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11-102373rIrr of 4s. Federal June 30, 2011 James E Cox Light of Christ Lutheran Church 2400 SW 344 h Street Federal Way, WA 98023 CITY HALL 33325 8th Avenue South y Mailing Address: PO Box 9718 Federal Way, WA 98063-9718 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com RE: FILE #11-102373-00-UP; PROCESS I DIRECTOR'S APPROVAL Light of Christ Community Garden, 34249 21" Avenue SW, Federal Way Dear Mr. Cox: The Community and Economic Development Department is in receipt of your Process I Master Land Use (MLU) application for the proposed community garden project located at Light of Christ Lutheran Church. The Process I MLU application is hereby approved as it meets review criteria set forth in Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.55.020. The director's conclusions are based on findings made by the department's Planning Division. PROJECT SUMMARY The applicant proposes to build a 100' x 100' community garden located on the Light of Christ Lutheran Church property. The purpose of the garden is for free distribution of fruits and vegetables and not as a pea patch (i.e., "rent a plot") garden. The project area will contain raised beds, walking paths, five pergola structures, information kiosk, and plaza. The construction and ongoing gardening effort will be led by the church congregation. Additional garden features are noted in the "Findings" section of this decision. Please note — The department has found the raised bed and pathway components of the garden are exempt from the requirements of land use review as they are analogous to typical landscaping implemented by an institutional use and not "improvements" as defined by the city Zoning and Development Code. Additionally, the proposed amount of earthwork does not exceed thresholds requiring review under the city clearing and grading ordinance. This approval is specific to the following aspects that are considered improvements: (1) five pergolas; (2) kiosk; and (3) fountain/bench/plaza area. CONCLUSIONS Various sections of the Zoning and Development Code indicate that certain developments, activities, or uses are permitted only if approved using Process I — Director's Approval. Based on the findings below, the proposed improvements to the developed site meet the following Process I approval criteria and land use review thresholds of Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.15.030 and 19.55.020: 1. The proposed improvements are consistent with applicable chapters of FWRC Title 19 including, but not limited to: Permits and Review Processes; Process I — Director's Approval; Community Design Guidelines; Single -Family Residential (RS) zone (church uses); and Accessory Uses and Facilities; 2. The health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city are preserved; 3. There is no change of use; WICox ` June 30, 2011 Page 2 4. There is no reduction in the amount of required landscaping, buffering, open space, or public areas; 5. There is no material change or reduction in the amount of required parking; 6. There is no material change in the location of utilities, easements, or pedestrian connections; 7. There is no material change to the approved architectural design; and 8. There are no additional adverse impacts to sensitive areas or significant trees. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Proposal — The applicant submitted a Process I MLU application on June 15, 2011, proposing to develop a community garden associated with the existing church use. Improvements subject to land use review include the following: (1) installation of five pergolas approximately nine feet in height and 14 feet in length; (2) one information kiosk approximately nine feet in height with gable and shake roofing; (3) one plaza area approximately 200 square feet with fountain and bench seating. Garden Activities — The proposed raised garden beds and pervious pathways do not require land use review and are exempt from requirements set forth in FWRC 19.15.030. These findings have been made, in part, due to the following: (1) the proposed activities are analogous to any other typical landscaping; (2) the scope of work is relatively minor with the proposed beds' highest elevation at 33 inches above finished grade and pathways composed mainly of wood chips with some areas composed of gravel to accommodate accessible needs; (3) tree removal is outside any recognized critical areas and will not result in the subject property to fall below minimum canopy requirements; and (4) the amount of grading (less than 10 yards) and filling (approximately 60 yards) is less than the clearing and grading ordinance threshold requirement for a formal review process. Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Designation — The subject property is located within a Single -Family Residential (RS 7.2) area. Church uses are permitted in RS zones pursuant to FWRC 19.200.050. 4. Accessory Use — FWRC 19.265.010 allows accessory uses normally associated with a permitted use. The community garden will be used to feed those less fortunate and create a teaching and gathering place for the community. Such activities are associated with typical functions of a church and therefore deemed an accessory use of the overall principal use. Additionally, the size and scope of the garden is clearly secondary to the overall principal church use. Community Design Guidelines —The design of the pergola, plaza, and kiosk is consistent with applicable guidelines for institutional uses set forth in FWRC 19.115.100. The site design provides opportunities for pedestrian gathering and interaction. The proposed chainlink will likely be visible from the right-of-way and therefore will incorporate a dark color to mitigate the visual impacts consistent with FWRC 19.115.090(1)(f). Parking — Adequate vehicle stalls are provided at the church parking lot with additional parking located at accessory building (former single-family dwelling) near the proposed garden location. No new stalls have been proposed. Any additional stalls would require environmental review as the city's flexible exemption threshold is 40 stalls, which the existing church currently exceeds. 7. Tree Removal — The applicant proposes to remove 29 tree units to construct the garden and associated improvements. As more than half of the subject property is forested, the applicant has estimated approximately 2,900 existing tree units on the property, which exceeds the 25 tree unit per I1-102373 Doc. I D. 58085 Mr. Cox June 30, 2011 Page 3 acre minimum. The proposed tree removal meets exemption standards set forth in FWRC 19.120.030(10) and does not require replanting pursuant to FWRC 19.120.130. 8. Erosion Control — Grading and filling activities will require the applicant to keep sediment from eroding into the adjacent rights -of -way. Silt fencing may be necessary and entrances for trucks delivering fill will need to be maintained as not to allow the tracking of soils offsite. Movement of sedimentation off the subject property into the right-of-way is a violation of the city's public nuisance ordinance (FWRC 7.05.020) and surface water management regulations (FWRC Title 16). 9. Bees — A location designated for beekeeping is shown on the southwestern portion of the site plan. Bees are permitted on the subject property pursuant to FWRC 19.260.080 as it meets the minimum 15,000 square -foot lot size requirement. Hives are required to be registered with the state Department of Agriculture prior to April of each year in which they are kept. 10. Environmental Review —The proposed activities and improvements are categorically exempt from an environmental threshold determination pursuant to State Environmental Policy Act Rules 197-11- 800(3). APPEALS The effective date of this decision is July 3, 2011. Pursuant to FWRC 19.55.050, any person who commented on the application or requests a copy of this administrative decision may appeal the decision to the Federal Way Hearing Examiner by July 18, 2011. Any appeal must be in the form of a letter delivered to the department with the established fee. However, as you are the only party of record, you may waive your right to appeal this decision. If you wish to waive your right to appeal, you must do so in writing to the Director of Community and Economic Development. No work on the proposal may begin until the end of the appeal period or receipt of your waiver. CLOSING This land use decision does not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and standards relating to this development. This Process I approval does not constitute approval of a building permit. If you have any questions regarding this decision, please contact Matthew Herrera, Associate Planner, at 253-835-2638, or matt.herrera@cityoffederalway.com. Sincerely, Isaac Conlen Planning Division Manager for Patrick Doherty, Director enc: Approved Site Plan/Elevations c: James Cox, 2633 South 355 h Place, Federal Way WA 98003 Margaret Clark, Principal Planner Janet Shull, Senior Planner 11-102373 Doe I D 58085 �i + w 5UILDING AND PAKK NG 5ET6ACK L-)9•I II R-2g.00' 89. 