HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Element
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 1 Draft: Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Land Use
Renton Comprehensive Plan Update Element Policies Draft
Draft: Updated: May 27, 2024
Summary of Updates
Washington State Law:
Include updated population projections and updated future land use map.
Address extent of land use for housing, commerce, industry, airports, utilities, facilities, and other land uses (including recreation/open space per below).
Designate green spaces, urban and community forests within the urban growth area.
Give special consideration to achieving environmental justice, including efforts to avoid creating or worsening environmental health disparities.
Consider urban planning approaches that reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled within Renton.
Must reduce and mitigate the risk to lives and property posed by wildfires by using land use planning tools.
VISION 2050:
Support growth and housing choices in proximity to transit.
Develop strategies for cleaning up brownfield and contaminated sites.
Evaluate planning in areas for potential residential and commercial displacement and use a range of strategies to mitigate displacement impacts.
Support inclusive engagement to ensure land use decisions do not negatively impact historically marginalized communities.
King County Countywide Planning Policies:
Address environmental justice issues across several policies including access to a healthy environment, community resilience, and reduction of pollution.
Call for the use of best available science when establishing and implementing environmental standards.
Integrate social equity and public health into local and countywide planning.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Summary of Updates
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 2 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Codify growth target and urban growth capacity report processes.
Address four-to-one program provisions.
Establish a Centers designation framework consistent with the PSRC regional framework.
Ensure better understanding of past housing and land use practices that have led to inequities by race and ethnicity.
Develop new growth targets with a planning horizon to 2044, and link growth targets to land use assumptions in comprehensive plans.
Strengthen city-county collaboration around annexation area planning. Clarify the process for reassigning potential annexation areas.
Recognize the role of Cities in the Rural Area consistent with the King County Comprehensive Plan.
Add a new subsection or reference the new separate Climate element
Emphasize climate change.
Update the greenhouse gas reduction goals to correspond to the goals set by the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), which may involve
referencing the new climate element.
Protect and restore natural resources that sequester and store carbon.
Address fossil fuel facilities to protect public health, safety, and welfare; and to protect the natural ecosystem to reduce climate change.
Plans to be Adopted by Reference:
King County Countywide Planning Policies
VISION 2050
Auto Mall Improvement Plan
Airport Layout Plan Update
Airport Compatible Land Use Program
Airport Master Plan
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Clean Economy Strategy 2.0
Growth Management Policies, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Making Our Watershed Fit for a King – WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan,
King County
Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed (WRIA 8) Chinook
Salmon Conservation Plan, King County
May Creek Basin Action Plan, King County
Lower Cedar River Basin and Nonpoint Action Plan, King County
Rainier-Grady Junction Subarea Plan (2021)
Arts and Culture Master Plan
Urban Forest Management Plan
Disaster Recovery Plan
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan
Bicycle and Trails Master Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 3 Draft: Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Additional Notes
The Land Use Element is organized into the following sections:
Meeting Demands of Growth
Planning for the Efficient Use of Land
Renton Land Use Plan
Projecting the Natural Environment and Ensuring Natural Resources For the Future
Promoting a Safe, Healthy, and Attractive Community
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Meeting Demands of Growth
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 4 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Meeting Demands of Growth
Discussion
Table 1. Meeting Demands of Growth Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70a) Renton has an obligation to meet
the demands of local and regional growth. Managing growth is not an endeavor that
Renton takes on alone. The Puget Sound Regional Council’s VISION 2040
establishes goals and policies that tie the region together and support people,
prosperity, and the environment. Through the Countywide Planning Policies, King
County jurisdictions further define their roles in accommodating growth using
sustainable and environmentally responsible development practices. Renton’s
Comprehensive Plan outlines the ways that these goals and policies combine with
our unique community Vision to be the center of opportunity where families and
businesses thrive.
Growth management enhances and protects several aspects of everyday life
in Renton, including community safety, health, economic vitality,
environmental quality, and resiliency to climate change. Renton’s approach to
managing growth meets the requirements of the Growth Management Act
(RCW 36.70a), passed in 1990 to ensure growth is planned and coordinated
in a way to meet a set of statewide goals. The Puget Sound Regional Council’s
VISION establishes goals and policies that tie the region together and support
people, prosperity, and the environment. Through the Countywide Planning
Policies, King County jurisdictions further define their roles in accommodating
growth using sustainable and environmentally responsible development
practices. Renton’s Comprehensive Plan outlines the ways that these goals
and policies combine with our unique community Vision to be the center of
opportunity where families and businesses thrive.
Goals
Table 2. Meeting Demands of Growth Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal L-A: Comply with the Countywide Planning
Policies established by the Puget Sound Regional
Council and the Countywide Planning Policies
adopted by King County.
Goal L-A: Comply with the policies in VISION 2050
established by the Puget Sound Regional Council
and the Countywide Planning Policies adopted by
King County.
Named the relevant plan to increase specificity
and reduce duplication of terms.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Meeting Demands of Growth
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 5 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
2 Goal L-B: Continue to build Renton’s Regional
Growth Center consistent with VISION 2040 to
provide compact, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use
development to meet the demands of population
and employment growth, while reducing the
transportation related and environmental
impacts of growth.
Goal L-B: Support the development of Renton as a
Regional Growth Center, consistent with VISION
2050, to foster compact, pedestrian-oriented,
mixed-use development to meet the demands of
population and employment growth, while also
increasing transportation efficiency, and reducing
negative environmental impacts.
Language edits to clarify the role of the City of
Renton and the purpose/role of Regional Growth
Centers per Vision 2050. Struck the clause
“Reduce transportation” for clarity – the Vision
isn’t to reduce transportation, but rather to foster
more efficient and equitable mobility options.
Updated the plan name.
3 Goal L-C: Ensure sufficient land capacity to meet
the growth targets, as shown in Table L-1.
Goal L-C: Ensure sufficient land capacity to meet
growth targets for employment and housing for all
economic segments, as shown in Table L-1.
Updated to meet new state requirements.
4 Goal L-D: Meet regional and local obligations to
provide essential public facilities through
collaboration with other jurisdictions when
possible.
Goal L-D: Collaborate with other jurisdictions when
possible to meet regional and local obligations to
provide essential public facilities.
Revised to reflect regional nature of EPFs.
5 Goal L-E: Promote annexation where and when it
is in Renton’s best interests.
Goal L-E: Facilitate annexation where and when it is
within the city’s Potential Annexation Areas,
increases efficiency in the provision of urban
services, contributes to cohesive communities, and
financial impacts are mitigated through service and
infrastructure financing or other funding to address
infrastructure and service provision challenges in
Potential Annexation Areas.
Include statement of what benefits Renton would
to achieve through annexation and aligns the
policy to King County CPPs (DP-26).
Policies
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Meeting Demands of Growth
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 6 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Table 3. Meeting Demands of Growth Policies
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy L-1: Support uses that sustain minimum
employment levels of 50 employees per gross acre
and residential levels of 15 households per gross
acre within Renton’s Growth Center. Accommodate
approximately 2,000 households and 3,500 jobs
from the City’s Growth 2035 Targets within the
Growth Center.
