WVE-4-81 . ' po
• • BEFORE THE ZONING ADJUSTOR OF.
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: -
APPLICANT: K. C. JORDAN ) DECISION
REQUEST: WAIVER OF VIOLATION ) CONCLUSIONS OF LA4J
COUNTY CODE: 4.25.030 (f) and 4.05A.070 (bl) ) FINDINGS OF FACT
FILE NUMBER: WVE-4-81
PARCEL 13531-1195
DATE OF HEARING: SEPT. 23, 1981
DATE OF W RITTEN DECISION: OCT. 7, 1981
REPRESENTED BY: FRANK CONKLIN, ATTORNEY
DECISION
The waiver of violation is hereby qranted.
That the garage may remain at its present ,
location as long as said structure does not
encroach upon the public right-of-way.
INTRODUCTION
This matter beinq the considerati-on by the Zoninq Adjustor for Spokane
County and pursuant to Chapter 4.25, Section 4.25.010, the Zoning Adjustor
has the authority to hear and decide such matters cominq before him. After
conducting a public hearing to receive all public testimony and after review-
ing the public record and examining available information, the Zoninq Adjustor
in accordance with Chapter 36.70.810 Revised Code of Washinqton and Section
4.25.030 of the Zoning Ordinance hereby makes the following Findinqs of Fact
and Conclusions of Law hereinbelow stated.
The applicant, K.C. Jordan, filed an application with the Planning De-
partment on August 31, 1981 requesting approval of a waiver of violation. The
subject property is located North of Cataldo Avenue in Section 13, Township 25,
Range 43.
That on September 23, 1981 a public hearing was held before the Zoninq
Adjustor. After receiving public testimony and a ccepting the file from the
Planninq Department, the Zoning Adjustor qlaced this matter under advisement
for review and decision. The date of October 7, 1981 was set by the Zoning
Adjustor for the announcement of the decision. After due consideration of the evidence contained in the file as comniled
by the Planning Deaartment, evidence presented by the applicant, all evidence
- elicited during the public hearinq and from on-site review, the follotivinq Con-
clusions of Law, Findinqs of Fact and Conclusions shall constitute the decision
by the Zoning Adjustor on this application.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
I.
, That the Zoning Adjustor of Spokane County has jurisdiction over the
issuance of the buildinq permit for the project to the applicant pursuant to
the provisians of Chapter 36.70.810 RCW and Section 4.25.030 of the Spokane
County Zoning Ordinance. That the applicant submitted an application to the
Planning Department requestinq a public hearinq before the Zoning Adjustor,
and that pursuant to Chap-ter 36.70.840 and Section 4.25.040 of the Zoning
Ordinance, notice for a public hearing was given throuph the United States
mail to all property owners within a radius of 300 feet from the subject pro-
perty.
I F.
That all citizens notified an public agencies having jurisdiction were
afforded the opportunity to testify or submit written comments on the pro-
posed project.
,
PAG E 2
WVE-4-81
That this action was taken after finding that the public health, safety,
and general welfare will not be infrinqed upon. Furthermore, this action con-
forms to the intent of the Zoning Ordinance in that the issuance of a waiver of
violation is not violating the spirit and intent of the Ordinance. It was
found that the applicant acted in qood faith and that there are no modifications
that can be.reasonably imposed. The garaqe is not infringing upon any other
properties nor the public right to safe travel along Cataldo Avenue.
IV.
That pursuant to the above cited provisions of law, Findings of Fact here-
inbelow substantiates action taken regarding this application. Any Finding of
Fact hereinafter stated which is deemed to be a Conclusion of Law is adopted
as the same.
FINDINGS OF FACT
I.
The applicant requested a waiver of violation in order to allow an exist-
ing garage to remain at it's present location which is found to be approximately
six feet from-the f ront property line. The Spokane County Zoning Ordinance in
this instances requires a 25 foot setback f rom Cataldo Avenue.
II.
The Spokane County Zoninq Ordinance, Section 4.25.030 (f) provides that
a waiver of violation may be granted when found by the Zoning Adjustor that the
aaplicant acted in good faith with every intent to comply with the provisions
of the Zoning Ordinance. Such action by the Zoning Adjustor must be made in ful1
consideration of the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare.
