HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE23-000178 (CA 4th Dimension Building) Meeting SummaryDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200
|www.rentonwa.gov
PREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
4th Dimension Building
4502 NE 4th, Renton, WA 98059
PRE23-000178
June 15, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Clark H. Close, 425.430.7289, cclose@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Nate Janders, 425.430.7382, njanders@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org
Building Department Reviewer: Rob Shuey, 206.550.8523, 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, Development Engineering Director, Department of
Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and
City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:June 15, 2023
TO:Clark Close, Principal Planner
FROM:Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT:4th Dimension Apartments
1. The preliminary fire flow is 2,250 gpm. A minimum of three fire hydrants are required.
One within 150-feet and two within 300-feet of the building. One hydrant is required
within 50-feet of all fire department connections for the fire sprinkler system.
2. Fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $964.53 per multifamily unit. Current rates
for retail are $1.25 a square foot, office use is $0.26 a square foot and for restaurant it is
$5.92 a square foot. These fees are paid at the time of building permit issuance. No
charges to covered parking garages. Credit granted for the removal of the existing
structures.
3. Approved fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems are required throughout the building. Dry
standpipes are required in all stairways. Direct outside access is required to the fire
sprinkler riser rooms. Fire alarm systems are required to be fully addressable and full
detection is required. Separate plans and permits required by the fire department.
4. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required within 150-feet of all points on
the building. Fire lane signage required for the on-site roadways. The required turning
radius is 25-feet inside and 45-feet outside. Roadways shall be a minimum of 20 feet
wide. Roadways shall support a minimum of a 30-ton vehicle and 75-psi point loading. If
fire apparatus is achieved over adjacent private property, a recorded fire access
easement shall be obtained and recorded prior to building permit issuance.
5. All buildings are required to be equipped with elevators to meet the size requirements for
a bariatric size stretcher to all areas of each building. Car size shall accommodate a
minimum of a 40-inch by 84-inch stretcher.
6. All areas of all buildings shall comply with the City of Renton Emergency Radio
Coverage ordinance. Testing shall verify both incoming and outgoing minimum
emergency radio signal coverage. If inadequate, the building shall be enhanced with
amplification equipment to meet minimum coverage. Separate plans and permits are
required for any proposed amplification systems.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:June 15, 2025
TO:Clark Close, Principal Planner
FROM:Nathan Janders, Development Engineering Manager
SUBJECT:4th Dimension Mixed Use 2
4508 NE 4th St
PRE23-000178
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)
1023059068. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
Water
1. The project is within the City of Rentons water service area in the Highlands 565 Pressure Zone.
2. The static water pressure is approximately 74 psi at ground elevation of 394 feet.
3. There is an existing 8-inch water main located in NE 4
th St that can deliver a maximum flow capacity
of 2,500 GPM (see water plan No. W-024005).
4. There is an existing 12-inch water main located in the utility easement to the west of the property
that can deliver a maximum flow capacity of 4,000 GPM (see water plan No. W-1910).
5. There are two existing fire hydrants within 300 feet of the property.
6. There is an existing 3/4-inch water service to the existing residence at 4502 NE 4
th St.
7. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting, Renton
Regional Fire Authority has determined that the preliminary fire flow demand for the proposed
development, including the use of a fire sprinkler system, is 2,250 gpm.
8. Based on the information provided with the pre-application submittal documents, the following
developers installed water main improvements will be required to provide domestic and fire
protection service to the development including but not limited to the items that follow.
Projects that have fire flow demand less than 2,500 gpm are not required to provide a looped
water main around each building.
A 15 feet wide public water easement is required for any public water main, hydrants and
water meters located outside City right-of-way. A minimum 10-foot setback is required from
the building foundation to the new water main.
Installation of a separate water service and meter for the residential portion of the new
building. The sizing of the meter shall be in accordance with the most recent edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code. All residential domestic water meters shall have a double check valve
assembly (DCVA) installed behind the meter on private property per City Standards. The DCVA
may be located inside the building if the location is pre-approved by the City Plan Reviewer
and City Water Utility Department. The backflow prevention assembly must be located
adjacent to and behind a building exterior wall.
