Residents propose 20-foot nonconforming Ann Street; council accepts preliminary plans

The Colfax City Council on April 7 accepted preliminary plans for a proposed 20-foot nonconforming section of Ann Street after residents Dennis and Diane Solbrack presented engineered plans and requested written confirmation to proceed with neighbor outreach and final engineering. Councilmember Guenthner moved to adopt Resolution 25-08, seconded by Sevedge; the motion passed by roll call vote with all members voting yes.

Dennis Solbrack said the plan would route around existing structures, maintain clearance for fire apparatus and provide setbacks while matching the width of nearby Orchard Street. Solbrack said, "we think it is in the best interest of everyone to stay on the traveled way," and that the couple has hired an engineering firm and will commission a traffic study. City staff advised that parts of the traveled way lie outside city right-of-way and could require boundary-line adjustments; staff also said neighbors within 300 feet will be notified and that a SEPA review and multiple public-comment opportunities will follow the preliminary acceptance.

The council’s adoption of Resolution 25-08 authorizes the city to treat the submitted plans as the preliminary basis for the permitting and environmental-notice steps; it does not authorize immediate construction. Council materials and the motion record the preliminary-approval vote only. The Solbracks and staff will pursue required engineering, boundary adjustments if needed, and the statutorily required public-notice and SEPA processes before any final permitting or construction proceeds.