HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE23-000277_Meeting SummaryPREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
254 Union
PRE 23-000277
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
September 14, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Jill Ding, 425.430.6598, jding@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, 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 21, 2023
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Union Mixed Use
1. The fire flow requirement is 3,000 gpm. A minimum of three fire hydrants are required.
One within 150 feet and two within 300 feet of each proposed building. One hydrant is
required within 50-feet of all fire department connections for standpipe and sprinkler
systems. Existing hydrants may be counted toward the requirements if they meet the
current code. Fire hydrants shall also meet maximum spacing requirements of 300-feet
on center. A looped water main is required for all fire flows over 2,500 gpm. Water
main extensions will be required to meet these requirements.
2. Fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $964.53 per multi-family unit, office space
use fee is $0.26 per square foot, retail use fee is $1.25 per square foot and restaurant
use fee is $5.92 per square foot. No fee for parking garage areas. This fee is paid at the
time of building permit issuance.
3. Approved fire sprinkler, fire standpipe and fire alarm systems are required throughout
the building. Separate plans and permits required by the fire department. Direct
outside access is required to the fire sprinkler riser room. Fully addressable and full
detection is required for the fire alarm system.
4. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required within 150 -feet of all points on
all buildings. 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 and fully paved. Roadways shall support a minimum of a 3 0-ton vehicle and 75-psi
point loading. Minimum vertical clearance is 13-feet, 6-inches.
5. This facility shall be equipped with an elevator to meet the size requirements for a
bariatric size stretcher. Car size shall accommodate a minimum of a 40 -inch by 84-inch
stretcher.
6. The building 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.
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 12th, 2023
TO: Jill Ding, Planner
FROM: Huy Huynh, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: 254 Union Ave
254 Union Ave NE
PRE23-000277
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)
5182100012, 5182100011, and 5182100014. 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 Highlands 565 Pressure Zone. The
project is outside of the city’s wellhead protection areas.
2. There is an existing Highlands 565 High Pressure Zone 16-inch water main located in Union Ave NE
that can deliver a maximum flow capacity of 5,500 GPM (see water plan no. WTR2700245 ). The static
water pressure is approximately 65 psi at ground elevation of 406 feet. (There is a 10 ft operating
band in the reservoir level from 565 feet to 555 feet, so I use the lower elevation to determine the
water pressure at the site ground level).
3. There is a 36-inch water transmission pipeline belonging to Seattle Public Utilities located on the west
side of Union Ave NE.
4. There is an existing 3/4-inch meter (facility ID number MTR-013087) serving the lot from the Highlands
565 Pressure Zone main.
5. There are two existing fire hydrants located on the South and North side of the parcel.
6. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting, Renton
Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) has determined that the preliminary fire flow demand for the proposed
development is 3,000 GPM, including the use of an automatic fire sprinkler system. Per City code a
looped water main is required around the building when the fire flow demand exceeds 2,500 GPM.
7. 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 a 12” water main looped around the proposed building and connecting to the
12-inch water main in Union Ave NE at 2 locations. The site plan must be revised to provide
an interior access drive lane and/or fire access lane around the building and to
accommodate the installation of the looped water main, hydrants and related
appurtenances.
• If required fire flow can be brought down to 2,500 GPM or less by other means and/or
construction methods as approved by RRFA, a looped water main around the building is not
required.
• 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 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 around the building as required by the Fire Authority.
• A hydrant is required within 50 feet of the building’s fire sprinkler system fire department
connection (FDC).
• Installation of a “Storz” adapter on the existing hydrants within 300 feet of the development,
if they are not already equipped with one.
• 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.
i. All residential domestic water meters shall have a double check valve assembly
(DCVA) installed behind on the meter on private property per City Standards. The
DCVA may be located inside the building if the location is approved by the City Plan
Reviewer and City Water Utility Department.
• Installation of a separate water meter for the commercial portion of the building.
i. 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 approved by the City Plan
Reviewer and City Water Utility Department.
• Domestic water meters size 3-inch or larger shall be installed in an exterior vault per City
Standard Plan 320.4. The meter vault shall be located within public right-of-way or within an
easement on private property.
• Existing water service shall be cut and cap at the water main
• Installation of a separate water meter for landscape irrigation.
i. A DCVA per City Standard Plan 340.8 is required downstream of the irrigation meter.
ii. DCVAs size 2-inch or smaller shall be installed a meter box and DCVAs size 3-inch or
larger shall be installed in an exterior vault per City Standard Plan 320.4.
