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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT 2024 Vision Element for Public Review_4.11.24 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1 Draft 1.0  Draft Revised: DATE Vision Renton Comprehensive Plan Update  Element Policies Draft Draft: 2.0 BERK : Updated: April 10, 2024 Summary of Required Updates Washington State Law: ▪ N/A VISION 2050: ▪ N/A King County Countywide Planning Policies: ▪ N/A Plans to be Adopted by Reference: ▪ Renton Business Plan Other Edits ▪ Updating with inclusive language ▪ Clarifying the overlaying planning frameworks. Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ 2015 Discussion COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 2015 Discussion “The center of opportunity in the Puget Sound region where residents and businesses thrive.” These words from the Renton Business Plan represent the city’s Vision of itself now and in the future. The image of a thriving, opportunity-rich community takes form as different elements of that Vision come into focus: ▪ A sustainable city that promotes economic vitality, environmental quality, social equity, and resiliency; ▪ A community that is healthy and safe, that has cohesive, well-established neighborhoods and a growing variety of housing to match the diversity of the population with its various needs and wants; ▪ A working town with a full spectrum of employment opportunities for all economic segments, regardless of education, age, gender, or ethnicity; ▪ A regional center for active and passive recreation that features 1access for all to a healthy river, a clean lake, abundant trees, and clear mountain views to enhance the experience; and ▪ A well-connected place that builds cohesive networks, in the form of: partnerships that enhance community resources; transportation and recreation facilities that connect through trails, sidewalks, and streets; and local business, volunteer, and neighborhood organizations that bring people together. RELATIONSHIP TO THE GMA AND VISION 2040 The State of Washington adopted the Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1990. This legislation requires comprehensive plans to include specific elements; obligates cities to adopt implementing regulations and counties to develop Countywide Planning Policies (CPP’s) to address issues of a regional nature. King County’s CPPs ensure consistency for addressing issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries within the County. In addition to the GMA and CPP’s, the multicounty planning policies of Vision 2040 greatly influence the content and policies of comprehensive plans. Developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council, Vision 2040 is the long-range growth management, environmental, economic, and transportation plan intended to guide future employment and population growth for the central Puget Sound region. The content, analyses, goals, and policies of Renton’s Comprehensive Plan were developed in conformance with the GMA, King County’s Countywide Planning Policies, and Vision 2040. RENTON WITHIN THE REGION Renton’s city government, business community, and residents are infused with a passionate belief that this is the best place to be. There is also the will, desire, and resources to nurture the qualities that make it great and to make it even better in the future. At the center of Renton’s Vision is the underlying principle that urban living provides both choice and balanced opportunities for employment, housing, recreation, health, goods, and services. As Renton grows beyond a community of 100,000 residents, development patterns will continue to shift from traditional suburban forms to more urban forms. Regional growth continues to shape Renton’s landscape and the city has a responsibility to ensure adequate land capacity to allow expansion and diversification of its employment and economic base, as well as its housing stock. Policies encourage maximum land efficiency and strive for development that is more intense than Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ 2015 Discussion COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 typical suburban prototypes. Future residential and commercial growth is directed to the City Center and to mixed-use areas that already exist throughout the city. Expansion of Renton’s employment and economic base will continue through redevelopment in the City Center and the Valley. The development of small business and industry in Renton will also diversify and strengthen the local economy. Renton’s City Center is located at the hub of commerce and transportation networks and designated as a Regional Growth Center for employment and housing. A revitalized Downtown that functions as a 24-hour living, working, and entertainment area will emerge through planning for a balance of residential, commercial, and office uses with a distinctive, local identity. Development north of Downtown, near the Landing, will contribute to the vitality of the City Center by serving regional needs for shopping, entertainment, housing, and employment. Outside of the City Center in areas currently dominated by commercial strip development, higher density mixed-use development will establish neighborhood-scale living, working, and entertainment nodes, such as the Sunset Area of the Renton Highlands. Mixed-use centers and neighborhood nodes will reduce transportation impacts within the City by allowing residents to work and shop close to where they live, as well as provide alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips. While new multi-family and mixed-use