Installation of a separate water service and meter for the commercial portion of the new
building. All commercial domestic water meters shall have a reduced pressure backflow
assembly (RPBA) installed behind the meter on private property per City Standards. The RPBA
shall be installed inside an above ground, heated enclosure per City Standard Plan 350.2. The
RPBA may be located inside the building if a drainage outlet for the relief valve is provided
and the location is pre-approved by the City Plan Reviewer and City Water Utility Department.
The backflow prevention assembly must be located adjacent to and behind a building exterior
wall.
Domestic water meters 3-inch or larger shall be installed in an exterior vault per standard plan
no 320.4. The meter vault shall be located within public ROW or within an easement on
private property.
Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly (DCVA) if
applicable.
Installation of a fire sprinkler stub a with a double check detector assembly (DCDA) is required
for backflow prevention to the building. The sizing of the fire sprinkler stub and related piping
shall be done by a registered fire sprinkler designer/contractor. The DCDA shall be installed
on the private property in an outside underground vault per City Standard Plan 360.2. The
DCDA may be installed inside the building if it meets the conditions per City Standard Plan
360.5 for the installation of a DCDA inside a building. The location of the DCDA inside the
building must be pre-approved by the City Plan Reviewer and Water Utility. The backflow
prevention assembly must be located adjacent to and behind a building exterior wall.
Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants. The location and number of hydrants will be
determined by the RRFA based on the final fire flow demand and final site plan. A hydrant is
required within 50 feet of the buildings fire sprinkler system fire department connection
(FDC).
The existing inch domestic water service must be cut, capped and abandoned at the main
line.
9. Civil plans for the water main improvements will be required and must be prepared by a professional
engineer registered in the State of Washington. Please refer to City of Renton General Design and
Construction Standards for Water Main Extensions as shown in Appendix K of the Citys 2019 Water
System Plan. Adequate horizontal and vertical separations between the new water main and other
utilities (storm sewer pipes and vaults, sanitary sewer, power, gas, electrical) shall be provided for the
operation and maintenance of the water main. Retaining walls, rockeries or similar structures cannot
be installed over the water main unless the water main is installed inside a steel casing.
10. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
11. The development is subject to applicable water system development charges (SDCs) and meter
installation fees based on the number and size of the meters for domestic uses and for fire sprinkler
use. The development is also subject to fees for water connections, cut and caps, and purity tests.
Current fees can be found in the 2023 Development Fees Document on the Citys website. Fees will
be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
The SDC fee for water is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project.
The current water fee is $4,850.00 per 1-inch meter, $24,250 per 1-1/2 inch meter, $38,800
per 2-inch meter and $77,600 per 3-inch meter.
Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service is applicable.
Water Service installation is $2,875.00 per 1-inch service line, $4,605 per 1-1/2 inch service,
$4,735 per 2-inch service, and for services larger than 2-inch a $220 processing fee is applied
and the Contractor will provide the materials and will install the service line and water meter.
Drop-in meter fee is $460.00 per 1-inch meter, $750 per 1-1/2 inch meter, and $950 per 2-
inch meter.
A credit will be applied to the existing service if abandoned.
The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10235288&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
Sanitary Sewer
1. The project is within the City of Rentons sanitary sewer service area.
2. There is an existing 24-inch gravity wastewater main located in NE 4
th St (see record drawing S-
05031B).
3. There is an existing 10-inch gravity wastewater main located in Bremerton Ave NE (see record drawing
S-1910).
4. Individual sewer stubs from the sewer main and individual side sewers are required for the
commercial and residential uses. All new sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in RMC 4-6-040
and City of Renton Standard Details.
5. An oil/water separator will be required for connecting a covered parking lot to sewer. If a sub-terrain
parking is incorporated and cannot achieve a gravity sewer discharge to the main, the applicant may
need to install an internal pump to bring the basement garage flows to the surface level for gravity
drain to the side sewer.
6. A grease interceptor is required if there is a commercial kitchen.
7. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
8. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee for sewer
is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees can be found in the
2020 Development Fees Document on the Citys website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
The current sewer fee for is $3,650.00 per 1-inch meter, $18,250 per 1-1/2 inch meter,
$29,200 per 2-inch meter, and $58,400 per 3-inch meter.
Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10235288&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
9. The East Renton Interceptor Commercial and Residential Special Assessment District (SAD) is
applicable on the project. The SAD has reached its maximum assessment and is $316.80 per single
family unit and $0.097 per square foot of commercial. Fees are due at the time of construction permit
issuance.
Surface Water
1. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2019 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A Flow Chart of the 2019 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual (RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. The site falls
within the Citys Flow Control Duration Standard Area matching Forested Conditions. The site falls
within the Lower Cedar River drainage basin. The site contains regulated slopes.
2. There is an existing 12-inch private stormwater main that runs in the east-west direction and is located
approximately in the middle of the site. The storm system conveys a stream that drains a large
upstream tributary area that includes wetlands and floodplains. Per record drawing R-31070D there
is a 100-yr floodplain located on the property which was established as part of the Vision House
Childrens Village project. Per section 1.3.2 of the RSWDM regulations and restrictions concerning
development within a 100-year floodplain are found in the critical areas code, RMC 4-3-050. RMC 4-
3-050.C.5.a prohibits encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements,
and construction or reconstruction of residential structures is prohibited within designated
floodways, unless it meets the provisions of subsection G4e of this section, Additional Restrictions
within Floodways.
3. A level 2 Offsite Analysis (per core requirement #2) at a minimum will be required with the land use
application. Applicant shall perform a hydrologic analysis comparing the existing condition and
developed condition at the 25-yr and 100-yr peak flow per core requirement #4 to show that the
developed conditions will not adversely impact the existing and future conveyance systems.
4. Per core requirement #4 and chapter 4 no building shall be constructed over existing stormwater pipe
or any existing public stormwater easement. Alternate stormwater conveyance systems may be
allowed to convey the existing upstream stormwater to the downstream and must be located outside
of the building footprint and/or outside the zone of influence of the building foundation. All
conveyance systems shall be sized in accordance with core requirement #4 and chapter 4 of the
RSWDM.
5. Storm drainage improvements along all public street frontages are required to conform to the Citys
street and stormwater conveyance standards. Any new storm drain installed on or off-site shall be
designed and sized in accordance with standards found in Chapter 4 of the 2019 RSWDM and shall
account for the total upstream tributary area, assuming developed conditions for onsite tributary
areas and existing conditions for any offsite tributary areas.
6. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant will
be required to provide enhanced basic water quality treatment. Any proposed detention and/or water
quality vault shall be designed in accordance with the RSWDM that is current at the time of civil
construction permit application. Separate structural plans will be required to be submitted for review
and approval under a separate building permit for the detention and/or water quality vault.
7. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate the new
runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On-site BMPs shall be evaluated
in order of preference by feasibility as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2019 RSWDM. A preliminary
drainage plan, including the application of on-site BMPs, shall be included with the land use
application, as applicable to the project. The final drainage plan and drainage report must be
submitted with the utility construction permit application.
8. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the standards found in section C.1.3 of the 2019
RSWDM. Information on the water table and soil permeability with recommendations of appropriate
on site BMPs per Core Requirement #9 and Appendix C shall be included in the report. The geotech
report should include information on the type of soil, presence of fill, suitability of infiltration
9. The current Surface Water Standard Plans shall be used in all drainage plan submittals. The current
City of Renton Standard Details are available online in the City of Renton website
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton
10. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
11. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees. Fees will be
charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
The current SDC fee is $0.92 per square foot of new impervious surface but not less than
$2,300.
The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10235288&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
Transportation
1. Per City code 4-6-060 frontage improvements are required for new construction in excess of $175,000.
The proposed project fronts NE 4th St to the south and private property on all other sides.
NE 4th St is classified as a Principal Arterial street with an existing right-of-way (ROW) width
of approximately 84 feet. To meet the Citys complete street standards for Principal Arterial
streets with 4 lanes a minimum ROW width of 103 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of
street improvements as taken from the ROW centerline shall be required and include a
minimum 66 foot paved road (33 feet each side), a 0.5 foot curb, an 8 foot planting strip, an
8 foot sidewalk, 2 foot clear space at back of walk, street trees and storm drainage
improvements. Dedication of approximately 9.5 feet will be required pending final survey.
i. However, there is a corridor improvement plan that includes this section of NE 4
th st
that requires an 87 foot wide ROW. To meet the requirements, half street
improvements including a 66 foot paved road (33 feet each side including 11 foot
travel lanes, a 12 foot center turn lane and 5 foot bike lanes), a 0.5 foot curb, a 5-foot
planting strip, an 5 foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements.
