HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE_StaffComments_231012_v1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200
|www.rentonwa.gov
PREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
Bach & Chan Development
3309 NE 7th St (APN 8011100090)
PRE23-000297
October 12, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Andrew Van Gordon, 425-430-7286, avangordon@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
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before
making all of the required copies.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development
Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 14, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Bach and Chan Short Plat
1. The fire flow requirement for a single-family home is 1,000 gpm minimum for dwellings
up to 3,600 square feet (including garage and basements). If the dwelling exceeds 3,600 square
feet, a minimum of 1,500 gpm fire flow would be required. A minimum of on e fire hydrant is
required within 300-feet of the proposed buildings and two hydrants if the fire flow goes up to
1,500 gpm. Existing hydrants can be used to satisfy some requirements; however, it appears
one new fire hydrant will be required to meet the minimum requirements.
2. The fire impact fees are currently applicable at the rate of $829.77 per single family unit.
This fee is paid at building permit issuance. Credit will be granted for the removal of the one
existing house.
3. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required to be a minimum of 20-feet
wide fully paved, with 25-feet inside and 45-feet outside turning radius. Fire access roadways
shall be constructed to support a 30-ton vehicle with 75-psi point loading. Access is required
within 150 feet of all points on the buildings. The maximum grade is 15 percent. An approved
hammerhead turnaround is required. See the attached standard plan for minimum dimensions.
It appears the proposed turnaround is too small to meet the minimum dimensions.
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: October 12, 2023
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Planner
FROM: Sam Morman, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Bach and Chan Development
3309 NE 7th St
PRE23-000297
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)
8011100090. 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 and
outside of the city’s wellhead protection area.
2. There is an existing 8-inch water main located in NE 7th St that can deliver a maximum flow capacity
of 2,000 GPM (see water plan No. W-188503).
3. There is an existing 8-inch water main within the adjacent property to west that ends near the west
property line (see water plan No. W-345703).
4. The static water pressure is approximately 71 psi at ground elevation of 402 feet.
5. There is an existing, ¾-inch water service and meter serving the property.
6. 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 single-family homes
is 1,000 gpm minimum for dwellings up to 3,600 square feet (including garage and basements). If the
dwelling exceeds 3,600 square feet, a minimum of 1,500 gpm fire flow would be required. A
residential fire sprinkler system will be required if the dwellings exceed 3,600 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 an 8” water main within the private access road connecting to the existing 8-
inch water main in NE 7th St and extending to the south side of the proposed driveway to the
new southernmost lot (4th lot to the south).
a. A 15-foot utility easement will be required for the new water main(s), hydrants and
water meters within the property.
• Installation of a separate water service (minimum 1-inch) and meter for each single family
residence. The sizing of the meter shall be in accordance with the most recent edition of the
Uniform Plumbing Code.
• The existing ¾-inch water service shall be cut and capped at the main line by City forces. A
water permit is required.
• Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly (DCVA) if
applicable.
• Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants. The location and number of hydrants will be
determined by the RRFA based on the final fire flow demand and final site plan.
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 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 service.
• 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 $400.00 per ¾-inch meter and $460.00 per 1-inch meter.
• A credit will be applied to the existing services if abandoned.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=9010319&dbid=1&repo=CityofR
enton
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 NE 7th St (see record drawing S-276103).
3. A sewer main extension in NE 7th St spanning to the western boundary of the site will be required.
4. Individual sewer stubs from the 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. The existing septic system shall be decommissioned in accordance with King County Department of
Health and City of Renton standards.
6. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
7. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee for sewer
is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees can be found in the
2023 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current sewer SDC fee is $3,650.00 per 1-inch meter.
• Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=9010319&dbid=0&repo=CityofR
enton
Surface Water
1. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main on the north side of NE 7th St near the east property
line (see record drawing R-384805).
2. There is an existing 8-inch stormwater main located at the intersection of Monroe Ave NE and NE 7th
St to the west of the site (see record drawing R-196405).
3. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes.
