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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx02_Modification_Request_JustificationPROJECT JUSTIFICATION JULY 26, 2022 BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC 3835 S. EDMUNDS ST. SEATTLE WA, 98118 206-640-4736 BRETTWIEMANN@GMAIL.COM HOME OWNERS : SARAH & RICK MILLER ADDRESS : 439 RENTON AVE S BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC To Whom It May Concern, Below is a justification required for the application for a land use decision to acquire an exemption from zoning standards of the current Renton Comprehensive Plan. The strict adherence to the zoning code creates two instances of practical difficulties. The first practical difficulty is the requested modification of the existing street facing brick facade (Section 4-2-115 Residential Design and Open Space Standards sub paragraph B.2). This facade, and its current trim, window locations, and other details are reflective of the original era and style of the house. In order to meet the 25% glazing requirement there would need to be substantial alterations that would ultimately change the aesthetics of the home, its era and would be an additional financial burden on the homeowner, as well as an irregular solution to an existing unaltered structure. Furthermore, all windows in the existing structure have been purchased and installed based on the current permit approved and issued (B22000642)by the city of Renton for the interior remodel work. The second practical difficulty is in reference to the request to move the existing driveway (Section 4-4-080 Parking, Loading and Driveway Regulations, sub paragraph B.ii). Due to the steep slope, existing topography, and retaining walls, any modification of the driveway would prove to be a small and arbitrary shift in regards to the visual impact and intent of the Renton Comprehensive Plan. Alteration or modification to the existing driveway would have adverse effects not only on the ability to use the driveway and garage but also on site drainage as the existing driveway structure is both elevated and on a large concrete slab of which were never intended to be modified. Additionally, the current driveway location and relationship to the neighboring drive utilize a common curb cut and are both not in compliance with the 5' setback for driveways. These drives can be categorized as tandem drives and altering either could potentially have adverse effects on the functionality of the sites with little to no practical improvement to the site in regards to the intents of the Comprehensive Plan. It is my belief that safety, functionality, and appearance of the current street facing facade as well as the driveway location effectively comply with the spirit of the Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, for your consideration, during the process of acquiring the initial permit for renovation (B22000642), these requests for facade and drive alterations were not required even though the scope and type of work reviewed technically would have triggered these zoning requirements. Much of the work allowed via this permit has already been completed and the city is now asking the homeowners to undo what was originally permitted just a few weeks ago. I also believe that the code is out of date with current building costs. The value of the construction is well below 50% of the current valuation of the property. Suggesting an alteration of $50k is equivocal to 50% of the valuation of the property is severely out of touch with current building costs. A new kitchen has the ability to exceed $50k in expenses. Thank you for your time and expertise. Please do not hesitate to reach out via phone or email for any additional requirements, concerns, or corrections. Please see second page for responses to corrections/ request for more detail, received on July 26, 2022. Cheers, Brett Wiemann page 1 RECEIVED PLANNING DIVISION 07/28/2022 AVanGordon DocuSign Envelope ID: 943BE2E0-EBD6-4605-A0EE-7915BAA4E8A9 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION JULY 26, 2022 BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC 3835 S. EDMUNDS ST. SEATTLE WA, 98118 206-640-4736 BRETTWIEMANN@GMAIL.COM HOME OWNERS : SARAH & RICK MILLER ADDRESS : 439 RENTON AVE S BRETT WIEMANN DESIGN LLC Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives; Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment; Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity; Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code; Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; It is my observation that allowing the driveway to remain in its current location substantially meets the policies of the Comprehensive Plan. The driveway in its current configuration allows for the lowest slope possible on this site, and provides ample off street parking and does not provide an excess or surplus of parking spaces. The only standard not being met is the 5' setback from side property line. The configuration of the driveway currently is the safest and most reasonable location for a driveway on this lot due to slope and existing curb cuts. Excavation of this steep slope hazard in this area seems to contradict the goals of maintaining stable soil. This in no way will create adverse effects on neighboring properties. Due to the neighbors' driveway also being on the property line, it does not present an issue of separation from other driveways for detached single family residences. The neighbors driveway can't be anywhere else on the property and maintaining the driveway on 439 Renton Ave S on the property line will not create issues with the neighbor to the north which is what seems to be the predominate concern when it comes to driveway locations on R6 properties. The driveway is existing and has functioned for over 60 years. page 2 Code Reference : Single Family and Duplex Uses: The maximum width of single loaded garage driveways shall not exceed nine feet (9') and double loaded garage driveways shall not exceed sixteen feet (16'). If a garage is not present on the subject property the maximum width of a driveway shall be sixteen feet (16'). (Ord. 5517, 12-14-2009) DocuSign Envelope ID: 943BE2E0-EBD6-4605-A0EE-7915BAA4E8A9