HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_World_Cup_Legacy_Square_250326_v4_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326_v1
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: March 31, 2025
Project File Number: PR25-000020
Project Name: World Cup Legacy Square
Land Use File Number: LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner
Owner: City of Renton / 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Applicant/Contact: Justin Johnson / City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 /
jtjohnson@rentonwa.gov
Project Location: 510 S 3rd St (APNs 7841800195, 7841800205, and 5696000005)
Project Summary: The applicant, City of Renton, is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review, an
Administrative Conditional Use Permit, and Administrative Site Plan Review to
establish a park and community space, also known as “World Cup Legacy Square,”
at 510 S 3rd St (APNs 7841800195, 7841800205, and 5696000005). The site totals
24,070 sq. ft. (0.55 acres) in area and has a Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Designation of Commercial Mixed Use (CMU). The site is located within the Center
Downtown (CD) zoning district, Urban Design District A, and the City Center Sign
Regulation area. The western portion of the site, colloquially known as the “Big 5”
lot, was previously developed with a commercial building demolished in 2013. An
existing city park, Gateway Park, is located on the eastern portion of the site at the
corner of Logan Ave S and S 3rd St. Gateway Park is proposed to be renovated as
part of the project including the installation of new seating, lighting, landscaping,
playground/climbing equipment. The remaining portion of the lot consists of the
packed gravel area used for occasional public events. Improvements proposed on
the western portion of the site includes installation of a futsal/mini-pitch court, an
outdoor stage and integrated LED screen, new fencing, hardscaping, landscaping,
seating, and lighting. A metal 1,200 sq. ft. structure is proposed at the northwest
corner of the site and would house the LED screen and concrete stage, as well as
an audio/visual room and restroom. The intent of the project is to provide a
community gathering place to watch and engage with the 2026 World Cup to be
held at various locations in the Puget Sound region. Upon completion of the World
Cup event, the site would be transformed into a city-owned community space for
events and passive/active recreation. Five (5) trees are proposed for removal.
According to COR Maps, the site is located in a High Seismic Hazard area and the
Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1. The applicant submitted a Drainage Report,
Traffic Memo, and Environmental Checklist with the application.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 0 Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
1,200 GSF
1,200 GSF
Site Area: 0.55 acres Total Building Area GSF: 1,200 GSF
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 2 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
Project Location Map
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental
regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible
Officials:
Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period
B. Mitigation Measures
1) The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prepared by a qualified professional
with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager
prior to permit issuance. The applicant shall provide notification to Tribes’ cultural committee prior
to the start of construction.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: SEPA Environmental Checklist, dated March 1, 2025
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Plan Set (including, but not limited to: Demo, Grading, Landscape, Lighting)
Exhibit 5: Color Renderings and Plan
Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report, prepared by Emma Conley, Troy Solly, Justin Johnson,
and Brianne Bannwarth, dated March 2025
Exhibit 7: Traffic Generation Report, prepared by Ellen Talbo, dated February 2, 2025
Exhibit 8: Duwamish Tribe Comment Letter, dated March 10, 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 3 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether
the applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in
conjunction with the development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the
following probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: According to City of Renton (COR) maps, the project site is located in an area identified as
having a high seismic hazard. The site's topography is generally flat, with a slight descent toward S
3rd St at a slope ranging between zero (0) and three percent (3%). One (1) new structure is proposed
at the northwest corner of the site: a 1,200 sq. ft. metal structure containing the screen and concrete
stage, an A/V storage room and a restroom for City staff (Exhibits 3, 4, and 5). During the building
permit review process, compliance with the seismic requirements of the International Building Code
(IBC) will be verified, which is anticipated to address seismic concerns. Therefore, no additional site-
specific mitigation measures are proposed.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
2. Air
Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work
and building construction. Project development impacts during construction may include dust as a
result of hardscape removal and exhaust from construction vehicles and equipment (Exhibit 2). Dust
control would be mitigated through the use of temporary erosion control measures, watering, or
other measures to remediate impacts as needed. Long term emissions from vehicles owned by
residents and delivery companies would occur following project completion.
No further site-specific mitigation for the identified impacts from typical vehicle and construction
exhaust is proposed.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Stormwater
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Technical Information Report, prepared by Emma Conley, Troy
Solly, Justin Johnson, and Brianne Bannwarth (City of Renton staff), dated March 2025 (Exhibit 6).
Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls within the Black River – South Renton
basin. Stormwater is conveyed through a private system in Gateway Park into a 12-inch (12”) system
on Logan Ave S, flowing north and then west through the Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) property.
Exhibit 9: City’s Email Response to the Duwamish Comment Letter, dated November 22, 2024
Exhibit 10: King County Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD) Comment Letter, dated March
19, 2025
Exhibit 11: City’s Email Response to KCWTD’s Comment Letter, dated March 24, 2025
Exhibit 12: Transportation Concurrency Memo, prepared by Nate Janders, Development
Engineering Manager, dated March 26, 2025.
Exhibit 13: Advisory Notes
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 4 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
Additionally, a 12-inch (12”) polypropylene system along S 3rd St flows east to west along the site’s
frontage.
