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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-12-minutes-cds-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CDS Study Session Regular Meeting Monday March 12, 2018 -1:30 PM Commissioners' Auditorium 205 West 5th Room 109 - Ellensburg 1. Call to Order 2. Requesting Approval of a Resolution to Correct a Scrivener's Error in Resolution No. 2018- 037 3. Update on Draft Solar Regulations 4. Discussion Regarding Lot Coverage in Urban Growth Areas 5. Discussion Regarding Wildland-Urban Interface Code Defensible Space 6. Other business 7. Adjourn Created on 3/14/2018 12:21:35 PM KITTITAS COUNTY CDS STUDY SESSION MINUTES COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG Regular Meeting MONDAY 1:30 PM March 12, 2018 Board members present: Commissioner Paul Jewell, Chairman Laura Osiadacz, and Commissioner Obie O'Brien Others: Neil Caulkins (PA), Dan Carlson, Stephanie Mifflin, Calvana Carper, Mike Flory, Lindsey Ozbolt, Jeremy Haberman (CDS), Candie Leader, Mark Cook (PW), Rose Shriner (KCCD), Joe Seemiller, John Sinclair, Rich Elliot (KVFR), 23 members of the public, 2 Daily Record Reporters Call to Order 1. Meeting was called to order at 1:30pm by Chairman Osiadacz Discussion Regarding Wildland-Urban Interface Code Defensible Space 1. It was stated by CDS Director the defensible space provisions in the WUI code haven't been consistently applied in the field and he is seeking a uniform way to apply consistently with provision adopted. Comments from community members 1. Statement from fire adapted community member, "Please uphold the WUI code that has been put into place for the good of our community. As you know, this portion of the WUI Code not only helps to protect property but also creates a safer working space for wildland firefights during structure protection. - Carolyn Berglund, Spark Plug Swuak Valley. 2. Future Kittitas County community member expressed concern with his current property measurements and current code requirements are not feasible in his case. 3. Statement from Kittitas County Fire Chief's Association, "Request for consideration to be given extending additional efforts toward consistent application of code that's in place." 4. Current land -owner attempting to receive Certificate of Occupancy expressed frustration with inspection process and how it would have been less costly for him to know he had to remove trees at the beginning of building process rather than at the final inspection. Suggested that board grant temporary C of O for inside of home and then work with County to work through WUI regulations to avoid not cutting down trees on property. 5. Contractor stated concerns with single map covering entire county. Suggested that a committee sits down have discussion on how to improve mapping system. 6. Chairman Osiadacz would like staff to form an advisory committee consisting of firefighters, building community, and land owners to take a look at individual site analysis to present to the board. 2018-03-12 MINUTES Requesting Approval of a Resolution to Correct a Scrivener's Error in Resolution No. 2018-037 1. Commissioner O'Brien moved to approve Resolution No. 2018-049 to Correct Scrivener's Error in Resolution No. 2018-037. Commissioner Jewell seconded. Motion carried 3-0. Update on Draft Solar Regulations 1. Director Carlson provided a timeline regarding the proposed draft. Commissioner Jewell proposed there be a study session that would involve citizen advisory committee, board of commissioners, and community members. Discussion Regarding Lot Coverage in Urban Growth Areas 1. The Planning Official stated CDS was directed to look at amending lot coverage in urban growth areas. In the process she has found that there are some inconsistencies in the coverage. Her finding showed that Ellensburg is the only jurisdiction that doesn't have maximum lot coverage. The board suggested the county match the city requirement which the UGA is attached. OTHER BUSINESS No other business Meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m. by Chairman Osiadacz 2018-03-12 MINUTES 2 KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Laura Osiadacz, Chairman r MITTITAS UOUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE 411 NORTH RUBY STREET SUITE#2 ■ ELLENSBURG,WA 98926 PHONE (509) 962-7506 ■ FAx (509) 962-7682 F-001 BULLETIN BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTAL-WUIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE CDS WEBSITEAT: WWW.CO.KITTITAS.WA US Within the unincorporated areas of Kittitas County, all properties have been designated as a Wildland Urban Interface area. As