3514 WETMORE AVE 2018-07-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

EMC 13.16.110 - Unusual conditions The city council is authorized to grant, in writing, variances from the regulations and requirements of this chapter, providing they first determine that the following conditions are present: A. The variance requested arises from peculiar physical conditions not ordinarily existing in similar districts in the city or is due to the nature of the business or operation upon the applicant's property; B. That the variance requested is not against the public interest, particularly safety, convenience and general welfare; C. That the granting of the permit for the variance will not adversely affect the rights of the adjacent property owners or tenants; D. That the terms of this chapter will work unnecessary hardship on the applicant, property owner or tenant. (Prior code§ 13.36.110) CONCLUSIONS BASED ON FINDINGS 1. EMC 19.33G.050.B.1 establishes that sites abutting alleys are required to gain vehicular access from the alley and that no driveway access from the public street is allowed. Michael and Terri Brashler are the property owners at 3514 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, Washington 98201. The property, zoned R-3 Multiple Family Medium Density and Core Residential Area, is developed with a single- family residence. The Applicant seeks a variance from the provisions of the Core Residential Development Standards, EMC 19.33G.050.B.1. in order to have street access for a new garage. 2. EMC Chapter 13.16 establishes standards for properties that are in a Core Residential Area. The subject property is zoned R-3 Multiple Family Medium Density and Core Residential Area. In 2008 parking and vehicular access standards were enacted. Included in these standards was that properties that abut an alley must have vehicular access from the alley and not the street. The Applicant seeks a variance from that standard pursuant to EMC 13.16.110. (finding 4) 3. The requested variance to have vehicular access off Wetmore Avenue arises in part from physical conditions not ordinarily existing in similar districts in the City of Everett. The physical conditions include a significant difference in elevations of the topography at the back of the subject property abutting the alley and the front of the property on Wetmore Avenue. To require access from the alley would result in complicated construction, including engineering and stormwater control than if the access to the proposed garage were off Wetmore Avenue. (findings 8, 10, and 11) 4. The location of the subject property between two clusters of multi-family dwellings to the north and south and a significant multi-family structure immediately east of the subject property creates a unique condition for the Applicant that is not present in other properties. The uniqueness of the subject