HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE23-000257_Meeting SummaryPREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
430 Maple Avenue
PRE 23-000257
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
September 7, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Jill Ding, 425.430.6598, jding@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Sam Morman, 425-430-7383, smorman@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org
Building Department Reviewer: Rob Shuey, 425.430.7290, rshuey@rentonwa.gov
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before
formal submittal.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development
Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 15, 2023
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Maple Townhomes
Comments based on the assumption that these units will be built under the International
Residential Code. Starting February 1st, 2021, townhomes over 4 units will require sprinklers
per Washington State building code amendment.
1. The fire flow requirement for the proposed buildings is calculated at the rate of 2,500
gpm if built with non-rated construction and residential fire sprinkler systems. Three fire
hydrants are required. One within 150-feet and two within 300-feet of each of the proposed
buildings. It appears that there is one existing fire hydrant that is within the required distance,
two additional fire hydrants shall be installed near the site.
2. Approved fire sprinkler systems are required throughout each building. Separate plans
and permits required by the fire department.
3. The fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $829.77 per townhome unit. This fee
is paid at building permit issuance.
4. 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. Proposed access appears to be adequate.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 7, 2023
TO: Jill Ding, Planner
FROM: Sam Morman, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: 430 Maple Avenue
430 Maple Ave SW
PRE23-000257
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)
1823059165. 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 Renton’s water service area in the Valley 196 Pressure Zone. The
project is outside of the City’s Wellhead Protection Areas.
2. There is an existing 12-inch water main located in Hardie Ave SW that can deliver a maximum flow
capacity of 4,900 GPM (see water plan No. W-216503).
3. There is an existing 12-inch water main located in Maple Ave SW that can deliver a maximum flow
capacity of 4,900 GPM (see water plan No. W-089101).
4. There is an existing 8-inch water main located in in a utility easement on the south adjacent property
that can deliver a maximum flow capacity of 2,500 GPM (see water plan No. W-234801).
5. The static water pressure is approximately 64 psi at ground elevation of 46 feet.
6. There is one existing hydrant located east of the site connected to the main in Hardie Ave SW. There
are two existing hydrants located on the parcel to the south connecting to the main located on that
parcel. There is one existing hydrant located to the west of the site near the intersection of Maple Ave
SW and SW 4th Pl.
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 is 2,500 GPM including the use of an automatic fire sprinkler system.
8. Based on the information provided with the pre-application submittal documents, the following
developer’s 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.
• Installation of 12-inch water mains (dead-end) within the interior access road to provide the
fire flow demand of 2,500 GPM and connecting to the existing 12-inch water main in Maple
Ave SW.
• Installation of residential fire sprinkler system for each townhome unit. The fire sprinkler
system and related piping shall be done by a registered fire sprinkler
designer/contractor. Separate plans and permits will be required by Renton Regional Fire
Authority.
• Installation of a fire sprinkler stub a with a detector double check valve assembly (DDCVA)
for backflow prevention to each building. The fire sprinkler stub and related piping shall be
done by a registered fire sprinkler designer/contractor. The DDCVA shall be installed on the
private property in an outside underground vault per City standard plan no. 360.2. The
DDCVA may be installed inside the building if it meets the conditions as shown on City’s
standard plan 360.5 for the installation of a DDCVA inside a building. The location of the
DDCVA inside the building must be pre-approved by the City Plan Reviewer and Water
Utility.
• Installation of additional fire hydrants within the development as required by the Fire
Authority.
• A 15-foot-wide public water easement is required for any public water main, hydrants and
water meters located outside City Right-of-Way.
• Installation of a separate water service (minimum 1-inch) and meter for each townhome
unit. The sizing of the meter shall be in accordance with the most recent edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code. The water services and meter setters will be installed by the
developer’s contractor as part of the (on-site) water main improvements. The City will
provide and install the “drop-in” meters. Water meter permits are required.
• Installation of a backflow prevention assembly downstream of each water meter for
townhomes with 3-stories or more.
• Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly (DCVA) if
applicable.
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 City’s 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 (SDC’s) 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 City’s 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.
• Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service is applicable.
Water Service installation is $2,875.00 per 1-inch service line.
• Drop-in meter fee is $400 per ¾-inch meter and $460.00 per 1-inch meter.
• A credit will be applied if the existing water service is abandoned.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cityof
Renton
Sanitary 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 Maple Ave SW at the southwest corner of the
property (see record drawing S-142202).
3. A sewer main extension to serve the proposed lots will be required within the interior access roads
to the development based on the final layout of the plat.
4. 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.
5. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
6. 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.
• A credit will be applied if the existing wastewater lateral is abandoned.
• 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. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main at the southwest corner of the project site (see record
drawing R-234809).
2. There is an existing 60-inch stormwater main at to the east of the site located in Hardie Ave SW (see
record drawing R-216509).
3. Any new on or off-site drainage systems must be designed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the 2022
RSWDM.
4. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes.
5. 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 of the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual (RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. The site falls
within the Flow Control Standard Matching Existing Site Conditions. The site falls within the Black
River drainage basin and South Renton sub basin.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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, geo logy,
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.
10. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
11. The development falls within the RM-F zone which has a maximum impervious surface area of 75%,
and maximum building coverage of 70% for townhouses.
12. 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 for the new Townhomes is charged per square foot of new impervious
surface at $0.92 per square foot, but not less than $2,300.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&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 Maple Ave SW to the west, Hardie Ave SW to the east, and
private property on the other sides.
• Hardie Ave SW is classified as a Collector Arterial street. Existing ROW width is approximately
60 feet. Per City code 4-6-060, a 2-lane Collector Arterial Roadway requires a ROW width of
83 feet. The half street improvements shall include a pavement width of 46 feet (23 feet from
centerline), a 5-foot bike lane, an 8-foot parking lane a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip,
an 8-foot sidewalk, 2-feet of clear space at back of sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage
improvements. Dedication will be subject to final survey.
i. However, the City will support a modification request from the applicant to maintain
the existing curb-to-curb width on Hardie Ave SW. The modified street section is to
contain a 44-foot paved width, a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip, an 8-foot
sidewalk, 2-feet of clear space at back of sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage
improvements. Dedication will be subject to final survey.
• Maple Ave SW is classified as a Residential Access street. Existing ROW width is approximately
40 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for Residential Access streets, minimum
ROW width is 53 feet. Per City code 4-6-060, minimum half street improvements shall include
a pavement width of 26 feet (13 feet from centerline), a 0.5-foot curb, an 8-foot planting strip,
a 5-foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements. The applicant will be
required to tie into the existing curb line at the southwest property corner. The applicant will
install and continue the curb at the same offset from the property line as the property to the
south and provide the 8’ planter strip and 5’ sidewalk behind the new curb. Dedication may
be required pending field survey.
• The proposed access street will need to follow the City’s regulations as listed in RMC 4-6-060
for a Residential Access street, with a minimum 53-foot section including a pavement width
of 26 feet, 0.5-foot curbs, 8-foot planting strips, 5-foot sidewalks, street trees and storm
drainage improvements.
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 maximum width of single loaded garage driveway shall not exceed nine feet (9') and
double-loaded garage driveway shall not exceed sixteen feet (16').
3. Undergrounding of all existing utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
4. Street lighting will be required as this project proposes more than four residential units. See RMC 4-
6-060 for street lighting requirements.
5. For dead end streets that exceed 150-feet in length an approved turnaround per RMC 4-6-060 is
required.
6. A traffic impact analysis is required when the estimated vehicular traffic generated from a proposed
development exceeds 20 vehicles per hour in either the AM (6:00 – 9:00) or PM (3:00 – 6:00) peak
periods. The analysis must include a discussion on traffic circulation to and from the site and onsite
traffic circulation. The study shall include trip generation and trip distribution for the project for
both AM and PM peak hours.
7. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
8. 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 is $7,550.02 per townhome unit.
• Unless noted otherwise in the Fee Schedule, the 2023 transportation impact fee is $8,031.94
per net new PM peak Hour Vehicle Trip per PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip.
• 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. 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.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 7, 2023
TO: Preapplication File No. 23-000257
FROM: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: 430 Maple Avenue
430 Maple Avenue SW
(Parcel No. 1823059165)
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, 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 is proposing a residential townhome development at 430 Maple
Avenue SW (parcel no. 1823059165). The project site totals approximately 58,065 sq. ft. (1.33
acres) and is located within the Residential Multi-Family (RMF) zoning classification, Urban Design
District B, and the Residential High Density (RHD) land use designation. The proposal would
include three separate townhome residential structures with 5-9 residential units per building
resulting in a total of 19 dwelling units on the project site. Access to the site is proposed via new
dead end limited residential access street off of Maple Avenue SW which would transition to alley
access, serving the individual townhome units. According to COR Maps, the site is mapped with
Protected Slopes, Sensitive Slopes, a seismic hazard area, and a wellhead protection area, zone 2.
Current Use: The previously existing structures located onsite have been demolished, the project
site is currently vacant.
Zoning Requirements: The property is located within the Residential High Density (RHD) land use
designation, the Residential Multi-Family (RM-F) zoning designation, and Urban Design District B.
Attached dwellings - townhouses are a permitted use within the RM-F zone, provided specified
use(s) shall be subject to the standards of RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space
Standards, applicable to the R-10 and R-14 Zones, in lieu of the overlay design district B
standards of RMC 4-3-100. Pursuant to Code Interpretation 169 finalized July 5, 2023,
townhouses in the RMF zone are permitted via the unit lot subdivision process.
Density Requirements: The density range allowed in the RM-F zone is a minimum of 10.0 to a
maximum of 20.0 dwelling units per net acre (du/ac). The area of public and private streets and
430 Maple Avenue
Preapplication Meeting
September 7, 2023
2
critical areas would be deducted from the gross site area to determine the “net” site area prior to
calculating density. After the deduction of an estimated 4,150 sq. ft. of right-of-way dedication
and 6,600 sq. ft. of protected slopes, the project site would have a net area of 47,315 sq. ft. or
1.086 net acres. The proposal for 19 units on the 1.086 net acre site would result in a net density
of approximately 17.50 du/ac, which is within the density range permitted in the RM-F zone.
The applicant would be required to submit a density worksheet at the time of formal land use
application demonstrating compliance with the net density requirements.
Unit Lot Subdivision Standards: Parent sites developed or proposed to be developed with
attached townhouse dwellings may be subdivided into unit lots and the remainder of the parent
site shall be platted as one or more tracts. Any private open space or private amenities for a
dwelling unit shall be provided on the same unit lot as the dwelling unit. The density of the parent
site shall not exceed the maximum net density of the zone. Only one dwelling unit shall be located
on a unit lot. Individual unit lots created for townhouse developments are exempt from the
following standards of RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards for Residential Zoning
Designations (Primary and Attached Accessory Structures): maximum net density, minimum lot
size, minimum lot width, minimum lot depth, yard setbacks, maximum building coverage, and
maximum impervious surface area. The parent site would need to comply with all development
standards as though it were a standalone lot. Please see RMC 4-7-090 for additional
requirements and regulations for unit lot subdivisions.
Development Standards: The project is subject to RMC 4-2-110A, “Development Standards for
Residential Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete application (noted as “RM-F
standards” herein). Individual unit lots created for townhouses and cottage house developments
are exempt from the following standards of RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards for
Residential Zoning Designations (Primary and Attached Accessory Structures): maximum net
density, minimum lot size, minimum lot width, minimum lot depth, yard setbacks, maximum
building coverage, and maximum impervious surface area.
Maximum Number of Dwellings (per Legal Lot) – N/A for attached dwellings.