Policy L-1: Support uses that sustain minimum
employment levels of 45 employees per gross acre
and residential levels of 15 households per gross
acre within Renton’s Growth Center. Accommodate
approximately 2,000 households and 3,500 jobs
from the City’s Growth 2035 Targets within the
Growth Center.
To be updated.
2 Policy L-2: Support compact urban development to
improve health outcomes, support transit use,
maximize land use efficiency, and maximize public
investment in infrastructure and services.
Policy L-2: Support compact urban development to
improve health outcomes, support transit use,
maximize land use efficiency, and maximize public
benefit from public investment in infrastructure and
services
Clarified policy intent.
3 Policy L-3: Encourage infill development of single-
family units as a means to meet growth targets and
provide new housing.
Policy L-3: Encourage infill development with a
variety of housing types to meet growth targets and
provide a greater variety of housing options.
Updated to be inclusive of middle housing types.
4 Policy L-4: Consider surplus public property for
other public uses before changing ownership.
Policy L-4: Consider surplus public property for
other public uses before changing ownership.
No change proposed.
5 Policy L-5: Use a public process when siting
essential public facilities.
Policy L-5: Use a public process that incorporates
broad public involvement, especially from
historically marginalized and disproportionately
burdened communities, that considers impacts and
benefits to equitably site essential public facilities.
Updated to incorporate equity considerations
based on King County PCC PF-24.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 7 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
6 Policy L-6: Site and design essential public facilities
to be efficient and convenient while minimizing
impacts on surrounding uses. Facilities should be
sited on an arterial street where there is good
access to transportation, including transit service
and where parking requirements are appropriate to
the use. If the use is people intensive, it should be
in a Center, compatible with surrounding uses, and
collocated with other uses when possible.
Policy L-6: Site and design essential public facilities
to be efficient and convenient and to equitably
distribute the impacts and benefits Facilities
should be sited on an arterial street with good
access including transit service, and where parking
requirements are appropriate to the use. If the use
is people intensive, it should be in a Center,
compatible with surrounding uses, and collocated
with other uses when possible.
Updated to include equity consideration.
7 Policy L-7: Coordinate with King County to ensure
land development policies are consistent in the
Potential Annexation Area.
Policy L-7: Coordinate with King County to ensure
land development policies are consistent in the
Potential Annexation Area.
No changes.
8 Policy L-8: Support annexation where infrastructure
and services allow for urban densities, service
providers would be consolidated, and/or it would
facilitate the efficient delivery of services.
Policy L-8: Support annexation where infrastructure
and services allow for urban densities, service
providers would be consolidated, and/or it would
facilitate the efficient delivery of services. Work
with regional partners to ensure annexations
balance fiscal impacts to Renton.
Updated to strengthen attention to the fiscal
impacts of annexation.
9 Policy L-9: Consider the fiscal impacts for each
proposed annexation
Consolidated with Policy L-8.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Efficient Use of Land
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 8 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Efficient Use of Land
Discussion
Table 4. Efficient Use of Land Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
To meet and exceed Renton’s targets for housing and employment growth land use
must be organized efficiently, consistent with the community’s vision. Concentrated
growth in housing and employment will occur in Growth Centers, increasing the
intensity of activities in these districts to create a lively, vibrant, urban environment.
Outside of the Growth Centers, residential areas will provide for a range of housing
types and lifestyle options that are served by mixed-use commercial development
nodes that provide daily goods and services. Additional opportunities to grow
employment and maintain an industrial and manufacturing base are in the
Employment Area.
Promoting efficient use of urban land is a key factor for enhancing resource
sustainability and environmental protection. By implementing policies to
prevent land-use conflicts, reduce exposure to pollutants, and minimize urban
sprawl, Renton can best meet the needs of current and future residents while
safeguarding future resources, economic opportunity, public health, and
community safety.
Renton will prioritize housing and employment growth in Growth Centers,
increasing the intensity of activities in these districts to create a lively, vibrant,
urban environment. Residential areas will provide a range of housing types
and lifestyle options that are served by mixed-use commercial development
nodes that provide daily goods and services. Employment Areas will provide
opportunities to grow employment and maintain an industrial and
manufacturing base.
Goals
Table 5. Efficient Use of Land Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal L-F: Minimize risk associated with potential
aviation incidents, on the ground and for aircraft
occupants.
Goal L-F: Minimize risk of aviation incidents involving
the built environment through zoning and other
applicable development regulations.
Revised for clarity.
2 Goal L-G: Pursue transition of non-conforming uses
and structures to encourage development patterns
consistent with Renton’s land use plan.
Goal L-G: Encourage transition of non-conforming
uses and structures to encourage development
patterns consistent with Renton’s land use plan.
Edited to clarify city action.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Efficient Use of Land
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 9 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
3 Goal L-H: Plan for high quality residential growth that
supports transit by providing urban densities,
promotes efficient land utilization, promotes good
health and physical activity, builds social
connections, and creates stable neighborhoods by
incorporating both built amenities and natural
features.
Goal L-H: Plan for high quality residential growth that
supports transit and reduces vehicle miles traveled
by providing urban densities, promotes efficient land
utilization, promotes good health and physical
activity, builds social connections, and creates
stable neighborhoods by incorporating both built
amenities and natural features.
Updated per VISON 2050 requirement.
4 Goal L-I: Utilize multiple strategies to accommodate
residential growth, including:
Development of new single-family neighborhoods on
large tracts of land outside the City Center;
Development of new multifamily and mixed-use in
the City Center and in the Residential High Density
and Commercial Mixed Use designations; and
Infill development on vacant and underutilized land
in established neighborhoods and multifamily areas.
Goal L-I: Accommodate residential growth, by:
Encouraging development of new attached housing
of moderate density and mixed-use in the City
Center and in the Residential High Density and
Commercial Mixed Use designations; and
Supporting infill development on vacant and
underutilized land in established low- moderate-
density residential neighborhoods; and
Allowing development of new detached housing on
large tracts of land outside the City Center;
Reorganized goal to be parallel with other goals.
Reordered to emphasize importance of attached
moderate density housing.
5 Goal L-J: Develop well-balanced, attractive,
convenient Centers serving the City and the region
that create investment opportunities in urban scale
development, promote housing close to employment
and commercial areas, reduce dependency on
automobiles, maximize public investment in
infrastructure and services, and promote healthy
communities.
Goal L-J: Encourage the development of convenient
Centers serving the City and the region that are
urban in scale, facilitate housing close to
employment and commercial areas, reduce
dependency on automobiles, maximize public
investment in infrastructure and services, and
promote good health, and are attractive.
Revised to reflect the City’s role in development
and updated language to clarify policy intent.
6 Goal L-K: Provide an energetic business
environment for commercial activity providing a
range of service, office, commercial, and mixed-use
residential uses that enhance the City’s employment
and tax base along arterial streets and in Centers.
Goal L-K: Cultivate an energetic business
environment and commercial activity to provide a
range of service, office, commercial, and mixed-use
residential uses that enhance the City’s employment
and tax base along arterial streets and in Centers.
