20-104021_18 Setback Justification Letter_07-14-2021-V1
July 14, 2021
Becky Chapin, Senior Planner
City of Federal Way
Christine Fong, Design Manager
MCG Architecture
The Commons - Pad Sites, Setback Justification
MCG Project No. 20382.03
The following is a response to Technical Comments Letter, Community Development,
Planning Division Item #1, which provides a justification for the setback restriction of
five-foot maximum from the principal pedestrian right-of-way:
Pad F – Pad F is proposed to be setback about 10’-0” from the property line along S. 320th
Street. There are underground power lines within the 5’ setback from the property line.
There is no known power easement in this area, however that is continuing to be
investigated and the building setback will be adjusted as needed to avoid the power lines
and/or easement as discovered.
The Commons - Pad Sites, Setback Justification
July 14, 2021
Page 2
Pad H – Pad H is proposed to be setback about 23’-4” to 26’-9” from the property line
along Pacific Hwy South. There is a proposed 5’-0” rear exit and path of travel along with
approximately 20’-0” of steep grade. This area is planned to be landscaped. The front
entry sidewalk already measures 16’-0” and to provide further depth would disconnect the
building from the planned pedestrian access to Major 4 / anchor grocery tenant and greatly
increase the amount of impervious area around the building.
The Commons - Pad Sites, Setback Justification
July 14, 2021
Page 3
Pad I – Pad is proposed to be setback about 26’-10” from the property line along Pacific
Highway South. There is approximately 10’-2” of grading needed to provide the
remainder with a level outdoor patio for future tenant use as a streetscape amenity.
Glenn Goodman, Merlone Geier Partners