a preliminary
subdivision of 89 lots within the final master site plan area. This report analyzes the
conceptual master site plan
The Conceptual Master Site Plan for the Master Plan Development includes areas
idE:ntified for single family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, town homes, a community
park and recreation area, and neighborhood commercial. The proposal would provide
between 880 and 1,200 housing units upon completion.
The property was annexed into the City of Yelm in 1993, as part of the larger Southwest
Yelm Annexation, which included the subject property, the approximately 1,300 acre
Thurston Highlands property, the Nisqually Valley Golf Course, and approximately 150
acres of parcels 40 acres or less surrounding these larger parcels. That annexation
contemplated a Master Planned Community of the Thurston Highlands property, a
1,260 acre parcel located south of the subject site. The annexation included the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement that reviewed the impacts of up to
5,G00 dwellings within the annexation area, in several potential Master Planned
Communities, including the Tahoma Terra site
In 1994, the owners of the Thurston Highlands applied for and received conceptua{
master site plan approval for a Master Plan Development that included both properties.
This application included the preparation of a supplemental environmental impact
statement This approval was conditioned on an application by the City to the
Washington State Department of Ecology for additional water rights sufficient to serve
the proposed Master Plan Development. These water rights applications are still
pending and the conceptual approval expired in 1997 (at the time, the conceptual
approval was only valid for 5 years, but has since been changed to 10)
In 1999, an application was submitted for a new Master Plan Development for the
subject property This application was recommended for approval by the Planning
Commission with the condition that prior to approval of the conceptual plan by the City
Council the applicant should preserve the right-of-way required for the Boulevard
de~;igned to serve the proposed Master Plan Development This requirement was not
met and the City eventually determined that the application had been withdrawn for lack
of K>rogress on May 5, 2004
June 28, 2005 Pa9l.~~it~~A ITEM 7 ~!
H Page 50 of 14~
ITEM 7.a
Site Characteristics
The property is approximately 220 acres in area and is the site of the former Dragt
family dairy, which was an active dairy farm for many years and which ceased operation
in 1993.
Thompson Creek, which is a Type F stream, bisects the property and includes an
associated 100 year floodplain, wetlands, and a potential high ground water flooding
area. There is an existing crossing of the creek that has been used in years past as
part of the dairy operation.
The property contains some timber areas in the northwest and southeast corners.
The property is relatively flat on the portion east of Thompson Creek, with an elevation
change of around 20 feet from the creek corridor to Durant Street. On the western side
of the creek, the property contains more relief with elevations changing up to 50 feet
with bluffs of 20 to 30 feet.
Geologically, the western portion of the property is Glacial outwash, gravel and the
eastern portion is Glacial till.
The property was occupied by a home and outbuildings associated with the former dairy
operation at the time of application, all located east of the creek.
June 28, 2005 Pafl C~C.ft~~A ITEM 7 a
/i Page 51 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Public Notices
A Nonce of Application was mailed to local and state agencies, and surrounding
property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject site on April 1, 2005. -This notice was
also posted at City Hall on the same date and posted on the City of Yefm web site on
April 26
The Mitigated Determination of Non-significance was mailed to agencies with
jurisdiction and environmental expertise on May 26, 2005. This determination was also
posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site on the same date, and published in
the Nisqually Valley News on May 27.
A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to the applicant and parties of record on June 20,
2005. This notice was also posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site on the
same date, and published in the Nisqually Valley News on June 24, 2005.
June 28, 2005 Pa!-1l~~ft~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 52 of 142
ITEM 7 a
State Environmental Policy Act
The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated Determination of
Non-Significance on May 24, 2005, based on Section 197-11-158 WAC. This Mitigated
Determination of Non-Significance is based on the project as proposed arfd the impacts
and potential mitigation measures reflected in the applicant's environmental documents
In addition, pursuant to Section 197-11-754 WAC, the following documents were
adopted by reference:
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, January 1995, City of Yelm
Comprehensive Plan and Joint Plan with Thurston County.
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, March 1993, Southwest Yelm
Annexation.
/ Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Yelm
Annexation, July 1994, Thurston Highlands Master Plan Application.
/ Environmental Checklist and Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance,
September 1999, Prairie View Master Plan.
/ Critical Areas Study, December 1997, IES Associates
Environmental documents submitted as part of the application include
/ Expanded Environmental Checklist, March 2005, SCA Consulting Group
/ Updated Wetlands Analysis, March 2005, The Coot Company
/ Preliminary Drainage and Erosion Control Report, March 2005, SCA Consulting
Group
/ Transportation Impact Analysis, February 2005, Transportation Engineering NW
The MDNS contained the following conditions:
The developer shall mitigate transportation impacts through the payment of a
transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to Chapter 15 40 YMC. The fee
shall be paid at the time of building permit issuance.
2 The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation improvements
/ Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the applicant shall
reconstruct Longmire Street to a modified collector standard from the project
entry to Yelm Avenue West (SR 510).
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 90th peak P M. trip generated from the project, the
applicant shall construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-
510) at the Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 513th peak P.M trip generated from the project,
June 28, 2005 Pa f
~~~t~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 53 of 142
ITEM 7 a
construction of the Killion Road Boulevard extension from the property to
Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) along with the realignment of Killion Road, a
traffic signal, and left turn lanes on all four legs of the intersection with
sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes generated by the
project.
/ Pnor to the approval of any development permit (including-a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip generated from the project,
reconstruct Mosman Avenue to modified collector standards from Longmire
Street to 1st Avenue (SR-507) and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue
intersection to include realignment and a center left-turn lane on 1st Avenue
(SR-507) with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes
generated by the project
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision}
which includes the 1,301st peak P.M. trip generated from the project, define
and construct the Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and
Solberg Street OR; continue the Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston
Highlands property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated with Yelm
Avenue (SR 510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be submitted to the Washington
Department of Transportation and the City of Yelm for review and approval and
all required improvements shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to
approved plans, and inspected and approved by the City of Yeim and
Washington Department of Transportation.
3. To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface waters, plant
communities and animal communities along the Thompson Creek corridor and its
associated wetlands, the applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement
plan to improve the surface water features of the site for both habitat and
recreation purposes. Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a schedule for
implementing improvements tied to the number of dwelling units of each
subdivision within the Master Planned Community.
4 The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community Schools to
mitigate project impacts to the School District.
5. Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
beyond the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water rights to the City of Yelm
sufficient to serve the proposed use within that area of the final master site plan
and the first 89 lots The conveyance shall be made to the City through a water
rights agreement between Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm This
condition is not applicable if the City obtains water rights through the Department
of Ecology which are suffiaent to serve the projected density of the City, its urban
growth area, and the subject property.
~~n~ zs, zoos Pa~~~rl~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 54 of 142
ITEM 7 a
6 Prior to disturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the applicant shall
submit to the City of Yelm Community Development Department a geotechnical
report that identifies established best management practices for all activity within
the geologic hazard areas and only allows activities which:
/ will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties
beyond pre-development conditions;
/ will not adversely impact other critical areas;
/ are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a
level equal to or less than pre-development conditions;
/ are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist.
7. Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall enter into a mitigation
agreement with the City of Yelm which includes a mitigation fee toward the
replacement of a police station required to be expanded in order to serve the
proposed development. The mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's
aliquot impact on the need for replacement police station, which is $310 per
housing unit.
June 28, 2005 qe~
PaHC~~ft~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 55 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Master Pian Development Process
Approval of a Master Plan Development is a three step process.
F+rst is the review of a Conceptual Master S+te Plan The purpose of conceptual review
and approval is to establish general land use policies to guide detailed planning for and
development of the master plan area. The conceptual plan identifies the generalized
lard uses, transportation c+rculation routes and services proposed for the site.
Review of a conceptual master site plan +s performed initially by the hearing examiner.
The examiner reviews the appl+cation for consistency with the comprehensive plan and
thE~ City's other plans and policies. The examiner makes a recommendation regarding
thE: conceptual master site plan to the City Council for final action.
Upon conceptual approval by the City Council, the proposed master plan boundaries,
proposed use districts, transportation routes and case file number are identified on the
off+cial zoning map.
Next is review of a Final Master Site Plan, which consists of maps and text which
indicate major development features and services for the entire site included in the final
master site plan, +ncluding a schedule indicat+ng phasing of development and the means
of financing services for the site
A complete final master plan for the entire conceptual master site plan area must be
submitted within 10 years of conceptual approval. The master plan is reviewed by the
hearing examiner who makes a recommendation to the City Council for final action. The
examiner conducts a public hearing and determines if the plan is consistent with the
conceptual approval and complies with the policies of the comprehensive plan, and the
purposes of Section 17.62 020
A decision by the C+ty Council approving a final master s+te plan shall be accompanied
by a schedule for periodic review of the master plan by the examiner not less than once
evE~ry five years following approval until development of the master plan is substantially
complete
Finally, development appl+cat+ons within the Master Plan Development are reviewed
through their required review processes, but are reviewed for consistency with the
provisions of the conceptual and final master site plan approvals
June zs, zoo5 Pa~~~ft~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 56 of 14?
ITEM 7 a
Applicable Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies
The primary criteria for conceptual approval of a Master Plan Development is
consistency with` the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Applicable goals
and policies are cited below and how the proposed conceptual plan is consistent with
these goals and policies are cited below
Growth Management Act Planning Parameters
The Southwest Planning Area is bounded by Fort Lewis on the west, 93
Ave SW and Highway 507 on the north, Highway 510 on the east, and the
City Limits on the south. (Chapter 11, Section 3.D.3j
Urban Growth. More than 90% of the Southwest Planning Area is
included within the City of Yelm as part of the Southwest Yelm Annexation
Area. The area is being planned as the Thurston Highlands Community.
The area will have a mix of single family and multifamily residential uses
as well as open space, parks, school sites, and commercial spaces. The
overall average density of the Planned Community is 3.5 units per acre.
(Chapter ll, Section 3.D.3.a]
The Tahoma Terra Master Plan is comprised of 220 acres within the existing City limits
and the Southwest Yelm Planning Area. The proposed project includes a mix of single
family and multifamily residential uses, open space, parks and neighborhood
commercial uses. The overall density of the project will be a minimum of four units per
net developable acre (critical areas excluded).
Municipal Utilities All of the growth in the Southwest Planning Area is
planned to be served by sewer and water from the City of Yelm. Any on-
site systems approved in advance of sewer approval will be required to
participate in and hook up to the extended sewers and would be subject to
the City septic maintenance uf~lity. The area is projected to contain a main
water reservoir for the City, as well as a storage facility integrated into the
golf course ponds, for irrigation water storage The irrigation water maybe
recycled from the City`s water treatment facility. (Chapter ll, Section
3 D.3 bJ
Tahoma Terra will be served by Yelm municipal utilities, water, sewer and reclaimed
water, consistent with the corresponding utility comprehensive plans. These utility plans
have anticipated urban levels of development in the Southwest Planning Area and
adequate provisions for utility extension have been planned Detailed plans for the
extension of utilities should be submitted to and approved by the City prior to any
development approvals within a final master site plan area
Dune 2s, 2oos Pade~Ent-~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 57 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Land Use
Commercial. Yelm has identified three levels of commercial categories to
meet community needs: Neighborhood Service/Professional. Office,
Genera! Retail/Commercial Core, and a Commercial Service district
(larger and more intensive commercial uses, including auto and machine
oriented, modular housing, and recreational sales, service, and repair.
(Chapter lll, Section 8 2 c]
The Tahoma Terra Master Plan proposes commercial uses that are designed to serve
the proposed Master Plan Development and up to 1,200 residential units, but do not
compete with the downtown core of Yelm or draw patrons from other residential districts
in the City. Based on this, the proposed commercial uses are between the
neighborhood commercial and general retail defined by the Comprehensive Plan and
can be provided through allowing the uses of the general retail zoning districts
limitations on the size of buildings in order to ensure that a new commercial core is not
created
Prior to the approval of residential dwelling units west of Thompson Creek, the
neighborhood commercial center should be improved and ready for the construction of
commercial buildings. Improved means that any applicable land use or land division
approvals have been issued and all required site improvements for the land use or land
division approval has been completed.
Yelm has identified two land use designations or categories which reflect
public ownership of the land or land permanently set aside as dedicated
open space or critical areas. Public purpose lands which are presently
identified are shown on the Future Land Use Map, Map #3. (Chapter lll,
Section 8.2. e]
Tahoma Terra will be providing approximately 60 acres of permanent open space with
passive and active recreational opportunities. Open space improvements have been
proposed by the applicant as depicted in the open space plan and include ball fields,
play structures, walking trails, habitat viewing and other improvements These open
space areas are intended to serve all residents of Ye1m and therefore, the proposed
improvements are consistent with the above stated goals and policies Land equivalent
to five percent of the gross area of each Final Master Plan application steal{ be
developed within the community park area
June za. 2oos Pa9~~~{t~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 58 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Housing
Encourage a variety of housing types and densities and a range of
affordable housing. .
Policy 1-3: Encourage opportunities for a range of housing costs to enable
housing for all segments of the population
Policy 1-4: Encourage the provision of adequate affordable building sites
through appropriate zoning, infrastructure, and the overall regulatory
climate.
Policy 1-5: Permit a variety of housing types within the residential and
mixed use designations to promote the range of alternatives within the
community, including but not limited to government assisted housing,
housing for low-income families, manufactured housing, multi-family
housing, group and foster homes. (Chapter IV, Section C, Goal 1J.
Tahoma Terra proposes a full range of housing types, styles and size which should
attract customers from varying income and age levels. Neighborhoods will have
different characteristics that may encourage young families with children or older active
adults. There will be opportunities for residents to own a single family home, a
townhouse or condominium as well as to rent an apartment or townhouse unit. In each
individual neighborhood, a variety of lot sizes are proposed that will dictate different
house sizes and therefore, different house prices. The multi-family element will provide
for smaller and, therefore, more affordable housing choices
The multi-family element of the master plan represents approximately fourteen percent
of the total projected housing units. To ensure a variety of affordable housing
opportunities, 48 multi-family units should be constructed for every 300 single family
(detached and townhouse) units The first 48 multi-family units should be under
construction prior to the 301st SF unit with another 48 multi-family units started for every
300 single family units started The applicant has the option of building the multi-family
units at a faster pace if desired
Encourage housing with a pedestrian orientation in order to promote a
sense of community and safety.