Aligned the verbs to match city action.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Efficient Use of Land
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 10 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
7 Goal L-L: Transform concentrations of linear form
commercial areas into multi-use neighborhood
centers characterized by enhanced site planning,
efficient parking design, coordinated access for all
modes of transportation, pedestrian linkages from
adjacent uses and nearby neighborhoods, and
boulevard treatment.
Goal L-L: Transform concentrations of linear form
commercial areas into multi-use neighborhood
centers characterized by enhanced site planning,
efficient parking design, coordinated access for all
modes of transportation, pedestrian linkages from
adjacent uses and nearby neighborhoods, and
boulevard treatment.
No change proposed.
8 Goal L-M: Strengthen Renton’s employment base
and economic growth by achieving a mix of
industrial, high technology, office, and commercial
activities in Employment Areas.
Goal L-M: Encourage a mix of industrial, high
technology, office, and commercial activities in
Employment Areas to strengthen Renton’s
employment base and spur economic growth.
Reorganized sentence to have parallel
construction with the other goals in the section.
9 Goal L-N: Sustain industrial areas that function as
integrated employment activity areas and include a
core of industrial uses and other related businesses
and services, transit facilities, and amenities.
Goal L-N: Promote industrial activities in integrated
employment activity areas that include a variety of
industrial uses and other related businesses and
services, transit facilities, and amenities.
Updated for clarity.
10 Goal L-O: Support the Auto Mall to concentrate auto
and vehicular related businesses and increase their
revenue and sales tax base for the City and to
present an attractive environment for doing auto-
related business.
Goal L-O: Support concentrations to auto and
vehicular related businesses and increase their
revenue and sales tax base for the City, and to
present an attractive environment for doing auto-
related business.
Revised to remove an outdated reference.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Efficient Use of Land
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 11 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Policies
Table 6. Efficient Use of Land Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy L-10: Meet or exceed basic aviation safety
concerns and reduce potentially negative impacts
from normal airport operations by restricting land
use, prohibiting airspace obstacles and noise-
sensitive land uses, and by requiring aviation
easements within the Airport Influence Area.
Policy L-10: Meet or exceed basic aviation safety
rules and State Airport-Land Use Compatibility
guidelines and reduce potentially negative
impacts from normal airport operations by
restricting land use, prohibiting airspace obstacles
and noise-sensitive land uses, and by requiring
aviation easements within the Airport Influence
Area.
Updated for clarity and to remove the subjective
term “concerns”.
2 Policy L-11: Encourage non-conforming uses to
transition into conforming uses or relocate to areas
with compatible designations.
Policy L-11: Encourage non-conforming uses to
transition into conforming uses or relocate to
areas with compatible designations.
No change proposed.
3 Policy L-12: Identify potential areas for rapid or
temporary housing in case of emergency or natural
disaster.
Policy L-12: Identify potential areas for rapid or
temporary housing in case of emergency or
natural disaster.
No change proposed.
4 Policy L-13: Enhance the safety and attractiveness
of the Automall with landscaping, signage, and
development standards that create the feeling of a
cohesive business district.
Policy L-13: Enhance the safety and attractiveness
of commercial, office, and industrial uses with
landscaping, signage, and development standards
that create the feeling of a cohesive business
district.
Revised to broaden the policy beyond auto sales.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 12 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Renton Land Use Plan
Discussion
Table 7. Renton Land Use Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Renton’s Land Use schema identifies six types of land uses: Residential Low Density,
Residential Medium Density, Residential High Density, Commercial Mixed Use,
Employment Area, and Commercial Office Residential. Each of these land uses has
designated zones that detail the types of land uses allowed in those zones. The table
below identifies the six land use designations and the zones that implement each
land use designation. Policies for each designation and implementing zone follow.
Renton has six types of designated land uses:
Residential Low Density,
Residential Medium Density,
Residential High Density,
Commercial Mixed Use,
Employment Area, and
Commercial Office Residential.
Each of these land uses has designated zones that provide detail on the types
of land uses allowed in those zones. The table below identifies the six land
use designations, the associated zones that implement each land use
designation,. and policies.
Goals
2015 Text Draft Language
Policies
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 13 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy L-14: Residential Low Density – Place lands
constrained by sensitive areas, those intended to
provide transition to the rural area, or those
appropriate for larger lot housing within the
Residential Low Density (RLD) land use designation
to allow for a range of lifestyles.
Policy L-14: Residential Low Density (RLD) –Apply
to lands constrained by sensitive areas, those
intended to provide transition to the rural areas, or
those appropriate for low density residential uses.
2 Resource Conservation Zone – Zone lands with
significant environmental constraints, which are
not appropriate for urban development, lands
suitable for environmental conservation or
restoration, and lands used for agriculture or
natural resource extraction for Resource
Conservation (RC). RC zoning is allowed in the
Residential Low Density and Employment Area
land use designations.
Resource Conservation (RC) Zone– Apply to
lands with significant environmental constraints,
which are not appropriate for urban
development, lands suitable for environmental
conservation or restoration, and lands used for
agriculture or natural resource extraction for
resource conservation. RC zoning is allowed in
the Residential Low Density and Employment
Area land use designations.
3 Residential-1 Zone – Lands with significant
environmental constraints, which may have the
potential for development at a level of intensity
that is compatible with that environment, or lands
that provide urban separators should be zoned for
Residential-1 (R-1). R-1 zoning is allowed in the
Residential Low Density land use designation.
Residential-1 (R-1) Zone – Apply to lands with
significant environmental constraints, which may
have the potential for development at a level of
intensity that is compatible with that
environment, or lands that provide urban
separators. R-1 zoning is allowed in the
Residential Low Density land use designation.
4 Residential-4 Zone – Zone lands suitable for large
lot housing and suburban, estate-style dwellings
compatible with the scale and density of the
surrounding area Residential-4 (R-4). R-4 zoning
is allowed in the Residential Low Density land use
designation.
Residential-4 (R-4) Zone– Apply to lands suitable
for low-density residential uses compatible with
the scale and density of the surrounding area. R-
4 zoning is allowed in the Residential Low
Density land use designation.
Removed reference to housing typologies to
open the possibility of ADUs.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 14 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
5 Residential Manufactured Home Park Zone –
Lands with existing manufactured home parks as
established uses should be zoned Residential
Manufactured Home Park (RMH). RMH zoning is
allowed in the Residential Low Density,
Residential Medium Density, and Residential High
Density land Use designations.
Residential Manufactured Home Park (RMH)
Zone– Apply to lands with existing manufactured
home parks. RMH zoning is allowed in the
Residential Low Density, Residential Medium
Density, and Residential High Density land use
designations.
Edited for clarity.
6 Policy L-15: Residential Medium Density – Place
areas that can support high-quality, compact, urban
development with access to urban services, transit,
and infrastructure, whether through new
development or through infill, within the Residential
Medium Density (RMD) designation. Within the RMD
designation, allow a variety of single-family
development, with continuity created through the
application of design guidelines, the organization of
roadways, sidewalks, public spaces, and the
placement of community gathering places and civic
amenities.
