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11618 SW PENN COURT-1 ADDRESS: Mole Lu� (LUVI, i:\records\rni•-rotlm\targets\buiIding.doc i March 3, 1997 CITY OF TIGARD OREGON Mrs. Rose Kuhlman 11618 SW Penn Ct Tigard OR 97223 Mrs. Kuhlman: rank you for your patience in waiting for this letter while I was on vacation. The City empathizes with your crawl space water problem and has investigated the issue thoroughly. Unfortunately, thL a is no action the City can take in this regard. We will, however, give you some specifi,;recommendations of how you might mitigate the problem. I will furs: detail our findings for you and then provide our recommendations. During the record February, 1996 storm, staff from the Water Division were dispatched to your home in response to your call regarding water in your crawl space. Staff"found that the high level of ground water resulting from the storm was entering your crawl space. Because there was not a surface flow problem, sand hags were not useful. However, as you recall, staff was able to secure a pump to pump out your crawl space. Similarly, late December, 1996, during another big storm, two staff members were dispatched to yo•.ir home in response to your request for sand bags. Again, staff determined that sand bags would not be effective because there was not a surface water problem, bu, a ground water problem. Staff is also aware of and has observed the low area on your neighbors property adjacent to'•our rear yard. You have expressed concern that the water, which collects in this area arni then dru=gs into the ground, is the cause of your crawl space problem and have asked us to have your neighbor correct this. Although water in this low area may contril,.ute to ground water on your property, we do not find that it is the sole cause of high graund water on your property. Further, because there is no eroding surface flow of v ater coming onto your property, we have no cause for regulatory action against your neighbor. To confirm whether there was any erosion control violations we had an inspector from the Unified Sewerage Agency, which is responsible for erosion con:,-1 enforcement, inspect the situation. The incnector reported that there was no violat%on. I understand that you had some drainage work done and pumps installed under your house, but that during heavy rain water still accumulates in yr.ur crawl space. At a recent visit to your home, s�aff observed that the main pump pumps the water Ed& into the rear yard drainage, which then may be re-entering your crawl space. 13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard, OR 97223 (503) 639-4171 TDD (.)03) 684-2772 --- -- 1� Mrs. Rose Kuhlman March 3, 1997 Page 2 We recommend that the main and backup pumps pump the water toward your front yard, where gravity will take the water away from your home. Also, you should confirm with your contractor if the pipe in the yard drainage he installed is similarly directed toward the front yard. These modifications should help mitigate the problem. Unfortunately, during seasons of heavy rainfall, ground water entering crawl ,paces is a common problem. Sump pumps and yard drainage around the house are the Fest methods to combat the problem. Please share this letter with whomever you choose to do any additional work for you. Also, be sure they obtain a permit from the City. This will ensure that all work is done in conformance with code and that the contractor is properly licensed and bonded. I, or my staff, are also ready to discuss this with your contractor. Any questions regarding obtaining a permit should be directed to any member of The Development Services team at 639-4171 ext. 304. 1 may be reached at 639-4171 ext 311. Again, thank you for your patience. I hope that you can have modifications made to the pumps and drains w�ich will help your crawl space water probleta. Sincere David Scott, Y.E. Building Official C Jim Nicoli, Mayor Bill Monahan Jim Hendryx Ed Wegner Mike Sheehan Jo Bayes i�david\kuhlman