such, specific building construction and property maintenance requirements apply to any structures built on your property. Construction in Type II and Type I Ignition Resistant WUIC areas must meet certain requirements, such as non-combustible or 1 -hr exterior siding materials, enclosed non-combustible soffits, a fire suppression sprinkler system and defensible space requirements, which will be determined after staff has identified the classification of your property. This process will clearly establish the conditions necessary to ensure the structure meets the requirements of the WUIC. SUBMITTAL OF PLANS• Submit two sets of building construction plans. A site plan showing defensible space and management of the property shall be required as well. The WUI application fee is $175.00. PERMIT ISSUED AND SITE VISIT• After your permit is issued and during the construction process, a site visit will be conducted to inspect the property to determine if the defensible space plan, as well as the building construction requirements have been met. Research has shown that the most important factors influencing building survival during a wildfire are fire intensity, vegetation characteristics, building materials and maintaining defensible space. Strategies for protecting homes from wildfires have been developed with these factors in mind. 11/29/17 Urban Wild -Land Interface Code Question and Answers Where are the urban wild -land interface areas? Currently, the urban wild -land interface areas consist of any area which cannot demonstrate adequate fire flow -an -any area outside a fire district. Also, in heavily timbered, mountainous regions or areas sparsely populated, each jurisdiction can map out additional areas to incorporate into the urban wild -land interface. What is fire flow? The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 pounds per square inch residual pressure that is available for fire fighting. The criterion of 20 psi residual pressure is used because that is the minimum pressure recommended for fire engines and provides a consistent point from which to measure the available flow What is the main objective of the UWIC? The UWIC mitigates damage and risk to life and property and reduces the risk of forest fires due to structure fires in hazard areas (and vice versa). Fuel reduction at the interface between natural lands and developments can reduce the intensity of the fires before they enter populated areas within the urban wild -land interface. Research has shown that the most important factors influencing building survival during a wildfire are fire intensity, vegetation characteristics, building materials (especially roofing) and maintaining defensible space. Strategies for protecting homes from wildfires have been developed with these factors in mind. How does UWIC affect construction? Any building constructed on, or moved to an urban wild -land area must be constructed of ignition resistant materials (Class 1-3). The class of fire resistant materials will depend upon the hazard rating for that particular property. ❖ Any new structure built in a Class 1 fire area must have a sprinkler system installed. ❖ Fire protection plans must be submitted to the Kittitas County Department of Community Development Services prior to a permit being issued. ❖ A defensible space plan must be submitted prior to the issuance of a building permit. ❖ All chimneys must be provided with spark arresters. ❖ LPG tanks shall be located within the defensible space listed for that property. ❖ Storage of firewood and combustible materials shall be stored within defensible space, but no closer than 20 feet to any structure. ❖ No fireworks are allowed within the UWIC ❖ Water supply sources shall be reliable and protected from fire loss 2 FIRE RATINGS FOR EXTERIOR SIDING IN CLASS I $ 11 ZONES APPROVED MATERIALS Fiber -Cement Siding Hazard Rating: Non-combustible. Vinyl Siding over Fire -Rated Gypsum Board ( UL Listed and approved) Hazard Rating: 1 -Hour Fire Resistance. Aluminum Siding over Fire -Rated Gypsum Board. ( UL Listed and approved) Hazard Rating: Non-combustible, not rated. t Brick Hazard Rating: 2 -Hour Fire Resistance. Stucco or cement plaster Hazard Rating: 1 -Hour Fire Resistance (1 -inch thickness). Concrete Block s Hazard Rating: 2 -Hour Fire Resistance. Heavy Timber or Log Construction ;� Hazard Rating: 1 -Hour Fire Resistance. Alternative materials will be considered individually based on ICC Evaluation Reports, UL Testing Reports, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information, and other documentation provided by a third party testing agency. Documentation from manufacturers only will not be approved for use. PROHIBITED MATERIALS 1. Wood Siding- Traditional solid wood siding. 