HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE_StaffComments_230713_v1DEPARTMENT 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
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
2705 Benson Rd S
PRE23-000210
July 13, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Andrew Van Gordon, 425.430.7286, avangordon@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Huy Huynh, 425.430.7384, hhuynh@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 26, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Chua Short Plat
1. The fire flow requirement for a single-family home is 1,000 gpm minimum for dwellings
up to 3,600 square feet (including garage and basements). If the dwelling exceeds 3,600 square
feet, a minimum of 1,500 gpm fire flow would be required. A minimum of one fire hydrant is
required within 300-feet of the proposed buildings and two hydrants if the fire flow goes up to
1,500 gpm. Water is provided by Soos Creek Water District, a water availability certification is
required. It appears one existing fire hydrant is directly across the street.
2. The fire impact fees are currently applicable at the rate of $829.77 per single family unit.
This fee is paid at building permit issuance. No charges apply to the existing house that is to
remain.
3. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required to be a minimum of 20-feet
wide fully paved, with 25-feet inside and 45-feet outside turning radius. Fire access roadways
shall be constructed to support a 30-ton vehicle with 75-psi point loading. Access is required
within 150 feet of all points on the buildings. The maximum grade is 15 percent. Access on
adjoining property shall have all proper access easement recordings.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 7, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Planner
FROM: Huy Huynh, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Chua 2-Lots Short Plat
2705 Benson Rd S
PRE23-000210
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)
2923059106. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
WATER
1. A water availability certificate from Soos Creek Water and Sewer District is required as part of the
land use Application.
2. A copy of the approved Soos Creek Water and Sewer District plans shall be provided to the City
prior to civil construction permit approval. Soos Creek Water and Sewer District contact:
http://www.sooscreek.com, phone number 253-630-9900.
3. Adequate horizontal and vertical separation 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 City mains.
4. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
SEWER
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s sanitary sewer service area.
2. There is an 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Benson Rd S (see record drawing S-021703).
3. Individual sewer stubs from a sewer main and individual side sewers are required for each lot. All
new sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
4. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
5. 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
2023 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
The current sewer SDC fee is $3,650.00 per 1-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=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
SURFACE WATER
1. The site currently contains one single family residence and there is no on-site stormwater
conveyance system. There is an existing 12 inch stormwater main (Facility ID No. 120411) on
Benson Rd. S
2. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water
Design Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart in the 2022 City of Renton
Surface Water Manual (2022 RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for
this site. A drainage study complying with the 2022 RSWDM may be required. Based on the
City’s flow control map, the site falls within the City’s Flow Control Duration Standard area
(Matching Forest Conditions). The site falls within the Black River Basin and Rolling Hill Creek
sub-basin.
3. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
4. The current City of Renton Surface Water Standard Plans that shall be used in all drainage
submittals. The current City of Renton Standard details are available online at the City of Renton
website:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton .
5. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant
will be required to provide 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.
6. 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 as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2022 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.
7. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual Section C.1.3. Information on the water table and soil permeability (measured
infiltration rates), with recommendations of appropriate on-site BMPs per Core Requirement #9
and Appendix C shall be included in the report. The report should also include information
concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns and vegetation present shall be presented in
order to evaluate the drainage, erosion control and slope stability for site development of the
proposed plat. The applicant must demonstrate the development will not result in soil erosion
and sedimentation, landslide, slippage, or excess surface water runoff.
8. The development falls within the R-8 zone which has a maximum impervious surface area of
65% per lot.
9. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fee. Fees will
be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a) The current SDC fee for a SFR is $2,300.00
b) The current SDC fee for an ADU is $1,150.00
c) The full schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067870&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton.
TRANSPORTATION
1. In accordance with RMC 4-6-060, if the site improvements and/or proposed building additions
exceed an overall valuation of $175,000, the project site(s) shall be required to meet the City’s
Complete Streets Standards.
a. Benson Rd S. is classified as a minor arterial street, with an existing right-of-way (ROW)
width of approximately 60 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for
Residential Access streets, a minimum ROW width of 91 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-
060, half street improvements as taken from the ROW centerline will be required and
include a minimum 54-foot paved road (27 feet from centerline), 0.5 feet of curb, an 8-
foot planting strip, and 8-foot sidewalk, and 2’ clear at back of sidewalk along each side
of the roadway. Approximately 15.5’ dedication would be required depending on final
survey.
i. However, the adopted Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan includes a
modified street section for the portion of Benson Rd S. fronting the site. The
street section reduces the pavement width to 43 feet (21.5 feet from
centerline). The modified street standard requires a minimum ROW of 80 feet.