Policy 2-1: Review the zoning ordinance and development standards to
ensure residents can safely walk to points throughout the City (Chapter
IV, Section C, Goal 2J
Sidewalks, pathways, and trails are all important features of the Tahoma Terra Master
Plan as shown on the master plan and open space figures Sidewalks are proposed
along all internal streets and new sidewalks are being constructed along current City
June 28, 2005 F a f
9~~~t~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 59 of 142
ITEM 7 a
streets to provide a safe pedestrian route for residents of Tahoma Terra into the heart of
YE;Im An extensive network of pathways and trails are proposed within the open space
areas for pedestrians, bicycles and other forms of recreation. These trails form a serves
of loops and connect back in to the sidewalk system All sidewalks arid most trails will
have lighting to provide safety and security
Meet County-wide planning policy requirements to ensure a fair share of
affordable housing.
Policy 3-1: Yelm and Thurston County shat! encourage a variety of
housing types in the residential designations to assure choice, opportunity,
and availability of a fair share of affordable housing throughout the
community. (Chapter IV, Section C, Goal 3J.
Tahoma Terra is providing a range of housing types and sizes to ensure a reasonable
opportunity for choice and affordability. The multi-family element will provide for smaller
and, therefore, more affordable housing choices for those customers unable to
purchase a new home
Encourage housing that meets adequate safety standards.
Policy 4-1: Continue to adopt the most up-to-date and safest building,
housing, mechanical and other codes. (Chapter IV, Section C, Goal 4J.
The City of Yelm has recently adopted the most updated version of the International
Building Code and International Residential Code which replaced the former Uniform
Building Code. All new structures will be required to build to these latest safety
standards.
Promote energy efficient housing to reduce the overall costs of home
ownership
Policy 5-2: Periodically review energy efficiency requirements adopted by
the Crty to ensure that they are up-to-date
Policy 5-3 Promote residential subdrv-sion designs that maximize solar
healing opportunities
Policy 5-4 Accessory dwelling units should be permitted rn all residential
zones, within the City, provided that development standards and design
criteria are satisfied (Chapter IV, Section C, Goat 5J.
New homes and commercial buildings will have to meet Washington State Energy Code
requirements to help ensure energy efficient building construction.
June 28, 2005 Pag~~~fr~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
Public Facilities and Utilities
To facilitate the development and maintenance of all public facilities and
utilities at the appropriate levels of service to accommodate the growth
that is anticipated to occur in the City of Yelm.
Policy 1-1: The serving utility shall determine the sequence of
implementing components of the utility plan as contained herein. (Chapter
V, Section E, Goa11 J.
The Tahoma Terra proposal is subject to the City's Capital Facilities Plan which
addresses the timely expansion of the City's infrastructure systems, such as water
mains, sewer mains, reclaimed water, roads and other public facilities These plans
outline the orderly extension of utilities, their size, location and other parameters that will
provide and ensure an appropriate level of service. Specific improvements and line
sizes, consistent with the intent of the plans, must be determined through the
submission of infrastructure plans approved by the City prior to development within an
area which has been given final master site plan approval.
To facilitate the provision of public facilities and utilities and to ensure
environmentally sensitive, safe, and reliable service, that is aesthetically
compatible with the surrounding land uses and results in reasonable
economic costs to consumers.
Policy 2-1: Promote when reasonably feasible co-location of new public
and private utility distribution facilities in shared trenches and coordination
of construction timing to minimize construction-related disruptions to the
public and reduce the cost to the public of utility delivery. Provide timely
effective notice to utilities to encourage coordination of public and private
utility trenching activities for new construction and maintenance and repair
of existing roads.
Policy 2-2' Promote the joint use of transportation rights of way and utility
corridors, where possible, provided that such joint use is consistent with
l~m-tations as may be prescribed by applicable law and prudent utility
practice
Policy 2-3' Require the undergrounding of a!I new electrical distribution
and communication lines where reasonably feasible. Encourage the
undergrounding of all existing electrical distribution and communication
lines when it is reasonably feasible Undergrounding shall be in
accordance with rates and tariffs applicable to the serving utility
June 28, 2005 Pa9~CiCft~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7.a
Policy 2-4. Require tl~e reasonable screening and/or architecturally
compatible integration of all new site specific above ground facilities
jchapter V, Section E, Goal 2J.
Public and private utility extensions proposed for extension into Tahofia Terra (and
eventually into the rest of the Southwest Yelm Annexation area) are-being coordinated
between the applicant, City staff and the appropriate private utility provider. All City
owned utilities (water, sewer, and reclaimed water) are being placed within new City
right-of-ways. Private utilities (power, gas, phone and cable) located within Tahoma
Terra are generally being installed parallel to new City right-of-way but located in private
utility easements on private property. R!I utilities are being installed underground
Tr;~nsportation
A transportation system that is compatible with neighboring cities,
Thurston County, Washington State, and other transportation providers.
Coordination GoalJ.
To encourage public participation in all transportation-related decisions.
The City has developed this transportation plan with the assistance of a
Transportation Advisory Committee. This committee includes
representatives of the City Council, Yelm Planning Commission, City staff,
Thurston Regional Planning Council, the Washington State Department of
Transportation, citizens-at-large and the business community. The City
established Phis committee to prepare this plan. The City will continue to
employ a similar committee to advise the Planning Commission and
periodically update the plan. The City will encourage public participation in
the transportation planning and design process through open workshops
and public hearings jCoordination Policy 7J
To coordinate planning, construction, and operations of transportation
facilities and programs. This will support and complement tl~e
transportation functions of the State, Thurston Regional Planning Council
(TRPC), adjacent counties, neighboring cities, Intercity Transit, and other
entities responsible for transportation facilities and services in the Yelm
Urban Growth Area This coordination will be achieved by.
/ Participating in the transportation-related activities of TRPC;
/ Working with other~urisdictions to plan, fund, and implement multi-
~unsdretiona! projects necessary to meet shared transportation
needs (including nght-of-way preservation and purchase), and
/ Making transportation decisions consistent with this transportation
plan and with the State, TRPC, and neighboring ~unsdretions.
/ The City will use data from the Thurston Regional Planning Council
to develop and plan transpoitat~on projects consistent with those
June 28, 2005 Pa9~~iE~t~~A ITEM i a
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ITEM 7 a
contained in this plan Yelm Comprehensive Transportation Plan
July 2001 Page 11. (Coordination Policy 2]
To cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions, Thurston and Pierce
Counties, and the Washington State Department of Transportation to
address regional transportation issues. These include: --
/ Regional air, rail and water transportation facilities and services;
/ Operation of and improvements to the state highway network;
/ Improvements to roadways connecting Yelm to the surrounding
region; including SR-510 to Lacey, SR-507 to Spanaway, and SR-
507 to Centralia;
/ Improved access to Fort Lewis and other employment centers;
/ Improved access to Interstate 5 through the Nisqually Valley area
or via other routes; and
/ Transit connections fo the region's urban centers.
/ Transportation facilities and services of statewide significance.
(Coordination Policy 3]
To coordinate planning and operation of Yelm's transportation system to
provide efficient and varied means of transportation, and service
connections and transfers at designated points. The City will coordinate
with Intercity Transit to provide transit connections between Yelm and
other parts of Thurston County. The City will open discussions with Pierce
Transit to learn the feasibility of providing service between Yelm and the
Pierce County urban centers. The City will provide facilities for pedestrians
and bicyclists on the City's street system (Coordination Policy 4]
Tahoma Terra has prepared a detailed Traffic Impact Analysis which explains how the
applicant has addressed the policies under this Goal Page 11 of the TIA describes the
inter-agency coordination between the City, WSDOT and TRPC and how Tahoma Terra
is implementing important aspects of these agency transportation recommendations.
Page 26 of the TIA analyzes and addresses "Non-Motorized Impacts" and how
multimodal improvements are being implemented to improve pedestrian safety A full
network of sidewalks and pathways are being proposed to encourage multimodal
opportunities In addition, the boulevard will accommodate transit stops for school and
public transit opportunities
All of the above information within the TIA is part of the public record for this subject
proposal and is available for public review and comment
June 28, 2005 Fa9~CiCfI~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
Ds~sign and Capacity
A well-maintained transportafion system that provides safe and cost-
effective movement of goods, services, and people. (Design and Capacity
Goal]
To adopt levels of service for roads and facilities and services that reflect
the preference of the community. The City has adopted levels of service
"D" and "C" for peak-hour traffic flow on roadways inside and outside the
commercial core, respectively These levels of service are based upon the
current edition of the Highway Capacity Manual. Comparable levels of
service will be adopted for other transportation services and facilities. The
City of Yelm affirms the establishment of LOS C/D mitigated for Highways
of Statewide Significance (HSS). Accompanying this plan are standards
for roadway construction to support development of adequate
transportation facilities throughout the City's Urban Growth Area. Specific
standards were developed in the technical appendix to the Yelm
Comprehensive Transportation Plan for acceptable levels of congestion,
safety, passenger movement, freight movemenf, and right-of--way
requirements. Specific "threshold levels" have been :established that
dictate which standards should apply to individual roads. These are based
on the projected level of use for each roadway in 20 years and its
relationship to the overall transportation system. (Design and Capacity
Policy 90]
ThE~ Tahoma Terra TIA identified critical intersections impacted by the proposal and
performed a Level of Service analysis consistent with the above policy. As a result, the
applicant's traffic engineer has proposed a series of needed road improvements to
ensure that Yelm's street network continues to operate at the acceptable levels of
service described above.
To classify Yelm's streets according to federal, state, regional, and local
guidelines Standards are included in the City of Yelm Functional
Classification System for roadway design, access, and other standards
necessary for development of an adequate transportation system in the
Yelm Urban Growth Area Roadways within the Yelm Urban Growth Area
wrll be designated following the 9990 edition of A Policy on Geometric
Design of Highways and Streets published by the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the gu~del~nes
of the Washington State Department of Transportation as mandated by
RCW 47 05.021 The Functional Classification system ~n Yelm will be
reviewed biennially during the update of this plan, with minor modifications
made annually as appropriate (Design and Capacity Policy 10J
June 28. 2005 Pa9~l~~f~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
The functional classification of the roadway network within Tahoma Terra has been
established based on the City's existing classification, which reflects this policy, and
more specifically with the adopted roadway cross sections depicted in Yelm's Public
Work Standards and Development Guidelines.
The primary road through the project has been classified as a major arterial and will be
a 4 lane boulevard with center turn lanes where necessary. This roadway will begin at
Yelm Avenue West (SR 510), make its way through Tahoma Terra and eventually
through the remaining portions of the Southwest Yelm Annexation area where it will
intersect with SR 507. This roadway is depicted in the City's 2001 Transportation Plan
and is intended to serve a growing population base and help relieve congestion at Yelm
Avenue and 1St Street.
Remaining roadways within Tahoma Terra will be a mix of neighborhood collectors and
local access streets based on the volume of expected traffic using those roadways.
To provide a highly interconnected network of streets and trails for ease
and variety of travel. The City of Yelm recognizes that increasing
connections throughout the City not only reduces traffic congestion but
also increases the sense of unity of the community. Therefore, the City will
limit the use of cul-de-sacs, dead-end streets, loops, and other designs
that form barriers. The City will seek to minimize impacts of through traffic
upon residential neighborhoods by employing narrow streets, curves,
indirect access routes, and other features. The City will encourage the use
of trails and other connections that provide ease of travel between
neighborhoods and community centers (Design and Capacity Policy 13]
Tahoma Terra is being laid out in a modified grid pattern, which provides multiple
access points, minimizes dead-ends and cul-de-sacs and creates an efficient
transportation system for service vehicles, emergency response vehicles and the
general public. Tahoma Terra will be required to provide additional street connections
to other adjacent parcels located within Yelm's Urban Growth Area to ensure Yelm's
connectivity policy is achieved.
To apply design standards that result
transportation facilities. The City seeks to
community. This will be done through
roadways and other facilities that include
compatible architecture and view corridors,
signage (Design and Capacity Policy 14j
~n attractive and functional
enhance the livability of the
design and construction of
landscaping, parkway trees,
and by minimizing obtrusive
The street designs shown on the conceptual master plan drawings are consistent with
the City's street design standards All roadways will contain planter strips and street
trees to improve the aesthetic value of the built environment Public open space areas
will also be extensively landscaped to enhance the livability of the community.
June 28, 2005
Pagg~.z~tf~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
To encourage travel by means other than the automobile and provide for
the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists throughout the Urban Growth
Area. The City will design and construct roadways that incorporate
features required by transit, school buses, trucks, bicycles, and pedestrian
facilities. These designs will be compatible with the City's functional
classification system. The City wilt promote transit by providing
accessibility through bus pullouts, pedestrian access to bus stops and bus
shelters The City also will seek to complete its sidewalk system and
pursue development of a network of off-road facilities for non-motorized
travel. jDesign and Capacity Policy 16]
Tahoma Terra is proposing an extensive network of sidewalks, pathways and trails
throughout the project to provide various alternatives to using a motor vehicle. In
addition, the new boulevard road will accommodate transit stops for school buses and
any future public transportation that may serve the area
To permit construction of private roads to assist with access to private
properties.. The City requires these roadways to meet the design
standards specified by City code and requires maintenance arrangements
for all private roads. The City does not maintain private roads. jDesign and
Capacity Policy 20J
Some limited portions of Tahoma Terra do propose to be served by private roads or
cornmercial driveway access. These roadways will be required to be designed with the
current version of the City's Public Works Standards and Development Guidelines.
A transportation system with minimal environmental impact and energy
consumption that provides for a high quality of life to be enjoyed by the
citizens jLand Use, Environmental, and Economy Goal)
To design transportation facilities within the Yelm Urban Growth Area that
minimize adverse environmental impacts resulting from both their
construction and operation The City of Yelm will fulfill this need by:
/ Considering environmental costs of development and operation of
the transportation system;
/ Aligning and locating transportation facilities away from
environmentally sensitive areas
/ Mitigating unavoidable environmental impacts wherever possible;
and soliciting and incorporating the concerns and comments of
interested parties. jLand Use, Environmental, and Economy Policy
23J
June 28, 2005 Pag f
~ ~ A ITF_M 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
The primary transportation facility within Tahoma Terra is the new boulevard style mayor
arterial as identified in the City's 2001 Transportation Plan. The alignment follows
closely the idea outlined in the Transportation Plan but was modified taking into account
the physical features and environmentally sensitive areas of the site The new
boulevard requires crossing Thompson Creek, but the location of the'~rossing was
chosen to minimize disturbance to critical areas. A wetland mitigation plan has been
incorporated into the proposal in order to enhance existing but degraded wetland areas
and further mitigate impacts to the crossing
To ensure that transportation system improvements are compatible with
adjacent land uses and to minimize potential conflicts. The City will
implement a functional classification system to ensure location of an
appropriate mix of traffic near compatible land uses. This includes
developing routes for commercial vehicle traffic away from residential
neighborhoods. The City will employ guidelines to.
