HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-app Mtg Summary - 24-000382.pdfCityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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PRE-APPLICATION MEETING FOR
Walker’s Renton Subaru – Service Department Expansion
PRE24-000382
CITY OF RENTON
Department of Community & Economic Development
Planning Division
January 2nd, 2025
Contact Information:
Planner: Alex Morganroth, 425-430-7219, amorganroth@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Michael Sippo, 425-430-7298, msippo@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425-276-9582, cthomas@rentonrfa.org
Building Official: Rob Shuey, 425-430-7290, rshuey@rentonwa.gov
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider
giving copies of it to any engineers, architects, and contractors who work on the
project. You will need to submit a copy of this packet when you apply for land use
and/or environmental permits.
Pre-screening: When you have the project application ready for submittal, call and
schedule an appointment with the project manager to have it pre-screened before
making all of the required copies.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on
the proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The
applicant is cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the
proposal will be formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project
submittal. The information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director,
Development Services Director, Department of Community & Economic Development
Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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Renton Regional Fire Authority
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: December 30, 2024
TO: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Walker Subaru Service buildings
1. The preliminary fire flow is 4,000 gpm. A minimum of four fire hydrants are required. One
within 150-feet and three within 300-feet of the building. One hydrant is required within 50
feet of all fire department connections for the fire sprinkler system. Water main extensions
will be required to meet the minimum water main and fire hydrant requirements. New
building additions cannot be built over existing city water mains and/or existing fire
sprinkler underground supply mains. Existing fire sprinkler riser and fire department
connection will have to be relocated so that it is directly accessible to the outside of the
building.
2. Fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $0.66 per square foot of office space. This fee
is paid at the time of building permit issuance. Credit is granted for the area of existing
building removed if applicable.
3. Approved fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems are required throughout all the buildings.
Direct outside access is required to the fire sprinkler riser room. Fire alarm system is
required to be fully addressable and full detection is required. Separate plans and permits
required by the fire department. Newly constructed sections of the buildings shall be
protected by new fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems prior to the occupancy of any new
section of the building. The existing sections of the building will have to meet current fire
alarm standards for a consistent, current fire alarm standard.
4. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required within 150-feet of all points on all
buildings. Fire lane signage required for the on-site roadways. The required turning radius
is 25-feet inside and 45-feet outside. Roadways shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide, fully
paved. Proposed relocation of fire lane appears to meet minimum requirements.
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 19, 2024
TO: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner
FROM: Michael Sippo, Civil Engineer III
SUBJECT: Walker Subaru
519 SW 12th St
PRE24-000255
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-binding and
may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official City decision-makers. Review comments may also
need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the
applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located at parcel(s) 334040-4265
and 334040-4148. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
Water
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s water service area in the Valley 196 Pressure Zone.
2. The static water pressure is approximately 76 psi at ground elevation of 20 feet.
3. There is an existing 6-inch water main located in SW 12th St between Seneca Ave SW and Lind Ave SW that
can deliver a maximum flow capacity of 1,400 GPM (see water plan No. W-013302).
4. There is an existing 10-inch water main located in Seneca Ave SW that can deliver a maximum flow
capacity of 2,600 GPM (see water plan No. W-306804).
5. There is an existing 10-inch water main located within parcel 3340404265 that can deliver a maximum
flow capacity of 2,300 GPM (see water plan No. W-306804).
• Note water is located within a utility easement over the vacated portion of SW 13th St as defined
through the street vacation ordinance 4942.
Existing Building 519 SW 12th St (Parcel 3340404265)
6. There are four existing fire hydrants within 300 feet of the property and one on parcel 3340404265.
7. For parcel 3340404265, there is:
• An existing 1-inch domestic water service, meter (MTR-008756), and unknown backflow device.
Applicant to confirm the type of premise isolation backflow prevention device. Backflow
prevention device requirement for existing building will be a reduced pressure backflow
prevention assembly (RPBA);
• An existing 4-inch fire meter (MTR-008759) and 4-inch fire sprinkler water service with backflow
prevention assembly (RPDA) located within the fire sprinkler riser room;
• An existing 1-inch irrigation water service (MTR-008757) with backflow prevention assembly
(DCVA).