4. 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 appears
to fall within two drainage basins. A portion of the site falls within the Lower Cedar River drainage
basin to the east and must comply with the City’s Flow Control Duration Standard Matching Forested
Site Conditions. The other portion of the site falls within the East Lake Washington – Renton drainage
basin to the west and must comply with the City’s Peak Rate Flow Control Standard Matching Existing
Site Conditions. The flow control standard that will be required will depend upon where the site storm
system connects to the city storm system and which drainage basin.
5. 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
6. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant will
be required to provide basic water quality treatment. Any proposed detention and/or water quality
vault shall be designed in accordance with the RSWDM that is current at the time of civil construction
permit application. Separate structural plans will be required to be submitted for review and approval
under a separate building permit for the detention and/or water quality vault.
7. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate the new
runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On-site BMPs shall be evaluated
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.
8. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
Section C.1.3. Information on the water table and soil permeability (measured infiltration rates), with
recommendations of appropriate on-site BMPs per Core Requirement #9 and Appendix C shall be
included in the report. The report should also include information concerning the soils, geology,
drainage patterns and vegetation present shall be presented in order to evaluate the drainage,
erosion control and slope stability for site development of the proposed plat. The applicant must
demonstrate the development will not result in soil erosion and sedimentation, landslide, slippage,
or excess surface water runoff.
9. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
10. The development falls within the R-8 zone which has a maximum impervious surface area of 65% per
lot.
11. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees. Fees will be
charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current SDC fee for a single family residence is $2,300 per lot.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=9010319&dbid=0&repo=CityofR
enton
Transportation
1. Per City code 4-6-060 frontage improvements are required for new construction in excess of
$150,000. The proposed project fronts NE 7th St to the north and private property on all other sides.
• NE 7th St is classified as a Residential Access street. Existing right-of-way (ROW) width is
approximately 60 feet according to the King County Assessors Map with an existing paved
width of approximately 26 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for Residential
Access streets, minimum ROW 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. No dedication is anticipated for the 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. Shared driveways are allowed for access up to 4 lots provided at least one of the four lots abuts a
public right-of-way with at least fifty linear feet of frontage and the subject lots are not created by a
subdivision of ten or more lots. Refer to the shared driveway requirements as outlined in RMC 4-6-
060.J. Shared driveways shall be within a tract; the width of the tract and paved surface shall be a
minimum of sixteen feet; the Fire Authority may require the tract and paved surface to be up to
twenty feet wide. If a shared driveway abuts properties that are not part of the subdivision an eight
foot wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the shared driveway and neighboring
properties.
4. All new and proposed electrical or communication utilities are required to be installed underground
per RMC 4-6-090.
5. Street lighting is not required for a project that consists of 4 or less residential units. See RMC 4-6-060
for street lighting requirements.
6. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
7. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of building permit issuance.
• The 2023 transportation impact fee is $12,208.54 per single family home.
• The current property contains one single family home, the developer will receive a credit for
the existing home if it is demoed.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=9010319&dbid=0&repo=CityofR
enton
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
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: October 12, 2023
TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000297
FROM: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Bach & Chan Development – 3309 NE 7th St (Parcel number
8011100090)
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and permitting
issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant
and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is cautioned that information
contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official decision-
makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public
Works Administrator, Planning Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be
revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the
applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal
Code. The Development Regulations are available online at
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton/.
Project Proposal: The applicant proposes to subdivide 3309 NE 7th St (APN 8011100090) into four
(4) residential lots for the benefit of detached dwellings. The property has street frontage along
NE 7th St to the north. The lot is located within the Residential – 8 (R-8) zone. Access is proposed
via a shared driveway from NE 7th St. Per COR Maps, the property is approximately 28,749 square
feet (0.6599 acre).
Current Use: The project area is currently developed with a detached dwelling and detached
accessory structure. Both structures are proposed to be removed. Per COR Maps sensitive slopes
(>25% & <=40%) are present on the site.