III.
The applicant, through his attorney, testified that'the qarage was construct-
ed in 1977. That a building permit application tivas made on February 7, 1977. On
the application, the garage is shown to be set back 10 feet from Cataldo Avenue.
That on February 8, 1977 a building permit (No. L6856) was issued by the Building Code Department. The permit did note as standard comments the minimum setback
requirements. It was further stated that because of the lot configuration and
the fact that Cataldo was not paved at that time, the front property line Ufas
assumed to be at the edge of the unpaved road. It is also noted that the sub-
ject property abuts I-90 Freeway at the north property line.
IV.
The lot size is 13,860 square feet hc~ving a lot depth of 120 feet at the
. east propert_y line and 38.3 feet of depth at the west property line as shotirn by
survey con tained in the file. There are 126 feet of frontaqe on
. Cataldo. The violating structure is located at the west end of the lot and
would appear to be located approximately 5 feet from the west line. The requir-
ed side yard setback in this instance is 5 feet (reference Section 4.05A.040).
V.
From on-site review, it is found that the garage is not near any other
resi.dences or structures. The adjacent property to the west Urhich is the va-
cated portion of Cirard Road contains an area approximately 1200 square feet
i,n size and i.s vacant, It was noted that the qarage i's completl,y finished and
i;s 1 a.ndscaped. A chai.n 1 i nk fence i s 1 ocated ..a.l onq Catal do. Al so the
garage i.s oriented in a manner that the doors are located on the east side of
the bui,ldi,nq thus there is no ba,ckinq of vehicles directly onto Cataldo Avenue.
There is one point of ingress and egress at the approximate middle of the lot.
The Zoninq Adjustor did notice other structures within the near vicinity
which appear to be not in compliance with the setback provisions of the zoninq
ordinance. The mobile home located directly across Cataldo from the sub,ject
property appears to be located less than 10 feet from the property line along
Cataldo. .
r '
. Ppr E 3
WVE-4-81
VI. Comments submitted by County Departments reviewing this file are as
follows:
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND SAFETY: In a memo dated September 16, 1981, it-
tivas stated that this application was a result of a complaint lodq2d with the
Zoning Investigator on August 7, 1981. Further, it,was found that the appli-
cant had obtained the necessary building permit for the garage in 1977 (refer
to Finding III), however, no inspections were -called-for. On site inspections
by various members of the Depa rtment have indicated no appa rent hazard. Also
it was noted that further information is available f rom the Spokane County
Engineer's Office.
COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE: The Engineers Office in a memo dated September 23,
1981 responded that they had no comments concerning this request.
VII.
The opportunity was afforded at the hearing to any interested parties to
testify in opposition to this request. Testimony was received from E. M.
Sanstrom, a neighboring property owner. Mr. Sanstrom expressed the following
concerns: (1) Public right-of-way encroachment; (2) Property devaluation;
and (3) Property owne•rships.
The Zoning Adjustor in review of these concerns writes the following re-
sponses:
1) Enc roachment - As evident by law, the Zoning Adjustor does not have
the jurisdiction to grant the right for any building or structure to
encroach onto adjoining properties regardless of whether it is owned
by the public or by an in dividual property owner. The file informa-
tion presented to the Zoning Adjustor at the public hearing did not
confirm that the violating structure is on public property. As re-
ported in Finding No. VI, the Engineer's Office had no coranent.
Furthermore, claims aqainst encroachment are considered a civil matter
and not under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Adjustor.
The decision in this matter is to grant the waiver of violation pro-
vided that the garage does not encroach upon public right-of-way. Mr. Sanstrom further argued that such encroachment presents a traffi c
hazard. The Zoning Adjustor finds that the location does not impair
sight visability nor impede the safe and orderly flow of traffic. The
location of the garage on the north side of Cataldo is opposite of the
clear view triangle of the intersecting point of Cataldo and Girard
Road. Further, vehicular access to the garage is on the east side of
the structure and on the applicant's property. Thereby there is no
backing or parking of vehicles within the public riqht-of-way.