Dedication of approximately 1.5 feet will be required pending final survey.
Bremerton Ave NE is classified as a Residential Access street with an existing ROW width of
approximately 25 feet. To meet the Citys complete street standards for Residential Access
streets a minimum ROW width of 53 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline shall be required and include a minimum 26
foot paved road (13 feet from centerline), a 0.5 foot curb, an 8 foot planting strip, a 5 foot
sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. Dedication is required and width is
subject to final survey.
2. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
A minimum separation of 5 feet is required between driveway and the property line.
Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15%. Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide
slotted drains.
The width of any driveway shall not exceed thirty feet (30’) exclusive of the radii of the returns
or the taper section.
There shall be no more than one driveway for each 165-feet of street frontage.
3. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
4. Street lighting is required for a project that consists of more than four (4) residential units or 5,000
square feet of commercial. See RMC 4-6-060 for street lighting requirements.
5. Sites that generate 20 or more net new peak hour trips (either in the AM peak or PM peak) are
required to do a traffic impact analysis. The trips should be calculated based on the guidelines of the
current ITE Trip Generation Manual. Refer to the attached policy guidelines for traffic impact analysis
for guidelines. If the site generates 20 or more new peak hour trips in either AM peak or PM peak,
then applicant should contact the City to get information of the locations where traffic analysis is
required.
6. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the Citys Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
7. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of building permit issuance.
The 2023 transportation impact fee for apartments is $7,750.02 per dwelling.
Unless otherwise listed on the City Fee Schedule the impact fee per Net New PM Peak Hour
Person Vehicle Trip is $8,031.94.
The property contains an existing office; the developer will receive a credit for the existing
home if it is demoed.
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. 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.
3. 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:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
4. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate
sheets.
5. 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.
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-
Applications\2023\PRE23-000178
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE:June 15, 2023
TO:Pre-Application File No. PRE23-000178
FROM:Clark H. Close Principal Planner
SUBJECT:4th Dimension Building 4502 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98059
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, Development Services Director, Development
Engineering 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 https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton.
Project Proposal: The subject property is located at the NE intersection of NE 4th St and
Bremerton Ave NE at 4502 NE 4th St (APN 1023059068). The project site totals 24,095 square feet
(0.55 acres) in area and is zoned Commercial Arterial (CA). The applicant proposes to develop the
property by constructing a 4-story mixed use building with 24 apartment units and 6,450 square
feet of ground floor commercial space (4,796 square feet of retail space and 1,441 square feet of
restaurant space). Each of the residential dwelling units would be 956 square feet (886 square
feet floor space with a 70 square foot private balcony). The site would contain 51 below grade
and at-grade structured parking stalls 9,924 square feet underground and 5,399 square feet on
Level 1). An elevator would provide for building access between floors. The second floor would
include a roof deck. Access to the site would be provide from Bremerton Ave NE. The parcel
contains a piped stream channel and regulated slopes.
Current Use: The property contains a 2,060 square foot single family residence built in 1943,
which is proposed to be removed.
1.Zoning /Land Use Designation, and Overlays: The property is located within the Commercial
& Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation and the Commercial Arterial (CA) zoning
classification. The property is also located within Urban Design District D, and therefore
subject to additional design elements. Commercial & Mixed Use designations are place areas
with established commercial and office areas near principle arterials. Residential uses are
allowed as part of mixed-use developments, and support new office and commercial
development that is more intensive than what exists to create a vibrant district and increase
employment opportunities. The intention of this designation is to transform strip commercial
4th Dimension Building
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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 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.
Attached dwelling units are permitted uses in the CA zone provided the buildings are mixed
use with ground-floor commercial. In addition, the vertically mixed-use building must have
at two (2) residential stories above ground floor commercial along any street in the CA zone.
