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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health Appeal Hearing - SWG Letters / Memos - 8/25/1994 'MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING AUGUST 25, 1994 An Appeal Hearing of the Board of Health was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by I r. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer. Those in attendance: Dr. Trucksess, Health Officer Pam Denton, Environmental Health Specialist Richard Scroggs, Appellant Russell A. Austin, Jr., Appellant's Attorney APPEAL HEARING - SCROGGS Dr. Trucksess explained the appeal hearing procedure. He stated that Ms. Denton would present the Health Department's report and then the Appellants would be given opportunity t state their position. He noted that the Appellants had the ability to appeal to the Board of Health, and on to the State Board of Health if they deemed it necessary. Ms. Denton began a chronological history of the application made by Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs to rebuild a home located at E 6631 Highway 106 in Union which had been destroyed b fire. Mr. Austin asked if those giving testimony would be placed under oath. Dr. Trucksess responded that they would not be placed under oath, as was the normal procedure during this informal hearing. He asked Mr. Austin if he wished to have the parties sworn in. Mr. Austin replied that he did not if it was not the usual procedure. Ms. Denton told those in attendance to make comments during her report, if they so wished. Ms. Denton reported that a letter from Tony Godat, the Scroggs' Engineer, had ben received on February 25, 1994, stating that the Scroggs' four bedroom house had burned a few months earlier and that they wanted to rebuild. The number of bedrooms nor the square footage were to be increased, and the Scroggs wished to use the existing drainfield. Three days later a file search was completed and it was discovered that a 1970 sewage permit for a fie bedroom residence had been taken out but had never been signed off for final approval and there was no as-built. On March 2, a letter was sent to Mr. Godat stating the requirements set forth in the Environmental Health Building Permit Review Requirements Policies. These policies would require that both septic tanks be pumped, and that a scaled plot plan signed by a designer or engineer showing the system layout in detail and an area for a non-conforming reserve area be submitted. The letter further stated that an environmental health review may be required if the Department was unable to determine if the system was functioning properly. Ms. Denton stated that two months later her office received an as-built which showed the two septi tanks, the foundation location, parking, etc., and showed the reserve area as being where the pickle ball court was located, which she assumed was under a concrete pad. On May 20th a letti r was sent MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 2 of 7 to Mr. Scroggs stating that the tanks needed to be pumped and inspected, and tha additional items may be required pursuant to the pumper's report. The letter noted that a vari ce would be necessary to allow the reserve area to be underneath the pickle ball court. Ms. Denton commented that this letter erroneously stated that the original home was only 1,833 3quare feet. On the same day this letter was mailed to Mr. Scroggs, a fax had been received from Mr. Godat. Mr. Scroggs and Mr. Austin questioned having received a letter dated May 20th. Ms. Denton responded that the May 20th letter looked similar to the June 1st letter. Mr. Austin stated he and Mr. Scroggs had not seen the May 20th letter. Dr. Trucksess stated that copie would be provided. Ms. Denton stated that she realized the square footage was in error and prepared a new letter on June 1st which had the corrected footage included. Mr. Scroggs commen ed that the May 20th letter probably went to the address where the home had burned. He had been advised of the error in square footage by someone receiving a copy of the letter. Mr. Austin asked why Ms. Denton's June 1st letter had asked for the pumping report when it had already been received. Ms. Denton responded that she had merely sent out the same letter as sent on May 2 th with the corrected square footage. Mr. Austin asked about the date the fax had been receive , stating he believed it was May 9th. Ms. Denton explained that on May 9th the fax had been received by the County, but not by her department. The date she actually received the fax in het office was May 20th. Dr. Trucksess commented that a lot of attention was being paid to dates and wondered if this was important. Ms. Denton replied that the dates were not important to the overall pictur , however, one of Mr. Scoggs' contentions was the amount of time taken during the process. Ms. Denton stated that the actual square footage of the old house was 4,168 and the new home was 164 feet larger. Dr. Trucksess asked if the number of bedrooms was the same. Mr. Austin replied that they remained at five. Ms. Denton reported that on June 20th Mr. Scroggs requested a variance to place the reserve drainfield in the area of the pickle ball court. On June 26th, she and Brad Banner, the Health Services Director, reviewed the variance request. Their concerns were that the lot was small and encumbered by concrete pads, and that the drain field was possibly undersized anc might not adequately treat and dispose of effluent properly. The variance was not approved and an environmental health review of the existing drainfield was requested to determine additional information regarding the drainfield. Staff person Jim Tobey inspected the site but was not familiar with the history of the site and did not have the records available to him. Therefore, Mr. Tobey was briefed and returned a week later to dig test holes. His second sitE inspection revealed a very shallow restrictive layer at ten inches below grade. Ms. Denton decid d to verify Mr. Tobey's results so she met with Mr. Scroggs and Mr. Godat on site on July 26t . At that time, Mr. Tobey's results were verified that the soil was very restrictive with only 10' of useable soil over a very compacted to cemented till-like layer. One test hole was dug into the drain field lateral. The bottom of the drain rock was at 34" below grade where there was stan ling water. August 25, 1994 To: File From: Pam Denton Re: Dick & Ann Scroggs, parcel # - 32232-50-10903 Feb. 25, 1994, - Letter from Tony Godat requesting information on the drainfield. The letter states the Scroggs four bedroom house had burned a few months ago. The Scroggs wanted to rebuild, not increasing the number of bedrooms or the square footage and wanted to use the existing drainfield. Feb. 28, 1994, - A file search was done and it was discovered that a sewage permit for a five bedroom residence had been taken out in 1970. The permit had never been signed off for final approval and there was no as-built. March 2, 1994, - A letter was sent to Tony Godat which included the requirements set forth in the Environmental Health Building Permit Review Requirements policy. the letter stated that both septic tanks need to be pumped, a scaled plot plan signed by a designer or engineer showing the system layout in detail and showing area for a non-conforming reserve area was needed. An environmental health review MAY be required if the department was unable to determine if thE system was functioning properly. May 9, 1994, - The as-built was received by the department. A file search was done and the as-built was attached to the older un-signed permit and filed in legal. May 17, 1994, - A record search was done and they were given to Pam Denton. Mays"20, 1994, - A letter was sent to Mr. Scroggs which required the following, Tanks pumped and inspected, a variance was needed to put the reserve area underneath the pickleball court, and it stated that additional items may be required based on the pumpers report. The letter erroneously stated that the original home was only 1833 square feet. May 20, 1994, - Received pumpers reports via FAX. June 1, 1994, - Many telephone conversations with the architect, Bob elenas, Tony Godat and I believe, Mr. Scroggs. It was then determined that the original home was 4168 square feet and according to the conversations, was a five bedroom home. A letter was sent to Mr. Scroggs regarding the correct square footage requirements. The letter stated that a variance would be needed to place the reserve drainfield in the area of the pickleball court. A notarized statement would need to be attached to the property d®ed stating that the pickleball court would need to be removed if the reserve drainfield was needed. The letter also stated that additional requirements may be required based on the pumpers report. June 20, 1994, - A letter was received by Mr. Scroggs requesting a var ance to place the reserve drainfield in the area of the pickleball court. The variance was reviewed by staff and by Brad Banner, the Director of Health Servic s. Our concerns were that the existing drainfield might not adequately treat and dispose of effluent and the lot was small and encumbered with concrete. The variance was put on hold until an environmental health review was done, and test holes reviewed to determine the compliance of the septic system. The variance stated that if it was determined that the existing drainfield was grossly undersized, and likely to fail, an upgrade would be required. July 6, 1994, - An application was received for an environmental health review. July 13, 1994, - Site was inspected by Jim Tobey. Due to new staff aad re- origination , Mr. Tobey was not familiar with the case. The records were not attached to the application. A second inspection was required. No additional fees, of coarse. July 19, 1994, - The second site inspection revealed a very shallow restrictive layer at ten inches below grade. Mr. Tobey was only with the department for about a month. Pam Denton wanted to verify the results because they mere so restrictive. July 26, 1994, - The re-inspection was done and it was determined that the soil was very restrictive, with only 10" of useable soil over a very compacted to cemented till-like layer. One test hole was dug into the drainfield later 1. The bottom of the drainrock was at 34" below grade. There was standing water in the same test hole at 34" below grade. in other words, the drainfield was at the interface of the water table and was directly discharging into the water table. (see re-inspection for actual soil logs) Mr. Scroggs and Howard Godat were present at the re-inspection. July 27, 1994, - Results were discussed with Brad Banner and it was determined that because the drainfield was so far out of compliance, It would need to be brought up to current code. July 27, 1994, - Both Mr. Scroggs and Howard Godat were contacted via telephone and given the determination. August 1, 1994, - A letter was sent to Mr. Scroggs stating the findi gs and results. August 4, 1994, - The results were appealed to the Health Officer, Dr. Trucksess August 5, 1994, - Received application to appeal to the Board of Health. It was determined that policy requires a formal hearing in front of the Health Officer prior to the Board of Health. August 15, 1994, - Received a letter from Russel Austin, Mr. Scroggs attorney, which stated that the drainfield should be "grandfathered" . He reference Mason County Shoreline Master Plan, 7.13 .020 entitled Applicability to Non-Conforming Development which reconstruction of a structure within two years after a Eire or other accident. The Shoreline Master program should not prevent reconstruction. FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND ORDER BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL RICHARD & ANNE SCROGGS On September 1, 1994 the Mason County Board of Health heard an appeal of a Health Office denial of Application for Variance/Appeal for Richard (Dick) and Anne Scroggs. The Health Officer de ision was made on August 25, 1994. Documents entered into the record as evidence were: 1) Scroggs residence septic system design for upgrade. 2) Memorandum of Authorities submitted on behalf of Dick and Anne Scroggs by Russell Austin, Jr. 3) Staff summary submitted by Pam Denton, Environmental Health Specialist, Mason County Health Services Department. 4) File copies of two applications for Variance/Appeal with determinations by Brad BannE r, Director of Health Services and Dr. Mark Trucksess, Health Officer. 5) A copy of soil logs from the site in question. FINDINGS Dick and Anne Scroggs' property in question is located on the South Shore of Hood Canal at E. 6631 Highway 106 Union, WA 98592. On December 28, 1993 their house on the above property burned to the ground. The on-site system is a marine shoreline system greater than 50 feet from the ordinary high water mark of the Canal Mr and Mrs Scroggs are intending to build a five bedroom home to replaCE the home which they lost. Tne proposed replacement home and original home were/are both approximately 4,000 square feet with the footprint only slightly reconfigured for the replacement home. Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs installed the septic system presently on the site about 1970 after the previous system failed. That failure was apparent because soap suds were seen on the beach in front of the ho e. Since that time the Scroggs have seen no visually apparent indication of system failure. In May of 1994 the Department of Health Services received as-built drawings from Howard 3odat and Associates (agent for Mr and Mrs Scroggs). These drawings indicated two 1200 gallon septic tanks, and 50 to 55 lineal feet of drainfield with unspecified width are present on the site at this time. Given the possible trench widths, the Department determined that there may be between 100 and 155 square feet of drainfield on the site. Ms. Denton testified on behalf of Mason County Health Services Department that according to WAC 246.272.160 this is enough drainfield for a two bedroom residence at the most. On June 1, 1994 the Health Department sent a letter to Mr. and Mrs Scroggs stating that their pickle ball court area was a problem and the site would require a variance. Another letter was sent from s. Denton stating that the as-built drawings of the system do not indicate that the system is adequate for five bedrooms. Pam communicated with Mr and Mrs Scroggs by telephone at the time of the fir3t variance request to notify Mr and Mrs Scroggs that test holes must be dug to determine if the system is n or out of compliance. On July 13, 1994 inspection of test holes by staff Jim Tobey occurred. On July 26, 1994 reinspe tion of the same holes occurred. The second inspection was done by a more experienced staffs Pam D nton. The second inspection found: FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND ORDER BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL Page 3 TABLE 7 - 2 RECOMMENDED RATES OF WASTEWATER APPLICATION FOR TRENCH AND BED BOTTOM AREAS (4) (11) (12)a Percolation Application Soil Texture Rate Rate° min/in. gpd/ft2 Gravel, coarse sand <1 Not suitable` Coarse to medium sand 1 - 5 12 Fine sand, loamy sand 6 - 15 0.8 Sandy loam, loam 16 - 30 0.6 Loam, porous silt loam 31 - 60 0.45 Silty clay loam, clay loam° 61 - 120 0.28 a May be suitable estimates for sidewall infiltration rates. ° Rates based on septic tank effluent from a domestic waste source. A factor of safety may be desirable for wastes of significantly different character. Soils with percoluation rates <1 min/in. can be used If the soil is replaced with a s itably thick (>2ft) layer of loamy sand or sand. Soils without expandable clays. e These soils may be easily damaged during construction. WAC 246.272 definitions #13 states: "Marine Failure" means a marine shoreline on ite system. Threatening the public health by falling to adequately treat the sewage and/or by creating a potential for the public coming in direct contact with sewage. Examples include, but are not limited to: a) sewage contaminating surface or ground water . . . " Two basic disputes were presented by both the Scroggs and the Health Department staff. The first was whether the existing on site system is failing and therefore requires repair or system replace ent prior to hook-up. The second is whether the area presently cemented over as a pickle ball court must be uncovered for repair of the system. Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs further state in a letter to the Health Services Director dated August 3, 1 E94 that they "contend the need for treatment standard#1"and"contest the restriction on the number of bedrooms based upon the absorption area that is available. HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS 2708 WESTMOOR COURT OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502 PHONE (206)943-1599 FA K (206)357.6299 February 24, 1994 Mason County Environmental Health Department - 426 West Cedar Street FEB Shelton, WA 98584 Attn: Ms. Pam Denton ° 'T(�`-1 J.!- ` _wICES' RE: E. 6631 Highway 106, Union, Washington 98592 TP #322325010903, Dick and Ann Scroggs Residence Dear Pam: We have an unusual situation that requires the Health Department's comment and position. A few months ago the Scroggs residence (addressed above) burned down. They are now in the process of rebuilding the 4 bedroom house. Since this site is on a marine shoreline (Hood Canal) , the architect called our office for an opinion. It has been suggested to connect into the exiting system since they have never h d any problems with it. According to some documents that I have received, installation of the existing system was done in 1970. Installation included 2 - 1,000 gallon tanks and possibly 175 lineal feet of 2 . 5-footwide trench (see attached documents) . According to documents provided by the Planning Department, under 7. 13. 020 "Applicability to Non-Conforming Development, Paragraph III. " "This program shall not restrict reconstruction within two years of the date of damage of any existing single family residence which is damaged or destroyed by fire, accident or the elements, provided that non-conformance with the standards and regulations of this program will not be increased by such reconstruction" . (see attached document) . The owner does not intend to increa a the building area nor the number of bedrooms. At this time we are requesting to connect into the existing septic system for the reconstruction of the house. Because of insurance claims pending on this project, your earliest response and comment would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Sincerely, rG DAT OCIATES, INC. T cc: Dick and Ann Scroggs / Bob Slenes, The BJSS Group STUDY REPORT DESIGN I WATER SEWER STREETS MASON COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670. Belfalr.275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 March 2, 1994 Tony Godat 2708 Westmoor Court Olympia, Wa. 98502 Re: E. 6631 Highway 106, Union, Wa. , 98592 Parcel # 32232-50-10903, Dick and Ann Scroggs Dear Mr. Godat, This letter is in response to our telephone conversation which toot place yesterday. You indicated that the above mentioned residence recently burned down and their intent is to replace the home. if there is no increase in the number of bedrooms or square footage than current policy requires the following: * The septic system consists of a septic tank and drainfield whic is not failing. * The septic tank needs to be pumped and inspected. Submit a copy of the pumper's report. * Have a scaled plot plan signed by a certified engineer or desig er that shows the system layout in detail, depth of drainpipef from original grade and area for /­� a non-conforming reserve area. * An Environmental Health Review ( $40.00) may be required if the health department is unable to determine whether the septic sy tem is functioning /— adequately after the review of the records and receipt of the certified pumper's � report. If you have any questions regarding this matter feel free to contact at 4 7-9670 from 8:00 to 9:30 Monday through Friday. Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS 2708 WESTMOOR COURT OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502 PHONE (206)9431599 F1 X (206) 357.6299 March 10, 1994 Dick and Ann Scroggs 500 W. 8th Aberdeen, WA 98520 RE: TP #322325010903 E. 6631 Highway 106 Union, WA 98592 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs: On Tuesday, March 8, 1994, I met with Ron of Ron's Septic Service onsite to pump he septic tanks and dig out the drainfield for field location and inspection. The first tank out of the house is an 1,000 gallon tank. It was pumped and inspection. The inlet and outlet baffles are in good shape with no reason to replace them. The second tank is also a 1,000 gallon tank. It was pumped and inspected. The inlet and outlet baffles are in good shape with no reason to replace them. Outside of that is a D-Box that was also cleaned out, it has two outlet pipes for drainfield Both lateral pipes were dug up for inspection and field tie. The third tank which is located just in front of the old car port, in the patio, was also pumped. It is pretty hard to tell what kind or how big this tank is. It also appears that this taink has an outfall onto the beach. This tank will have to be die tested and if it does dump onto t e beach, it will have to be abandoned. I have received a bill from Ron's Septic Service along with a pumpers report. I don t know if you would like us to pay it, and reimburse us, or if you want to pay it directly. If we run it through our books, a 10% charge will be applied. Please let me know how you will be handling this matter as Ron's Septic Service is waiting payment. The next step is to wait for the surveyor to field locate all the drainfield appurtenances and create a drawing. From that, I will be able to do an as-built drawing of the system and sent it into the Mason County Health Department for comment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office. Sincerely, /H��Al2D GODA y SSOCIATES, INC. '1 Tony�(',odat cc: Bob lenes, The BJSS Group / File #3292 / encl. Ron's Septic Billing NMIBI a- —_ STUDY REPORT DESIGN I WATER SEWER STREETS HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS 2708 WESTMOOR COURT • OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502 PHONE (206)943-1599 • FAX (206) 357-6299 May 5, 1994 Mason County Department of Health ServicesMEMMOWND) P. O. Box 1666 Shelton, WA 98584 MAY 0619 Attn: Pam Denton RE: E. 6631 Highway 106, Union, WA 98592 HEALTH SERVICES Parcel #32232-50-10903 Dick and Ann Scroggs Dear Pam: The first part of March of this year you sent me a letter regarding the above referenced project. In response to this letter is the enclosed certified as-built drawing and pumper report. As such, we are awaiting comment and approval from your Department so a building permit can be obtained. If you have any questions or comments, please give me a call. Sincerely, OWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. To� Go Y at File #A92 cc. OICKS At3n1 SCRO<G5 Bob SL-E�5 BJ55 STUDY REPORT DESIGN I WATER SEWER STREETS MASON COUNTY r DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670• Belfalr:275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O.BOX 1666 May 20, 1994 Dick Scroggs E. 6631 Hwy. 106, Union, We. 98592 Re: Building permit requirements for parcel # 32232-50-10903 Dear Mr. Scroggs, Our office has received the as-built drawing from Tony Godat. Masor. County Environmental Health building permit requirements for a shoreline lot require the following: If there is an expansion of the number of bedrooms and/or greater than 200 square feet, the drainfield and reserve area must be in compliance with all state and local regulations. If you propose to expand than you will need to appl for an on-site sewage system evaluation and disposal permit ($ 185.00) , have the site inspected, contact a level 2 designer or professional engineer and have a design submitted and approved. If you do not plan to expand the following items will be required. - Have the septic tank oumoed and inst)ected and submit a copy of the report to our office. - The assessor files indicate the former house had three bedrooms and was 1833 square feet. Your existing system will be considered adequate, provided it is not failing, as long as the expansion is not over 033 ea. ft. and more than three bedrooms . - A variance will be required for the reserve area because it is in cumbered by pickle ball court. There will be no guarantee that the variance will be approved. It will be recommended that a notarized statement be attached to the property deed stating, if the reserve area be needed, the court will need to be removed. Additional items may be required depending on the pumpers report. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 427-9670 Monday through Friday 8:00 to 9:30. I have attached a copy of the requirements. Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist c. Tony Godat, - 2708 Westmoor Court, Olympia, Wa. 98502 Bob Slenes, - 320 Westbay Dr. , Olympia Wa. 98502 Ll Flecy�led MASON COUNTY IF t l)N(G� I C_hjG � ti DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES I-V k I S 546 Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670• Belfalr.275-4467 I ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 JAne 1,1994 Dick Scroggs E. 6631 Hwy. 106, Union, Wa. 98592 Re: Building permit requirements for parcel # 32232-50-10903 Dear Mr. Scrogge, It has cane to our departments attention that the original home that burned down was 3968 square feet. According to our current policy the replacement residence can be up to 4168 square feet and have no more than five bedrooms. If you propose to expand greater than 4168 sq. ft. or more than five bedrooms you will need to apply for an on-site sewage system evaluation and disposal permit ($ 185.00) , have the site inspected, contact a level 2 designer or professional engineer and have a design submitted and approved. If your proposal is not an expansion the following items need to be submitted and reviewed prior to Environmental Health release: - The septic tanks pumped and inspected and submit a copy of the report to our office. - A variance will be required for the reserve area because it is in eyed by pickle ball court. There will be no guarantee that the variance will be approved. It will be recommended that a notarized statement be attached to the property deed stating, if the reserve area be needed, the court will need to be removed. - Additional items may be required depending on the pumpers report If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 427-9670 Monday through Friday 8:00 to 9:30. I have attached a copy of the requirements. Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist c. Tony Godat, - 2708 Westmoor Court, Olympia, Wa. 98502 Bob Slenes, - 320 Westbay Dr., Olympia, Wa. 98502 Fa,�s..,r;Sr•) { Jli�V 0 1994 500 West Eighth Street Aberdeen, Washington 98520 June 18, 1994 Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist Mason County Department of Health Services Post Office Box 1666 Shelton, Washington 98584 RE: Building permit requirments for parcel no. 32232-50-10903 Dear Pam: We have received your letter of June 1 , 1994 addressing conditions relative to rebuilding our hood canal home. In response to your request for a pumping report on the existing septic system, we understand that our septic engineer has sent you that information. In response to your concern relative to a reserve area for the existing septic system, we respectfully request a variance to place that reserve area at the present location of our pickel- ball court. If and when needed we have no problem with removing the court to accomodate a reserve area. We agree to have a notarized stament prepared stating that we or any future owners agree to this. Please let either us or our architect, Bob Selenes, know what additional information is needed. We are proceeding with the design work and anticipate applying for a building permit in September so we would appreciate a response at your earliest convenience. Dick Scroggs MASON COUNTY EXHIBIT V DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670• Belfaic 275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 August 1, 1994 Dick Scroggs W. 500 Eighth Street, Aberdeen, Wa. 98520 Re: Environmental health requirements for parcel # 32232-50-10903 Dear Mr. Scroggs, On July 26, 1994, an inspection was done of three test holes on the above mentioned parcel. The test holes were dug adjacent to the existing drainf iE ld and are documented below. Th#1 0-91, sandy loam fill 9-261, brightly mottled, very compacted sandy loam fill 26-43" grey, compacted to cemented sandy loam (till) Th 2 0-9" sandy loam fill 9-24" mottled sand loam fill 24-34" exposed drainrock from existing drainfield 341, standing water Th 3 0-341, medium sand with many gravels, some cobbles, some pockets of cemented sand and gravels A review of the as-built submitted by Howard Godat and Associates indicates the existing on-site septic system consists of two 1000 gallon septic tanks and 50 lineal feet of drainfield. If the trench is three feet wide the absorption area - is 150 square feet. If the trench is two feet wide, the absorption area is 100 square feet. Current regulations for a five bedroom residence in a sandy loam soil would require 1000 square feet of absorption area for the primary drainfield and 1000 square feet for the reserve drainfield. This drainfield is 850 to 900 square feet smaller than is required under current regulations. The test holes revealed a very shallow restrictive layer at nine inches below existing grade. This does not meet the minimum soil depth requirement of twelve inches. There was standing water in test hole #2 at 34 inches below grade. Exposed drainrock from the existingdrainfield indicates the existing trench bottom is also 34 inches below grade. Therefore, the effluent (liquid sewage) is directly discharging into the water table. The goal of current on-site septic systems is to adequately treat and di s ose of sewage. Treatment is the breakdown of harmful bacteria and viruses that exist in human waste. Treatment occurs in natural, unsaturated soil which is supposed to exist between the bottom of the drainfield and the restrictive layer. This soil is referred to as vertical separation. Current standards require 36 inches of vertical separation for a gravity drainfield on shoreline. In other words, there is supposed to be 36 in hes of soil between the bottom of the drainrock and the water table or restrictive layer. The test holes inspection revealed that there is 0 inches of vertical separation. This on-site septic system does not meet the absorption area requirement, does not have adequate vertical separation and is directly discharging untreated effluent in the water table. Mason County Department of Health Services has an obligation to stop direct discharges. Our department cannot approve or allow permits to be issued en the existing drainfield is this far out of compliance. The following items are required prior to obtaining any building permits on this property. 1) A On-site Sewage System Site Evaluation And Disposal Permit ($ 85.00) must be submitted. 2) A complete design must be submitted and reviewed. The design must 'nclude a device which is capable of meeting treatment standard 1. 3) The drainfield (absorption area) needs to be kept in the top 6" and pressure distribution must be utilized. The absorption area must meet current size requirements for the number of bedrooms proposed. It is up to your designer to determine how this will be accomplished. The reserve must also meet current size requirements. Our department will not approve a building permit that exceeds the number of bedrooms the drainfield is sized for. You have the right to appeal these requirements. If you wish to request an appeal, complete the appropriate form and submit it to our department. If you wish to expedite the appeal process you can contact me directly and I wi 1 fill the form out and refer it to the Health Officer. If you have any questions regarding this matter please feel free to contact me a}t� 427-9670 ext. 554 . Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist c. Howard Godat - 2708 Westmoor Court, Olympia, Wa. 98502 Bob Slenas - Westbay Dr. , Olympia, Wa. 98502 A U G 3 - 9 4 W E D 1 5 = 1 0 K A U F M A N - S C R O G G S P 0 3 500 West 8th S reet Aberdeen, Wa. 8520 August 3, 1994 Director of Health Services Mason County Post Dffice Box 1665 Shelt n, Washington 98584 Gentl men: This letter is being sent as an addendum to my application for a heari g regarding conditions presented in your Ietter of August 2, stati g requirments for a septic system on our property on Hood Canal It is being sent at the request of Pam Denton who informed me th s morning that we need to state the specific conditions upon which we take issue. First we contend the need or the authority to require a device that meets treatment standard #1 . Secon ly, we contest the restriction on the number of bedrooms base upon he absorption area that is available. We wo Id appreciate hearing from you as soon as a date for this heari g has been established. S' , a roggs p )tli tl /y 1 Y i Law Office of -wd 7 Y RUSSELL A. AUSTIN, JR. Member of Wasbington State and Distria of Columbia Ban • Admitted to United States Supreme Court Factoria East, Suite 201 ♦ 12826 S.E. 40th Lane Bellevue, Washington 98006 (206) 562-7000 0 FAX (206) 562-7030 August 15, 1994 Mr. Brad Banner Director of Health Services Mason County Environmental Health Department 426 West Cedar Street - Building 3 Shelton, WA 98584 Re: Richard and Ann Scroggs, T.P. 32232 - 50 - 10903 E6631 Highway 106 Union, WA 98592 Dear Mr. Banner: I have been retained by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Scroggs to assist them in obtaining the necessary building permit to rebuild their home which burned to the ground last winter. They had scheduled construction of the home to commen e September 1, 1994, a goal which seemed quite feasible when they first applied for a building permit until they found issuance of that permit blocked by year department over concerns about the septic system on site. At this juncture I would much prefer to have the permit issued immediately then to review all of the exchanges between your department and the Scroggs' and/or their engineer, Howard Godat & Associates, Inc. You required that the existing system be pumped and inspected. This was done on March 8, 1994. There are two (2) 1,000 gallon tanks which were pumped and inspected and a determination was made that the baffles were in good shape with no need to replace them. The D-Box was also cleaned and the two pipes of tie drainfield were dug up for inspection and field tie. Each of these inspectioris reflected a system in good and safe working condition. Mr. Brad Banner August 15, 1994 Law ice of Russell A.Austin, r. Page 2 It should also be noted that this system was installed pursuant to Permit M-42 9 issued October 5, 1970, and at no time since then has there been any problem with the safe and healthful operation of the system. This is confirmed by the shellfish analysis carried out seven (7) times on the Scroggs' beach between June 28, 1987 and June 20, 1993. These tests, performed during the "State of the Oyster Study" coordinated by Judy Likkel with the analysis through the Lauck Testing Lab which consistently reflected fecal coliform bacteria count well into the lower range of acceptable results on the Scroggs' beach. I'm sure you have all of those studies. In short, 24 years of experience with this septic system compels the factual conclusion that the system is properly designed and adequately functioning for a house the size that burned down. Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs had their architect design another home with the same square footage and with the same number of bedrooms. It appears to me that your department is improperly considering this as a new application for a septic system and you are imposing conditions on them that are not supported in the law. The Scroggs' are entitled by law to rebuild their house. Even if you felt the septic tank was not consistent with the new standards you appear to have established, you would still not be permitted to apply those standards to the Scroggs' residence. I call your attention to Mason County Code 7.13.020 entitled "Applicability to Non-Conforming Development", from which I quote only the following determinative paragraph: This program shall not restrict the reconstruction within two years of the date of damage of any existing single-family residence which is damaged or destroyed by fire, accident or the elements, PROVIDED that nonconformance with the standards and regulations of this program shall not be increased by such reconstruction. Reconstruction of any development other than single-family residences and their appurtenant structures shall be done in accordance with the requirements for new development. Mr. Brad Banner August 15, 1994 Law Office of Russell A.Austin, It. Page 3 I am at a loss to understand why your department seems bent on violating not only the Mason County ordinance but damaging and frustrating two very fi le people who lost their long-time Mason County home through a tragic fire, now only to be faced with this type of difficulty. With the rubber-stamping by Dr. Trucksses on August 4th of your recommended denial of June 24th (why did that step have to take 41 days?), we deem ourselves to have exhausted our administrative r medics Other than appeal to the Mason County Board of Health, whose next meeting I understand to be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 1994. I wish the Scroggs' appeal of your departmen 's decision, unless you change it before that date, to be on the agenda, and I wish to have not less than one (1) hour set aside for that hearing. (Since dictating the foregoing I am advised by Pam Denton that the Board of Health (a.k.a. County Commissioners) insists on a formal hearing before t.e Health Officer. Since he has already favored us with his opinion I can only conclude that this extra step is for harassment purposes. That "hearing" is set t or sometime on August 25th, and does not alter our request for a hearing before tie Health Board on September lst.) Let me make it clear, however, that we would much prefer a call saying that your Department has reconsidered its position, in light of the Mason County Code, and that the septic permit will be issued without further delay. Otherwise, I am prepared to commence suit against Mason County on approximately September 2, 1994. The suit will be filed in Pierce County pursuant to RCW 36.01.050 and will seek a writ of mandate directed to your department. In addition, it will seek damages from the County for the delay and additional expense you will unnecessarily and improperly put Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs to. It will also include a claim against the County pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 1983 for monetary damages as well as equitable and declaratory relief. At this juncture we have not yet decided to include yourself and Pam Denton as individual defendants to seek monetary and punitive damages under the same federal statute. We would also seek our attorney fees under 42 U.S.C. 1988 lor the necessity of bringing the action. Mr. Brad Banner August 15, 1994 Law Office of Russell A.Austin, r. Page 4 I do not threaten litigation lightly. However, the total unfairness of this event heaped on the loss of their home has quite outraged my clients and myself. May I urge that you reconsider your position on this application and take whatever steps are necessary to promptly issue