2) Property Devaluation - The adjacent parcel of land most directly
affected is a triangular shape parcel cnntaining approxi.mately 1200
Iquare feet i n a rea . Thi s pa rcel i s a vacated porti on of Gi ra rd Road.
nterstate 90 7s adaacent to the northerlv property line. The size of
this portion would preclude any development. Perhaps a small garaqe
may be located provided relief f rom the setback requirements are ob-
tained. Mr. Sanstrom';s residence and accessor,y structures are located
on lots frontinq on Girard. Therefore it can be concluded that the
present location of the violatinq garage which is 5 feet from the pro-
perty line is not an encroachment onto the required side yard setback
area. Further, this ad,jacent portion beinq a vacated road would not contribute to property devaluation.
Eventhough the sub,ject property is located adjacent to an interstate
highway, the applicant's use of that pronerty for residential purposes
and well landscaped can only enhance property values in the vicinity.
3) Propert,y Ownership - Eventhouqh there was testimony presented regard-
i*ng ownership, the Zoning Adjustor does not have authority to rule on
ownership. This action can only be valid provided that the structure
is located within the applicant's property o-wnership tivhether owned, or
leased.
. • ' • QAG E 4
W1/E-4-81
The Zoning Adjustor does note, however, that the file records,
specifically the legal descriptions as shoum on the assessors records,
indicate that the vacated portion of Girard Road is owned by M r.
Sanstrom.
In reference to the survey nrepared by,Clarence E. Sinmson
Engineers and submitted by Mr. Sanstrom, itwould appear that the
Interstate boundary does cross the northwest corner of the subject
property makinq the west line 38.3 feet in lenqth. However, the depth
of the lot at the west side of the qarage, considei-inq that it is set
back 5 feet from the west property line, is scaled on the survey to
be approximately 42 feet.
VIII.
Any Finding of Fact stated hereinabove which is deemed a Conclusion here-
inafter shall be-adopted as the same. IX.
That based on the Findings of Fact stated hereinabove, the Zoninq Ad,justor
writes the following Conclusions to substantiate his decision that the waiver
of violati'on should be granted.
. CONCLUSIONS
- I.
As supported by Findings Nos. III, V, VI, and VII, it is the Zoning Adjust-
ors conclusion"that the applicant did act in qood faith with every intent to
comply arith the provi'si,ons of the Zoning Ordinance. That further, the appli-
cant's acti'on does not infringe upon any neighboring properties nor cause a
hazard to the public health, safety, convenience, and qeneral welfare.
II.
This action cannot be construed to be a perrnit for encorachment onto ad--
joininq properties including nublic riqht-of-way not owned or leased by the
applicant. There was no substanti'al information or verification that the
qarage is extendinq beyond the applicant's property boundary. The County Enq- .
ineer's Offi,ce in review of this anplication and reported in Finding No. VI
had no comment.
III.
The Zoning Ad,justor's ,jurisdiction is this matter can only be the issue
regarding locati.on of the qaraqe regarding the front yard setback distance. The
applicat.ion was made Sections 4.25.030 (f) and 4.05A.070 (bl) and duly advertis-
ed throuqh public notification. All other issues regarding use, locations, and
ownershi'p are not under the jurisdiction of the Zoning Adjustor to review and
deci'de as a part of this application.
IV.
It is the Zoninq Adjustor's conclusion that since the violatinq structure
was built in 1977 and the violation was not detected until Auqust 1981, it would
be an unreasonable burden and use of zoning.law to require compliance.
V.
The requirement for the issuance of a waiver of violation depends upon find-
ing that the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance is not beinq violated.
From the file information and on-site review, it is noted that there are special
ci'rcumstances that limits building sites and usage. The shape of the applicant's
lot and the location next to an interstate highway would deprive the subject nro-
perty from rights and privileaes enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity.
That relief in setback requirements can be ,justified without being materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property and improvements in
the vicinity.
. ,
. ~
PAGE 5
WVE-4-81
VI. -
The Zoning Adjustor found that the applicant's plot olan submitted with .
this application containing dimensions could not be verified to be true and
accurate. That it does appear to the Zoninq Ad,justor that the garaqe is not
loca ted 10 feet from the front property line. Therefore, as a means to uphold
the spirit 'and intent of County Codes and to protect the public from encroach-
ment, the Zoning Adjustor is issuinq the fo1lowinq Order.
