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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL A. REPORT TO THE HEARING EXAMINER Hearing Date: February 28, 2023 Project File Number: PR22-000345 Project Name: TA Benson Petro, LLC Land Use File Number: LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner Owner/Applicant: TA Benson Petro, LLC, 2600 Dallas Parkway, Suite, 370, Frisco, TX 75034 Contact: Alicia Baker, Tekin & Associates, LLC, 2600 Dallas Parkway, Suite 370, Frisco, TX 75034 Project Location: 17426 Benson Dr SE, 10828 & 10810 SE Petrovitsky Rd Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review, Environmental (SEPA) Review, a Parking Modification, and a Street Standards Modification for the construction of a new 4,088 sq. ft. convenience store, a 2,900 sq. ft. gas station canopy, and a 2,850 sq. ft. bank. The project site is comprised of three (3) parcels totaling approximately 72,980 sq. ft. (1.68 acres) in area and is located within the Commercial Arterial (CA) zone and Urban Design District D. Access to the site is proposed via one curb cut off of Benson Dr. SE/108th Ave SE and one curb cut off of SE Petrovitsky Rd. Surface parking is proposed for 44 parking spaces. A parking modification was requested to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces permitted. A street standards modification was requested to vary from the cod e required frontage improvements and instead comply with alternative plans that have been adopted by the Transportation Division for the Benson/108th and Petrovitsky frontages. Slopes with grades less than 25% are mapped on the northeast corner of the project site. No other critical areas are mapped onsite. Site Area: 1.68 acres City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 2 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL B. EXHIBITS: Exhibits 1-15: As shown in the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 16: Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner Exhibit 17: SEPA Determination of Non-Significance-Mitigated Exhibit 18: Conceptual Lot Line Adjustment Layout Exhibit 19: Street Modification Justification Exhibit 20: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet Exhibit 21: Arborist Report Exhibit 22: Parking Analysis Exhibit 23: Parking Modification Justification Exhibit 24: Water Availability Exhibit 25: Sewer Availability Exhibit 26: Transportation Concurrency C. GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. Owner(s) of Record: TA Benson Petro, LLC 2600 Dallas Parkway, Suite, 370 Frisco, TX 75034 2. Zoning Classification: Commercial Arterial (CA) Urban Design District D 3. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation: Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) 4. Existing Site Use: The project site is developed with a former King County Fire Station. 5. Critical Areas: Slopes with grades less than 25% are mapped on the northeast corner of the project site, which are not regulated as critical areas. 6. Neighborhood Characteristics: a. North: Church Use, R-14 zone b. East: Medical Office Use, CA zone c. South: Office and Retail Uses, CA zone d. West: Retail Use, CA zone 7. Site Area: 1.68 acres D. HISTORICAL/BACKGROUND: Action Land Use File No. Ordinance No. Date Comprehensive Plan N/A 5758 06/22/2015 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 3 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Zoning N/A 5758 06/22/2015 Annexation N/A 5327 03/01/2008 E. PUBLIC SERVICES: 1. Existing Utilities a. Water: The project site is located within the water service area of the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. b. Sewer: The project site is located within the sewer service area of the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. c. Surface/Storm Water: The site is located within the Black River – Panther Creek Drainage Basin. There is an existing unmapped conveyance system located on the 3 parcels that connect to the City’s conveyance system in SE Petrovitsky Rd and 108th Ave SE. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main in SE Petrovitsky Rd south of the subject property frontage located along the north flowline of the existing roadway that flows from east to west into the intersection and continues north along 108th Ave SE. 2. Streets: The project site fronts SE Petrovitsky Road (176th St SE) along the southern property line. SE Petrovitsky Road is a five lane Principal Arterial. Per the King County Assessor map, the existing half -street ROW width on the site frontage is approximately 30 feet and contains flush 8’ sidewalks on both sides. The project site fronts 108th Ave SE (Benson Road/ SR 515) along the western property line. 108th Ave SE is a six-lane Principal Arterial. Per the King County Assessor map, the existing half -street ROW width on the site frontage is approximately 45 feet and contains flush 8’-sidewalks on both sides. 3. Fire Protection: Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) F. APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE: 1. Chapter 2 Land Use Districts a. Section 4-2-020: Purpose and Intent of Zoning Districts b. Section 4-2-060: Zoning Use Table – Uses Allowed in the Zoning Designations c. Section 4-2-120: Commercial Development Standards 2. Chapter 3 Environmental Regulations and Overlay Districts a. Section 4-3-100: Urban Design Regulations 3. Chapter 4 City-Wide Property Development Standards 4. Chapter 6 Streets and Utility Standards a. Section 4-6-060: Street Standards 5. Chapter 9 Permits – Specific a. Section 4-9-200: Master Plan and Site Plan Review b. Section 4-9-070: Environmental Review Procedures c. Section 4-9-250: Variances, Waivers, Modifications, and Alternates 6. Chapter 11 Definitions City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 4 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL G. APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: 1. Land Use Element H. FINDINGS OF FACT (FOF): 1. The Planning Division of the City of Renton accepted the above master application for review on December 21, 2022 and determined the application complete on December 22, 2022. The project complies with the 120-day review period. 2. The project site is located at 17426 Benson Dr SE, 10828 & 10810 SE Petrovitsky Rd. 3. The project site is developed with a former King County Fire Station. 4. Access to the site would be provided via one curb cut off of SE Petrovitsky Rd and one curb cut off of Benson Dr SE. 5. The property is located within the Commercial & Mixed Use (CMU) Comprehensive Plan land use designation. 6. The site is located within the Commercial Arterial (CA) zoning classification and within Design District D. 7. There are approximately eight (8) trees located on-site, all trees are proposed for removal. 8. Slopes with grades less than 25% are mapped on the northeast corner of the project site, which are not regulated as critical areas. 9. Approximately 5,000 cubic yards of material would be cut on-site and approximately 2,500 cubic yards of fill is proposed to be brought into the site. 10. The applicant is proposing to begin construction in fall of 2023 and end in winter of 2024. 11. Staff received three agency comment letter(s) (Exhibit 14) during the 14 day public comment period. To address agency comments, SEPA mitigation measures regarding soil contaimination and archeological resources were adopted by the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) and staff has requested that the applicant complete an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) per comments received from WSDOT. 12. Pursuant to the City of Renton's Environmental Ordinance and SEPA (RCW 43.21C, 1971 as amended), on January 23, 2023 the Environmental Review Committee issued a Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M) for the TA Benson Petro project (Exhibit 17). The DNS-M included two (2) mitigation measures. A 14-day appeal period commenced on January 23, 2023 and ended on February 6, 2023. No appeals of the threshold determination have been filed. 13. Based on an analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) issued the following mitigation measures with the Determination of Non-Significance – Mitigated: 1. The applicant shall implement a contingency mitigation plan to address potential contaminated soil or groundwater handling and disposal, hazardous waste operations, worker training, health and safety, and potential contamination remediation. 2. An Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) shall be implemented during project construction for any archeological resources encountered on the project site. 14. Representatives from various city departments have reviewed the application materials to identify and address issues raised by the proposed development. These comments are contained in the official file, and the essence of the comments has been incorporated into the appropriate sections of this report and the Departmental Recommendation at the end of this report. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 5 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL 15. Comprehensive Plan Compliance: The site is designated Commercial & Mixed Use (CMU) on the City’s Comprehensive Plan Map. The purpose of the CMU designation is to transform strip commerci al development into business districts through the intensification of uses and with cohesive site planning, landscaping, signage, circulation, parking, and the provision of public amenity features. The proposal is compliant with the following development standards if all conditions of approval are met: Compliance Comprehensive Plan Analysis ✓ Goal L-BB: Maintain a high quality of life as Renton grows by ensuring that new development is designed to be functional and attractive. ✓ Goal L-FF: Strengthen the visual identity of Renton and its Community Planning Areas and neighborhoods through quality design and development. ✓ Policy L-47: Accommodate change in a way that maintains Renton’s livability and natural beauty. ✓ Policy L-51: Include human-scale features such as pedestrian pathways, quality landscaping, and public spaces that have discernible edges, entries, and borders to create a distinctive sense of place in neighborhoods, commercial areas, and centers. ✓ Policy L-56: Complement the built environment with landscaping using native, naturalized, and ornamental plantings that are appropriate for the situation and circumstance and provide for respite, recreation, and sun/shade. ✓ Policy L-60: Improve the appearance of parking lots through landscaping and screening. 16. Zoning Development Standard Compliance: The purpose of the Commercial Arterial Zone (CA) is to evolve from “strip commercial” linear business districts to business areas characterized by enhanced site planning and pedestrian orientation, incorporating efficient parking lot design, coordinated ac cess, amenities and boulevard treatment with greater densities. The CA Zone provides for a wide variety of retail sales, services, and other commercial activities along high-volume traffic corridors. Residential uses may be integrated into the zone through mixed-use buildings. The zone includes the designated Automall District. The proposal is compliant with the following development standards, as outlined in RMC 4 -2- 120.A, if all conditions of approval are met: Compliance CA Zone Develop Standards and Analysis ✓ Use: Retail sales, vehicle fueling stations, and on-site services are outright permitted use within the CA zone. Staff Comment: The proposal is for a new 4,088-sq. ft. convenience store, a 2,900-sq. ft. gas station canopy, and a 2,850-sq. ft. bank. The convenience store would be considered a retail use and the bank would be considered an on -site service. The proposed retail sales, vehicle fueling station, and on-site service uses are permitted uses within the CA zone. N/A Density: The minimum density required in the CA zone is 10.0 dwelling units per net acre. The maximum density permitted is 60 dwelling units per net acre in the City Center and Highlands Community Planning Areas and 30 dwelling units per net acre in the East Plateau and Kennydale Community Planning Areas. Net density is calculated after the deduction of sensitive areas, areas intended for public right-of-way, and private access easements. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 6 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Staff Comment: Not applicable, no residential development is proposed. ✓ Lot Dimensions: The minimum lot size required in the CA zone is 5,000 sq. ft. There are no minimum lot width or depth requirements. Staff Comment: The project site is comprised of three (3) parcels totaling approximately 72,980 sq. ft. (1.68 acres) in area, which exceeds the minimum lot size of 5,000 sq. ft. The applicant included a conceptual lot line adjustment layout (Exhibit 18) that consolidates the three (3) lots into two (2) lots and reconfigures the lot lines that would be created at a later date via a separate lot line adjustment application process for future development. The future configuration would create a Parcel A, which would include the convenience store and gas station canopy and would total 40,285 sq. ft. (0.92 acres) and a Parcel B would include the bank and would total 32,724 sq. ft. (0.75 acres). The existing and future lot configurations would exceed the 5,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size required in the CA zone. Compliant if condition of approval is met Setbacks: The minimum front yard and secondary front yard setback is 15 ft. The minimum setback may be modified through the site plan review process if it can be demonstrated to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the following criteria are met: i. The perceived scale of the proposed structure that is created by the reduced setback is compatible with the abutting structures and the surrounding neighborhood; and ii. The required street frontage landscaping identified in RMC 4-4-070F1 is increased to 15 feet along all public street frontages with the exception of walkways, driveways, programmed pedestrian plazas, and the area of reduced setback; and iii. Enhanced landscaping, such as increased caliper size of trees, increased container size of shrubs, and/or increased quantity or diversity of planti ngs, is provided within the public right-of-way on the street frontage abutting the reduced setback; and iv. The project includes a public art installation, subject to review and approval, with a minimum monetary value of one percent (1%) of the assessed value of the proposed structure, or when the Administrator determines that it is impractical to install public art on site, payment of a fee-in-lieu may be approved in an amount of money approximating one percent (1%) of the assessed value of the proposed structure; and v. The design of the proposed structure complies with all of the following requirements: a) Back of house facilities such as walk-in freezers, bathrooms, breakrooms, storage rooms, or other rooms that do not contain windows, are not located along any building facade that fronts a public street; and b) Floor to ceiling transparent windows are provided for at least fifty percent (50%) of the ground floor building facade that fronts a reduced setback; and c) The proposed structure includes design features such as step-backs of upper levels, changes in roof plane, and changes in roof form/slope in a manner that serves to reduce the apparent bulk of the proposed structure; and City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 7 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL d) Canopies or similar design features are provided along any building facade that fronts a public street, with emphasis provided to the primary entry; and e) Structured parking is not located along any building facade that fronts a reduced setback. Alternatively, the minimum setback may be modified through the site plan review process if it can be demonstrated to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the reduced setback would result in the protection and preservation of Priority One trees, as identified in RMC 4-4-130H1b, that would otherwise not practicably be retained without reduction of the minimum setback. A maximum front yard and secondary front yard setback of 20 ft. is required. The maximum setback may be modified through the site plan review process if the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed development meets the following criteria: i. Orients development to the pedestrian through measures such as providing pedestrian walkways beyond those required by the Renton Municipal Code (RMC), encouraging pedestrian amenities, and supporting alternatives to single-occupant vehicle (SOV) transportation; and ii. Creates a low-scale streetscape through measures such as fostering distinctive architecture and mitigating the visual dominance of extensive and unbroken parking along the street front; and iii. Promotes safety and visibility through measures such as discouraging the creation of hidden spaces, minimizing conflict between pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and ensuring adequate setbacks to accommodate required parking and/or access that could not be provided otherwise. Alternatively, the maximum setback requirement may be modified if the applicant can demonstrate that the above criteria cannot be met by addressing the following criteria. However, all the above criteria that can be met shall be addressed in the site development plan. i. Due to factors including but not limited to the unique site design requirements or physical site constraints such as critical areas or utility easements, the maximum setback cannot be met; or ii. One (1) or more of the above criteria would not be furthered or would be impaired by compliance with the maximum setback; or iii. Any function of the use which serves the public health, safety, or welfare would be materially-impaired by the required setback. There are no minimum side or rear yard setbacks, except 15 feet. if the l ot