Decision Notices

CUP2003-00005 / VAR2003-00002 1119 Otis Street

STAFF CONTACT: Kurt Nabbefeld
Planning I

NOTICE OF DECISION
and
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT

REQUEST: Conditional Use Permit for the installation of an emergency diesel generator for the existing water pump station. Variance from side yard setback requirements for the installation of the emergency generator. The new structure would be 5’ 6” from the northern property line. The proposal is located at 1119 Otis Street and legally described as Lot 19, Block 22 Eldridge-Bartlett’s Add to Sehome. Residential Multi, Multiple Land Use Designation. York Neighborhood, Area 5.

APPLICATION NO: CUP2003-00005 / VAR2003-00002

APPLICANT: City of Bellingham, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA

HEARING EXAMINER DECISION DATE: July 9, 2003

DECISION: Approved with conditions. See Hearing Examiner Order at address listed below.

The generator structure shall be located no closer than five feet, six inches (5’6”) from the northeastern property line. It shall not extend significantly to the rear of the existing rear wall of the water pump station.

A landscaping and vegetative buffer plan shall be submitted and approved by the Planning and Community Development Director prior to issuance of a building permit. The plan shall be designed to minimize potential impacts to abutting properties. Any hedge proposed to be installed shall be maintained so as to insure no additional view or light blockage occurs to the property at 1125 Otis Street.

Sound control devices such as mufflers, acoustic tiles and similar soundproofing materials shall be installed to minimize sound impacts during operation of the generator. To the extent feasible, noise generated by the facility after the addition of the generator shall be no greater than existing noise levels. Reasonable measures, such as removal or blocking of existing vents, to the extent feasible, shall be taken to reduce existing noise levels. Openings that could allow noise to escape the facility should not be directed toward residential buildings.

Scheduled testing of the emergency generator shall occur midweek between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to reduce possible noise impacts to neighbors.

The addition shall be consistent in appearance with the existing structure. There shall be no outside storage of materials or vehicles on the site.

Smoke and odors shall not be discharged in significant amounts from the addition onto neighboring properties. Electrical interference and mechanical vibrations shall be prevented or controlled so they are not substantially detrimental to neighboring uses. Any additional lighting shall be non-glare and directed away from neighboring properties.

Said Conditional Use Permit and Variance are also conditioned on compliance with the City of Bellingham Zoning Ordinance and other rules and regulations of the City.

Said Conditional Use Permit automatically expires in twelve (12) months unless construction or establishment of the use has commenced.

Said Variance shall be void after the expiration of one year from the date of authorization unless either construction has been completed or there is a valid building permit in force in conformance with the variance as authorized.

No use or occupancy will be allowed under this Permit until there has been full compliance with the above conditions.

APPEAL: Any party aggrieved by an action of the Hearing Examiner may file an action in the Superior Court of Whatcom County to review the Hearing Examiner’s decision. Any such action shall be governed by and filed within the time periods provided by RCW Chapter 36.70C.

DATE OF NOTICE: July 9, 2003

City of Bellingham
Planning and Community Development Department
210 Lottie Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-6982
Fax (360) 738-7306
CONTACT: Kurt Nabbefeld, Planner I