20-105405_Variance Request_Reduced_Setback_3-31-21
P & M Development, LLC – 35001 NE 147TH AVE, YACOLT, WA 98675 – (360) 263-4873
March 31, 2021
City of Federal Way
Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003
RE: Variance Request - Henry Reasonable Use 20-104505, Lot 142103-9043
A variance is being requested for a 25% reduction in the front yard setback for lot 142103-9043, with
application #20-104505, currently under review to allow for reasonable use.
FWRC 19.45.030 provides the City may grant the variance if it finds all of the following:
(1) That the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations
upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located.
The lot is surround by single family homes in an area connected by private roads with homes facing all
different directions. This front yard might be considered a side yard since it is adjacent to the back yard
of one lot and side yard of another. The adjacent lots only have a 5-ft set back to this lot. Therefore, the
variance requested does not provide for any special privileges.
(2) That the variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape,
topography, location or surroundings of the subject property to provide it with use rights and
privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is
located.
The variance is being requested based on special circumstances related to the topography of the site.
The subject lot is a large parcel (36,744 SF) within an area zoned RS 15.0. The lot is constrained by a
creek that flows from the southeast corner of the site through the middle to wetlands northeast of the
site. The entire parcel is within the buffers of the creek and wetlands. To construct a single-family home
with a 1,483 SF footprint, the project proposes to take advantage of a cleared area where there was
previously a permitted mobile home. Placement allows for driveway access without having to cross the
creek and retains the forested areas opposite of the creek. To maximize the distance between the
proposed building footprint and the creek as much as practical, a reduction in the setback from 20-ft to
15-ft is being requested.
(3) That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is
located.
P & M Development, LLC – 35001 NE 147TH AVE, YACOLT, WA 98675 – (360) 263-4873
Neither full nor reduced setbacks in this location have any impacts on public welfare.
(4) That the special circumstances of the subject property are not the result of the actions of the owner
of the subject property.
The special circumstances of the subject property are related to the topography with a creek and are not
a result of any action by the owners.
Please find the proposed project meets all the above for granting a variance as requested to reduce the
front yard setback by 25%.
Kind Regards,
Michelle Henry