Half street improvements shall include a pavement width of 21.5 feet, a 0.5 foot
curb, an 8 foot planting strip a 8 foot sidewalk, a 2 foot clear space at back of
walk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. A modification will be
required.
2. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-
090.
3. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
a. A minimum separation of 5 feet is required between driveway and the property line.
b. Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15%. Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide
slotted drains.
c. The maximum width of single loaded garage driveway shall not exceed nine feet (9') and
double-loaded garage driveway shall not exceed sixteen feet (16').
4. Instead of an access easement, a shared driveway is allowed for access up to 4 lots provided at
least one of the four lots abuts a public right-of-way with at least fifty linear feet of frontage and
the subject lots are not created by a subdivision of ten or more lots. Refer to the shared
driveway requirements as outlined in RMC 4-6-060.J. Shared driveways shall be within a tract;
the width of the tract and paved surface shall be a minimum of sixteen feet; the Fire Authority
may require the tract and paved surface to be up to twenty feet wide. If a shared driveway
abuts properties that are not part of the subdivision an eight foot wide landscaped strip shall be
provided between the shared driveway and neighboring properties.
5. Street lighting is not required for a project that consists of 4 or less residential units. See RMC 4-
6-060 for street lighting requirements.
6. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s
Restoration and 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.
a. The 2023 transportation impact fee is $12,208.54 per single family home and for an ADU,
the 2023 transportation impact fee is $7,550.02.
b. The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. All existing and proposed utility lines (i.e., electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along
property frontage or within the site must be underground. 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 civil construction 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 and tree retention shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan
shall be on separate sheets.
5. Additional Building Permit Applications will be required for the following:
a. Any retaining walls that exceed 4 feet in height, as defined by RMC 4-4-040.
b. Detention vaults for storm water flow control.
c. Demo of any existing structures on the project site(s).
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 fee schedule.
7. A demo permit is required for the demolition of the existing building. The demo permit shall be
acquired through the building department.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 13, 2023
TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000210
FROM: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Chua 2-Lot Short Plat – 2705 Benson Rd S (Parcel number
2923059106)
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
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/.
Project Proposal: The applicant proposes to subdivide 2705 Benson Rd S (APN 2923059106) into
two (2) residential lots for the benefit of detached dwellings; an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is
proposed on one (1) lot. The property has street frontage along Benson Rd S to the east. The lot
is located within the Residential – 8 (R-8) zone. The site area is approximately 14,810 square feet
(0.33 acre). Access to the front lot is proposed via the existing driveway from Benson Rd S; access
to the back lot is proposed via an access easement from Benson Rd S.
Current Use: The project area is currently developed with a detached dwelling with access from
Benson Rd S. The existing dwelling is proposed to be retained on the front lot. Per COR Maps a
moderate coalmine hazard, high landslide hazard area, sensitive slopes and protected slopes are
present on the site.
Zoning/Land Use: The subject property is located within the Residential-8 (R-8) zoning
classification. The Residential Medium Density Land Use designation is intended to implement the
R-8 zone. The R-8 zone is established for single family dwellings. Development in the R-8 Zone is
intended to create opportunities for new single family residential neighborhoods and to facilitate
high-quality infill development that promotes reinvestment in existing single-family
neighborhoods. It is intended to accommodate uses that are compatible with and support a high-
quality residential environment and add to a sense of community.
Detached dwellings are permitted within the R-8 zone.
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
Page 2 of 8
July 13, 2023
Density: The area of public rights-of-way, legally recorded private access easements and critical
areas (i.e. very high landslide hazard areas, protected slopes (except evaluate on a case-by-case
basis those protected slopes created by previous development, wetlands, Class 1 to 4 streams
and lakes or floodways) would be deducted from the gross site area to determine the “net” site
area prior to calculating density. In order to calculate the proposed density of the project, any
area of public road, private driveway/easement, and/or critical area dedication must be known.