8. 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.
9. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
10. 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 that
are current will be charged at the time of construction permit issuance.
• The SDC fee for water is based on the size of the new domestic water meter(s) to serve
the project. The current water fee for a single 1-inch meter is $4,850 per meter, 1-1/2
inch meter is $24,250, a 2-inch meter is $38,000, 3-inch meter is $77,600 and 4-inch meter
is $121,250.
• Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service is applicable.
Water Service installation fee is $2,875.00* per 1-inch service line, $4,605.00 per 1-1/2-inch
service line, and $4,735.00 per 2-inch service line. Fee is payable at permit issuance. For
service lines larger than 2”, the contractor is responsible for materials and installation.
• Drop-in meter fee is $460.00 per 1-inch meter, $750.00 per 1-1/2-inch meter, and $950.00
per 2-inch meter. Meters larger than 2-inches are provided and installed by the contractor
and a processing fee of $220 is required. Fee is payable at permit issuance.
• The SDC fee for fire service is based on the size of the fire service lines to serve the project.
• Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined. SDC fees are assessed and payable at construction permit issuance.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=Cit
yofRenton
Sanitary Sewer
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s sanitary sewer service area.
2. There is an 8-inch PVC gravity wastewater main located in Union Ave NE (record drawing S-015201).
3. There is an 8-inch PVC gravity wastewater main located in NE 3rd Ct(see record drawing S-308304 ).
4. There is an 8-inch PVC gravity wastewater main located in NE 2nd Ct between 4224 and 4230 NE 2nd
(see record drawing S-345011).
5. An 8” wastewater main extension shall be required along Union Ave NE in order to provide service
to the building
6. A separate side sewer will be required for the residential and commercial portions of the building.
All new sewer stub side sewers shall be a minimum of 6”. All side sewers shall flow by gravity to the
main at a minimum slope of 2%. New sewer stubs and side sewers shall conform to the standards in
RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details
7. Drainage from all parking under cover shall be routed to the sanitary sewer system after passing
through a City approved oil/water separator.
8. A grease trap/interceptor is required for any commercial kitchen.
9. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
10. 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 fee is $3,650.00 per 1-inch meter, $18,250 per 1-1/2-inch meter, $29,200
per 2-inch meter, $58,400 per 3-inch meter, and $91,250 per 4-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
11. The development is within the East Renton Interceptor Unit SAD and is subject to SAD fees. The
commercial and residential portions of the project are subject to the SAD fee. The SAD has reached
its maximum value of $0.097 per square foot for commercial space and $316.798 per residential
dwelling unit. Payment of these fees is required at time of civil construction permit issuance.
Surface Water
1. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main located along Union Ave NE (see record drawing R-
179706).
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 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 City’s Flow Control Duration (Matching Forested) Standard. The site falls within the Lower
Cedar River drainage basin and the Maplewood Creek sub basin.
3. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes.
4. 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
5. 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.
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 so ils, 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. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
9. A Construction Stormwater Permit from Department of Ecology may be required if land disturbance
on the site exceeds one acre. Applicant will need to coordinate with the Department of Ecology prior
to construction to determine if permit coverage is required.
10. 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 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 Union Ave NE
• Union Ave NE is classified as a collector arterial street. Per RMC 4-6-060, the minimum right
of way width for a collector arterial street with 2 lanes is 83’. To meet complete half street
standard, dedication of 11.5’ would be required. The minimum paved roadway width for a
collector arterial with 2 lanes is 30’. The paved roadway section consists of 2 – 10’ travel lanes,
1 – 11’ center left turn lane, and 5’ bike lanes. A 0.5’ curb, 8’ planter, and 8’ sidewalk are
required along both sides of the pavement. 2’ of clear space behind the sidewalk is required
along both sides of the roadway. However, the adopted Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan
includes a modified street section for the portion of Union Ave NE between NE 3rd Court and
NE 4th Street. The adopted street section requires 11’ lane, 10’/2 future left turn lane, 5’ bike
lane, 8’ parking lane , 0.5’ curb, 8’ planting strip and 8’ sidewalk. A dedication of 15.5’ will be
required
i. Per the King County Assessor’s Map, the existing right of way width for Union Ave NE
is approximately 60’ along the project frontage. There is a 0.5’ curb and 5’ sidewalk
along the Union Ave NE’s frontage.
2. The new street intersection radius must be a minimum of 35’.
3. Street grades shall not exceed 10 percent.
4. ADA access ramps shall be installed at all street crossings. Ramps shall be shown at each intersection.
Ramps shall be oriented to provide direct pedestrian crossings.
5. 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.
6. Street lighting and street trees are required to be installed by the developer AND must meet current
city standards. Lighting and Photometric plans are required to be submitted with the land use
application and will be reviewed during the construction utility permit review.
7. 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.
8. Paving and trench restoration shall comply with the City’s Trench Restoration and Overlay
Requirements.
9. 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 apartment, per dwelling & ADU is $7,550.02
• The 2023 transportation impact fee for condominium and duplexes per dwelling is $6,345.23.
• 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.
General Comments
1. If frontage improvements are required, all existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone,
and cable services, etc.) along property frontage or within the site must be underground as outlined
in RMC 4-6-090 – UTILITY LINES - UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION. The construction of these
franchise utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from the right-
of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls.
3. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance with
code requirements.
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5-feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
4. All construction utility permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan
submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil Engineer
shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for the most up-
to-date plan submittal requirements:
https://rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=968701
5. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate
sheets.
6. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2023 only and will be assessed
based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance, as applicable to the
permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development fee schedule.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 14, 2023
TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000277
FROM: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: 254 Union – 254 & 316 Union Ave NE (APN 5182100012,
5182100011, and 5182100014)
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 on the east side of Union Ave NE, just south of
NE 4th St at 254 and 316 Union Ave NE (APN 5282100012, 5182100011, and 5182100014). The
project site totals 73,694 square feet (1.69 acres) in area and is zoned Commercial Arterial (CA).
The applicant proposes to develop the property by constructing a 5-story, 84,460 square foot
mixed use building with 100 dwelling units, 2,200 square feet of lobby, and 2,000 square feet of
ground floor commercial retail space. The average residential unit size would be 650 square feet.
The proposal would include a combination of 106 surface and under building parking spaces.
Access to the site is proposed to be provide via one curb cut off Union Ave NE. According to City
of Renton (COR) Maps, the site is mapped with a Type Ns stream, a wetland, and sensitive slopes.
Current Use: Currently the site is occupied with two single family residences, proposed for
removal.
1. Zoning /Land Use Designation, and Overlays: The property is located within the Commercial
Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation, the Commercial Arterial (CA) zoning designation, and
Urban Design District D. 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 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
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September 14, 2023
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. Retail sales, and attached dwelling – flats are permitted uses within
the CA zone. 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 façade necessary for interior entrances, lobbies, and
areas/facilities developed for the exclusive use of the building’s 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 façade. 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 2,000 square feet of commercial space and
proposed 20-foot floor height between floor 1 and floor 2. The balance of the ground floor
consists of structured parking, a vehicle ramp within the garage to the second floor,
elevators, and stairs. The proposal for 2,000 square feet of the 19,765 square foot ground
floor building footprint would result in a ground floor commercial space coverage of 10%.
The proposal does not appear to provide the minimum required 40% gross commercial floor
area and would need to be revised to comply with this requirement.
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).
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 City Center
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 1.69 acres. The applicant is proposing 100 new dwelling units
or 59 dwelling units per gross acre (100 du / 1.69 ac = 59 du/ac). The applicant would be
254 Union
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September 14, 2023
required to submit a Density Worksheet and 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. A lot combination would be required to consolidate the three existing lots into one
lot. The gross project site area would total 73,694 square feet, which exceeds the minimum
lot size requirement of 5,000 square feet.
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 abuts an R-10 zone along the south property line and is adjacent to an R-
10 zone along the west property line. The project would be subject to 15-foot front yard
setback, and a 15-foot side yard setback from the abutting R-10 zone. It is the applicant’s
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 Zone’s
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. If appears
that the proposed 5-story building would have a height less than 70 feet, which would
comply with the maximum building height for vertically mixed use buildings. The final
building height and coverage requirements would be verified at the time of formal
application.
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. A portion of the parking is proposed would be structured parking. It is estimated that
the building coverage is approximately 27 percent of the lot area (19,765 square feet / 73,694
square feet = 27%). It is the applicant’s 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).
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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 re quired to include two
(2) bedrooms. See RMC 4-4-155 for additional bathroom, kitchen, and storage standards. It is
the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate compliance with attached dwelling units –
minimum standards at the time of formal application.
3. Refuse and Recycling Areas: Refuse and recycling areas must meet the requirements of RMC
4-4-090, “Refuse and Recyclables Standards.”
In retail development 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.
