23-103436-UP-Road Modification-Block-07-25-2023
CIVIL ENGINEERING SURVEYING LAND PLANNING
P.O. Box 949, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
4706 97th St. NW, Suite 100
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Phone: 253-857-5454
Fax: 253-509-0044
Email: info@contourpllc.com
June 30, 2023
Kathy Davis P.E., PTOE
City of Federal Way
Public Work, Traffic Division
33325 8th Ave South
Federal Way, WA 98003
SUBJECT/RE: Requested Road Modification for Commercial Development at 1420 S. 348th St
Frontage improvements
Contour Project #23-014
Dr. Ms. Davis:
As discussed at the pre-application File #22-105134-PC Block Perimeters shall be no longer than 1,320
feet for non-motorized trips, and 2,640 feet for streets (FWRC 18.55.010 and FWCP Policy TP4.2). The
projected commercial development at 1420 S. 348th St (parcel # 202104-9088) would be required to
provide access to the adjacent property to the north (tax parcel 2021049055). This property is developed
with a Hotel (Quality Inn & Suite) and is owned by HK Enterprises II LLC. The Applicants for ASSA 2
Retail Development have reached out to HK Enterprises II LLC to discuss a potential vehicle or
pedestrian connection and have not received a response. We have also reviewed available public records
and have been unable to locate an easement or other condition that gives the owners of this property the
right to connect to the north.
It is also important to note that the existing road network is not being created by the development of this
property that the current block perimeter length is the same with or without the development of this
portion of the property.
Per Federal Way Revised Code Title 19.135 the criteria to request a street modification are:
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.
As mentioned previously the adjacent property owners have been unresponsive to requests
to discuss or negotiate a vehicular or pedestrian connection to their property. As such not
legal connection can be provided between the two properties. We have included copies of the
owner’s attempts to communicate with the adjacent property with this memo.
2. Unusual topographic or physical conditions preclude the construction of the improvements as
required.
As the adjacent property owners have been unresponsive, we have not evaluated a
connection design. It is anticipated that with 3-3.5 vertical ft of elevation difference between
the properties a connection could be challenging.
3. Proper vertical or horizontal alignments cannot be determined because the existing streets do not
have correct alignments.
A modification to vertical and/or horizontal alignments is not required.
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.
Not applicable
The applicant is requesting the requirement to provide a connection not the norther property be waived as
the adjacent property owners have not been responsive and a legal connection cannot be provided at this
time.
Sincerely,
Stephen Bridgeford.
Senior Land Planner