Policy L-15: Residential Medium Density (RMD)–
Apply to areas that can support high-quality,
compact, urban development with access to urban
services, transit, and infrastructure, whether
through new development or through infill
development.
Edited for clarity.
Edited to be more inclusive of middle housing
typologies, removed reference to specific
housing type (single family).
7 Residential-6 Zone – Zone lands Residential-6 (R-
6) where there is land suitable for larger lot
development, an opportunity for infill
development, an existing pattern of single-family
development in the range of four to eight units
per net acre, and where critical areas are limited.
R-6 zoning is allowed in the Residential Medium
Density land use designation.
Residential-6 Zone (R-6)– Apply to lands where
there is land suitable for infill development,
larger lot development, an existing pattern of
moderate density residential development, and
where critical areas are limited. R-6 zoning is
allowed in the Residential Medium Density land
use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Edited to be more inclusive of middle housing
typologies, removed reference to specific
housing type (single family).
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 15 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
8 Residential-8 Zone – Zone lands Residential-8 (R-
8) where there is opportunity to re-invest in
existing single-family neighborhoods through infill
or the opportunity to develop new single-family
plats at urban densities greater than four dwelling
units per acre. R-8 zoning is allowed in the
Residential Medium Density land use designation.
Residential-8 Zone (R-8) –Apply to lands where
there is opportunity to re-invest in existing
residential neighborhoods through infill or the
development of new residential plats at urban
densities. R-8 zoning is allowed in the
Residential Medium Density land use
designation.
Edited for clarity.
Edited to be more inclusive of middle housing
typologies, removed reference to specific
housing type (single family).
9 Policy L-16: Residential High Density – Designate
land for Residential High Density (RHD) where
access, topography, and adjacent land uses create
conditions appropriate for a variety of housing unit
types, or where there is existing multifamily
development. RHD unit types are designed to
incorporate features from both single family and
multifamily developments, support cost-efficient
housing, facilitate infill development, have close
access to transit service, and efficiently use urban
services and infrastructure. Land designated RHD is
where projects will be compatible with existing uses
and where infrastructure is adequate to handle
impacts from higher density uses.
Policy L-16: Residential High Density (RHD) –Apply
to lands where access, topography, and adjacent
land uses create conditions appropriate for a
variety of housing unit types, or where there is
existing attached residential development. RHD
unit types are designed to incorporate features
from both detached and attached residential
developments, support cost-efficient housing,
facilitate infill development, have close access to
transit service, and efficiently use urban services
and infrastructure. Land designated RHD is where
infrastructure is constructed to handle impacts
from higher density uses.
Edited for clarity.
Removed requirements where future
development must match existing features of
single family developments.
Revised to incorporate inclusive language.
10 Residential-10 Zone – Zone lands Residential-10
(R-10) where there is an existing mix of single
family and small-scale multifamily use or there
are vacant or underutilized parcels that could be
redeveloped as infill and are located within ¼
mile of public transit service and a major arterial.
R-10 implements the Residential High Density
land use designation.
Residential-10 Zone (R-10) Apply to lands where
there is an existing mix of residential uses or
there are vacant or underutilized parcels that
could be redeveloped as infill and are located
within ¼ mile of public transit service and a
major arterial; or are within ½ mile of a major
transit center. R-10 implements the Residential
High Density land use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Edited to be more inclusive of middle housing
typologies, removed reference to specific
housing type (single family).
Expanded designation to include parcels within a
½ mile of a transit center to align with urban
design concepts for a 15-minute neighborhood.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 16 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
11 Residential-14 Zone – Zone lands Residential-14
(R-14) where it is possible to develop a mix of
compact housing types in areas of approximately
20 acres or larger in size (may be in different
ownerships) or are within or adjacent to a Growth
CenterThe zone functions as a transition zone
between lower intensity residential and higher
intensity mixed use zoning. R-14 implements the
Residential High Density land use designation.
Residential-14 Zone (R-14)– Apply to lands
where it is possible to develop a mix of compact
housing types or are within or adjacent to a
Growth Center. The zone functions as a
transition zone between lower intensity
residential and higher intensity mixed use
zoning. R-14 implements the Residential High
Density land use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Removed acreage requirement since this is
meant as a transition zone.
12 Residential Multi-Family Zone – Zone lands
Residential Multi Family (RMF) where there is
existing (or vested) multifamily development of
one-acre or greater in size. Expanded RMF zoning
should only be where access is from a street
classified as a Principal arterial, Minor arterial, or
Collector, and where existing multi-family is
abutting at least two property sides. RMF zoning
implements the Residential High Density land use
designation.
Residential Multi-Family Zone (RMF) – Apply to
lands where there is existing (or vested)
attached residential development of one-acre or
greater in size. Expanded RMF zoning should
only be where access is from a street classified
as a Principal Arterial, Minor Arterial, or Collector,
and where existing attached residential
development is abutting at least two property
sides. RMF zoning implements the Residential
High Density land use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Revised to incorporate inclusive language.
Residential High Density (XXXX) Zone – Apply to
lands where there is existing or planned high re
(or vested) multifamily attached residential
development of one-acre or greater in size.
Expanded RMF zoning should only be where
access is from a street classified as a Principal
arterial, Minor arterial, or Collector, and where
existing attached residential development
multifamily is abutting at least two property
sides. RMF zoning implements the Residential
High Density land use designation
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 17 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
13 Commercial Neighborhood Zone – Zone lands
Commercial Neighborhood (CN) that provide
goods and services on a small-scale to a
surrounding residential neighborhood and that
front on a street classified as a Principal arterial,
Minor arterial, or Collector. Expanded CN zoning
should only be where there is opportunity to
provide small limited-scale commercial
opportunity to the immediately surrounding
residential community that would not result in an
increase in scale or intensity, which would alter
the character of the nearby residential
neighborhood. The CN zone implements the
Residential High Density land use designation.
Commercial Neighborhood Zone (CN)– Apply to
lands that provide goods and services on a
small-scale to a surrounding residential
neighborhood and that can be accessed from a
street classified as a Principal Arterial, Minor
Arterial, or Collector. Expanded CN zoning should
only be where there is opportunity to provide
small limited-scale commercial opportunity to
the surrounding residential community. The CN
zone implements the Residential High Density
land use designation.
Edited for clarity.
14 Policy U-17: Commercial Mixed Use – Place areas
with established commercial and office areas near
principle arterials within the Commercial and Mixed
Use (CMU) land use designation. Allow residential
uses as part of mixed-use developments, and
support new office and commercial development
that is more intensive than what exists to create a
vibrant district and increase employment
opportunities. The intention of this designation is to
transform strip commercial development into
business districts through the intensification of uses
and with cohesive site planning, landscaping,
signage, circulation, parking, and the provision of
public amenity features.
