HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE_StaffComments_240606_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
Fairwood Project
17460 117th Ave SE (APN 2823059049)
PRE24-000144
June 6, 2024
Contact Information:
Planner: Andrew Van Gordon, 425.430.7286, avangordon@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, 206.550.8523, 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, Development Engineering Director, Department of
Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and
City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: May 21, 2024
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Lee 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. Water is supplied from Soos Creek Water District. A water availability certificate is
required to be provided. One new fire hydrant will be required to be installed.
2. The fire impact fees are currently applicable at the rate of $421.98 per single family unit.
This fee is paid at building permit issuance. No charge/fee for the existing home that may be
retained or removed. No charge for any proposed ADU units.
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 all the buildings. Dead end access roadways require an
approved fire apparatus turnaround. Dead end access exceeding 300 feet requires a full 90 -
foot diameter cul-de-sac. The existing cul-de-sac does not meet the required dimensions. Dead
end access roadway is measured beginning at SE Petrovitsky Road. Access as proposed does
not meet minimum fire department requirements.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: June 6th, 2024
June 20, 2011
TO: Andrew Van Gordon, Planning
FROM: Huy Huynh, Development Engineering
SUBJECT: 17460 117th Ave SE
17460 117th Ave SE
PRE24-000144
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 2823059049.
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.
PRE 24-000144
Page 2 of 3
June 6th, 2024
Surface Water
1. There is an existing 24-in surface water main along 117th Ave SE.
2. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water
Design Manual might 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 Standard Area matching Forested
Conditions. The site falls within the Soos Creek drainage basin and Soos Creek Main subbasin. The
site does not fall within the City’s Aquifer Protection Area (APA).
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Any new storm conveyance installed on or off-site shall be designed and sized in accordance with
standards found in Chapter 4 of the 2022 RSWDM and shall account for the total upstream
tributary area, assuming developed conditions for onsite tributary areas and existing conditions
for any offsite tributary areas.
7. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual Section C.1.3. Any removal of existing underground storage tanks and/or contaminated
soils will be required to meet all local, State and Federal requirements.
8. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
9. 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 117th Ave SE to the West.
• The site fronts 117th Ave SE, a residential access street, on the West side of the property.
The available right of way (ROW) width on the frontage of 118th Ave SE is 30 feet. Per RMC
PRE 24-000144
Page 3 of 3
June 6th, 2024
4-6-060, the minimum right of way width for Residential Access Street is 53’. Half street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline will be required and include a minimum
26 foot paved road (13 feet from center), 0.5 feet of curb, an 8-foot planting strip, and 5-
foot sidewalk. No dedication is required.
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 a single loaded garage driveway shall not exceed nine feet (9’) and
double-loaded garage driveway shall not exceed sixteen feet (16’).
3. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
4. Streetlighting is required for a project that consists of more than 4 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
Trench Restoration and Street 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.
• The 2024 transportation impact fee is $12,208.54 per single family home.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=10067864&dbid=1&repo=
CityofRenton
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. A 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:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
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 2020 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: June 6, 2024
TO: Pre-Application File No. 24-000144
FROM: Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Fairwood Project – 17460 117th Ave SE (APN 2823059049)
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 applicant proposes to subdivide 17460 117th Ave SE (APN 2823059049) into
four (4) residential lots. The subdivision is for the benefit of detached dwellings with one (1)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) per lot. The project proposes a variance to reduce the minimum
required lot width from 60 feet (60’) to 58 feet (58’) on Lot 2 through Lot 4 and 56.9 feet (56.9’)
on Lot 1 to maximize the number of dwellings. The property has street frontage along 117th Ave
SE to the west. The lot is located within the Residential-6 (R-6) zone. The site area is approximately
30,928 square feet (0.71 acres). Access to the proposed lots is via individual driveways from 117th
Ave SE.
Current Use: The project area is currently improved with a detached dwelling proposed to be
demolished. Per City of Renton (COR) Maps, no critical areas or critical area buffers are present
on the site.