the septic permit so that Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs will not totally miss their construction window. Ve ly yours, Russell A. Austin, Jr RAA/ls cc: Mr. & Mrs. Richard Scruggs Mason County Commissioners Pam Denton N:\CLIENTS\99\99999\002\BANNER.LT MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 3 of 7 Ms. Denton stated that the drain field was discharging directly into the water table. After talking with Brad Banner, it was determined that the drainfield would need to be brought up to current code because it was so far out of compliance and size and was discharging into the water table. Ms. Denton had informed Mr. Scroggs and Mr. Godat of this determination and thenFollowed-up with a letter. An appeal application relating to this determination was then received. Mr. Austin, Mr. Scroggs' attorney, wrote a letter stating that the drainfield should be "grandfather d." He had referenced the Mason County Shoreline Master Plan regarding reconstruction of a structure within two years after a fire. Upon Mr. Austin's request, Dr. Trucksess read aloud the written comments he had made on the appeal application. The word in question was "remedial" measures. Mr. Austin asked Dr. Trucksess if he understood that the Scroggs' application was riot to put in a septic tank but was an application for a building permit. Dr. Trucksess was aware of this and stated that if a septic system was out of compliance, the Health Department could hold up a building permit application until the system was put into compliance. Mr. Austin stated there was no reason to believe that the system had potential for failure because it had 24 years of past good experience. He believed the county was negating the gr dfathering portion of the plan, and that the Scroggs had a constitutional right under due proces to rebuild. He stated they should be allowed to rebuild by hooking up to and monitoring the existing system. If there were problems, the problems would be dealt with. Dr. Trucksess asked if the system had been tested during the time it was functioning. Mr. Austin replied that seven tests had been completed in 1993 under the shellfish project, and the fecal coliform bacteria count m as well into the lower ranges of acceptable results on the Scroggs' beach. Dr. Trucksess asked i there were records of this testing. Mr. Austin believed the Health Department should have c pies of the testing. Ms. Denton stated that the drainfield on the neighboring property had failed. Mr. Austin stated he was aware of this fact, but they should not be penalized for that. Ids. Denton commented that the Health Department did not rely solely on these shellfish tests, and used additional testing processes. Mr. Austin stated that the Health Department carries these test results with them, and that he believed this testing was the basis for the decision to close down the system on the property next to the Scroggs' property. Ms. Denton stated that the testing was an indicator only. Dr. Trucksess asked if the Scroggs would feel better putting in a viable, functionin drainfield before they built their new home rather than finding out afterwards through testing that the system had failed and therefore, the need to put in a new system. He stated that if the work was done now, they would know before construction whether they could install a viable drain field. Mr. Scroggs stated that they have tried all along to comply with the Department's requests. He commented that Ms. Denton had left some things out of her report. For instance, while in the MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 4 of 7 field, she had told Mr. Godat and himself that they would require testing on the exis ing system. However, he had not received a letter regarding this, but rather a letter wi h different requirements. Ms. Denton differed with Mr. Scroggs' comment, stating she had been very frank with him and that, at the very minimum, would require a treatment device. She stated there were many different ways to mitigate this, but had not given them a determination until sh had talked with the Health Services Director. Mr. Scroggs stated that they have tried to comply, and that Ms. Denton had recommended something that was overturned by the Health Services Director. Ms. Denton stated she had misunderstood what Mr. Banner was requiring after their c nversation, but after he saw the letter written by her to the Scroggs, Mr. Banner informed her that the system had to meet current codes, so she rewrote the letter and mailed it. Dr. Trucksess asked what had been done to comply with the requirements. Mr. Scroggs replied that there was no treatment device installed, however, they had complied with covering additional grassy areas and declaring the pickle ball court as a reserve. Dr. Trucksess asked about the treatment device. Ms. Denton informed that it could b something like a bio-max, which wouldn't take up a lot of area so that a larger area could be sed for the drainfield. Mr. Austin commented that a bio-max costs approximately $8,000 and was about the size of a septic tank. Dr. Trucksess asked if it would be more cost effective to put in a treatment device and have testing performed to verify the system was working or to ut in a new system. Mr. Austin remarked there are two good operating tanks now. Dr. Trucksess responded that the Scroggs would be able to utilize the same tanks. Dr. Trucksess viewed a diagram of the Scroggs' property. Ms. Denton stated that there was one area more suitable for a drainfield. Mr. Scroggs stated that they, at least, have their system in back of the house rather than closer to the water like so many other homes. Dr. Trucksess asked about putting in a new drainfield, maximizing the area, and using the existing septic tanks. Ms. Denton stated that if that was done a bio max would not be required, but they would need to pump more frequently. She noted that design questions would need to be resolved, however. Dr. Trucksess wondered about digging a few more test holes in the area closer to the property line and having the drainfield relocated. Mr. Austin stated that they would consider this proposal, but at this time it was their desire to utilize the existing system which for 24 years had no evidence of less than safe performance. And, if at a later date it was found not to be working, the Scroggs would be the first ones who would not want to pollute the canal and would rectify the problem. He stated they do not want to jump through $10,000 hoops until there was evidence it was needed. Mr. Austin stated the Health Department should pprove the building permit and allow the Scroggs to hook up to the existing system with testing as a condition. Dr. Trucksess asked about the possibility of testing. Ms. Denton replied that there was a dye test which could determine if discharge was reaching the bulkhead; however, the system was not currently being used because there was no house there. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 5 of 7 Ms. Denton commented on the fact that the Department has no as-built or fina inspection approval of the system. Mr. Austin disagreed, stating the Health Officer had signe off on the permit and even though the Health Department had not signed off, whose fault w that? The permit was in the possession of the Health Department, and the Scroggs believed they had approval. Dr. Trucksess stated the initial permit was not an issue. Mr. Austin remarked that the system had not had a problem for 24 years and that the shell fish tests indicate it was a good system. Dr. Trucksess stated that they now know the system was discharging into the water table and that there was standing water in a test hole in July. Mr. Scroggs stated he believed the water in the test hole was from watering. Ms. Denton commented the water was tidally influenced. Mr. Austin stated they were attempting to put back the house at an allowable size, not increasing the number of bedrooms or applying for a new septic tank permit. He referred to Mason County Code 7.13.020 which gives certain rights, one of which to rebuild within 2 years. H stated that they were not asking for a variance, but had been told they needed to apply for one. This was a single-family dwelling with no previous record of its system failing, and that it m as a purely constitutional and practical matter to rebuild. Mr. Austin commented that the Scroggs were responsible citizens who feel a propr ety interest in the water and who believe in constitutional rights, and that the Health Departmeni should not be above certain rights and ordinances. And, although he would not encou ge testing requirements, the Scroggs would be willing to be subjected to the same testing as all the other systems. And, if it was decided that a bio max was necessary, one would be ins ailed. Mr. Scroggs agreed. Mr. Austin stated they would be ahead of the game to play by thp rules, and the rules allow the Scroggs to rebuild their home. He commented that litigation wits not good for anyone, and he did not want to impose the burden of litigation, noting it would cost more than the cost to buy the bio max. Mr. Austin commented that they did not see he need to purchase a bio max because the system may fail or because there was water in a to t hole. Dr. Trucksess stated the water in the test hole was one of many aspects of the drain field which did not meet current regulations. He commented that the Scroggs have the opportunity to make correction at minimal cost, that it would be more expensive at a later date. He hoped they would be less rigid and work with the Department towards a viable system ensured to wok properly. Mr. Austin replied that they had been working with the Health Department since l t February and were receiving mixed signals. He stated that no one had said a bio max would be a solution, and that they were frustrated by the mixed signals. He remarked that if Dr. Trucksess would not approve their permit to hook up to the existing system, but instead required a bio max, that requirement would give them trouble, and they would remain rigid. MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 6 of 7 Dr. Trucksess asked if the solution would be in a new design. Ms. Denton replied that her most recent correspondence to the Scroggs indicated they needed a newly designed system, but such a design had not been received. She noted that a design would need to be received ar.d reviewed before a determination on its acceptance could be made. Ms. Denton commented that there were many things wrong with the existing system; ne concern being the discharge. Another was seeing the standing water in the test hole, and the fact that the size of the drainfield did not meet standards in the best of soil for a two bedroom lome. She stated the design needed to show treatment and disposal. Mr. Austin stated they were reluctant to invest additional money toward a new design when other suggestions had been vetoed by Mr. Banner. Mr. Austin asked that Dr. Trucksess tell them what would be acceptable. Dr. Trucksess replied that just because a designer designs a System it did not always mean it would comply with regulations. The Health Department has to see the design in order to make a determination. He stated that it appeared that the property could meet standards, but there were no guarantees until the Department has an idea where th drainfield would be located and what kind of treatment was being proposed. Dr. Trucksess corrunented that submitting a new design was a reasonable solution. Mr. Austin stated that this was t e problem; they were led to believe that if they did something it would solve the problem, but it had been overruled by Mr. Banner. He stated that Ms. Denton appeared to be a buffer between Mr. Banner and himself. Ms. Denton responded that her position was lead on-site coordinator, and as such handled cases. Mr. Banner was the Director of Health Services. She was paid to make determinations on systems and that the primary goal was to ensure that contamination did not occur in the canal. Mr. Scroggs stated that, for that reason, they had installed a ne system in 1970. Ms. Denton stated she was not questioning their integrity. The Department had strong concerns substantiated by test holes and water tables that the system did not meet s andards on treatment and disposal. She did not see how they could allow the use of this system when there were so many concerns. Mr. Austin asked the Department to offer an alternative. Dr. Trucksess responded stating the Scroggs could have a designer look at the system and redesign it. He noted that it may be a simple solution, or it may not. Mr. Austin responded that it had not been simple during the past seven months. Ms. Denton commented that at the end of February, the Department had asked for an as-built, and it had not been'received until May. Mr. Scroggs remarked that they had supplied a topographical survey because certain references had been wanted. Ms. Denton stated they wanted a plot map, that a topographical map was helpful but not necessary and not typical of what was usually received. Mr. Austin asked if Dr. Trucksess' decisions were made on sanitary/health ground;, a limited authority. Dr. Trucksess replied that his decisions were based on health issues. Mr. Austin remarked that if Dr. Trucksess did not feel comfortable granting their variance on constitutional MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH APPEAL HEARING - AUGUST 25, 1994 PAGE 7 of 7 grounds, would he please render an oral confirmation of his opinion so that they could proceed immediately to the Board of Health. Dr. Trucksess stated he would not approve the existing system. Mr. Austin asked that this matter be placed on the Board of Health meeting agenda for September 1st, 1994. Ms. Denton stated she would inform the Appellants of the hearing time when it was determined. Appeal hearing adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Mark E. Trucksess, Health Officer Respectfully .Submitted, Q Lorraine Coots 1 2 September 1, 1994, 10:00 a.m. 3 Shell on, Washington 4 5 6 BEFORE THE MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH 7 8 IN RE: DICK SCROGGS and ANNE 9 SCROGGS, husband and wife, APPLICANTS' MEMORANDUM OF AUTHORITIES 10 Applicants. 11 BACKGROUND 12 Both Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs have summered on Hood Canal since 1940 and hav owned property 13 on the South Shore since the 1960's. On December 28, 1993, their house burned tc the ground. As 14 soon as the immediate shock of the loss subsided they determined to rebuild a substantially similar home 15 (e.g., five bedrooms, approximately 4,000 sf.). They retained Bob Slenes of Olymr is as an architect 16 with substantial Mason County and Hood Canal building experience. At Mr. Slenes' recommendation 17 they also retained Howard Godat & Associates, Inc., consulting engineers, to do the engineering. 18 In order to facilitate the permit process, Mr. Godat contacted the Mason County Health 19 Department on February 24th to alert that department that a building permit application would be 20 forthcoming, citing that department into the Mason County Shoreline Master Program, and particularly 21 MCC 7.13.020 dealing with the reconstruction of a single family residence destroyed by fire. Chapter 22 7.13 of the Code deals specifically (MCC 7.13.050) in the permitting process and deals with septic 23 tanks and state and local health regulations. (MCC 7.13.050(1)(k)). 24 UNDISPUTED FACTS 25 , The following facts relative to the Scroggs' property are not disputed: 26 ■ The Scroggs voluntarily installed an upgraded septic system in 27 1970 (Permit M-4299, 10/5/70). 28 APPLICANTS' MEMORANDUM OF LA OFFICE OF (� A USSE A.AvsltN,Ja. AUTHORITIES - Page I FA=R1 EASE,5 TE N. • I}B36 5 E.IQIH LANE BELLEVII WASHINGTON%ph N:\CLIENTS\0\000900)1\SCR0GGS-9Rr 8/31/94 Az Qm�sbzamo 1 There has been no problem with the septic system in 24 years of use. 2 ■ Shellfish from the Scruggs' beach tested good in seven tests 3 between 1987 and 1993.' 4 ■ The two 1,000 gallon tanks on the Scroggs' property exceed the tank volume requirements for Mason County, were tested, 5 inspected, and are in good working order.2 6 ■ The Scroggs' house that burned was 3,968 sf. with five 5) bedrooms. 7 ■ Mason County guidelines allow the owner to replace a bur d 8 home up to ten percent (10%) over the burned square footage or 9 in this case up to 4,168 sf. ■ The new home as designed is 4,132 sf (164 sf. under allowance), 10 also with five (5) bedrooms. 11 ■ There is no application pending for a new septic system. 12 The matter of a building permit for the Scroggs' home is being handled, p ocedurally, as a 13 request for a variance from the current drainfield requirements imposed by the Health Department. 14 The Department and the Health Officer based their rejection of a variance on finding that one 15 of three test holes drilled for pecolation inspection appeared to be below the water table. On the other 16 side of this rather subjective finding is the very objective finding of twenty-four ears' successful 17 operation of the septic system, and the fact that for a number of recent years the Scroggs' beach and 18 shellfish have routinely and regularly tested good, while neighbors in the area were Failing. 19 ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITY 20 Within the general field of law dealing with "land use" is the concept of a 11gr indfather clause" 21 or property being "grand fathered". The procedure chapter under the Mason County Master Shoreline 22 Program contains such a grandfather clause (MCC 7.13.020): 23 24 25 t The Scroggs' voluntarily and at their own expense participated in the "State of the Oyster Study" eo rdinatedby Judy Like] with laboratory testing and analysis through the Lauck Testing Lab. A copy of the test results for the period 26 is attached hereto as Exhibit 1. 27 2 A copy of Mr. Godat's letter to the applicants dated March 10, 1994, is attached hereto as Exhibit 2. Upon further request of the county Godat has prepared an as-built drawing of the system which is in the file. 28 APPLICANTS' MEMORANDUM OF LA OFFICE OF ftUSSELL A.AUStaN,JR. AUTHORITIES - Page 2 FACTOXIA FA5T SU E 201 • 12826 SE 50TH LANE SELLEVUE.WASHINGTON 9BM6 (M)561-2 •FAX INA)5621030 I This program shall not restrict the reconstruction within two years of the date of damage of any existing single-family residence which is damag d 2 or destroyed by fire, accident or the elements, PROVIDED that nonconformance with the standards and regulations of this program shall 3 not be increased by such reconstruction. Reconstruction of any development other than single-family residences and their appurtenant 4 structures shall be done in accordance with the requirements for new development. 5 6 Grandfather clauses are usually applied to nonconforming property uses (see Andrew v. King 7 County, 21 Wn. App. 566, 570, 586 P.2d 509 (1978). A nonconforming use was defined by the court 8 in Jefferson County v. Seattle Yacht Club, 73 Wn. App. 576, _ P.2d _ (1994), as follows: A nonconforming use is a use which lawfully existed prior to the 9 enactment of a zoning ordinance or resolution, which is maintained after the effective date of the ordinance or resolution, although it does not 10 comply with the use restrictions applicable to the area in which it is situated. 11 12 In fact, all aspects of the Scroggs' home, both before the fire and as proposed for reconstruction, 13 are conforming uses except for the suspicion of the Health Department and its election to impose a 14 standard on the Scroggs' application that would be imposed on a new home and septic system application, even though facially contrary to MCC 7.13.020. 15 16 There are clear constitutional overtones to the rejection of any grandfathered property use, 17 particularly a claim that the local governments actions are confiscatory in the total or I artial prohibition 18 of use. In this case, Mr. Scroggs has expressed a strong preference to finding a solution rather than litigation. 19 20 The unfortunate part is that the applicant receives little or no indication from the Health 21 Department as to what would be a satisfactory solution. He is told, whether rightly or wrongly, that 22 what he has is not acceptable. That is not helpful. It is not helpful to be told "keep having your 23 engineers design systems and when we see one we think will work we'll let you kno v." This is very 24 much like the definition of pornography the Supreme Court wrestled with so many yeas and concluded: "We can't define it but we know it when we see it. Under the Mason County Granc father Provision, 25 the Scroggs are clearly entitled to better than this! 26 27 28 APPLICANTS' MEMORANDUM OF LA OFFICE OF T (� RUssEu A.AUSnN,1R. AUTHORITIES - Page 3 FACTORIA EAST,SUITE 201 • 12926 S.E.M H LANE BELLEVUE WASHINGTON%0.V (2%)562 •FAX(IW)56I10M I CONCLUSION 2 Rather than be delayed in the reconstruction of their home, which is contrary to Mason County 3 law, we ask this Board to grant the variance applied for and let construction go forward during this 4 good weather. 5 If the county Health Department is correct that the Scroggs' system had a life expectancy of 24 6 years at which point it would magically go bad, then there are all the remedies normally available and 7 used against other failed septic systems. 8 The Scroggs' are responsible people. They demonstrated this in 1970 whe they voluntarily 9 rebuilt and enlarged their septic system. They proved it again between 1987 and 1993 when they 10 participated in the various shellfish tests of their beach. 11 They now ask your reciprocal good faith in carrying out the Mason County ordinance that allows 12 them to rebuild their home without further unnecessary delay. 13 DATED this 1st day of Septem"ssell 14 s By 15 n, Jr. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 APPLICANTS' MEMORANDUM OF IBz EcEdL LnEV1,aU UE, O.WI CE GI zIOaTSeBF S O)$ N6 AUTHORITIES - Page 4 FACT00.1A .ST , E10' . S.E . TH LANE ASHINN I.EA% _W MASON COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670• Belfair:275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 Date: September 2, 1994 To: Howard Godat From: Pam Denton. R.S. Re: Dick & Ann Scroggs proposal Our Department has reviewed your proposal and have determined the following: * A $ 30.00 septic repair permit will be required. * The repair system will need to meet treatment standard 2. The B o-max aerobic treatment device is capable of meeting this standard w thout disinfection. * The pickleball court will need to be removed in order to increase disposal area. Another option would be to obtain property nearby and place the drainfield there. * A statement must be recorded on the property deed stating the -site septic system is a non-conforming repair. The system will be non-conforming because it will not have the required vertical separation. c. Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs 500 W. Eight Street Aberdeen, Wa. 98520 . HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. CONSULTING ENGINEERS 2708 WESTMOOR COURT OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON 98502 PHONE (206)943-1599 FAX (206)357-6299 September 8, 1994 Mason County Environmental Health RE P. O. Box 1666 CEO EO Shelton, Washington 98584 Sep 1 94 Attn: Mr. Brad Banner NtACI'y SER Ms Pam Denton ��ES RE: Dick and Ann Scroggs Residence Upgraded Wastewater Disposal System Dear Brad and Pam: I have reviewed the latest correspondence from the Mason County Environmental Health Department regarding the position of Mason County for rebuilding of the Scroggs residence. As you are probably aware, the Scroggs' have a very deep desire to retain the pickle tall court since it was constructed as a family project and it still provides recreational opportunit es to the family. We would like to propose an alternative to removal of the pickle ball court. Attached is a conceptual layout showing an effluent disposal bed measuring 6' in width by 70' in length. This would provide 420 square feet of bottom area for effluent disposal. We are proposing the use of "infiltrators" to enhance the absorption rate. Mason County has experience with infiltrators and it is our understanding that a 40% reduction is provided where infiltrators are used in lieu of a gravel bed. Thus, the proposal would provide for the following design: Number of Bedrooms - 4 Daily wastewater generation = 120 gal/bedroom/day Total Daily Wastewater Generation = 480 Gallon/Day Assuming a Type III soils condition, the application rate = 0.8 Gal/Sq.Ft./Da Required Drainfield Area for Type III soil = 480 _ 0.8 = 600 Sq.Ft. Assuming a 40% reduction in drainfield area, bottom area required = 360 Sq Ft. Assuming a soil Type IV application rate = 0.6 Gal/Sq.Ft./Day Required Drainfield Area for Type IV soil = 480 _ 0.6 = 800 Sq.Ft./Day Assuming a 40% reduction the required drainfield area is 480 Square Feet. Based on the above design criteria, the proposed disposal area is more than satisfact ry for a Type III soil and very closely meets the requirement for a Type IV soil. STUDY REPORT DESIGN I WATER SEWER STREETS Scroggs Septic System Repair September 8, 1994 Page 2 In behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs, we would propose the following resolution: 1. The existing two-compartment septic tank would remain 2. The existing drainfield would be abandoned 3. A Biomax treatment facility would be installed and designed for a 4 edroom residence. 4. A 6' x 70' effluent disposal bed would be installed with the use of infii rators to maximize bottom area absorption rates. 5. The treated effluent from the Biomax facility would be pumped and pressure distribution utilized in the infiltrator system. 