Policy U-17: Commercial Mixed Use (CMU)– Apply
to lands with established commercial and office
uses near Principal Arterials. Allows residential
uses as part of mixed-use development, and
supports new office and commercial development
that is more intensive than what exists to create a
vibrant district and increase employment
opportunities. The intention of this designation is to
transform strip commercial development into
business districts through the maximization of uses
and with cohesive site planning, landscaping,
signage, circulation, parking, and the provision of
public amenity features.
Edited for clarity.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 18 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
15 Commercial Arterial Zone – Zone lands
Commercial Arterial (CA) where a historical strip
pattern dominates, characterized by large surface
parking in front of buildings, long blocks oriented
to automobiles, and an incomplete street grid. CA
zoning should be located within one-quarter mile
of transit, provide employment, and allow mixed-
use development. CA zoning implements the
Commercial Mixed Use and Employment Area
land use designations.
Commercial Arterial Zone (CA)– Apply to lands
where a strip commercial pattern dominates,
characterized by large surface parking in front of
buildings, long blocks oriented to automobiles,
and an incomplete street grid. Attached housing
is allowed in areas that can support increased
demand on transportation facilities. CA zoning
should be located within one-quarter mile of
transit, provide employment, and serve a large
area. CA zoning implements the Commercial
Mixed Use and Employment Area land use
designations.
Edited for clarity.
16 Center Downtown Zone – Zone Land Center
Downtown (CD) within downtown Renton that is
appropriate for the widest mix of uses, is served
by transit, and is suitable for intensive urban use
within a pedestrian environment. The Center
Downtown zone is intended to revitalize the area
by creating a vibrant, urban center in Renton’s
historic downtown core. Surface parking is
discouraged in this zone, except as a land bank.
CD zoning implements the Commercial Mixed Use
land use designation.
Center Downtown (CD) Zone– Apply to downtown
Renton where it is appropriate for a mix of
pedestrian-oriented uses and attached
residential uses, is served by transit, and is
suitable for intensive urban use within a
pedestrian environment. The Center Downtown
zone is intended to revitalize the area by
creating a vibrant, urban center in Renton’s
historic downtown core. Surface parking is
discouraged in this zone, except as a land bank.
CD zoning implements the Commercial Mixed
Use land use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 19 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
17 Center Village Zone – Zone lands Center Village
(CV) that are characterized by an existing
commercial and multi-family core served by
transit and set in the midst of suburban patterns
of residential development or in Renton’s
downtown. CV zoned lands are suitable for
redevelopment into compact urban development
with a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use center, and
community focal point. The zone is intended to
revitalize an area, creating a vibrant, urban center
where surface parking is discouraged. CV zoning
implements the Commercial and Mixed Use
designation.
Center Village (CV) Zone– Apply to lands that are
characterized by an existing commercial and
attached residential housing core served by
transit and set in the midst of suburban patterns
of residential development. CV zoned lands are
suitable for redevelopment into compact urban
development with a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-
use center, and community focal point. The zone
is intended to revitalize an area, creating a
vibrant, urban center where surface parking is
discouraged. CV zoning implements the
Commercial and Mixed Use designation.
Edited for clarity.
Revised to incorporate inclusive language.
18 Urban Center Zone – Zone lands that are located
within Renton’s Designated Regional Growth
Center, if there is a potential for the creation of
dense employment, destination retail, recreation,
or public gathering space with the Urban Center
(UC) zone. The Urban Center zoned areas have
large parcels of land with the potential for large
scale redevelopment opportunities that will create
a mixed-use retail, employment, and residential
center. UC zoning implements the Commercial
Mixed Use land use designation.
Urban Center 1 & 2 (UC-1 & UC-2) Zones Apply to
lands located within Renton’s Regional Growth
Center, where there is potential for the creation
of dense employment, destination retail,
recreation, or public gathering space with the
Urban Center (UC) zone. UC-1 or UC-2 zoned
areas have large parcels of land with the
potential for large scale redevelopment
opportunities that will create a mixed-use retail,
employment, and residential center. UC zoning
implements the Commercial Mixed Use land use
designation.
Edited for clarity
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Renton Land Use Plan
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 20 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
19 Commercial Office Zone – Zone large parcels of
land, that are highly visible from arterials or
highways and located on existing or planned
transit routes, for Commercial Office (CO) if they
contain, or are suitable for medium- to high-
intensity office use. Limited residential mixed-use
development is allowed in close proximity to
select transit services. This zone implements the
Commercial Mixed Use and Employment Area
land use designations.
Commercial Office (CO) Zone– Apply to large
parcels of land suitable for medium to high-
intensity office uses, located on existing or planned
transit routes with high visibility from arterials or
highways. Commercial Office (CO) is suitable for
medium- to high-intensity office use. Residential
mixed-use development is allowed in close
proximity to select transit services. This zone
implements the Commercial Mixed Use and
Employment Area land use designations.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 21 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Protecting the Environment
Discussion
Table 8. Protecting the Environment Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Sustainability recognizes that natural systems are essential to providing both
economic needs and quality of life and that actions of today have an impact on the
environment which impacts the future. The quality of Renton’s land, air, and water
affect the health and resiliency of everyone in the community.
Sustainability recognizes that natural systems are essential to providing both
economic needs and quality of life and that actions of today have an impact
on the environment which impacts the future. The quality of Renton’s land, air,
and water affect the health and resiliency of everyone in the community.
A sustainable community requires and supports economic development,
human health, and social benefit, and makes decisions using the “triple
bottom line” approach to sustainability (environment, economy, and social
equity).
Goals
Table 9. Protecting the Environment Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal L-P: Minimize adverse impacts to natural
systems, and address impacts of past practice
where feasible, through leadership, policy,
regulation, and regional coordination.
Goal L-P: Minimize adverse impacts to natural
systems, and address impacts of past practice
where feasible, through leadership, policy,
regulation, and regional coordination.
No change proposed.
2 Goal L-Q: Support commercial and hobby
agricultural uses such as small farms, hobby farms,
horticulture, beekeeping, kennels, stables, and
produce stands that are compatible with urban
development.
Goal L-Q: Support hobby agricultural uses such as
small farms, hobby farms, horticulture, beekeeping,
and produce stands that are compatible with urban
development.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 22 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
3 Goal L-R: Maintain extractive industries where their
continued operation does not impact adjacent
residential areas, the City’s aquifer, or critical
areas.
Goal L-R: Protect the aquifer and critical areas while
allowing extractive industries where their continued
operation does not impact adjacent residential
areas, the City’s aquifer, or critical areas.
Rewritten to make policy intent clear.
4 Goal L-S: Maintain Urban Separators to provide
visual and physical distinction to the edges of
Renton, protect critical areas, and provide a
transition to the rural area.
Goal L-S: Maintain urban separators to provide
visual and physical distinction to the edges of
Renton, protect critical areas, and provide a
transition to rural areas.
Edited to be a common noun because the goal is
referring to a group or category and not
something defined in another plan or a specific
area.
5 Goal L-T: Create a functioning and exemplary urban
forest that is managed at optimum levels for
canopy, health, and diversity.
Goal L-T: Create a functioning and exemplary urban
forest that is managed at optimum levels for canopy,
health, and diversity.