housing in the City Center and established neighborhood nodes will help to accommodate housing growth, single-family housing stock will grow through infill development. Single-family infill development also allows for the necessary densities to provide services at the edge of the urban area. Renton is proud of the diversity of its population and requires a full range of housing types to accommodate people of different ages, incomes, and ethnic groups. Housing Renton’s growing population will require approaches that allow for a variety of housing types, maintain the ability to provide high levels of service, and ensure a high quality of life in Renton’s new and established neighborhoods. One of the ways to sustain quality of life and respond to the diverse needs of the community is through community planning. The city is divided into ten geographically distinct community planning Areas. Through the Community Planning process, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders develop a local vision and establish policies that address issues of growth, quality of life, design, and capital improvements as they affect the Community Planning Area. Meeting and working together can also help to build community connections and strengthen neighborhood cohesiveness. Beyond local needs, there are city goals to enhance the character of the city and improve overall quality of life. Renton is a safe, healthy, and attractive community that promotes good design, abundant tree cover and landscaping, and civic art. Neighborhoods are well-maintained and have strong ties that have been nurtured through the city’s Neighborhood Program. Quality parks and open space meet the recreational needs of residents. Trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and transit tie neighborhoods together and make it possible to travel without a car. Renton enjoys high levels of service in all areas and the cost of implementation is shared in an equitable manner. There is an abiding commitment to protect, restore, and enhance environmental quality because the many natural features of the city are deeply appreciated by its residents. Renton participates in regional efforts to improve sustainability and, at the local level, make it easier for businesses and residents to pursue environmentally friendly methods by which to live and work. Policies, plans, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support the use of renewable resources and energy, and increase access to locally grown food, make a difference in the health of Renton’s residents and makes the community more resilient when faced with natural or human-made disasters. The City of Renton’s Vision is ambitious and far-sighted; it is the underlying structure for the Comprehensive Plan, the Renton Business Plan, and all other plans and strategies made by the city. Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ Revised Discussion 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 Revised Discussion 2024 A regionally vital and connected city fostering inclusivity, dynamic economic growth, safety, environmental stewardship, and community, enabling all residents to experience prosperity and quality of life. The Vision is of a thriving, opportunity-rich community with economic vitality, sustainability, inclusivity, and high-quality municipal services. This community envisions: ▪ An inclusive city that offers opportunity, resilience, and equitable outcomes for all to ensure social, economic, environmental, and racial justice; ▪ A sustainable city that promotes economic vitality, environmental quality, and resilience to climate change; ▪ A healthy and safe community that has cohesive, diverse neighborhoods and a growing variety of housing to meet the various needs and wants of its diverse population; ▪ A full spectrum of employment opportunities with a dynamic, diversified employment base; ▪ A regional center for active and passive recreation that features access for all to a healthy river, a clean lake, abundant trees, and clear mountain views; and ▪ A place of connection, networks, and partnerships that enhance community resources; transportation and recreation facilities that connect through trails, sidewalks, and streets; and local business, volunteer, and neighborhood organizations that bring our diverse population together. The City of Renton’s Vision is ambitious and far-sighted; it is the framing for the Comprehensive Plan, the Renton Business Plan, and all other plans and strategies made by the city. A Plan for Choice and Opportunity At the center of Renton’s Vision is the underlying principle that urban living provides choice and opportunities for all for in employment, housing, recreation, health, goods, and services. Regional growth continues to shape Renton’s landscape and Renton has a responsibility to ensure adequate development capacity to allow expansion and diversification of its economy, employment opportunities, and housing options. As Renton grows beyond a community of 110,000 residents, development patterns will continue to shift from suburban forms to more urban forms. Policies encourage land efficiency and strive for development that is more intense than typical suburban development. Future residential and commercial growth is directed to the City Center and to mixed-use areas that will continue to redevelop and grow. Expansion of Renton’s employment and economic base will continue through redevelopment in the City Center and the Valley. The development and retention of small businesses and industry in Renton will diversify and strengthen the local economy. Renton’s City Center is located at the hub of commerce and transportation networks with much of the area designated as a PSRC Regional Growth Center for employment and housing. A revitalized Downtown, a thriving South Lake Washington area, and a redeveloped Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea that function as vibrant living, working, and entertainment areas will emerge through implementation of plans that balance residential, commercial, and office uses with distinctive identities. Development north of Downtown near The Landing and Southport will contribute to the strength of the City Center by serving regional needs for shopping, entertainment, housing, and employment. Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ Revised Discussion 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 Outside of the City Center in areas currently dominated by commercial strip or office development, higher density mixed-use development will establish neighborhood- scale living, working, and entertainment nodes, such as the Sunset, Rainier/Grady Junction, and Longacres areas. Mixed-use centers and commercial nodes will reduce transportation impacts within Renton by allowing residents to work and shop close to where they live and provide alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips. Renton needs a full range of housing types to support its proud history as a place of diversity and opportunity. Increased density and mixed-use housing in the City Center and established neighborhoods will improve housing options and accommodate the need for housing growth. Infill development will enable reinvestment into existing neighborhoods and provide a wider range of housing types to support inclusive neighborhoods with people of different ethnicities, ages, and incomes. By reducing barriers to infill development in historically low-density neighborhoods, inequities caused by former housing policies and practices can be corrected. Quality parks and open space meet the recreational needs of residents. Trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and transit connect neighborhoods and make it possible to travel without a car. Renton enjoys high levels of service in all areas and the cost of implementation is shared in an equitable manner. There is an abiding obligation to protect, restore, and enhance environmental quality because Renton’s many natural features are deeply appreciated by its residents. Renton participates in regional efforts to advocate for and increase sustainability efforts and, at the local level, implements pragmatic and effective programs that enable residents and businesses to pursue environmentally friendly methods by which to live and work. Policies, plans, and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the use of renewable resources and energy make a difference in the health of all Renton residents and makes the community more resilient when faced with natural or human-made disasters. Planning for Renton’s Future State and Regional Planning Frameworks Renton plans and manages growth in accordance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), a collaborative, regional framework adopted in 1990 by the State of Washington. The planning framework includes an interconnected hierarchy to meet statewide goals in a manner aligned to local values and needs. Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ Revised Discussion 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 6 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 Tree Graphic: <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/tree">Tree Vectors by Vecteezy</a>. Modified by BERK Consulting, 2024. Vision 2050, developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) provides a regional growth, environmental, economic, and transportation framework to guide future employment and population growth for the central Puget Sound region. King County’s Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs) ensure consistency for addressing issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries within the County. The GMA requires cities like Renton to prepare comprehensive plans and regulations that comply with Countywide Planning Policies (CPP’s). The city uses a public process to establish comprehensive plan goals and policies to guide city action to improve the overall quality of life for all residents. Element Review ▪ Vision ▪ Revised Discussion 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 7 Draft 2.0 BERK  Draft Revised: April 10, 2024 Renton’s Comprehensive Plan’s content, analyses, goals, and policies are developed in conformance with the GMA, King County’s Countywide Planning Policies, and Vision 2050. Local Planning The city is divided into ten geographically distinct Community Planning Areas. Renton uses community planning to sustain a high quality of life and respond to the diverse needs of the community. Through the Community Planning process, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders develop a local vision and establish policies to manage growth, quality of life, design, and capital improvements. Meeting and working together builds community connections and strengthens neighborhoods. Renton’s Business Plan is updated every five years and describes how Renton intends to achieve its vision. Many aspects of the city’s services and activities are guided by functional or topical plans developed by multi-disciplinary stakeholder groups. The functional plans establish the city’s roles, resources, and services. The Comprehensive Plan is aligned to the functional and topical plans to ensure a consistent set of goals and policies.