UPIII Approval Letter33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
November 15, 2021
Kris Stamon
McGranahan Architects
2111 Pacific Avenue, Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98402
kris.stamon@mcgranahan.com
Re: File #21-101296-00-UP; USE PROCESS III “PROJECT APPROVAL”
Olympic View K-8 School, 2626 SW 327th Street, Federal Way
Dear Mr. Stamon:
The City of Federal Way has completed the administrative review and hereby issues conditional approval of
the proposal to construct a new Olympic View K-8 School, including stormwater treatment, play field,
parking reconfiguration, and landscaping. The existing elementary school building will be demolished. While
the proposed Olympic View K-8 school is under construction, current scholars will be temporarily housed
offsite at Elementary School #24 (ES24).
The Process III Master Land Use (MLU) application submitted on April 14, 2021 (with revisions resubmitted
on May 12, and August 20, 2021), is hereby conditionally approved per the enclosed Exhibit A, Findings for
Project Approval, incorporated into this decision in full, and the following conclusions based on those facts:
1. The proposal is consistent with the comprehensive plan;
2. The proposal is consistent with all applicable provisions of Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC);
3. The proposal is consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare;
4. The streets and utilities in the area of the subject property are adequate to serve the anticipated
demand from the proposal;
5. The proposed access to the subject property is at the optimal location and configuration; and
6. Traffic safety impacts for all modes of transportation, both on and off site, are adequately mitigated.
The remainder of this letter outlines the land use review process required for this particular site improvement;
summarizes the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process; lists conditions of the land use decision; and
provides other procedural information. This land use decision does not authorize initiation of construction
activities.
REVIEW PROCESS
The site is located in a Single Family Residential (RS7.2) zoning district. School uses are permitted in the zone
subject to Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.200.090. The school use is reviewed through Process III, Project
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Approval, in conjunction with environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The
Director of Community Development makes a written decision on the application based on the criteria listed
under FWRC 19.65.100. Project approval does not grant license to begin any type of site work.
SEPA PROCESS
The responsible official at Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) issued a Determination of Nonsignificance
(DNS) for the school rebuild proposal on April 28, 2021. The final evaluation by FWPS for the
environmental checklist is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1. Prior to issuance of any building permits, the applicant must submit an operation and management
manual using Best Management Practices (BMPs) and integrated pest management (IPM) for
fertilizer and pesticide/herbicide applications.
2. Prior to any grading, excavation, or earthwork activities that disturb on-site soils, remediation of
impacted soils under PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. (PBS) supervision is required.
3. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, confirmation sampling that Decision Units 2 is
below DOE’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) Method A Cleanup Levels (CULs) is required.
BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
This Process III land use decision does not constitute a building permit, or authorize clearing/grading
activities. Any changes as a result of the Process III approval must be reflected on the submitted building
permit plans. If you have any questions regarding the building permit review, please contact the Permit
Center at 253-835-2607, or permitcenter@cityoffederalway.com.
APPROVAL DURATION
Per FWRC 19.15.100(2), “. . .the applicant must substantially complete construction for the development
activity, use of land, or other actions approved and complete the applicable conditions listed in the use
process III decision within five years after the final decision of the city on the matter, or the decision
becomes void. If a land use petition is filed under Chapter 36.70C RCW in King County superior court, the
time limits of this section are automatically extended by the length of time between the commencement and
final termination of that litigation…” Time extensions to the decision may be requested before the lapse of
approval following the provisions listed in FWRC 19.15.110.
APPEALS
Per FWRC 19.05.360, the effective date of issuance is three calendar days following the date of this letter, or
November 18, 2021. Pursuant to FWRC 19.65.120(1), this land use decision may be appealed by the
applicant, any person who submitted written comments or information, or any person who has specifically
requested a copy of the decision. In compliance with FWRC 19.65.120(2), any appeal must be in the form of
a letter delivered to the Community Development Department, with the established fee, and within 14 days
after the effective date of issuance of this decision, or December 2, 2021. The appeal letter must contain a
statement identifying the decision being appealed, along with a copy of the decision; a statement of the
alleged errors in the director’s decision, including identification of specific factual findings and conclusions of
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the director disputed by the person filing the appeal; and the appellant’s name, address, telephone number,
and fax number, and any other information to facilitate communications with the appellant. Appeals are
governed by Process IV (Federal Way Hearing Examiner).
REQUESTS FOR CHANGE OF VALUATION
Per FWRC 19.65.100(4)(i), affected property owners may request a change in valuation for property tax
purposes, notwithstanding any program of revaluation.
CLOSING
This land use decision does not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and
standards relating to this development.
If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact Senior Planner Becky Chapin at 253-835-2641,
or becky.chapin@cityoffederalway.com.
Sincerely,
Brian Davis
Community Development Director
enc: Exhibit “A” Findings for Project Approval
Approved Plans
c: Becky Chapin, Senior Planner
Kevin Peterson, Senior Engineering Plans Reviewer
Jason Kennedy, Senior Traffic Engineer
Greg Kirk, Plans Examiner
Brian Asbury, Lakehaven Water & Sewer District
Sean Nichols, South King Fire & Rescue
King County Assessor’s Office, assessor.info@kingcounty.gov
Mike Kwaske, FWPS, mkwaske@fwps.org
Michael Swartz, FWPS, mswartz@fwps.org
Party of Record