In 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 100 dwelling units, and 2,000 square feet of ground floor commercial retail space,
a collection area of approximately 480 square feet would be required for a refuse and
recycling enclosure. 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.
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
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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.
Interior Parking Lot Landscaping – Surface parking lots shall be landscaped as follows:
Total Number of
Parking Stalls
Minimum Landscape
Area
15 to 50 15 sf/parking space
51 to 99 25 sf/parking space
100 or more 35 sf/parking space
Such landscaping shall be at least ten feet (10') in width as measured from the street right-
of-way. Standards for planting shall be as follows: Trees shall be two-inch (2") caliper for
multi-family, commercial, and industrial uses at an average minimum rate of one tree per
thirty (30) lineal feet of street frontage. Trees shall be one-and-one-half-inch (1.5") caliper
for low impact development stormwater management facilities associated with any land
use. Shrubs at the minimum rate of one per twenty (20) square feet of landscaped area. Up
to fifty percent (50%) of shrubs may be deciduous. Ground cover in sufficient quantities to
provide at least ninety percent (90%) coverage of the landscaped area within three (3) years
of installation.
When a Commercial Zoned Lot or Use Is Abutting a Residential Zone – A fifteen-foot (15')
wide partially sight-obscuring landscaped visual barrier, or ten-foot (10') wide fully sight-
obscuring landscaped visual barrier, is required along the common property line.
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.
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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
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.
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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 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.
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. Retail sales must provide a minimum and maximum of
2.5 per 1,000 square feet of net floor area. See RMC 4-4-080F.10.d for parking lot design
standards.
A total of 106 parking stalls were identified in the site plan. Together the 100 residential units,
and 2,000 square feet of ground floor commercial retail space would require between 105
and 180 parking spaces. The proposed 106 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
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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: Access to parking lots and garages shall be from alleys when available.
Driveway location, spacing and widths are limited by the driveway design standards, in RMC
4-4-080I. Proposed access to the development is from Union Ave NE. The final access
location, spacing, and widths would be determined through Site Plan Review.
Vehicular Connection – 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.
9. Urban Design Regulations: Compliance with Urban Design Regulations, District ‘D’, is
required. The land use application 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 façade 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)
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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 façades along streets, shall be provided. Amenities such
as outdoor group seating, benches, transit shelters, fountains, and public art shall be
provided.
• All building façades 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 façade 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 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 project site is mapped with a Type Ns stream, a wetland, and sensitive
slopes.
A wetland report and delineation and a stream study prepared by a certified biologist would
be required at the time of formal land use application. A Type Ns stream would have a
standard buffer of 50 feet with a 15-foot building setback. If any impacts are proposed to the
wetland, stream, or their associated buffer, a mitigation plan would be required to be
submitted with the land use application. A wetland report and stream study would be
required to be submitted with the project application. In addition, secondary review may
also be required, at the applicant’s expense.
Due to the presence of geological hazards, a geotechnical report would be required at the
time of formal land use application. The study shall specifically address if the proposal will not
increase the threat of the geological hazard to adjacent or abutting properties beyond pre-
development conditions; and the proposal will not adversely impact other critical areas; and
the development can be safely accommodated on the site. It is the applicant’s responsibility
to determine whether any other critical areas are present on the site prior to formal land
use application.
11. Environmental Review: The proposal would be subject to Environmental (SEPA) Review as
the proposal includes the construction of a new mixed use building that would be in excess of
4,000 square feet.
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12. Site Plan Approval: Per RMC 4-9-200, site plan review is required for any development in the
CA zone. 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 4-9-200.E.3.
13. Permit Requirements: The proposed project would require Hearing Examiner Site Plan
Review and Environmental (SEPA) Review. All land use permits would be processed within an
estimated time frame of 12 weeks. The 2023 application fees are as follows: Hearing Examiner
Site Plan Review is $4,270 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 City’s 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 II and Type III Land
Use Permits as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to inform the
public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City,
and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant
must follow the specifications provided in the public information sign handout. The applicant
is solely responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs
associated with the sign.
15. 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.
16. Public Outreach Sign: Preliminary plats, Planned urban development applications, and
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 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
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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.
17. 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 2022 impact fees are as follows:
• A Fire impact fee $964.53 per new multi-family dwelling unit, and $1.25 per square foot
for retail;
• 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, and $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 City’s Development related fees is available for your review at https://
edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton.
18. 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 at 425-430-6598 or jding@rentonwa.gov to submit prescreen
materials and subsequent land use application.
19. 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 applicant’s responsibility to monitor the expiration dates.