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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8. The proposed building foundation and wall for the expansion of the existing building must be located at a
minimum of 10 feet from the existing 10-inch water main near the southwest corner of the proposed
building expansion or the main shall be relocated.
Existing Building 505 SW 12th St (Parcel 3340404148)
9. For parcel 3340404148, there is:
• An existing ¾-inch commercial domestic water service, meter (MTR-016416), and unknow
backflow device. The applicant’s pre-application materials indicate that the building will be
demolished and the property used for a parking lot. A cut and cap permit will be required to cut
and cap the existing water service.
• The meter may be re-used for irrigation for the new parking lot. Installation of a backflow
prevention assembly (DCVA) would be required in this instance.
• Credit for system development charges would be applicable if the meter was re-used for irrigation
purposes.
10. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting, Renton Regional
Fire Authority has determined that the preliminary fire flow demand for the proposed building, including
the use of a fire sprinkler system, is 4,000 gpm. Per City code a looped water main is required around the
development when the fire flow demand exceeds 2,500 gpm (see below).
11. Based on the information provided with the pre-application submittal documents, the following
developer’s installed water main improvements will be required to provide domestic and fire protection
service to the development including but not limited to the items that follow.
• In order to provide 4,000 gpm of fire flow capacity, the existing 6-inch water main (approximately
430 feet) in SW 12th St from Seneca Ave SW to the west side of Lind Ave SW must be replaced with
a 10-inch main to provide a looped water main around the building/block.
• All commercial domestic water meters shall have a reduced pressure backflow assembly (RPBA)
installed behind the meter on private property per City Standards. The RPBA shall be installed
inside an above ground, heated enclosure per City Standard Plan 360.1. The RPBA may be located
inside the building if a drainage outlet for the relief valve is provided and the location is pre-
approved by the City Plan Reviewer and City Water Utility Department. The backflow prevention
assembly must be located adjacent to and behind a building exterior wall.
• The applicant should verify with the plumbing designer/contractor to determine if the existing 1 -
inch commercial domestic water service serving the existing building on parcel 3340404265 is
sufficient for any new additional fixtures due to the building expansion. If additional capacity is
required, then the existing service line and meter must be replaced and upsized. Additional water
system development charges will apply if a larger commercial domestic line is needed.
• The applicant should verify with a fire sprinkler designer/contractor to determine if the existing 4-
inch fire sprinkler supply line serving the existing building on parcel 3340404265 can provide
sufficient water flow rate and pressure to the additional fire sprinkler system for the building
expansion. If additional flow capacity is required, then the existing 4 -inch stub and backflow
prevention assembly must be replaced and upsized. Additional water system development
charges will apply if a larger fire sprinkler supply line is needed.
• Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants. The location and number of hydrants will be
determined by the RRFA based on the final fire flow demand and final site plan. A hydrant is
required within 50 feet of the building’s fire sprinkler system fire department connection (FDC).
Existing hydrants to be counted towards the number of hydrants required shall have a STORZ
fitting installed if not already equipped with one.
• The existing 10-inch water main, fire sprinkler riser and fire department connection on the
southern portion of the 4265 parcel will be required to be relocated due to the expansion of the
building. Following the relocation of the water line and other utilities, the applicant will need to
request the City to release or vacate the easement that was created as part of the street vacation
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under ordinance 4942. A 15-ft wide utility easement will be required for the relocation of the water
main and hydrants.
12. Civil plans for the water main improvements will be required and must be prepared by a professional
engineer registered in the State of Washington. Please refer to City of Renton General Design and
Construction Standards for Water Main Extensions as shown in Appendix K of the City’s 2019 Water
System Plan. Adequate horizontal and vertical separations between the new water main and other utilities
(storm sewer pipes and vaults, sanitary sewer, power, gas, electrical) shall be provided for the operation
and maintenance of the water main. Retaining walls, rockeries or similar structures cannot be installed
over the water main unless the water main is installed inside a steel casing.
13. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject development.
14. The development is subject to applicable water system development charges (SDC’s) and meter
installation fees based on the number and size of the meters for domestic uses and for fire sprinkler use.
The development is also subject to fees for water connections, cut and caps, and purity tests. Current
fees can be found in the 2025 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged
based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
• The SDC fee for water is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project . The
current water fee is $5,025.00 per 1-inch meter, $24,125 per 1-1/2 inch meter, and $40,200 per 2-
inch meter.
• Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service is applicable. Water
Service installation is $2,875.00 per 1-inch service line, $4,605 per 1-1/2 inch service, $4,735 per
2-inch service, and for services larger than 2-inch a $220 processing fee is applied and the
Contractor will provide the materials and will install the service line and water meter.
• Drop-in meter fee is $460.00 per 1-inch meter, $750 per 1-1/2 inch meter, and $950 per 2-inch
meter.
• A credit will be applied to the existing service if abandoned.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=8373700&dbid=1&repo=CityofR
enton
Sanitary Sewer
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s sanitary sewer service area.
2. There is an existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located on parcel 3340404265, under the existing
building within a steel encasement sleeve (see record drawing S-306801).
a. Note sewer is located within a utility easement over the vacated alley as defined through the street
vacation ordinance 4914.
b. The applicant’s pre-application materials indicate that the building at 505 SW 12th St will be
demolished and the property used for a parking lot. A cut and cap permit will be required to cut
and cap the existing side sewer service at the main.
c. Expansion of the covered drive-thru requires that the existing encasement be extended beyond
the limits of the covered drive-thru portion.
d. The as-builts from November 2002 show a pvc wye connecting into a manhole at the end of the
encasement, however, video records do not indicate that there is a manhole here underneath the
drive-thru. The video also shows constant clear running water. Applicant will be required to
determine the nature of this connection during the civil and building permit review process which
may require mitigation or re-plumbing if stormwater from any parking areas is draining into the
sewer.
3. There is an existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located on parcel 3340404265 (see record drawing S-
306801).
a. Note sewer is located within a utility easement over the vacated portion of SW 13th St as defined
through the street vacation ordinance 4942.
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b. The existing 8-inch wastewater main on the southern portion of the 4265 parcel will be required to
be relocated or abandoned as applicable due to the expansion of the building.
c. Video shows an existing pvc connection into the on-site terminus manhole. Applicant will be
required to determine the nature of this connection during the civil and building permit review
process.
4. There is an existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in the alley (see record drawing S-014507).
5. There is an existing 8-inch gravity wastewater main located in Seneca Ave SW (see record drawing S-
014507).
6. For parcel 3340404265 is an existing 6-inch PVC sewer stub, 6-inch side sewer and OWS (see record
drawing S-306801).
a. The applicant shall verify the existing OWS (Oil/Water Separator) size meets current standards for
the proposed use or upgrade as needed (see below).
b. Due to the proposed use as a vehicle maintenance facility, any existing and new floor drains within
the existing and proposed structure expansion require passing through an oil-water separator
prior to discharge into the sanitary sewer. The separator shall be sized based on floor drainage
fixtures units in accordance with standards found in the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing
Code (UPC). The oil-water separator shall be located on site so that is accessible for routine
maintenance.
c. Expansion of the covered drive-thru requires that the covered pavement drain to the sanitary
sewer system after passing through an oil/water separator and not to the storm drainage system.
7. Individual sewer stubs from the sewer main and individual side sewers are required for each building. The
existing stubs can be CCTV’d and if found acceptable to the sewer department, can be re-used if the
size/locations are compatible with the proposed use/building layout. All new sewer stubs shall conform
to the standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
8. Refuse/recycling areas will be required to be covered with an interior drain that connects to the sanitary
sewer system through an oil/water separator.
9. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject development.
10. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee for sewer is
based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Curr ent fees can be found in the 2025
Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the time of
construction permit issuance.
• The current sewer fee for is $4,025 per 1-inch meter, $20,125 per 1-1/2 inch meter, and $32,200
per 2-inch meter.
• Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
• A credit will be applied if an existing, active, service is demoed. Services that were demoed more
than 5 years ago will not receive a credit.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=8373700&dbid=1&repo=CityofRento
n
Surface Water
1. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main on the east side of Seneca Ave SW (see record drawing R-
306807).
2. There is an existing 12-inch stormwater main on the north side of SW 12th St (see record drawing R-
215204).
3. For parcel 3340404148, there is no record of an on-site conveyance system.
4. For parcel 3340404265, there is a private, on-site conveyance system, conveying water through a private
detention facility on the south side of parcel before discharging to the southwest of the parcel.
