11 Frontage Improvements WaiverBush Roed 8r Hitchings, Inc.
March 18, 2019
Mr. EJ Walsh, P.E.
Public Works Director
City of Federal Way
33325 81h Avenue S
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
RE: Request for Waiver of Frontage Improvements
2200 SW 3201h Street Preliminary Plat
Dear Mr. Walsh:
We are currently pursuing a preliminary plat approval for the above referenced site. The proposed plat
would subdivide the current two (2) parcels into eleven (11) buildable single family lots with an open
space tract, a storm drainage tract and a private road tract.
The purpose of this letter is to request a waiver of the frontage improvements and right-of-way dedication
along SW 320'h Street.
Per comments provided by the City in the pre -application summary letter dated July 13, 2018, a 4-foot
right-of-way dedication along with a 6-foot planter, 8-foot sidewalk, street lighting and street trees are
required to be installed. FWRC 19.135.070 states that the public works director, "...may modify, defer or
waive the requirements of (chapter 19 if... ) (2) Unusual topographic or physical conditions preclude the
construction of the improvements as required."
The frontage of the property along SW 320'h Street consists of steep slopes covered with native
vegetation, including existing trees. The existing slope has been evaluated by the project geotechnical
engineer and was deemed stable. Currently there is an 8-foot wide sidewalk with street trees and street
lighting. The sidewalk is adjacent to the curb with the street trees behind the sidewalk.
To install the required improvements, a retaining wall more than 6 feet high would need to be constructed.
FW RC 19.120.120 restricts the heights of retaining walls to a maximum of 6 feet in height. Because of
this the required improvements cannot be constructed.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and we look forward to your decision.
Sincerely,
BUSH, RQEP & HITCHINGS, INC.
Ted
BRH - Land Surveyors & Civil Engineers
2009 Minor Avenue East, Seattle, WA98102-3513
(206) 323-4144 (800) 935-0508 www.brhinc.com