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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-app Mtg Summary - 23-000091.pdf1 PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FOR T-Mobile SE02832G Renton Memorial Stadium PRE23-000091 CITY OF RENTON Department of Community & Economic Development Planning Division April 13, 2023 Contact Information: Planner: Alex Morganroth, 425-430-7219, amorganroth@rentonwa.gov Public Works Plan Reviewer: Scott Warlick, 425-430-7216, swarlick@rentonwa.gov Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425-276-9582, cthomas@rentonrfa.org Building Official: Rob Shuey, 425-430-7290, rshuey@rentonwa.gov Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use and/or environmental permits. Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before making all of the required copies. The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director, Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council). 2 M E M O R A N D U M DATE: April 4th, 2023 TO: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner FROM: Scott Warlick, Engineer III SUBJECT: T-Mobile – New Wireless Facility 405 Logan Ave N PRE23-000091 NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non- binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official City decision-makers. Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located at parcel(s) 0723059085. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of Renton by the applicant. FRANCHISE COMMENTS 1. If T-Mobile needs to access equipment within the city right of way, a franchise permit will be required. General Comments 1. If frontage improvements are required, all existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along property frontage or within the site must be underground as outlined in RMC 4-6-090 – UTILITY LINES - UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION. The construction of these franchise utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector. 2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from the right-of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls. 3. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance with code requirements. a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical. b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5-feet away from any other structure or wall or building. c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the building. 4. All construction utility permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil Engineer shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for the most up-to-date plan submittal requirements: https://rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=968701 5. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate sheets. 6. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2023 only and will be assessed based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as applicable to the permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development fee schedule. 3 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT M E M O R A N D U M DATE: April 13, 2023 TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000091 FROM: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner SUBJECT: T-Mobile SE02832G Renton Memorial Stadium 405 Logan Ave (APN 0723059053 and 0723059085) General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator, Planning Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development Regulations are available online at www.rentonwa.gov. Project Proposal: The applicant, on behalf of T-Mobile, is proposing a new permanent Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) stealth structure at 405 Logan Ave N (APN 0723059053 and 0723059085). The two (2) subject parcels that comprise the site total 16.77 acres in size and are developed with the Renton Memorial Stadium, practice fields, and associated surface parking. The parcels are located in the Urban Center-2 (UC-2) zoning district and Urban Design District C overlay. The site is designated Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) in the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. The applicant is proposing to install a “sport light” stealth tower with a maximum height of 78 feet, 4 inches designed to mimic one of the standalone pole mounted lights surrounding the stadium. The proposed stealth tower would replace an existing stadium light pole to the west of the surface parking lot adjacent to the stadium seating structure with a new pole that could support both the lights and the WCF. According to the applicant, the stadium lights would remain in the same position at the top of the pole, while the transmission equipment would be located below the lights in a flush-mounted configuration painted to match the finish of the existing poles. The new support structure for the lights and equipment would be the same height as the existing light pole. The ground equipment associated with the stealth tower would be located within an enclosure next to the north surface parking lot and connected to the new tower via underground cabling. The total lease area for the ground equipment would be approximately 336 sq. ft. Access to the equipment is proposed via the existing surface parking to the north of the stadium. Access to the parking is via a driveway off of Logan Ave N. According to COR Maps, a high seismic hazard area is located on the site. In addition, the site is located in the Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1. Vegetation would likely need to be removed as a result of the project, but is not specifically identified in the submitted documents. Current Use: The site is currently developed with the Renton Memorial Stadium, practice fields, and associated surface parking (two separate lots). The stadium is developed with one pre-existing wireless communication facility on the roof of the south grandstand. Zoning: The subject site is located within the Urban