ORDER
The applicant is hereby qiven approval to allow the violatina structure
(garage) to remain at its present location. If it is determined that any
portion of said structure extends beyond the applicant's ownership, the appli-
cant shall either relocate the qarage or acquire by purchase or lease the
necessary additional land in order to comply with this action.
ENTERED THIS DAY OF VC4~...~.,4 , 1981.
.
,
lz~
THOMA~ L. U IS
ZONING aDJUSTOR FOR SPOKANE
COUNTY , WASH INGTON
ATTEST BY: .
,
PARTIES OF RECORD: Frank Conklin
17606 E. Montgomer,y
Cireenacres, WA 99016
E.M. Sanstrom
N. 915 Girard Rd. .
Spokane, WA 99206
PURSUANT TO SECTION 4.25.090 OF THE SPOKANE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, THIS ORDER
CONSTITUTE THE FINAL OECISION OF THE ZONI(VG ADJUSTOR, APPEALABLE TO THE BOARD
OF ADJUSTMENT OF SPOKANE COUNTY WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE UIRITTEiU
DECISION BY THE ZONING ADJUSTOR AND SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE AT THE END OF THE
APPEAL PERIOD.
c .
D
- 1
: e - ' i C:.;- , ~~~~i~~• , •1 ; i` ' J' ` ! + } ' , ~ r`- ~ ~ ` .
1 . F ~ I ; \ I ~ I \ I ~'•~S~ ~ \ l
. . ( t • 1
. ♦ r , ♦
• 'fi..~ t `i .
;PLANNING DEPARTMENT
~ • II I; ~ I ~ 'r 1 1+
BROADWAY CEN7RE BUILDING N. 721 JEFFERSON STREET
PHONE 456-2205
• u :._.,.t;~;;-,-,,, SPOKANE, VJASHINGTON 99260
. . .r'd~t: . . .,i-i : u -'^~.._,:r:,. • . .
SPOKANE COUNTY GOURT HOUSE
MEMORANDUM
T0: Mark Holman, Buildinq Codes
Bob McCann, Ennineer's Office
FROM: Doug Adams, Zoning Adjustor
DATE: March 17, 1983
SUBJ : GJVE-4-81
The attached letters have been received by our office and-I have
advised Mr. Ryan to contact you if further zoning enforcement is
appropri ate or requi red.
pm ~
'RECEIVED c
' gpoXAHf 0l",NT1 061MC
; MARI 71983 ~
,
~ .
t
\
' ' . •J _ - • I.. .j . -!`•'}:~F~ . ~]P` "a&\1 \7
• ~fe . . . ' V5d' 1'] I 4 ,1r • ~ '
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
.
'BROADWAY CENTRE F3UILDING N. 721 JEFFERSON STREET
•p,~,, d~b+;~~~;~,1:. ' • PHONE 456-2205
r
• ,,,_.:~t.,...,.~~r~,,'-- ',7,i -:f-Tar.. SPOKANE, WASHINGTON 99260
. .•r - - • . .
SPOKqNE COUNTY COURT NOUSE March 17, 1983
Mr. Theodore M. Ryan
Attorney at Law
E. 9015 Euclid
P.O. Box 11033
Spokane, WA 99211
RE: WVE-4-81
Dear Mr, Ryan :
We are in receipt of your letters dated March 14th and March 15th and
have referred them to the Spokane County Engineerirg Department and the
County Zoning Investigator for any action that may be necessary.
The Spokane County Zoning Investigator is Mark Holman and he may be
contacted at 456-2675.
Pn erely,
~V
. ~
Douglas . Adams
Zoni ng Adj ustor
D SA/ pm cc: Mark Holman, Zoninq Investigator .