37'4' goo. s' Ne9" �k'osnE i — EM5TING PROPERTY 1 INE ,sz c_ j�l• ��s. 344TH AVE 4) —70 fQ C] � � Q � ° E E ;i. N ,T V J �L FAKV. AND Po 3oo T 550,5 s © ,--,, PLAN APPROVAL Z Pa nAN comment= RECEIVED JUN 15 2011 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY CDS cI I I 18 77'-1 kI' w 3 C7 � 14, // 1 / 22'-3/'� J-1o° 13'-60 SITE K AN AePROV L O E ^E E _ ._ Q c V 4� U) �j }c 4.3 O Q s u Nortk RE .EIV '2011 A J 15 CITY OF -E®ERAL A Yt �x 1 ' �14�. i Dimensioned Pan CDS - .E - 5caic- 3/32°_ I 'o° i� U o -r Lij ¢ p W � a E J U- [c fn 2 U Location for Fountain DccLdng Raised I Recycled Woodc6ips Compacted gushed Gravel Rec9ded Woodcl+ips OO�0 0 -I- Location for Composting L'jins F Flower6ed Raised 53" 7�1 Compacted Crushed Gravel Recycicdwoodckips Location for teen A 102.1 ,Main Cjarden Plan North Scale: 1/ 16"= I L� "_PPROVED PLI,-%NNING City of Federal Way Dept. of Community eivpr cent Permit ft I �, - -'v ® t� — , � Date .6. QA 8x8 Timber Shake Roofing D Information Kiosk Scale: I/8°= I'O' Gar[len 5inL Dec6ng Raised 12" sxs Tim6cr Flagstone Masonry Flowe Central Cross Detail Scale-- 1/8'= I b" m Main Entrance Scale: I/8"= I'O" 14 ill 2xIZTim6` '. 9 1 1 "8,_5 11 I, Composite Doric Coiun«„ C Pergola Scale: 1/8"= I'0" 5" 2xl 2 Timber onc. L -E--1 �Cz 4� E Ub E � t� O L O N O Q S U O .a..l r bf�s s SCE JUN 1 5120ii G i= FEi7liof A - A CD, z r Mm LJ Lil � Q o X ii L L J� OIca-. Q J x T 0- t] U Light of Christ f A r' CW : � r-7 SOL,^ A Lift A.n AIL 1 II �.. 1. 41 -{C} 2010 King Cauniy r.d The information included on this map has been compiled by King County staff from a variety of sources and fs subji intended for use as a survey product" K ng County shall noE be liable for any general, special, indirect, Incidental, or prohibited except by written permission of Icing County. 1 i z; -,=N �� - _ •+r 374f Wtj wilhoul notice. King Ceunty makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as io accuracy, oompleleness. Timeliness, or rights to the use of such information. This document is not I damages including, but not limited to, lost revenues or last profits resulting from The use or misuse of the information contained on this map. Any sale of this map or information on this reap is King County Date: 6123/2011 Source: King County WAP - Property Informallon{hdp:(lwww"metrokc"govlGISliMAP) Light of Christ Community Garden Project This project will build a community garden on a portion of the undeveloped property of the Light of Christ Church. Specifically this property is located on the east side of the eight acre property on the northwest quadrant of the intersection of 21st Avenue Southwest and Southwest 344th street in Federal Way, WA. The Light of Christ Community Garden Project is associated with other Federal Way Community Gardens Foundation activities. The project would entail a community effort to build, plant, harvest and distribute between 7,000 and 10,000 Ibs of organic fruits and vegetables to those in need within our community. This is a community garden, "all for one harvest, one harvest for all", as opposed to a "pea patch" garden concept, where multiple groups have dedicated areas for their own benefit. In addition to growing fruits and vegetables for free distribution to the needful of our community, the garden is intended to serve as a focus area for education on healthy life choices such as diet, nutrition and exercise. Information will also be provided on local churches, care ministries, food banks, ethnic and community outreach programs The community garden project would be sponsored and led by the congregation of Light of Christ Lutheran Church. It is the intent of the project that other community organizations including religious, professional and social groups will be involved in the building, maintenance, harvest and distribution. As a community project a majority project funding will come from outside the LOC Congregation. The estimated cost of constructing the garden and associated elements such as walkways, gateway, fencing, compost and vegetable cleaning areas would be approximately $30,000. The primary garden area will be 100' x 100', containing raised beds to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. The