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – There is no minimum lot size requirement in the RM-F zone.
The minimum lot depth is 50 feet for townhouse developments. The minimum lot width for
townhouse developments is 25 feet for interior lots and 30 feet for corner lots. The existing lot
has an area of 58,065 sq. ft. with a width of approximately 280 feet and a depth of 196 feet. The
existing lot (parent parcel) would comply with the minimum lot size, width, and depth
requirements for the RM-F zone.
Building Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint
and the property line and any private access easement. The required setbacks in the RM-F zone
are 15 feet for the front yard (except when all vehicle access is taken from an alley, then it is 10-
feet), 10 feet for the rear yard, 5 feet for interior side yards, and 15 feet for secondary front yards.
Compliance with the required setback areas would be verified at the time of formal land use
application.
Building Height – The maximum wall plate height is 32 feet with 3 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 (4) vertical
feet from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical projections (e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not
extend above the maximum wall plate height unless the projection is stepped back one-and-a-
430 Maple Avenue
Preapplication Meeting
September 7, 2023
3
half (1.5) horizontal feet from each façade for each one (1) vertical foot above the maximum wall
plate height. The pre-application materials did not indicate a proposal for building height
expansion. An increase up to 32 ft. possible subject to administrative conditional use permit
approval. Elevations were not provided with the preapplication materials; building height would
be verified at the time of land use review.
Building Coverage – The RM-F zone allows a maximum building coverage of 70% of the lot area
for townhouse development. Building coverage requirements for the parent site would be
verified at the time of land use review.
Impervious Surface Area – The maximum impervious surface would be limited to 75% of the
parent parcel. Impervious surface requirements for the parent site would be verified at the time
of land use review.
Residential Design and Open Space Standards: All new townhouse units in the RMF zone would
be subject to the Residential Design Standards outlined in RMC 4-2-115 for the R-14 zone in lieu
of Urban Design District B regulations. Residential Design Review occurs as part of the Site Plan
Review. For example, site design requirements for townhomes in the R-14 zones would require
350 square feet of common open space for each unit in the development. Open space may not
have a slope greater than 5%. Each ground-related dwelling shall have a private yard that is at
least 250 square feet in size with no dimension less than eight feet (8') in width. An additional two
hundred fifty (250) square feet of open space per unit shall be added to the required amount of
common open space for each unit that is not ground related. An example of the residential design
standard requirement includes developments of more than four structures shall incorporate a
variety of home sizes, lot sizes, and unit clusters. Building entries must take access from and face
a street, park, common green, pocket park, pedestrian easement, or open space. Open space
should be contiguous to the majority of the dwellings in the development, accessible to all
dwellings, and shall be at least twenty feet (30') wide. All site design, open space, and residential
design standards applicable to the R-14 zone would be verified at the time of formal land use
application.
Residential Design Standards – see RMC 4-2-115 for a complete list of standards and
requirements.
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).
Refuse and Recycling Areas: Multi-family residences using thirty-five (35) gallon garbage carts or
smaller must be provided either within the garage or outside. Storage within a garage must be
appropriately sized to accommodate both vehicles and refuse and recycling carts. Storage space
for carts must measure at least two feet by six feet (2’ x 6’) floor area and sixty inches (60”) high.
This space must be identified on floor plans. Storage located outside must measure at least two
feet by six feet (2’ x 6’) in size and be located on the same lot as the dwelling in a side or rear yard.
Outdoor storage must be adequately screened from public view, made of wood, masonry, or
ornamental metal. A minimum of one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet per dwelling unit in multi-
family residences shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas. A minimum of three (3) square
feet per dwelling unit shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum area of eighty
(80) square feet shall be provided for refuse and recyclables deposit areas. See RMC 4-4-090 for
430 Maple Avenue
Preapplication Meeting
September 7, 2023
4
additional information and standards. Compliance with the refuse and recyclable standards
would be verified at the time of formal land use application.