Within the CA zone, any development wherein dwelling units are proposed shall provide a
minimum of 40% of gross commercial floor area equivalent to a percentage of the building
footprint of all buildings on site containing residential dwelling units. At a minimum, the
development shall include ground floor commercial space along any street frontage in
conformance with the following standards: a) a minimum average depth of thirty feet (30’)
and no less than twenty feet (20’) at any given point; b) a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of
eighteen feet (18’), and a minimum clear height of fifteen feet (15’) unless a lesser clear height
is approved by the Administrator; c) ADA compliant bathrooms (common facilities are
acceptable); d) a central plumbing drain line; and e) a grease trap and a ventilation shaft for
a commercial kitchen hood/exhaust.
For vertically mixed-use buildings, the faade necessary for interior entrances, lobbies, and
areas/facilities developed for the exclusive use of the buildings residents, or their guests
(lobby facade for the purposes of this Section), is limited to thirty five percent (35%) of the
overall facade along any street frontage or the primary faade. The Administrator may allow
the lobby facade to exceed thirty five percent (35%) if the depth of the commercial space
exceeds the minimum required by RMC 4-4-150E, provided the increased percentage of lobby
facade is generally proportional to the increased depth of commercial space.
Commercial uses in residential mixed-use developments are limited to retail sales, on-site
services, eating and drinking establishments, taverns, daycares, preschools, indoor
recreational facilities, pet daycares, craft distilleries/small wineries/micro-breweries with
tasting rooms, general offices not located on the ground floor, and similar uses as determined
by the Administrator.
The ground floor consists of approximately 6,450 square feet of commercial space,
measuring approximately 95 feet in length and approximately 68 feet wide. The balance of
the ground floor consists of structured parking (16 stalls), elevators, and stairs.
2.Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-120A, Development
Standards for Commercial Zoning Designations effective at the time of complete application
(noted as CA standards herein). These standards are available on the Citys website at
http://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/#!/renton04/Renton0402/Renton0402120A.h
tml#4-2-120A.
Density The minimum net residential density in the CA zone is 20 dwelling units per net acre.
The maximum net residential density is 60 dwelling units per net acre in the Highlands
Community Planning Area. The area of public and private streets and critical areas would be
deducted from the gross site area to determine the net site area prior to calculating density.
The gross density of the site is 0.55 acres. The applicant is proposing 24 new dwelling units or
43.6 dwelling units per gross acre (24 du / 0.55 ac = 43.6 du/ac). The applicant would be
4th Dimension Building
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required to submit a Density Worksheet and demonstrate compliance with the net density
requirements of the zone at the time of formal application.
A density worksheet was not included with the pre-application submittal materials;
therefore, staff was unable to verify compliance with the density requirements. A completed
density worksheet would be required with the land use application. The applicant would be
required to demonstrate compliance with the net density requirements of the zone at the
time of formal application.
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth The minimum lot size in the CA zone is 5,000 square
feet. There are no minimum requirements for lot width or depth within the CA zone at this
location. No changes are proposed to the existing commercial arterial lot, other than the
required right-of-way dedications along the public street frontages (Bremerton Ave NE and
NE 4th St).
Submitted plans would need to show compliance with the required lot size and dimensional
standard with the land use application.
Setbacks Setbacks are the distance between the building and the property line or any private
access easement or tract. Setback requirements in the CA zone are as follows:
Minimum Front Yard 15 ft.
Maximum Front Yard 20 ft.
Minimum Secondary Front Yard 15 ft.
Maximum Secondary Front Yard 20 ft.
Minimum Rear Yard None, except 15 ft. if lot abuts a lot zoned residential.
Minimum Side Yard None, except 15 ft. if lot abuts or is adjacent to a lot
zoned residential
Clear Vision Area In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height
intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC
4-11-030.
The project site is surrounded by similarly zoned commercial arterial properties. The project
would be subject to 15-foot front yard and secondary front yard setback. Based on the
submitted drawings, the project appears to maintain a 20 ft setback on NE 4th St, a 10 ft
setback on Bremerton Ave NE, a 26 ft setback to the north property line, and an 8 side yard
setback to the east property line. It is the applicants responsibility to demonstrate
compliance with building setbacks at the time of formal application.
Gross Floor Area There is no minimum requirement for gross floor area.