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• The applicant’s pre-application materials indicate that the existing bioswale and detention pond
will be removed and replaced with an underground detention and water quality system. The
detention/water quality system will be required to be sized in accordance with the current manual
unless it can be clearly demonstrated through previous reports/calculations that the existing
volumes and flow-rates are sufficient for the site areas. At a minimum, the facility performance
standards for volumes and flow-rates will be replaced in-kind.
5. Critical areas on site that may impact storm water: none mapped.
6. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart 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 Peak Rate Flow Control Standard Area matching Existing Conditions. The site falls within the
Black River drainage basin.
7. 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
8. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the applicant will be
required to provide enhanced 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.
9. 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.
10. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
Section C.1.3.
11. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
12. A Construction Stormwater Permit from Department of Ecology is required as clearing and grading of the
project area exceeds one acre.
13. 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 $0.94 per square foot of new impervious surface but not less than $2,350.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/1/edoc/1059222/2017-2018%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf
Transportation
1. Per City code 4-6-060 frontage improvements are required for new construction in excess of $175,000. The
proposed project fronts Seneca Ave SW, SW 12th St, Lind Ave SW, and private property on all other sides.
• SW 12th St east of Seneca Ave SW is classified as a Commercial Access street with an existing
right-of-way (ROW) width of approximately 60 feet per the King County Assessors map. To meet
the City’s complete street standards for Commercial Access streets with 2 lanes a minimum ROW
width of 69 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of street improvements as taken from the ROW
centerline shall be required and include a minimum 36 foot paved road (18 feet each side), a 0.5
foot curb, an 8 foot planting strip, a 6 foot sidewalk, 2 foot clear space at back of walk and storm
drainage improvements. Dedication of approximately 4.5 feet will be required pending final
survey.
i. However, the property is within the AutoMall Improvement Plan area which depicts a
minimum 24 foot paved road, 0.5 foot curb, and 5 foot sidewalk. The existing established
curbline may remain, provided it is a minimum 12 feet from ROW centerline), the existing
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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curb and sidewalk may remain provided they comply with the minimums listed above and
meet current City and ADA standards.
ii. The frontage at 505 SW 12th St will be required to provide curb/gutter and sidewalk due to
the property’s inclusion within the proposal.
iii. The existing ADA ramp at the southeast corner of the Seneca/SW 12 th St intersection will
be required to be reviewed for conformance with current ADA standards. If ADA upgrades
are required, the companion ramps at the southwest and northeast corners of the
intersection will require upgrades as well.
iv. Existing driveway cuts to remain will be required to be upgraded to match current ADA
standards for the sidewalk. Additionally, sidewalk expansion may be required in areas
where the existing utility poles are located within the sidewalk.
• Seneca Ave SW, east of the ROW centerline, is classified as a Commercial Access street with an
existing right-of-way (ROW) width of approximately 60 feet per the King County Assessors map. To
meet the City’s complete street standards for Commercial Access streets with 2 lanes a minimum
ROW width of 69 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of street improvements as taken from the
ROW centerline shall be required and include a minimum 36 foot paved road (18 feet each side),
a 0.5 foot curb, an 8 foot planting strip, a 6 foot sidewalk, 2 foot clear space at back of walk and
storm drainage improvements. Dedication of approximately 4.5 feet will be required pending final
survey.
i. However, the property is within the AutoMall Improvement Plan area which depicts a
minimum 24 foot paved road, 0.5 foot curb, and 5 foot sidewalk. The existing established
curbline shall remain, provided it is a minimum 12 feet from ROW centerline), the existing
curb and sidewalk may remain provided they comply with the minimums listed above and
meet current City and ADA standards. Dedication is not anticipated.
ii. The applicant’s pre-application materials indicate that due to the expansion of the existing
building, the proposal would like to extend Seneca Ave SW approximately 60 feet to the
south and relocate the southern driveway cut. Expansion of the street section will require
half-street frontage improvements along the east side of Seneca Ave SW with a minimum
pavement width of 20 feet, curb, gutter and 5-foot sidewalk.
iii. Existing driveway cuts to remain will be required to be upgraded to match current ADA
standards for the sidewalk. Additionally, sidewalk expansion may be required in areas
where the existing utility poles are located within the sidewalk.
