HomeMy WebLinkAboutRetaining Wall - BLD Letters / Memos - 7/17/2002 MASON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Permit Processing/Inspections Addressing
Mason County Bldg. III 426 W.Cedar
P.O.Box 186 Shelton,WA 98584
(360) 427-9670 Belfair (360) 275-4467 Elma (360) 482-5269 Seattle (206) 464-6968
July 17, 2002
Katherine V. Brophy
PO Box 1902
Belfair,WA 98528
RE: Excavation/Retaining wall complaint
Dear Ms. Brophy,
In response to a complaint that you filed recently, a site inspection was
done at 2241 NE Tahuya Blacksmith, Tahuya on 7/16/02.
While on site I took measurements of both the vertical height of the cut as
well as the setback from the fence to the top of the cut. The excavation that
occurred on site is not in violation of the Mason County Excavation and Grading
chapter. Section 14.44.190 (b), Top of Cut Slope; The top of cut slopes shall not
be made nearer to a site boundary line than one fifth of the vertical height of cut
with a minimum of two feet and a maximum of ten feet.
The measurements I took on site included the vertical height of the cut
slope where the owner has placed rock. This height is measured at 4'. The
setback from the fence line is measured at 2'6", thus meeting the minimum of 2'
as required by the ordinance and clearly exceeding the one fifth of the vertical
height if the fence is the true property line. The other measurement was taken in
the corner of the cut, and included a vertical height measurement of 6' with a 3'
setback from the fence line. Again, this would meet and exceed the
requirements as defined in Chapter 33, Excavation and Grading and also known
as Chapter 14.44 of the Mason County Code.
The complaint regarding the retaining wall construction without a permit is
also deemed invalid at this time. The measurement of the wall is 4' and therefore
exempt from the permit process. However, if the adjacent property owner
continues construction of the wall and exceeds the 4' height, and the work is not
deemed to be landscaping, a permit would then be required.
If you should have any further concerns, please contact me at (360)427-
9670 ext 356.
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Sin I ,
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Building Inspector/Code Enforcement
Cc: Property File
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