2. Hardboard Siding- Multi -fiber or pressed wood type siding. 3. Engineered Wood Siding- Plywood panel siding. 4. Paints, Coatings, and Other Fire Retardant Treatments. Revised plans must include approved UL -listed exterior wall assembly construction details. 3 Optional vent location Class "A" Roof at fascia allowed Roof Diagram- Example Soffits, Fascia, Vents Fire Zones I & II / 1 - - _ a n n — 1 -hr wall, soffit and fascia required, OR approved non-combustible materials (i.e. cement board). 0 2x6 T 6 -inch Post 3x decking, spaced not more tl inch apart. Deck Diagram -Example Heavy Timber Construction Fire Zones I and II 6x10 Joists 6x10 Beams Columns Defensible Space Plan A defensible space plan should include a site plan indicating; * The property dimensions * Location of any structures on the property, as well as decks, patios, etc. * A cleared space of at least 30' around the structures (see attached diagram). This does not mean that there cannot be natural vegetation in this area, only that the trees, shrubs, etc. should be deciduous, spaced far apart (10' minimum between crowns) and pruned to 10' above ground level. * Any noncombustible surfaces, i.e. gravel, cement sidewalks, driveways, etc. * Slope or grade on property * Dimensions of each zone, see attached * Natural vegetation location and placement in each zone * A brief, written statement of property owner's plan to maintain the defensible space on the property, e.g. removal of dead limbs, continued pruning of trees (crowns), etc. Your site plan diagram should show that moving away from the building out into the wild -land interface, the features gradually shift from man-made to more natural elements. Example -Not to Scale ' - Pond 1,563' House located relative to natural and man-made features that buffer against fire. 2 Defensible Space Plan Example Defensible space Zone I Zonc 2 Zone 3 Segments A H C 1� Masonry wall Fnot µith Timms !rave adequate Trees are prur--d Masonry pati separations & -are of dead materials lztnl7ed [a 14 feet Zone 1-A—The area directly adjacent to the building(s). This area should contain mostly noncombustible surfaces. Any planting in this area should be deciduous and well trimmed and irrigated. Ground cover should be of flower beds and cut grass. Zone 1-B—This area can have more landscaping and less man-made surfaces. Vegetation should still be deciduous, and the native grasses should be trimmed to approximately 6 inches tall. Zone 1-C—This area is should change from introduced deciduous trees to the natural vegetation found in the area, including evergreens. These trees should still be maintained far apart and trimmed to 10' above the ground. Zone 2—The landscape is entirely natural vegetation, but should still be intensely managed. Trim and remove dead material from natural vegetation and the ground. All limbs must be pruned to 10' of the ground, and trim the trees to a minimum of 10' between the crowns of the trees. Zone 3—Vegetation management is much less intense. Trees only need to be pruned to 4'-5' above the ground. Dead material should be removed from natural vegetation and the ground. 7 Inadequate Defensible Space Adequate Defensible Space Adequate Defensible Space g���.��t Via',*p}•it < �1 t'fr '��#g{.tn':-. .•.:irx �,,�gr a:.m� r i .f X,M; r. �,Y yrrYdt r� t �. 1}f' 1 t 1 f rR • 7 ,yd's ro .iiiii �. - _sf ji � ifyLy 4+ f!'� •'`• i�.�• '1- 3�FT�`n-t • fr • y �• � ! _ i a,`7y�irF ` _�-.l f ap. 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NY, r. 4 } T iiky Mvr MV:, ��2 Vi p+ S r r>' kul P' TJ 4f i gTo 5k 71 i iA cat A D • �t�l 1d_r:%, , y . tt` li {. .. .SYS. 1 ti ark F . ,. is ��lLfv s� ._i f� t • meq. .� AL Q -. 'i• _ it .'i:�i� � e•- � `.,^��,- t'v'�i�'l.:M.:a�s .:•esJ+."-'�•�a-�'��,-r�• ri r IF ' a --- r 1r �r ': f rw� } -�� Y !■1 tv+ -If •� . /h■rt:� . �►a• •/4hrL,■y!"..-, 1 �r 10 t- Steph Mifflin From: Laura Osiadacz Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 9:36 PM To: Dan Carlson; Steph Mifflin Subject: FW: Please uphold the defensible space WUI code Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Can you please make sure this is a part of the record for tomorrow's study session? Thank you! Laura Laura Osiadacz (O-Shaw-Dis) Kittitas County Commissioner, District #2 205 W 5th Ave. Ste. 108 Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887 Office 509-962-7508 Fax 509-962-7679 http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us -----Original Message ----- From: Carolyn Berglund [mailto:ibservices@fairpoint.netj Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 