• Lind Ave SW is classified as a 4-lane Minor Arterial street with an existing right-of-way (ROW) width
of approximately 180 feet per the King County Assessors map. To meet the City’s complete street
standards for 4-lane Minor Arterial streets a minimum ROW width of 91 feet is required. Per RMC
4-6-060 half of street improvements as taken from the ROW centerline shall be required and
include a minimum 54 foot paved road (27 feet each side), a 0.5 foot curb, an 8 foot planting strip,
an 8 foot sidewalk, 2 foot clear space at back of walk and storm drainage improvements. No
dedication is anticipated.
i. The City will support a waiver of improvements along Lind Ave SW given that this portion of
the roadway is part of the bridge crossing I-405. The applicant shall submit a request for
waiver with the land use application. The waiver shall comply with RMC 4-9-250.
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 width of any driveway shall not exceed thirty feet (30') exclusive of the radii of the returns or
the taper section.
• For each parcel, there shall be no more than one driveway for each 165-feet of street frontage.
3. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-6-090.
4. Street lighting is required for a project that consists of more than 5,000 SF of commercial space.
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-Applications\2024\PRE24-000382
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5. Sites that generate 20 or more net new peak hour trips (either in the AM peak or PM peak) are required to
do a traffic impact analysis. The trips should be calculated based on the guidelines of the current ITE Trip
Generation Manual. Refer to the attached policy guidelines for traffic impact analysis for guidelines. If the
site generates 20 or more new peak hour trips in either AM peak or PM peak, then applicant should contact
the City to get information of the locations where traffic analysis is required.
6. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
7. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the
time of building permit issuance.
• Unless noted otherwise in the Fee Schedule, the 2025 transportation impact fee is $8,031.94 per
net new PM peak Hour Vehicle Trip per PM Peak Hour Vehicle Trip.
General Comments
1. If 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. 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.
3. 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
4. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate sheets.
5. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2019 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.
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: January 2, 2025
TO: Pre-Application File No. 24-000382
FROM: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Walker’s Renton Subaru – Service
Department Expansion
519 SW 12th St (APNs 3340404265)
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-referenced development
proposal. The following comments on development and permitting issues are based on the pre -application
submittals made to the City of Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant
is cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by
official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic Development Administrator, Public Works
Administrator, Planning Director, and City Council). Review comments may also need to be revised based on site
planning and other design changes required by City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to
review all applicable sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development Regulations are available online at
www.rentonwa.gov.
Project Proposal: The subject project property is located at 519 SW 12th St (APN 3340404265). The applicant has
proposed a 14,532 sq. ft. service shop addition and 1,176 sq. ft. drive through addition to the existing building at
519 SW 12th St, a 2.13 acre site. The addition would add new service bay stalls and new parts storage area.
Approximately 40 new parking stalls would be established on two other areas on the site as a result of the project,
with 20 stalls eliminated for construction of the proposed building. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the
site is located within a High Seismic Hazard Area. No trees are proposed for removal.
1. Current Use: An existing small vehicle service and repair is located in a 19,292 sq. ft. prefab steel building
on the site at 519 SW 12th St. The site at 603/611 SW 12th St is developed with a paved surface parking lot.
2. Zoning: The site at 519 SW 12th St (APN 3340404265) is located in the Commercial Arterial (CA) zone and
Auto Mall Area A overlay. The site has a Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) Comprehensive Plan Land Use
designation. Small vehicle service repair is classified as a permitted use in the CA zone with an approved
Administrative Conditional Use Permit*.
* All operations shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure.
a. Vehicles shall only be held on the property while being serviced and shall have an active
repair or service invoice that shall be made available to the City upon the City’s request.
b. Vehicle storage before or after service shall not be allowed. Vehicles held on the site shall be
subject to the screening and landscaping provisions in RMC 4-4-120, Storage Lots – Outside,
unless enclosed within a building.
c. Vehicle holding areas shall count toward the maximum lot coverage standard of the zone.
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d. Any overnight vehicle parking accessory to this use shall not be located in the front setback
or in a side setback along a street. Additionally, in the CN or CV Zone, this use shall be associated
with a gas station.
