HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Justification_Modification_PSUB22-000195_Singh_20220628_v2
Elevation Home Designs, LLC
2102 E Main, Suite 105
Puyallup, WA 98372
253.375.5645 elevation.biz
June 28, 2022
RE: Modification Request PSUB22-00195 Singh
Justification Modification
Project Name / No: 16842 – 124th Ave SE Modification / PSUB22-000195
Request for Reasonable Modification and or Accommodation to the requested
building application of 16842 124th Ave SE, Renton WA
Request to allow front façade location of residence to remain as-built as was code at
time of build. We are willing to create an attractive 5’ front porch that will be both
flattering and in character with the neighborhood if allowed to create remaining 2-3
feet of required porch into setback area. Requiring the relocation of the front of home
to create porch would cut into both the kitchen and dining space of the home making
the already calculated required dining and living area not suitable for the ADA
residents’ safe navigation and enjoyable socialization.
The current home is built at an approximate elevation of 6” above grade. Relieving the
owner from the 12” front porch buildup will allow residents to gather in the spirit of the
code as part of the community and socialize with the neighborhood in a safe manner
free from challenges of navigating unnecessary terrain.
Requiring a 12” buildup will create a limited and unsafe obstacle for which residents to
navigate. Preserving the currently designed open concept will allow residents to freely
access front area to interact and contribute to a sense of place without restriction of
barrier railings and ramping. RCW 70.0128.130 C. It would not be financially feasible to
neither raise the home nor lower the grade to meet this requirement while subsequently
making the ADA access more difficult and restrictive to multiple residents’ simultaneous
enjoyment.
Proposed design is complimentary, front facing, visibly prominent and flattering to
neighborhood. Porch is oriented toward making these residents equal pedestrians to
the community. Allowing a modification or relieving owner of requiring full 5’ porch is in
like to surrounding properties and would be in character with neighborhood.
Modification will not harm nor damage any surrounding properties or those property
owner’s rights or enjoyment of their own properties.
“Per RMC 4-4-080.b.1.b.ii since the proposed project is enlarging the existing structure
by more than 1/3 compliance with driveway standards is required. The driveway must
be a minimum 5 feet from the property line and that portion in the ROW shall be a
maximum 16 feet in width. That portion of the driveway to be removed shall be
vegetated with grass or small shrubs, The maximum width of single loaded garage
driveways shall not exceed 9’.”
This home is a single loaded garage and would be required to reduce its driveway from
a width of 20’ to 9’. Using City of Renton’s own standards, the restriction of 9’ is
insufficient for ADA needs.
We would like to request reasonable modification to 9’ width maximum be granted to
allow for residents to load and unload from a mobility aid vehicle safely.
Granting these modification requests will both satisfy the intention of the policies while
ensuring the safety, happiness, and enjoyment of the residents of the home. In addition,
the modification will not injure nor encroach upon the rights or enjoyment of other
neighboring properties. This modification will in fact enrich the neighborhood by:
1. Upgrading a previously derelict property in a community area already identified
by Renton as in need of improvement
2. Incorporating a Uniquely Abled Population into the neighborhood and allowing
them equal socialization
3. Provide for a population in particular need of specialized housing
4. Improve value of property
5. Improve value of surrounding properties
6. Improve safety of entire neighborhood by upgrading the parcel within
neighborhood currently in poorest repair
It is believed we meet the standards requested above and are congruent with the
intention by:
A. Minimum adjustment necessary to implement; Leave front façade as-built and
meet code by creating an additional few feet of overhang for front porch
requirement if needed into setback and be allowed to create a safe front porch
grade for residents. Will not increase or further impact driveway nee
B. Meet Objectives/Safety/Appearance intended of Code: Designed to mimic
character of neighborhood in all ways. Residents’ main objective is to be
included in neighborhood. Designer primary concern is safety. Design is a
compromise to closely mimic those of surrounding homes and bring continuity to
community.
C. Will not be injurious to other properties: No other property is impacted by
modification in a negative way. All other properties will benefit from project.
D. Conforms to intent: Purpose and goal is to include Residents into Neighborhood
and make a congenial, safe and engaging community.
E. Shown to be justified and required for situation: Entire home is ADA compliant,
and the front entry should be as easily accessible without undue and
unnecessary hardship.
F. Not create adverse impacts to other properties; No properties will be impacted
negatively by allowing home to remain in it currently as built location. Other
properties will not by impacted by allowing this home to be free of a built-up
front porch requiring residents to navigate both up a ramp then back down to
enter home; nor would they benefit from having to have home set back to
incorporated in the required front porch which would encroach upon resident’s
front living space /Kitchen and dining area.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this request.
Warm regards,
Jared Baehmer
Elevation Home Designs, LLC