21-102066-UP-Modification Request for Frontage-11-24-2021-V1
EJ Walsh, P.E.
Director of Public Works
City of Federal Way
Department of Community Development
33325 – 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: Modification Request to Public Works Development Standards for Frontage
Improvements
Smith Brother’s Farms – Federal Way
Southeast Corner of 9th Ave. S and S. 344th St.
City of Federal Way, King County, Washington
Our Job No. 21537
Dear Mr. Walsh:
This modification request has been prepared in response to the review comment provided in the Public
Works – Traffic Division section of the letter dated September 10th, 2021, to justify a waiver of frontage
improvements along the property frontage on 9th Avenue South and South 344th Street.
The expected street improvements would be consistent with the planned roadway cross-sections as
shown in Map III-4 in Chapter III of the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) and Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) shown as Table III-10 (FWRC 19.135.040. Below is a summary of the expected
improvements directly from the Use Process III comment letter.
· 9th Avenue South Principal Collector planned as a Type “K” street, consisting of 44’ street with bike lane,
6’ planter strips with street trees, 8’ sidewalks, and streetlights in a 78’ right- of-way (ROW). Assuming a
symmetrical cross section, half street improvements are required as measured from the street centerline.
It appears the existing 39’ right-of-way would be adequate to accommodate planned improvement.
· South 344th Street is a Principal Collector planned as a Type “R” street, consisting of 40’ street with curb
and gutter, 4’ planter strips with street trees, 6’ sidewalks, and streetlights in a 66’ right-of-way (ROW).
Assuming a symmetrical cross section, half street improvements are required as measured from the
street centerline
The Smith Brother’s Farms project is a warehouse distribution facility with areas for traditional office
spaces, and dedicated truck loading. The property may also include a storage area for trailers that arrive
on the site. Existing conditions are built out with vertical curb gutter, sidewalks, streetlights with necessary
accommodations for the proposed improvements.
The following are justifications for approval of this modification request.
1. The improvement as required would not be harmonious with existing street improvements,
would not function properly or safely or would not be advantageous to the neighborhood or City
as a whole.
Response: The project is requesting a waiver of the expected frontage improvements based
on the notion that both roads are fully improved along their respective corridors and that the
existing conditions are sufficient for the neighborhood’s current and projected needs.
2. Unusual topographic or physical conditions preclude the construction of improvements as
required.
Response: Steep slopes along 9th Avenue South present technical challenges for widening
the road.
3. Proper vertical or horizontal alignments cannot be determined because the existing streets do
not have correct alignments.
Response: The existing horizontal and vertical alignment of the road along the property’s
frontage is sufficient for current and projected needs of the community.
4. The required improvement is part of a larger project that has been scheduled for construction
in the city’s adopted six-year transportation improvement program.
Response: The project is not a part of the City’s adopted six-year transportation improvement
plan, however the existing conditions are fully developed and meet the needs of the expected
demand of the community. Furthermore, the city anticipates future improvements to the
intersection of 9th Avenue South and South 344th Street that proposes a roundabout. The
proposed roundabout would require demolishing and replacing a significant amount of the
improvements the city is requesting the applicant to complete.
We believe that this modification request should be granted for this project, since it is demonstrated that
the existing street configuration would accommodate the needs of the community and surrounding
businesses. Please review at your earliest convenience and please feel free to contact me with any
questions or need additional information. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Benjamin H. Eldridge, P.E.
Senior Project Engineer
enc: As Noted
cc: Scott Hougham, KGIP
James Carleton, Nelson
Ben Eldridge, Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc.