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Council approves 11.5% grade variance for Highlands development to connect Emily Lane
Summary
The council granted a street-grade variance allowing a maximum 11.5% grade over a 150-foot stretch to connect Emily Lane through a new Highlands subdivision after planning and fire-department review and discussion of runoff and connectivity impacts.
The Washington City Council approved a street-grade variance for the Highlands development that will allow a short section of Emily Lane to exceed the city’s 10% maximum by rising to an 11.5% grade for roughly 150 feet. Planning and zoning unanimously recommended the variance, and the council voted to grant it after hearing from staff, the developer and the fire department.
City staff said the variance will avoid blasting and rock removal that could otherwise be required to lower the roadway and would allow the new street to function as a through connection to High Street. Assistant Fire Chief Mark Scornia testified that connectivity is important for emergency response and that stopping the connection would be “short-sighted.” Planning staff and the developer noted drainage and runoff concerns; developers said they plan retention and storm sewer improvements to mitigate runoff into adjacent Autumn Leaf properties.
Councilmember Behr moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff said the variance is for a short mid-block stretch and pointed to long-term stormwater retention and design work to address neighbor runoff concerns.
Clarifying details: the developer requested 11.5% for 150 feet to connect Emily Lane; planning and zoning recommended approval after fire and staff review. Staff noted alternatives would require more intrusive rock removal or altering lot layout; neighbors and staff raised runoff concerns tied to recent heavy rains and unfinished retention basins.
What’s next: staff will include required retention and storm-sewer work as part of the development plan and monitor construction sequencing to avoid runoff impacts on adjacent lots.
