Chapter 14.03 DEFINITIONS

An “administrative decision” is a final decision by a responsible City official for which no public review or notification is required. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)

14.03.020 Administrative interpretation.

“Administrative interpretation” means a written interpretation by a responsible City official in response to a written request for such interpretation. This term is not meant to describe interpretation of code provisions made by responsible City officials in order to administer said codes on a day-to-day basis. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006)

14.03.030 Application form.

The application form is unique to the type of application submitted. All application forms may be accessed here. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.040 Application review fee.

“Application review fee” means any and all fees required by City ordinance or resolution, to be submitted in conjunction with a permit application. This definition includes any other deposits or fees required by the City to initiate or continue engineering review, or other studies necessary to support the review of the application. Project vesting and City reviews will not typically occur until review fees have been paid.

Application fees may be found within the Unified Fee Schedule. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.050 Building elevations.

Basic exterior views of all structures, from all sides, should be drawn to an appropriate scale consistent with the floor plan. The height of the structure should be indicated, together with basic materials of construction (i.e., wood, block, metal siding, masonry, etc.). (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.060 Complete application.

“Complete application” means a written application for a project permit which meets the procedural submission requirements of the City and is sufficient for continued processing even though additional information may be required or project modifications may subsequently occur. To be complete, an application must include all required information, elements, attachments and supplemental studies or reports as set forth in the applicable section of the Ferndale Municipal Code and as described on the approved application form, including any environmental checklist required by Chapter 16.04 FMC; all in sufficient detail for the reviewing authority to determine whether or not the application conforms with applicable regulations and standards. An application including such information which does not conform or is inconsistent with such regulations and standards shall nonetheless be deemed complete. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.030)

14.03.070 Consolidated discretionary permits.

Any project application involving either a conditional use permit or a shoreline substantial development permit when combined with an application for a variance from a zoning standard shall be referred to as a “consolidated discretionary permit” application. All such applications shall be reviewed by the Hearings Examiner and shall be subject to a single public hearing, with the exception of administrative conditional use permits, which shall be reviewed by City staff. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 2018 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2017; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.040)

14.03.080 Development regulations.

“Development regulations” refer to the entire body of City policies and regulations related to land use and development, including, but not limited to, FMC Titles 15 through 19, portions of FMC Titles 8, 10, 12, and 13, and the shoreline master program. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.050)

14.03.090 Development standards.

“Development standards” means the City of Ferndale development standards as codified at FMC Title 19. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.060)

14.03.100 Ex parte communications.

An “ex parte communication” is communication between a decision-maker and the proponent or opponent of a particular proposal which takes place outside of the formal hearing process on a quasi-judicial matter. No member of a decision-making body is allowed to engage in ex parte communication when quasi-judicial matters are pending. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.070)

14.03.110 Grading and clearing plans.

A grading plan showing both existing and proposed site conditions, as well as any temporary grading proposals, shall be submitted. The grading plan shall provide sufficient information to determine the limits of grading and disturbance at all phases and shall include all existing and proposed contours, retaining walls, utilities, trees, watercourses, or any other topographical features of interest. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.120 Hearing body.

“Hearing body” means the designated individual, board, or council given responsibility and authority for the conduct of a public hearing held to receive testimony and information to be used in the determination of a permit application. Depending on the type of permit application, the hearing body may be the City Council, Planning Commission or Hearings Examiner. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.080)

14.03.130 Landscaping plan.

The preliminary landscaping plan is intended to accurately reflect the location and general type of landscaping proposed within a development. The preliminary landscape plan should include all contents outlined in FMC 18.74.080(A).

The final landscaping plan must identify the specific size, type, number, and location of plants or other landscaping features in a manner that can be verified in the field. The final landscape plan should include all contents outlined in FMC 18.74.080(A)(1) through (A)(5). Landscaping within the public right-of-way should comply with FMC 19.20.030. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.140 Legislative matters.

“Legislative matters” include adoption, amendment, or revision of comprehensive, community, or neighborhood plans, or other land use planning documents and regulations, which are of area-wide significance. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.090)

14.03.150 Land use cover sheet.

The master application form requires basic contact and property information, owner consent, and fee responsibility language. The form may be accessed here. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.160 Plat map.

Plat maps, whether preliminary or final, are intended to provide reviewers and the general public with the information necessary to understand the scope and configuration of a proposed subdivision. Plat maps must be of sufficient detail to portray the subdivision concept without additional documentation or interpretation but must not provide so much detail that important elements cannot be identified.

