Chapter 19.05
CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION PROCESS

Sections:

19.05.010    Application.

19.05.020    Pre-application meetings.

19.05.030    Content of applications.

19.05.040    Letter of completeness.

19.05.050    Environmental review.

19.05.010 Application.

(1) Consolidation. To the extent possible, the town shall consolidate the development permit and environmental review process, to avoid duplication of the review processes.

(2) Submittal. All applications for development permits, variances and other town approvals under the development regulations shall be submitted on forms provided by the town. All applications shall be signed by the property owner with notarization. (Ord. 361 § 1, 2005)

19.05.020 Pre-application meetings.

(1) Informal. Applicants for development are encouraged to contact the town prior to scheduling a pre-application meeting to discuss the proposed development, town development regulations, required permits and approval procedures.

(2) Formal. Every person proposing a development in the town, with the exception of building permits, shall attend a pre-application meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the nature of the proposed development, application and permit requirements, fees, review process and schedule, applicable plans, policies and regulations. In order to expedite development review, the town may invite all affected jurisdictions, agencies and/or special districts to the pre-application meeting.

(a) A description of the requirements for a complete application; a general summary of the permit review procedures; references to the relevant development regulation provisions or development standards that may apply to the proposal; and any other relevant information that the town may deem pertinent to the proposal may be provided by the town at the meeting or immediately following the meeting at the request of the applicant.

(b) It is impossible for the meeting to be an exhaustive review of all potential issues. The discussions at the meeting or the materials cited in subsection (2)(a) of this section shall not bind the town or prohibit the town’s future enforcement of all applicable law. (Ord. 361 § 1, 2005)

19.05.030 Content of applications.

(1) Specified Information. All applications for approval under the town’s development regulations, including, but not limited to, the Skykomish zoning ordinance, SMC Title 18; SEPA ordinance, Chapter 16.05 SMC; subdivision ordinance, SMC Title 17; or this title shall include the information specified in the applicable ordinance. The administrator may require such additional information as reasonably necessary to fully and properly evaluate the proposal.

(2) Permits. The applicant shall apply for all permits required by the town as identified in the pre-application meeting. Other permits required by other jurisdictions are the applicant’s responsibility to determine. (Ord. 361 § 1, 2005)

19.05.040 Letter of completeness.

(1) Time Limit for Town Response. Within 28 days of receiving a date-stamped application, the town shall review the application and, as set forth below, provide applicants with a written determination that the application is complete or incomplete.

(2) Complete Application – Materials Required. A project application shall be declared complete only when it contains all of the following materials:

(a) A fully complete and signed development application and all applicable review fees.

(b) A fully completed and signed environmental checklist for projects subject to review under the State Environmental Policy Act.

(c) The information specified for the desired project in the appropriate sections of the Skykomish development regulations.

(d) Any supplemental information or special studies identified by the administrator.

(3) Incomplete Applications. For applications determined to be incomplete, the town shall identify, in writing, the specific requirements or information necessary to constitute a complete application. Upon submittal of the additional information, the town shall, within 14 days, issue a letter of completeness or identify what additional information is required. The town’s determination of completeness shall not preclude the town from requesting additional information or studies either at the time of notice of completeness or at some later time, if new information is required or where there are substantial changes in the proposal.

(a) If the applicant receives a determination from the town that an application is incomplete, the applicant shall have 90 days to submit the additional required information. Within 14 days after submittal of the additional material, the town shall make a determination as described in this section.

(2) If the applicant either refuses in writing to submit the additional material or fails to meet the deadline for resubmittal, the application shall lapse.

(3) In those situations where the application has lapsed because the applicant has failed to submit the required material within the necessary time period, or the applicant has elected to withdraw the application, the applicant may request a refund of the application fee unrelated to the town’s determination of completeness. The amount of the refund shall be determined by the town based on its expenditures associated with the administration of the application.

(4) Complete Application. A development proposal application shall be deemed complete under this section if the town does not provide a written determination to the applicant that the application is incomplete as provided in subsection (3) of this section. The determination of completeness shall be made when the application is sufficiently complete for review even though additional information may be required or project modifications may be undertaken subsequently. The determination of completeness shall not preclude the town’s ability to request additional information or studies whenever new information is required, or when substantial changes have been made to the proposal.

(5) Other Agencies. To the extent known by the town, other agencies with jurisdiction over the application shall be identified in the town’s determination of completeness. (Ord. 361 § 1, 2005)

19.05.050 Environmental review.

Developments subject to the provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21 RCW, shall be reviewed in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the SEPA ordinance, Chapter 16.05 SMC. Environmental review shall be conducted concurrently with development project review. (Ord. 361 § 1, 2005)