3. Development Standards (CA Zone): The portion of the project on the site at 519 SW 12th St (APN
3340404265) would be subject to RMC 4-2-120A, “Development Standards for Commercial Zoning
Designations” effective at the time of complete application (noted as “IM standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size in the CA zone is 5,000 square feet. There are
no minimum requirements for lot width or depth within the CA zone at this location. No changes are
proposed to the existing lots.
Building Coverage – The CA zone allows a maximum building coverage of 65 percent, or 75 percent if parking
is provided within a building or within an on-site parking garage. The parking for customers is proposed to
be structured parking only. The proposed building area covers approximately 18 percent of the gross lot
area and would be compliant with the 65% building coverage limitations. It is the applicant’s responsibility
to demonstrate compliance with building coverage requirements at the time of formal application.
Building Setbacks – Setbacks are the distance between the building and the property line or any private
access easement or tract. Setback requirements in the CA zone are as follows:
4.
Minimum Front Yard 15 ft. The minimum setback may be reduced to 0 ft.
through the site plan review process, provided blank
walls are not located within the reduced setback.
Maximum Front Yard 20 ft.
Minimum Secondary
Front Yard
15 ft. The minimum setback may be reduced to 0 ft.
through the site plan review process, provided blank
walls are not located within the reduced setback.
Maximum Secondary
Front Yard
20 ft.
Minimum Rear Yard None, except 15 ft. if lot abuts a lot zoned residential.
Minimum Side Yard None, except 15 ft. if lot abuts or is adjacent to a lot
zoned residential
Clear Vision Area In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude
into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate compliance with building setbacks at the time of formal
application.
Gross Floor Area – There is no minimum requirement for gross floor area.
Building Height – Maximum building height in the CA zone is 50 feet or 70 feet for mixed-use (commercial
and residential) in the same building. Heights may exceed the CA zone’s maximum height with a Conditional
Use Permit. With conditional use permit approval, heights may be increased if location, comprehensive
plan, and effects on adjacent or abutting properties criteria listed in RMC 4-2-120C.16 can be met. The
applicant indicated a building height of approximately 25 feet for the new building, which complies with
the height requirements of the CA zone. The height of the addition to the existing building was not
indicated on the drawings. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate compliance with building
height requirements.
5. Auto Mall District Overlay Standards: Compliance with Automall District Regulations is required. See RMC
4-3-040 for all requirements. The following are the Automall District Development Standards applicable to
your project (all parcels):
Service Are Orientation: Service areas shall not face public street frontage.
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Landscaping Minimum Amount and Location: Minimum 2.5% of the gross site area shall be provided as on-
site landscaping. Landscaping shall be consolidated and located at site entries, building fronts, or other
visually prominent locations as approved through the site plan development review process. Minimum
landscaping may be reduced to 2% of the gross site area where bioretention, permeable paving, or other
low impact development techniques consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual are integrated.
Wheel Stops: If frontage landscaping is relocated, then permanent wheel stops or continuous curbs must
be installed a minimum of 2.5 feet from sidewalks to prevent bumper overhang of sidewalks. Where these
requirements differ from the requirements of the parking, loading and driveway regulations of chapter 4-4
RMC, these requirements shall govern.
Customer Parking: Customer parking shall be designated and striped near entry drives and visible from
public streets. Where possible, customer parking shall be combined with abutting dealership customer
parking and shared access. Where these requirements differ from the requirements of the parking, loading
and driveway regulations of chapter 4-4 RMC, these requirements shall govern.
Automall Right-Of-Way Improvement Plan Coordination: Development shall be coordinated with the
adopted right-of-way improvement plan which addresses gateways, signage, landscaping, and shared
access.
6. Screening: Screening must be provided for all surface-mounted and roof top utility and mechanical
equipment. The site plan application will need to include elevations and details for the proposed methods
of screening (see RMC 4-4-095).
7. Refuse and Recycling Areas: Refuse and recycling areas need to meet the requirements of RMC 4-4-090,
“Refuse and Recyclables Standards.” For manufacturing and other nonresidential developments, a minimum
of three (3) square feet per one-thousand (1,000) square feet shall be provided for recyclables deposit
areas. A minimum of six (6) square feet per one-thousand (1,000) square feet shall be provided for refuse
deposit areas. Architectural design of the enclosures shall be consistent with the design of the p rimary
building. The site plan did not identify a refuse and recycling enclosure area. The applicant will be required
to demonstrate compliance with the Refuse and Recycle Standards, as part of a formal application.
