3214 BROADWAY SEPA 017 - 004 Land Use Decision Documents 2025-04-14

Findings for access from 32nd Street Variance 17. EMC 13.16.050(F) requires that no permit for a driveway approach be granted if reasonable egress and ingress can be secured from the alley. Although some of the access to the parking structure can be secured from the alley, the amount of needed parking to handle all of the parking needs cannot be handled only through the alley access. The Applicant seeks an additional vehicular access from 32nd Street. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 8; exhibit 2, plan set, pages 1, 2 and 3; testimony of Mr. Ingalsbe) 18. EMC 13.16.110 includes criteria for the grant of a variance from the standards of Chapter EMC 13.16. These criteria are the controlling criteria for this variance'. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 8; testimony of Mr. Ingalsbe) 19. The twelve-foot elevation difference from the west property line down to the east property line is significant and is a peculiar physical condition not ordinarily existing in similar districts in the City. The Applicant's proposal includes three parking levels under the apartment: the alley entrance would allow access to the upper parking level, while the 32nd Street access would lead to the middle and lower parking levels. The design of available parking in the structure provides a less steep entrance and maneuverability in the parking area. The variance allows the Applicant the ability to provide sufficient parking, as well as access to and from the site. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 9; testimony of Mr. Ingalsbe) 20. With the two access points to parking there will be a reduction of potential conflicts between vehicles traveling 32nd Street. In addition, traffic flow impediments within the structure will be reduced. It will also eliminate a need for vehicular access off Broadway Avenue. The variance is in the public interest and provides safety conveniences for the general welfare. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 9; exhibit 2, plan set) 21. The only adjacent property to the proposed building is on the south side of the property. The grant of the access off 32nd Street will not adversely affect the rights of adjacent property owners. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 9; testimony of Mr. Ingalsbe) 22. The variance will allow for safer ingress and egress for the residents of the site and will improve the efficiency and functionality of access to the building. (exhibit 1, staff report, page 9) 1 In its narrative,the Applicant submitted a review of the criteria of EMC 19.15.080(B). It states: "vehicular access; sites abutting an alley shall be required to gain vehicular access from the alley... No driveway access from the public street shall be allowed unless specifically authorized by the planning director." The Applicant submitted its review of this request based on the criteria of EMC 19.41.130.C. EMC 13.16.110 is the controlling criteria for the driveway variance.