Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee forwards building-demolition ordinance to council, adds foundation‑removal rules
Summary
Committee members supported code changes to require removal of foundations during demolition, add a definition of 'foundation' and require site‑plan documentation of post‑demolition grading and erosion control; staff will put the ordinance on the July 21 council calendar.
The General Government Committee voted to forward a proposed amendment to Tumwater’s demolition code that would require removal of foundations when structures are demolished and add definitions and site‑plan requirements to the municipal code.
Brad, speaking for city staff, told the committee the intent is to amend Chapter 15.50 to explicitly include foundations in the definition of demolition and to add a new section requiring removal of foundations except where the city building official determines elements (for example, pilings that do not interfere with future use) can remain. "The intent of the ordinance is to amend chapter 15.50 of the municipal code, to address building demolition requirements for the removal of foundations," Brad said.
Staff also proposed adding foundation information to valuation and site‑plan requirements so applicants must show how they will address foundations after demolition, including final grading and erosion control in the written work schedule. Brad said the city has seen cases where a building was removed but subsequent development stalled, leaving foundations in place and creating code‑enforcement problems.
SEPA environmental review for the ordinance was completed in June with no comments, and the Department of Commerce notice‑of‑intent period closed with no comments, Brad said. The committee clarified scheduling: staff asked that the ordinance be placed on the July 21 City Council calendar with a recommendation to adopt. After a motion and second, the committee voted to forward the ordinance to the council calendar.
The committee did not take final action; forwarding the item means the council will receive the ordinance for consideration or placement on consent at its July 21 meeting. The chair closed discussion after the vote and moved to the next agenda item.