/ Control access to roads from adjacent developments;
/ Route arterials and major collectors around neighborhoods to
minimize tragic impacts on residential areas;
/ Prevent new residential areas from fronting on arterials;
/ Provide landscaping and noise buffers along major roadways; and
/ Provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians and to access
transit. jLand Use, Environmental, and Economy Policy 24]
The new boulevard is consistent with the City's 2001 Transportation Plan and the City's
Land Use Plan for a Master Planned Community. Commercial areas are oriented
toward the arterial and residential neighborhoods are backed to the arterial. The new
arterial will be landscaped with planter strips and street trees which will help buffer noise
and other aesthetic impacts
To develop a transportation system that is compatible with the economic
and development goals of the City of Yelm. The transportation system will
allow for and promote the ongoing economic development and current
land use goal of the Yelm Urban Growth Area. The system will be
designed to provide ready access to all industrial and commercial areas of
the City jLand Use, Environmental, and Economy Policy 25]
The new boulevard is consistent with the City's 2001 Transportation Plan and will
increase traffic efficiency through Yelm
To direct the compatibility of land use with the recommended
transportation program in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Development of the plan's recommended improvements may encourage
development inconsistent with the current vision of land use shared by the
residents of the Urban Growth Area The City will promote construction of
June zs, zoo5 Pas~~~fl~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
commercial developments rn the Yelm Crty Center to foster this section of
the City as the economic core of the Urban Growth Area. Construction of
commercial development along the alternate routes around the City
Center wdl be limited to mirnm~ze potential traffic congestion. Traffic levels
through the core area wilt be maintained to support viable downtown
activities. (Land Use, Environmental, and Economy Policy 2sJ -
The siting of commercial development within Tahoma Terra is an appropriate part of a
mixed use Master Plan Development, however, the commercial element of the master
plan is limited in scale and types of permitted uses. The intent is to provide
opportunities for the residents of Tahoma Terra to acquire their day to day goods and
services without traveling to other parts of the City, thus preserving Yelm's economic
core in the center of the City for larger scale development while at the same time
minimizing potential traffic congestion.
Responsible funding of needed transportation system improvements with
public and private sector participation. jPriorities and Financing GaalJ
To secure adequate long-term funding sources for transportation through
a variety of methods. These methods may include:
/ Encouraging public/private partnerships for financing transportation
projects that remedy existing transportation problems, or that foster
economic growth in the Yelm area;
/ Taking advantage of state funds, such as the Transportation
Improvement Account (TlA), and the Public Works Trust Fund
(PWTF);
/ Encouraging the use of Local Improvement Districts (LID) by
property owners to upgrade roads to meet City road standards;
/ Requiring impact mitigation payments or seeking voluntary
contributions from developers; and
/ Seeking funding from the federal Transportation Efficiency Act for
the 21st Century (TEA-27). jPrior~ties and Financing Policy 30J
Tahoma Terra is a partner with the City of Yelm in assisting with implementation of a
portion of the 2001 Transportation Flan. Specifically, Tahoma Terra is participating in
the funding and construction of the transportation improvement known as Y7, the new
boulevard that will link Yelm Avenue West (SR 510) to 1St Street around the City core
This road improvement will include the installation of a traffic signal at Yelm Avenue (SR
51 G) and Killion Road, the realignment of Killion Road, and the extension of Killion Road
to the development, as a major arterial This improvement is being proposed to be
constructed as part of a local improvement district In addition, Tahoma Terra will be
privately funding transportation improvements on portions of the existing transportation
system and contributing transportation mitigation fees through the City's Concurrency
Management Code, YMC 15 40
June 28 2005 Pag~~~tt~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
To ensure that any transportation improvements or strategies required to
mitigate impacts are constructed or financed concurrent with development.
The City requires either a construction or financial commitment for
necessary transportation improvements from the private or public sector
within six years of a development. To monitor these commitments, the City
will adopt a Concurrency Management Program. This program includes
the following:
/ Annual monitoring of key transportation facilities within updates to
the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP);
/ Assessing level of service;
/ Identifying facility deficiencies;
/ Reviewing comprehensive transportation plan and other related
studies for necessary improvements; and
/ Making appropriate revisions to the Six-Year TIP.
/ Complying with H81487 and WSDOT for coordinated planning for
transportation facilities and services of statewide significance.
(Priorities and Financing Policy 33J
The applicant demonstrated through the environmental review process that the
transportation system, with improvements required by Tahoma Terra, will accommodate
the development and maintain acceptable levels of service for current and future
residents of Yelm
To share the responsibility of mitigating development impacts between the
public and private sector. The City will require that developers contribute
their fair share toward transportation improvements required by
development. Impact mitigation efforts may include
/ Requ-nng developers to assist in providing additional transportation
facilities and services in proportion to the impacts and needs
generated by development; and
/ Encouraging developers to design projects that generate less
traffic. (Priorities and Financing Policy 34J
The Mitigated Determination of Non-significance requires Tahoma Terra to make a
financial commitment to address the transportation impacts created by the proposal and
provide both improvements to existing transportation facilities and new transportation
facilities consistent with the 2001 Transportation Plan
To cooperate with private investors to provide for recovery of facility
improvement costs attributable to other development The City will enter
into latecomer agreements where substantial investments are made by
one party that legitimately should be reimbursed by others. Such
June 28, 2005 Pa9~l~Cft~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
agreements wit/ be at the discretion of the Crty Council Cost recovery will
not be provided for facility extension to neighboring property required by
application of a uniform policy or standard of the City. (Priorities and
Financing Policy 35J
Thee eventual construction of the Y7 fmprovement between Yelm Avenue West (SR 510)
and SR 507 will help improve regional traffic circulation through Yelm and relieve
congestion at the intersection of Yelm Avenue and 15f Street Consideration for a
latecomers agreement for this improvement is appropriate.
Parks and Open Space
All of Yelm Urban Growth Area. Adequate recreation and park facilities
should be developed and improved to provide a broad range of
recreational facilities which meet the needs of the Yelm community.
(Chapter Vll, Section 3.a.iiJ
Objectives.
(t) Encourage the development of recreational facilities and programs
on public properties near residential populations.
(2) Encourage facilities that consider safety and maintainability as a
prime consideration in development.
(3) Design facilities to accommodate the physically handicapped and
the elderly.
(4) All developments should emphasize landscaping and greenbelts
which are compatible with local values.
(5) Develop methods of funding for the construction and maintenance
of recreational facilities.
(6) Avoid the development of recreational facilities in hazardous areas
or those that are known to be inundated by water.
(7) Provide facilities for the use and enjoyment by the greatest number
of residents of the community. (Chapter Vll, Section 3.bJ
Levels of Service. The levels of service for neighborhood and community
park and recreation facilities shall be 5 acres of land per 1,000 populat-on,
or the cash equivalent thereof, which together shall be used to acquire
and develop park space to serve the community The precise funding shalt
be set forth in the development standards adopted to implement this
chapter The level of sere-ce for regional parks and open space programs
shall be identified by the County (Chapter Vll, Section 5J
The proposed open space plan meets the objectives listed above, as formal recreational
improvements will be developed, the improvements will be designed with safety and
maintainability in mind, they will take into account the laws regarding Americans with
June 28, 2005 Pag~7-2~f~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
Disabilities, landscaping will be consistent with the local climate and native soil
conditions and finally, a wide range of facilities are proposed that will be enjoyed by a
varied range of Yelm's citizens. _
Based on a projected number of between 880 and 1,200 new housing units within
Tahoma Terra, between 2,000 and 2,800 new residents would be expected to live in the
community The City's level of service policy calls for five acres of open space per
1,000 projected population According to this formula, Tahoma Terra would be required
to provide between 10 and 14 acres of open space suitable for active recreational
opportunities. The proposal includes approximately 60 acres of open space and well
over 14 acres of improved, active recreational open space.
As a Master Plan Development, the land use goals require a higher level of service
standard that includes a minimum of twenty five percent of the total land area set aside
in permanent public open space. Tahoma Terra proposes approximately 60 acres of
open space (27% of the total area) that will be developed into a mix of active and
passive recreational amenities.
Recognizing that new residents of the community will create a demand for City
recreational facilities, small neighborhood `pocket' parks should be constructed within
each development within Tahoma Terra prior to final subdivision approval. A ratio of
one 'pocket' park for every 50 residential units is needed to meet the immediate level of
service demand for subdivisions. Larger `community' parks of between '/z acre and 5
acres which are centrally located may be substituted for half the required `pocket' parks
at a ratio of 1 acre for every 50 lots. The proposed community park and its associated
recreational amenities are intended to meet the regional level of service demand and
shall be implemented and ready to use consistent with the open space enhancement
plan prior to final subdivision approval of the subdivision containing the 217th residential
lot 'Pocket' parks shall be distributed conveniently throughout each subsequent
development
Siting Essential Public Facilities
In order to provide a rational and fair process for siting public capital
facilities that every community needs, but which have impacts that make
them difficult to site, Thurston County and each city and town will
4 1 Cooperatively establish a process for identifying and siting within
their boundaries public capital facilities of a county-wide and state-
wide nature which have a potential for impact beyond jurisdictional
boundaries The process will include public involvement at early
stages. These are facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as
airports, terminal facilities, state educational facilities, state or
regional transportation facilities, state and local correctional
facilities, solid waste handling faalities, and in-patient facilities
June 28, 2005 Pe9HCit~t~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
including substance abuse facilities, mental health facil~t~es, and
group homes.
4.2 Base deasions on siting county-wide and state-wide public capital
fac~ht~es on the jurisdiction's adopted plans, zoning and
environmental regulations, and the following general criteria:
a. County-wide and state-wide public capital facilities shall not
have any probable significant adverse impact on lands
designated as critical areas or resource lands; and
b. Major public facilities that generate substantial traffic should
be sited near major transportation corridors. (Chapter IXj
Tahoma Terra is located within and represents a relatively small portion of the
Southwest Yelm Sub-area. The location of Essential Public Facilities are not required
within the Tahoma Terra project limits, but may be required for the development of other
portions of the SW Ye1m Sub-area.
The Yelm Police Department is currently located in a facility that is substandard and
beyond its useful life. The Yelm Capital Facilities Plan identifies a need to replace this
facility. The City proposes and the applicant has agreed to participate in a voluntary
mitigation agreement that provides a Police Facility Charge for each new housing unit
constructed to help off-set impacts to law enforcement agencies.
Environment
Natural Environment Goals and Policies. The City of Yelm recognizes that
the natural environment is important for the following reasons:
/ It provides habitat for wildlife and plant life,
/ It creates a positive casual image and open space;
/ It provides opportunities for recreation;
/ It ~s part of the City's surface water management system and water
supply, and
/ It is cost effective public policy.
The merits and costs of environmental actions must be weighed and
balanced against other important demands, such as public safety and
recreation, housing, public infrastructure, and economic development
Land use and development practices need to be compatible with the
variety of environmental conditions. As a general rule, the City should
protect the natural environment rather than try to overcome its limitations
for development. (Chapter Xll]
June 28, 2005 Pa9~~~`I~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM l.a
Protect the natural environment and preserve environmentally sensitive
areas
Promote quality building and development that is compatible -with the
surrounding environment. jChapterXll, Goal)
The C-ty should work with adjacent jurisdictions, state, federal, and
regional agencies to protect sensitive areas and the City's natural
environment.
Protect and restore environmental quality through land use plans, surface
water management plans and programs, comprehensive park plans, and
development review.
Develop regulations and programs that encourage well-designed land use
patterns such as clustering, low impact development, and planned unit
development. Use these types of land use patterns to concentrate higher
urban land use densities and intensity of uses in areas with
environmentally sensitive features. jChapterXll, Policies]
Yelm has several shorelines and abutting floodplains in or adjacent to the
urban area, including Yelm Creek, Thompson Creek, the Centralia Power
Canal, and the Nisqually River. The Nisqually River is host to a number of
fish species and runs, which are dependent upon the water quality of the
River and its tributary and riparian (stream side) areas. Yelm also has
several wetland areas (shown on the critical areas maps), which form the
headwaters of the two Creeks, and are indicative of the groundwater
levels and proximity to the surface. Additionally, Yelm has an unprotected
aquifer which underl-es most of the urban area The City's wells, and many
private wells, use the aquifer for water supply. The water quality in the
urban area is important for both public and environmental health reasons,
and it is the policy of the City to provide methods and incentives for
ongoing protection and enhancement within the urban area. Specific
policies or programs shall be used to accomplish the necessary
protection. jChapterXll, Wafer Resources]
The City of Yelm's Critical Areas Code requires the identification and protection of
surface and ground waters The project proposal is on the site of the former Dragt
Family Dairy that was an active dairy farm for many years and which ceased operation
in 1993 The environmental documents indicate that surface waters have been
identified on the site and include Thompson Creek, a seasonal Type F (fishbearing)
stream, and there are wetlands associated with this stream. The former and ongoing
agricultural activities have caused degradation to the site's surface water systems and
an enhancement plan has been prepared to improve the described surface waters and
the wetland functions and values
June 28, 2005 Pag~25~f(~~A ITEM 7 a
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ITEM 7 a
The aquifer recharge area in Yelm covers the entire City These areas are
characterized by highly pervious glacial soils which drain rapidly into the
underlying water table. These areas are classified primarily as Category 7,
extremely sensitive with small pockets of Category 2, highly serisrtive in
fhe southwestern portion of the city. Typical activities associated with land
development, such as clearing and grading and stormwater management,
affect the natural hydrologic cycle. All of these activities decrease the
land's ability to absorb and retain water and increases the possibility of
contamination. (Chapter Xll, Aquifer Recharge Areas (Groundwater))
Protect the quality, and manage the quantity of groundwater for all uses in
the present and the future.
Encourage measures that improve surface water management. (Chapter
Xll, Aquifer Recharge Areas (Groundwater), Goals]
Where feasible, development within the urban area should be on sewers
with areuse/recycling discharge to reduce the potential for contamination
of the aquifer and the abutting surface streams.
stormwater policies shauld require treatment of stormwater on site using
swales, ponds, and other detention and conveyance facilities, together
with, or in combination with, biofiltration prior to discharge to either
groundwater or surface water to minimize or eliminate contaminants from
the stormwater.
Implementation of the policies and programs of the sewer and water
comprehensive plans.
The City of Yelm shall seek to prevent groundwater contamination by
protecting the entire resource as effectively as possible, but within the
limits of what rs acceptable and affordable to the community.
The City of YeJm shall strive to assure that preventive actions are taken to
protect water qualify from further degradation and that the City, rn
cooperation with the Department of Ecology, will promote corrective
actions rn areas where degradation has occurred so that the net effect is a
gradual improvement of the ground and surface water quality. (Chapter
Xll, Aquifer Recharge Areas (Groundwater), Polices]
The City of Yelm is identified as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area, a designated
environmentally sensitive area Potential impacts to groundwater quality and quantity
will be mitigated through the implementation of standards that are technically equivalent
~u~e za, zoos Pa9~~~f(~~A fTEM 7 a
Page 74 of 142
ITEM 7 a
to the Department of Ecology stormwater manual as adopted by the City of Yelm, which
is currently the 1992 manual.