8. Fences/Retaining Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences as part of this project, the location
must be designated on the landscape plan. A fence taller than six feet (6') requires a building permit. New
or existing fencing would need to comply with RMC 4-4-040.
Retaining walls shall be composed of brick, rock, textured or patterned concrete, or other masonry product
that complements the proposed building and site development. Walls over 6 feet in height shall be terraced
pursuant to RMC 4-4-040. Additionally, there shall be a minimum three-foot (3') landscaped setback at the
base of retaining walls abutting public rights-of-way.
9. Landscaping: Except for 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 trees, shrubs, and landscaping. Street trees in the ROW planter will also be required. Please refer
to landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) for additional general and specific landscape requirements. Please
refer to landscape regulations for the Auto Mall Area standards below for additional specific landscape
requirements.
Storm Drainage Facility Landscaping – A landscaping strip with a minimum fifteen feet (15’) of width shall
be located on the outside of the fence, unless otherwise determined through the site plan review process.
The applicant did not indicate any storm drainage facilities on the submitted drawings but would be
required to demonstrate compliance with the storm drainage facility landscape requirement if a pond or
vault is added later in the process.
10. Significant Tree Retention: 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
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arborist report, tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use
application as defined in RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan must show preservation of at least 30% of
significant trees. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for further
general and specific tree retention and land clearing requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, properties subject to an active land
development permit shall comply with minimum tree credit retention requirements of a minimum of 30
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
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant trees on slopes
greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical areas and their associated buffers;
significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper; and trees that
shelter interior trees or trees on abutting properties from strong winds, which could otherwise allow such
sheltered trees to be blown down if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved; other significant
native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been evaluated for
retention and are not able to be retained unless the alders and/ or cottonwoods are used as part of an
approved enhancement project within a critical area or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that involves tree removal
and land clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be demonstrated to
the Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC 4-4-130H1e can be met.
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Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC 4-11-040, Definitions
D, of a property. Interior tenant improvement projects involving no building expansion would be exempt
from the compliance with the tree retention and tree density requirements.
11. Parking: The following ratios would be applicable to the site:
USE REQUIRED RATIO
Small vehicle service
and repair
A minimum and maximum of 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area.
The parking regulations (RMC 4-4-080) specify standard stall dimensions. Surface parking stalls must be a
minimum of 9 feet x 20 feet, compact dimensions of 8½ feet x 16 feet, and parallel stall dimensions of 9
feet x 23 feet; compact surface parking spaces shall not account for more than 30 percent of the spaces in
the surface parking lots. ADA accessible stalls must be a minimum of 8 feet in width by 20 feet in length,
with an adjacent access aisle of 8 feet in width for van accessible spaces. The appropriate amount of ADA
accessible stalls based on the total number of spaces must be provided. Compliance with the parking
regulations would be verified at the time of formal application.
The proposal would be required to provide bicycle parking based on 10 percent (10%) of the required
number of off-street vehicle parking spaces for customers. Each bicycle parking space shall be at least two
feet (2') by six feet (6'), with no less than an overhead clearance of seven feet (7'). Bicycle parking shall be
conveniently located with respect to the street right-of-way and must be within fifty feet (50') of at least
one main building entrance, as measured along the most direct pedestrian access route. Please review RMC
4-4-080F.11.b for further general and specific bicycle parking standards.
12. Access/Driveways: Driveway widths and quantity are limited by the driveway standards, in RMC 4-4080I.
Driveways shall not be closer than 5 feet to any property line and not exceed 40 percent of the street
frontage. The width of any driveway shall not exceed 30 feet. According to the submitted drawings, the
applicant intends to provide access to the site via the existing three driveways off of SW 12th St.
A connection shall be provided for site-to-site vehicle access ways, where topographically feasible, to allow
a smooth flow of traffic across abutting CA lots without the need to use a street. The available options for
site access to the north and east of 519 SW 12th St (APN 3340404265) would be evaluated through Site
Plan Review.