9:54 AM To: Laura Osiadacz Subject: Please uphold the defensible space WUI code Hello Commissioner Osiadacz, Please uphold the WUI code that has been put into place for the good of our community. As you know, this portion of the WUI code not only helps to protect property, but also creates a safer working space for wildland firefighters during structure protection. Respectfully, Carolyn Berglund "Sparkplug" Hidden Valley / Swauk Fire Adapted Community Cle Elum WA 98922 509-857-2063 ibservices@fairl)oint.net Notice: Email sent to Kittitas County may be subject to public disclosure as required by law. message id: 38eb45916c6dcbdac24bb8719d004a14 Steph Mifflin From: Laura Osiadacz Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 9:57 PM To: Dan Carlson; Steph Mifflin Subject: FW: (Occupancy Issues) Mike Hull and Katie Litzenberger, 6130 Westside Road, Cie Elum Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Can you please make sure this is a part of the record and discussion for tomorrow's study session? Thank you, Laura Laura Osiadacz (O-Shaw-Dis) Kittitas County Commissioner, District #2 205 W 5th Ave. Ste. 108 Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887 Office 509-962-7508 Fax 509-962-7679 htto://www.co.kittitas.wa.us From: Katie [mailto:Kat.litz, vahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 10:46 AM To: Laura Osiadacz Subject: (Occupancy Issues) Mike Hull and Katie Litzenberger, 6130 Westside Road, Cie Elum We want to first off say thank you for taking the time to come out and listen to all of us on Friday. We are writing this because we are seeking occupancy for our recently built home. We started this project in September of 2017 and are at the complete stage. Our home is constructed of concrete Hardie board siding and soffits. We went to great lengths to ensure that our home is as fire resistant as possible. We have passed every inspection from the foundation stage all the way through the finish stage. Nothing was ever said that our trees needed to be cut down at any point through process, until last week during the final walk through. This, of course, was after the fire marshal was fired and the building inspectors took over his duties (?). During the final walk through we were informed by the county building department inspector that we were going to have to cut down every tree on our property 83 feet from the outside of our home, which approximates to around 40 trees. When we found this out we were devastated. We have spent so much time trying to save what trees we have left as we have been fighting the bud worm epidemic that is devastating the Pacific Northwest. The pines we have saved are very old seed trees that still have the tags on them. They were put there to bring the forest back to the way it was before it was logged. We called DNR after our inspection to see what we should do and get their professional opinion, as they are the wildland fire experts, and talked to Spencer Slyfield, Wildland Fire Technician (509-925-0916). He told us that he saw absolutely nothing wrong with our property and that ours was one of the best he has seen. He said that because of the extensive work we had done, he would feel more than comfortable sending his people in to our property, as well as stage out of it. We also contacted our insurance company, who came out to look at the property, and were told that everything looks great and that we are 100% insured. We would like to get this resolved as soon as possible as it is very frustrating looking at our home that we spent so much time and money on, just sit there vacant. We can't understand how DNR can say it looks perfect, the insurance company says we are going to insure this property, yet the "Building Department", who are structural building inspectors last I checked, can say no, you need to clear cut your property and then walk away. We chose this property because of the trees and their beauty and feel very strongly that we should be able to keep them. When the county allows developments, like Suncadia, build in dense forest and have the natural vegetation grow all the way up to the foundations of homes with cedar siding, but yet the county tells us and many others that went above and beyond making sure their properties are fully defensible from fires no, you have to cut all your trees down, really is not fair or logical. I know this is a larger issue than just us, however, the impact on Mike and I is tremendous. Not only financially but also emotionally. Again, thank you for taking the time to listen to us and for any help you can give. 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