No change proposed.
6 Goal L-U: Preserve, protect, and enhance the
quality and functions of the City’s sensitive areas
including: lakes, rivers, major and minor creeks,
intermittent stream courses and their floodplains,
wetlands, ground water resources, wildlife habitats,
and areas of seismic and geological hazards.
Goal L-U: Preserve, protect, and enhance the quality
and functions of the City’s sensitive areas including:
lakes, rivers, streams, intermittent stream courses
and their floodplains, wetlands, aquifer, wildlife
habitats, and areas of seismic and geological
hazards.
Revised for clarity.
7 Goal L-V: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains and floodways to prevent threats to life,
property, and public safety associated with flooding
hazards.
Goal L-V: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains, floodways, and channel migration zones
to prevent threats to life, property, and public safety
associated with flooding hazards.
Revised for clarity.
8 Goal L-W: Reduce the potential for damage to life
and property due to abandoned coal mines, and
return this land to productive uses.
Goal L-W: Reduce the potential for damage to life
and property from abandoned coal mines and return
this land to productive uses.
Revised for clarity.
9 Goal L-X: Support and sustain educational,
informational, and public involvement programs in
the City over the long term in order to encourage
effective use, preservation, and protection of
Renton's resources.
Goal L-X: Support and sustain educational,
informational, and public involvement programs in
the City to encourage effective use, preservation,
and protection of Renton's natural systems.
Revised for clarity.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 23 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
10 Goal L-Y: Protect clean air and the climate for
present and future generations through reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions at the individual,
household, and community levels, and promote
efficient and effective solutions for transportation
and development.
Goal L-Y: Protect clean air and the climate for
present and future generations through reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions at the individual,
household, and community levels, and promote
efficient and effective solutions for transportation
and development.
No change proposed.
11 Goal L-Z: Promote regional air quality in
coordination with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
and the Puget Sound Regional Council, consistent
with the Countywide Planning Policies, through its
policies, methodologies, and standards.
Goal L-Z: Promote regional air quality in coordination
with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the
Puget Sound Regional Council, consistent with the
Countywide Planning Policies, through its policies,
methodologies, and standards.
No change proposed.
Policies
Table 10. Protecting the Environment Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy L-20: Recognize the importance of fresh food
in improving health and building community
resilience, and encourage local food by allowing
cultivation and sale of vegetables, herbs, flowers,
or similar crops in residential areas, as an
accessory use and/or home occupation and allow
community gardens on private property, vacant
public property, and unused rights-of-ways.
Policy L-20: Allow cultivation and sale of vegetables,
herbs, flowers, or similar crops in residential areas,
as an accessory use and/or home occupation and
allow community gardens on private property,
vacant public property, and unused rights-of-ways to
encourage local food cultivation, improve public
health, and build community resilience.
Edited for parallel construction with other goals and
clarity.
2 Policy L-21: Apply conditional use permits, or other
approvals as appropriate, for extractive industries
including timber, sand, gravel, or other mining to
ensure that potential impacts are confined, limited,
or mitigated.
Policy L-21: Require conditional use permits, or
other approvals as appropriate, for extractive
industries including timber, sand, gravel, or other
mining to ensure that potential impacts are
confined, limited, or mitigated.
Revised for clarity.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 24 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
3 Policy L-22: Designate Urban Separators on lands
characterized by individual and interconnecting
natural features, critical areas, open space, parks,
agricultural areas, and water features and by areas
that provide a logical and easily identifiable
physical separation between urban communities or
with the rural area.
Policy L-22: Designate Urban Separators on lands
characterized by individual and interconnecting
natural features, critical areas, open space, parks,
agricultural areas, and water features and by areas
that provide a logical and easily identifiable physical
separation between urban communities and the
rural area.
Revised for clarity.
4 Policy L-23: Promote urban forests through tree
planting programs, tree maintenance programs
that favor the use of large healthy trees along
streets and in parks, residential, commercial, and
industrial areas, programs that increase education
and awareness, and through the protection and
restoration of forest ecosystems.
Policy L-23: Promote urban forests through tree
planting programs, tree maintenance programs that
favor the use of large healthy trees along streets
and in parks, residential, commercial, and industrial
areas, programs that increase education and
awareness, and through the protection and
restoration of forest ecosystems.
No change proposed.
5 Policy L-24: Manage urban forests to maximize
ecosystem services such as stormwater
management, air quality, aquifer recharge, other
ecosystem services, and wildlife habitat.
Policy L-24: Manage urban forests to maximize
ecosystem services such as stormwater
management, air quality, aquifer recharge, other
ecosystem services, and wildlife habitat.
No change proposed.
6 Policy L-25: Educate the community about
sustainable neighborhood concepts as part of
planning processes to build support and
understanding for future policy and regulatory
changes.
Policy L-25: Utilize education and outreach programs
to inform the public and build support for
sustainable neighborhood concepts, better
understanding and acceptance for future policy and
regulatory changes.
Revised for clarity and to include accurate
methods for where education and outreach
would take place.
7 Policy L-26: Utilize education and outreach
programs to inform the public and build support for
initiatives promoting sustainability, health, and
emergency preparedness.
Policy L-26: Utilize education and outreach programs
to inform the public and build support for initiatives
promoting sustainability, health, and emergency
preparedness.
8 Policy L-27: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including recreation, fish and wildlife, flood
protection, erosion control, water supply, energy
production, and open space.
Policy L-27: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including fish and wildlife, flood protection,
erosion control, water supply, energy production,
open space, and recreation.
Reordered to reflect importance of water
management uses.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 25 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
9 Policy L-28: Minimize erosion and sedimentation in
and near sensitive areas by requiring appropriate
construction techniques and resource practices,
such as low impact development.
Policy L-28: Minimize erosion and sedimentation in
and near sensitive areas by requiring appropriate
construction techniques and resource practices,
such as low impact development.
No change proposed.
10 Policy L-29: Protect the integrity of natural drainage
systems and existing land forms, and maintain
wildlife habitat values by preserving and enhancing
existing vegetation and tree canopy coverage to the
maximum extent possible and by restoring
hydrological flows and improving the condition of
shorelines.
Policy L-29: Protect the integrity of natural drainage
systems and existing land forms to restore
hydrological flows and improve the condition of
shorelines.
Revised for clarity. (Split L-29 into two policies to
focus one idea)
11 Policy L-XX. Preserve and enhance existing
vegetation and tree canopy coverage to improve
wildlife habitat quality.
Revised for clarity. (Split L-29 into two policies to
focus on one idea)
12 Policy L-30: Maintain or increase the quantity and
quality of wetlands. Development activities shall
not decrease the net acreage of existing wetlands.
Policy L-30: Maintain or increase the quantity and
quality of wetlands. Ensure no net reduction of
wetlands due to development.
Revised for clarity.
13 Policy L-31: Protect buffers along wetlands and
surface waters to facilitate infiltration and maintain
stable water temperatures, provide for biological
diversity, reduce amount and velocity of run-off,
and provide for wildlife habitat.