garden will be set back approximately 50 — 75 feet west of 21St Avenue Southwest adjacent to the current house and driveway. This is an organic gardening activity. Plants are to be cultivated withou.t theuse. of chemicals and pest control will be achieved using organic stratREGE 1 V E D philosophy that stresses increasing the natural health of the soil, choosing JUN 15 Z011 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY CDS r.. appropriate plants that are suited to our area, and working with nature to produce a healthy and productive garden Preparation for the garden will require clearing an area approximately 50 yards west from 21St Avenue Southwest, removing ground cover and 29 d.b.h. tree units. The Light of Christ Church property is approximately 8.5 acres, composed of two land parcels. Parcel 2421039115 has the main church building, while parcel 2421039005 is the lower area containing a house and shed. The garden will be located on lower area. About 50% of the eight acres is forested. Using a typical sampling method in the forested area, there are 15 d.b.h. tree units per 30' x 30' or 900 square foot area. By extrapolation of the sampling area there are roughly 2,900 d.b.h. tree units on the 8.5 acre property, or 362 d.b.h tree units per acre. This exceeds the minimum density requirement of 25 tree units / acre for this land use designation. The area is basically level, so clearing activities will involve tree removal, scraping the grass, berry bushes, weeds and brush to provide a clear area on which to build the garden. Any leveling activity would be less than one foot north/south or east/west. There are no plans to remove dirt from the area. It is estimated that 60 cubic yards of dirt will be brought in to fill the raised beds. The clearing activity also involves clearing deadfall and scrub brush from the forested area west of the garden for security and locations for picnic tables. It is intended that native forest plants such as salal, forest flowers and ferns be retained. Trees and brush that are removed will be ground, chipped and reused on the property or recycled through a commercial source. It is proposed that a community garden would be built within a one year period and be ready for planting by April 1, 2012. Organic gardening methods are to be used to provide a healthy food source. Recycling and the use of recycled and/or renewable products are emphasized. The garden will have minimal impact to the environment and be a positive compliment to the neighborhood. The Light of Christ Community Garden is modeled after the Federal Way Community Gardens "English Garden" design concept employed at the Federal Way Senior Center and the Harry S. Truman High School in Federal Way. The garden is designed into four quadrants, with one of the quadrants designated for access by handicapped individuals using wheelchairs, power scooters and walkers. Major walkways and walkways within the handicapped accessible quadrant will be hard packed, level and of sufficient width to allow for wheel chairs and walkers. Several vegetable and flower beds will be raised to a height of 33 inches so that they are more easily accessible. Design accommodations will also be made to encourage the very young to participate in the planting, weeding and harvesting. In addition to being visually pleasing, the design will include elements to stimulate the other senses such as fragrant flowers, chimes and a flowing fountain. The four quadrants will radiate from a central raised circular flower bed, built of stone or cement block, surrounded on two sides by pergolas for climbing vines and hanging plants. In the center of the circular bed will be a large cross. The walkway surrounding the circular bed will be made of brick or pavers. There are also benches in this core area. At the southeast corner of the garden there is a raised platform for education. At the northwest corner of the garden there is also a raised platform, framed by two screens on the back side, a fountain and benches. The walkway leading from the northwest corner to the southwest corner of the garden provides a vista of Mount Rainier in the distance. Both platforms will be twelve inches above ground level. On the east side of the garden facing 21st Avenue Southwest is to be a two pillars, made of wood and stone, with the name of the garden raised between the two pillars. On the west side of the garden there is an