All fractions which result from net density calculations shall be truncated at two (2) numbers past
the decimal (e.g., 4.5678 becomes 4.56). Calculations for minimum or maximum density that
result in a fraction that is 0.50 or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those
density calculations resulting in a fraction that is less than 0.50 shall be rounded down to the
nearest whole number. The R-8 zone has a minimum density of four (4) dwelling units per acre
with a maximum of eight (8) dwelling units per acre. Based on the approximate gross land area of
0.3399 acre, the two (2) lot proposal arrives at a gross density of approximately 5.88 du/ac (2 lots
/ 0.3399 gross acres = 5.88 du/ac).
The gross density would result in 5.88 du/ac; however, the applicant would be required to
demonstrate compliance with the net density requirements of the zone at the time of formal
application. A density worksheet deducting street improvements identified in the preapplication
meeting and this memo would be required with the land use application.
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards
for Residential Zoning Designations effective at the time of complete application (noted as “R-8
standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size permitted in the R-8 zone is 5,000
square feet for parcels being subdivided. For short plats of parcels smaller than one (1) acre, one
(1) parcel may be allowed to be smaller than the required minimum lot size. If all other parcels
meet the required minimum lot size standard of the zone, one parcel may be allowed to be 4,500
square feet in size in the R-8 zone. Minimum lot width is 50 feet (50’); minimum lot depth is 80
feet (80’). In order to ensure compliance with Tier 1 requirements for Tree Preservation Priority,
pursuant to RMC 4-4-130H2a, lot size and lot dimensions of the zone may be decreased by a
maximum of 10 percent (10%), provided the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator’s
satisfaction that the reduction is necessary to ensure the preservation of all significant trees, as
defined in RMC 4-11-200, required for retention within dedicated tract(s), pursuant to RMC 4-4-
130H1a, Minimum Tree Retention Requirements.
It is unclear from the provided documents what the lot width and depth of each proposed lot is.
Based on measurements made in COR Maps two (2) lots could be placed side-by-side with
frontage along Benson Rd S and still meet width, depth, and area requirements for the R-8 zone.
Prior to Planning supporting a front/back lot configuration, it would need to be shown that a
side-by-side layout is not possible. Compliance with minimum lot size, width and depth
standards would be verified at the time of land use application.
Building Standards – The R-8 standards allow a maximum building coverage of 50 percent (50%)
of the lot area. The maximum impervious coverage in the R-8 zone is 65 percent (65%). The
maximum wall plate height is restricted to 24 feet (24’), and the buildings shall be not more than
two (2) stories. Roofs with a pitch equal to or greater than 4:12 may project an additional six (6)
vertical feet from the maximum wall plate height; common rooftop features, such as chimneys,
may project an additional four vertical feet (4’) from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical
projections (e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not extend above the maximum wall plate height
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
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July 13, 2023
unless the projection is stepped back one-and-a-half horizontal feet (1.5’) from each façade for
each one vertical foot (1’) above the maximum wall plate height. The maximum wall plate height
for detached accessory structures is 12 feet (12’) and the total floor area must be less than that
of the primary structure. Accessory structures are also included in building lot coverage
calculations.
One (1) ADU is permitted per legal lot. Unit size shall be determined by lot size and the size of the
primary structure; the total gross floor area of the ADU shall not exceed the size stated in the
Maximum Unit Size section of this table or 75% of the total gross floor area of the primary
structure, whichever is smaller. ADUs shall be located at least 6 feet (6’) from any residential
structure. ADUs are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated
conditions and shall not be taller than the primary structure. Additional ADU height allowances
may be permitted upon application and approval of a modification pursuant to RMC 4-9-250.
New development would need to comply with the maximum building coverage, impervious
surface requirements, and building height regulations of the zone at the time of building permit
review. Existing development proposed for retention would also be required to comply with
building and coverage limitations and would be reviewed for compliance at the time of land use
application.
Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the
property line. The required setbacks for the R-8 zone are: Front yard: 20 feet (20’) except when
all vehicle access is taken from an alley, then 15 feet (15’); Secondary front yard (applies to corner
lots): 15 feet (15’); Rear yard: 25 feet (25’); Side yard: five feet (5’) Within subdivisions, the
minimum front yard and secondary front yard setback may be reduced to no less than twenty feet
(20') provided the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the setback
reduction is necessary to preserve and maintain a landmark tree within a tree protection tract, as
each term is defined in RMC 4-11-200, Definitions T. An arborist report, pursuant to RMC 4-8-
120D.1, shall be prepared and provided to the City for review and concurrence, demonstrating
that the setback reduction and project proposal serve to preserve the critical root zone of the tree
within a tree protection tract.
