Construction Review and Inspection
To achieve maximum uniformity of engineering and construction practices, the City of Yelm has specific construction standards that supplement Washington Department of Transportation and American Public Works Association specifications.
The Development Guidelines provide detail and information for the submission of construction documents for all city infrastructure including streets, utilities, and stormwater treatment.
Transportation improvements may include road upgrade, or construction of new City streets. Street sizes and design are based on transportation loads and include stormwater treatment, sidewalks, and planter strips with street trees. The Development Guidelines provide construction and design standards.
Access locations and driveway entrance sizes are determined by the size and need of the development, and their specific location(s) based on safety and lineal footage of the property frontage.
Parking spaces are required based on the type of use, and range from one stall per 200 square feet for restaurants to one stall per 300 square feet for office space. Parking shall be paved with specific drive lane widths based on parking angles. Parking lots are landscaped as buffers to pedestrians, adjoining properties and for shade and aesthetic purposes.
Stormwater treatment and discharge is a vital component of construction not only for the protection of the environment, but for our drinking water as well. Construction of stormwater treatment and facilities are currently based on the 1992 Dept. of Ecology stormwater manual, or in the case of underground facilities, the 2005 Stormwater manual.
Development in the City requires connection to City water and sewer services. It is the goal of the City of Yelm to provide City operated utility services in an efficient and cost effective manner, ensure that utilities and public facilities are environmentally sensitive, safe, provide reliable service, and are available at a reasonable cost to the consumer.
Water use is reviewed to assure adequate potable water for the intended use and fire flow protection. Back flow prevention is required to protect the City water service.
Irrigation systems also require back flow prevention, as well as water conservation standards.
Sewer service is provided by a reclaimed water facility. Each dwelling or business requires the installation of a STEP tank with collection lines to the treatment plant. Tank and line sizes are based on Dept. of Ecology criteria standards.
Building location and height is determined by setbacks determined in the zoning code and by Design Guideline districts. Building construction must meet the latest adopted building, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes.