Zoning/Land Use: The subject property is located within the Residential-8 (R-8) zoning
classification. The Residential Medium Density Land Use designation is intended to implement the
R-8 zone. The R-8 zone is established for single family dwellings. Development in the R-8 Zone is
intended to create opportunities for new single family residential neighborhoods and to facilitate
high-quality infill development that promotes reinvestment in existing single-family
neighborhoods. It is intended to accommodate uses that are compatible with and support a high-
quality residential environment and add to a sense of community.
Detached dwellings are permitted within the R-8 zone.
Density: The area of public rights-of-way, legally recorded private access easements and critical
areas (i.e. very high landslide hazard areas, protected slopes (except evaluate on a case-by-case
basis those protected slopes created by previous development, wetlands, Class 1 to 4 streams
Bach & Chan Development
Page 2 of 8
October 12, 2023
and lakes or floodways) would be deducted from the gross site area to determine the “net” site
area prior to calculating density. In order to calculate the proposed density of the project, any
area of public road, private driveway/easement, and/or critical area dedication must be known.
All fractions which result from net density calculations shall be truncated at two (2) numbers past
the decimal (e.g., 4.5678 becomes 4.56). Calculations for minimum or maximum density that
result in a fraction that is 0.50 or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those
density calculations resulting in a fraction that is less than 0.50 shall be rounded down to the
nearest whole number. The R-8 zone has a minimum density of four (4) dwelling units per acre
with a maximum of eight (8) dwelling units per acre. Based on the approximate gross land area of
0.6599 acre, the four (4) lot proposal arrives at a gross density of approximately 6.06 du/ac (4 lots
/ 0.6599 gross acre = 6.06 du/ac).
The gross density would result in 6.06 du/ac; however, the applicant would be required to
demonstrate compliance with the net density requirements of the zone at the time of formal
application. A density worksheet be required with the land use application.
Development Standards: The project would be subject to RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards
for Residential Zoning Designations effective at the time of complete application (noted as “R-8
standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size permitted in the R-8 zone is 5,000
square feet for parcels being subdivided. For short plats of parcels smaller than one (1) acre, one
(1) parcel may be allowed to be smaller than the required minimum lot size. If all other parcels
meet the required minimum lot size standard of the zone, one parcel may be allowed to be 4,500
square feet in size in the R-8 zone. Minimum lot width is 50 feet (50’) for interior lots and 60 feet
(60’) for corner lots; minimum lot depth is 80 feet (80’).
Compliance with minimum lot size, width and depth standards would be verified at the time of
land use application.
Building Standards – The R-8 standards allow a maximum building coverage of 50 percent (50%)
of the lot area. The maximum impervious coverage in the R-8 zone is 65 percent (65%). The
maximum wall plate height is restricted to 24 feet (24’), and the buildings shall be not more than
two (2) stories. Roofs with a pitch equal to or greater than 4:12 may project an additional six (6)
vertical feet from the maximum wall plate height; common rooftop features, such as chimneys,
may project an additional four vertical feet (4’) from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical
projections (e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not extend above the maximum wall plate height
unless the projection is stepped back one-and-a-half horizontal feet (1.5’) from each façade for
each one vertical foot (1’) above the maximum wall plate height. The maximum wall plate height
for detached accessory structures is 12 feet (12’) and the total floor area must be less than that
of the primary structure. Accessory structures are also included in building lot coverage
calculations.
New development would need to comply with the maximum building coverage, impervious
surface requirements, and building height regulations of the zone at the time of building permit
review.
Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the
property line. The required setbacks for the R-8 zone are: Front yard: 20 feet (20’) except when
all vehicle access is taken from an alley, then 15 feet (15’); Secondary front yard (applies to corner
lots): 15 feet (15’); Rear yard: 25 feet (25’); Side yard: five feet (5’) An arborist report, pursuant
Bach & Chan Development
Page 3 of 8
October 12, 2023
to RMC 4-8-120D.1, shall be prepared and provided to the City for review and concurrence,
demonstrating that the setback reduction and project proposal serve to preserve the critical root
zone of the tree within a tree protection tract.