All site design, open space, and residential design standards applicable to the R-14 zone would
be verified at the time of site plan review.
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. 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.
Individual unit lots are exempt from the following subsections of Section 4-4-070, Landscaping
but instead are applied to the parent site for unit lot subdivisions:
a. RMC 4-4-070F1, Street Frontage Landscaping Required;
b. RMC 4-4-070F2, Street Trees and Landscaping Required Within the Right-of-Way on
Public Streets; and
c. RMC 4-4-070F3, Front Yard Trees Required When Street Trees Are Not Located Within
the Right-of-Way Abutting a Front Yard.
Stormwater Facility Perimeter Landscaping: A landscaping strip with a minimum fifteen feet (15')
of width shall be located on the outside of the perimeter fence, unless otherwise determined
through the site plan review or subdivision review process.
Please refer to landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) for additional general and specific landscape
requirements. A conceptual landscape plan demonstrating compliance with the landscape
standards shall be submitted at the time of land use application.
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
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TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
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
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-
130H1e 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 retention worksheet prepared
by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the land use application.
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
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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.
Parking: Townhouse development requires a minimum and maximum of 2 onsite parking stalls
per dwelling unit. Parking spaces within the garages shall be a minimum of 9’x20’. Parking stalls
within garages may count toward minimum requirements.
One-half (0.5) bicycle parking space is required per each dwelling unit. Spaces shall meet the
requirements of RMC 4-4-080 F11c, Bicycle Parking Standards.
The number of parking spaces required for attached dwellings pursuant to RMC 4-4-080F10d,
Parking Spaces Required Based on Land Use, may be averaged and dispersed among unit lots or
within the parent site; however, at least one parking space shall be provided within each unit lot.
Compliance with this requirement would be verified at the time of formal land use application.
Access/Driveways: 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. The
maximum driveway slopes cannot exceed 15%. If the grade exceeds 15%, a variance is required.
Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide slotted drains at the lower end with positive drainage
discharge to restrict runoff from entering the residences or crossing any public sidewalks.
The proposed access is a 52-foot wide dead end limited residential access street, with 16-foot
wide alleys and a motor court. The City does not have a standard for a motor court, access for
the units shall be provided via a public street or alley.
Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, the site is mapped with Protect Slopes, Sensitive Slopes, a
seismic hazard area, and a wellhead protection area, zone 2. Development is not permitted on
protect slopes, the proposed storm drainage facility within the protected slope area would need
to be relocated outside of the protected slopes. A Geotechnical Report would be required at the
time of formal land use application evaluating the suitability of the proposed development. The
required study shall demonstrate the following review criteria can be met: (a) The proposal will
not increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent or abutting properties beyond pre-
development conditions; and (b) The proposal will not adversely impact other critical areas; and
(c) The development can be safely accommodated on the site. The City may require secondary
review of geotechnical studies and all fees associated with that review are the responsibility of
the applicant.
All protected slope areas shall be placed within a Native Growth Protection Area (NGPA). The
applicant shall create a tract via the subdivision and record a permanent and irrevocable covenant
running with the land or deed restriction on the property title of any critical area management
tract or tracts created as a condition of a permit. Such covenant or deed restriction(s) shall
prohibit development, alteration, or disturbance within the tract except for purposes of habitat
enhancement as part of an enhancement project which has received prior written approval from
the City, and from any other agency with jurisdiction over such activity. A covenant running with
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the land shall be placed on the tract restricting its separate sale. Each abutting lot owner or the
homeowners’ association shall have an undivided interest in the tract.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine whether any other critical areas are present on
the site prior to formal land use application.
Environmental Review: The construction of nine (9) dwelling units or more on a project site
requires Environmental (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800.
Subdivision: Unit lot subdivisions of greater than nine (9) unit lots shall be processed as a
preliminary plat and are subject to all provisions of RMC 4-7-080, Detailed Procedures for
Subdivisions, unless otherwise specified by this Section.