The City has adopted the Department of Ecology Drainage Design Manual, which
requires that stormwater generated from roadways and parking facilities be treated for
oils, sediments, and heavy metals before infiltration.
The neighborhood commercial element of the Master Plan Development allows uses
that could potentially generate hazardous materials and/or fats, oil, and greases.
Existing regulations require grease interceptors and hazardous material containment
facilities where appropriate.
The applicant has proposed to utilize 'rain gardens' as the stormwater treatment
method. This treatment method has been approved by the Washington Department of
Ecology for the treatment of oils and sediments and is an appropriate method of
stormwater treatment in the proposed application, treating the stormwater collected from
public streets.
Wetlands are a valuable natural resource. They receive surface water
from surrounding areas and titter pollutants entering the system. By
storing floodwaters, wetlands reduce flooding and downstream erosion;
trap and absorb sediments; and help protect wafer quality. Wetlands
discharge water to aquifers and streams and help replenish groundwater
The City of Yelm is located within the Nisqually drainage basin. There are
two streams that run through the city, Yelm Creek and Thompson Creek.
Over the years, both Yelm Creek and Thompson Creek have experienced
ecological degradation from the loss of shade trees, invasion of plant
species like reed canary grass and nightshade, and repetitive dredging.
jChapterXll, Wetlands and Streams]
Achieve no net loss of wetlands and increase the quality of Yelm's wetland
resources through the application of best available science
Protect, resfore, and enhance the City's streams jChapter Xll, Wetlands
and Streams, Goals)
Construction sites shall be required to demonstrate construction period
stormwater protection to prevent turbidity and siltation for affecting surface
waters in the area
Wetlands, streams, and their associated buffers shall not be used for
construction purposes, except where necessary for stormwater control
and utility and transportation connections. Where such control or
connections are permitted, regulations must identify steps to assure no
degradation to ground or surface water.
June is, 2005 Pas~,~~ft~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 75 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Update and ut-t-ze Yelm's wetland protection legislation to ensure
protection of Yelm's wetland resources through use of techniques
cons-dered to be best ava-lable science.
Utilize the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' definition of wetlands, and also
the definition of DNR Type 2-5 waters, which cover Yelm's stream
corridors.
Utilize the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service definition of "wetlands" for
purposes of inventory, incentives, and non-regulatory programs.
Wetlands, rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes should be viewed as systems
and not as isolated units.
The valuable natural functions of wetlands and stream corridors, such as
habitat and water quality, should be protected by maintaining an
undisturbed or restored native vegetated buffer and by prohibiting frlling,
draining, and clearing within wetlands and adjacent fish bearing streams
and their buffers. Physical alterations should be minimized except where
restoring the natural functions.
The City may regulate private development and public actions to protect
water quality and to ensure adequate in-stream flow to protect fisheries,
wildlife habitat, and recreation resources.
Retain existing open surface water systems in a natural state and
rehabilitate degraded conditions.
Restrict the runoff rate and quality to predevelopment levels for all new
development and redevelopment. (Chapter Xll, Wetlands and Streams,
Policies]
As noted previously, the proposal includes a wetland and surface water enhancement
plan that mitigates the impacts of the previous uses of the property and restores
appropriate wetland functions and values to the surface water system on the property.
Development in flood plarns reduces the sforage capacity and increases
the amount of runoff. Increased runoff overtaxes bofh natural and man-
made conveyance systems and leads to damage of public and private
property. Over the last five years, the City of Yelm has collected
substantial information on Yelm Creek and it's floodplain. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency conducted a Yelm Creek Study and
issued a new Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) in June of 1999. A Yelm
Creek Comprehens-ve Flood Hazard Management Plan was adopted in
June 28, 2005 Pas~~~I~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 76 or .42
ITEM 7 a
July of 2001 Bofh products incorporated the use of best available science.
(ChapterXll, Frequently Flooded Areas)
Prevent the loss of life and property in frequently flooded areas. (Chapter
Xll, Frequently Flooded Areas, Goals)
The City adopts the FEMA flood hazard maps for reference purposes and
any development in a flood plain must be consistent with FEMA
guidelines, and such additional regulations as adopted by the City. Filling
floodplains is discouraged unless necessary to meet a public purpose. No
development should be allowed in any floodway.
Regulations of these lands should promote efficient use of the land and
water resources by allocating frequently flooded areas fo the uses for
which they are best suited, and to discourage obstructions to flood-flows
or uses which pollute or deteriorate natural waters and wafer courses.
Life and property should be protected from flood hazards, and the flood
storage and transmission capacity of rivers and streams should be
retained.
Protect natural flood storage and conveyance through the development
and implementation of plans and regulations that reduce flood impacts.
(ChapterXll, Frequently Flooded Areas, Policies]
The environmental documents indicate there is a limited area designated as a 100-year
flood plain and a potential high groundwater flooding area associated with Thompson
Creek. Life and property will be protected from these flood hazard areas through the
implementation of the wetland and surface water enhancement plan prepared as part of
the proposed development The enhancement plan includes passive recreation
improvements within the floodplain, and the boulevard will include two bridge crossings
of Thompson Creek. These improvements will be designed so as to not increase the
base flood elevation or restrict the movement of floodwaters. Passive recreational
structures and improvements within the floodplain should be resistant to flood damage
Yelm has a few areas identified as steep slopes and volcanic hazards,
which occur along portions of the Centralia Power Canal and Yelm Creek
(see Critical Areas Map #6). The City will need to develop guidelines for
specific geologic issues (Chapter Xll, Geologic and Volcanic Hazard
Zones)
To designate and regulate development on lands having identified
geologic hazards fo protect the health and safety of persons and property,
and to avoid other adverse impacts of erosion, landslide, and other
June 28, 2005 Pag~28~f~~A ITEM 7 a
li Page 77 of 142
ITEM 7 a
geologic hazards. (Chapter Xll, Geologic and Volcanic Hazard Zones,
Goal)
Develop implementing legislation, based upon best available science, with
specific requirements for analysis of geologically sensitive areas and
application of specific development standards to prevent erosion and
landslide hazard
The City will continue to gather and review seismic hazard data for the
area to better assess specific seismic hazard areas (those areas more
sensitive than others because of geological parameters). The City will
consider development of additional requirements associated with Uniform
Building Code review for buildings in Yelm's most sensitive earthquake
hazard areas. (Chapter Xll, Geologic and Volcanic Hazard Zones,
Policies]
The environmental documents indicate that the property is composed of soils and
substrates that are suitable for building and for stormwater infiltration. These soils will
be managed on-site to provide a source of base material needed for roadway and
building construction. Approximately 250,000 cubic yards of material has been
identified that will be screened and processed (crushed) to balance the earthwork needs
on the site. Potential geologic hazard areas located on the site will be protected
through the requirement of a geotechnical report prior to final Master Site Plan approval
which only allows activities which: will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to
adjacent properties beyond pre-development conditions; will not adversely impact other
critical areas; and are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or
mitigated to a level equal to or less than pre-development conditions; and are certified
as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist.
Yelm does not have identified priority habitats and species within the
Urban Growth Area, but is on land near the Nisqually River which provides
important habitat and wildlife areas, in addition to the scattered locations
of oak habitat (see Critical Areas Map #5). Shoreline and development
regulations, and project-level SEPA reviews shall be used to assure that
development within the Urban Growth Area does not adversely affect
abutting wrldl~fe and fish habitat outsrde the urban area. Inside the urban
area, development regulations should provide incentives for wetland and
habitat enhancement. Yelm Creek and Thompson Creek provide
opportunities for such enhancement within the Urban Growth Area
Wetland and wildlife enhancement should not extend beyond the specified
wetland buffer, however, rf to do so would reduce densities below those
specified in the development regulations. It rs important that Yelm obtain
and promote urban densities rn the urban areas to reduce development
pressure outsrde the urban areas. Any development directly affecfing the
Nisqually River shall be reviewed for consistency with applicable State,
June 28, 2005 Qag~~~f(~~q ITEM 7 a
Page 78 of 142
ITEM 7 a
County, and other habitat management programs. Urban landscapes are
valuable supplements to natural areas in providing habitat for a wide
variety of wildlife. The loss of natural wildlife habitat to urban development
can be partially offset by landscaping that includes a variety of native
plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife. Native plants are generally
well adapted to the soils and climate of the area and many species can
flourish without much watering or fertilization. (Chapter Xll, Fish and
Wildlife Habitat Areas]
Preserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
Provide fish and wildlife habitat of sufficient diversity and abundance to
sustain exisfing indigenous wildlife populations. (Chapter Xll, Fish and
Wildlife Habitat Areas, Goalsj
The city should preserve and enhance native vegetation in riparian
habitat, and wherever possible.
The City should manage aquatic and riparian (stream side) habitat in away
that minimizes its alteration in order to preserve and enhance its ability to
sustain fish and wildlife.
The City should encourage residents and businesses to use native plants
in residential and commercial landscaping (Chapter Xll, Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Areas, Goals]
The environmental documents indicate that there are some plant/animal priority species
and habitats in the vicinity of the project site The predominant Oak Woodland and
Shore Pine plant communities are located along the Thompson Creek corridor and
associated wetlands, which are areas being enhanced for open space preservation
The animal species have been determined to only frequent the area for occasional
feeding and do not use the site for breeding or nesting The project proposal is not
expected to have a significant impact on priority plant or animal species and habitats
Air quality is an increasing problem rn the Pacific Northwest Numerous
federal, state, and regional agencies enact and enforce legislation to
protect air quality Locally air pollution sources are from. motor vehicles,
indoor and outdoor burning, industrial operations, and land clearing and
grading (Chapter Xll, Air Quality]
Protect air quality. (Chapter Xll, Air Quality, Goal]
Support state and federal air quality standards and the regulation of
activities that emit air pollutants.
June 28, 2005 Pag~31~f~5,A ITEM 7 a
C~ PLaJge 79 of 1 ~2
ITEM 7 a
Encourage transportation demand management and commute trip
reduction in order to reduce energy consumption and air pollution.
(ChapterXll, Air Quality, Polic~esj
There is no indication in any of the environmental documents that there will be any
potential long term significant impacts to air quality from the proposed development.
Snort term impacts will be related to heavy equipment exhaust and dust generated from
gr<~ding and rock processing activities The use of best management practices for air
control will be required.
Noise pollution can be harmful to the general public's health and welfare.
Noise is primarily generated by.~ industrial uses, vehicle traffic, and
construction activities. (Chapter Xll, Noisej
Control the level of noise pollution in a manner that promotes the use,
value, and enjoyment of property in an urban environment. (Chapter Xll,
Noise, Goalj
Use state standards to ensure that excessive noise does not impair the
permitted land use activities in residential, commercial, and industrial land
use districts. (Chapter Xll, Noise, Policy)
The environmental checklist indicates temporary noise and dust would be generated
from construction vehicles throughout the construction phases of this project
Construction related activity shall comply with all current State and local statutes and
best management practices
June 28. 2005 Pag~3ZEnt~~A ITEM 7 c~
ll~ Page 80 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Water Rights
The annexation of the Southwest Yelm Annexation area was subject to a water rights
agreement. At the time of annexation and at present, the City does not own sufficient
water rights to serve the build out of the Southwest Yelm Annexation area As part of
the annexation, the property owners within the annexation area agreed to allow the City
to construct test wells on the Thurston Highlands property (the~1,200 acres south of the
subject property) and to allow the City to apply to the Washington Department for water
rights on the Highlands property in order to serve subsequent development of the
annexation area and the Yelm urban growth area.
Although the City has not been issued additional water rights by the Washington
Department of Ecology at this time, Tahoma Terra has water rights that were associated
with the previous use of the property as a dairy. The applicant has assigned these
water rights to the City of Yelm in order to develop the property as a Master Plan
Development, as intended at the time of annexation. The City has applied to the
Department of Ecology to transfer these water rights to the City, at which time the City
would provide domestic water for the development of Tahoma Terra.
The water rights from the dairy, however, are not sufficient to provide water for the
entire proposed Master Plan Development and additional water rights will have to be
transferred to the City to provide for full build-out of the development.
The previous owner of the subject property participated in the local improvement district,
however, and purchased sewer connections through the LID. The City will, therefore,
provide water and sewer connections for the first 89 residential units within the
proposed Master Plan Development prior to the water rights transfer being finalized,
provided that the rights for these connections are ultimately provided by Tahoma Terra.
June 28, 2005 Pagg 3~,nr~~A ITEM 7 a
HC~C Page 81 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
Community Development Department Recommendation
A The applicant has established that the request for conceptual master plan
approval satisfies all criteria set forth in Section 17.62 YMC, and meets all other
requirements of the Yelm Municipal Code. Therefore, the coneept~al master
plan should be approved subject to the following conditions: -
The conditions of the Mitigated Determination of Non-significance are
hereby referenced and are considered conditions of this approval.
2 The average density of the proposal be not less than four dwelling units
per net developable acre within each final master plan area, consistent
with Growth Management policies.
3. Proposed neighborhood commercial areas shall be centrally located within
the master plan development and shall be screened from residential
neighborhoods
4. A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the site) shall be set aside as permanent
open space with a variety of active and passive recreational
improvements. An area within the identified open space equivalent to five
percent of the gross area of each final master site plan application shall be
identified and improved within the community park area as part of each
final master site plan approval and implementation.
5 A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the total land area) shall accommodate
medium and high density residential development. This can be
accomplished through all four proposed land use designations.
6 Prior to approval of any residential development west of Thompson Creek,
the neighborhood commercial center should be improved and ready for
the construction of commercial buildings Improved means that any
applicable land use or land division approvals have been issued and all
required site improvements for the land use or land division approval has
been completed
7 For every 300 single family detached, duplex, or town home dwelling
units, 48 multi-family units shall be constructed The multi-family dwelling
units required to meet the prescribed ratio shall be under construction
prior to issuance of building permits for the next block of single family
dwelling, duplex, or town home dwelling units
8 Prior to approval of any development within a final master site plan
approval area, the applicant shall prepare an infrastructure plan that
includes water, sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and streets The plan
June 28, 2005 Fa9~U~~t~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 82 of 142
ITEM 7 a
shall be consistent with the Capital Facilities Plans for the City and shall
include sufficient design detail in order to review subsequent development
approvals. The plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City prior
to the issuance of building permits for dwellings or commercial buildings
within each approved development within a final master plan~area.
