21-100017 Variance Request Reduced Setback_3-31-21
P & M Development, LLC – 35001 NE 147TH AVE, YACOLT, WA 98675 – (360) 263-4873
March 31 ,2021
City of Federal Way
Community Development
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, Washington 98003
RE: Variance Request - Henry Reasonable Use 21-100017, Lot 142103-9087
A variance is being requested for a 25% reduction in the front yard setback for lot 142103-9087, with
application #21-1000017, currently under review to allow for reasonable use.
FWRC 19.45.030 provides the City may grant the variance if it finds all of the following:
(1) That the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations
upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located.
The lot is surround by single family homes in an area connected by private roads with homes facing all
different directions. This front yard of this lot is across from the side yard of another lot and to the other
two lots in the proposed project area. Neighboring lots outside the project area have a 5-yard setback to
the project site. The variance requested does not provide for any special privileges.
(2) That the variance is necessary because of special circumstances relating to the size, shape,
topography, location or surroundings of the subject property to provide it with use rights and
privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is
located.
This request is based on special circumstances related to the topography of the site. The subject lot is a
large parcel (22,082 SF) within an area zoned RS 15.0. The lot is constrained by a creek that flows
generally from west to northeast through the site to wetlands. The entire parcel is within the buffers of
the creek and wetlands. To construct a single-family home with a 1,300 SF footprint, the project
proposes to take advantage of a previously cleared area south of the creek and maintain a practical
distance from the creek. A reduction in the required setback is requested to maximize the distance
between the proposed building footprint and critical areas.
(3) That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is
located.
Neither full nor reduced setbacks in this location have any impacts on public welfare.
P & M Development, LLC – 35001 NE 147TH AVE, YACOLT, WA 98675 – (360) 263-4873
(4) That the special circumstances of the subject property are not the result of the actions of the owner
of the subject property.
The special circumstances of the subject property are related to the topography with the creek and are
not a result of any action by the owners.
Please find the proposed project meets all the above for granting a variance as requested to reduce the
front yard setback by 25%.
Kind Regards,
Michelle Henry