18.08.202 Exemptions from development standards.
Certain activities and uses may be of such impact and character or of such dependency to the maintenance and welfare of a lawfully permitted use that the requirements of this title shall not apply and may be waived at the discretion of the department. Notwithstanding the requirements of GHMC Title 17, the following uses and activities are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
A. Emergency actions which must be undertaken immediately or for which there is insufficient time for full compliance with this chapter where necessary to:
1. Prevent an imminent threat to public health or safety; or
2. Prevent an imminent danger to public or private property; or
3. Prevent an imminent threat of serious environmental degradation.
The department shall determine on a case-by-case basis emergency action which satisfies the general requirements of this subsection. In the event a person determines that the need to take emergency action is so urgent that there is insufficient time for review by the department, such emergency action may be taken immediately. The person undertaking such action shall notify the department within one working day of the commencement of the emergency activity. Following such notification the department shall determine if the action taken was within the scope of the emergency actions allowed in this subsection. If the department determines that the action taken or part of the action taken is beyond the scope of allowed emergency action, enforcement action according to the provisions of this chapter is warranted;
B. Public and private pedestrian trails which consist of a pervious surface not exceeding four feet in width;
C. Science research and educational facilities, including archaeological sites and attendant excavation, which do not require the construction of permanent structures or roads for vehicle access;
D. Site investigative work necessary for land use application submittals such as surveys, soil logs, percolation tests and other related activities;
E. The placement of signs consistent with Chapter 17.80 GHMC;
F. Existing and ongoing agricultural activities, as defined in this chapter;
G. Forestry practices regulated and conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 76.09 RCW and forest practice regulations;
H. Activities affecting a hydrologically isolated Category IV wetland, if the functional wetland size is less than 1,000 square feet, except that such activities shall comply with the city flood hazard construction code and the city storm drainage management plan;
I. Maintenance, operation and reconstruction of existing roads, streets, utility lines and associated structures; provided, that reconstruction of any such facilities does not extend outside the scope of any designated easement or right-of-way;
J. Activities on improved roads, rights-of-way, easements, or existing driveways;
K. Normal maintenance and reconstruction of structures; provided, that reconstruction may not extend the existing ground coverage;
L. Activities having minimum adverse impacts on wetlands, such as passive recreational uses, sport fishing or hunting, scientific or educational activities. (Ord. 1036 § 38, 2006).