Building Height Maximum building height in the CA zone is 50 feet, except 70 feet for
vertically mixed use buildings (commercial and residential). Heights may exceed the Zones
maximum height with a Conditional Use Permit. In no case shall building height exceed the
maximum allowed by the Airport Compatible Land Use Restrictions, for uses located within
the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Zones designated under RMC 4-3-020. No
building elevations were provided. The building height and coverage requirements would
be verified at the time of formal application. It is the applicants responsibility to
demonstrate compliance with building height requirements and FAR Part 77 at the time of
formal application.
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Maximum Lot Coverage for Buildings The CA zone allows a maximum building coverage of
65 percent, or 75 percent if parking is provided within a building or within an on-site parking
garage. The parking is proposed to be structured parking only. It is estimated that the building
coverage is approximately 52 percent of the lot area (12,137 square feet / 23,170 square feet
= 52.38%). It is the applicants responsibility to demonstrate compliance with building
coverage requirements at the time of formal application.
Screening Screening must be provided for all surface-mounted and roof top utility and
mechanical equipment. The site plan application will need to include elevations and details
for the proposed methods of screening (see RMC 4-4-095).
Attached Dwelling Units Minimum Standards The amount of habitable space, as defined
by WAC 246-359-010, provided by any attached dwelling unit shall be equal to or greater than
the following:
Number of Bedrooms Required Amount of Habitable Space
1. Studio (no bedroom 400 square feet
2. One (1)600 square feet
3. Two (2)800 square feet
4. Three (3)1,000 square feet
5. Four (4) 1,200 square feet
Buildings containing four (4) or more attached dwelling units shall provide at least one unit
with two (2) or more bedrooms for every four (4) units in the structure. One unit with three
(3) or more bedrooms may be provided in place of any two (2) units required to include two
(2) bedrooms. See RMC 4-4-155 for additional bathroom, kitchen, and storage standards.
3.Refuse and Recycling Areas: Refuse and recycling areas must meet the requirements of RMC
4-4-090, Refuse and Recyclables Standards. For 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 retail development. For multi-family residential development a
minimum of one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet per dwelling unit shall be provided for
recyclables deposit areas, except where the development is participating in a City-sponsored
program in which individual recycling bins are used for curbside collection. A minimum of
three (3) square feet per dwelling unit shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. Architectural
design of the enclosures shall be consistent with the design of the primary building. Based on
a commercial space of 6,450 square feet and 24 residential units, a collection area of
approximately 205 square feet would be required for a refuse and recycling enclosure. The
site plan did not identify a refuse and recycling enclosure area(s). Compliance with the
refuse and recycling standards would be reviewed with the land use application.
4.Landscaping: Except for critical areas, all portions of the development area not covered by
structures, required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must be landscaped with
native, drought-resistant vegetative cover.
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Street Frontage Landscaping The minimum onsite landscape width required along street
frontages is 10 feet, with the exception of areas for required walkways and driveways, and
shall contain trees, shrubs, and landscaping.
Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping All parking lots shall have perimeter landscaping at least
10 feet in width measured from the street right-of-way (ROW). Within this perimeter screen
trees shall be planted at a minimum of 2-inch caliper at an average rate of 30 lineal feet of
street frontage, shrubs at the minimum rate of one per 20 square feet, and groundcover in
quantities that will provide at least 90 percent (90%) coverage within 3 years of installation.
Please refer to landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) for additional general and specific
landscape requirements. A conceptual landscape plan and landscape analysis meeting the
requirements in RMC 4-8-120D.12, shall be submitted at the time of Site Plan application
submittal.
5.Significant Tree Retention: Application materials identify that there are mature trees on the
site. When significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for alders and
cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory and a tree retention plan along
with an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet shall be provided
with the formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan must
show preservation of at least 30% of significant trees. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree
Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for further general and specific tree retention and
land clearing requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, each new lot would be
required to provide a minimum tree density of 30 tree credits per net acre. Tree credits
encourage retention of existing significant trees with larger trees being worth more tree
credits.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
New large species tree 2
Preserved tree 6 9 caliper inches 4
Preserved tree 10 12 caliper inches 5
Preserved tree 12 15 caliper inches 6
Preserved tree 16 18 caliper inches 7
Preserved tree 19 21 caliper inches 8
Preserved tree 22 24 caliper inches 9
Preserved tree 25 28 caliper inches 10
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TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
Preserved tree 29 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and greater 13
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; significant trees over sixty feet (60’) in height or greater than
eighteen inches (18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or trees on abutting
properties from strong winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees to be blown
down if removed.