6. The existing pickle ball court would be designated as the secondary disposal area 7. A minimum of 75' separation from the drainfield area to Hood Canal will be provided. Based on the above conditions, it is our expressed opinion that a nonconforming repa r system is not appropriate. We hereby request, in behalf of the owners, that the system be approved as a Treatment 2 installation. Any questions may be directed to this office. Sincerely, HOWA7 GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. Howard N. Godat, P. .K�President, _ cc: Mr. and Mrs. Dick Scroggs Russell Austin, Jr. File #3292 HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2708 Westmoor Court S.W. • Olympia, Washington 98502 MASON COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670. Belfolr:275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 September 21, 1994 Howard Godat 2708 Westmoor Court Olympia, Wa. 98502 Re: Dick and Ann Scroggs design parcel # 32232-50-10903 Our department has reviewed your latest design proposal for the Scroggs septic system upgrade. There are issues that need to be addressed. Your proposal includes the use of infiltrators, a gravelless chamber. The State Department of Health (DOH) allows a reduction in absorption area only when there is 36" of vertical separation and only if there is available area for 100%. of the drainfield. Your proposal does not address vertical separation and does n t have area for 100%- of the drainfield. The DOH technical advisors have recently informed us that the Bio-max does not meet treatment standard 1 or 2 without disinfection. Treatment stands d 2 is required because the drainfield location is greater than 50 feet to shoreline and there is less than 1 foot of vertical separation with pressure distribution. (WAC 246-272-160) Another issue is the soil type and application rate. There are three test: holes dug on the property. Our department inspected the site in July and found the site to be extremely variable. One test hole had sandy loam soil over a Cemented restrictive layer at 10" . On September 15, there was standing water in the bottom of this test hole. Another test hole had medium sand and gravel to approximately 34" below grade. The sand and gravel varied in compaction and was cemented in pockets. The third test hole was gravelly sandy loam with the existing drainfield at 34" . Standing water was also at 34" . Due to the extreme variability in soil type, compaction of soil, and a variable restrictive layer it is difficult to determine the overall application rate and restrictive layer. Therefore further evaluation needs to be done. 0 Recycled Our department recommends that you hire a certified soil scientist, specializing in agronomy, crops, and soils to evaluate the site. The application rate and depth to the restrictive layer, throughout the proposed drainfield area, including under the pickleball court must be determined. The scientist must determine and make recommendations as to application rate, location and vertical separation. A final copy of the report must be� forwarded to our department for review. Our department may require addition inspections depending on the findings. If you want our department to evaluate the site instead of the certifie soil scientist, the following will be required: 1) A trench must be dug across the property between the foundation and the pickleball court, from property line to property line. The trench must extend throughout the entire proposed drainfield area. 2) Dig a test hole at each end of the pickleball court to help determine soil type and depth of soil under the pickleball court. 3) Apply f r an environmental health review. The fees will be billed out at $37.50 dollars per hour. Additional items may be required depending on the findings. Typical y our department errors on the side of caution and uses the most restrictive soi type and restrictive layer. In summary, further evaluation will be required to determine soil type and restrictive layer throughout the proposed drainfield area. Another treatment device will be required that meets treatment standard 2, unless you include disinfection with the Bio-max. It still appears that the pickleball court needs to be removed in order to maximize drainfield area. A reduction in absorption area when using Infiltrators is only allowed when 100?& percent of the area is available. If you have any questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact me at 427-9670 ext. 554. Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist Our department recommends that you hire a certified soil scientist, specializing in agronomy; crops, and soils to evaluate the site. The application rate and depth to the restrictive layer, througlout the proposed drainfield area, including under the pickleball court must be determined. The scientist must determine and make recommendations as to appl.ic�tion rate, location and vertical separation. A final copy of the report must be, forwarded to our department for review. Our department may require addition inspections depending n the findings. If you want our department to evaluate the site instead of the certified soil scientist, the following will be required: 1) A trench must be dug across the property between the foundation and the pickleball court, from property line to property line. The trench must extend throughout the entire proposed drainfield area. 2) Dig a test hole at each end of the pickleball court to help determine soil type and depth of soil under the pickleball court. 3) Apply for an environmental health review, The fees will be billed out at $37 ,50 dollars per hour. Additional items may be required depending on the findings. Typically our department errors on the side of caution and uses the most restrictive soil type and restrictive layer. In summary, further evaluation will be required to determine soil t e and restrictive layer throughout the proposed drainfield area. Another treatment device will be required that meets treatment standard 2, unless you include disinfection with the Sio-max. it still appears that the pickleball court needs to be removed in order to maximize drainfield area. A reduction in absorption area when using Infiltrators is only allowed when 100% percent of the area is available. If you have Any questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact no at 427-9670 ext. 554 . Pam Denton, R.S. Environmental Health Specialist VA - A C w E5 . S�f�99S' 000 Mot Eighth Stretult Parcel No. 522 32501000::; Dear No . Denton ! 29, 1794 have ban" rewownd Inv aJ ! departments except Energy and EnvironmenFa ! leallh. An you are also aware. we have not resolved the weplin s�- luw design . We have, however, begun incurring delays It is our undwr� knndi"q from our rchikwclt s conversation with you that yup will olLow us I � continue with fh(n: assurance thot — will nblall A 7nintir system that will nePt have been djacun ad willayl " A desig -s !-Qm ^ property without use of the pickleba] ] cour ' For a d i fi ld 7. A designed sysLam including the i hl b ll court as pErt of the primary dra ' nField or imserve., Assuming then thah all depart monk- l it the exception of Gnzh -/.mp"Yal VALPh and fh�h one of the three above alternakives FUR l before the house, we request titat y�u all to Continuewith cunbircctinn by signinq below , without immediate ieso1 t on of the septic system Sincerely, Accepted : Environmental Health Dick g,�; �� ��������������������� ���� ���� �aLe cc ; Robert Slenco . Bjn�:� MASON COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH SERVICES Shelton,Washington 98584 (206)427-9670• Belfair:275-4467 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH WATER QUALITY P.O. BOX 1666 303 N. FOURTH P.O. BOX 1666 October 14, 1994 Dick Scroggs 500 W. 8th. St . Aberdeen, Wa. 98520 Re: Building permit for the Scroggs residence Parcel # 32232-50-10903 Dear Mr. & Mrs . Scroggs, Your building permit is currently on hold in Environmental Health pending an approved on-site septic design. It' s our understanding that you don' t want to invest further time and money on designs until the Board of Health has determined what will be required. Our department is willing to issue the building permit prior to design approval with the following conditions : 1 . Have the system designed according to the Board of H lth' s determination. The system must be designed and installed prior to occupancy. 2 . The septic system design and installation must meet our departments approval using available property. 3 . The applicant understands that without finding a location for off-site disposal, they will need further evaluation and design of a system maximizing available area. This may include likely removal of the pickleball court and recording the system on your deed as non-conforming, if full compliance to the marine system requirments cannot be met. The building permit will only be issued if the above mentioned requirements are agreed to and signed by you, the property owners. The building department will not give final occupancy until these items have been completed. 0 Recycled Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions req rding this matter at 427-9670 ext. 554 . The best time to reach me is between the hours of 8 : 00AM to 9 : 30AM on Friday. Thank You, Pam Denton, R.S . Environmental Health Specialist K u -`~ RECEIVED 1=9 ~~`,` S~~ ,,,°E$ Actoher 16 , 1 Ms. Pam Denton Post Office Box 101053 Shelton , Washington 9PA94 Dear Ms. Denton :: Unfortunately, 1 -u re, ' ky do not offer us any meaningful You say, in uffmch th , � " , must ju it your uny or our --,---- ---n for a - '^ -d ng ,^ ~^ ~^^ ^ ~^ ^^r ^ ~n hold " . Our experience t--dAbr in that If— requiremenks the Department of FkAlh i -"ku to iwp"ye on us arm far in excros of what should !w r—quirpd of a ! none adA weptir system IhQ selected us fur KhT ln-il disupini "al-ory imposition of: u/,, eabu/,aulia and o:rcn7mo , e:e "u,/ Lm You even want uF to proceed as if our sysium had failed and to burden title our propErty for all time with a restrictive covenant exemplifying such a hyi�oLketical failure. , We feel that we should be allowed to rebuild our home in accordance with the Mason County ordinance applicable home destroyed ;y fire . RealisLically we should be all0WEd to hook the new home 1" the exisiing inspected and serviceable sepLic In -he Spirit of coOperation e havc had professic:ally designed , two waatv dispcsa\ syst rs which would , at a substAntial additional cost I must say, improve on the elready serviceable system. Our engineers tell us this would be a safe and sani+iary septic system a d even the professionals fait to understand the intractable position taken by your nepartmenl , ^ Your responne is "� ra: thzI yr'/ il MA our building per it hostage if we An t ag~ee r On .'/'4tever you say , whateve that might be. Uur e,I ri nce rith yeur Department to-date , gives us abmolu!oly nc` conKdenre vn the f"irness or in tog rity of the Mnson /lunty Dr [.arFmpnt of MOM Servic s . Without a buildmg per OF our on-` ' / actor nWst leave the j b at the end of this week anJ Lry o fino otler work " When "e ultimately obtaun the huilding pe' mit, as I am confident e will , we must thon go out and find a contractor to build c ur home" The cost Will 1e increaseJ , The loss of u5e of the home will be extended . But in shurL , one thing will not happen . No more "Ur . yQce Guy . " You will not impose arbitrary, discriminalory , and u/'reasonable conditions un my [ao/ily without 0 ' Wh : ' Law Office of RUSSELL A. AUSTIN, JR. Member of Washington State and Distria of Columbia Bars • Admitted to United States Supreme Coun Factoria East, Suite 201 ♦ 12826 S.E. 40th Lane Bellevue, Washington 98006 (206) 562-7000 ♦ FAX (206) 562-7030 October 20, 1994 Honorable William O. Hunter, Chairman RECEI EQ Mason County Board of Health OCT 3 J c/o Board of Commissioners H�ACT Mason County Courthouse, Building N1 H _$ER CES 411 North 5th Shelton, WA 98584 Re: Appeal of Dick and Ann Scroggs Dear Commissioner Hunter: On September 1, 1994, you and Commissioner Porter, sitting as members of e Board of Health, heard the appeal of Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs from the decision of the Mason County Health Department denying a variance request to utilize their existing septic system in connection with the rebuilding of their home. At the conclusion of the hearing both you and Commissioner Porter agreed that you would try to expedite your decision since you recognized it was impact ng on the Scroggs' ability to commence reconstruction of their home. When I pressed you on how quickly we might expect your prompt decision you indicated that it usually took about six weeks, but you would try to get this one out in fur weeks. It has now been seven weeks and despite Mr. Scroggs' best efforts to reach a compromise solution with the Health Department following that hearing, he ias been unable to do so. Enclosed are letters reflecting these further efforts over the past seven weeks for your information. Because the Health Department has a "hold" on his building permit, he has lost his contractor as well as the abilit3 to take advantage of any further fall construction time. This has increased his expenses, and will continue to increase them although if we were to obtai a Honorable William O. Hunter, Chairman October 20, 1994 Law Office of Russell A.Austin Jr. Page 2 favorable decision in the Scroggs' appeal, Mr. Scroggs still might be able to go back and rehire his contractor and proceed. Accordingly, your prompt decision would certainly be appreciated. Very truly yours, 0IL Aa r. Russell A. Austin, RAA/ls Enclosures: (1) Memorandum to Howard Godat from Pam Denton da ed September 2, 1994 (2) Letter to Brad Banner/Pam Denton from Howard Go at dated September 8, 1994 (3) Letter to Howard Godat from Pam Denton dated September 21, 1994 (4) Letter to Pam Denton from Dick Scroggs dated October 11, 1994 (5) Letter to Dick Scroggs from Pam Denton dated October 14, 1994 (6) Letter to Pam Denton from Dick Scroggs dated October 16, 1994 cc: Mr. & Mrs. Dick Scroggs Ms. Pam Denton, Health Department