Policy L-31: Protect buffers along wetlands and
surface waters to facilitate infiltration and maintain
stable water temperatures, provide for biological
diversity, reduce amount and velocity of run-off, and
provide for wildlife habitat.
No change proposed.
14 Policy L-32: Emphasize the use of open ponding
and detention, vegetated swales, rain gardens,
clean roof run-off, right-of-way landscape strips,
open space, and stormwater management
techniques that mimic natural systems, maximize
water quality and infiltration where appropriate,
and which will not endanger groundwater quality.
Policy L-32: Emphasize the use of open ponding and
detention, vegetated swales, rain gardens, clean
roof run-off, right-of-way landscape strips, open
space, and stormwater management techniques
that mimic natural systems, maximize water quality
and infiltration where appropriate, and which will not
endanger groundwater quality.
No change proposed.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 26 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
15 Policy L-33: Acquire the most sensitive areas such
as wetlands, flood plains, and wildlife habitat for
conversion to parks and greenbelts. Pursue an
overall net gain of natural functions and values by
enhancing sensitive areas and providing incentives
for the enhancement of functions and values
through private development.
Policy L-33: Acquire sensitive areas such as
wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife habitat for
conversion to parks and natural areas. Pursue an
overall net gain of natural functions and values by
enhancing sensitive areas and providing incentives
for the enhancement of functions and values
through private development.
Edited to reduce ambivalent clauses. If there is
an existing prioritization approach defined in
another plan, we can site it.
16 Policy L-34: Ensure buildings, roads, and other built
features are located on less sensitive portions of a
site when sensitive areas are present.
Policy L-34: Ensure buildings, roads, and other built
features are located on less sensitive portions of a
site when sensitive areas are present.
No change proposed.
17 Policy L-35: Re-establish self-sustaining fisheries
resources in appropriate rivers and creeks through
habitat improvement projects that encourage and
enhance salmonid use.
Policy L-35: Re-establish self-sustaining fisheries
resources in appropriate rivers and streams through
habitat improvement projects that encourage and
enhance salmonid use.
Revised to use the accurate term.
18 Policy L-36: Land uses in areas subject to flooding,
seismic, geologic, and coal mine hazards should be
designed to prevent property damage and
environmental degradation before, during, and
after construction.
Policy L-36: Development in areas subject to
flooding, seismic, geologic, and coal mine hazards
should be designed to prevent property damage and
environmental degradation before, during, and after
construction.
Revised for clarity.
19 Policy L-37: Emphasize non-structural methods in
planning for flood prevention and damage
reduction.
Policy L-37: Emphasize non-structural methods in
planning for flood prevention and damage reduction.
No change proposed.
20 Policy L-38: Dredge the Cedar River bed within the
existing engineered channel as one method of
flood control.
Policy L-38: Dredge the Cedar River bed within the
existing engineered channel as one method of flood
control.
No change proposed.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Protecting the Environment
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 27 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
21 Policy L-39: Provide information for and participate
in informing and educating individuals, groups,
businesses, industry, and government in the
protection and enhancement of the quality and
quantity of the City's natural resources and to
promote conservation.
Policy L-39: Provide information for and participate
in informing and educating individuals, groups,
businesses, industry, and government in the
protection and enhancement of the quality and
quantity of the City's natural resources and to
promote conservation.
No change proposed.
22 Policy L-40: Coordinate with the Puget Sound Air
Pollution Control Agency and the Puget Sound
Regional Council to develop policies,
methodologies, and standards that promote
regional air quality.
Policy L-40: Coordinate with the Puget Sound Air
Pollution Control Agency and the Puget Sound
Regional Council to develop policies, methodologies,
and standards that promote regional air quality.
No change proposed.
23 Policy L-41 Conduct all City operations to minimize
adverse environmental impacts by reducing
consumption and waste of energy and materials;
minimizing use of toxic and polluting substances;
reusing, reducing, and recycling; and disposing of
waste in a safe and responsible manner.
Policy L-41: Conduct all City operations to minimize
adverse environmental impacts by reducing
consumption and waste of energy and materials;
minimizing use of toxic and polluting substances;
reusing, reducing, and recycling; and disposing of
waste in a safe and responsible manner.
No change proposed.
24 Policy L-42: Encourage environmentally friendly
construction practices, such as Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design, Built Green,
Salmon Safe, and Living Building Challenge.
Policy L-42: Encourage environmentally friendly
construction practices, such as Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design, Built Green, Salmon
Safe, and Living Building Challenge.
No change proposed.
25 Policy L-43: Support and implement the Mayor’s
Climate Protection Agreement, climate pledges and
commitments undertaken by the City, and other
multi-jurisdictional efforts to reduce greenhouse
gases, address climate change, sea-level rise,
ocean acidification, and other impacts to global
conditions.
Policy L-43: Support and implement the Mayor’s
Climate Protection Agreement, climate pledges and
commitments undertaken by the City, and other
multi-jurisdictional efforts to reduce greenhouse
gases, address climate change, sea-level rise, ocean
acidification, and other impacts to global conditions.
No change proposed.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 28 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
26 Policy L-44: Recognize that a sustainable
community requires and supports economic
development, human health, and social benefit,
and makes decisions using the “triple bottom line”
approach to sustainability (environment, economy,
and social equity).
Not a policy, moved to Discussion.
Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
Discussion
Table 11. Promoting a Safe, Healthy, and Attractive Community Discussion Review
2015 Text Draft Language
Community design includes those elements or features that provide for visual
identity and evoke the character of the city, creating a sense of place. Community
design influences quality of life for people who live, work, learn and play in the city. A
safe, healthy, and attractive community recognizes and acknowledges the natural
setting and the unique features of a community.
Community design includes those elements or features that provide for visual
identity and evoke the character of the city, creating a sense of place.
Community design influences quality of life for people who live, work, learn
and play in the city. A safe, healthy, and attractive community recognizes and
acknowledges the natural setting and the unique features of a community.
Goals
Table 12. Promoting a Safe, Healthy, and Attractive Community Goals
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Goal L-AA: Maintain the City’s cultural history by
documenting, recognizing, and protecting its
historic, archaeological, and traditional cultural
sites.
Goal L-AA: Support a sense of place by documenting,
recognizing, and protecting Renton’s historic,
archaeological, and traditional cultural sites.
Edited to reduce suggesting of a singular,
hegemonic history and to be more inclusive of the
multiple histories that comprise Renton today.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 29 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Goal Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
2 Goal L-BB: Maintain a high quality of life as
Renton grows by ensuring that new development
is designed to be functional and attractive.
Goal L-BB: Ensure new development supports a high
quality of life with design that is designed to be
functional and attractive.
Revised for clarity. .
3 Goal L-CC: Support and sustain programs in the
City to encourage effective use, preservation, and
protection of Renton’s resources.
Goal L-CC: Support and sustain programs in the City
to encourage effective use, preservation, and
protection of Renton’s resources.
No change proposed.
4 Goal L-DD: Maintain and promote Renton as a
center for arts and culture where traditional and
contemporary arts thrive and creative industries
are cultivated.