1. Zoning /Land Use Designation, and Overlays: The subject property is located within the
Residential-6 (R-6) zoning classification. The Residential Medium Density (RMD) Land Use
designation is intended to implement the R-6 zone. The R-6 zone is established for single
family dwellings and is intended to implement the Residential Medium Density
Comprehensive Plan designation. The R-6 zone allows a range of three (3) to six (6) dwelling
units per net acre. 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. One (1) ADU is permitted per legal
lot.
Fairwood Project
Page 2 of 8
June 6, 2024
2. 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). ADUs would be subject to RMC 4-2-110C, Development
Standards for Residential Development (Accessory Dwelling Units).
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 maximum net density of six (6) dwelling units per acre with a minimum of three (3) dwelling
units per acre. Based on the approximate gross land area of 0.71 acres, the four (4) lot
proposal arrives at a gross density of approximately 5.63 du/ac (4 lots / 0.71 gross acres = 5.63
du/ac).
A density worksheet was not included with the pre-application submittal materials;
therefore, staff was unable to verify compliance with the density requirements. The gross
density would result in 5.63 du/ac. 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 would be required with the land use application.
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. Minimum lot width is 60 feet (60’); minimum lot
width for corner lots is 70 feet (80’); 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-
130H.2.a, 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-
130H.1.a, Minimum Tree Retention Requirements.
The applicant is requesting a variance to minimum width standards. See below for a
discussion related to the variance. Compliance with minimum lot size, width and depth
standards would be verified at the time of land use application.
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
Fairwood Project
Page 3 of 8
June 6, 2024
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.
The unit size of the ADU shall be determined by lot size and the size of the primary structure;
the total gross floor area of the ADU shall not exceed the size stated in the Maximum Unit
Size section or 75 percent (75%) of the total gross floor area of the primary structure,
whichever is smaller.
MAXIMUM UNIT SIZE
Lot Area: Maximum ADU Size
3,000 sq. ft. or less 600 sq. ft.
3,001 – 4,999 sq. ft. or less 700 sq. ft.
5,000 – 6,999 sq. ft. or less 800 sq. ft.
7,000 – 8,999 sq. ft. or less 900 sq. ft.
Greater than 9,000 sq. ft. 1,000 sq. ft.
ADUs are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A and associated
conditions and shall not be taller than the primary structure. Additional ADU height
allowances may be permitted upon application and approval of a modification pursuant to
RMC 4-9-250.
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’);
Secondary front yard (applies to corner lots): 25 feet (25’); Rear yard: 25 feet (25’); Side yard:
combined 15 feet (15’) with not less than five feet (5’) on either side.
The required setbacks for an ADU located in the R-6 are:
• Front yard: The ADU shall be set back an additional five feet (5’) parallel to and
measured from the front façade of the primary structure and shall comply with the
setbacks applied to the primary structure, as identified in RMC 4-2-110A,
Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations. ADUs shall not be
permitted between the primary structure and the street unless approved in the
Conditional Use Permit process.
• Side yard: Five feet (5’)
• Rear yard: Five feet (5’). When located within 10 feet (10’) of the rear property line,
at least 25 percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied
from accessory dwellings, except when the rear property line abuts an alley.
Fairwood Project
Page 4 of 8
June 6, 2024
Compliance with required setbacks for new development would be verified at the time of
building permit application.
3. 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.
Future ADU building permits would be subject to RMC 4-2-116, Accessory Dwelling Unit
Residential Design Standards. Requirements related to application standards should be
reviewed in their entirety 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.
4. 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 a mixture of trees, shrubs,
and landscaping. Street trees in the ROW planter would also be required. Landscaping may
include hardscape such as decorative paving, rock outcroppings, fountains, plant containers,
etc. 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.
A conceptual landscape plan shall be provided with the land use application 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.
5. 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,
Fairwood Project
Page 5 of 8
June 6, 2024
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
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.
Fairwood Project
Page 6 of 8
June 6, 2024
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.