N:\CLIFNTS\0\00090\001\HUNTER.LT i i rII_ � � v MASON COUNTY p q�� h HOv BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS /y "rf' MASON 4111 NORTH IFTH (20M 4'O-9F E EXT�19u I v'l co SHELTON,WASHINGTON 98584 October 27, 1994 Russell A. Austin, Jr. Factoria East, Suite 201 12826 SE 40th Lane Bellevue, WA 98006 Dear Mr. Austin: Re: Variance Appeal by Mr. & Mrs. Scruggs Your letter dated October 20, 1994 inquiring about the determination on the above mentioned item was just received in our office. The Board of Health did come to a decision on October 3, 1994 and it waste Board's intent for the Findings, Conclusions and Order to have been sent to you. Please accept our apologies and find enclosed a copy for your records. If we can assist any further, please contact our office. Sincerely, BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Rebecca S. Rogers Admin. Supervisor/Clerk of the Board Enclosure c: Mr. & Mrs.Scro, s Ilcalth Services 1st District 2nd District 3rd Dist ict M.L.FAUGHENDER WILLIANI O.HUNTER LAURA E.PORTER Law Office of RUSSELL A. AUSTIN, JR. Member of Washington State and District of Columbia Bart • Admitted to United Stata Supreme Court Factoria East, Suite 201 ♦ 12826 S.E. 40th Lane Bellevue, Washington 98006 (206) 562-7000 ♦ FAX (206) 562-7030 November 7, 1994 Mason County Building Department fq0 V 81 4 Mason County Building III 426 West Cedar 1ENERAtLSER ICES P.O. Box 186 Shelton, WA 98584 Gentlemen: I represent Mr. & Mrs. Richard Scroggs who applied for and on October 9, 1994, were issued building permit #94-1336 for reconstruction of their ho ne destroyed by fire on Parcel No. 32232 50 10903. Construction is proceeding under the permit. However, Mr. & Mrs. Scroggs do not agree or stipulate to he conditions set forth under Paragraph 11 of "Conditions" to the issuance of tiat permit. We ask that you make a notation of that absence of agreement. The f ict that they proceed with construction under the permit is solely for the purpose of mitigating the damages of one party or the other to this dispute. It is the Scroggs' intention to plumb their sanitary disposal system to the existing on-site septic system, which has not failed or caused any problem in the preceding 24 years. We will not expect any denial of the Certificate of Occupancy based on the failure to agree to the coercive conditions implied un er Paragraph 11 of "Conditions". However, to resolve this matter finally, it is the intention of the plaintiffs to litigate this dispute and seek a declaratory judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. In that proceeding the Building Department and/or the Health Department will have an opportunity to explain to the court the heretofore arbitrary and capricious conduct of Mason County in withholding the permit and thereafter granting it subject to conditions. VAV4 Russell A. Austin, Jr. RAA/ls cc: Mr. & Mrs. Dick Scroggs N:\CLIENTS\0\00090\001\MASONCO.LT c: ✓Prosecutor Health Services L lil 2 MHSON COUNTY 3 COMMISSIONERS 4 C . 5 6 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR GRAYS HARBOR CO NTY 7 8 RICHARD E. SCROGGS and ANN SCROGGS, husband and wife, q NO. `3`f - Z 3 .� Plaintiffs, Q 44" �� 10 ORDE�GRANTING AINTIFFS' V. MOTION FOR EXPED TED 11 HEARING MASON COUNTY, 12 (Clerk's action require ) Defendant. 13 14 THE PLAINTIFFS having moved for an expedited hearing, and having sho n good cause for 15 moving the matter ahead of other cases awaiting trial, NOW, THEREFORE 16 It is hereby ORDERED that this matter is assigned to The Honorable 17 in Department of this court with direction that said Judge conference by telephone with the 18 attorneys for both parties and assign the matter for a one (1) day trial in the month of January, 1995. 19 DONE IN OPEN COURT this day of November, 1994. 20 21 PRESIDING JUDGE I 22 23 Pres ted by: • 24 _Bv at 25 Fussell A. Austin, JT. WSBA #459 Cj 26 Attorney for Plaintiffs 27 28 ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFFS' MOTION FOR L 'OFFICE OF EXPEDITED HEARING - Page I I A,1,11i Ft"T.i 'I `�-TF ID, i)61,.fF .CTll LANE _- RFi fvU. ,IllI TOy I.. N: CLIENTSIO\(MNPhI\(X)I\EXPEDITL.ORD 11/7/w 1a)�>- • Fn )::r.i.u.ae Prosecutor Health Services ...... 2 Nino, 3 CCMMISSICNERS 4 6 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY 7 8 RICHARD E. SCROGGS and ANN SCROGGS, husband and wife, o 9 NO. q4 _ 2- - C�1 3 3 —a Plaintiffs, j 10 SUMMONS (20 DAY) V. 11 MASON COUNTY, 12 Defendant. 13 j 14 TO: Defendant Mason County, above-named: 15 A lawsuit has been started against you in the above-entitled Court by Richa d E. Scroggs and 16 Ann Scroggs, husband and wife, plaintiffs. Plaintiffs claims are stated in a written complaint, a copy 17 of which is served upon you with this summons. 18 In order to defend against this lawsuit, you must respond to the complaint by stiting your defense 19 in writing, and serve a copy upon the undersigned attorney for the plaintiffs within twenty (20) days 20 after the service of this summons, excluding the day of service, or a default judgmc nt may be entered 21 against you without notice. A default judgment is one where the plaintiffs are entitled to what they ask 22 for because you have not responded. If you serve a notice of appearance on the un ersigned attorney, 23 you are entitled to notice before a default judgment may be entered. 24 You may demand that the plaintiffs file this lawsuit with the Court. If you do so, the demand must 25 be in writing and must be served upon the plaintiffs. Within fourteen (14) days after you serve the 26 demand, the plaintiffs must file this lawsuit with the Court, or the service on you of this summons and 27 complaint will be void. 281 W OM OF _ �J _ _—_ Russ A.AumN,JR. SU-'1MONS (20 DAY) - Page I FACTORI E , 'ME201 IH365E OHLANE BELLE E.WA SHINOTON ri006 N:\C" ,r�M%)ShN%11\CA('TION II/'/96 "--- 2�1 Su-. •FA%trwl wxrma I If you wish to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your 2 written response, if any, may be served on time. 3 This summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the State of 4 Washington. 5 DATED this 7th day of November, 1994. 6 7 ell A. Austin, Jr. WSBA #459 Lj 8 Attorney for Plaintiff 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Ln OFFICE OF RUSSELL �. ALIMN,JR. SUMMONS (20 DAY) - Page 2 FACfORIA $T.sI 201 • 128265 E.IMI LANE BELLF.I UE. 'ABIIINGTON 98006 (3IX.1 SeHON 1 FAX(1CN KIJ010 c: Prosecutor —4+ealth Services - - - 2 3 IIJ� IVI:4 '.- COMMISSOiVcH;; 5 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR GRAYS HARBOR COI NTY 6 7 RICHARD E. SCROGGS and ANN g SCROGGS, husband and wife, N0. _ OL ,3- a 9 `� — Z Plaintiffs, 9 COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY V. JUDGMENT AND DAMAGES 10 MASON COUNTY, 11 Defendant. 12 13 PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE as follows: 14 1. Venue. Venue for this action lies in Grays Harbor County pursuant to RCW 15 36.01.050. 16 2• Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs are the owners of property in Mason County ha ing an address of 17 E-6631 Highway 106, Union, Washington 98592 and being Mason County tax parcel 32232 50 10903. 18 Said real property is located on the south shore of Hood Canal, and is in an unincoiporated area. 19 3. Defendant. Mason County is the governing body for properties riot located in an 20 incorporated city in Mason County. The Mason County Building Department and tie Department of 21 Health Services are departments of Mason County. The Mason County Board of Commissioners is the 22 governing body of the county. The Commissioners also serve as the County Board of Health. 23 4. Fire. On December 28, 1993, the plaintiffs' home on the property described above was 24 totally destroyed by fire. 25 5. Grandfather Clause. Mason County Code 7.13.020 reads: 26 This program shall not restrict the reconstruction within two years of he date of damage of any existing single-family residence which is damage,—' 27 or destroyed by fire, accident or the elements, PROVIDED tat nonconformance with the standards and regulations of this programs all 28 � COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT AND -= ,- LA 'OFF CE OF DAMAGES- Page 1 _ FACTORIAA LAST,SLUE 2011 *RUSSEiCi A. NA SL 40TH LANE BELLEVUE LLASHILIGTON%Db Rcsl sso-� N:\CLIENTS\0\00090\001\MANDAMUS.PET 11/7/94 .FAX(2os)sez�mc tom' - 1 not be increased by such reconstruction. Reconstruction of a y development other than single-family residences and their appurtena t 2 structures shall be done in accordance with the requirements for n w development. 3 6. Permit Application. Plaintiffs sought a building permit to reconstruct their home with 4 a home of substantially the same size, containing substantially the same number o bedrooms, and 5 utilizing the same septic system which had properly served the home for twenty-three (23) years. The 6 septic system was uncovered, pumped and inspected in 1994 and found to be in good working order. 7 Plaintiffs caused tests to be made of shellfish on their beach seven (7) times between 1987 and 1993, 8 which tests were designed to reflect any failure of a septic system through the fecal coliform. bacteria 9 count. Each test reflected beach shellfish well within the acceptable range for such laboratory tests. 10 The most recent test made was within six (6) months of the fire which destroyed laintiffs' home. 11 There has been absolutely no failure of the system. 12 7. County Violation of Law. Despite being expressly grandfathered to rebuild their home 13 the Mason County Health Department insisted on various actions and concessions as a condition of 14 approval of plaintiffs' application, most of which concessions plaintiffs felt were uncal ed for but which 15 were or would have been agreed to in order to expedite the issuance of the buildi ig permit so the 16 construction could proceed forward during the summer and fall of 1994. 17 8. Administrative Remedies Exhausted. On September 1, 1994, at its regular Monday 18 meeting, plaintiffs appealed the adverse decision of the Department of Health and the Health Officer 19 to the Mason County Board of Health which is in effect the Mason County Board of County 20 Commissioners. Said Commissioners voted to sustain the denial of a permit to the plaintiffs by decision 21 entered October 3, 1994, but not communicated to plaintiffs until October 27, 1994. 22 9. Open Public Meeting Law. The defendant Commissioners acted in violation of RCW ch. 23 42.30 in deliberating and deciding plaintiffs' appeal at other than a scheduled public meeting. For such 24 violation plaintiffs should be awarded the personal civil penalty of $100.00 against each participating 25 Commissioner pursuant to RCW 42.30.120 as well as judgment for their attorneys' ees and costs. 26 10. Issuance of Permit. On or about October 19, 1994, Mason County did c nditionally issue 27 a building permit to plaintiffs, which issuance was predicated on the plaintiffs meeting certain 28 COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT AND RUSSELL A. AI CIIN,JR. DAMAGES- Page 2 1'A(10A;A EAST.F1 IF l_ :926SE.401N LANE AEUEr L.e.ul lr]sFIN I M pM�s6�-r Fm, :ai su.ro�o 1 requirements and complying with certain directives of the Mason County Health D partment, which 2 requirements are inapplicable, unnecessary, and totally unacceptable to plaintiffs. 3 11. Unlawful Acts. The actions of the Mason County Commissioners and the Department 4 of Health Services are arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to the law in Mason Coun y. 5 12. Unlawful Taking. The actions of Mason County in refusing plaintiffs a permit to rebuild 6 their home constitutes at least a temporary taking of the plaintiffs' property under col r of law without 7 compensation as prohibited by statute and the constitution of the state of Washington and the United 8 States. 9 13. Civil Rights Violation. The actions of the defendant constitutes a violation of plaintiffs' in denial of due process and equal protecti n 10 civil rights, contrary to 42 U.S.C. 1983, et seq. of the law. 11 14. Damages. Mason County has violated RCW 64.40.020 through the it 'tial actions of its 12 Health Department, later confirmed by its Board of County Commissioners, in de ying plaintiffs a 13 permit, which denial is arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful, and has caused plaintiffs' ongoing economic 14 damage in an amount to be established at trial. 15 15. Attorneys' Fees. Plaintiffs are entitled to recovery of reasonable costs and attorneys' fees 16 pursuant to RCW 64.40.020(2) and 42 U.S.C. 1988. 17 16. Punitive Damages. Plaintiffs are entitled to recover actual damages ai well as punitive 18 damages against individual county employees who may be hereafter added to this suit as defendants for 19 trial. 20 17. DeclaratoryJudgment. This action is brought under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments 21 Act, codified as RCW ch. 7.24. A genuine dispute does exist between plaintiffs anc defendant which 22 is cognisable by this court under RCW 7.24.020. Plaintiffs ask this court to declare their rights to 23 reconstruct their home pursuant to Mason County Code 7.13.020 without additional requirements or 24 interference. A gusticiable controversy exists. 