Goal L-DD: Maintain and promote Renton as a
center for arts and culture where traditional and
contemporary arts thrive and creative industries are
cultivated.
No change proposed.
5 Goal L-EE: Build neighborhoods that promote
community resiliency through healthy lifestyles,
active transportation, proximity to goods and
services, access to local fresh food,
environmental sustainability, and a feeling of
community.
Goal L-EE: Build neighborhoods that promote
community resiliency through healthy lifestyles,
active transportation, proximity to goods and
services, access to local fresh food, environmental
sustainability, and a feeling of community.
No change proposed.
6 Goal L-FF: Strengthen the visual identity of
Renton and its Community Planning Areas and
neighborhoods through quality design and
development.
Goal L-FF: Strengthen the visual identity of Renton
and its Community Planning Areas and
neighborhoods through quality design and
development.
No change proposed.
Policies
Table 13. Promoting a Safe, Healthy, and Attractive Community Policies
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
1 Policy L-45: Identify and catalog historic, cultural,
and archaeological resources on an on-going basis
and as part of project specific review.
Policy L-45: Identify and catalog historic, cultural,
and archaeological resources on an on-going basis
and as part of project specific review.
No change proposed.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 30 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
2 Policy L-46: Preserve and incorporate historic and
archaeological sites into development projects.
Policy L-46: Preserve and incorporate historic and
archaeological sites into development projects.
No change proposed.
3 Policy L-47: Accommodate change in a way that
maintains Renton’s livability and natural beauty.
Strike due to subjective nature and challenge with
implementation. Address vision of “livability” and
“natural beauty” in the discussion or Vision
Element.
Policy L-48: Address privacy and quality of life for
existing residents by considering scale and context
in infill project design.
Policy L-48: Consider scale and context for infill
project design to preserve privacy and quality of life
for residents
Revised for clarity and to remove exclusionary
language.
Policy L-49: Maintain existing, and encourage the
creation of additional, places and events
throughout the community where people can
gather and interact. Allow for flexibility in public
gathering places to encourage place-making
efforts and activities.
Policy L-49: Encourage the creation and
maintenance of places and events throughout the
community where people can gather and interact.
Allow for flexibility in public gathering places to
encourage place-making efforts and activities.
Revised for clarity.
Policy L-50: Respond to specific site conditions
such as topography, natural features, and solar
access to encourage energy savings and recognize
the unique features of the site through the design
of subdivisions and new buildings.
Policy L-50: Respond to specific site conditions
such as topography, natural features, and solar
access to encourage energy savings and recognize
the unique features of the site through the design
of subdivisions and new buildings.
No change proposed.
Policy L-51: Include human-scale features such as
pedestrian pathways, quality landscaping, and
public spaces that have discernible edges, entries,
and borders to create a distinctive sense of place
in neighborhoods, commercial areas, and centers.
Policy L-51: Require human-scale features such as
pedestrian pathways, quality landscaping, and
public spaces that have discernible edges, entries,
and borders to create a distinctive sense of place
in neighborhoods, commercial areas, and centers.
Revised for clarity.
Policy L-52: Orient buildings in developments
toward the street or a common area, rather than
toward parking lots.
Policy L-52: Require buildings in developments to
be oriented toward the street or a common area,
rather than toward parking lots.
Revised for clarity.
Policy L-53: Encourage creative and distinctive
focal elements that define the entrance to the city.
Policy L-53: Encourage creative and distinctive
focal elements that define the entrances to the city.
Revised for clarity.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 31 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
Policy L-54: Protect public scenic views and public
view corridors, including Renton’s physical, visual
and perceptual linkages to Lake Washington and
the Cedar River.
Policy L-54: Protect public scenic views and public
view corridors, including Renton’s physical, visual
and perceptual linkages to Lake Washington and
the Cedar River.
No change proposed.
Policy L-55: Preserve natural landforms,
vegetation, distinctive stands of trees, natural
slopes, and scenic areas that contribute to the
City’s identity, preserve property values, and
visually define the community and neighborhoods.
Policy L-55: Preserve natural landforms, vegetation,
distinctive stands of trees, natural slopes, and
scenic areas that contribute to the City’s identity,
preserve property values, and visually define the
community and neighborhoods.
No change proposed.
Policy L-56: Complement the built environment
with landscaping using native, naturalized, and
ornamental plantings that are appropriate for the
situation and circumstance and provide for
respite, recreation, and sun/shade.
Policy L-56: Complement the built environment with
landscaping using native, naturalized, and
ornamental plantings that are appropriate for the
situation and circumstance and provide for respite,
recreation, and sun/shade.
No change proposed.
Policy L-57: Provide complete arranged as an
interconnecting network or grid. Locate planter
strips between the curb and the sidewalk in order
to provide separation between cars and
pedestrians. Discourage dead-end streets and
cul-de-sacs.
Policy L-57: Provide complete streets arranged as
an interconnecting network or grid. Locate planter
strips between the curb and the sidewalk in order
to provide separation between cars and
pedestrians. Discourage dead-end streets and cul-
de-sacs.
Revised to include missing term.
Policy L-58: Encourage signage that guides and
promotes business without creating visual clutter.
Implement sign regulations that balance adequate
visibility for businesses while protecting Renton’s
visual character.
Policy L-58: Implement sign regulations that
balance adequate visibility for businesses while
protecting Renton’s visual character. Encourage
signage that guides and promotes business without
creating visual clutter.
Edited for parallel construction with other policies.
Policy L-59: Balance the need for appropriate
lighting levels for safety and security to avoid light
intrusion and glare impacts, and to preserve the
night sky.
Policy L-59: Balance the need for appropriate
lighting levels for safety and security to avoid light
intrusion and glare impacts, and to preserve the
night sky.
No change proposed.
Element Review ▪ Land Use ▪ Promoting Consistent Design and a Sense of Place
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE 2024 32 Draft Draft Revised: May 27, 2024
Row
# 2015 Policy Proposed Language Change Purpose or Rationale
Policy L-60: Improve the appearance of parking
lots through landscaping and screening.
Policy L-60: Require landscaping and screening to
improve the appearance of parking lots, promote
green infrastructure, and reduce heat islands.
Revised policy to include other benefits of parking
lot landscaping.
Policy L-61: Promote environmentally friendly,
energy-efficient development, including building
and infrastructure.
Policy L-61: Promote environmentally friendly,
energy-efficient development, including building
and infrastructure.
No change proposed.
Policy L-62: Create a supportive environment for
cultural activities and the arts.
Policy L-62: Create a supportive environment for
cultural activities and the arts.
No change proposed.
Policy L-63: Collaborate with schools, businesses,
and faith-based groups to promote healthy
lifestyles through education, activity, and nutrition.
Policy L-63: Collaborate with schools, businesses,
and community groups to promote healthy lifestyles
through education, activity, and nutrition.
Revised for clarity.
Policy L-64: Design buildings with provisions for
evacuation in case of all types of emergency
events.
Policy L-64: Require building design with provisions
for evacuation in case of all types of emergency
events.
Revised for clarity.