The required setbacks for ADUs within the R-8 zone are: Front yard: The ADU shall be set back an
additional 5 ft. parallel to and measured from the front facade of the primary structure and shall
comply with the setbacks applied to the primary structure, as identified in RMC 4-2-110A,
Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations. ADUs shall not be permitted
between the primary structure and the street unless approved in the Conditional Use Permit
process; Rear yard: five feet (5’), when located within 10 feet (10’) of the rear property line, at
least 25 percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory
dwellings, except when the rear property line abuts an alley; Side yard: five feet (5’). In no case
shall a structure over 42 inches in height intrude into the 20 foot clear vision area defined in
RMC 4-11-030.
Compliance with required setbacks for new development would be verified at the time of
building permit application. Existing development proposed for retention would be reviewed for
compliance at the time of land use application.
Residential Design and Open Space Standards
Future single-family building permits would be subject to the RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design
and Open Space Standards. Requirements related to garages, entries, modulation,
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
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July 13, 2023
windows/doors, scale, bulk, and character, roof forms, eaves, architectural detailing, and
materials/color should be reviewed in their entity prior to submitting permit applications.
Compliance with lot configuration requirements would be verified at the time of land use
application. Compliance with building design requirements would be verified at the time of
building permit review.
Access/Parking: Access to the front lot is proposed via the existing access from Benson Rd S.
Access to the rear lot is proposed via an access easement from Benson Rd S. Each lot is required
to accommodate off street parking for a minimum of two (2) vehicles. The maximum width of
single loaded garage driveways shall not exceed nine feet (9’) and double loaded garage driveways
shall not exceed 16 feet. Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15 percent; provided, that
driveways exceeding eight percent (8%) shall provide slotted drains at the lower end with positive
drainage discharge to restrict runoff from entering the garage/residence or crossing any public
sidewalk. Driveways shall not be closer than five feet (5’) to any property line except as allowed
per RMC 4-4-080I.9, Joint Use Driveways. Shared driveways may be allowed for access to four (4)
or fewer residential lots provided:
a. At least one (1) of the four (4) lots abuts a public right-of-way and the street frontage of
the lot is equal to or greater than the lot width requirement of the zone;
b. The subject lots are not created by a subdivision of 10 or more lots;
c. A public street is not anticipated by the City of Renton to be necessary for existing or
future traffic and/or pedestrian circulation through the short subdivision or to serve
adjacent property.
d. The shared driveway would not adversely affect future circulation to neighboring
properties;
e. The shared driveway is no more than 300 feet (300’) in length; and
f. The shared driveway poses no safety risk and provides sufficient access for emergency
vehicles and personnel.
Shared driveways shall be within a tract; the width of the tract and paved surface shall be a
minimum of 16 feet (16’) in width; the Fire Department may require the tract and paved surface
to be up to 20 feet (20’) wide. If a shared driveway abuts properties that are not part of the
subdivision, an eight-foot (8’) wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the shared
driveway and neighboring properties. The landscape strip shall be within a tract and planted with
a mixture of trees, shrubs and groundcover, as required in RMC 4-4-070. The shared driveway
may be required to include a turnaround per subsection H of RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. No
sidewalks are required for shared driveways; however, drainage improvements pursuant to City
Code are required as well as an approved pavement thickness. The maximum grade for the shared
driveway shall not exceed 15 percent (15%), except for within approved hillside subdivisions.
An access easement alone is not a permitted access mechanism. A joint-use driveway would be
required for a side-by-side lot layout. In the current configuration a shared driveway a minimum
of 16 feet (16’) in width with an eight-foot (8’) wide landscaping strip would be required along
the northern property line; the Fire Department may require the trace and paved surface to be
up to 20 feet (20’) wide. All lots shall access off the shared driveway. The project layout would
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
Page 5 of 8
July 13, 2023
need to be revised to comply with the shared driveway standards. Compliance with access and
driveway requirements would be verified at the time of land use application.