Center-2 (UC-2) zoning district and Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) comprehensive plan designation. The proposed use is classified as a Stealth Tower, defined as “A freestanding support structure that is disguised as a natural or built object typically appearing in the natural or 4 urban landscape and is primarily erected to accommodate wireless communication facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, manmade trees, freestanding signs, flagpoles, light fixtures and clock towers.” per RMC 4-11- 070. Stealth WCFs require an Administrative Conditional Use Permit within the UC-2 zone. However, as the project will require Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review (see below), the decision to grant the conditional use permit shall also be made by the Hearing Examiner. Conditional Use (Hearing Examiner): A conditional use is a land use which may be permitted within a zoning district following review by staff to establish conditions mitigating impacts of the use and to assure compatibility with other uses in the district. Staff will consider the following criteria when reviewing a request for a conditional use permit related to a WCF: a. Height and Design: The height of the proposed tower and/or antenna as well as incorporation of design characteristics that have the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness. b. Proximity to Surrounding Uses: The nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties and the proximity of the tower and/or antenna to residential structures and residential district boundaries. c. Nature of Surrounding Uses: The nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties. The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property. d. Topography and Vegetation: The surrounding topography and tree canopy coverage. e. Ingress/Egress: The proposed ingress and egress. f. Impacts: The potential noise, light, glare, and visual impacts. g. Collocation Feasibility: The availability of suitable existing towers and other structures to accommodate the proposal. h. Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The compatibility with the general purpose, goals, objectives and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, this Title, and any other City plan, program, map or ordinance. i. Landscaping: Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from potentially adverse effects of the proposed use. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012) Development Standards: Standards and requirements for all types of wireless communication facilities are contained in RMC 4-4-140F: Equipment Shelters/Cabinets - a. Location: Except for equipment related to small cell facilities and temporary wireless communication facilities, equipment shelters and cabinets used to house related equipment should be located within buildings or placed underground, unless it is infeasible. However, in those cases where it can be demonstrated by the applicant that the equipment cannot be located in buildings or underground, equipment shelters or cabinets shall be screened to the Administrator’s satisfaction. b. Screening: Equipment shelters and cabinets for all facilities other than small cell facilities and temporary wireless communication facilities shall be surrounded by a fifteen-foot (15') wide sight-obscuring landscape buffer along the outside perimeter of required security fencing with a minimum height that is no less than the height of the compound fence at any point; however, existing topography, vegetation and other site characteristics may provide relief from the screening requirement. The required landscaped areas shall include an automated irrigation system, unless the applicant is able to justify an exception to this requirement to the Administrator’s satisfaction. Related equipment facilities located on the roof of any building need not be landscaped but shall be screened on all sides in a manner that complements and blends with the surroundings so as to be shielded from view. Related equipment facilities shall not be enclosed with exposed metal surfaces. Equipment shelters and cabinets for small cell facilities shall be concealed in accordance with subsection J of this Section. (Ord. 5798, 4-25-2016) c. Size: Except for equipment related to temporary wireless communication facilities, the applicant shall provide documentation that the size of any equipment shelters or cabinets is the minimum necessary to meet the provider’s service needs, and meets any size requirements of this Code. The area of the compound 5 may be greater than is necessary in order to accommodate future collocations, but the area reserved for future equipment shelters/cabinets shall be the minimum necessary for the documented WCF capacity. (Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012) d. Generators: Except for temporary wireless facilities, the following standards apply to generators powering all types of wireless communication facilities: i. Architectural integration is required (if applicable). ii. To the extent feasible, generators shall be enclosed along with the related equipment. Similar to equipment shelters, the screening for the generator shall utilize similar building materials, colors, accents, and textures as the primary building; if no buildings exist on site, ensure that the building is designed to blend in with the environment. iii. A screening wall and/or landscaping material shall be required to mitigate visual impacts. iv. Fences shall be constructed of materials that complement and blend in with the surroundings. v. Anti-graffiti finish shall be applied to all solid fences, walls, and gates. vi. A noise analysis shall be required to demonstrate that the generator will operate within allowed noise limits if the generator is the sole power source. Maximum Height – All wireless communication facilities shall comply with RMC 4-3-020, Airport Related Height and Use Restrictions, as well as the height