HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-app Mtg Summary - 23-000273.pdf1
PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FOR
Renton Home Project
PRE23-000273
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
September 7, 2023
Contact Information:
Planner: Alex Morganroth, 425-430-7219, amorganroth@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Huy Huynh , 425-430-7384, hhuyhn@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425-276-9582, cthomas@rentonrfa.org
Building Official: 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
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).
2
Renton Regional
Fire Authority
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 16, 2023
TO: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Mochinski SFR
1. The fire flow requirement for a single-family home is 1,000 gpm minimum for dwellings up to 3,600
square feet (including garage and basements). If the dwelling exceeds 3,600 square feet, a minimum of
1,500 gpm fire flow would be required. A minimum of one fire hydrant is required within 300-feet of the
proposed building and two hydrants if the fire flow goes up to 1,500 gpm. Water is supplied by Soos
Creek Water District. A water availability certificate is required to be provided by them. It appears that
there is one existing fire hydrant that will meet the minimum distance requirements. It is not known if it
will satisfy the fire flow 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.
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. Maximum grade is 15 percent. Dead end roadways that exceed 150 feet require an approved
fire apparatus turnaround; none exists now. Dead end roadways over 300 feet long require a full 90-foot
diameter cul-de-sac. All homes on dead end streets that exceed 500 feet long require an approved fire
sprinkler system to be installed within it.
3
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 5, 2023
TO: Alex Morganroth, Planner
FROM: Huy Huynh, Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: Mochinski SFR
106th Ave SE
PRE23-00273
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) 6623400070. The
following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of Renton by the applicant.
WATER
1. Water service is provided by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District.
2. Applicant shall obtain a water availability certificate from the District and provide it with the civil
construction permit submittal.
3. Review of the water plans will be conducted by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District and the Renton
Regional Fire Authority.
4. Plans approved by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District shall be routed to the City for final review prior to
permit issuance.
SEWER
1. Sewer service is provided by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District.
2. Applicant shall obtain a water availability certificate from the District and provide it with the civil
construction permit submittal.
3. Review of the water plans will be conducted by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District and the Renton
Regional Fire Authority.
4. Plans approved by Soos Creek Water and Sewer District shall be routed to the City for final review prior to
permit issuance.
SURFACE WATER
1. The site currently contains no single-family residence and there is an on-site stormwater conveyance
system.
2. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart in the 2022 City of Renton Surface Water
Manual (2022 RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. A drainage
study complying with the 2022 RSWDM may be required. Based on the City’s flow control map, the site
4
falls within the City’s Flow Control Duration Standard area (Matching Forested Conditions). The site falls
within the Black River Basin and Panther Creek sub-basin.
3. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes and type F
stream (Panther Creek).
4. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
5. The current City of Renton Surface Water Standard Plans that shall be used in all drainage submittals. The
current City of Renton Standard details are available online at the City of Renton website:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton.
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. The development falls within the R-8 zone which has a maximum impervious surface area of 65% per lot.
10. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fee. Fees will be charged
based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a) The current SDC fee for a SFR is $2,300.00
b) The full schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067870&dbid=1&repo=CityofRenton.
TRANSPORTATION
1. In accordance with RMC 4-6-060, if the site improvements and/or proposed building additions exceed an
overall valuation of $175,000, the project site(s) shall be required to meet the City’s Complete Streets
Standards.
a. 106th Ave SE is classified as Residential Access, with an existing right-of-way (ROW) width of
approximately 40 to 50 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for Residential Access
streets, a minimum ROW width of 53 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060, half street improvements
as taken from the ROW centerline will be required and include a minimum 20 foot paved road (10
feet from centerline), 0.5 feet of curb, an 8-foot planting strip, and 5-foot sidewalk. Dedication of
6.5’ would be required pending final survey.
2. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
3. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
a. A minimum separation of 5 feet is required between driveway and the property line.
b. Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15%. Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide slotted
drains.
c. The maximum width of single loaded garage driveway shall not exceed nine feet (9') and double-
loaded garage driveway shall not exceed sixteen feet (16').
5
4. 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.
5. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s
Restoration and Overlay requirements.
6. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the
time of building permit issuance.
a. The 2023 transportation impact fee is $12,208.54 per single family home
b. The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=CityofRenton
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. 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.
2. All civil construction permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan submittals. All
utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil Engineer shall prepare the civil
plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page for the most up-to-date plan submittal
requirements:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
3. A landscaping plan and tree retention shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on
separate sheets.
4. Additional Building Permit Applications will be required for the following:
a. Any retaining walls that exceed 4 feet in height, as defined by RMC 4-4-040.
b. Detention vaults for storm water flow control.
c. Demo of any existing structures on the project site(s).
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 fee schedule.
6. A demo permit is required for the demolition of the existing building. The demo permit shall be acquired
through the building department.