arbor, leading to a pathway through the forested area towards the Light of Christ Church. On the north east corner of the garden there is an information kiosk, cleaning station and recycle bins. In the area east of the house, there will be a green house 8' wide by 14 / 16 feet long. On south side of the green house, there will be several cold frames built upon the ground. These are used to protect new plants and help with the transition from the greenhouse to the main garden area. The raised beds will be constructed of treated wood. Major walkways and walkways within the handicapped quadrant will be constructed of crushed gravel for wheelchair and scooter access. Perimeter and other walkways will be made of wood chips. A drip watering system will be used for the vegetable and flower beds. The system will be connected to Lakehaven Water Service using double check valve (DCV) or a backflow prevention device. At various places in the garden there will also be faucet connections for hoses. The garden will also be wired for 12 Volt DC and 110 Volt AC electrical connections for lighting and security. It is proposed that the garden will be fenced with a four foot black chain link fence for security and garden predator prevention. If necessary, a rain garden or similar water containment system will be incorporated into the garden design to manage water runoff from the property. Earth friendly techniques and materials are used in the construction and operation of the garden. LIGHT OF CHRIST COMMUNITY GARDEN COLOR AND MATERIALS The primary garden colors are earth tones of wood and stone. Garden paths will be chipped wood or grey / blue crushed gravel. Garden beds are made of treated wood products. The pergolas and front entrances are composed of wood, stone and concrete. The west arbor is made of cedar or treated wood. The kiosk, cleaning stations and compost bins are made of treated wood. The kiosk roof is cedar shake. The central cross is wood painted white, while the garden immediately surrounding the garden is concrete block or natural stone. The walkway surrounding the cross will be of brick or pavers. Garden benches will be of wood or composite material in earth tones or painted black. Decking material is either treated wood or colored composite materials resembling natural wood. The garden will be surrounded by a four foot black chain link fence. Signage for the front entrance identifying the garden will be composed of wood or vinyl material with pastel tones. The drip sprinkler system in the gardens is black plastic. RECEIVED JUN 15 2011 CITY OF FEDERAL WA," CDS CIT Federal Way APPLICATION NO(S) RE C E I E [MASTER LAND USE APPLICATION DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY D>;VELOP.NIENT SERVICES 33325 8 h Avenue South J U N 1 5 2MU PO Box 9718 Federal Way WA 98063-9718 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY 253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609 C D S www.cigoffederalway.gom 11- [oz3-73-cou-P Date /j', oi7 Project Name LrSd, T, c'a d /�.Cis7- /1 nn.PoFf o ,ac�f_ Property Address/Location y �`� 42 y L= Parcel Number(s) _ tl Z a 0 2 Cl Q 65 Project Description !�L a C° r, ► Qu' PLEASE PRINT Type of Permit Required Annexation Binding Site Plan Boundary Line Adjustment Comp Plan/Rezone Land Surface Modification Lot Line Elimination Preapplication Conference Process I (Director—s Approval) Process II (Site Plan Review) Process III (Project Approval) Process IV (Hearing Examiner's Decision) Process V (Quasi -Judicial Rezone) Process VI SEPA w/Project SEPA Only Shoreline: Variance/Conditional Use Short Subdivision Subdivision Variance: Commercial/Residential Required Information k S. 7, 2. Zoning Designation S -sL6j � •—Comprehensive Plan Designation Value of Existing Improvements 3o, oo-,�o Value of Proposed Improvements International Building Code (IBC): Occupancy Type _Construction Type Applicant Name: ,-)4 „r, L S C. C o X Address: I, 3 3 35 s' n L A ""- City/State: !v c Z eR a L L,, W1( ) w A — Zip: C� JV0 3 Phone: S 3 _ qS 2__ V °i Fax: a,S 3- 4S 2. V-330t Email: Signature: Agent (if different than Applicant) Name: Address: City/State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Email: Signature: Owner Name: T e�- Address: a y ob 5ti..y 3y u it sT-vL,, e:T- ty/State: V a ,j L L,,ev y' Ci p R3 Phone: -7 Fax: 'S 3 — Ov 6'2--J-3 3 Email: Signature: Bulletin #003 — August 18, 2004 Page 1 of 1 k:\Handouts\Master Land Use Application