6. Fences/Retaining 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.
7. Access/Driveways/Parking: Access is proposed via individual driveways from 177th Ave SE.
Each lot is required to accommodate off street parking for a minimum of two (2) vehicles for
the detached dwelling and one (1) vehicle for the ADU. 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
As shown the driveways would not be meeting requirements as they are within five feet (5’)
of the side property line. Compliance with access and driveway requirements would be
verified at the time of land use application.
8. Variance: The purpose of a variance is to grant relief from the requirements of Title IV,
Development Regulations which permits construction in a manner that otherwise is
prohibited by Title IV. Except for variances from critical area regulations, a determination shall
be made in writing that the conditions specified below have been found to exist.
a. That the applicant suffers practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship, and the
variance is necessary because of special circumstances applicable to the subject
property, including size, shape and topography, location or surrounding of the subject
property, and the strict application of the Zoning Code is found to deprive subject
Fairwood Project
Page 7 of 8
June 6, 2024
property owner of rights and privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the
vicinity and under identical zone classification;
b. 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;
c. That approval shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitation upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject
property is situated;
d. That the approval is a minimum variance that will accomplish the desired purpose.
A narrative addressing the above criteria was not provided with the submitted materials.
The project narrative does indicate that the variance is being requested because the gross
acreage of the property would allow for four (4) dwelling units, but the dimensions of the
parent lot prevent four (4) lots from being created. The parent lot is 135 feet (135’) deep
and is approximately 230 feet (230’) wide. The minimum required width for interior lots in
the R-6 is 60 feet (60’) with a minimum depth of 90 feet (90’). The lot is not wide enough nor
deep enough to accommodate four (4) lots for the benefit of detached dwellings on it.
As shown with the information provided, staff would not support a variance. The lot does
not suffer an unnecessary hardship due to special circumstance uniquely applicable to the
subject property. Many lots along 177th Ave SE have similar depths as the parent lot which
create a similar situation where lots are not deep enough to have two (2) tiers of lots and
would potentially not have the minimum width to meet R-6 lot width standards if the
maximum number of dwellings units were proposed. Additionally, the applicant is not
prevented from subdividing the property without the variance. A subdivision of three (3)
lots for the benefit of detached dwellings is still possible. Further, approving the variance
would constitute a special privilege. The maximum allowed density is the highest number
of dwelling units permitted. An applicant is not guaranteed that they can subdivide to
maximum density. Allowing for an applicant to subdivide to maximum density because they
cannot meet the required sizing for all lots sets the precedence that anyone can subdivide
to maximum density even if they can’t meet all other subdivision requirements.
9. Critical Areas: Per COR Maps, there are no critical areas or associated buffers on the property.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain whether environmental concerns are present
on the site during site development or building construction.
10. 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 4-9-070 H.3., if it is determined that critical areas are located on the property.
11. Permit Requirements: The proposal would require administrative short plat approval. The
application would be reviewed within an estimated time frame of eight (8) weeks. The 2024
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. Each variance request is $1,490.00. 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
Fairwood Project
Page 8 of 8
June 6, 2024
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.
12. Waivers of Submittal Requirements: The submittal checklist is not an exhaustive list of
submittal requirements and may be modified in cases where additional information is
required to complete the review of an application. In addition, non-applicable submittal
requirements may be waived. The applicant should contact the assigned Project Manager if
there are any questions regarding submittal requirements.
13. 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.
14. 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 2024 impact fees are as follows:
• A Fire impact fee assessed at $421.98 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• A transportation impact fee assessed at $11,485.67 per each new detached dwelling unit.
• A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $2,161.00 per each new detached
dwelling unit (plus an additional 5% processing fee).
• Parks Impact Fee currently assessed at $3,276.44 per each new detached dwelling unit.
Most fees for new ADUs are waived as of the adoption date of Resolution 4422. 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=CityofRe
nton
15. 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
Andrew Van Gordon, Associate Planner, at 425-430-7286 or avangordon@rentonwa.gov to
submit prescreen materials and subsequent land use application.
16. Expiration: Upon approval, the Short Plat is valid for five years with a possible one-year
extension (RMC 4-7-070M). It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor the expiration
dates.