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Hearing examiner to decide Ladyman single‑family wetland buffer exception in Ocean Shores
Summary
The Ocean Shores hearing examiner heard testimony for a Ladyman single‑family home seeking a reasonable‑use exception to impact wetland buffer; staff recommended mitigation and fence/signage conditions, the applicant’s biologist said impacts were reduced to under 2,000 sq ft, and no public opposition spoke. The examiner will issue a written decision within 10 business days.
The Ocean Shores hearing examiner heard testimony on a reasonable‑use exception filed by Valerie Ladyman for a proposed single‑family residence that would affect delineated wetland buffers. City staff told the examiner the parcel is zoned for single‑family use but that wetlands and associated buffers on and off site trigger the requirement for a reasonable‑use exception under Ocean Shores Municipal Code.
City staff recommended approval only with conditions, including that construction comply with planning, building and fire codes; that the applicant prepare and implement a wetland and buffer mitigation plan that includes delineation fencing and signage to protect unmitigated critical areas during and after construction; and that the applicant obtain required business or licensing endorsements if applicable. The staff presentation cited Ocean Shores Municipal Code 17.30.20 and Title 19.2.150 as the applicable authorities.
Valerie Ladyman, who identified herself as one of the parcel owners, was sworn and declined to provide technical details, deferring to the project biologist. Jeff Malahan, the project biologist, said the team redesigned the structure footprint and site layout to minimize buffer impacts, installing split‑rail fencing and signage to demarcate the development envelope. Malahan stated, “we reduced impacts overall to less than 2,000 square feet,” and said off‑site mitigation bank credits would be used to compensate unavoidable buffer impacts.
When asked, the applicants said they had reviewed the city’s recommended conditions and had no concerns about complying with them. No members of the public testified in opposition at the hearing.
The hearing examiner adjourned the matter and said a written decision would be issued within 10 business days.