25 18. Expedited Hearing. Plaintiffs will seek by separate motion an expedi ed hearing in this 26 matter so as to not loose another year in the ultimate occupancy of their home. 27 28 COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT AND L °E RUSSEL A.A. AU OF JR. DAMAGES- Page 3 1ACTOAIA EAST.St ITE 201 . 12926 S E,OTH LANE BELLES'Ll WASHINGTON 9M (2W)562 7 • FAX(2W1561JUIU I WHEREFORE, plaintiffs pray this court declare the law applicable under the facts of this case 2 and direct issuance by Mason County of a building permit without extraneous conditions and that 3 plaintiffs recover monetary damages and their attorney's fees and costs incurred herein. 4 DATED this 7th day of November, 5 By 6 ell A. Austin, J . WSBA #459 7 Attorney for Plaintif 8 9 VERIFICATION OF PLAINTIFF 10 11 STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss. 12 COUNTY OF GRAYS HARBOR ) 13 RICHARD E. SCROGGS, being first duly sworn, upon oath deposes and states as follows: 14 I am one of the plaintiffs herein. I have read the foregoing Petition for Writ of Mandamus and Damages, know the contents thereof, and to the best of my knowledge believe the same to be true. 15 16 17 Richard E. Scruggs 18 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this _ day of November, 1994. 19 20 Prinwd nanic Russell A. Austin, Jr. 21 NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of Washington, residing at Seattle 22 My commission expires: 2 2 97. 23 24 25 26 27 28 COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY JUDGMENT AND LA OFFICE OF Russ A.AusnN,I& DAMAGES- Page 4 FACTO AEA T,S 201 . 128365.E 60R1 LANE BELLEVUE WASHINGTON H006 12%)M2.2 •FAX 12%)WMO c: Prosecutor -. - Health Services - 2 3 COMNilabl nl_ r_ 4 5 6 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR GRAYS HARBOR COL NTY 7 8 RICHARD E. SCROGGS and ANN SCROGGS, husband and wife,q NO. — Plaintiffs, 10 MOTION FOR EXPEDITED V. HEARING 11 MASON COUNTY, (Without Oral Argume t) 12 Defendant. (Clerk's action Required) 13 14 COME NOW the plaintiffs and respectfully move this court for an order gra ting an expedited 15 hearing of the matters complained of in the plaintiffs' Complaint for Declaratory Judgn tent and Damages 16 Filed contemporaneous herewith. Plaintiffs ask the court to preassign and set this matter down for 17 hearing before a judge of this court during the month of January, 1995. This motion is based on the 18 Affidavit of Richard E. Scroggs subjoined hereto. A proposed order granting this ry otion is attached. 19 DATED this 7th day of November, 1994. 20 B Y 21 Rkfssell A. Austin, Jr. W*SBA #459 22 Attorney for Plaintiffs 23 24 25 26 27 28 MOTION FOR EXPEDITED HEARING (WITHOi3-T ORAL--,7. .� LA OFFICE OF i - RU-S LL A.AUMN,JR. ARGUMENT - Page I - - , FACTORIA EASST SU EN1 • 12826 S.E.4O HLANF BELLEVUE 4'ASHINGTON 98PM N:\CLIENTS\0\00090\001\EXPEDITE.MTN 11/7/94 - 11Ee1%11 . FAX(2a)W 7030 1 AFFIDAVIT OF RICHARD E. SCROGGS 2 STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss. 3 COUNTY OF GRAYS HARBOR ) 4 RICHARD E. SCROGGS, being first duly sworn, upon oath deposes and says: i 5 1. I am one of the plaintiffs in the above-entitled action and make this affidavit of my own 6 personal knowledge. 7 2. It has not been nearly one (1) year since our home on the south shore of Hood Canal was 8 destroyed by fire on December 28, 1993. We promptly commenced our efforts to rebuild, hiring first 9 an architect and then at his recommendation hiring a firm of consulting engineers, Howard Godat & 10 Associates, Inc., to inspect and analyze the existing septic system on the property before utilizing it 11 again for the new home. The Godat firm caused the two (2) 1,000 gallon septic tanks to be unburied, 12 pumped and inspected and the drainfield to be uncovered and inspected. The report was that the system 13 was in good shape and acceptable for continued use. The Mason County Environmental Health 14 Department nonetheless required that additional holes be dug on the property from which they 15 concluded, based on the height of the water table, that our septic system would fai . Not that it had 16 failed, since it has been working perfectly for twenty-four years, but theoretically hat it would fail. 17 Accordingly, they imposed a variety of requirements on us, including particularly t1 at we tear up and 18 remove our pickleball court, and that we agree with their department that we had a se tic system failure 19 and that to rebuild our home would require an admission of such failure and inclus on in the form of 20 a covenant running with the land for all persons, prospective lenders and potential future purchasers to 21 be advised that the septic system, and accordingly our home, were built and/or installed pursuant to a 22 variance. Such admission and such amendment of the record title to our property wot Id impose a heavy 23 burden, making borrowing against or selling the property considerably more difficult. 24 3. Our consulting engineers offered the county Environmental Health Department several 25 alternative proposals, each of which would have been very expensive but in their professional judgment 26 would have removed any likelihood of a septic system failure, but each proposal was rejected. 27 28 MOTION FOR EXPEDITED HEARING (WITHOUT ORAL mOUSOF ARGUMENT - Page 2 FACTO0.IA J,Jn. EA A. A Al siRSC SH. S.E.4BTH LANE BELLE�'li .W 4'ASHINGTOTON HK6 (2m)3W. • FAN(Z[)WA 00 1 4. With all the rejections of our system we never did receive information as to what system 2 would be applicable other than it would be required to meet whatever conditions they mposed, and that 3 it would require a variance and a clouding of the title to our property. 4 5. We presently have a building permit which allows construction to go forward on our 5 home, but said permit was conditionally issued subject to conditions in paragraph I thereof which are 6 totally unacceptable to the plaintiffs. If this matter is not resolved promptly the necessary financing for 7 the home will be delayed, which will mean the construction will be delayed or terminated, which will 8 mean another extended period of time without replacement of the burned home. 9 6. I repeat that our existing septic system was deemed very adequate for the size home on 10 our property and that not only did we not have any failure of the system in twenty-f ur years, but the 11 shellfish on our beach were laboratory tested on seven (7) separate occasions between 1987 and 1993 12 and on each occasion the test results showed our property to be in the very acceptable range of fecal 13 coliform bacteria count, indicating that our septic system was fcoiiform b properly. 14 15 Richard E. Scroggs 16 SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this _ day of November, 1994. 17 18 Russell A.Austin,Jr. NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of Washington, 19 residing at Seattle. 20 My commission expires: 2/24/97. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MOTION FOR EXPEDITED HEARING (WITHOUT ORAL L OFFICE OF RVSSE A. AlIMN,JR. ARGUMENT - Page 3 FAC ORIA EAST.S ITE 201 • 12826 51 40'FH LANE BELLEVU `YASHiNGTONI M 005)562-) • FAX uC6)MAm0 OFFICE OF THE MASON COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY GARY P.BURLESON 411 N.FIFTH STREET PROSECUTING ATTORNEY SHELTON, WASHINGTON 98584 PHONE( 06)427-9670 ext.417 November 15, 1994 Alicia Johnson Washington Counties Risk Pool 1110 Capitol Way South 1304 Olympia, WA 98501-2251 RE: RICHARD E. SCROGGS and ANN SCROGGS vs. MASON COUNTY GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY CAUSE NO. 94-2-01433-8 Dear Alicia: Enclosed is a copy of our file in the above captioned case. Would you please assign this to an adjuster for Eurther investigation and recommendation. If you have any questions, please call. Ve7 truly yours, MIKE E. CLIFT Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Claims Committee Enclosure THE SUPERIOR COURTOF WASHINGTON GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY n GORDON L.GODFREY,JUDGE 1. P.O.BOX>t I DAVID FOSCUE.JUDGE l� MONTES NO,YIAS,ING T ON 98:63 F.MARK M<CAULEY,JUDGE (206)249-6363 BONNIE KINDLE.ADMINISTRATOR (206)249 5311 February 21, 1995 I t Mr. Russ Austin Attorney at Law Factoria East, Suite 201 12826 S.E. 40th Lane Bellevue, WA 98006 RECEIVE., , Mr. Mark Johnson Attorney at Law FEB 2 8 iog 1201 Third Avenue, Suite2900 IVASOiv 4 5 r Seattle, WA 98101-3028 �Q RE: .Scroggs v. Mason County Grays Harbor County Cause No. 94-2-1433-8 Dear Counsel: This matter comes before the court on a motion for summary judgment/cross motion for- summary judgment by the parties regarding issues arising from a request by plaintiffs for the issuance of a building permit from defendant Mason County. Plaintiffs Scroggs were seeking a building permit from defendants pursuant to a Mason County Ordinance for the rebuilding of their home destroyed by fire. Said permit was denied, then eventually conditionally granted, a result of alleged Health Department decisions regarding septic tank matters. Plaintiff places a veritable fiddle before the court by claiming violations of their constitutional property rights as a result of the failure of the defendant to issue the requested permits. Plaintiffs initially followed the appropriate appellate procedures after the denial of the requested permit by the defendants. Plaintiffs at all times during the course of this admin strative process had the fight to raise all constitutional property right issues. Plaintiffs recourse would have been to continue to utilize the appropriate procedure of raising all issues at that stage of the proceeding with ultimate review by the Superior Court in the event plaintiffs were unsatisfied with the posture of their request at that time. Ironically, plaintiffs elected to abandon the procedure available under RCW 7.16 et sec., and elected to file the present proceeding for trial in the same Superior Court that would have reviewed all issues raised at the administrative process. February 21, 1995 Page 2 The court need not, and cannot, broach the merits of the alleged constitutional vi lations in this matter due to the posture of the prior proceedings. The position of the plaintiffs th it no available and adequate remedy to resolve the issues surrounding the property rights and I lealth Department matters are without merit. It is the position of the court that the plaintiffs he-ein failed to exhaust their administrative remedies following the deniaUissuance of a conditio tal building permit by defendants herein. Plaintiffs failed to exhaust their administrative remedies through utilization of the appellate process pursuant to RCW 7.16 et sec, writ of certiorari to Superior Court for a review of proceedings. Therefore, summary judgment on behalf of defendants Mason County is hereby ganted. Summary judgment requests on behalf of plaintiff Scroggs is hereby denied. I will anticipate appropriate pleadings to be filed commensurate with this decision and submitted to the court for entry. Cordially, Gordon L. Go ey Superior Court Judge GLG:It cc: file KARRnTUTTLE , CAMPBELL A Pmfu...(S.C.T runbn 1201 Third Avenue,Suite 2900,Seattle,Washington 98101-3028 Telephone(206)223-1313.Far mile(206)682-91M Portlead OBux 1105 Standard Plata.1100 S.W.Sixth Avenue.Porttevd,Oregon 972041085 Telephone(503)248-1330,Facsimile(50)222- 29 Please reply to Seattle Office Mark R.Johnsen February 24, 1995 Mike Clift F r-g 2 8199 Mason County Prosecutor's Office 411 NorthFi ? SCV ti,C Shelto A 98584 FUSE C J T C� RE: Scroggs v. Mason County Dear 1GIikP f / I am pleased to report that Grays Harbor County Superior Court Judge Gordon Godfrey has granted Mason County's Motion for Summary Judgment in the case. I have enclosed a copy of Judge Godfrey's Memorandum Decision for your file. I will be presenting a formal order to Judge Godfrey shortly. C While there is a chance that the plaintiffs might appeal, it is more likely that no appeal will be pursued. I'll keep you advised of further developments. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions or observations. Thank you. Very truly yours, lblw/' ��Itl��—Ip-,-;- Mark R. Johnsen MRJ/nlr Enclosures March 7 , 1995 �`raf� (� g 15 MEMORANDUM r FROM: Tony Godat TO: Pam Denton Mason County Environmental Health Department RE: Dick and Ann Scroggs Parcel #32232-50-6903 Pam: As per our phone conversation today I am proceeding on the repair design septic system for the above referenced project. The Scroggs' have elected to remove the pickle ball court to maximize the drainfield disposal area. As such, I am proceeding with design to treatment standard #2 as per your September 21, 1994 letter to our office. A revised design will follow in a week or so. When you receive it your prompt attention would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. cc: Dick Scroggs Bob Slenes, BJSS Group File #3292 HOWARD GODAT & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2708 Westmoor Court S.W. • Olympia, Washington 98502 Tl NIE'-OMOxm�x croH H111w w3 K (U F oO rtw 'O< Y' O $ II w •• o Fl LQ H aIC o 0 R 1m-+lyx O C O N a 1 F' N yaoN RRao mHH1n m x m m m Y b'm ro 14 w a m l R z w a rt •• w H a m rt 9 m IH II •• m w l '.y YOJrtY m m YII 1 M H Q XG ry'S N 'r1H YYII I [JMN K I N N Y ry R3 0 1{ t I,tC$0 H r r rt ry 0 aRH Ma 0 " + O OYmIRwO NO 0 10w Y Y ' x < N a n O Y f a HmCwCwNwn1m we HNHly m C m n . 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