6
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 7, 2023
TO: Pre-Application File No. 23-000273
FROM: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Renton Home Project
APN 6623400070
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 construct a 720 sq. ft. single-family home on a vacant lot with frontage
on 106th Ave SE (APN 6623400070). The property is located within the Residential – 6 (R-6) zone and is
approximately 19,960 square feet (0.46 acre) in size. Access would be taken from 106 th Ave SE via an individual
driveway. 106th Ave SE, a public road, is not contained fully in the adjacent ROW and part of the paved roadway
enters the western portion of the site. According to COR Maps, critical areas on the site in include a Type F stream
(Panther Creek), sensitive slopes (15-40%), and protected slopes (>40%). The applicant has proposed
encroachments into the stream buffer, protected slope structure setback, and front yard setback. No trees are
identified for removal on the submitted materials.
Current Use: The project area is currently undeveloped.
Zoning/Land Use: The subject property is located within the Residential-6 (R-6) zoning classification and Medium
Density Comprehensive Land Use Designation. The Residential Medium Density Land Use designation is intended
to implement the R-6 zone. The R-6 zone is established for single family dwellings. Development in the R-6 zone is
intended to be single family residential at moderate density.
Detached dwellings are permitted within the R-6 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 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-6 zone has a minimum density of three (3) dwelling
units per acre with a maximum of six (6) dwelling units per acre.
7
No subdivision is proposed. The subject property is a legal (potential ly non-conforming) lot and therefore one
new detached unit would be allowed to be constructed if currently development standards are met, regardless of
the calculated density.
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-6 standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size permitted in the R-6 zone is 7,000 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 6,250 square feet in size in the R-6 zone Minimum lot width is 60 feet (60’);
minimum lot depth is 90 feet (90’). In order to ensure compliance with Tier 1 requirements for Tree Preservation
Priority, pursuant to RMC 4-4-130H2a, lot size and lot dimensions of the zone may be decreased by a maximum of
10 percent (10%), provided the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the reduction is
necessary to ensure the preservation of all significant trees, as defined in RMC 4-11-200, required for retention
within dedicated tract(s), pursuant to RMC 4-4-130H1a, Minimum Tree Retention Requirements.
It is unclear whether or not the lot meets the minimum requirements for the R-6 zone. However, no changes to
the lot are proposed and a legally non-conforming lot status would not necessarily impact the ability to construct
one new detached welling unit. .
Building Standards – The R-6 standards allow a maximum building coverage of 40 percent (40%) of the lot area. The
maximum impervious coverage in the R-6 zone is 55 percent (55%). 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-6 zone are: Front yard: 25 feet (25’) Rear yard: 25 feet (25’); Side yards: combined 15
feet (15’) with not less than 5 feet (5’) on either side; and secondary front yards: 25 feet (25’). Within subdivisions,
the minimum front yard and secondary front yard setback may be reduced to no less than twenty feet (20') provided
the applicant can demonstrate to the Administrator’s satisfaction that the setback reduction is necessary to
preserve and maintain a landmark tree within a tree protection tract, as each term is defined in RMC 4-11-200,
Definitions T. An arborist report, pursuant to RMC 4-8-120D1, 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. Based on the applicant’s submitted site plan, a front yard setback variance would be required.
Residential Design and Open Space Standards
A new single-family home 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 building design requirements would be verified at the time of building permit review.
8
Access/Parking: Access to the site is proposed via a new driveway off of 106th Ave SE. The 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 4-4-080I9, Joint Use Driveways.
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. Minimum planting strip widths between the curb and sidewalk are established according to the street
development standards of RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be
located in this area when present. Street trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip between the curb
and the sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right-of-way is constrained, irregular intervals and
slight increases or decreases may be permitted or required. Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that
meet required spacing distances from facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to,
underground utilities, streetlights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways; such spacing standards
are identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the following spacing is required: i. Small-sized maturing
trees: thirty feet (30') on center; ii. Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40') on center; and iii. Large-sized
maturing trees: fifty feet (50') on center.
Compliance with the landscape plan would be reviewed at the time of formal land use application review.
Significant Tree Retention: A review of COR Maps appears to show that there are mature trees on the site. When
significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be
removed, a tree inventory and a tree retention plan along with an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree
retention worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree
retention plan must show preservation of at least 30% of significant trees. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree
Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for further general and specific tree retention and land clearing
requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, each new lot would be required to provide
a minimum tree density of 30 tree credits per net acre. Tree credits encourage retention of existing significant trees
with larger trees being worth more tree credits.
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
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
9
TREE SIZE TREE CREDITS
Preserved tree 25 – 28 caliper inches 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and
greater
13
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant trees on slopes greater
than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical areas and their associated buffers; significant trees
over sixty feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or
trees on abutting properties from strong winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees to be blown down
if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved; other significant native
evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been evaluated for retention
and are not able to be retained unless the alders and/ or cottonwoods are used as part of an approved enhancement
project within a critical area or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves tree removal and land
clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be demonstrated to the
Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC 4-4-130H1e can be met.
Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC 4-11-040, Definitions D, of
a property. A formal tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet prepared by an arborist or landscape
architect would be reviewed at the time of the land use application.
Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of this project, the location
must be designated on the landscape plan and grading plan with top of wall and bottom of wall elevations. A fence
and/or wall detail should also be included on the plan. A retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the
vertical distance from the bottom of the footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires a building permit.