The applicant has proposed to continue using the three (3) ingress/egress driveways off SW 12 th St and
Seneca Ave SW for access to the existing service center. The applicant has proposed two (2) driveways for
access to the new Service Reception Center at 603/611 SW 12th St (APNs 3340404865 and 3340404870).
13. Critical Areas: COR maps indicates the site is located in a high seismic hazard area with the potential for
sensitive or steep slopes. The seismic hazard is related to potential liquefaction of soil s during an
earthquake event. A geotechnical analysis for the site is required. The analysis needs to assess soil
conditions, stability, and detail construction measures to assure stability.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain if any other critical areas or environmental concerns are
present on the site during site development or building construction.
14. Environmental Review: The construction of a commercial building over 4,000 sq. ft. would exceed the City’s
adopted categorical exemption thresholds (RMC 4-9-070G) and would subject to State Environmental Policy
Act (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800. An Environmental Checklist would be required to
be submitted with the proposal and the City’s Environmental Review Committee would issue a Threshold
Determination prior to any issuance for permits on the site.
15. Conditional Use Permit: The expansion of the service area and service reception center would be required
to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and comply with the following criteria (RMC 4-9-030):
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a. Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The proposed use shall be compatible with the general
goals, objectives, policies and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning regulations and any
other plans, programs, maps or ordinances of the City of Renton.
b. Appropriate Location: The proposed location shall not result in the detrimental overconcentration
of a particular use within the City or within the immediate area of the proposed use. The proposed
location shall be suited for the proposed use.
c. Effect on Adjacent Properties: The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in
substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property.
d. Compatibility: The proposed use shall be compatible with the scale and character of the
neighborhood.
e. Parking: Adequate parking is, or will be made, available.
f. Traffic: The use shall ensure safe movement for vehicles and pedestrians and shall mitigate
potential effects on the surrounding area.
g. Noise, Light and Glare: Potential noise, light and glare impacts from the proposed use shall be
evaluated and mitigated.
h. Landscaping: Landscaping shall be provided in all areas not occupied by buildings, paving, or critical
areas. Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from potentially
adverse effects of the proposed use.
16. Site Plan Approval: Per RMC 4-9-200, site plan review is required for any development in the Employment
Area Comprehensive Plan land use designation or CA zone. The purpose of the site plan review process is
to analyze the detailed arrangement of project elements to mitigate negative impacts where necessary to
ensure project compatibility with the physical characteristics of a site and with the surrounding area. S ite
plan review ensures quality development consistent with City goals and policies. Site plan review analyzes
elements including, but not limited to, site layout, building orientation and design, pedestrian and vehicular
environment, landscaping, natural features of the site, screening and buffering, parking and loading
facilities, and illumination to ensure compatibility with potential future development. Decisional criteria for
site plan approval are itemized in RMC 4-9-200E.3.
17. Permit Requirements: The proposal would require Administrative Site Plan Review, Environmental (SEPA)
Review, and a Conditional Use Permit. The applications would be reviewed concurrently in an estimated
time frame of eight (8) weeks following acceptance of a complete application. The 2025 fees are as follows:
Environmental Review fee is $1,856.00, Administrative Conditional Use Permit fee is $1,856.00 (unless the
administrator determines otherwise), and Administrative Site Plan Review is $3,124.00. Any modification
requests to code standards are $290.00 per modification. A 5% technology fee would also be assessed at
the time of land use application. All fees are subject to change.
Detailed information regarding the land use application submittal can be found on the City’s permitting
webpage and other informational applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records
Library. The City requires electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s Electronic
File Standards.
In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits may be required.
18. 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.
19. Next Steps: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant shall have the materials pre-
screened virtually prior to submitting the complete application package. Please contact Alex Morganroth,
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Principal Planner, at 425-430-7219 or amorganroth@rentonwa.gov to schedule a virtual prescreen
appointment.
20. Expiration: If approved, the site plan would be valid for two years with a possible two -year extension.
Building permits, licenses or land use permits required for the operation of a Conditional Use Permit shall
be applied for within two (2) years of the date of Conditional Use Permit approval, unless an extended time
frame is granted by the Administrator or Hearing Examiner. A single two (2) year extension may be granted
for good cause by the Administrator. Environmental (SEPA) Review determinations do not expire. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to monitor the expiration dates.