Landscaping: With the exception of 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. The minimum on-site landscape width required
along street frontages is 10 feet and shall contain trees, shrubs, and landscaping. Street trees in
the ROW planter will also be required. Landscaping may include hardscape such as decorative
paving, rock outcroppings, fountains, plant containers, etc. Minimum planting strip widths
between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of
RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be located in
this area when present. 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,
streetlights, 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.
A conceptual landscape plan shall be provided with the land use application as prepared by a
licensed Landscape Architect, a certified nurseryman or other certified professional. Please be
aware that frontage improvements will be required.
Storm drainage facilities are required to comply with the minimum 15-foot perimeter
landscaping strip on the outside of the fence unless otherwise determined through the site plan
review or subdivision review process. Please refer to landscape regulations RMC 4-4-070 for
further general and specific landscape requirements.
Significant Tree Retention: A review of COR Maps appears to show 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
Chua 2-Lot Short Plat
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July 13, 2023
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
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
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and greater 13
Protected trees within a subdivision shall be retained in the order of priority listed in RMC 4-4-
130H.2. Protection of trees or groves by placement within a dedicated tract (Tier 1) is the highest
priority.
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.
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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 retention worksheet prepared
by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the land use application.
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 and grading plan with top of wall and
bottom of wall elevations. 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. The maximum height
of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject to further height limitations in setbacks and
clear vision areas noted in RMC 4-4-040D. 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.
Hillside Subdivisions: Because of their steeper slopes, the sites of hillside subdivisions ordinarily
should have greater attention paid to the potential for drainage, erosion, and slope stability
problems than other subdivisions. Information concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns,
and vegetation shall be presented in order to evaluate the drainage, erosion control and slope
stability for site development of the proposed plat. The applicant must demonstrate that the
development of the hillside subdivision will not result in soil erosion and sedimentation, landslide,
slippage, excess surface water runoff, increased costs of building and maintaining roads and public
facilities and increased need for emergency relief and rescue operations. Detailed plans for any
proposed cut and fill operations shall be submitted. These plans shall include the angle of slope,
contours, compaction, and retaining walls. Plans shall be consistent with requirements in RMC 4-
4-060, Grading, Excavation and Mining Regulations. Areas of the subdivision deemed to be critical
areas due to designation as protected slopes shall be located within a tract or tracts. See RMC 4-
7-220, Hillside Subdivisions for full requirements.
Critical Areas: Per COR Maps a moderate coalmine hazard, high landslide hazard area, sensitive
slopes and protected slopes are present on the site.
A geotechnical report would be required at the time of the land use application.
Environmental Review: Short Plats are generally exempt from State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA) review. However, the proposal would require environmental review pursuant to RMC 4-9-
070, Environmental Review Procedures. The project site has protected slopes located on it; WAC
197-11-800(3) does not apply. 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.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require administrative short plat approval and
Environmental Review. The application would be reviewed within an estimated time frame of
eight weeks. The 2023 fees would total $8,274.00 ($6,080.00 Preliminary Short Plat + $1,800.00
Environmental Review + $394.00 Technology Fee (5%) = $8,274.00). Each modification request is
$290.00. A 5% technology fee added to the total cost of the reviews would also be assessed at the
time of land use application. All fees are subject to change. Detailed information regarding the
land use permit application submittal requirements can be found on the Short Plat Submittal
Requirements checklist. 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
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July 13, 2023
refer to the City’s Electronic File Standards. A Final Short Plat application, and its associated fee,
will be required following construction of the subdivision’s infrastructure.
Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II Land Use Permits as
classified by RMC 4-8-080, Permit Classification. 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.
Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees would be required.
The fee in effect at the time of residential building permit issuance will apply. For informational
purposes, the 2023 impact fees are as follows:
A Transportation Impact Fee assessed at $12,208.54 per each new detached dwelling unit.
A Parks Impact Fee assessed at $3,276.44 per each new detached dwelling unit subdivision.
A Fire Impact Fee assessed at $829.77 per each new detached dwelling unit.
A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $2,911.00 (plus a 5% processing charge)
per each new detached dwelling unit.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton website
for your review.
Next Steps: When the formal land use application materials are complete, the applicant shall have
the application materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package.
Please contact Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner at avangordon@rentonwa.gov or (425)
430-7286 for an appointment.
Expiration: Upon approval, the Short Plat is valid for five years with a possible one-year extension
(RMC 4-7-070M). It is the responsibility of the owner to monitor the expiration date.