The maximum height of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject to further height limitations in setbacks and
clear vision areas noted in RMC 4-4-040D. A fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining wall unless the total
combined height of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the allowed height of a standalone fence. For
more information about fences and retaining walls refer to RMC 4-4-040.
Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, Panther Creek runs north/south through the majority of the property. The
City’s COR mapping database identifies this reach of Panther Creek as type F, or fish bearing. F rated streams require
a minimum buffer of 115-feet and a structure setback of 15-feet from the edge of the buffer. Reduction of F stream
buffers are limited to a 90-foot buffer and the buffer would require enhancement. Buffer width may also be
averaged with a minimum width of 75-feet if the total area contained within the buffer after averaging is no less
than that contained within the required standard buffer width prior to averaging. Buffer averaging also requires
enhancement to the remaining buffer area. A Native Growth Protection Area would be established for the onsite
stream and associated buffer as part of the reasonable use variance process. See RMC 4-3-050I.2 for buffer
reduction and averaging criteria.
10
A stream study meeting the current Critical Areas Regulations must be submitted with the land use application. The
City may require independent review (funded by the applicant) of the report. Any approved stream buffer reduction
or buffer averaging with enhancement will require a minimum of 5-years maintenance and monitoring. Separate
surety devices for enhancement planting and the maintenance and monitoring period are required.
Protected slopes (grades between 25 and 90 percent) are mapped on the project site. A 15-foot structure setback
is required for protected slopes. In addition, protected slopes and their associated buffers shall be placed in a
Native Growth Projection Area (protective easement). A geotechnical report will be required at the time of formal
land use application due to the request for a reasonable use variance to encroach on the steep slopes structure
setback.
It is the applicants responsibility to ascertain whether or not there are additional critical areas located on site.
Reasonable Use Variance: If an applicant feels that the strict application of the stream buffer and/or steep slopes
setback requirements would deny all reasonable use of the property, the applicant of a development proposal may
apply for a variance to allow buffer width reductions beyond those authorized by RMC 4-3-050.
For variance requests related to the critical areas stream regulations, a reasonable use va riance may be granted
if all of the following criteria are met:
a. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the
property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which subject property is situated;
b. There is no reasonable use of the property left if the requested variance is not granted;
c. The variance granted is the minimum amount necessary to accommodate the proposal objectives;
d. The need for the variance is not the result of actions of the applicant or property owner; and
e. The proposed variance is based on consideration of the best available science as described in WAC 365-195-905;
or where there is an absence of valid scientific information, the steps in RMC 4-9-250.F are followed.
For variance requests to alter steep slopes over forty percent (40%) or greater and very high landslide hazard
areas and their associated setbacks, the following criteria shall apply:
a. The variance granted is the minimum amount necessary to accommodate the proposal; and
b. Alternative development concepts that comply with RMC 4-3-050 have been evaluated and that practical
difficulties and unnecessary hardship would result from the strict application of the code; and
c. The proposal does not adversely impact geological hazards or other critical areas on adjacent properties; and
d. The need for the variance is not the result of actions of the applicant or property owner; and
e. The proposal does not create or increase a risk to the public health, safety, and welfare, or to public or private
property; and
f. If the Administrator approves a variance under this subsection, the following conditions of approval, among
others, may be imposed:
i. The recommendations of the geotechnical report are followed;
ii. Project plans shall be reviewed and sealed by a geotechnical engineer or the geotechnical engineer shall
submit a sealed letter stating that they have reviewed the plans and in their opinion the plans and
specifications meet the intent of the geotechnical report; and
iii. An appropriate number of site visits by the geotechnical engineer to establish proper methods,
techniques, and adherence to plan drawings is demonstrated during and after construction.
Environmental Review: Due to the presence of non-exempt critical areas on the site, the project is subject to
Environmental (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800. An environmental checklist must be submitted
with the land use application. An environmental determination will be made by the Renton Environmental Review
11
Committee. This determination is subject to appeal by either the project proponent, by a citizen of the community,
or another entity having standing for an appeal.
Permit Requirements: The proposal would require two reasonable use variances, a setback variance, and
Environmental (SEPA) Review. The applications would be reviewed within an estimated time frame of six to eight
weeks. The 2023 fees are $1,490.00 for each variance and $1,800.00 for the SEPA review. 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 application submittal
can be found on the City’s new website by clicking “Land Use Applications” on the Community & E conomic
Development page, then “All Forms (A to Z).” The City’s Electronic File Standards can also be found on the City’s
website at https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?startid=867190&dbid=0.
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 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 new detached dwelling unit.
• A Parks Impact Fee assessed at $3,276.44 per new detached dwelling unit subdivision.
• A Fire Impact Fee assessed at $829.77 per new detached dwelling unit.
• A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $2,911.00 (plus a 5% processing charge) per 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 Alex Morganroth,
Senior Planner at amorganroth@rentonwa.gov or (425) 430-7219 for an appointment.
Expiration If the Variance applications are approved, the applicant has two years to comply with all conditions of
approval and to apply for any necessary permits before the approval for both 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.