9. Each final master plan shall include provisions for a full network of
sidewalks and pathways throughout the master plan to encourage
multimodal opportunities. The boulevard shall accommodate transit stops
for school and public transit opportunities.
10. Each final master plan application shall provide for the continuation of
streets within the Yelm Urban Growth Area pursuant to the polices of the
Comprehensive Plan.
11. A minimum of 55 acres (25% of the site) shall be identified as permanent
open space with a variety of formal and informal recreational
improvements. Prior to dwelling construction in any development, land
equivalent to five percent of the gross area of each Final Master Plan area
shall be developed within the community park area
12. Every final master plan shall include provisions for one pocket park for
every 50 residential units within a neighborhood. Larger `community'
parks of between '/2 acre and 5 acres which are centrally located may be
substituted for half the required `pocket' parks at a ratio of 1 acre for every
50 lots.
rune za, zoo5 Pa9i~,~~fr~~A ITEM 7 a
Page 83 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 84 of 142
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YELM
WAIIHINCTON
STAFF REPORT ITEM 7 a
City of Yelm
Community Development Department
Case Number: MPD-05-0067-YL
Applicant: Tahoma Terra LLC
4200 6th Avenue SE, Suite 301
Lacey, WA 98503
Agent: Steve Chamberlain, P.E.
Request: Final Master Site Plan Approval
Recommendation: Approval
Proposal
Tahoma Terra LLC has made application for a final master site plan on the portion of
the Tahoma Terra Master Plan Development located east of Thompson Creek.
The final master site plan includes two divisions identified for residential subdivisions of
which include up to 216 single family lots, a neighborhood commercial area, a
townhome development, and community open space.
Public Notices
A Notice of Application was mailed to local and state agencies, and surrounding
property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject site on April 1, 2005 This notice was
also posted at City Hall on the same date and posted on the City of Yelm web site on
April 26
The Mitigated Determination of Non-significance was mailed to agencies with
jurisdiction and environmental expertise on May 26, 2005. This determination was also
posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site on the same date, and published in
the Nisqually Valley News on May 27
A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to the applicant and parties of record on June 20,
2005. This notice was also posted at City Hall and on the City of Yelm web site on the
same date, and published in the Nisqually Valley News on June 24, 2005.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 85 of 14~
ITEM 7.a.
State Environmental Policy Act
The City's SEPA Responsible Official issued and published a Mitigated Determination of
Non-Significance on May 24, 2005, based on Section 197-11-158 WAC. This Mitigated
Determination of Non-Significance is based on the project as proposed and the impacts
and potential m~tigat~on measures reflected m the applicant's environmental documents
In addition, pursuant to Section 197-11-754 WAC, the following documents were
adopted by reference:
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, January 1995, City of Yelm
Comprehensive Plan and Joint Plan with Thurston County.
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, March 1993, Southwest Yelm
Annexation.
/ Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Yelm
Annexation, July 1994, Thurston Highlands Master Plan Application
/ Environmental Checklist and Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance,
September 1999, Prairie View Master Plan.
/ Critical Areas Study, December 1997, IES Associates
Environmental documents submitted as part of the application include:
/ Expanded Environmental Checklist, March 2005, SCA Consulting Group
/ Updated Wetlands Analysis, March 2005, The Coot Company
/ Preliminary Drainage and Erosion Control Report, March 2005, SCA Consulting
Group
/ Transportation Impact Analysis, February 2005, Transportation Engineering NW
The MDNS contained the following conditions:
The developer shall mitigate transportation impacts through the payment of a
transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to Chapter 15.40 YMC. The fee
shall be paid at the time of building permit issuance
2 The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation improvements
~ Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the applicant shall
reconstruct Longm~re Street to a modified collector standard from the project
entry to Yelm Avenue West (SR 510)
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 90th peak P M trip generated from the project, the
applicant shall construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-
510) at the Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 513th peak P M. trip generated from the project,
JunF~ 2a, 2005 Pi~~~I~jA ITEM 7 a
Page 86 of 142
ITEM 7 a
construction of the Killion Road Boulevard extension from the property to
Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) along with the realignment of Killion Road, a
traffic signal, and left turn lanes on all four legs of the intersection with
sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes generated by the
project.
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip generated from the project,
reconstruct Mosman Avenue to modified collector standards from Longmire
Street to 1st Avenue (SR-507) and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue
intersection to include realignment and a center left-turn lane on 1st Avenue
(SR-507) with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes
generated by the project.
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,301st peak P.M. trip generated from the project, define
and construct the Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and
Solberg Street OR; continue the Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston
Highlands property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated with Yelm
Avenue (SR 510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be submitted to the Washington
Department of Transportation and the City of Yelm for review and approval and
all required improvements shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to
approved plans, and inspected and approved by the City of Yelm and
Washington Department of Transportation.
3. To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface waters, plant
communities and animal communities along the Thompson Creek corridor and its
associated wetlands, the applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement
plan to improve the surface water features of the site for both habitat and
recreation purposes. Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a schedule for
implementing improvements tied to the number of dwelling units of each
subdivision within the Master Planned Community.
4 The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community Schools to
mitigate project impacts to the School District.
5 Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
beyond the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water rights to the City of Yelm
sufficient to serve the proposed use within that area of the final master site plan
and the first 89 lots The conveyance shall be made to the City through a water
nghts agreement between Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm. This
condition is not applicable if the City obtains water rights through the Department
of Ecology which are sufficient to serve the projected density of the City, its urban
growth area, and the subject property
June 28, 2005 p f
,~~~1~A ITEM 7 a
Page 87 of 142
ITEM 7 a
6 Prior to disturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the applicant shall
submit to the City of Yefm Community Development Department a geotechnical
report that identifies established best management practices for all activity within
the geologic hazard areas and only a{lows activities which.
/ will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties
beyond pre-development conditions;
/ will not adversely impact other critical areas;
/ are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a
level equal to or less than pre-development conditions,
/ are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist
7. Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall enter into a mitigation
agreement with the City of Yelm which includes a mitigation fee toward the
replacement of a police station required to be expanded in order to serve the
proposed development. The mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's
aliquot impact on the need for replacement police station, which is $310 per
housing unit.
Conceptual Master Plan Approval
The Community Development Department has recommended approval of the
conceptual master site plan, with conditions to ensure that the conceptual plan is
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
ThE~ final master site plan for the portion of the property east of Thompson Creek is
compatible with the recommendation on the Conceptual approval, provided that the
Final Master Plan Development Guidelines are adopted through the approval of the final
master site plan.
These Guidelines ensure that the development of the final master site plan area through
the land use permitting process (subdivisions, binding site plan, townhome
developments, planned residential developments, and commercial site plan reviews) is
consistent with the conceptual site plan approval and the City's Comprehensive Plan
SpE~cifically, the Final Master Plan Development Guidelines modify the City's standards
for development, including those development regulations found m the Zoning Code
(Title 17 YMC), the Subdivision Code (Title 16 YMC), Critical Areas and Resource
Lands (Title 14 08 YMC), the Development Guidelines (Chapter 15.48 YMC), and the
Design Guidelines for commercial development
For example, the front yard setback in the final master site plan area for residential
single family dwellings is proposed to be 10 feet instead of 15 feet within this phase of
Tahoma Terra
June 28, 2005 p,~~;~1~A ITEM 7 a
Page 88 ofi 147
ITEM 7 a
The Final Master Plan Development Guidelines do not modify the permitting process,
enforcement, uses within zoning districts, or other portions of the Yelm Municipal Code
that relate to the home buyers or business owners within the development. The
Guidelines are meant to govern the developer and building to ensure the built
community is consistent with the conceptual plan, which has been `reviewed for
consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Community Development Department Recommendation
The applicant has established that the request for final master site plan approval
satisfies all criteria set forth in Section 17.62 YMC, and meets all other requirements of
the Yelm Municipal Code. Therefore, the final master site plan should be approved and
the attached Tahoma Terra Final Master Plan Development Guidelines should be
adopted.
June 28, 2005 P f
~~~I~A ITEM 7 a
Page 89 of 142
ITEM 7.a
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 90 of 142
~~~ ~"~A~ City o f Yelm ITEM 7.a
~~~ N
°' `~ ~' Tahoma Terra Final Master Plan
c4
'~ f
`t~'M Development Guidelines
~,-~:
YELM _
wasMitacTON
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................... .............................. .............................................. 1
Purpose ........................ ........................................... ................................................. 2
Low Density Residential (R4-6) .................................... ............................................... 3
Moderate Density Residential (R6-10) .......................... .................................................. 5
Neighborhood Commercial ........................................... .................................................. 7
Streets and Pedestrian Mobility .................................... .................................................. 9
Potable Water ............................................................... ................................................ 11
Sanitary Sewer .............................................................. ................................................ 11
Reclaimed Water ........................................................... ................................................ 11
Sto rmwate r .................................................................... ................................................ 11
Landscaping ................................................................ ................................................ 12
Parks and Recreation ................................................... ............................................ 13
Figure 1 -Final Master Site Plan ............................... ................................................14
Figure 2 -Street Standards ....................................... ...............................................15
Figure 3 -Street Light Standards ............................. ..........................................16
Figure 4 -Street Light Pole Specifications ................. ............................................17
Figure 5 -Conceptual Landscaping Plan ............... ............... ... ..................18
Figure 6 -Open Space Plan ................................ . ..................... ..............19
Figure 7- Bio-infiltration Swales (Rain Gardens) ... ...... .. .. ............ ........... 20
Figure 8 -Fence Detail (Pittsburg) . ............... .... ..... .. ........................ 21
Figure 9 -Fence Detail (Allentown) .............. ... .............. ..... 21
June 28. 2005 Page 1 of 21
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 91 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Purpose
The City of Yelm adopted development regulations may be amended in a Master Plan
Development. This document is the amended regulations for the first final master site
plan of the Tahoma Terra Master P{an Development, being the portion of the property
located east of Thompson Creek
The following City of Yelm development regulations are amended through this
document
• Zoning Code, Title 17 YMC
• Subdivision Code, Title 16 YMC
• Critical Areas and Resource Lands, Chapter 14.08 YMC
• Development Guidelines, Chapter 15.48 YMC
• Design Guidelines
ThE~ amended development regulations apply to the development of the property at
earh phase within the final master site plan and is not intended to regulate beyond the
initial developer or builder. For example, the amended development regulations would
apply to the subdivision of property and the construction of the dwellings within the
suk+division, but not to the purchaser of the home.
These guidelines ensure that the development of the final master site plan area through
the land use permitting process (subdivisions, binding site plans, townhome
developments, planned residential developments, and commercial site plan reviews) is
consistent with the conceptual master site plan approval and the City's Comprehensive
Plan.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 92 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Low Density Residential (R4-6)
Permitted Uses'
Residential single family subdivisions
Density
Minimum density - 4 dwelling units per gross acre
Maximum density - 6 dwelling units per gross acre
Setbacks
Front yard - 10 feet
Driveway approach - 20 feet
Side yard - 5 feet
Flanking yard - 10 feet
Rear yard - 20 feet
Accessory Structures may be Located 3 feet from side or rear property lines.
Retaining walls, rockeries, and other decorative walls may be permitted within
required yards.
Building Height
Maximum building height shall be 35 feet as measured from the average grade of
the subject lot.
Off-Street Parking
Two off street parking spaces shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit
Lot Access
All residential lots shall provide a minimum of 20 foot frontage on a public street.
The standards and regulations of the Low Density Residential District (R-4) found at Chapter 17 12
YMC govern post-development land uses within this district
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 93 of 14~
ITEM 7.a
Mode! homes
Prior to final subdivision approval, the building official may issue a permit for
construction of up to six residences for use as model homes Prior to final plat or
site plan approval, such urnt may be occupied solely for purposes of promotion of
the development and may not be occupied as a residence, until final subdivision
approval
Such construction and subsequent occupancy shall only be authorized by the
building official upon written finding that the design and placement of the unit
would conform with ali standards of the City and that fire code and access
requirements are met prior to occupancy.
AGENDA ITEM % a
Page 94 of 14Z
ITEM 7 a
Moderate Density Residential (R6-10)
Permitted Uses2
Residential subdivisions
Planned Residential Developments pursuant to Chapter 19.60 YMC
Townhouse Developments pursuant to Chapter 17 61 YMC `
Residential Binding Site Plans pursuant to Chapter 16.32 YMC
Density
Minimum density - 6 dwelling units per gross acre
Maximum density - 10 dwelling units per gross acre
Setbacks
Front yard - 10 feet
Driveway approach - 20 feet
Side yard - 5 feet
Flanking yard - 10 feet
Rear yard - 20 feet
Accessory structures may be located 3 feet from side or rear yard lines.
Retaining walls, rockeries, and other decorative walls may be permitted within
required yards.
Building Height
Maximum building height shall be 35 feet as measured from the average grade of
the subject lot.
Off-Street Parking
Two off street parking spaces shall be provided for each residential dwelling unit.
Landscaping
Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.80 YMC, or as
supplemented in the landscaping section of this document, and contain sufficient
vegetation to minimize surface water runoff, prevent soil erosion and promote the
aesthetic character of the community
z The standards and regulations of the Moderate Density Residential District (R-6) found at Chapter 17 15
YMC govern post-development land uses within this district
AGENDA ITEM 7. a
Page 95 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
Lot Access
Afl residential tots shall provide a minimum of 20 foot frontage on a public street
Residential Binding Site Plans that do not include individual lots (condominiums),
Planned Residential Developments, and Townhouse Developments shall provide
a commercial access approach ~to a public street, based on the most current
Yelm Development Guidelines. Internal circulation shall be consistent with the
requirements of the International Fire Code.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 96 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Neighborhood Commercial
Permitted Uses
Any use permitted in the Yelm General Commercial Zone pursuant to Chapter
17.26 YMC
Setbacks
Front -10 feet from street right-of-way, minimum
Side - 10 feet, except 25 feet when adjacent to residential districts
Rear - 25 feet
Design Standards
Maximum building height - 42 feet as measured from the average grade of the
subject lot.
Maximum building size - 30,000 gross square feet
Maximum building footprint - 16,000 gross square feet.
Maximum impervious surface coverage 70 percent.
Commercial structures shall be oriented to the public right-of-way.
Sidewalks on public streets shall be designed to the Yelm Development
Guidelines pedestrian oriented street section
Building setback areas between public street frontages and buildings shall
include hardscape improvements such as plaza's and courtyards.
Design Guidelines
The City of Yelm Design Guidelines for the Old Town District shall apply with
special attention given to pedestrian accessibility, orientation of the buildings to
the street, architectural features that emphasize building entries and corner
treatments
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 97 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Oif-Street Parking
Off street parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17 72 YMC.