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.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves
tree removal and land clearing at the City’s discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator’s satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC 4-4-
130H.1.e can be met.
Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC 4-11-
040, Definitions D, of a property. A formal tree retention plan and tree credit worksheet
prepared by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the land
use application.
6.Fences/Retaining Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences as part of this project,
the location must be designated on the landscape plan. A wall taller than four feet requires a
building permit. Fences up to six-feet in height are permitted in the rear yard and side yard;
fences up to four feet are permitted in the front yard. Any part of a yard that is within a clear
vision area has a limited fence height of 42 inches. 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. New or existing fencing would need to
comply with the fence requirements of the code (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.
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7.Parking: Parking for residential units in the CA zone must be enclosed within the same
building as the unit it serves (RMC 4-2-120A). Market rate attached dwelling units in the CA
zone must provide a minimum of one (1) parking space per dwelling unit, up to a maximum
of 1.75 per dwelling unit is allowed. See RMC 4-4-080F.10.d for parking lot design standards.
A total of 51 surface parking stalls were identified in the site plan. Together the 24 residential
units and 6,450 square feet of retail and restaurant space would require between 50 and 68
parking spaces. 51 parking spaces falls within the required parking space range. Further
compliance with the parking standards would be reviewed with the land use application.
Refer to RMC 4-4-080F for standard stall and aisle dimensions. Standard structured parking
spaces are a minimum of eight feet, four inches (8’4") in width and a minimum of fifteen feet
(15’) in length. Compact structured stalls are a minimum of seven feet, six inches (7’6") in
width and a minimum of twelve feet (12’) in length. Compact parking spaces shall not account
for more than fifty percent (50%) of the total spaces. The minimum aisle width for two way
traffic with 90 degree parking spaces is 24 feet wide. The applicant would be required to
provide a detailed parking plan with measurements at the land use application.
The proposal would be required to provide bicycle parking based on 10 percent (10%) of the
required number of off-street vehicle parking spaces for the commercial uses and one-half
(0.5) bicycle parking spaces per one (1) attached dwelling unit. 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’). Bicycle parking shall be provided for secure extended use and shall protect the entire
bicycle and its components and accessories from theft and weather. Acceptable examples
include bike lockers, bike check-in systems, in-building parking, and limited access fenced
areas with weather protection. For attached dwellings, spaces within the dwelling units or on
balconies do not count toward the bicycle parking requirement. However, designated bicycle
parking spaces within individual garages can count toward the minimum requirement. 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. Please review RMC 4-4-080F.11.b-c for further general and specific
bicycle parking standards. Compliance with all parking regulations would be verified at land
use review.
8.Access/Driveways: Driveway widths and quantity are limited by the driveway standards, in
RMC 4-4-080I. Driveways shall not be closer than 5 feet to any property line and not exceed
40 percent of the street frontage. The width of any driveway shall not exceed 30 feet. A single
access point on Bremerton Ave NE is proposed which would meet the spacing and access
requirements. The final location of the access point on Bremerton Ave NE would be
determined through Site Plan Review.
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. A site plan meeting access and driveway
requirements shall be submitted at the time of formal land use application.
9.Urban Design Regulations: The property is located in the Urban Design District D.
Compliance with Urban Design Regulations, District D, is required for all new structures. The
urban design regulations were established in accordance with and to implement policies
established in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The land use application
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shall provide a written narrative to identify how the project meets each applicable urban
design regulation. Please refer the standards in their entirety at RMC 4-3-100. The following
bullets are some, but not all, of the guidelines and standards outlined in the regulations.
Buildings shall be oriented to the street with clear connections to the sidewalk.
Building entries from a street shall be clearly marked with canopies, architectural elements,
ornamental lighting, or landscaping and include weather protection at least 4.5 feet wide
along at least 75 percent (75%) of the length of the building facade facing a street, a maximum
height of 15 feet above the ground elevation, and no lower than 8 feet above ground level.
In addition to standard enclosure requirements, garbage, recycling collection, and utility areas
shall be enclosed on all sides, include a roof and be screened around their perimeter by a wall
or fence and have self-closing doors. Service enclosures shall be made of masonry,
ornamental metal or wood, or some combination of the three.