limitations in the RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communications Facilities. Stealth WCFs may be up to 150 feet tall. For sport field lights, height shall be compatible with the surrounding area, as determined by the Administrator. Setbacks - Towers shall be set back from each property line by a distance equal to the tower height, unless an engineering analysis concludes that a reduced setback is safe for abutting properties and the Administrator determines that a reduced setback is appropriate for the site. Visual Impact – Site location and development shall preserve the pre-existing character of the surrounding buildings and landscape to the extent consistent with the function of the communications equipment. Towers, antennas and related equipment shall be uniformly painted a non-reflective neutral color that best matches the colors within the immediately surrounding built and natural landscape in order to reduce the contrast between the WCF and the landscape. Compliance with this requirement will be verified at the time of Conditional Use Permit application. Maximum Noise Levels – No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in levels above forty five (45) decibels as measured from the nearest property line on which the wireless communication facility is located. Operation of a back-up power generator in the event of power failure or the testing of a back-up generator between eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. and nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. are exempt from this standard. No testing of back-up generators shall occur between the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. Fencing – Security fencing shall be required and shall be painted or coated with a non-reflective neutral color. Fencing shall comply with the requirements listed in RMC 4-4-040, Fences, Hedges, and Retaining Walls. Lighting – Towers or antennas shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If lighting is required, the Administrator may review the available lighting alternatives and approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views. Security lighting for the equipment shelters or cabinets and other on-the-ground ancillary equipment is also permitted, as long as it is appropriately down shielded to keep light within the boundaries of the compound. Advertising Prohibited – No lettering, symbols, images, or trademarks large enough to be legible to occupants of vehicular traffic on any abutting roadway shall be placed on or affixed to any part of a WCF tower, antenna array or antenna, other than as required by FCC regulations regarding tower registration or other applicable law. Antenna arrays designed and approved to be located on or within signs or billboards as a stealth tower, or a concealed or camouflaged WCF, shall not be construed to be in violation of this prohibition. Building Standards – Support structures shall be constructed so as to meet or exceed the most recent Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 222 Revision G Standard entitled: 6 “Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures” (or equivalent), as it may be updated or amended. Prior to issuance of a building permit the Building Official shall be provided with an engineer’s certification that the support structure’s design meets or exceeds those standards. (Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012) Radio Frequency Standards – The applicant shall ensure that the wireless communication facility (WCF) will not cause localized interference with the reception of area television or radio broadcasts. If the City finds that the WCF interferes with such reception, and if such interference is not remedied within thirty (30) calendar days, the City may revoke or modify a Building and/or Conditional Use Permit. Design Standards - The proposed WCF would be classified as a “sports field light”, a type of stealth tower identified in the Renton Municipal Code. Per RMC 4-4-140.I, “Sports Field Lights”, shall adhere to the following standards (in addition to the general WCF standards above): a. Location and Height: Utilization of an existing or replacement sports field light as a WCF support structure shall only be permitted on sites where a sports field exists. The height, diameter and location of the sports field light(s) shall be compatible with the surrounding area, as determined by the Administrator. b. Authenticity: Sports field lights shall be uniform (style, height, etc.) with the exception of the WCF. The sports field lights shall provide consistent illumination for the sports field. c. Concealment: i. Antennas shall be no more than twenty feet (20') above the light source. ii. All cables shall be routed directly from the ground up through the pole. Cable coverings are prohibited. iii. Paint antennas and mounting apparatus the same color as the pole. Access/Driveways: Access to the equipment is proposed via the existing surface parking lot on the north side of the site with a driveway off of Logan Ave N that is currently used to access the existing storage/utility building on the site. No changes to site access are proposed. Tree Retention: No trees are proposed for removal. All underground cabling and above-grade structures shall be located outside of the drip lines of existing trees. Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of this project, the location must be designated on the landscape plan or grading plan. A fence and/or wall detail should also be included on the plan. A retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the vertical distance from the bottom of the footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires a building permit. A fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining wall unless the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the allowed height of a standalone fence. For more information about fences and retaining walls refer to RMC 4-4-040. Retaining walls shall be composed of brick, rock, textured or patterned concrete, or other masonry product that complements the proposed building and site development. There shall be a minimum three -foot (3') landscaped setback at the base of retaining walls abutting public rights-of-way. Please refer to retaining wall standards (RMC 4-4-040) for additional information about fences and retaining walls. Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, the site is located within a High Seismic Hazard Area. A geotechnical report prepared by a licensed professional may be required by the Building Official at the time of building permit application submittal. The report shall assess soil conditions and detail construction measures to assure structure stability in the site’s potential liquefaction zone. The site is located within the Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1. A fill source statement will be required for any offsite soils brought to the site. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain if any other critical areas or environmental concerns are present on the site during site development or building construction. Environmental Review: The proposal exceeds the City’s adopted categorical exemption thresholds (RMC 4-9-070G) and is subject to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800. An Environmental Checklist must be submitted with the proposal and the City’s Environmental Review Committee is required to issue a Threshold Determination prior to any issuance for permits on the site. 7 Site Plan Review: Per RMC 4-9-200, site plan review is required for any development in the UC-2 zone, if the development is not SEPA Exempt. Hearing Examiner Site plan review only required if project is classified as a large scale project (height greater than 60 feet or four stories). The purpose of the site plan review process is to analyze the detailed arrangement of project elements to mitigate negative impacts where necessary to ensure project compatibility with the physical characteristics of a site and with the surrounding area. Site plan review ensures quality development consistent with City goals and policies. Site plan review analyzes elements including, but not limited to, site layout, building orientation and design, pedestrian and vehicular environment, landscaping, natural features of the site, screening and buffering, parking and loading facilities, and illumination to ensure compatibility with potential future development. General review criteria includes the following: • Compliance and Consistency. Conformance with plans, policies, regulations and approvals, including: • Off-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to surrounding properties and uses. • On-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to the site. • Appropriate Location. Not to result in overconcentration of a particular use. • Access and Circulation. Safe and efficient access and circulation for all users. • Open Space. Incorporation of public and private 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. • Views and Public Access. Provision of view corridors to shorelines and Mt. Rainier, incorporates public access to shorelines, and arranges project elements to protect existing natural systems where applicable. • Services and Infrastructure. Availability of public services and facilities to accommodate the proposed use. • Phasing. Inclusion of a detailed sequencing plan with development phases and estimated time frames, if applicable. Permit Requirements: The proposal would be required to obtain a Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit, Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review and Environmental (SEPA) Review. The applications would be reviewed concurrently in an estimated time frame of twelve (12) weeks following acceptance of a complete application. The 2023 Environmental Review fee is $1,800.00. The 2023 Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review Fee is $4,270.00. The 2023 Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit fee is $3,710.00. Any modification requests to code standards are $290.00 per modification. A 5% technology fee would also be assessed at the time of land use application. All fees are subject to change. Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal can be found on the City’s permitting webpage and other informational applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records Library. The City requires electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s Electronic File Standards. In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits may be required. Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and Type III Land Use Permits as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to inform the public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City, and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant must follow the specifications provided in the public information sign handout. The applicant is solely responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign. Next Steps: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant shall have the materials pre- screened virtually prior to submitting the complete application package. Please contact Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner at 425-430-7219 or amorganroth@rentonwa.gov to schedule a virtual prescreen appointment. Expiration: Environmental (SEPA) Review determinations do not expire. Site Plan Review approval is valid for two years with a possible two-year extension. For Conditional Use Permits, the applicant has two years to comply with all conditions of approval and to apply for any necessary permits before the approval becomes null a nd void. The 8 approval body that approved the original application may grant a single two-year extension. The approval body may require a public hearing for such extension. It is the responsibility of the applicant to monitor the expiration date(s).