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Public Works - Landslides

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1. Who should I contact for information to fix drainage problems on my property?

The local government planning department where the property is located is a good place to start. To correctly identify and remedy drainage problems on properties located near or on steep slopes, you may need to contract with a geologist, an engineer and/or a construction contractor. 

Permits may be needed for drainage work; consult with your local government planning department for help in identifying permit requirements.

2. How much will construction cost to fix these drainage problems?

The cost will depend on the severity and complexity of drainage problems on your property, and can vary widely.

3. Do you have a referral list of local geotechnical consultants that can provide assessments and cost estimates to fix the drainage problems?

Please conduct an Internet search for locating geotechnical consultants.

4. Who is responsible for fixing the drainage problems that are not on my property, but are causing problems for me?

This would depend on where the drainage is coming from. Possibilities include natural waterways which could have a variety of owners, including state or local governments; private property owners; or public stormwater systems that are managed by local government. The local government planning department can help to determine responsible parties.

5. Can I get an emergency permit to fix my landslide/sloughing problems? When and how do I get an emergency permit?

This varies, so contact your local government planning department to start. 

The City of Mukilteo issues emergency permits, but the City of Everett does not.

6. Do you need a permit?

Permits may be needed for drainage work; consult with your local government planning department for help in identifying permit requirements.

7. How much will the permits cost?

Permit costs will depend on property location and type of work proposed. Your local government planning department can assist in identifying types of permits and costs for proposed work.

8. Is there a cost-share option available for the permits?

Some local government planning departments may have cost-sharing; please call your local planning department. 

9. How long will it take to get permits?

Timeframes vary according to the permits and the local planning agency. Many local jurisdictions process permits within 120 days. Contact your local government planning department to determine permits and timeframes.

10. Can I get plants donated to my landscape project if they are used to stabilize my yard?

Washington State University Extension or your local garden club may have plants and volunteers to help identify appropriate plantings. 

11. Where can I find more information on various ways to solve my drainage/landslide problems?

City of Seattle

Storms and Flooding in Seattle

Marine Resources Committee, Snohomish County

Information for Coastal Landowners  

Washington State Department of Ecology

Surface Water and Groundwater on Coastal Bluffs

Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control Using Vegetation: A Manual of Practice for Coastal Bluffs

Vegetation Management: Guide for Puget Sound Bluff Property Owners

Puget Sound Landslides

Puget Sound Shorelines Slope Stability Maps (see ‘Map slope stability’)

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Division of Geology and Earth Resources Geological Hazards

Washington State Military Department

Emergency Management Division      

U.S. Geological Survey

Landslides Hazard Program                

12. Are there any grants, funds or tax advantages available to assist homeowners?

Not at this time. For stabilizing slopes, there may be insurance cost savings for homeowners. Local agencies may waive permit fees for low-income residents. 

13. What permits are required to connect to other drainage systems?

Local government agencies may have right of way permits or other permits associated with stormwater drainage connection. Contact your local government planning department.

14. What am I, as a property owner, allowed to do with cutting or removing vegetation on the slopes?

If you are cutting or removing vegetation on a slope there may be a permit or other permission needed depending on the type, size, and location of the vegetation, as well as the height and inclination of the slope. Check with your local government planning department. 

15. What should I do about retaining stormwater on my property? Which agency guidelines should I follow?

If you are planning on retaining stormwater on your property, a geotechnical report and drainage plan may be required to show that the site soils are suitable for stormwater retention. Consult your local government planning department.

16. I’ve heard that for new developments, I have to retain stormwater onsite and cannot divert it off the property.

Under state stormwater guidance, found in the current edition of the Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW), there are instances when bioretention of stormwater and rain gardens are either NOT required, or not allowed. These include when professional geotechnical evaluations recommend against infiltration, or in areas of erosion or landslide hazard.  Other requirements related to stormwater may still apply; consult the SWMMWW and your local government planning department. 

Reference: SWMMWW, Volume 5, BMP T7.30: Bioretention Cells, Swales, and Planter Boxes. 

17. Could I be subject to liability for how I handle drainage on my property?

Yes. In disposing of unwanted or excess surface water, landowners may be liable for their action or inaction that results in damage to neighboring properties. Landowners may be responsible for the following:

•Altering a watercourse or natural drainage way

•Collecting and discharging water onto their neighbors' land in quantities greater than, or in a manner different from, its natural flow, including, but not limited to:

• Altering the natural landscape
• Causing water to be trapped by grass clippings or other lawn waste
• Failing to maintain designed drainage pipes and systems

•Exercising their rights in bad faith or failing to avoid unnecessary damage to others' property 

For more information on drainage requirements, check with your local government planning department.

18. What work is being done to improve the Landslide Potential Assessment Model?

The original model developed by the United States Geological and Survey (USGS) used data from rain gauges installed at Sea-Tac Airport and in Tacoma and Everett. Sound Transit worked with the USGS to install additional rain gauges and monitoring devices along the north rail corridor, with a focus in Mukilteo. These monitoring devices now provide the interested agencies and railroads, as well as the general public, more accurate data on rainfall and soil conditions in the affected corridor. The USGS is in the process of updating their model in order to more accurately assess rainfall and soil conditions; a final report from the USGS is pending.

19. What is being done to prevent or reduce landslides along the corridor?

Several slope stabilization projects have been completed in the Everett and Mukilteo areas by WSDOT and BNSF. The work includes slope stabilization, slide containment walls, slide detection fences and drainage and erosion control improvements. The goal is to reduce slides in the historically slide-prone area, thus reducing passenger rail disruptions.

In addition, local jurisdictions are making improvements, such as the City of Everett’s Shore Avenue Stormwater Outfall Improvements project, completed in 2015.