Compliance with required setbacks for new development would be verified at the time of
building permit application. Of note, a front yard or secondary front yard (depending on lot
orientation) setback from the shared driveway tract would be required.
Residential Design and Open Space Standards
Future single-family building permits would be subject to the RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design
and Open Space Standards. Requirements related to garages, entries, modulation,
windows/doors, scale, bulk, and character, roof forms, eaves, architectural detailing, and
materials/color should be reviewed in their entity prior to submitting permit applications.
Compliance with lot configuration requirements would be verified at the time of land use
application. Compliance with building design requirements would be verified at the time of
building permit review.
Access/Parking: Access to the lots are proposed via NE 7th St. Each lot is required to accommodate
off street parking for a minimum of two (2) vehicles. The maximum width of single loaded garage
driveways shall not exceed nine feet (9’) and double loaded garage driveways shall not exceed 16
feet. Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15 percent; provided, that driveways exceeding
eight percent (8%) shall provide slotted drains at the lower end with positive drainage discharge
to restrict runoff from entering the garage/residence or crossing any public sidewalk. Driveways
shall not be closer than five feet (5’) to any property line except as allowed per RMC 4-4-080I.9,
Joint Use Driveways.
Shared driveways may be allowed for access to no more than four (4) residentially zoned lots, and
no more than four (4) residential units, the types of which are listed in RMC 4-2-060C, provided:
a. At least one lot abuts a public right-of-way and the street frontage of the lot is equal to
or greater than the lot width requirement of the zone;
b. The subject lots are not created by a subdivision of 10 or more lots;
c. A public street is not anticipated by the City of Renton to be necessary for existi ng or
future traffic and/or pedestrian circulation through the short subdivision or to serve
adjacent property;
d. The shared driveway would not adversely affect future circulation to neighboring
properties;
e. The shared driveway is no more than 300 feet (300’) in length; and
f. The shared driveway poses no safety risk and provides sufficient access for emergency
vehicles and personnel.
The Administrator may permit lots that only front a shared driveway to be designated as a corner
lot. If permitted by the Administrator, lot width, lot depth and yard setbacks shall be measured
consistent with the corner lot designation (see illustration below).
Bach & Chan Development
Page 4 of 8
October 12, 2023
Shared driveways shall be within a tract; the width of the tract and paved surface shall be a
minimum of 16 feet (16'); the Fire Department may require the tract and paved surface to be up
to 20 feet (20') wide. If a shared driveway abuts properties that are not part of the subdivision,
an eight foot (8') wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the shared driveway and
neighboring properties. The landscape strip shall be within a tract and planted with a mixture
of trees, shrubs, and groundcover, as required in RMC 4-4-070. Compliance with access and
driveway requirements would be verified at the time of land use application.
Landscaping: With the exception of critical areas, all portions of the development area not
covered by structures, required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must be landscaped
with native, drought-resistant vegetative cover. The minimum on-site landscape width required
along street frontages is 10 feet and shall contain trees, shrubs, and landscaping. Street trees in
the ROW planter will also be required. Landscaping may include hardscape such as decorative
paving, rock outcroppings, fountains, plant containers, etc. Minimum planting strip widths
Bach & Chan Development
Page 5 of 8
October 12, 2023
between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of
RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be located in
this area when present. Street trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip between
the curb and the sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right-of-way is
constrained, irregular intervals and slight increases or decreases may be permitted or required.
Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that meet required spacing distances from
facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to, underground utilities,
streetlights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways; such spacing standards are
identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the following spacing is required: i. Small-
sized maturing trees: thirty feet (30') on center; ii. Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40')
on center; and iii. Large-sized maturing trees: fifty feet (50') on center.
A conceptual landscape plan shall be provided with the land use applica tion as prepared by a
licensed Landscape Architect, a certified nurseryman or other certified professional. Please be
aware that frontage improvements will be required.
Storm drainage facilities are required to comply with the minimum 15-foot perimeter
landscaping strip on the outside of the fence unless otherwise determined through the site plan
review or subdivision review process. Please refer to landscape regulations RMC 4-4-070 for
further general and specific landscape requirements.