Preliminary plat map information, see Chapter 17.20 FMC.

Short plat map information, see Chapter 17.12 FMC.

Final plat map information, see Chapter 17.24 FMC. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.170 Preliminary stormwater site plan.

The preliminary stormwater site plan should be developed according to the 2014 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington Volume I, Stormwater Site Plans (or the most recent manual utilized by the City) and should demonstrate a stormwater management approach based on site analysis, applicable minimum requirements, and a preliminary design. At a minimum, this report should provide the applicant and the City of Ferndale with enough information to demonstrate initial stormwater design, engineering, and compliance feasibility. For additional information refer to FMC 13.34.070. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.180 Project narrative.

“Project narrative” includes a brief overview of the project including, but not limited to, location, densities, building sizes and heights, site features, project phasing or timing objectives, and any questions related to the project that the applicant has requested City staff to consider. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.190 Quasi-judicial matters.

“Quasi-judicial matters” are those actions of the legislative body, Planning Commission, Hearings Examiner, etc., which determine the legal rights, duties, or privileges of specific parties in a hearing or other contested case proceeding. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.100)

14.03.200 Record of survey.

The record of survey shall require all information as required by RCW 58.09.050 if one exists. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.210 Review fee.

“Review fee” means any and all fees required by City ordinance and resolution to be submitted in conjunction with a permit application as well as any other deposits or fees required by the City to initiate engineering or other studies necessary in the review of the application. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.110)

14.03.220 Road and drainage plans.

“Road and drainage plans” include street improvements or frontage improvements plan. A street improvements or frontage improvements plan shall be submitted identifying existing conditions, the type and scope of improvements, and referencing or showing relevant standard details as provided for by these standards. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.230 Site plan.

The site plan is intended to provide reviewers and the general public with the information necessary to understand the scope and configuration of any proposed project. Site plans must be of sufficient detail to portray the development concept without additional documentation or interpretation but must not provide so much detail that important elements cannot be identified. In order to convey all appropriate information, additional pages may sometimes be required. Basic site plan submittal requirements are found here. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.240 SEPA checklist.

The State Environmental Policy Act Checklist is completed by the applicant and describes the anticipated impacts of the project on a range of environmental elements, including but not limited to impacts on land, air, water, surrounding uses, and archaeological resources. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.250 Stormwater site plan, drainage calculations and study.

Stormwater Management System (Drainage Plan). A stormwater management system design conforming to the stormwater management system requirements in Chapter 19.45 FMC shall be submitted along with the drawings required in this chapter. The management system may be submitted either integral with the plans required in this chapter if graphic space permits, or on separate plans and datasheets. In either case, the drainage plan shall include detailed topography, location of existing and proposed drainage improvements, existing and proposed easements, hydraulic and other physical data, cross-sections, and temporary erosion and sedimentation control. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.260 Technical Review Committee.

“Technical Review Committee” means a committee composed of City staff for the purpose of reviewing permit applications. The Technical Review Committee consists of the City Public Works Director and City Community Development Director and other City staff as appropriate. The Committee may also solicit review and comment from other agencies, including Whatcom County Fire District No. 7, the Ferndale School District, Whatcom County and other local and state agencies, depending upon the nature of the application under review. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018; Ord. 2018 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2017; Ord. 1396 § 2, 2006. Formerly 14.03.120)

14.03.270 Temporary erosion control plan.

A temporary erosion/sedimentation control plan (TESC), showing the control measures intended to minimize the effects of erosion due to construction operations and their locations, shall be submitted with the construction plans in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 19.45 FMC. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.280 Topography.

All topographic features (existing and proposed) within the property limits and as well as a sufficient area beyond that are necessary to resolve questions of setback, slope, drainage, access onto abutting property, and street continuations. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.290 Traffic concurrency worksheet.

The “traffic concurrency worksheet” is completed by the applicant and provides reviewers and the general public with anticipated traffic generation, traffic impact, and the resulting performance of the City’s transportation network. Complete the traffic concurrency worksheet saved here. Traffic concurrency review should comply with FMC 15.40.060. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)

14.03.300 Water, sewer and utility plans.

A water, sewer, and utility system plan shall be submitted showing sufficient information to determine the type, location, size, and method of construction of utility systems. The plan shall include the type and scope of improvements and referencing or showing relevant standard details as provided for by these standards. (Ord. 2069 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2018)