abuts or is adjacent to a lot zoned residential. Staff Comment: The existing project site has three (3) underlying parcels. The proposed layout of the new buildings and site improvements would result in encroachments over the existing lot lines, which would not comply with the required setbacks. The applicant has submitted a proposed lot line adjustment plan (Exhibit 18) that includes the consolidation and reconfiguration of the proposed lot lines to reduce the number of existing lots from three (3) to two (2) and would remove the proposed encroachments and would ensure associated parking and landscaping improvements are located on the City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 8 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL same parcel as the associated building. S taff recommends, as a condition of approval, that a lot line adjustment or lot consolidation be submitted for review and approval to the Current Planning Project manager at the time of Building Permit review and recorded prior to the issuance of a Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy for the first building constructed on the project site. The two (2) existing easternmost parcels abut a residential zone to the north; therefore a 15-foot setback would be required along the north property line of these parcels. The parcel located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky does not abut a residential zone; therefore no side or rear setbacks would apply to this parcel. The primary entrance of the proposed bank building would have a minimum front setback of approximately 12 feet at the intersection of Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd, which is less than the minimum 15-foot setback required. A rear setback of approximately 24 feet would be provided to the north property line and an approximate 83-foot side yard setback would be provided from the reconfigured east property line. The applicant did not include a request to modify the front yard setback as part of the master application and an analysis to determine compliance with modification criteria was not performed nor was there an informal discussion to preceding the application submittal to determine whether a modification to the minimum setback would be supported. Therefore, staff recommends as a condition of approval that the site plan be revised to provide the minimum required 15-foot front and secondary front yard setback between the proposed bank building and the intersection of Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd . The revised site plan shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Construction Permit review. The proposed convenience store would maintain the required 15-foot setback from SE Petrovitsky Rd, with a rear setback of approximately 181 feet from the north property line, a 15-foot side yard setback from the east property line, and an approximately 29- foot side yard setback from the west property line. The proposed convenience store location would comply with the setback requirements of the CA zone. The proposed gas station canopy would maintain an approximately 154-foot front setback from SE Petrovitsky Rd, an 80-foot rear setback from the north property line, a 54-foot side yard setback from the east property line, and a 35-foot side yard setback from the reconfigured west property line. The proposed gas station canopy would be located behind the convenience store and would therefore not be subject to the maximum 20-foot front yard setback requirements of the CA zone. The proposed gas station canopy would comply with the setback requirements of the CA zone. ✓ Building Standards: The CA zone has a maximum building coverage 65% of total lot area or 75% if parking is provided within the building or within an on-site parking garage. The maximum building height permitted is 50 ft., except 70 ft. if the building is mixed use. Staff Comment: The proposed buildings do not include parking within the building, therefore the project site would be limited to a maximum building coverage of 65% of the total lot area. The proposed bank building would have a footprint of 2,850 sq. ft., the convenience store would have a footprint of 4,188sq. ft., and the gas station canopy would have a footprint of 2,900 sq. ft. resulting in a total building footprint of 9,838 sq. ft. which would result in a building coverage of thirteen percent (13%) on the 72,980 sq. ft. project site, which is less than the 65% building coverage permitted in the CA zone. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 9 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL The proposed bank and convenience store buildings would be one story with a height of just under 22 feet and the gas station canopy would have a maximum height of approximately 20 feet. All proposed buildings would have heights less than the 50-foot height limit required for buildings that are not part of a mixed -use development proposal. Compliant if conditions of approval are met Landscaping: The City’s landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) require a 10-foot landscape strip along all public street frontages. Minimum planting strip widths between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of RMC 4-6-060. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover shall be planted within planting strips pursuant to the following standards, provided there shall be a minimum of one street tree planted per lot. a. Trees shall be selected from the City’s Approved Street Tree List based on the width of the planting strip and the presence or lack of overhead power lines; provided, the Administrator and City arborist shall each retain the right to reject any proposed cultivar regardless of whether or not the cultivar is on the City’s Approved Street Tree List. b. Street trees shall have a minimum caliper of two inches (2"), and be planted pursuant to the standards promulgated by the City, which may require root barriers, structured soils, or other measures to help prevent tree roots from damaging infrastructure. c. Street trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip between the curb and the sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right- of-way is constrained, irregular intervals and slight increases or decreases may be permitted or required. Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that meet required spacing distances from facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to, underground utilities, street lights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways; such spacing standards are identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the following spacing is required: i. Small-sized maturing trees: thirty feet (30') on center; ii. Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40') on center; and iii. Large-sized maturing trees: fifty feet (50') on center. All parking lots shall have perimeter landscaping as follows: Such landscaping shall be at least ten feet (10') in width as measured from the street right-of-way. Standards for planting shall be as follows: a. Trees shall be two inches (2") in diameter at breast height (dbh) for multi- family, commercial, and industrial uses at an average minimum rate of one tree per thirty (30) lineal feet of street frontage. b. Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per twenty (20) square feet of landscaped area. Up to fifty percent (50%) of shrubs may be deciduous. c. Ground cover in sufficient quantities to provide at least ninety percent (90%) coverage of the landscaped area within three (3) years of installation. Surface parking lots with more than fourteen (14) stalls shall be landscaped as follows: Surface parking lots with between 15 and 50 spaces shall provide 15 sf of landscaping per parking space, 51 and 99 spaces shall provide 25 sf of landscaping per parking City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 10 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL space, and 100 or more spaces shall provide 35 sf of landscaping per parking space. Any interior parking lot landscaping area shall be sized to dimensions of at least eight feet (8') by twelve feet (12'). Landscaping shall be dispersed throughout the parking area and shall include a mixture of trees, shrubs, and groundcover as follows: a. Trees shall be two inches (2") in diameter at breast height (dbh) for multi - family, commercial, and industrial uses. At least one tree for every six (6) parking spaces within the lot interior shall be planted. b. Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per twenty (20) square feet of landscaped area shall be planted. Up to fifty percent (50%) of shrubs may be deciduous. c. Ground cover shall be planted in sufficient quantities to provide at least ninety percent (90%) coverage of the landscaped area within three (3) years of installation. d. There shall be no more than fifty feet (50') between parking stal ls and an interior parking lot landscape area. All of the landscaped area that is not planted with trees and shrubs or covered with a tree grate must be planted in ground cover plants, which may include grasses. Mulch must be confined to areas underneath plants and is not a substitute for ground cover plants. Ground cover plants, other than grasses, must be at least the four-inch (4") pot size, provided such plants have well-developed roots and are not root bound or J-rooted; alternative standards may be applied pursuant to RMC 4-4-070C. Area planted in ground cover plants, other than grass seed or sod, must be planted in triangular spacing. Ground cover plants must be planted at a density that will cover the entire area within three (3) years. All shrubs must be of sufficient size and number to meet the required standards within three (3) years of planting. Shrubs must be at least a two (2) gallon container size at planting. Shrubs shall be in beds that include a layer of mulch at least two inches (2") in depth. Broadleaf trees must be a minimum of two-inch (2") caliper. Conifer trees at the time of planting must be fully branched and a minimum of six feet (6') in height. Except for trees with a tree grate, trees shall include a mulch ring that has a depth of at least three inches (3") and is at least three feet (3') in radius around the tree. When a Commercial Zoned Lot or Use Is Abutting a Residential Zone, a fifteen-foot (15') wide partially sight-obscuring landscaped visual barrier, or ten-foot (10') wide fully sight-obscuring landscaped visual barrier, is required along the common property line. A permanent built-in irrigation system with an automatic controller shall be installed, used, and maintained in working order in all landscaped areas. Staff Comment: A Conceptual Landscape and Tree Retention Plan (Exhibit 3) was submitted with the land use application materials. The submitted landscape plan includes an eight foot-(8’)wide street tree planting strip along the site’s Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd frontages. The proposed landscape strip would be planted with pink chimes Japanese Snowbell trees and lawn. The submitted landscape plan includes a ten-foot (10’) onsite landscape strip along the site’s Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd street frontages. The ten-foot (10’) onsite landscape strip is proposed to be vegetated with primarily lawn along the public City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 11 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL sidewalk, which does not meet the requirements of the landscaping regulations to include a mix of trees, shrubs, and ground cover. In addition, it appears that the landscape plan does not reflect the most up to date floor plan for the convenience store and the landscape proposed along the convenience store frontage would obscure the primary building entrance as shown on the submitted architectural elevations (Exhibit 4). The submitted landscape plan includes landscaping within the proposed surface parking lot. Based the proposal for a total of 44 parking spaces on the project site, a total of 660 sq. ft. of interior parking lot landscaping would be required. The applicant indicates that the proposal would include a total of 2,920 sq. ft. of interior parking lot landscaping, which would exceed the minimum 660 sq. ft. required . However, it appears that the applicant is counting areas towards the interior parking lot landscaping which do not meet the minimum eight feet by twelve feet (8’ x 12') dimensional requirements and that not all parking spaces are within 50 feet of an interior parking lot landscaped area that complies with these requirements. A fifteen-foot (15’) wide landscape strip is proposed along the north end of the eastern two parcels, abutting the Residential-14 (R-14) zone. However, it does not appear that the entire fifteen feet (15’) is fully- landscaped. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that a detailed landscape plan be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and app roval by the Current Planning Project Manager, the detailed landscape plan shall include, but not be limited to: a. A 10-foot onsite landscape strip along all street frontages incorporating a mix of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, the portion of the street frontage landscaping abutting the surface parking lot should be planted with primarily evergreen trees and shrubs to provide a year round screen; b. A revised layout of the street frontage landscaping to accommodate the correct floor plan and main entrance for the convenience store; c. Interior parking lot landscaping (i.e. tree islands with a minimum dimension of eight feet by twelve feet (8’ x 12') at a rate of 15 sq. ft. per parking space throughout the entire project site, interior lot landscaping that does not meet this standards will not be credited toward the minimum required; d. No parking space shall be more than 50 feet from an interior parking lot landscaped tree island; e. Trees shall be two inches (2") in diameter at breast height (dbh). At least one (1) tree for every six (6) parking spaces within the parking lot interior shall be planted and around the parking lot perimeter trees shall be planted at the average minimum rate of one tree per 30 lineal feet of street frontage; f. Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per 20 square feet of landscaped area shall be planted. Up to fifty percent (50%) of shrubs may be deciduous; g. Ground cover shall be planted in sufficient quantities to provide at least ninety percent (90%) coverage of the landscaped area within three (3) years of installation; h. The entire fifteen-foot (15’) wide landscape strip along the Residential-14 (R-14) zone shall be landscaped; City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 12 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL i. The proposed plant palate shall be revised to replace Leyland cypress and juniper species with native evergreen trees and shrubs (i.e. western red cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and/or Oregon grape). Compliant if condition of approval is met Tree Retention: The City’s adopted Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations (4-4- 130) require the retention of 30 percent of trees in a commercial development. Tree credit requirements shall apply at a minimum rate of thirty (30) credits per net acre. Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order: Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant trees on slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical areas and their associated buffers; and significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper. Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved; other significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native trees. Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained, unless the alders and/ or cottonwoods are used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical area or its buffer. Staff Comment: A Conceptual Landscaping and Tree Retention Plan (Exhibit 3), Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet (Exhibit 20), and an Arborist report prepared by Washington Forestry Consultants, dated December 13, 2022 (Exhibit 21) were submitted with the project application materials. There are eight (8) significant trees identified on the project site, none of the existing trees were proposed for retention. The City’s Tree Retention Regulations require the retention of thirty percent (30%) of existing significant trees. Out of the existing eight (8) significant trees, the applicant would be required to retain two (2) trees (8 * 0.30 = 2.4 or 2 trees). There are three (3) trees located on the north end of the project site and two (2) of these trees appear to be viable for retention as the parking proposed at this location would exceed the maximum number of parking stalls permitted on the project site (see Parking discussion below). If these trees were retained, the proposal would be compliance with the City’s adopted Tree Retention Regulations. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval that a Final Tree Retention Plan be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. The Final Tree Retention Plan shall include the retention of the two existing healthy trees identified on the north end of the project site, unless it is determined infeasible by the Current Planning Project Manager. The City’s Tree Retention Regulations also require that a minimum tree density of 30 credits per net acre. The submitted Tree Retention and Credit Worksheet (Exhibit 20) concluded that 50 tree credits would be required on the project site. Tree Credit requirements are proposed to be satisfied through the planting of 38 small species trees, 42 medium species trees, and 7 large species trees. It appears that the 9 street trees proposed to be planted within the public right-of-way were included in the small species trees tree credit calculation, these trees would not count towards the sites tree density requirements as these trees would be located off-site within the public right-of- way. After the deduction of the street trees, the trees to be planted onsite would result in a tree density of 63.25 credits (29 small species trees at 0.25 credits per tree + 42 medium species trees at 1 credit per tree + 7 large species trees at 2 credits per tree = City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 13 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL 63.25 credits), which exceeds the 50 tree credits required on the project site and would satisfy the minimum tree density requirements. Tree protection measures would be required during project construction in accordance with RMC 4-4-130H.10, these measures would include the installation of a 6-foot high chain link fence as well as signage identifying the trees as protected. The Conceptual Grading Plan (Exhibit 8) shows some grading along the east property line abutting some existing Douglas fir trees. To ensure that these trees are not damaged during project construction, staff recommends, as a condition of approval that an arborist be pre sent onsite during any grading around the root zone of on or offsite protected trees. Compliant if condition of approval is met Refuse and Recycling: In retail developments, a minimum of five (5) square feet per every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of ten (10) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recycling and refuse deposit areas. In office, educational and institutional developments, a minimum of two (2) square feet per every one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas and a minimum of four (4) square feet per one thousand (1,000) square feet of building gross floor area shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be provided for recycling and refuse deposit areas. Outdoor refuse and recyclables deposit areas and collection points shall not be located within fifty feet (50') of a lot zoned residential , except by approval through the site development plan review process, or through the modification process if exempt from site development plan review.. Staff Comment: The proposed bank building would have an area of 2,850 sq. ft. and the convenience store would have an area of 4,188 sq. ft. The proposed bank building would be required to provide 6 sq. ft. of recyclable deposit areas and 12 sq. ft. of refuse deposit area or a total minimum of 100 sq. ft. of refuse and recycling deposit areas. The proposed site plan (Exhibit 2) includes an approximately 160 sq. ft. service area for the proposed bank building, which would exceed the 100 sq. ft. minimum requirement. The proposed convenience store would be required to provide 21 sq. ft. of recyclable deposit areas and 42 sq. ft. of refuse deposit areas or a total minimum area of 100 sq. ft. of refuse and recycling deposit areas. The proposed site plan includes an approximately 330 sq. ft. service area for the proposed convenience store, which would exceed the minimum 100 sq. ft. requirement. The location of the service areas is at the north end of the project site, approximately 15 feet from a residentially-zoned property and appears to be over the future proposed property line. The proposed location would be acceptable, as the proposed nearby residential zone is developed with a church and is not developed with a residential use. However, the service area would not be permitted to be built over the future property line. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval that the refuse and recyclable deposit areas be amended such that they would not be located over the proposed future property line. A revised site plan showing the amended refuse and recyclable deposit areas shall be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 14 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL ✓ Vehicular Access: A connection shall be provided for site-to-site vehicle access ways, where topographically feasible, to allow a smooth flow of traffic across abutting CA lots without the need to use a street. Access may comprise the aisle between rows of parking stalls but is not allowed between a building and a public street. Staff Comment: The proposal would include a lot line adjustment and lot consolidation at a future date. The future lot lines noted on the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2) would allow for site to site vehicular access between the bank building and convenien ce store sites. There are existing landscaped barriers between the existing project site and the abutting properties to the west and north that would preclude vehicular access to these sites. Compliant if modification is approved Parking: Parking regulations require that retail sales provide a minimum and maximum of 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of net floor area. Bank uses require a minimum of 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of net floor area and are permitted a maximum of 5.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet of net floor area. For uses with a drive-through (drive- through ATM), the drive-through facility shall be so located that sufficient on-site vehicle stacking space is provided for the handling of motor vehicles using such facility during peak business hours. Typically 5.0 stacking spaces per window are required unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. Stacking spaces cannot obstruct required parking spaces or ingress/egress within the site or extend into the public right- of-way. Standard parking stall dimensions are 9 feet by 20 feet, compact stall dimensions are 8 ½ feet by 16 feet. Compact spaces shall not account for more than thirty percent (30%) of all onsite parking spaces. For parking lots with 300 -400 parking spaces, a total of eight (8) of those spaces shall be designated as Accessible per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Staff Comment: According to the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2), the proposed bank building would have an area of 2,850 sq. ft. and the convenience store would have an area of 4,188 sq. ft. Based on a total floor area of 2,850 sq. ft. for the bank use, the proposal would be required to provide a minimum of seven (7) spaces and would be permitted a maximum of fourteen (14) spaces. Based on a total floor area of 4,188 sq. ft. for the retail use (convenience store), the proposal would be required to provide a minimum and a maximum of 10 spaces. A total of 17 minimum parking spaces would be required and a maximum of 24 parking spaces would be permitted for the proposed entire project. The submitted site plan includes a total of 44 parking spaces (19 spaces would be on the bank parcel and 25 spaces would be on the convenience store parcel), which would exceed the maximum total of 24 spaces permitted on the project site. The applicant submitted a Parking Analysis (Exhibit 22) and a Parking Modification request (Exhibit 23) justifying the additional parking provided. See further parking modification discussion below under FOF 18. The proposed site plan (Exhibit 2) include the five (5) minimum required stacking spaces for the drive-through ATM. In addition, the site plan (Exhibit 2) included stall dimensions and aisle widths. The standard stalls would have a width of nine feet (9’) and a depth of 20 feet, the compact stalls would have a width if eight feet, 6 inches (8’-6”) and a depth of 16 feet, and the minimum proposed aisle width would be 24 feet. The proposed parking spaces would comply with the dimensional requirements outlined in the Parking Regulations. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 15 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Compliant if condition of approval is met. Bicycle Parking: The number of bicycle parking spaces shall be equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of required off-street vehicle parking spaces. Bicycle parking facilities shall include a rack that is permanently affixed to the ground and supports the bicycle at two (2) or more points, including at least one point on the frame. The user shall be able to lock the bicycle with a U -shaped lock or cable lock. Bicycle racks that only support a bicycle front or rear wheel are not permitted. Bicycle racks shall be installed to provide adequate maneuvering space and ensure that the requisite number of bicycle parking spaces remain accessible; and Each bicycle parking space shall be at least two feet (2') by six feet (6'), with no less than an overhead clearance of seven feet (7'). A maneuvering area of five feet (5') shall separate rows of bicycle parking spaces. Where the bicycle parking is abutting the sidewalk, only the maneuvering area may extend into the right-of-way. Areas set aside for bicycle parking shall be clearly marked and reserved for bicycle parking only. Bicycle parking shall not impede or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles. Parking areas shall be located so as to not conflict with vehicle vision clearance standards. Bicycle parking shall be conveniently located with respect to the street right-of-way and must be within fifty feet (50') of at least one main building entrance, as measured along the most direct pedestrian access route. Whenever possible, bicycle parking shall be incorporated into the building design and coordinate with the design of the street furniture when it is provided. Bicycle parking shall be visible to cyclists from street sidewalks or building entrances, so that it provides sufficient security from theft and damage. Bicycle parking shall be at least as well lit as vehicle parking for security. Staff Comment: Based on a minimum requirement for 17 total parking spaces noted above, a total of two (2) bicycle parking spaces would be required for the proposed project. An eight foot by eight foot (8’ x 8’) bicycling parking area is identified on the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2), however a detail of the bicycle parking was not provided. To ensure compliance with the bicycle parking requirements, staff recommends, as a condition of approval that a bicycle parking detail be submitted at the time of Building Permit Review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager demonstrating that the proposal would comply with the bicycle parking requirements as required in RMC 4-4-080F.11. N/A Fences and Retaining Walls: A maximum of eight feet (8') anywhere on the lot provided the fence, retaining wall or hedge does not stand in or in front of any required landscaping or pose a traffic vision hazard. There shall be a minimum three-foot (3') landscaped setback at the base of retaining walls abutting public rights-of-way. Staff Comment: No fences or retaining walls were shown on the submitted site plan application materials. Any proposed fences or retaining walls would be required to comply with the above standards. Compliant if conditions of Screening and Storage: All on-site surface mounted utility equipment shall be screened from public view. Screening shall consist of equipment cabinets enclosing the utility equipment, solid fencing or a wall of a height at least as high as the equipment it City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 16 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL approval are met screens, or a landscaped visual barrier allowing for reasonable access to equipment. Equipment cabinets, fencing, and walls shall be made of materials and/or colors compatible with building materials. All operating equipment located on the roof of any building shall be enclosed so a s to be screened from public view. Outdoor storage must be screened from adjacent or abutting properties and public rights-of-way. Outdoor storage uses shall provide sight-obscuring fences or solid walls a minimum of six feet (6') in height, berming, and/or landscaping as determined by the Administrator to achieve adequate visual or acoustical screening. Staff Comment: Any proposed surface mounted or rooftop mounted utility equipment shall be screened from public view. Staff was unable to determine if new surface or roof mounted utility equipment is proposed. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval that a screening detail be provided for any proposed surface or roof mounted utility equipment be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval. The screening detail for surface mounted utility equipment that includes cross sections of the utility and screening shall be provided at the time of Construction Permit review and the screening detail for any roof-mounted utility equipment shall be provided at the time of Building Permit review. 17. Design Standards: The project site is located within Design District ‘D’. The following table contains project elements intended to comply with the standards of the Design District ‘D’ Standards and guidelines, as outlined in RMC 4-3-100.E: Compliance Design District Guideline and Standard Analysis 1. SITE DESIGN AND BUILDING LOCATION: Intent: To ensure that buildings are located in relation to streets and other buildings so that the Vision of the City of Renton can be realized for a high-density urban environment; so that businesses enjoy visibility from public rights-of-way; and to encourage pedestrian activity. a. Building Location and Orientation: Intent: To ensure visibility of businesses and to establish active, lively uses along sidewalks and pedestrian pathways. To organize buildings for pedestrian use and so that natural light is available to other structures and open space. To ensure an appropriate transition between buildings, parking areas, and other land uses; and increase privacy for residential uses. Guidelines: Developments shall enhance the mutual relationship of buildings with each other, as well as with the roads, open space, and pedestrian amenities while working to create a pedestrian oriented environment. Lots shall be configured to encourage variety and so that natural light is available to buildings and open space. The privacy of individuals in residential uses shall be provided for. ✓ Standard: The availability of natural light (both direct and reflected) and direct sun exposure to nearby buildings and open space (except parking areas) shall be considered when siting structures. Staff Comment: The proposed structures would be one story with heights of 22 feet and 20 feet and are not anticipated to adversely impact sun exposure to open spaces or nearby buildings. ✓ Standard: Buildings shall be oriented to the street with clear connections to the sidewalk. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 17 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted architectural elevations (Exhibits 4 & 5), the primary façade of the bank building and convenience store would be oriented towards the public street. As shown on the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2) clear connections would be provided between the primary building entries and the public sidewalk. ✓ Standard: The front entry of a building shall be oriented to the street or a landscaped pedestrian-only courtyard. Staff Comment: The primary façade of the convenience store would be oriented towards SE Petrovitsky Rd and the primary entrance of the bank would be o riented towards the public plaza proposed at the intersection of Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd. N/A Standard: Buildings with residential uses located at the street level shall be: a. Set back from the sidewalk a minimum of ten feet (10') and feature substantial landscaping between the sidewalk and the building; or b. Have the ground floor residential uses raised above street level for residents’ privacy. Staff Comment: Not applicable, no residential uses are proposed under this application. b. Building Entries: Intent: To make building entrances convenient to locate and easy to access, and ensure that building entries further the pedestrian nature of the fronting sidewalk and the urban character of the district. Guidelines: Primary entries shall face the street, serve as a focal point, and allow space for social interaction. All entries shall include features that make them easily identifiable while reflecting the architectural character of the building. The primary entry shall be the most visually prominent entry. Pedestrian access to the building from the sidewalk, parking lots, and/or other areas shall be provided and shall enhance the overall quality of the pedestrian experience on the site. ✓ Standard: A primary entrance of each building shall be located on the facade facing a street, shall be prominent, visible from the street, connected by a walkway to the public sidewalk, and include human-scale elements. Staff Comment: The convenience store’s primary façade would be oriented toward SE Petrovitsky Road with direct pedestrian sidewalk access to the building’s primary entry. Storefront entry doors with coordinated glazing, transoms and articulations will wrap the SW corner of the building providing visibility from both SE Petrovitsky Rd and the intersection of SE Petrovitsky Rd and Benson Dr S. Parapet heights at the SW corner, weather protection (canopies), area and accent lighting and signage will also help to define the primary entry. The proposed bank would have its primary facade oriented towards the public plaza proposed at the intersection of SE Petrovitsky Rd and Benson Dr S. The bank’s primary façade would include storefront entry doors and glazing , flatwork, landscaping and street/plaza amenities to enhance pedestrian access from the street corner plaza while maintaining high visibility from the street, creating a safe and attractive environment for pedestrians and users of the street corner plaza. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 18 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL ✓ Standard: A primary entrance of each building shall be made visibly prominent by incorporating architectural features such as a facade overhang, trellis, large entry doors, and/or ornamental lighting. Staff Comment: As shown on the proposed building elevations (Exhibits 4 & 5), the proposed primary building entrance of the convenience store and bank would be made visibly prominent through the incorporation of storefront entry doors, glazing, overhead weather protection and an increased parapet height over the entrance. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard Building entries from a street shall be clearly marked with canopies, architectural elements, ornamental lighting, or landscaping and include weather protection at least four and one-half feet (4-1/2') wide (illustration below). Buildings that are taller than thirty feet (30') in height shall also ensure that the weather protection is proportional to the distance above ground level. Staff Comment: Building entries for both the convenience store and bank would be clearly marked with lighting, landscaping, and weather protection. The architectural elevations (Exhibit 4) for the proposed convenience store specify that the proposed weather protection would comply with the four and one-half feet (4-1/2') width requirement. There were no dimensions included on the weather protection proposed for the bank building. Staff recommends as a condition of approval, that architectural elevations be submitted at the time of building permit review including weather protection with a minimum width of four and one-half feet (4-1/2') or the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the guideline of this section. The architectural elevations shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval. ✓ Standard: Building entries from a parking lot shall be subordinate to those related to the street. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted architectural elevations (Exhibits 4 & 5) the building entries facing the parking lot would be subordinate to the primary entrances facing the street. ✓ Standard: Features such as entries, lobbies, and display windows shall be oriented to a street or pedestrian-oriented space; otherwise, screening or decorative features should be incorporated. Staff Comment: As discussed above, the proposed primary building entries for both the bank and convenience store would be oriented towards Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd. ✓ Standard: Multiple buildings on the same site shall direct views to building entries by providing a continuous network of pedestrian paths and open spaces that incorporate landscaping. Staff Comment: Both buildings would have primary entrances oriented towards the public street and secondary entrances oriented to the onsite surface parking. Pedestrian walkway connections are proposed around the proposed buildings to direct pedestrians to the building entries, in addition, sidewalks would be constructed within the public right-of-way along the Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd frontages. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 19 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL A conceptual landscape plan (Exhibit 3) was included with the application materials that includes landscaping between the proposed buildings and the public right-of-way, as well as within the surface parking lot. N/A Standard: Ground floor residential units that are directly accessible from the street shall include entries from front yards to provide transition space from the street or entries from an open space such as a courtyard or garden that is accessible from the street. Staff Comment: Not applicable, no residential dwelling units are proposed. c. Transition to Surrounding Development: Intent: To shape redevelopment projects so that the character and value of Renton’s long-established, existing neighborhoods are preserved. Guidelines: Careful siting and design treatment shall be used to achieve a compatible transition where new buildings differ from surrounding development in terms of building height, bulk and scale. ✓ Standard: At least one of the following design elements shall be used to promote a transition to surrounding uses: 1. Building proportions, including step-backs on upper levels in accordance with the surrounding planned and existing land use forms; or 2. Building articulation to divide a larger architectural element into smaller increments; or 3. Roof lines, roof pitches, and roof shapes designed to reduce apparent bulk and transition with existing development. Additionally, the Administrator may require increased setbacks at the side or rear of a building in order to reduce the bulk and scale of larger buildings and/or so that sunlight reaches adjacent and/or abutting yards. Staff Comment: The proposed convenience store and bank buildings will break up monolithic expanses of wall using fenestration, articulation, material and color changes, varied base treatments/ textures and related landscaping and accent lighting fixtures/ sconces. Various parapet heights are also proposed to break up and lessen the apparent height and mass of the convenience store and bank buildings. d. Service Element Location and Design: Intent: To reduce the potential negative impacts of service elements (i.e., waste receptacles, loading docks) by locating service and loading areas away from high-volume pedestrian areas, and screening them from view in high visibility areas. Guidelines: Service elements shall be concentrated and located so that impacts to pedestrians and other abutting uses are minimized. The impacts of service elements shall be mitigated with landscaping and an enclosure with fencing that is made of quality materials. Service ar eas not adjacent to streets, pathways, or pedestrian-oriented spaces are encouraged to implement vegetative screening in addition to or as part of service enclosures. ✓ Standard: Service elements shall be located and designed to minimize the impacts on the pedestrian environment and adjacent uses. Service elements shall be concentrated and located where they are accessible to service vehicles and convenient for tenant use. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 20 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Staff Comment: See previous discussion above under FOF 16 Development Standards: Refuse and Recycling. The proposed service area location would be far removed from proposed pedestrian area. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: In addition to standard enclosure requirements, garbage, recycling collection, and utility areas shall be enclosed on all sides, including the roof and screened around their perimeter by a wall or fence and have self-closing doors. Staff Comment: A screening detail for the proposed service area was not included with the submitted application materials. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that garbage, recycling collection, and utility areas shall be enclosed on all sides, including the roof and screened around their perimeter by a wall or fence and have self-closing doors. A screening detail shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Building Permit review for review and approval. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: Service enclosures shall be made of masonry, ornamental metal or wood, or some combination of the three (3). Staff Comment: As previously discussed above, a service area screening detail was not included with the submitted application materials. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval that the proposed service area screening be comprised of masonry, ornamental metal, wood, or some combination of the three (3). ✓ Standard: If the service area is adjacent to a street, pathway, or pedestrian-oriented space, a landscaped planting strip, minimum 3 feet wide, shall be located on 3 sides of such facility. Staff Comment: As previously discussed above, the proposed service area location would be far removed from proposed pedestrian area and would be screened from the abutting property to the north with a fifteen-foot (15’) wide landscaped strip. e. Gateways: Intent: To distinguish gateways as primary entrances to districts or to the City, special design features and architectural elements at gateways should be provided. While gateways should be distinctive within the context of the district, they should also be compatible with the district in form and scale. Guidelines: Service elements shall be concentrated and located so that impacts to pedestrians and other abutting uses are minimized. The impacts of service elements shall be mitigated with landscaping and an enclosure with fencing that is made of quality materials. N/A Standard: Developments located at district gateways shall be marked with visually prominent features. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the project site is not located at a district gateway. N/A Standard: Gateway elements shall be oriented toward and scaled for both pedestrians and vehicles. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the project site is not located at a district gateway. N/A Standard: Visual prominence shall be distinguished by two (2) or more of the following: a. Public art; b. Special landscape treatment; City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 21 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL c. Open space/plaza; d. Landmark building form; e. Special paving, unique pedestrian scale lighting, or bollards; f. Prominent architectural features (trellis, arbor, pergola, or gazebo); g. Neighborhood or district entry identification (commercial signs do not qualify). Staff Comment: Not applicable, the project site is not located at a district gateway. 2. PARKING AND VEHICULAR ACCESS: Intent: To provide safe, convenient access to the Urban Center and the Center Village; incorporate various modes of transportation, including public mass transit, in order to reduce traffic volumes and other impacts from vehicles; ensure sufficient parking is provided, while encouraging creativity in reducing the impacts of parking areas; allow an active pedestrian environment by maintaining contiguous street frontages, without parking lot siting along sidewalks and building facades; minimize the visual impact of parking lots; and use access streets and parking to maintain an urban edge to the district. a. Surface Parking: Intent: To maintain active pedestrian environments along streets by placing parking lots primarily in back of buildings. Guidelines: Surface parking shall be located and designed so as to reduce the visual impact of the parking area and associated vehicles. Large areas of surface parking shall also be designed to accommodate future infill development. ✓ Standard: Parking shall be located so that no surface parking is located between: a. A building and the front property line; and/or b. A building and the side property line (when on a corner lot). Staff Comment: There is no parking located between the proposed convenience store and bank buildings and the public street. ✓ Standard: Parking shall be located so that it is screened from surrounding streets by buildings, landscaping, and/or gateway features as dictated by location. Staff Comment: The surface parking would be screened from surrounding streets by the proposed convenience store and bank building and a s previously discussed above under FOF 16, Zoning and Development Standards Compliance: Landscaping, by a minimum 10-foot wide, perimeter parking lot landscape strip would be required around the surface parking lot. b. Structured Parking Garages: Intent: To promote more efficient use of land needed for vehicle parking; encourage the use of structured parking; physically and visually integrate parking garages with other uses; and reduce the overall impact of parking garages. Guidelines: Parking garages shall not dominate the streetscape; they shall be designed to be complementary with adjacent and abutting buildings. They shall be sited to complement, not subordinate, pedestrian entries. Similar forms, materials, and/or details to the primary building(s) should be used to enhance garages. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 22 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL N/A Standard: Parking structures shall provide space for ground floor commercial uses along street frontages at a minimum of seventy five percent (75%) of the building frontage width. Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. N/A Standard: The entire facade must feature a pedestrian-oriented facade. The Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic Development may approve parking structures that do not feature a pedestrian orientation in limited circumstances. If allowed, the structure shall be set back at least six feet (6') from the sidewalk and feature substantial landscaping. This landscaping shall include a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, and ground cover. This setback shall be increased to ten feet (10') when abutting a primary arterial and/or minor arterial. Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. N/A Standard: Public facing facades shall be articulated by arches, lintels, masonry trim, or other architectural elements and/or materials. Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. N/A Standard: The entry to the parking garage shall be located away from the primary street, to either the side or rear of the building. Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. N/A Standard: Parking garages at grade shall include screening or be enclosed from view with treatment such as walls, decorative grilles, trellis with landscaping, or a combination of treatments. Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. N/A Standard: The Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic Development or designee may allow a reduced setback where the applicant can successfully demonstrate that the landscaped area and/or other design treatment meets the intent of these standards and guidelines. Possible treatments to reduce the setback include landscaping components plus one or more of the following integrated with the architectural design of the building: a. Ornamental grillwork (other than vertical bars); b. Decorative artwork; c. Display windows; d. Brick, tile, or stone; e. Pre-cast decorative panels; f. Vine-covered trellis; g. Raised landscaping beds with decorative materials; or h. Other treatments that meet the intent of this standard... Staff Comment: Not appliable, no structured parking is proposed. c. Vehicular Access: City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 23 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Intent: To maintain a contiguous and uninterrupted sidewalk by minimizing, consolidating, and/or eliminating vehicular access off streets. Guidelines: Vehicular access to parking garages and parking lots shall not impede or interrupt pedestrian mobility. The impacts of curb cuts to pedestrian access on sidewalks shall be minimized. N/A Standard: Access to parking lots and garages shall be from alleys, when available. If not available, access shall occur at side streets. Staff Comment: Not applicable, there are no alleys or side streets abutting the project site. One driveway access off SE Petrovitsky Rd and one driveway access off of Benson Dr S is proposed. ✓ Standard: The number of driveways and curb cuts shall be minimized for vehicular access purposes, so that pedestrian circulation along the sidewalk is minimally impeded. Staff Comment: One driveway access off SE Petrovitsky Rd and one driveway access off of Benson Dr S is proposed, which would reduce the potential conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles on and around the project site. 3. PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT: Intent: To enhance the urban character of development in the Urban Center and the Center Village by creating pedestrian networks and by providing strong links from streets and drives to building entrances; make the pedestrian environment safer and more convenient, comfortable, and pleasant to walk between businesses, on sidewalks, to and from access points, and through parking lots; and promote the use of multi-modal and public transportation systems in order to reduce other vehicular traffic. a. Pedestrian Circulation: Intent: To create a network of linkages for pedestrians to improve safety and convenience and enhance the pedestrian environment. Guidelines: The pedestrian environment shall be given priority and importance in the design of projects. Sidewalks and/or pathways shall be provided and shall provide safe access to buildings from parking areas. Providing pedestrian connections to abutting properties is an important aspect of connectivity and encourages pedestrian activity and shall be considered. Pathways shall be easi ly identifiable to pedestrians and drivers. ✓ Standard: A pedestrian circulation system of pathways that are clearly delineated and connect buildings, open space, and parking areas with the sidewalk system and abutting properties shall be provided. a. Pathways shall be located so that there are clear sight lines, to increase safety. b. Pathways shall be an all-weather or appropriate permeable walking surface material, unless the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed surface is appropriate for the anticipated number of users and complementary to the design of the development. Staff Comment: The proposed site plan (Exhibit 2) includes pedestrian walkways around the convenience store and bank buildings. The proposed walkway around the bank would range in width from four feet (4’) to 8 feet, four inches (8’4”) and the minimum walkway width around the convenience store is eight feet (8’). The proposed sidewalks would be paved and would compliment the design of the development. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 24 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL N/A Standard: Pathways within parking areas shall be provided and differentiated by material or texture (i.e., raised walkway, stamped concrete, or pavers) from abutting paving materials. Permeable materials are encouraged. The pathways shall be perpendicular to the applicable building facade and no greater than one hundred fifty feet (150') apart. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the proposed surface parking areas are less than 150 feet in width; therefore pedestrian walkways through the parking lot would not be required. ✓ Standard: Sidewalks and pathways along the facades of buildings shall be of sufficient width to accommodate anticipated numbers of users. Specifically: a. Sidewalks and pathways along the facades of mixed use and retail buildings 100 or more feet in width (measured along the facade) shall provide sidewalks at least 12 feet in width. The walkway shall include an 8-foot minimum unobstructed walking surface. b. Interior pathways shall be provided and shall vary in width to establish a hierarchy. The widths shall be based on the intended number of users; to be no smaller than five feet (5') and no greater than twelve feet (12'). c. For all other interior pathways, the proposed walkway shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the anticipated number of users. Staff Comment: The submitted site plan (Exhibit 2) denotes the locations of pedestrian walkways around the proposed buildings. There are not buildings facades gre ater than 100 feet in length; therefore criterion ‘a’ above would not be applicable. The proposed walkways would vary in width from a minimum of five feet (5’) to ten feet (10’) and would be of an appropriate width for the anticipated number of users. N/A Standard: Mid-block connections between buildings shall be provided. ✓ Standard: Permeable pavement pedestrian circulation features shall be used where feasible, consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual. Staff Comment: See stormwater discussion below under FOF 20 Site Plan Review Criteria. b. Pedestrian Amenities: Intent: To create attractive spaces that unify the building and street environments and are inviting and comfortable for pedestrians; and provide publicly accessible areas that function for a variety of year - round activities, under typical seasonal weather conditions. Guidelines: The pedestrian environment shall be given priority and importance in the design of projects. Amenities that encourage pedestrian use and enhance the pedestrian experience shall be included. ✓ Standard: Architectural elements that incorporate plants, particularly at building entrances, in publicly accessible spaces and at facades along streets, shall be provided. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted site plan and landscape plan (Exhibits 2 & 3, respectively), there is a public plaza proposed at the intersection of Benson and Petrovitsky that would incorporate pedestrian amenities including benches, pavement treatment, as well as landscaping. In addition, areas adjacent to primary building entrances would incorporate weather protection, and landscaping. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 25 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Complaint if condition of approval is met Standard: Amenities such as outdoor group seating, benches, transit shelters, fountains, and public art shall be provided. a. Site furniture shall be made of durable, vandal- and weather-resistant materials that do not retain rainwater and can be reasonably maintained over an extended period of time. b. Site furniture and amenities shall not impede or block pedestrian access to public spaces or building entrances. Staff Comment: A pedestrian plaza is proposed at the intersection of Benson and Petrovitsky. There appears to be benches shown on the submitted landscape plan (Exhibit 3) within the plaza area, however no site furniture details were included with the submitted materials. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that proposed amenity details, including outdoor seating should be provided at the time of Construction Permit application for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. Site furniture shall be made of durable, vandal - and weather- resistant materials that do not retain rainwater and can be reasonably maintained over an extended period of time. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: Pedestrian overhead weather protection in the form of awnings, marquees, canopies, or building overhangs shall be provided. These elements shall be a minimum of four and one-half feet (4-1/2') wide along at least seventy five percent (75%) of the length of the building facade facing the street, a maximum height of fifteen feet (15') above the ground elevation, and no lower than eight feet (8') above ground level. Staff Comment: Overhead weather protection is proposed over the building entries and along the street facing façades, however staff was unable to verify that the proposed weather protection would comprise seventy five percent (75%) of the façade. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that the applicant demonstrate that the weather protection proposed comprise seventy five percent (75%) of the street facing façades. A revised site plan and building elevations demonstrating compliance with this requirement shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Building Permit review for review and approval. 4. RECREATION AREAS AND COMMON OPEN SPACE: Intent: To ensure that areas for both passive and active recreation are available to residents, workers, and visitors and that these areas are of sufficient size for the intended activity and in convenient locations. To create usable and inviting open space that is accessible to the publi c; and to promote pedestrian activity on streets particularly at street corners. Guidelines: Developments located at street intersections should provide pedestrian-oriented space at the street corner to emphasize pedestrian activity (illustration below). Recreation and common open space areas are integral aspects of quality development that encourage pedestrians and users. These areas shall be provided in an amount that is adequate to be functional and usable; they shall also be landscaped and located so that they are appealing to users and pedestrians N/A Standard: All mixed use residential and attached housing developments of ten (10) or more dwelling units shall provide common opens space and/or recreation areas. a. At minimum, fifty (50) square feet per unit shall be provided. b. The location, layout, and proposed type of common space or recreation area shall be subject to approval by the Administrator. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 26 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL c. Open space or recreation areas shall be located to provide sun and light exposure to the area and located so that they are aggregated to provide usable area(s) for residents. d. For projects with more than one hundred (100) dwelling units, vegetated low impact development facilities may be used in required or provided open space where feasible and designed consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual. Such facilities shall be counted towards no more than fifty percent (50%) of the required open space. e. At least one of the following shall be provided in each open space and/or recreation area (the Administrator may require more than one of the following elements for developments having more than one hundred (100) units): i. Courtyards, plazas, pea patches, or multi-purpose open spaces; ii. Upper level common decks, patios, terraces, or roof gardens. Such spaces above the street level must feature views or amenities that are unique to the site and are provided as an asset to the development; iii. Pedestrian corridors dedicated to passive recreation and separate from the public street system; iv. Recreation facilities including, but not limited to, tennis/sports courts, swimming pools, exercise areas, game rooms, or other similar facilities; or v. Children’s play spaces that are centrally located near a majority of dwelling units and visible from surrounding units. They shall also be located away from hazardous areas such as garbage dumpsters, drainage facilities, and parking areas. f. The following shall not be counted toward the common open space or recreation area requirement: i. Required landscaping, driveways, parking, or other vehicular use areas. ii. Required yard setback areas. Except for areas that are developed as private or semi-private (from abutting or adjacent properties) courtyards, plazas or passive use areas containing landscaping and fencing sufficient to create a fully usable area accessible to all residents of the development. iii. Private decks, balconies, and private ground floor open space. iv. Other required landscaping and sensitive area buffers without common access links, such as pedestrian trails. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the proposal does not include residential development. N/A Standard: All buildings and developments with over thirty thousand (30,000) square feet of nonresidential uses (excludes parking garage floorplate areas) shall provide pedestrian-oriented space. a. The pedestrian-oriented space shall be provided according to the following formula: 1% of the site area + 1% of the gross building area, at minimum. b. The pedestrian-oriented space shall include all of the following: City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 27 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL i. Visual and pedestrian access (including barrier-free access) to the abutting structures from the public right-of-way or a nonvehicular courtyard; and ii. Paved walking surfaces of either concrete or approved unit paving; and iii. On-site or building-mounted lighting providing at least four (4) foot- candles (average) on the ground; and iv. At least three (3) lineal feet of seating area (bench, ledge, etc.) or one individual seat per sixty (60) square feet of plaza area or open space. c. The following areas shall not count as pedestrian-oriented space: i. The minimum required walkway. However, where walkways are widened or enhanced beyond minimum requirements, the area may count as pedestrian-oriented space if the Administrator determines such space meets the definition of pedestrian-oriented space. ii. Areas that abut landscaped parking lots, chain link fences, blank walls, and/or dumpsters or service areas. d. Outdoor storage (shopping carts, potting soil bags, firewood, etc.) is prohibited within pedestrian-oriented space. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the proposal does not include more than 30,000 sq. ft. of non-residential uses. ✓ Standard: Public plazas shall be provided at intersections identified in the Commercial Arterial Zone Public Plaza Locations Map and as listed below: a. Benson Area: Benson Drive S./108th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 176th. b. Bronson Area: Intersections with Bronson Way North at: i. Factory Avenue N./Houser Way S.; ii. Garden Avenue N.; and iii. Park Avenue N. and N. First Street. c. Cascade Area: Intersection of 116th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 168th Street. d. Northeast Fourth Area: Intersections with N.E. Fourth at: i. Duvall Avenue N.E.; ii. Monroe Avenue N.E.; and iii. Union Avenue N.E. e. Grady Area: Intersections with Grady Way at: i. Lind Avenue S.W.; ii. Rainier Avenue S.; iii. Shattuck Avenue S.; and iv. Talbot Road S. f. Puget Area: Intersection of S. Puget Drive and Benson Road S. g. Rainier Avenue Area: Intersections with Rainier Avenue S. at: i. Airport Way/Renton Avenue S.; City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 28 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL ii. S. Second Street; iii. S. Third Street/S.W. Sunset Boulevard; iv. S. Fourth Street; and v. S. Seventh Street. h. North Renton Area: Intersections with Park Avenue N. at: i. N. Fourth Street; and ii. N. Fifth Street. i. Northeast Sunset Area: Intersections with N.E. Sunset Boulevard at: i. Duvall Avenue N.E.; and ii. Union Avenue N.E. Staff Comment: The project site is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Benson Dr. S and SE Petrovitsky Rd and is required to provide a public plaza. The submitted application materials include a public plaza. ✓ Standard: The plaza shall measure no less than one thousand (1,000) square feet with a minimum dimension of twenty feet (20') on one side abutting the sidewalk. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted landscape plan (Exhibit 3), the proposed plaza would have a minimum dimension of 20 feet and a total area of approximately 1,000 sq. ft. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: The public plaza must be landscaped consistent with RMC 4-4-070, including at minimum street trees, decorative paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and seating. Vegetated low impact development facilities may be used in the plaza where feasible and designed consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual. Such facilities shall count towards no more than fifty percent (50%) of the plaza requirement. Staff Comment: The proposed plaza would be paved and landscaped with street trees, however details regarding pedestrian-scaled lighting, and seating were not provided. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that plaza details be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Construction Permit application for review and approval. The detailed plan for the plaza shall include street trees, decorative paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and seating. 5. BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Intent: To encourage building design that is unique and urban in character, comfortable on a human scale, and uses appropriate building materials that are suitable for the Pacific Northwest climate. To discourage franchise retail architecture. a. Building Character and Massing: Intent: To ensure that buildings are not bland and visually appear to be at a human scale; and ensure that all sides of a building, that can be seen by the public, are visually interesting. Guidelines: Building facades shall be modulated and/or articulated to reduce the apparent size of buildings, break up long blank walls, add visual interest, and enhance the character of the neighborhood. Articulation, modulation, and their intervals should create a sense of scale important to residential buildings. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 29 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: All building facades shall include modulation or articulation at intervals of no more than forty feet (40'). Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2) and architectural elevations (Exhibits 4 & 5), the proposed convenience store would include modulation and articulation around all facades. The north elevation of the proposed bank building does not include any modulation or articulation, however all other sides of the building would. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that the architectural elevation of the north façade of the proposed bank building be amended to include modulation and articulation to break up the façade. The revised elevations shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. ✓ Standard: Modulations shall be a minimum of two feet (2') deep, sixteen feet (16') in height, and eight feet (8') in width. Staff Comment: The proposed modulations would comply with the minimum two -foot (2’) depth, sixteen-foot (16’) height, and eight-foot (8’) width requirements. N/A Standard: Buildings greater than one hundred sixty feet (160') in length shall provide a variety of modulations and articulations to reduce the apparent bulk and scale of the facade; or provide an additional special feature such as a clock tower, courtyard, fountain, or public gathering area. Staff Comment: No applicable, none of the proposed buildings exceed one 160 feet in length. b. Ground-Level Details: Intent: To ensure that buildings are visually interesting and reinforce the intended human-scale character of the pedestrian environment; and ensure that all sides of a building within near or distant public view have visual interest. Guidelines: The use of material variations such as colors, brick, shingles, stucco, and horizontal wood siding is encouraged. The primary building entrance should be made visibly prominent by incorporating architectural features such as a facade overhang, trellis, large entry doors, and/or ornamental lighting (illustration below). Detail features should also be used, to include things such as decorative entry paving, street furniture (benches, etc.), and/or public art. ✓ Standard: Human-scaled elements such as a lighting fixtures, trellis, or other landscape features shall be provided along the facade’s ground floor. Staff Comment: The proposal includes human scaled elements such as glazing, large entry doors, weather protection, material variation and color, and landscaping. Compliant if conditions of approval are met Standard: On any facade visible to the public, transparent windows and/or doors are required to comprise at least 50 percent of the portion of the ground floor facade that is between 4 feet and 8 feet above ground (as measured on the true elevation). Staff Comment: Architectural elevations and floor plans (Exhibits 4 and 5, respectively) were included with the submittal and show the locations of proposed glazing and it appears the proposed glazing would largely comply with the intent of this standard. The north elevation of the proposed bank building includes one (1) window that would provide natural light into the staff lounge, the remainder of this façade would encapsulate a data center and restroom that would preclude the proposal from complying with this standard. To mitigate for the lack of glazing proposed along the City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 30 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL north façade of the bank building, staff recommends reducing the width of the driveway abutting the north façade of the bank building and incorporating a four -foot (4’) wide landscaped strip between the north building façade and the sidewalk to provide visual interest in lieu of glazing. This landscaped area shall be planted with a combination of trees, shrubs, and evergreen ground cover. A revised site and landscape plan showing this landscape area shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Construction Permit review. The south and west elevations of the proposed convenience store include a “faux storefront fenestration” in lieu of the required glazing and do not appear to provide the required fifty percent (50%) transparent windows and/or doors along 50 percent of the portion of the ground floor facade that is between 4 feet and 8 feet above ground. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that revised elevations for the proposed convenience store be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. The revised elevations shall demonstrate that the south, west, and north elevatio ns provide the required fifty percent (50%) transparent windows and/or doors along 50 percent (50%) of the portion of the ground floor facade that is between 4 feet and 8 feet above ground . The east elevation of the proposed convenience store would not include glazing, however this façade would be oriented towards the fifteen -foot (15’) wide landscape strip proposed along the east property line and would not be visible to the public, therefore the convenience store elevations would comply with the intent of this standards. N/A Standard: Upper portions of building facades shall have clear windows with visibility into and out of the building. However, screening may be applied to provide shade and energy efficiency. The minimum amount of light transmittance for windows shall be 50 percent. Staff Comment: The existing building is one story and does not include upper level windows. N/A Standard: Display windows shall be designed for frequent change of merchandise, rather than permanent displays. ✓ Standard: Where windows or storefronts occur, they must principally contain clear glazing. Staff Comment: According to the submitted architectural elevations, the glazing proposed would be clear. ✓ Standard: Tinted and dark glass, highly reflective (mirror-type) glass and film are prohibited. Staff Comment: According to the submitted architectural elevations, the proposal does not include tinted or reflective glazing. ✓ Standard: Untreated blank walls visible from public streets, sidewalks, or interior pedestrian pathways are prohibited. A wall (including building facades and retaining walls) is considered a blank wall if: a. It is a ground floor wall or portion of a ground floor wall over 6 feet in height, has a horizontal length greater than 15 feet, and does not include a window, door, building modulation or other architectural detailing; or City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 31 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL b. Any portion of a ground floor wall has a surface area of 400 square feet or greater and does not include a window, door, building modulation or other architectural detailing. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted architectural elevations for the bank (Exhibit 4) and convenience store (Exhibit 5), the east and north elevation of the proposed bank include untreated blank walls. Staff has previously recommended additional landscaping along the north elevation to provide screening, which would comply with the intent of this standard. Additional treatment for the blank wall proposed along the east elevation would also be required. See further discussion below. The south, north, and east elevations of the proposed convenience store would have areas of untreated blank walls. As previously discussed above, the east façade would be screened via a proposed fifteen-foot (15’) wide landscape strip, which would comply with the intent of this standard. Additional treatment of the blank walls proposed on the convenience store’s south and north elevations would be required, see further discussion below. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: If blank walls are required or unavoidable, blank walls shall be treated with one or more of the following: a. A planting bed at least five feet in width containing trees, shrubs, evergreen ground cover, or vines adjacent to the blank wall; b. Trellis or other vine supports with evergreen climbing vines; c. Architectural detailing such as reveals, contrasting materials, or other special detailing that meets the intent of this standard; d. Artwork, such as bas-relief sculpture, mural, or similar; or e. Seating area with special paving and seasonal planting. Staff Comment: As previously discussed above, the east and north elevation of the proposed bank and the south and north elevations of the proposed convenience store would have areas of untreated blank walls. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that the untreated blank walls along east and north elevation of the proposed bank and the south and north elevations of the proposed convenience store be treated with a planting bed at least five feet (5’) in width containing trees, shrubs, evergreen ground cover, or vines adjacent to the blank wall; trellis or other vine supports with evergreen climbing vines; architectural detailing such as reveals, contrasting materials, or other special detailing that meets the intent of this standard; artwork, such as bas-relief sculpture, mural, or similar; or seating area with special paving and seasonal planting. c. Building Roof Lines: Intent: To ensure that roof forms provide distinctive profiles and interest consistent with an urban project and contribute to the visual continuity of the district. Guidelines: Building roof lines shall be varied and include architectural elements to add visual interest to the building. ✓ Standard: Buildings shall use at least one of the following elements to create varied and interesting roof profiles: City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 32 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL a. Extended parapets; b. Feature elements projecting above parapets; c. Projected cornices; d. Pitched or sloped roofs e. Buildings containing predominantly residential uses shall have pitched roofs with a minimum slope of one to four (1:4) and shall have dormers or interesting roof forms that break up the massiveness of an uninterrupted sloping roof. Staff Comment: As shown on the proposed elevations (Exhibits 4 and 5), the proposed convenience store and bank buildings will feature varying parapet and canopy heights to break up the apparent mass of the building. In addition, as shown on the elevation for the proposed gas station canopy (Exhibit 6), a sloped roof is proposed to add visual interest. d. Building Materials: Intent: To ensure high standards of quality and effective maintenance over time; encourage the use of materials that reduce the visual bulk of large buildings; and encourage the use of materials that add visual interest to the neighborhood. Guidelines: Building materials are an important and integral part of the architectural design of a building that is attractive and of high quality. Material variation shall be used to create visual appeal and eliminate monotony of facades. This shall occur on all facades in a consistent manner. High quality materials shall be used. If materials like concrete or block walls are used they shall be enhanced to create variation and enhance their visual appeal. ✓ Standard: All sides of buildings visible from a street, pathway, parking area, or open space shall be finished on all sides with the same building materials, detailing, and color scheme, or if different, with materials of the same quality. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted architectural elevations (Exhibits 4, 5 and 6) for the convenience store, bank, and gas station canopy, respectively, all elevations visible from the street or parking area would be finished on the same sides with the same building materials. The finishes proposed on the convenience store would include faux stone, fiber cement board/batten siding, fiber cement panels, metal canopies, and prefinished metal parapet caps. The finishes proposed on the bank building would include stone, fiber cement panels, and metal canopies. The finishes proposed on the gas station canopy would include stone work around the columns. ✓ Standard: All buildings shall use material variations such as colors, brick or metal banding, patterns or textural changes. Staff Comment: As previously discussed above the material finishes on the proposed buildings would include a variety of colors, patterns and textures. ✓ Standard: Materials, individually or in combination, shall have texture, pattern, and be detailed on all visible facades. Staff Comment: As previously discussed above, the architectural elevations (Exhibits 4, 5, and 6) for the bank, convenience store, and gas station canopy, respectively, include finished that would provide a variety of texture, pattern and color variation along each façade as well as between buildings within the proposed development. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 33 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: Materials shall be durable, high quality, and consistent with more traditional urban development, such as brick, integrally colored concrete masonry, pre-finished metal, stone, steel, glass and cast-in-place concrete. Staff Comment: To ensure that the proposed materials are of high quality, staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that a materials board be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit application. N/A Standard: If concrete is used, walls shall be enhanced by techniques such as texturing, reveals, and/or coloring with a concrete coating or admixture. ✓ Standard: If concrete block walls are used, they shall be enhanced with integral color, textured blocks and colored mortar, decorative band pattern and/or shall incorporate other masonry materials. Staff Comment: As shown on the submitted elevations (Exhibit 4 and 5) the proposed bank would include a textured stone veneer and the convenience store would include a faux stone finish that would add variety and texture to the proposed facades. ✓ Standard: All buildings shall use material variations such as colors, brick or metal banding, patterns, or textural changes. Staff Comment: See previous discussion above. 6. SIGNAGE: In addition to the City’s standard sign regulations, developments within Urban Design Districts C and D are also subject to the additional sign restrictions found in RMC 4-4-100G, urban design sign area regulations. Modifications to the standard requirements found in RMC 4-4-100G are possible for those proposals that can comply with the Design District criteria found in RMC 4-3-100F, Modification of Minimum Standards. For proposals unable to meet the modification criteria, a variance is required. ✓ Standard: Signage shall be an integral part of the design approach to the building. Staff Comment: A sign package was not included with the submitted application materials however the location of proposed monument signage was shown on the submitted site plan (Exhibit 2) and conceptual wall signs were shown on the building elevations (Exhibit 4, 5, and 6). The proposed wall signs would be integrated into the proposed design of the buildings, with prominent wall signs over the building entrances. N/A Standard: In mixed use and multi-use buildings, signage shall be coordinated with the overall building design. Staff Comment: Not applicable, the proposal does not include at mixed use or multi - use building. ✓ Standard: Corporate logos and signs shall be sized appropriately for their location. Staff Comment: The proposed wall signs appear to be proportionate to the size of the wall on which they are located. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Entry signs shall be limited to the name of the larger development. Staff Comment: A sign package including the entry signs was not included with the submitted application materials. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 34 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL ✓ Standard: Alteration of trademarks notwithstanding, corporate signage should not be garish in color nor overly lit, although creative design, strong accent colors, and interesting surface materials and lighting techniques are encouraged. Staff Comment: The proposed signage shown on the submitted elevations (Exhibits 4, 5, and 6) does not appear to be garish in nature. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Front-lit, ground-mounted monument signs are the preferred type of freestanding sign. Staff Comment: Sign details for the monument signs were not included with the project application materials. N/A Standard: Blade type signs, proportional to the building facade on which they are mounted, are encouraged on pedestrian-oriented streets. Staff Comment: Not applicable, no blade signs were shown on the submitted elevations. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: All of the following are prohibited: a. Pole signs; b. Roof signs; and c. Back-lit signs with letters or graphics on a plastic sheet (can signs or illuminated cabinet signs). Exceptions: Back-lit logo signs less than ten (10) square feet are permitted as area signs with only the individual letters back- lit (see illustration, subsection G8 of this Section). Staff Comment: A formal sign package was not included with the submitted application materials. Compliance with these requirements would be verified at the time of formal sign permit review. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Freestanding ground-related monument signs, with the exception of primary entry signs, shall be limited to five feet (5') above finished grade, including support structure. Staff Comment: A formal sign package was not included with the submitted application materials. Compliance with these requirements would be verified at the time of formal sign permit review. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Freestanding signs shall include decorative landscaping (ground cover and/or shrubs) to provide seasonal interest in the area surrounding the sign. Alternately, signage may incorporate stone, brick, or other decorative materials as approved by the Director. Staff Comment: A formal sign package was not included with the submitted application materials. Compliance with these requirements would be verified at the time of formal sign permit review. 7. LIGHTING: Intent: To ensure safety and security; provide adequate lighting levels in pedestrian areas such as plazas, pedestrian walkways, parking areas, building entries, and other public places; and increase the visual attractiveness of the area at all times of the day and night. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 35 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL 18. Modification Analysis: The applicant is requesting a modification from RMC 4-4-080 in order to exceed the maximum number of 24 permitted parking spaces to 44 spaces. The proposal is compliant with the following modification criteria, pursuant to RMC 4-9-250.D.2, if all conditions of approval are met. Therefore, staff is recommending approval of the requested modification: Compliance Modification Criteria and Analysis ✓ a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives. Staff Comment: See FOF 15, Comprehensive Plan Analysis. The project site is located within the Commercial and Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation, the purpose of this designation includes supporting new commercial development that is more intensive than what exists to create a vibrant district and increase employment opportunities. The proposed development of the site with a bank, convenience store, and gas station would increase the intensity of the development on the project site and would forward the goals of the CMU land use designation and the requested p arking modification would support the intensification of the new commercial development. Compliant if condition of approval is met b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment. Staff Comment: A Parking Modification Justification (Exhibit 23) and a Parking Analysis (Exhibit 22) were included with the submitted application materials. The applicant contends that the additional parking is necessary for the convenience store as customer Guidelines: Lighting that improves pedestrian safety and also that creates visual interest in the building and site during the evening hours shall be provided. Compliant if condition of approval is met Standard: Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be provided at primary and secondary building entrances. Examples include sconces on building facades, awnings with down- lighting and decorative street lighting. Staff Comment: A lighting plan was not included with the submitted application materials, therefore staff was unable to verify compliance with this requirement. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that a lighting plan and light fixture details be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Accent lighting shall also be provided on building facades (such as sconces) and/or to illuminate other key elements of the site such as gateways, specimen trees, other significant landscaping, water features, and/or artwork. Staff Comment: See discussion above. Compliance not yet demonstrated Standard: Downlighting shall be used in all cases to assure safe pedestrian and vehicular movement, unless alternative pedestrian scale lighting has been approved administratively or is specifically listed as exempt from provisions located in RMC 4- 4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site (i.e., signage, governmental flags, temporary holiday or decorative lighting, right-of-way-lighting, etc.). Staff Comment: See discussion above. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 36 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL volumes peak on Fridays during the morning, noon, and afternoon times. To accommodate the peak customer volumes, the parking analysis concludes that as many as 18 parking spaces could be anticipated for customer use and five (5) parking spaces would be anticipated for employee use resulting in a total parking demand of 23 spaces and two (2) additional ADA spaces for the convenience store. According to the submitted Parking Analysis (Exhibit 22), the bank would have peak customer hours daily between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm where 18-19 customers visit each half hour (not including ATM transactions which can account for an additional 8-10 customers), which equates to a peak parking demand of 20 spaces during peak times. In addition, to serve these customers, the bank would have up to 10 employees working at peak times, requiring a total parking demand of 30 spaces during peak times. As noted above, the peak parking demand for each use would only potentially overlap during mid-day on Fridays, the applicant anticipates that the total proposed shared spaces would adequately accommodate the parking needs on the site even during most peak times. As previously discussed above under FOF 16 Development Standards: Tree Retention, staff is recommending a reduction in some of the provide parking to accommodate tree retention. Landscaping, pedestrian connections, and screening will be provided throughout the proposed parking areas, consistent with the City development standards and urban design regulations. In addition, the proposed surface parking would largely be screened from the public view by the proposed convenience store and bank buildings and landscaping. To further mitigate for the proposed additional expanse of asphalt that would be generated by the additional parking spaces, staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that a mix of large maturing evergreen and deciduous trees be planted within the interior parking lot landscaped areas. A detailed landscape plan showing the large maturing evergreen and deciduous trees shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Construction Permit Review for review and approval. ✓ c. Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity. Staff Comment: There are no identified adverse impacts to other properties from the requested modification to provide additional parking. It is anticipated that the additional parking would accommodate parking needs onsite during peak parking demand periods. ✓ d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code. Staff Comment: See comments under criterion ‘b’. ✓ e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended. Staff Comment: See comments under criterion ‘b’. 19. Modification Analysis: The applicant is requesting a modification from RMC 4-6-060 in order to comply with the design included in the City of Renton’s 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Carr Road corridor (City TIP #31) and also identified in the preliminary (pre-30%) design plans for the intersection improvements prepared by the City’s Transportation Division in 2014/2015. Due to the proposed frontage design being required by the City, a street modification is required to allow a modification to the standard frontage design along both roads. The proposal is compliant with the City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 37 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL following modification criteria, pursuant to RMC 4-9-250.D.2, if all conditions of approval are met. Therefore, staff is recommending approval of the requested modification: Compliance Modification Criteria and Analysis ✓ a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives. Staff Comment: See FOF 16, Comprehensive Plan Analysis. The proposed design is consistent with the design included in the City of Renton’s 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Carr Road corridor (City TIP #31) and also the design proposed in the preliminary (pre-30%) design plans for the intersection improvements prepared by the City’s Transportation Division in 2014/2015. ✓ b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment. Staff Comment: As noted above, the proposed modification would meet the objectives of function and maintainability intended by the code requirements as it would comply with alternative plans developed by the City’s Public Works Transportation Section, that deviate from the City’s adopted street standards. The City’s Public Works Transportation Division have reviewed the Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky rights-of-way and have determined that a modified street section is more suitable along the frontage of the project site as specified in the adopted TIP as well as the design plans for the intersection improvements. SE Petrovitsky Road (176th St SE) is a five lane Principal Arterial. Per RMC 4 -6-060, minimum ROW width required on a five-lane principal arterial is 103 feet (half-street ROW=51.5 feet) and would result in an approximate dedication ranging from 30 feet to 42 feet along the project frontage. Street frontage improvements on the north side of SE Petrovitsky Road identified in the City’s Transportation Division preliminary plan for TIP #31 include roadway widening to provide an additional 11-foot wide right-turn only lane, 0.5-foot-wide curb, 8-foot-wide landscaped planter, 12-foot wide sidewalk, and a 2-foot clear area from back of sidewalk to the new ROW line. These street and frontage improvements identified by the City Transportation Division to b e provided by the applicant would require varying ROW dedication along the frontage of the 3 parcels (approximate dedication would range from 19.5 feet to 31.5 feet). Benson Drive S (108th Ave SE/ SR 515) is a Principal Arterial. Per RMC 4 -6-060, the minimum ROW width required on a five-lane principal arterial is 103 feet (half-street ROW = 51.5 feet). Based on existing survey, the existing half street ROW width on the Benson Drive S site frontage is approximately 45 feet. Street frontage improvements on the east side of Benson Drive S identified per RMC 4-6-060 and also included in the City’s Transportation Division preliminary plan for TIP #31 include roadway widening to provide an 11-foot-wide acceleration lane, 0.5-foot-wide curb, 8-foot-wide landscaped planter, 8-foot-wide sidewalk, and 2-foot clear width from the back of sidewalk to the new ROW line. The street and frontage improvements identified by the City Transportation Division to be provided by the applicant would require a ROW dedication of approximately 17.5-ft. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 38 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL ✓ c. Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity. Staff Comment: There are no identified adverse impacts to other properties from the requested modification. New frontage improvements would be installed along the subject property’s abutting ROW. ✓ d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code. Staff Comment: See comments under criterion ‘b’. ✓ e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended. Staff Comment: See comments under criterion ‘b’. 20. Site Plan Review: Pursuant to RMC 4-9-200.B, Site Plan Review is required for development in the CA zoning classification when it is not exempt from Environmental (SEPA) Review. For Master Plan applications compliance with the review criteria for Site Plans are analyzed at a general level of detail to ensure nothing would preclude the development of the Site Plan. Given Site Plan applications are evaluated for compliance with the specific requirements of the RMC 4-9-200.E.3 the following table contains project elements intended to comply with level of detail needed for Site Plan requests: Compliance Site Plan Criteria and Analysis Compliant if conditions of approval are met a. Comprehensive Plan Compliance and Consistency . Staff Comment: See previous discussion under FOF 15, Comprehensive Plan Analysis. Compliant if conditions of approval are met b. Zoning Compliance and Consistency. Staff Comment: See discussion under FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard Compliance. Compliant if conditions of approval are met c. Design Regulation Compliance and Consistency . Staff Comment: See discussion under FOF 17, Design District Review. N/A d. Planned action ordinance and Development agreement Compliance and Consistency. ✓ e. Off-site Impacts. Structures: Restricting overscale structures and overconcentration of development on a particular portion of the site. Staff Comment: See FOF 17, Design District Review: Building Character and Massing. Circulation: Providing desirable transitions and linkages between uses, streets, walkways and adjacent properties. Staff Comment: The proposal would provide pedestrian connections between the primary building entrance and the public sidewalk within the public right -of-way. In addition, pedestrian walkways are proposed around the buildings with connections to the surface parking lot, providing safe and efficient access for pedestrians. Vehicular access to the site is proposed via one curb cut off of Benson Dr. S and one curb cut off City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 39 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL of SE Petrovitsky Rd, which would minimize the vehicular access to and from the site and provide fewer interruptions to the public sidewalk. Utilities, Loading and Storage Areas: Locating, designing and screening storage areas, utilities, rooftop equipment, loading areas, and refuse and recyclables to minimize views from surrounding properties. Locate utilities underground consistent with RMC 4-6-090. Staff Comment: See FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard: Screening and Outdoor Storage. Views: Recognizing the public benefit and desirability of maintaining visual accessibility to attractive natural features. Staff Comment: The proposal includes the construction of single-story buildings and would not adversely impact existing views of surrounding development. Landscaping: Using landscaping to provide transitions between development and surrounding properties to reduce noise and glare, maintain privacy, and generally enhance the appearance of the project. Staff Comment: See discussion under FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard: Landscaping. Lighting: Designing and/or placing exterior lighting and glazing in order to avoid excessive brightness or glare to adjacent properties and streets. Staff Comment: A lighting plan was not provided with the application; therefore staff recommended that a lighting plan be provided at the time of building permit review (See Lighting discussion under FOF 17, Design Review: Lighting). ✓ f. On-site Impacts. Structure Placement: Provisions for privacy and noise reduction by building placement, spacing and orientation. Staff Comment: The proposed buildings are single-story commercial buildings, in addition landscaping is proposed around the site perimeter reducing any potential adverse privacy impacts on surrounding properties. The proposed bank and convenience store would be situated close to the public right-of-way, reducing any potential noise impact from these uses on surrounding properties. Structure Scale: Consideration of the scale of proposed structures in relation to natural characteristics, views and vistas, site amenities, sunlight, prevailing winds, and pedestrian and vehicle needs. Staff Comment: The proposal includes the construction of single-story buildings and would not adversely impact existing views of surrounding development. As previously discussed above, a modification was requested to exceed the maximum number of parking spaces permitted on the project site (see Modification discussion in FOF 18), therefore it is anticipated that the vehicular needs for the proposed development would be met. Natural Features: Protection of the natural landscape by retaining existing vegetation and soils, using topography to reduce undue cutting and filling, and limiting impervious surfaces. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 40 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Staff Comment: See previous discussion above under FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard Compliance: Tree Retention. Reducing Parking Impervious Areas: Design parking areas to minimize impervious surfaces, including but not limited to: (1) breaking up parking areas and directing stormwater flows to multiple low impact development features such as bioretention areas; (2) locating parking near trees to provide storm water uptake; (3) retaining or adding vegetation to parking areas; (4) placing existing parking that exceeds maximum parking ratios in permeable pavement designed consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual in RMC 4-6-030; and (5) using other low impact development techniques consistent with RMC 4-6-030 Staff Comment: See FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard: Landscaping and further discussion below regarding stormwater. Landscaping: Use of landscaping to soften the appearance of parking areas, to provide shade and privacy where needed, to define and enhance open spaces, and generally to enhance the appearance of the project. Landscaping also includes the design and protection of planting areas so that they are less susceptible to damage from vehicles or pedestrian movements. Staff Comment: See FOF 16, Zoning Development Standard: Landscaping. ✓ g. Access and Circulation. Location and Consolidation: Providing access points on side streets or frontage streets rather than directly onto arterial streets and consolidation of ingress and egress points on the site and, when feasible, with adjacent properties. Staff Comment: Vehicular access to the site is proposed via one curb cut off of Benson Dr. S and one curb cut off of SE Petrovitsky Rd, which would minimize the vehicular access to and from the site and provide fewer interruptions to the public sidewalk. Internal Circulation: Promoting safety and efficiency of the internal circulation system, including the location, design and dimensions of vehicular and pedestrian access points, drives, parking, turnarounds, walkways, bikeways, and emergency access ways. Staff Comment: The proposal would provide pedestrian connections between the primary building entrance and the public sidewalk within the public right -of-way. In addition, pedestrian walkways are proposed around the buildings with connections to the surface parking lot, providing safe and efficient access for pedestrians. Vehicular access to the site is proposed via one curb cut off of Benson Dr. S and one curb cut off of SE Petrovitsky Rd, which would minimize the vehicular access to and from the site and provide fewer interruptions to the public sidewalk. The existing and proposed vehicular and pedestrian circulation would be safe and efficient and provide adequate access for emergency vehicles. Loading and Delivery: Separating loading and delivery areas from parking and pedestrian areas. Staff Comment: The proposed buildings do not include separate locating and deliver areas. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 41 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL Transit and Bicycles: Providing transit, carpools and bicycle facilities and access. Staff Comment: Per RMC 4-4-080F.11.a bicycle parking spaces are required at 10% of the number of required off-street parking spaces, see previous discussion under FOF 16, Zoning Development Standards: Bicycle Parking. There are existing transit stops located on SE Benson Dr. S and SE Petrovitsky Rd., in addition the Ki ng County Rapid Ride I-Line project is proposed and Benson Dr. S and would have transit stops within the vicinity of the project site. Pedestrians: Providing safe and attractive pedestrian connections between parking areas, buildings, public sidewalks and adjacent properties. Staff Comment: The proposal would provide pedestrian connections between the primary building entrance and the public sidewalk within the public right -of-way. In addition, pedestrian walkways are proposed around the buildings with connections to the surface parking lot, providing safe and efficient access for pedestrians. ✓ h. Open Space: Incorporating open spaces to serve as distinctive project focal points and to provide adequate areas for passive and active recreation by the occupants/users of the site. Staff Comment: As previously discussed above, a public plaza is proposed at the intersection of Benson and Petrovitsky (see FOF 17, Design District Compliance: Recreation Areas and Common Open Space), in addition landscaping is proposed within and around the perimeter for the project site. ✓ i. Views and Public Access: When possible, providing view corridors to shorelines and Mt. Rainier, and incorporating public access to shorelines Staff Comment: The proposal includes the construction of single-story buildings, which would not block view corridors to shorelines or Mt. Rainier. The public access requirement to shorelines is not applicable to the proposal as there are not shorelines within the vicinity of the proposal. N/A j. Natural Systems: Arranging project elements to protect existing natural systems where applicable. Staff Comment: Not applicable, there are not critical areas mapped on the project site. ✓ k. Services and Infrastructure: Making available public services and facilities to accommodate the proposed use: Police and Fire. Staff Comment: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to the proposed development; if the applicant provides Code required improvements and fees. A Fire Impact Fee, based on a rate of $0.26 per square foot of commercial bank/office space and $1.25 per square foot of retail space would be applicable to the proposal. There is no fire impact fee applicable to the gas station canopy. This fee is assessed and paid at time of building permit issuance. Water and Sewer. Staff Comment: The subject development is within the water service area of Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. A Certificate of Water Availability dated 8/8/2022 (Exhibit 24) was provided with the application materials. The Certificate of Water Availability City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 42 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL notes that the “Water service will require and improvement to the water system of: Water main fronting south side of property along SE Petrovitsky Rd. Final water requirements and layout will be based on the final site development plan, road, storm, grading and fire marshal requirements.” A copy of the final approved water plans from Soos Creek Water and Sewer District shall be provided to the City prior to the issuance of a Civil Construction Permit. The subject development is within the sewer service area of Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. A Certificate of Sewer Availability dated 8/9/2022 (Exhibit 25) was provided with the application materials. A copy of the approved sewer plans from Soos Creek Water and Sewer District shall be provided to the City prior to approval of the Civil Construction Permit. If any of the existing buildings on the site are served by private on- site septic systems, the septic systems shall be abandoned in accordance with King County Department of Health regulations and Renton Municipal Code. Drainage. Staff Comment: A Preliminary Technical Information Report (TIR) prepared by Contour Engineering, LLC, dated August 2022 was submitted with the land use application materials. The project would be subject to the 2022 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual (RSWDM). Based on the City’s flow control map, the site falls within the Flow Control Duration Standard area matching Forested Site Conditions. The site falls within the Black River Drainage Basin. Existing surface water runoff is collected and conveyed via catch basins to an existing underground storm drainage system, that collects and conveys stormwater runoff from the existing buildings and parking lot off -site to the south, to the storm system in SE Petrovitsky RD. From there, it travels north along Benson DR S, and then along SE 174th Street. There is no existing on -site detention system. To comply with the flow control requirements of the RSWDM, stormwater runoff would be tightlined to or collected by onsite catch basins, which would direct the water to an underground detention vault. Stormwater discharged from the vault would be routed through a water quality device and pump system before being discharged off site into the public stormwater system in Benson Dr. S. The development is subject to a system development charge (SDC) for stormwater. The 2023 SDC for stormwater is $0.92 per square foot of new impervious surface area, but not less than $2,300.00. The fee that is current would be assessed and charged at the time of construction permit issuance. Transportation. Staff Comment: The proposed development site has frontage on SE Petrovitsky Road (176th St SE) and on Benson Dr. S (108th Ave SE / SR 515). Frontage improvements would be required along both street frontages, a modification to the City’s street frontage requirements was requested, see previous Modification discussion above under FOF 19. Access to the site will be limited to right-in right out on both SE Petrovitsky and 108th Ave SE/Benson Dr S. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), dated October 4, 2022, prepared by Transportation Engineering Northwest (Exhibit 12) was included with the project application materials. According to the TIA, the proposed project is estimated to generate 1,085 net new weekday daily trips, with 71 net new trips occurring during the weekday AM peak hour City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 43 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL (37 entering, 34 exiting), and 104 net new trips occurring during the weekday PM peak hour (52 entering, 52 exiting). The TIA also included level of service (LOS) analyses fo r future year 2024 weekday AM and PM peak hour conditions at four (4) signalized off-site study intersections (106th Pl SE and SE Carr Rd, Benson Dr S and Benson Rd S, Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd, and 108th Ave SE and SE 180th St). All study intersections are expected to operate at a LOS E or better, which is an acceptable level, during the weekday AM and PM peak hours in 2024 without or with the proposed project. Transportation Concurrency (Exhibit 26) was completed for the proposed project, The proposed project passes the City of Renton Traffic Concurrency Test per RMC 4-6-070.D. A Transportation Impact Fee, for a combination convenience store and gas station would be applicable to the proposal. For informational purposes, the 2023 fee is based on a rate of $157.10 per square foot of drive-in bank and $73,411.90 per pump. This fee will likely change in subsequent years and will be assessed and paid at time of building permit issuance. N/A l. Phasing: The applicant is not requesting any additional phasing. ✓ m. Stormwater: Providing optimal locations of stormwater infiltrating low impact development facilities. Avoiding placement of buildings or impervious areas on soils with infiltration capability to the maximum extent practicable. Staff Comment: A Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGeo Incorporated, dated May 2019 (Exhibit 10) was included with the submitted application materials. According to the Geotech Report, the native soils underlying the site consist of Vashon till, a medium dense to very dense deposit comprised of clay, silt, sand, and gravel. Till is generally not a suitable receptor soil for infiltration due to the high fines content and density. Therefore, the report concluded that surface water runoff on the project site should be managed with non-infiltration alternatives. I. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The subject site is located in the Commercial & Mixed Use (CMU) Comprehensive Plan designation and complies with the goals and policies established with this designation, see FOF 15. 2. The subject site is located in the Commercial Arterial (CA) zoning designation and complies with the zoning and development standards established with this designation provided the applicant complies with City Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 16. 3. The proposed TA Benson Petro Project complies with the Urban Design Regulation provided the applicant complies with City Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 17. 4. The proposed TA Benson Petro Project complies with the Parking Modification criteria provided the applicant complies with City Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 18. 5. The proposed TA Benson Petro Project complies with the Street Standards Modification criteria provided the applicant complies with City Code and conditions of approval, see FOF 19. 6. The proposed TA Benson Petro Project complies with the site plan review criteria as established by City Code provided all advisory notes and conditions are complied with, see FOF 20. 7. There are adequate public services and facilities to accommodate the proposed TA Benson Petro Project, see FOF 20. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 44 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL 8. Key features, which are integral to this project include the proposed public plaza, primary building entries fronting on the public street, the glazing proposed along the south and east facades of the bank building, and the stone façade proposed on the convenience store and bank facades. J. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the TA Benson Petro, LLC Site Plan, Parking Modification, and Street Standards Modification, File No. LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD, as depicted in (Exhibit 2), subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall comply with the mitigation measures issued as part of the Determination of Non - Significance Mitigated, dated January 23, 2023: a. The applicant shall implement a contingency mitigation plan to address potential contaminated soil or groundwater handling and disposal, hazardous waste operations, worker training, health and safety, and potential contamination remediation. b. An Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) shall be implemented during project construction for any archeological resources encountered on the project site. 2. A lot line adjustment or lot consolidation shall be submitted for review and approval to the Current Planning Project manager at the time of Building Permit review and recorded prior to the issuance of a Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy for the first building constructed on the project site. 3. The site plan shall be revised to provide the minimum required 15-foot front and secondary front yard setback between the proposed bank building and the intersection of Benson Dr S and SE Petrovitsky Rd. The revised site plan shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Construction Permit review. 4. A detailed landscape plan shall be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager, the detailed landscape plan shall include, but not be limited to: a. A 10-foot onsite landscape strip along all street frontages incorporating a mix of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, the portion of the street frontage landscaping abutting the surface parking lot should be planted with primarily evergreen trees and shrubs to provide a year round screen; b. A revised layout of the street frontage landscaping to accommodate the correct floor plan and main entrance for the convenience store; c. Interior parking lot landscaping (i.e. tree islands with a minimum dimension of eight feet by twelve feet (8’ x 12') at a rate of 15 sq. ft. per parking space throughout the entire project site, interior lot landscaping that does not meet this standards will not be credited toward the minimum required; d. No parking space shall be more than 50 feet from an interior parking lot landscaped tree island; e. Trees shall be two inches (2") in diameter at breast height (dbh). At least one (1) tree for every six (6) parking spaces within the parking lot interior shall be planted and around the parking lot perimeter trees shall be planted at the average minimum rate of one (1) tree per 30 lineal feet of street frontage; f. Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per 20 square feet of landscaped area shall be planted. Up to fifty percent (50%) of shrubs may be deciduous; g. Ground cover shall be planted in sufficient quantities to provide at least ninety percent (90%) coverage of the landscaped area within three (3) years of installation; City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 45 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL h. The entire fifteen-foot (15’) wide landscape strip along the Residential -14 (R-14) zone shall be landscaped; i. The proposed plant palate shall be revised to replace Leyland cypress and juniper species w ith native evergreen trees and shrubs (i.e. western red cedar, Douglas fir, western hemlock, and/or Oregon grape). 5. A Final Tree Retention Plan shall be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. The Final Tree Retention Plan shall include the retention of the two (2) existing healthy trees identified on the north end of the project site, unless it is determined infeasible by the Current Planning Project Manager. 6. An arborist shall be present onsite during any grading around the root zone of on or offsite protected trees. 7. The refuse and recyclable deposit areas shall be amended such that they would not be located over the proposed future property line. A revised site plan showing the amended refuse and recyclable deposit areas shall be submitted at the time of Construction Permit review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. 8. A bicycle parking detail shall be submitted at the time of Building Permit Review for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager demonstrating that the proposal would comply with the bicycle parking requirements as required in RMC 4-4-080F.11. 9. A screening detail shall be provided for any proposed surface or roof mounted utility equipment be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval. The screening detail for surface mounted utility equipment that includes cross sections of the utility and screening shall be provided at the time of Construction Permit review and the screening detail for any roof -mounted utility equipment shall be provided at the time of Building Permit review. 10. Revised architectural elevations shall be submitted at the time of building permit review including weather protection with a minimum width of four and one-half feet (4-1/2') or the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the guideline of this section. The architectural elevations shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval. 11. Garbage, recycling collection, and utility areas shall be enclosed on all sides, including the roof and screened around their perimeter by a wall or fence and have self-closing doors. A screening detail shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Building Permit review for review and approval. 12. The proposed service area screening shall be comprised of masonry, ornamental metal, wood, or some combination of the three (3). 13. Site amenity details, including outdoor seating shall be provided at the time of Construction Permit application for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager. Site furniture shall be made of durable, vandal- and weather-resistant materials that do not retain rainwater and can be reasonabl y maintained over an extended period of time. 14. The applicant shall demonstrate that the weather protection proposed comprise seventy five percent (75%) of the street facing façades. A revised site plan and building elevations demonstrating compliance with this requirement shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Building Permit review for review and approval. 15. Plaza details shall be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Construction Permit application for review and approval. The detailed plan for the plaza shall include street trees, decorative paving, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and seating. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development TA Benson Petro, LLC Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Report of February 28, 2023 Page 46 of 46 SR_TA_Benson_Petro_HEX_FINAL 16. The architectural elevation of the north façade of the proposed bank building shall be amended to include modulation and articulation to break up the façade. Revised architectural elevations shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. 17. The width of the driveway abutting the north façade of the bank building shall be reduced by four feet (4’) and a four-foot (4’) wide landscaped strip shall be included between the north building façade and the sidewalk. This landscaped area shall be planted with a combination of trees, shrubs, and evergreen ground cover. A revised site and landscape plan showing this landscape area shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Construction Permit review. 18. Revised elevations for the proposed convenience store shall be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. The revised elevations shall demonstrate that the south, west, and north elevations provide the required fifty percent (50%) transparent windows and/or doors along 50 percent of the portion of the ground floor facade that is between 4 feet and 8 feet above ground or demonstrate compliance with the guidelines of this section. 19. The untreated blank walls along east and north elevation of the proposed bank and the south and north elevations of the proposed convenience store shall be treated with a planting bed at least five feet (5’) in width containing trees, shrubs, evergreen ground cover, or vines adjacent to the blank wall; trellis or other vine supports with evergreen climbing vines; architectural detailing such as reveals, contrasting materials, or other special detailing that meets the intent of this standard; artwork, such as bas-relief sculpture, mural, or similar; or seating area with special paving and seasonal planting. 20. A materials board shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit application. 21. A lighting plan and light fixture details shall be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager for review and approval at the time of Building Permit review. 22. A mix of large maturing evergreen and deciduous trees shall be planted within the interior parking lot landscaped areas. A detailed landscape plan showing the large maturing evergreen and deciduous trees shall be submitted to the Current Planning Project Manager at the time of Construction Permit Review for review and approval. CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE HEARING EXAMINER EXHIBITS Project Name: TA Benson Petro, LLC Land Use File Number: LUA22-000424, SA-H, ECF, MOD, MOD Date of Hearing February 28, 2023 Staff Contact Jill Ding Senior Planner Project Contact/Applicant Alicia Baker Tekin & Associates, LLC 2600 Dallas Parkway, Suite 370, Frisco, TX 75034 Project Location 17426 Benson Dr SE, 10828 & 10810 SE Petrovitsky Rd The following exhibits are included with the Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner: Exhibits 1-15: As shown in the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 16: Staff Report to the Hearing Examiner Exhibit 17: SEPA Determination of Non-Significance-Mitigated Exhibit 18: Conceptual Lot Line Adjustment Layout Exhibit 19: Street Modification Justification Exhibit 20: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet Exhibit 21: Arborist Report Exhibit 22: Parking Analysis Exhibit 23: Parking Modification Justification Exhibit 24: Water Availability Exhibit 25: Sewer Availability Exhibit 26: Transportation Concurrency