What now? Build or Leave? What else?
Question:We live in Washington state and we're looking to develop our four lots. We had a biologist check out the wetland status. As it stands, If we go with the 50 foot boundary around it, it's doable. With the 30 feet they want to add, it would take up all the buildable area. Should we just go ahead and get the bldg. permits before the new ordinance takes effect? Anything else?
Answers:
I lived on Bainbridge Island for awhile early this decade. I had a chance to buy 6.5 acres with a mobile on the property, for a decent price. Of the 6.5 acres there was only about .25 acres for allowable construction, the rest was designated wet lands and untouchable. It was barely enough property for the mobile, and I found it to have restrictions about any new construction. That also related to some point when the mobile will no longer be a viable structure. It seems that laws of eminant domain and designations such as a wetland parcel are pretty well locked in by the government.
The problem is very likely to be that the state will retain an easement large enough to cause you future problems, even if ordinances currently allow construction or improvement/alterations of any kind , and building in an easement may mean it won't be allowed to stay.
I'm not trying to discourage you, but that property I mentioned, is still for sale 6 years later.
Steven Wolf
I wouldn't ask the general public this question. You may get the wrong advice since most of us have no clue about Washington State or ordinances specific to it.
If you get permits before the new ordinance takes effect, you should be grandfathered in. I would check with an attorney to be sure. You are talking about a sizable investment, the cost of an attorney is negligible, and besides; Sharks need to eat too.
If you can get the buildings on before the new ordiance go for it. If you can't you might be able to get a variance from the new setback ordinance. If you don't want the hassle of hurrying or taking more effort to get a variance do you really think a potential buyer will?
go for it
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