Parking lots for commercial structures shall be located behind or along the side
of the building (not between the building and the street) and be subject to shared
parking agreements for other commercial developments and comrru.mity events.
Landscaping
Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.80 YMC, or as
supplemented in the Landscaping section of this document, and contain sufficient
vegetation to minimize surface water runoff, prevent soil erosion and promote the
aesthetic character of the community
Lot Access
All lots within this district sha11 have legal access to a public street that meets the
commercial driveway approach standards in the most current version of the Yelm
Development Guidelines.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 98 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Streets and Pedestrian Mobility
Street Standards
Local Access Residential -These are local access streets typically found within
residential single family subdivisions and serving up to 1,100 trips per day. Other
than lighting, all other requirements of the most current ve_rsiori of the Yelm
Development Guidelines apply to the local access residential streets in the final
master plan.
Blocks greater than 660 feet in length shall incorporate traffic calming devices.
These devices shall also serve as a visual break to the block through additional
landscaping or hardscaping.
Local Access Commercial -These are local access streets found within the
neighborhood commercial area which provide access to commercial buildings.
Other than the section and lighting, all other requirements of the most current
version of the Yelm Development Guidelines apply to the local access residential
streets in the final master plan.
At pedestrian oriented locations, the planter strip may be replaced with sidewalk
with street trees located in tree grates pursuant to the most current version of the
Yelm Development Guidelines.
Neighborhood Collector -These are streets serving residential subdivisions and
are located where the traffic volumes are expected to be between 1,100 and
6000 trips per day Other than the cross section and lighting, all other
requirements of the most current version of the Yelm Development Guidelines
apply to the local access residential streets in the final master plan.
Major Arterial (boulevard) -This is the primary transportation corridor through
Tahoma Terra and is designed as a major arterial from Yelm Avenue (SR 510) to
the boundary of the Master Plan Development and as a boulevard through the
Master Plan Development. This access corridor provides 4 travel lanes and a
center turn lane where appropriate.
Common, private access -Developments which do not require individual building
frontage on a public street, such as Townhome Developments or Planned
Residential Developments, shall provide common, private access to each
building that meets the most current version of the fire codes
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 99 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
Street Lighting
All streets, public or private, shall have street lighting sufficient to provide traffic
and pedestrian safety.
High mast street lights will be incorporated on the boulevard road and Longmire
Street consistent with current standards of the Yelm Develapmet~t Guidelines
Street lights at the internal street intersections wilt meet current standards of the
Yelm Development Guidelines for height and brightness only.
Low mast, or pedestrian scale, street lighting will be installed along the internal
portions of the residential streets which will produce an average maintained
horizontal illumination of 0.4 foot candles. Design criteria will be consistent with
the most current Yelm Development Guidelines
Street light ownership. All street lights located within the residential
neighborhoods of Tahoma Terra, may be privately installed, and shall be owned
and maintained by the Tahoma Terra Home Owners Association. Street lights
located along the boulevard and Longmire Street will be owned and maintained
by the City of Yelm unless otherwise agreed to by both the City and the
developer
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 100 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Potable Water
The most current version of the Yelm Development Guidelines is adopted for all
development within the final master site plan.
Water meters will be Dialog 3G -Wireless RF meters from Master Meter, inc.
Sanitary Sewer
The most current version of the Yelm Development Guidelines is adopted for all
development within the final master site plan.
Reclaimed Water
The most current version of the Yelm Development Guidelines is adopted for all
development within the final master site plan.
Reclaimed water shall be utilized for irrigation use of the community park area, the
landscaped areas of the commercial zone and the planter strips located within the
Boulevard and any other areas as required by the City through the development review
process.
stormwater
All stormwater runoff shall be retained, treated and disposed of on-site or disposed of in
a system designed for such runoff and which does not flood or damage adjacent
properties.
Systems designed for runoff retention and control shall be designed consistent with the
stormwater manual most currently adopted by the City of Yelm, or
shall be provided through bioretention areas (rain gardens) consistent with the Low
Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound, January 2005, as
published by the Puget Sound Action Team and Washington State University Pierce
County Extension.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 101 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Landscaping
Landscaping shall be provided m accordance with Chapter 17.80 YMC, except as
amended in these sections, and contain sufficient vegetation to minimize surface water
runoff, prevent soil erosion and promote the aesthetic character of the community.
All public streets will incorporate street trees consistent with the most cuxrent version of
the Yelm Development Guidelines and Chapter 17.80 YMC, except as modified as
follows
1. Street trees located along the Boulevard or adjacent to any common open space
or park tract shall be maintained by the Tahoma Terra Homeowners Association.
2. Street trees located adjacent to individual lots or residential units, shall be
maintained by the adjoining property owner.
3. Planter strips and street trees along local access streets within residential
subdivisions shall be installed prior to final building permit approval on the
adjacent lot.
4. Planter strips and street trees along local access streets within a commercial
district shall be installed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the
commercial use of the adjacent lot.
5. Planter strips and street trees along the Boulevard, along collector streets, and
adjacent to open space or commonly owned areas shall be installed prior to
acceptance of the street into the City transportation system.
"Palker" brand vinyl fencing and shall be either "Allentown" slatted fence or "Pittsburgh"
solid fence in the color "sand" may be substituted for required cedar fencing as part of a
type 11 landscaping buffer.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 102 of 142
ITEM 7 a.
Parks and Recreation
Open space requirements for Tahoma Terra will be addressed through the open space
plan together with the requirement for neighborhood `pocket' parks.
No less than 3 acres of the active recreational component of the community park shall
be constructed prior to final subdivision approval for the first residential` development
within the final master site plan area.
Each residential single family subdivision shall include `pocket parks' that meet the
following standards:
The size shall be not less than the average lot size of the lots within the
subdivision in which the park is located.
An open lawn area should be included.
Facilities for active recreation such as, but not limited to, basketball courts, sport
court, climbing toys, swing sets or other playground equipment shall be
incorporated into every park.
Every subdivision shall include at least one park and no less than one park for
every 50 dwelling units. A community park within or adjacent to a development
within the final master site plan area can be substituted for required pocket parks
at a ratio of two pocket parks for every one acre of the community park.
Parks should be located throughout the subdivision in a manner to provide
convenient and safe access by every dwelling unit to at least one park.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 103 of 14~
Ficiure 1 -Final IViaster Site Plan
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June 28, 2005
AGENDA ITEM a
Page 104 of 14.
ITEM 7 a
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 105 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Figure 3 -Street Light Standards
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 106 of 142
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Page 107 of 142
ITEM 7 . a
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Page 110 of 142
ITEM 7 a
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Page 111 of 14~
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ITEM 7.a
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 112_ of 1 ~2
ITEM 7 a
City of Yelm
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Community Development Department
t` `~ 105 Yelm Avenue West
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qtr ~~~_ i,'~_~`. P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
YELIVI
WA5HINOTON f
Case Number: SUB-05-0068-YL (part of MPD-05-0067-YL)
Proponent: Tahoma Terra LLC
Agent: SCA Consulting
Request: Subdivide approximately 15 acres into 89 single family
residential lots.
Recommendation: Approval with conditions
Exhibit I: Site plan dated March 2005
Exhibit II: Notice of Application & Comment Letters
Exhibit II1: Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance & Comment Letters
Exhibit IV: Public Hearing Notice
Proposal
This report is for a preliminary plat of 89 single family units, on approximately 20 acres.
The proponent has applied for approval of a Conceptual Master Plan Development of
approximately 220 acres, Final Master Plan approval for approximately 40 acres, and
Preliminary Plat approval for approximately 20 acres. Included in the Final Master Site Ptan is
the completion of commercial space and developed open space
Property Characteristics
The property is located at the west end of Longmire Street in the Southwest Annexation Area
The property subject to this preliminary plat application is identified as Parcel A of Boundary
Line Adjustment BLA-04-0166-Y L, as recorded at Thurston County Fde No 3699428. (Tax
Parcel Numbers were not available from Thurston County at the time of this report.)
Notice of Application and Public Hearing
Notice of this application was mailed to state and local agencies, and property owners within
1,000 feet of the project site on April 1, 2005.
Notice of the date and time of the public hearing before the Hearing Examiner was posted on
the project site, mailed to the owners of property within 1,000 feet of the project site, and mailed
to the recipients of the Notice of Application and SEPA Determination on Tuesday, Friday, June
24, 2005
Notice of the date and time of the public hearing was published in the Nisqually Valley News in
the legal notice section on Friday, June 24, 2005.
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 113 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Concurrency
Chapter 15 40 YMC requires the reviewing authority to determine that required urban
infrastructure is available at the time of development.
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
arrd services are presen t to meet the needs of the proposed development
Concurrency with water infrastructure is achieved pursuant to Section 15.40.020 (l3)(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 provide city standard
facilities and services are present.
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.
Concurrency with school infrastructure is achieved when the proponent 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 t hat facilities will be available to meet
the needs and impacts of the proposed development.
State Environmental Policy Act
The City of Yelm SEPA Responsible Official issued a Mitigated Determination of Non-
sigrnficance based on WAC 197-11-158 on May 24, 2005. This determination is final and fulfils
the City's responsibility for disclosure of potential, significant environmental impacts The
Heanng Examiner may take action to deny or condition the proposal based on impacts identified
in the environmental checklist or other environmental documents
The Mitigated Determination of Non-significance was issued with the following conditions.
The developer shall mitigate transportation impacts through the payment of a
transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to Chapter 15.40 YMC. The fee shall be
paid at the time of building permit issuance.
The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation improvements.
o Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the applicant steal{ reconstruct
June 28, 2005
Page,2~~DA ITEM 7 a
A Page 114 of ~ 42
ITEM 7 a
Longmire Street to a modified collector standard from the project entry to Yelm
Avenue West (SR 510)
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision) which
includes the 90th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, the .applicant shall
construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) ai' the Longmire
Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve the anticipaTed traffic volumes
generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision) which
includes the 513th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, construction of the
Killion Road Boulevard extension from the property to Yelm Avenue West (SR-510)
along with the realignment of Killion Road, a traffic signal, and left turn lanes on all
four legs of the intersection with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic
volumes generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision) which
includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, reconstruct Mosman
Avenue to modified collector standards from Longmire Street to 1st Avenue (SR-507)
and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue intersection to include realignment and a
center left-turn lane on 1st Avenue (SR-507) with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision) which
includes the 1,301st peak P.M. trip generated from the project, define and construct
the Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and Solberg Street OR;
continue the Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston Highlands property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated with Yelm Avenue (SR
510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be submitted to the Washington Department of
Transportation and the City of Yelm for review and approval and all required
improvements shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to approved plans, and
inspected and approved by the City of Yelm and ~ Washington Department of
Transportation.
To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface waters, plant
communities and animal communities along the Thompson Creek corridor and its
associated wetlands, the applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement plan to
improve the surface water features of the site for both habitat and recreation purposes.
Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a schedule for implementing improvements
tied to the number of dwelling units of each subdivision within the Master Plan
Community.
• The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community Schools to mitigate
project impacts to the School District
• Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision) beyond
the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water rights to the City of Yelm sufficient to serve
the proposed use within that area of the Final Master Plan and the first 89 lots. The
conveyance shall be made to the City through a water rights agreement between
Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm. This condition is not applicable if the City
June 28, 2005 FaHe„~C`N12DA ITEM 7 a
li Page 115 of 142
ITEM 7 a
obtains water rights through the Department of Ecology which are sufficient to serve the
projected density of the City, its urban growth area, and the subject property.
Prior to disturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the applicant shall submit to
the City of Yelm Community Development Department a geotechr~ical report that
identifies established best management practices for all activity within the geologic
hazard areas and only allows activities which:
o will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties beyond
pre-development conditions;
o will not adversely impact other critical areas;
<o are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a level
equal to or less than pre-development conditions,
o are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist.
• Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall enter into a mitigation agreement
with the City of Yelm which includes a mitigation fee toward the replacement of a police
station required to be expanded in order to serve the proposed development. The
mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's aliquot impact on the need for
replacement police station, which is $310 per housing unit.
Lots Size and Setbacks
As part of the Final Master Plan Approval, different lot size and standard setbacks are
established. These are listed in the Approved Final Master Plan, and have been reviewed for
safety, and for compliance with the City of Yelm Comprehensive Plan.
Adjacent Land Uses and Zoning
The property is surrounded by properties currently in residential rural uses These parcels are
zoned R4 Low Density Residential, and R14 High Density Residential.
The plat as conditioned meets City of Yelm development requirements, and is a compatible use
with surrounding properties.
' Open Space
The Growth Management Act establishes a goal for open space and recreation that states
"enc;ourage 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 guidefines for the retention and creation of open space within the
City This chapter requires a minimum of five percent of the gross area of a new subdivision be
dedicated as usable open space Appropr late uses of dedicated open space include.
• Environmental interpretation oreducation
• Parks, recreation lands, or athletic fields
~~ Footpaths or bicycle trails
June 28, 2005
ra~~~fl~DA ITEM 7 a
Page 116 of '142
ITEM 7 a
No more than five percent of any dedicated open spaces may be impermeable surfaces and
open space must be sited so as to be suitable for its intended purpose and at least 75% of the
open space must be accessible to either the general public or all residents of the associated
development. Open space shall be dedicated at the time of final subdivision approval
The Conceptual Master Plan provides for approximately 60 acres of open space land. This
includes Thompson Creek and its associated flood plain and wetland system, enhancement of
this area, along with established park facilities and footpaths. The applicant has proposed a
phased completion of the entire open space. The Conceptual and Final Master Plan calls for a
minimum of one "pocket park" for every 50 dwelling units, or a combination of "pocket parks",
with a centrally located larger park, serving the proposed subdivisions. These "pocket parks"
will provide recreation for the individual subdivisions, while the entire 60 acres of open space is
available to all City residents.
Schools
New residential units create a demand for additional school services and facilities. The Yelm
School District requests that the proponent enter into an agreement with the school district for
the payment of mitigation fees based on the project's impact.
This request for a mitigation agreement between the proponent and the school di strict became a
condition of the Mitigated Determination of Non-significance issued pursuant to the State
Environmental Policy Act.
Transportation and Site Access
The City of Yelm Development Guidelines and the concurrency requirements of Chapter 15.24
YMC require all new subdivisions to improve street frontages to current City standards.
The applicant has proposed to use the City of Yelm Street Standards for all interior local access
residential streets within this subdivision. A modified version of the City standard for a
neighborhood collector street is proposed in the Final Master Plan for the land located east of
Thompson Creek. The Final Master Plan also includes "Boulevard" detail found in the
Southwest Master Plan Development documents.
Streets within this subdivision will be constructed to the local access standard and dedicated to
the City upon final subdivision approval. A local access street includes two 11 foot travel lanes,
two 7 foot parking lanes, a concrete rolled edge curb and gutter, a 6 foot planter strip with street
trees 35 feet on center, a 5 foot sidewalk on one side of the street, and street lighting.
