2007, 10-25 Sewer Charges LetterUTILITIES DIVISION
N. Bruce Rawls, P.E., Utilities Director
October 25, 2007
OWNER
Mr. Steve Mathereet
312 N. Farr Road
Spokane Valley, WA 99206-6851
A DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
RECEIVED BY
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
TAXPAYER
Ms. Judith McGee
12455 SW 68th Avenue BY
Portland, OR 97223
Subject: Sewer Charges for 320 N. Farr Road, Parcel No. 45173.1003
Dear Mr. Mathereet and Ms. McGee,
This letter is a follow up to my previous letter dated October 17, 2007 concerning the
sewer charges for the subject property.
The Division of Utilities has discussed the status of the property with the City of
Spokane Valley Building Division. A review of the permit records has shown that the
primary structure on the property was originally permitted as a duplex. In addition, the
auxiliary dwelling was to be converted to "storage" according to the file. The City of
Spokane Valley has told us that the rented auxiliary dwelling constitutes a non-
conforming use on the property.
It would be in your best interest to contact the City of Spokane Valley immediately to
identify the steps necessary to reconcile the issues relative to the use of the property. It
is our understanding that it may be possible to convert the duplex to a single-family
dwelling, if that is your preference. Also, there is the question of whether the rented
auxiliary structure may continue to be used as a dwelling. Mike Turbak of the City is
familiar with the issues regarding your property, and his telephone number is 688-0035.
The outcome of these issues could have a substantial effect on your sewer charges.
The various scenarios are presented below:
1. If the duplex is not converted to a single-family residence, and the auxiliary
structure is allowed to remain as a separate dwelling, then the sewer charges
will be based on three (3) Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs), as discussed in
my letter dated October 17, 2007.
2. If the duplex is not converted to a single-family residence, and the auxiliary
structure is converted to a storage building, then the sewer charges will be
based on two (2) ERUs.
3. If the duplex is converted to a single-family residence, and the auxiliary structure
is allowed to remain as a separate dwelling, then the sewer charges will be
based on two (2) ERUs.
1026 W. Broadway • Spokane, WA 99260-0430,
(509) 477-3604 • FAX: (509) 477-4715 • TDD: (509) 477-7133
4. If the duplex is converted to a single-family residence, and the auxiliary structure
is converted to a storage building, then the sewer charges will continue to be
based on one (1) ERU.
This sewer account must be reconciled to reflect the appropriate number of ERUs on
the property. However, we will postpone the assessment of charges for additional
ERUs on the property until January 1, 2008. In so doing, it is our intent to provide a
reasonable period of time for you to consult with the City of Spokane Valley, acquire
permits as needed, and make any required modifications.
If, as of January 1, 2008, the duplex status remains on the primary structure, and the
auxiliary structure continues to be used as a separate dwelling, we will proceed with the
assignment of two (2) additional ERUs to the property, as outlined in my letter of
October 17, 2007. Alternatively, if the use of the property is modified as outlined in #2
or #3 above, we will assign one (1) additional ERU to the property. If the use of the
property is modified as outlined in #4 above, then no additional ERUs will be assigned.
The sewer connection deadline for the subject property was March 1, 2004. However,
only the duplex has been connected to the sewer. The auxiliary structure must be
connected to the sewer as well. The septic tank must be abandoned in accordance with
Health District requirements. Connection of the auxiliary structure must be completed
no later than April 30, 2008. A sewer connection permit will be required prior to
connection.
Please contact our office by November 16, 2007, and advise us of your progress in
resolving these matters. Your point of contact will be Roger Rivers, our Customer
Service Representative, at 477-7682. Please call Roger if you have any questions or if
you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Kevin R. Cooke, P.E.
Sewer Planning and Design Manager
C: Mike Turbak, Building Division, City of Spokane Valley
Pam Fredrick, John L. Scott Real Estate
Roger Rivers, Customer Service Representative
Louis York, Lead Inspector
Maureen Ades, Office Manager
Kimberlee Crist, Utilities Billing Section
Karen E. Swanson, Utilities Billing Section
Jim Red, Land Use Information
Robbin Paeper, Utilities Billing Section
Danielle Van Riper, Utilities Billing Section