Bridge Street Bridge Replacement
Shoreline Conditional Use & Variance Permit Application Cover Letter
This information is being provided as part of the supporting materials required for the shoreline
conditional use and variance permit application for the Bridge Street Bridge Replacement Project. It will
address the applicable criteria listed in Sections 3(A)(3) and 3(B)(4) of Chapter 8 of the City of Sumner
Shoreline Master Program (SMP). A shoreline substantial development permit application has also been
submitted.
Criteria for Granting Variances. Variance permits should be granted in circumstances where denial of
the permit would result in a thwarting of the policy enumerated in RCW 90.58.020. In all instances the
applicant must demonstrate that extraordinary circumstances shall be shown and the public interest shall
suffer no substantial detrimental effect. Variance Permits for development and/or uses that will be located
landward of the ordinary high water mark and/or landward of any wetland, may be authorized provided
the applicant can demonstrate all of the following:
a. That the strict application of the bulk, dimensional, or performance standards set forth in the
Master Program precludes, or significantly interferes with, reasonable use of the property:
The proposed bridge will have piers and associated bridge abutments located in the designated
shoreline and buffer of the White River, and will thus require a variance. Replacement of the
existing structurally-deficient and functionally-obsolete bridge in roughly the same location is the
most environmentally-sensitive solution, and can only be accomplished by constructing within
the designated shoreline of the White River.
b. That the hardship described above is specifically related to the property, and is the result of
unique conditions such as irregular lot shape, size, or natural features and the application of the
shoreline master program, and not, for example, from deed restrictions or the applicant’s own
actions:
The hardship is specifically related to the property as its designated shoreline is 50-200 feet
landward of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of the White River at this location.
c. That the design of the project will be compatible with other authorized uses within the area and
with uses planned for the area under the comprehensive plan and shoreline master program and
will not cause adverse impacts to the shoreline environment:
The proposed development is compatible with the permitted use of the area in that the new bridge
will be in roughly the same location as the existing river crossing and there will be only minimal
ROW acquisition (0.19 acre) in parcels zoned as General Commercial and Mixed-Use
Development, respectively. The existing tavern will be relocated as part of this project, access
will be maintained to all other existing adjacent commercial properties, and all disturbed areas
within the designated shoreline outside of the proposed bridge structures will be restored.
d. That the Variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege not enjoyed by the other
properties in the area: