Right of Way Modification - S 304th StCITY OF
Federal Way
Centerc,d on Opportunity
January 24, 2020
ESM Consulting Engineers LLC
Attn.: John Everett, Planning Director
33400 8th Ave S Suite 250
Federal Way, WA 98003
CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
(253) 835-7000
www. cityoffederalway. com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
RE: Permit #19-101684-00-SM;
The Woodlands at Redondo Creek Subdivision, Pacific Highway S/ S 304" St, Federal Way
Dear Mr. Everett:
The City of Federal Way has reviewed your request for right-of-way modification dated October 23,
2019, along with the associated traffic impact analysis performed by Traffex. The request is to eliminate
the center turn lane from the City's planned Type "K" cross-section for S 304' Street, which includes 3-
foot utility strip, 8-foot sidewalk, 5-foot planter strip, streetlights, street trees, curb, gutter, and a
minimum 22-foot half -street on the north side of the road right-of-way. In this case, an additional 9 feet
of right-of-way must also be dedicated. Your request for modification is hereby approved, subject to the
following revisions:
The applicant's traffic analysis makes the case that the center turn lane is not warranted at the time of
project completion, and City staff is in agreement. However, City forecasts must consider impacts out to
year 2040, which indicate that increased volumes at the intersection of S 304' St/Pacific Highway S will
necessitate additional storage length up to 500 feet. Therefore, staff does not support elimination of the
center turn lane.
The applicant's request also asserts that Federal Way Revised Code section 19.135.070(2) applies, which
allows modification of the requirements based on "Unusual topographic or physical conditions preclude
the construction of the improvements as required. " A forested wetland and steep slopes encumber over
400 feet of the 610-foot frontage. Narrowing the street improvements would reduce impacts to this
critical area. Therefore, a reduction is approved. However, the applicant will be required to eliminate the
planter strip rather than the center turn lane. Since most of the frontage is impacted by critical areas, and
construction of the planter strip on the remaining frontage would not be harmonious with either existing
or new street improvements, the planter strip may be eliminated from the entire frontage.
Requirements for this modification shall include 9' right of way dedication and construction of the
following improvements: Street lighting, handrail where necessary, 8-foot sidewalk, curb, gutter, and road
widening to provide a minimum pavement width of 22 feet.
This right-of-way modification shall be in effect for a period of one year from the date of this letter. If
preliminary plat is not approved prior to that date, the modification will be void and a new right-of-way
modification request must be submitted.
19-101684-00-SM Doc. I.D.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ann Dower, Senior Engineering Plans Reviewer,
at 253-835-2732 or at ann.dowep@cityoffederalwU.com.
Sillcerely,
Desiree Winkler, P.E.; Deputy Public Works Director
Olga Danilchik; 16765 281h SW Seattle, WA 98166
Becky Chapin, Senior Planner
Cole Elliott, P.E.; Development Services Manager
Sarady Long, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer
Had
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19-101684-00-SM Doc. I.D.