Bob McCann, Engineer's Office .
file
~ THEODORE M. RYAN
Attorney at Law
EAST 901
v~5 EUCLID '
SPOKANE. WASHINGTON
TEI.EPHONE (509) 926•3585
MAILING ADDRESS
J ( E P. O. BOX 11033
r9arch 15th,1983 t~ s1 -
% SPOKANE. WA 99211
MAR 16 1983
SPOKANE COUNTY
LANNING DEPARTMEN
Zoning Adjuster
Planna.ng Commission
Spokane County Courthouse
Spokane, Wa. 99201
Re: Your £ile # WVE-4-81
Parcel # 13531-1195
Dear Sir:
In my letter to you dated Nlarch 14th,1983, I was 100% incorrect on my facts
and stand corrected. Eric Sanstrom advises that the storage building is
one foot out in the street, the street is dedicatec3 ior a 60 ft. width and
according to the survey in the County Engineer's Office the building does
encroach into the street for one ft. If this correct, then the building should
be relocated.
Ve tr -y yours,
~
Ted'Ryan
Attorney or.Eric Sanstrom
TR/mr
~
v~
. . . L;
THEODORE M. RYAN Maa 15 1~~~
Attorney at Law
EAST 9015 EUCLID
SPOKANE. 1N~ASHINGTON S~~ t1 A'~~ C C 0 lJ N TY
- LAWViJG AEPryRTMEN -1
TELEPHotvE (509) 926-3585
March 14 ,19 83 MAILING ADDRESS
P. O. BOX 11033
SPOKANE, WA 99211
Zoning Adjustor
P]_annir.g Commission .
Spokane County Courthouse
Spokane, Washington
Re: Your file # WVE-4-81
Parcel # 13531-1195
Dear Sir: -On Qctober 7th,1981, you issued a decisior.-al].owing the violating $,tructure
to remain at its present location providing the sai.d garage did not extend
beyond the applicant's ownership. Eric Sanstrom, owner of the'real property
adjacent to the above property on the west side, has contacted me severa_l
times concerning this decision. He contends that the structure does encrcaach
on his real property*on the west side of the building, He wants the garage
relocated, he will not consider selling any portion of the property to
the owner of the land on the above parcel nor leasing it to him.
Cou1d you check into the above and advise as to what can be done or what you
will need for further orders in this matter. Thank you.
zy tuly yours,
Ted Ryan ~
TR/mr
<o ,
. . , t _ _
. - "7►
aefore -the Zoniiiq Adjustor
County of Spoka.e
I N THE NiATTER O F: HEAR I NG DATE
Appl i cant: K. C. Jordan )WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1981 1: i 5 p. m.
E. 7315 Cataldo )
Spokane, WA 99206 ) N. 721 Jefferson, Broadway Centre Bldq.
) Hearinq Rooni, 2nd floor
}
File Number: WUE-4-81 )
)
Request: Waiver of Violation ) Any interested person may appear before
~ the Zoning Adjustor
)
)
)
lone Classification: Residential Mobile)
' Home )
County Code: 4.25.030 (f) )
4. 05A: 070 (bl )
' PROJECT DESCRIPTIOU
1
r ~ The applicant*is requesting a waiver of violation for a'.detached qaraqe. The
. Spokane County Zoning Ordinance under Section 4.05A.070 (bl) requires a minimum
~ of 55 foot setback from the centerline of all roadway right of way or 25 foot
setback from the existing property line, whichever provides the qreater setback
from the centerl i'ne of the roadway ri ght of way, for a front yard setback. The
applicant has a 10 f oot front yard setback.
~
,
. ADDITIONAL TNFORMATION
Please contact: Sookane County olanning Depzirtment Telephone illo: 456-2205
VICINITY MAP LEGAL LiESCRIf'TIOid .
Secti on 13 Tot•rnshi p 25 ;?a~ic~e 43
z . .
° Parcel 13531-1195
~rt
. Q
VE-4-8 '
Site Size: 13,860 sq. ft. apnrox.
o►~E E All ptn of Lots 28, 29, and 30 B1ock 6, First
°C ; „4c. r Addi ti on to East Spokane Addi ti on .
i-.-rs ~ 93 .......1
'
POES~,IET
Y
E
^ ~1'*:1000
2 GP~P~ • Q~ °L MARl 71983
- ~ . ~ • ~ ~ _ . I i _ . . a~l d
r ' - • ' : • Yy.. - ~1^°'~ T r Ly ~ , r ~
i •
7
.
~ , e . .
WMW