Chapter 16 16.090 Y MC requires that the I ayout of new subdivisions provide for the continuation
of streets existing in adjoining subdivisions and to provide for the continuation of new streets
within the subdivision to adjacent properties that have not been subdivided In this instance, the
"Boulevard" creates future access to the land located in the Conceptual Master Plan Approval,
and connecting streets throughout the development As future phases of the Conceptual
Master Plan are approved, other po ssible connections will be reviewed
The City seeks to minimize impacts of through traffic upon residential neighborhoods by
employing narrow streets, curves, indirect access routes, and other features.
June 28, 2005 Fafl l~Cf'N'DA ITEM 7 a
N Page 117 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Blocks greater than 660 feet in length shall incorporate traffic calm+ng dev+ces These devises
sf iall also serve as a visual break to the block through add+tional landscap+ng or hardscap+ng.
The plat, as proposed, meets this standard by "bulb-outs" in the main streets, connecting the
pedestrian pathways through the development
Tr+e completed project will increase traffic and impact the City's transportation System. Chapter
15 40, Concurrency Management, requires all development to mitigate impacts to the City
transportation system. A single family home generates 1.01 p.m. peak hour trips per unit. The
Transportation Facility Charge +s payable at t+me of building permit issuance
Parking
Chapter 17.72 YMC requires a minimum parking ratio of two spaces per dwell+ng unit, which is
typically met in subd+visions within a standard driveway. On-street parking is allowed on both
sides of local access residential streets
Water System
The City's Water Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as being within the water service
area. The applicant has provided to the City a "Water Right Conveyance and Right-of-Entry
Agreement". This conveyance establishes the water connection fees.
The proposed subdivision would be required to connect to the City's water system and the
projects +nternal roadways will be required to have a water main installed to serve fire hydrants
anti indiv+dual services.
Any ex+sting well(s) on the property must be decommissioned per Department of Ecology
standards and any water rights associated with these wells shall be dedicated to the City of
Yelm.
ThE: City of Yelm is dedicated to providing the best quality water possible to +ts consumers
Section 246-290-490, WAC, requires that the City take measures to ensure that contamination
does not occur as a result of cross contam+nation
An +rrigation meter may be +nstalled for the purpose of irrigation. A backflow prevention device
will be required for all landscape +rr+gat+on connections between the irrigation system and the
water meter This also +ncludes any ind+vidual irrigation systems that may be located on any
indiv+dual lot within the subdivision
fdent+fied +n the 2002 City of Yelm Water Comprehensive Plan +s a requirement to install f+re
hydrant locks as part of the City's water conservat+on and accountabil+ty program In 2004, the
C+ty was also requ+red to complete a vulnerability assessment in response to the new homeland
security measures as a result of 9/11
Sewer System
The City's Sewer Comprehensive Plan identifies the property as being within the sewer serv+ce
area The current fee to connect to the City sewer system is $5,417.00 per Equivalent
Residential Un+t (each ERU equals 900 cubic feet of water consumption per month) The
June 28, 2005 pd
~eU~IV'DA ITEM 7 a
Page 118 of 142
ITEM 7 a
property is part of the City of Yelm Local Improvement District (LID) which allowed property
owners to be a part of the improvement district by agreeing to purchase Equivalent Residential
Unit (ERU) connections, guaranteeing capacity at the City's new water reclamation facility. The
property is assessed a portion of the connection fee, and a reduced connection fee at the time
of connection to the sewer system.
Any existing on-site sewage disposal system(s) shall be abandoned per Thurston County Health
Department standards.
Reclaimed Water
It is the policy of the City of Yelm to reclaim 100 percent of the wastewater generated by the
City and that reclaimed water shall be used within the jurisdiction wherever its use is
economically justified, financially and technically feasible, and is consistent with legal
requirements of Chapter 90.46 RCW, for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare,
and the protection of the environment.
Reclaimed water uses may include, but are not limited to, the irrigation of food and nonfood
crops, landscape irrigation, impoundments, fish hatchery basins, decorative fountains, flushing
of sanitary sewers, street cleaning, dust control, fire fighting and- protection, toilet and urinal
flushing, washing aggregate and concrete production, industrial cooling and industrial
processes.
Section 13.24.050 YMC requires that reclaimed water be used at identified reuse areas for
consumptive beneficial use and ground water recharge areas. This information shall be used by
City officials to mandate construction of reclaimed water distribution systems or other facilities in
new and existing developments for current or future reclaimed water use as a condition of any
development approval or continued potable water service if future reclamation facilities are
proposed in the facilities plan indicating reclaimed water could adequately serve the
development.
The Southwest Yelm Annexation Area is identified as a reuse area.
Stormwater Quality and Quantity
Impervious surfaces create stormwater runoff which, when uncontrolled and untreated can
create health, safety, and environmental hazards The City of Yelm has adopted the 1992
Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual, which requires all development to treat and control
stormwater.
The proponent has submitted a preliminary stormwater report which includes a conceptual
design for the treatment and infiltration of the stormwater. This report includes low impact
development technologies for stormwater treatment, to include "rain gardens" for the treatment
of stormwater The Community Development Department has reviewed this report and find that
stormwater from the site can be managed appropriately through the conceptual plan.
Stormwater facilities require continued maintenance to ensure they remain m proper working
condition
June 28, 2005 Pa~~~fN'~pq ITEM 7 a
Page 119 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
Street Lighting
Aclequate street lighting is necessary to provide safety to pedestrians, vehicles, and
homeowners. High mast street lights will be incorporated on the Boulevard Road, and Longm ire
Street consistent with current standards of the Yelm Development Guidelines: Street lights at
the internal street intersections will meet current standards of the Yelm Development Guidelines
for height and brightness only. Low mast or pedestrian scale street lighting will be installed
along the internal portion s of the residential streets
Subdivision Name and Addressing
A subdivision name must be reserved with the Thurston County Auditor's Office prior to
submitting for final subdivision approval.
Addressing and street naming within the subdivision will be assigned by the Community
Development Department prior to application for final subdivision approval.
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.
The site is adjacent to properties that are compatibly zoned. Chapter 17.80 YMC requires that
the perimeter of the site be landscaped with a Type !I landscaping. In residential subdivisions
the City allows fencing to meet the landscaping requirement for the perimeter of the site
Landscape requirements shall be installed and approved prior to application for final plat.
The applicant has proposed a street tree planting plan, which incorporates the City of Yelm
landscaping requirements.
Landscaping is required in open space and stor mwater facilities.
The applicant has submitted a full open space improvement plan which calls out landscaping in
the stormwater treatment areas, as well as in the open space areas This plan proposes a
phased completion.
Chapter 17.80 YMC requires that at time of civil plan review and approval the proponent provide
the Community Development Department a detailed final landscape and irrigation plan for
approval
Section 17 80 090 (F) YMC states that the owner/developer of any project requiring site plan
rewew 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
June 28, 2005 Pa f
~~fnN~'DA ITEM 7 a
Page 120 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Staff Recommendation
Section 16.12.170 YMC requires written findings prior to a decision on a preliminary subdivision
The proponent has established that the proposed subdivision, if conditioned, adequately
provides for the public health, safety and general welfare and for such open spaces, drainage
ways, streets, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation, schools, and
sidewalks.
That the public use and interest will be served by the subdivision of the property, if conditioned.
The subdivision, if conditioned, is in conformance with the Yelm-Thurston County Joint
Comprehensive Plan, the City of Yelm Zoning Code, the City of Yelm Subdivision Code, the
Shoreline Management Act and the Thurston County Shoreline Master Program, and the City of
Yelm Development Guidelines.
The Hearing Examiner should approve the preliminary subdivision with the following conditions:
1. The proponent shall comply with the mitigation requirements of the MDNS issued on
May 24, 2005, which include:
• The developer shall mitigate transportation impacts through the payment of a
transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to Chapter 15.40 YMC. The fee shall
be paid at the time of building permit issuance.
• The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation improvements:
o Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the applicant shall reconstruct
Longmire Street to a modified collector standard from the project entry to Yelm
Avenue West (SR 510).
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 90th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, the applicant
shall construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) at the
Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic
volumes generated by the project.
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 513th peak P.M trip generated from the project, construction
of the Killion Road Boulevard extension from the property to Yelm Avenue West
(SR-510) along with the realignment of Killion Road, a traffic signal, and left turn
lanes on all four legs of the intersection with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project
o Pnor to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, reconstruct
Mosman Avenue to modified collector standards from Longmire Street to 1st
Avenue (SR-507) and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue intersection to include
realignment and a center left-turn lane on 1st Avenue (SR-507) with sufficient
storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes generated by the protect.
June 28, 2005 Fafl l7~ft~'DA ITEM 7 a
fi Page 121 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
o Prior to the approval of any development permit (+ncluding a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,301st peak P.M trip generated from the project, define and
construct the Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and Solberg
Street OR, cont+nue the Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston Highlands
property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated with Yelm Avenue
(SR 510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be submitted to the Washington
Department of Transportat+on and the City of Yelm for review and approval and all
requ+red +mprovements shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to approved
plans, and inspected and approved by the City of Yelm and Washington Department
of Transportation.
To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface waters, plant
communities and animal communities along the Thompson Creek corridor and its
associated wetlands, the applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement plan
to improve the surface water features of the site for both hab+tat and recreation
purposes. Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a schedule for implementing
improvements tied to the number of dwelling units of each subdivision within the
Master Planned Community.
• The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community Schools to
mitigate project impacts to the School District.
Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
beyond the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water rights to the City of Yelm
sufficient to serve the proposed use within that area of the final master site plan and
the first 89 lots. The conveyance shah be made to the City through a water rights
agreement between Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm. This condition is not
applicable if the City obtains water rights through the Department of Ecology which
are sufficient to serve the pro}ected density of the City, its urban growth area, and the
subject property.
Prior to d+sturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the applicant shall subm+t
to the City of Yelm Community Development Department a geotechn+cal report that
identifies established best management pract+ces for all act+v+ty within the geologic
hazard areas and only allows activities which
o will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties beyond
pre-development conditions,
o will not adversely impact other critical areas;
o are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a level
equal to or less than pre-development conditions,
o are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist.
Prior to budding permit issuance, the applicant shal4 enter into a mitigation
agreement with the City of Yelm which includes a mitigation fee toward the
replacement of a police station required to be expanded in order to serve the
June 28, zoos Pa9~~E°fl'~'DA ITEM 7 a
Page 122 of 142
ITEM 7 a
proposed development. The mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's aliquot
impact on the need for replacement police station, which is $310 per housing unit.
Each dwelling unit with the subdivision shall connect to the City water system. The
applicant has provided to the City a "Water Right Conveyance ancl< Right-of-Entry
Agreement". This conveyance establishes the water connection fees~-
3. The existing wells shall be abandoned per Washington State Department of Ecology
standards. Any water rights associated with the well shall be deeded to the City of Yelm.
4. All conditions for cross connection control as required in Section 246-290-490 WAC.
5 Each dwelling within the subdivision shall connect to the City S.T.E.P. sewer system
The connection fee and inspection fee will be established at the time of building permit
issuance. Existing septic systems shall be abandoned per the Thurston County
Department of Health standards
6. The applicant shall connect to the City's reclaimed water system. All irrigation systems
for planting strips and required landscaping located within any open space, stormwater
tracts, and the Boulevard shall be served by an irrigation system utilizing reclaimed
water where available. The civil plans shall identify proposed reclaimed water lines,
meters, and valves.
7. The applicant shall provide a final landscape and irrigation plan for this subdivision as a
part of civil plan submission. Landscape plans shall meet Chapter 17.80 YMC, or as
amended in the Final Master Plan approval.
8. The applicant shall provide for a minimum of one "pocket park" for the preliminary plat of
89 lots, and the completion of the proposed three (3) acres of open space area located
at the southwest end of Longmire Street.
9. The proponent shall design and construct all stormwater facilities in accordance with the
1992 DOE stormwater Manual, as adopted by the City of Yelm, and as amended in the
Final Master Plan Approval. Best Management Practices (BMP's) are required during
construction
10 The final stormwater plan shall be submitted with civil engineering plans and shall
include an operation and maintenance plan
11. Storm water facilities shall be located in a separate recorded tract owned and
maintained by the homeowners association
12 All roof drain runoff shall be infiltrated on each lot utilizing individual drywells
13. The stormwater system shall be held in common by the Homeowners Association. The
Homeowners Agreement shall include provisions for the assessment of fees against
individual lots for the maintenance and repair of the stormwater facilities
Dune za. 2005 Pas~~;~fN17DA ITEM 7 a
Page 123 of 142
ITEM 7 a
14 The proponent shall submit a fire hydrant plan to the Community Development
Department for review and approval as part of the civil engineering plans poor to final
subdivision approval.
15 The proponent shall submit fire flow calculations for all existing and proposed hydrants.
All hydrants must meet minimum City standards.
16. The proponent shall be responsible for the installation of hydrant locks on all fire
hydrants required and installed as part of development. The proponent shall coordinate
with the Yelm Public Works Department to purchase and install required hydrant locks
Hydrant lock details shall be included in civil plan submission.
17. Street lighting will be required. Civil plan submittal shall include a lighting design plan for
-review and approval.
18. Prior to the submission of final plat application, the proponent will provide the
Community Development Department an addressing map for approval.
19. Prior to the submission of final plat application, a subdivision name must be reserved
with the Thurston County Auditor's Office.
20. The proponent shall submit a final landscaping and irrigation plan for this plat, along with
the phased open space improvements with civil engineering plans
21. The proponent shall provide a performance assurance device in order to provide for
maintenance of the required landscaping for this plat, 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.
Based on the Analysis and Conditions of Approval above, staff recommends that the Hearing
Examiner approve SUB-05-0068-YL.
June 28, 2005
Pagg 12~f~A ITEM -7 a
NCi Page 124 of 142
ITEM 7.a
Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance
File Number MPD-05-0067-YL
Proponent: Tahoma Terra, LLC
Description of Proposal: The development of a Master Planned Community on 220
acres located in southwest Yelm. The application includes:
• Conceptual Master Site Plan approval for the 220 acre parcel to include a range of
housing types of between 880 and 1,200 residential units, a neighborhood
commercial center, and a network of open space/recreation improvements.
• Final Master Site Plan approval for the portion of the site east of Thompson Creek.
The Final Master Site Plan includes approximately 216 residential lots, 18
townhouse units, a neighborhood commercial center with approximately 100,000
square feet of gross floor area, and a portion of the community park.
• Preliminary subdivision of 89 residential lots within the Final Master Site Plan area.