Significant Tree Retention: When significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches
for alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory and a tree retention
plan along with an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet shall be
provided with the formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan
must show preservation of at least 30% of significant trees. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree
Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for further general and specific tree retention and land
clearing requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, each new lot would be
required to provide a minimum tree density of 30 tree credits per net acre. Tree credits encourage
retention of existing significant trees with larger trees being worth more tree credits.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
New large species tree 2
Preserved tree 6 – 9 caliper inches 4
Preserved tree 10 – 12 caliper inches 5
Preserved tree 12 – 15 caliper inches 6
Preserved tree 16 – 18 caliper inches 7
Bach & Chan Development
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October 12, 2023
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
Preserved tree 19 – 21 caliper inches 8
Preserved tree 22 – 24 caliper inches 9
Preserved tree 25 – 28 caliper inches 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and greater 13
Protected trees within a subdivision shall be retained in the order of priority listed in RMC 4 -4-
130H.2. Protection of trees or groves by placement within a dedicated tract (Tier 1) is the highest
priority.
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant trees on
slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical areas and their
associated buffers; significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches
(18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or trees on abutting properties from strong
winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees to be blown down if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved; other
significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been
evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained, unless the alders and/ or cottonwoods
are used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical area or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves tree
removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC 4-4-
130H.1.e can be met.
Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC 4-11-040,
Definitions D, of a property. A formal tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet prepared
by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the land use application.
Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of this project,
the location must be designated on the landscape plan and grading plan with top of wall and
bottom of wall elevations. A fence and/or wall detail should also be included on the plan. A
retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the vertical distance from the bottom of the
footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires a building permit. The maximum height
of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject to further height limitations in setbacks and
clear vision areas noted in RMC 4-4-040D. A fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining
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wall unless the total combined height of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the
allowed height of a standalone fence. For more information about fences and retaining walls refer
to RMC 4-4-040.
Critical Areas: Per COR Maps sensitive slopes (>25% & <= 40% slope) are present on the site.
A geotechnical report would be required at the time of the land use application.
Environmental Review: Short Plats are generally exempt from State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA) review. However, the project may be subject to Environmental Review, in accordance with
RMC 4-9-070H3, if it is determined that triggering critical areas are located on the property.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require administrative short plat approval. The
application would be reviewed within an estimated time frame of eight weeks. The 2023 fees
would total $6,384.00 ($6,080.00 Preliminary Short Plat + $304.00 Technology Fee (5%) =
$6,384.00). Each modification request is $290.00. A 5% technology fee added to the total cost of
the reviews would also be assessed at the time of land use application. All fees are subject to
change. Detailed information regarding the land use permit application submittal requirements
can be found on the Short Plat Submittal Requirements checklist. Other informational applications
and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records Library. The City requires electronic plan
submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s Electronic File Standards. A Final Short
Plat application, and its associated fee, will be required following construction of the subdivision’s
infrastructure.
Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II Land Use Permits as
classified by RMC 4-8-080, Permit Classification. Public Information Signs are intended to inform
the public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being considered by the City,
and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the review process. The applicant must
follow the specifications provided in the public information sign handout. The applicant is solely
responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated
with the sign.
Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees would be required.
The fee in effect at the time of residential building permit issuance will apply. For informational
purposes, the 2023 impact fees are as follows:
• A Transportation Impact Fee assessed at $12,208.54 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• A Parks Impact Fee assessed at $3,276.44 per each new detached dwelling unit subdivision.
• A Fire Impact Fee assessed at $829.77 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $2,911.00 (plus a 5% processing charge)
per each new detached dwelling unit.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton website
for your review.
Next Steps: When the formal land use application materials are complete, the applicant shall have
the application materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package.
Please contact Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner at avangordon@rentonwa.gov or (425)
430-7286 for an appointment.
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Expiration: Upon approval, the Short Plat is valid for five years with a possible one-year extension
(RMC 4-7-070M). It is the responsibility of the owner to monitor the expiration date.