Site Plan Review: The project would be subject to Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review. The purpose
of the Site Plan process is the detailed arrangement of project elements so as to be compatible
with the physical characteristics of a site and with the surrounding area. An additional purpose of
the Site Plan is to ensure quality development consistent with City goals and policies. General
review criteria includes the following:
▪ Compliance and Consistency. Conformance with plans, policies, regulations and
approvals, including:
- Off-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to surrounding properties and uses.
- On-Site Impacts. Mitigation of impacts to the site.
- Appropriate Location. Not to result in overconcentration of a particular use.
- Access and Circulation. Safe and efficient access and circulation for all users.
- Open Space. Incorporation of public and private open spaces to serve as
distinctive project focal points and to provide adequate areas for passive and
active recreation by the occupants/users of the site.
- Views and Public Access. Provision of view corridors to shorelines and Mt.
Rainier, incorporates public access to shorelines, and arranges project elements
to protect existing natural systems where applicable.
- Services and Infrastructure. Availability of public services and facilities to
accommodate the proposed use.
- Phasing. Inclusion of a detailed sequencing plan with development phases and
estimated time frames, if applicable.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review,
Preliminary Plat approval, and Environmental (SEPA) Review. The applications would be reviewed
concurrently within an estimated time frame of 12 weeks. The 202 3 application fees would be
$12,170 for the Preliminary Plat Review, $4,270 for the Site Plan Review, and $1,800 for the SEPA
Checklist Review. Each modification request is $290. All fees are subject to a 5% Technology
Surcharge Fee. All fees are subject to change. Detailed information regarding the land use
application submittal can be found on the City’s Permit Center website. The City now requires
electronic plan submittal for all applications.
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In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits would
be required. For unit lot subdivisions, construction may commence upon approval of a site plan
and issuance of a building permit prior to final subdivision approval and recording if all applicable
permits and approvals have been obtained by the applicant. However, no dwelling unit or unit lot
may be sold, transferred, occupied or conveyed prior to final subdivision approval and recording.
Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and 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 (see land use forms on City
website). The applicant is solely responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance,
removal, and any costs associated with the sign.
Public Meeting: Please note a neighborhood meeting, according to RMC 4-8-090, is required for:
a. Preliminary plat applications;
b. Planned urban development applications; and
c. Projects estimated by the City to have a monetary value equal to or greater than ten
million dollars ($10,000,000), unless waived by the Administrator.
The intent of this meeting is to facilitate an informal discussion between the project developer
and the neighbors regarding the project. The neighborhood meeting occurs after a pre-
application meeting and before submittal of applicable permit applications. The public
meeting shall be held within Renton city limits, at a location no further than two (2) miles
from the project site.
Public Outreach Sign Preliminary Plat applications require the applicant to install a public
outreach sign. Public outreach signs are intended to supplement information provided by public
information signs by allowing an applicant to develop a personalized promotional message for the
proposed development. The sign is also intended to provide the public with a better sense of
proposed development by displaying a colored rendering of the project and other required or
discretionary information that lends greater understanding of the project.
Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees would be required.
Such fees would apply to all projects and would be calculated at the time of building permit
issuance. For information purposes, the 2023 impact fees are as follows but please note these
fees change yearly:
• A Transportation Impact Fee based on $8,031.94 per each new PM peak hour trip.
• A Parks Impact Fee based on $2,222.84 per each new multi-family dwelling unit: 5 or more
units.
• A Fire Impact fee of $964.53 per each new single-family/townhome dwelling unit.
• Renton School District Impact Fee is $3,697.00 per each new multi-family dwelling unit, plus
a 5% processing fee.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton website
for your review.
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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 contact Jill
Ding, Senior Planner jding@rentonwa.gov for application pre-screening instructions.
Expiration: If approved, the preliminary plat would be valid for five years with a possible one-year
extension. The site plan would be valid for two years with a possible two-year extension. It is the
responsibility of the owner to monitor the expiration date.