Location of the Proposal: The Tahoma Terra Master Plan is located in the western
portion of the City of Yelm, near the Nisqually Valley Golf Course and in an area known
as the Southwest Yelm Annexation area.
SectionlTownship/Range: The Southwest'/4 of Section 24, and the East '/z of the
Southeast'/4 of Section 23, Township 17 North, Range 2 East, W.M.
Threshold Determination: The City of Yelm as lead agency for this action has
determined that this proposal does not have a probable significant adverse impact on
the environment Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will not be
required under Section 43.21 C 030 (2)(c) RCW. This decision was made after review of
a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency.
This information is available to the public on request
ConditionslMitigating Measures See Attachment A
Lead agency City of Yelm
Responsible Official: Grant Beck, Community Development Director
Date of Issue May 24, 2005
Comment Deadline June 10, 2005
Appeal Deadline June 17, 2005
Grant Beck, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 125 of 142
ITEM 7 a
This Mitigated Determination of Non-Sigrnficance (MDNS) is issued pursuant to Section 197-11-340 (2)
WAC Comments must be submitted to Grant Beck, Community Development Department, at City of
Yelm, 105 Yelm Avenue West, P O Box 479, Yelm, WA 98597, by June 10, 2005, at 5 00 P M The City
of Yelm will not act on this proposal pnor to June 17, 2005, at 5 00 P M
You may appeal this determ+nat+on to the Yelm Hear+ng Exam+ner, at above address, by submitting a
written appeal no later than June 17, 2005 at 5 00 P M You should be prepared to make spec+fic factual
ob~ect+ons Contact Grant Beck, Community Development Director, to learn more about the procedures
for SEPA appeals This MDNS +s not a permit and does not by +tself constitute pro~e`Ct approval The
applicant must comply w+th all applicable requirements of the C+ty of Yelm prior to rece+vmg construction
permits which may include but are not I+mited to the C+ty of Yelm Comprehens+ve Plan, Zon+ng Code (Title
17 YMC), Critical Areas Code (Chapter 14 08 YMC), Stormwater Drainage Design and Eros+on Control
Manual, International Building Code, Critical Areas Regulations (Title 14 YMC), Road Design Standards,
Platt+ng and Subdiv+sion Code (Title 16 YMC), and the Shoreline Master Program
DO NOT PUBLISH BELOW THIS LINE
Published Nisqually Valley News, May 27, 2005
Posted +n publ+c areas May 24, 2005
Copies to All agencies/atizens on SEPA ma+i+ng i+st and adjacent property owners
Dept of Ecology w/checklist
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 126 of 142
ITEM 7 a
Attachment A
Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance
MPD-05-0067-YL
Findings of Fact
1. This Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance is based -.on the project as
proposed and the impacts and potential mitigation measures reflected in the
applicant's environmental documents. In addition, per WAC 197-11-754, the
following documents are directly applicable to the subject proposal and are
hereby adopted by reference:
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, January 1995, City of Yelm
Comprehensive Plan and Joint Plan with Thurston County.
/ Final Environmental Impact Statement, March 1993, Southwest Yelm
Annexation.
/ Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest
Yelm Annexation, July 1994, Thurston Highlands Master Plan Application.
/ Environmental Checklist and Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance,
September 1999, Prairie View Master Plan.
/ Critical Areas Study, December 1997, IES Associates
Environmental documents submitted as part of the application include:
/ Expanded Environmental Checklist, March 2005, SCA Consulting Group
/ Updated Wetlands Analysis, March 2005, The Coot Company
/ Preliminary Drainage and Erosion Control Report, March 2005, SCA
Consulting Group
/ Transportation Impact Analysis, February 2005, Transportation Engineering
NW
2. The environmental documents indicate that the property is composed of soils and
substrates that are suitable for building and for stormwater infiltration. These
soils will be managed on-site to provide a source of base material needed for
roadway and building construction. Approximately 250,000 cubic yards of
material has been identified that will be screened and processed to balance the
earthwork needs on the site. Potential geologic hazard areas located on the site
will be protected through the requirement of a geotechnical report prior to final
Master Site Plan approval which only allows activities which. will not increase the
threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties beyond pre-development
conditions; will not adversely impact other critical areas; and are designed so that
the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a level equa- to or less than
pre-development conditions; and are certified as safe as designed by a qualified
engineer or geologist
3. There is no indication m any of the environmental documents that there will be
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 127 of 14~
ITEM 7 a
any potential long term significant impacts to air quality from the proposed
development. Short term impacts will be related to heavy equipment exhaust
and dust generated from grading and rock processing activities The use of best
management practices for air control will be required.
4. The City of Yelm's Critical Areas Code requires the identification and protection
of surface and ground waters. The project proposal is on the site of the former
Dragt Family Dairy that was an active dairy farm for many years and which
ceased operation in 1993. The environmental documents indicate that surface
waters have been identified on the site and include Thompson Creek, a seasonal
Type 5 stream, and wetlands associated with this stream. The former and
ongoing agricultural activities have caused degradation to the site's surface water
systems and an enhancement plan has been prepared to improve the described
surface waters and the wetland functions and values.
5. The City of Yelm is identified as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area, a designated
environmentally sensitive area. Potential impacts to groundwater quality and
quantity will be mitigated through the implementation of standards that are
technically equivalent to the Department of Ecology stormwater manual as
adopted by the City of Yelm.
The City has adopted the Department of Ecology Drainage Design Manual,
which requires that stormwater generated from roadways and parking facilities be
treated for oils, sediments, and heavy metals before infiltration.
The neighborhood commercial element of the Master Plan allows uses that could
potentially generate hazardous materials and/or fats, oil, and greases. Existing
regulations require grease interceptors and hazardous material containment
facilities where appropriate.
6. The environmental documents indicate that there are some plant/animal priority
species and habitats in the vicinity of the project site. The predominant Oak
Woodland and Shore Pine plant communities are located along the Thompson
Creek corridor and associated wetlands, which are areas being enhanced for
open space preservation The animal species have been determined to only
frequent the area for occasional feeding and do not use the site for breeding or
nesting. The project proposal is not expected to have a significant impact on
priority plant or animal species and habitats
7. The environmental documents do not identify any potential significant impact
related to the use of energy or natural resources not typical of an urban
development.
8. The environmental checklist indicates temporary noise and dust would be
generated from construction vehicles throughout the construction phases of this
project. Construction related activity shall comply with all current State and local
statutes and best management practices
Attachment A MDNS (MPD-05-0067-YL) Page 2 of 6
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 128 of 142
ITEM 7 a
9 The environmental checklist indicates that roadways and pedestrian paths will be
lit to provide safe driving and walking conditions The expected light is not
anticipated to exceed typical urban standards and therefore, is not expected to
have a significant impact on surrounding areas. -
10. The addition of up to 1,200 new residential units will create additional demand on
the City's parks and recreational amenities. The proposed master plan will be
required to provide recreational opportunities for the residents of the City of
Yelm. Improvements generally include but are not limited to soccer fields, play
structures, seating areas, picnic tables, restroom facilities, rock wall, bike paths,
foot paths and an open water boardwalk.
11. The environmental documents have not identified any areas of historical or
cultural significance. Research of the City's historic resources (1935 aerial
photograph, 1918 map of the Yelm Irrigation District and Thurston County's map
of Historic places, and the database of historic properties maintained by the
Thurston Regional Planning Council) did not reveal any structures or locations on
the subject site that have any historic or cultural significance.
12. The traffic impact analysis (TIA) submitted as part of the application indicates
that upon full build out, the project could potentially generate between 13,300 -
15,300 vehicle trips per day, with a minimum PM peak of 1,400 vehicles per
hour. The TIA indicates that, with average growth:
The proposal will have a significant adverse impact on specific road corridors and
traffic movements at various intersections in the City, including Longmire Street
and Berry Valley Road.
The proposal will lower the level of service and increase wait times at the
intersection of 1st Avenue (SR-507) and Mosman Avenue, 1st Avenue (SR-507)
and Yelm Avenue (SR-510) and other intersections along Yelm Avenue.
The TIA proposed specific mitigation measures for many of the identified impacts
and has outlined the necessary improvements tied to specific development
phases of the project.
13. The environmental checklist indicates that the proposal will require police and fire
protection. The Yelm Police Department provides police services to all City
residents and businesses. The construction of Tahoma Terra will create
additional demand on the Yelm Police Department The Yelm Police Department
is currently located in a facility that is substandard and beyond its useful life. The
Yelm Capital Facilities Plan identifies a need to replace this facility.
SE Thurston Fire/EMS provides Fire and Basic Life Support services to City of
Yelm residents and businesses. The Tahoma Terra project will create additional
demand on the Yelm Fire District.
14. Impacts to fire protection services will be mitigated through the provision of fire
Attachment A MDNS (MPD-05-0067-YL) Page 3 of 6
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 129 of 142
ITEM 7 a
flow and emergency vehicle access, and structures which will be built to current
building and fire codes.
15. The City of Yelm has adopted comprehensive Water and Sewer System Plans
and a Reclaimed Water Facilities Plan to guide orderly extension of the City's
infrastructure improvements. These system plans anticipated the~uild out of the
southwest Yelm annexation area. Upgrades and extension of these utilities,
consistent with the adopted system plans, will be necessary to provide adequate
levels of water and sewer service to the subject site.
1Ei. The Environmental Impact Statement for the southwest Yelm annexation
indicated that development within the annexation area, including the subject
property, would be required to provide water rights to the City sufficient to serve
the subsequent development of the properties. The property has recorded water
rights that the applicant intends to transfer to the City of Ye1m to provide for the
development of the property.
The property has been assessed through the City's sewer local improvement
district, which includes a commitment by the City to provide water and sewer
service for no more than 89 single family residential units prior to any water rights
transfer.
If the Washington Department of Ecology does not approve a transfer of water
rights, or the transfer does not include sufficient water to serve the proposed
development, final subdivision approval of any phase beyond the 89 lots could
not be approved.
17. The City of Yelm has adopted a concurrency management system as required by
the Growth Management Act. Chapter 15.40 YMC (concurrency Management)
is designed to ensure that the improvements required to support development
are available at the time of development. A concurrency determination may be
issued for a proposal as it relates to transportation issues when: the development
provides on-site frontage improvements; the project makes off-site improvements
as necessary to provide for the safe movement of traffic; and the project makes a
contribution to projects identified m the six year transportation improvement
program in the form of a Transportation Facilities Charge.
The Growth Management Act at Section 36.70 070 (6)(b) RCW states that a
finding of concurrency can be issued when required improvements are in place at
the time of development or that a financial commitment is in place to complete
the improvements or strategies within six years
18 This threshold determination and adoption of previous environmental documents
will be used for all future development permits and approvals within the
Conceptual Master Site Plan of Tahoma Terra provided that those permits and
approvals are consistent with the application and approval for the Conceptual
Master Site Plan
Attachment A MDNS (MPD-05-0067-YL) Page 4 of 6
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 130 of 142
ITEM 7.a.
Mitigation Measures
1. The developer shat! mitigate transportation impacts through the payment of a
transportation facility charge (TFC) pursuant to Chapter 15.40 YMC. The fee
shall be paid at the time of building permit issuance.
2. The applicant shall be responsible for the following transportation improvements:
/ Prior to the final subdivision approval of any lots the applicant shall
reconstruct Longmire Street to a modified collector standard from the project
entry to Yelm Avenue West (SR 510).
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 90th peak P.M. trip generated from the project, the
applicant shall construct a center left-turn lane on Yelm Avenue West (SR-
510) at the Longmire Street intersection with sufficient storage to serve the
anticipated traffic volumes generated by the project.
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 513th peak P.M. trip generated from the project,
construction of the Killion Road Boulevard extension from the property to
Yelm Avenue West (SR-510) along with the realignment of Killion Road, a
traffic signal, and left turn lanes on all four legs of the intersection with
sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes generated by the
project.
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,100th peak P.M. trip generated from the project,
reconstruct Mosman Avenue to modified collector standards from Longmire
Street to 1st Avenue (SR-507) and the Mosman Avenue/1st Avenue
intersection to include realignment and a center left-turn lane on 1st Avenue
(SR-507) with sufficient storage to serve the anticipated traffic volumes
generated by the project.
/ Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision)
which includes the 1,301st peak P.M trip generated from the project, define
and construct the Mosman Avenue connector between Longmire Street and
Solberg Street OR; continue the Boulevard to SR 507 through the Thurston
Highlands property.
Plans for approval of all transportation improvements associated with Yelm
Avenue (SR 510) and 1st Avenue (SR 507) shall be submitted to the Washington
Department of Transportation and the City of Yelm for review and approval and
all required improvements shall be constructed by the applicant pursuant to
approved plans, and inspected and approved by the City of Yelm and
Washington Department of Transportation
3 To mitigate previous impacts from agricultural activities to surface waters, plant
Attachment A MDNS (MPD-05-0067-YL) Page 5 of 6
AGENDA ITEM 7 a.
Page 131 of 142
ITEM 7.a
commurntties and animal communities along the Thompson Creek corridor and its
associated wetlands, the applicant has prepared a mitigation and enhancement
plan to improve the surface water features of the site for both habitat and
recreation purposes. Each Final Master Site Plan shall include a schedule for
implementing improvements tied to the number of dwelling units of each
subdivision within the Master Planned Community.
4. The developer shall enter into an agreement with Yelm Community Schools to
mitigate project impacts to the School District.
5. Prior to the approval of any development permit (including a final subdivision}
beyond the 89th lot, the applicant shall convey water rights to the City of Yelm
sufficient to serve the proposed use within that area of the final master site plan
and the first 89 lots. The conveyance shall be made to the City through a water
rights agreement between Tahoma Terra, LLC and the City of Yelm. This
condition is not applicable if the City obtains water rights through the Department
of Ecology which are sufficient to serve the projected density of the City, its urban
growth area, and the subject property.
6. Prior to disturbance of any identified geologic hazard area, the applicant shall
submit to the City of Yelm Community Development Department a geotechnical
report that identifies established best management practices for all activity within
the geologic hazard areas and only allows activities which:
/ will not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent properties
beyond pre-development conditions;
/ will not adversely impact other critical areas;
/ are designed so that the hazard to the project is eliminated or mitigated to a
level equal to or less than pre-development conditions;
/ are certified as safe as designed by a qualified engineer or geologist.
7. Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall enter into a mitigation
agreement with the City of Yelm which includes a mitigation fee toward the
replacement of a police station required to be expanded in order to serve the
proposed development. The mitigation fee shall be based on the applicant's
aliquot impact on the need for replacement police station, which is $310 per
housing unit
Attachment A MDNS (MPD-05-0067-YL) Page 6 of 6
AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 132 of 142
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AGENDA ITEM 7 a
Page 142 of 142