HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx 02_J_Justification_for_the_Modification_Request
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www.drstrong.com
March 21, 2024
Project No. 24010
City of Renton
Planning Building Department
1055 S Grady Way
Renton WA 98057
Re: Justification for Modification Request to Power Undergrounding per RMC 4-6-090
Permit Number: PR24XXXXX
Site/Parcel: 3342102665
Greetings,
The following justification narrative is to address no. 5 of the Modification Submittal Requirements for the
subject site under the subject right-of-way permit. The following requirements under RMC 4-6-090 are
applicable:
1. All new electrical or communication facilities shall be required to be installed underground,
pursuant to the standards of this Section.
2. Existing overhead power and utility facilities abutting a development or redevelopment site
triggering street frontage improvements under RMC 4-6-060 shall be required to be relocated
underground, pursuant to the standards of this Section.
Per RMC 4-06-090.D.1.a an exemption may be granted for the following via an approved Modification:
“Overhead power and utility facilities adjacent to a redevelopment site where a street modification under
RMC 4-9-250D is granted to keep the existing overhead power and/or utility facility above ground.”
This specific modification request is to provide conduits to accommodate future undergrounding of power
in the right-of-way while proposing undergrounded power for the residential lots.
5. JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MODIFICATION REQUEST
a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan
Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum
adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives;
Per RMC 4-6-090 undergrounding of overhead power is required when street frontage
improvements are being part the redevelopment project. The Project proposes
improvements along the frontage including 5-ft sidewalk and 8-ft planter strip with vertical
curb and gutter. The Project will provide conduits for future undergrounding of power and
communication by utility providers. Hence, a minimal impact to the completed frontage
improvements will take place by utility providers.
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability
intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgement;
By installing conduits with the frontage improvements, all Code requirements will be met
as the utility companies will use these conduits in future undergrounding of power in the
right-of-way.
c. Will not be injurious to other property(ies) in the vicinity;
The proposed conduits will not be injurious to the other properties in the
vicinity.
City of Renton
March 21, 2024
Page 2 of 2
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code;
The Code intends to underground power in the right-of-way nearby a development or
redevelopment. The proposed conduits will fulfill the intent of the Code in the future
without impacting the frontage improvements constructed by the proposed Project.
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; and
The proposed frontage improvements will not disturb any power pole in the right-of-way.
Hence, providing conduits for future undergrounding of power seems appropriate for the
scope of this Project. The location of conduits across other lots to the east and west will
need to be coordinated with the design of the frontage improvements and should be
installed at the same time as development occurs on other lots.
f. Will not create adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity.
The proposed conduits will not create adverse impacts to the other properties in the
vicinity.
Sincerely yours,
D. R. STRONG Consulting Engineers
Yoshio L. Piediscalzi, P.E.
Director of Engineering
YLP/dle
Enclosure
cc:
R:\2024\0\24010\Submittals\3_Engineering\Modification\5. Justification for the Modification Request.docx