Chapter 17.08
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS
Sections:
17.08.020 Additional information where future on-site sewage disposal is anticipated.
17.08.005 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to clearly delineate the criteria used by the city of Sumner to review boundary line adjustments. Boundary line adjustments provide a procedure for minor or insignificant changes in property lines. A boundary line adjustment is intended to apply to minor boundary changes, to correct a controversy regarding the location of a boundary line, to remedy adverse topographical features, or to consolidate previously platted lots into a single parcel for purposes of development. A boundary line adjustment does not apply to boundary changes that would result in increased development or density otherwise regulated by applicable city of Sumner land use codes and regulations, or to actions requiring replat, amendment, alteration, or vacation of a plat or short subdivision. The adjustment will be consistent with any applicable health, building, or similar regulations. This chapter is also intended to insure compliance with the Survey Recording Act, chapter 58.09 RCW and chapter 332-130 WAC. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)
17.08.010 Scope.
The boundary lines separating two lots of record may only be adjusted under the provisions of this chapter except as provided under RCW 58.17.040. Actions which change or impair conditions or requirements imposed by previous platting decisions must be accomplished pursuant to the subdivision regulations. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)
17.08.015 Approval criteria.
Boundary line adjustments shall not:
A. Create any additional lot, tract, parcel, site, or division;
B. Result in a lot, tract, parcel, site, or division which contains increased density or insufficient area or dimension to meet the minimum requirements for area and dimension as set forth in the land use and health codes and regulations. This provision shall not be construed to require correction or remedy of pre-existing nonconformities or substandard conditions;
C. Diminish or impair drainage, water supply, existing sanitary sewage disposal, and access or easement for vehicles, utilities, and fire protection for any lot, tract, parcel, site, or division;
D. Create or diminish any easement or deprive any parcel of access or utilities;
E. Increase the nonconforming aspects of an existing nonconforming lot relative to the city’s zoning and land use regulations;
F. Replat, amend, alter, or vacate a plat or short subdivision; or
G. Amend the conditions of approval for previously platted property. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)
17.08.020 Additional information where future on-site sewage disposal is anticipated.
Where any lot affected by a proposed lot line adjustment is served or is likely to be served in the future by an on-site sewage disposal system, a percolation test for each such lot may be required by the city when the city finds that the proposed adjustment could adversely affect the ability of such lot to be adequately served by such on-site system. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)
17.08.030 Application.
A. Applications for boundary line adjustments shall be made on forms provided by the city of Sumner department of development services and shall be submitted to the department of development services.
B. The application shall include:
1. A clean and legible drawing suitable for recording showing the following:
2. The proposed lines for all affected lots, indicated by heavy solid lines;
3. The existing lot lines proposed to be changed, indicated by heavy broken lines;
4. The location and dimensions of all structures/improvements existing upon the affected lots and the distance between structure/improvements and the proposed lot/ boundary lines;
5. The original legal description of the entire property together with new separate legal descriptions for each parcel, labeling them specifically as Parcel A, Parcel B, etc.;
6. All parcel numbers of affected lots;
7. The location of the property as to quarter/quarter section;
8. The location and dimensions of any drain field, easement, or right-of-way existing within or adjacent to any affected lots;
9. The area and dimensions of each lot following the proposed adjustment;
10. The existing, and if applicable, proposed future method of sewage disposal for each affected lot.
C. For proposals including complex drawings or property descriptions, the director may require the preparation be done by a licensed surveyor.
D. The drawing shall be attached to or include on the face a formal legal declaration of boundary line adjustment, signed and notarized by all legal owners of the subject properties. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)
17.08.040 Review procedures.
A. Prior to approval, a proposed lot line adjustment shall be reviewed by the Pierce County assessor. The applicant shall pay all applicable fees for such review.
B. Based on comments from the city engineer, public health official, and other applicable agencies, the director shall approve the proposed lot line adjustment only upon finding that the standards of SMC 17.08.015 have been satisfied.
C. An application for a lot line adjustment shall be processed according to the procedures for Type I land use decisions established in chapter 18.56 SMC, Procedures for land use permits. (Ord. 1763 § 1 (part), 1996)