Parking shall be located so that no surface parking is located between the building and the
front property line and the building and the side property line along a street. Parking shall be
located so that it is screened from surrounding streets by buildings, landscaping, and/or
gateway features as dictated by location.
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. 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.
The pathways shall be perpendicular to the applicable building faade and no greater than
150 feet apart. Permeable pavement pedestrian circulation features shall be used where
feasible, consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual.
All mixed use residential and attached housing developments of ten (10) or more dwelling
units shall provide common open space and/or recreation areas at minimum, fifty (50) square
feet per unit and the location, layout, and proposed type of common space or recreation area
shall be subject to approval by the Administrator.
Architectural elements that incorporate plants, particularly at building entrances, in publicly
accessible spaces and at faades along streets, shall be provided. Amenities such as outdoor
group seating, benches, transit shelters, fountains, and public art shall be provided.
All building faades shall include modulation or articulation at intervals of no more than 40
feet. Modulations shall be a minimum of 2 feet deep, 16 feet in height and 8 feet in width.
Any faade visible to the public shall be comprised of at least 50 percent (50%) transparent
windows and/or doors for at least the portion of the ground floor facade that is between 4
feet and 8 feet above ground.
At least one of the following elements shall be used to create varied and interesting roof
profiles: extended parapets; feature elements projecting above parapets; projected cornices;
or pitched or sloped roofs. See illustration in RMC 4-3-100E.5 Building Roof Lines for
examples.
All buildings shall use material variations such as colors, brick or metal banding, patterns or
textural changes. Materials shall be durable, high quality, and consistent with more traditional
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urban development, such as brick, integrally colored concrete masonry, pre-finished metal,
stone, steel, glass and cast-in-place concrete.
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.
10.Critical Areas: The site contains a piped stream channel and regulated slopes. If requested, a
reasonable use variance would be required in order to allow an existing piped stream to be
redirected to a new surface channel below the building near the central portion of the site. It
is the applicants responsibility to ascertain if any critical areas or environmental concerns
are present on the site during site development or building construction.
11.Environmental Review: The proposed project would require Environmental (SEPA) Review in
accordance with WAC 197-11. An environmental checklist must be submitted with the land
use application.
12.Site Plan Approval: Per RMC 4-9-200, site plan review is required for all development within
the Commercial Arterial (CA) zone with four (4) 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.
Decisional criteria for site plan approval are itemized in RMC 4-9-200E.3.
13.Permit Requirements: The proposal would require a Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review, a
Reasonable Use Variance, and SEPA Environmental Review. Once a complete application is
accepted, site plan review, reasonable use variance, and environmental review can be
reviewed concurrently in an estimated time frame of 12 weeks. The 2023 application fees are
as follows: Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review is $4,270, Variance is $1,490, and SEPA Review
(Environmental Checklist) is $1,800. 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 Citys Permit Center website. The City now
requires electronic plan submittal for all applications.
In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits
would be required.
14.Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all 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.
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15.Impact Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees would
be required. Fees change periodically and the fees in effect at the time of building permit
issuance would apply. For informational purposes, the 2023 impact fees are as follows:
A Fire impact fee $964.53 per new multi-family dwelling unit, $1.25 per square foot for
retail, and $5.92 per square foot for restaurant;
A transportation impact fee would be based on the land use. For example the multi-family
residential impact fee is $7,550.02 per new multi-family dwelling unit or $8,031.94 per
net new PM Peak Hour Person Vehicle Trip;
Renton School District Impact Fee $3,697.00 per new multi-family dwelling unit (+5%
administrative fee); and
Parks Impact Fee currently assessed at $2,222.84 per new multi-family dwelling unit (5 or
more units).
A handout listing all of the Citys Development related fees is available for your review at
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=0&repo=CityofRe
nton.
16.Next Steps: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant shall have the
materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package. Please
contactClark H. Close Principal Planner at 425-430-7289 or cclose@rentonwa.gov to submit
prescreen materials and subsequent land use application.
17.Expiration: Once the Site Plan application has been approved, the applicant has two years to
comply with all conditions of approval and to apply for any necessary permits before the
approval becomes null and void. The 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 applicants responsibility to monitor the expiration dates.