Cherry Street Pump Station #7 and Force Main Upgrade
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 Cherry Street Pump Station #7 and Force Main
Upgrade Project. It will address the applicable criteria listed in Parts III(A)(3) and III(B)(4) of Chapter 8
of the City of Sumner’s 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 project involves the replacement of an existing water main and the upgrading of an
existing pump station that are located within the designated shoreline of the Puyallup River, and
will thus require a variance. Upgrading the force main and pump station in roughly the same
alignment as existing is the most environmentally-sensitive solution, and can only be
accomplished by constructing within the designated shoreline of the Puyallup River. The
proposed alignment will avoid locating the existing infrastructure closer to the river and is limited
by the proximity of SR 410 to the north.
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 200 feet landward
of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) of the Puyallup 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 area is an
existing utility corridor between the City of Sumner’s wastewater treatment plant and existing
pump station #7. This corridor is designated as Public-Private Utilities & Facilities according to
the City of Sumner’s comprehensive plan and is compatible with planned uses of the Puyallup
River shoreline according to the SMP. There will be only minor addition of aboveground
structures as a result of the proposed upgrades, as the force main will be installed 3 to 8 feet
below ground and aboveground structures will be in the same vicinity as existing aboveground
structures. The proposed project will not cause any long-term adverse shoreline impacts as all
unimproved disturbed areas will be restored with native species and an additional 0.54 acre of
shoreline will be enhanced as mitigation for the permanent shoreline impact associated with the