Project construction is required to comply with the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
(RSWDM). The TIR submitted is based on a full drainage review as required in the 2022 RSWDM. Core
requirements one through nine (1-9), as well as the six (6) special requirements, have been
discussed in the Technical Information Report. The report notes that the project is exempt from all
core requirements except for Core Requirements #6 (Maintenance and Operations) and #9 (On-site
BMPs). In addition, the report concludes that due to the site being located within the Downtown
Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1, best management practices (BMPs) involving infiltration are
infeasible. Staff conceptually concurs with the findings in the TIR. All requirements would be
addressed in the final TIR submitted and reviewed with the civil construction permit application and
verified for compliance with the 2022 RSWDM (Exhibit 13).
An Erosion and Sediment Control plan (ESC) is required for the site. The development is not subject
to stormwater system development charges due to its status as a City of Renton capital project. It is
anticipated that the requirements set forth by the 2022 RSWDM, or a future stormwater manual
adopted by the City of Renton, would be sufficient to mitigate stormwater impacts generated by the
proposed development and no specific mitigation measures are recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
4. Environmental Health
a. Noise
Impacts: Short-term noise impacts would primarily result from the construction of the various site
improvements. The construction noise would be regulated through the city’s adopted noise level
regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC. The city’s noise regulations limit haul hours between eight-thirty
(8:30) am to three-thirty (3:30) pm, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved by the
Development Services Division. Permitted work hours in or near residential areas are restricted to
the hours between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. for multi-family
construction activities from Monday through Friday. Work on Saturdays is restricted to the hours
between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work is permitted on Sundays. Haul
hours shall be restricted to the hours between eight-thirty (8:30) a.m. and three-thirty (3:30) p.m.,
Monday through Friday, unless otherwise approved in advance by the Development Services
Division.
Long-term noise impacts would primarily result from events on the site and everyday use by visitors.
The proposed park, which includes event space and an outdoor screen, is located in a downtown
area where existing ambient noise from traffic, businesses, and urban activities is already present.
The additional noise from park events and the outdoor screen is unlikely to create substantial
impacts as the site is already exposed to typical downtown noise sources. The anticipated
incremental increase in noise is expected to blend into the existing environment. Additionally, event
programming would be managed to align with city noise ordinances, ensuring that amplified sound
is controlled, particularly during nighttime hours. The outdoor screen’s audio levels can also be
adjusted to minimize noise beyond the boundaries of the site. In addition, the outdoor screen and
speakers will be oriented to the southeast, away from the residential properties from the north,
further mitigating the potential for noise impacts on those uses. Physical buffers, such as
surrounding buildings, streets, and landscaping, may help mitigate noise transmission, and many
downtown buildings are designed with sound attenuation features that further reduce potential
impacts on residents and businesses. Furthermore, event-related noise would be intermittent and
temporary, and park events are expected to occur occasionally rather than constantly. While City-
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 5 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
sponsored events are not required to obtain a Temporary Event Permit, events held at the park would
reviewed against the criteria in the Temporary Event Permit application in order to promote public
safety and community access while limiting impacts the surrounding neighborhoods. Given these
factors, the proposed park development is not anticipated to result in significant noise impacts.
All noise levels would be required to comply with City of Renton code (Chapter 7, Noise Level
Regulations) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC 173-60, Maximum Environmental Noise
Levels). In addition, The anticipated temporary noise impacts would be those commonly associated
with mixed-use construction. No further site-specific mitigation is proposed.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
5. Vegetation
Impacts: The project site contains various manicured landscape on the Gateway Park portion of the
site, but no existing landscaping on the western portion of the site consisting of packed gravel. As
part of the proposal, existing vegetation in Gateway Park would be removed or modified to
accommodate the planned utilities and infrastructure improvements. Of the 17 existing trees on-
site, five (5) are proposed for removal. To offset this loss, the applicant plans to plant seven (7) new
trees within the site and one (1) additional street tree. Additionally, all landscaped areas would be
equipped with irrigation systems to ensure proper maintenance and growth. Additional analysis of
existing and proposed trees, including analysis of the location, species, and size of retained trees,
would occur during review of both the site plan and the civil construction and building permits;
therefore, no site-specific mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
6. Historic and Cultural Preservation
Impacts: A representative of the Duwamish Tribe submitted a comment letter (Exhibit 8) to city staff
on March 10, 2025 indicating the project site is located in an area that the Tribe considers culturally
significant with a high probability of having unknown archeological deposits. In addition, the
Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation WISAARD mapping tool indicates
a high potential for encountering cultural resources. The Tribe also recommends using native
vegetation for any proposed re-planting, preserving mature native trees. Staff notes the applicant
has already proposed the retention of approximately twelve (12) significant trees on the site (Exhibit
4) and the planting of seven (7) new trees. As such, staff recommends as a mitigation measure that
the applicant submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prepared by a qualified professional with
the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current Planning Project Manager prior
to permit issuance. The applicant shall provide notification to Tribes’ cultural committee prior to the
start of construction.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall submit an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prepared by a
qualified professional with the civil construction permit for review and approval by the Current
Planning Project Manager prior to permit issuance. The applicant shall provide notification to Tribes’
cultural committee prior to the start of construction.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Goals and Policies, LU-AA, LU-44 and LU-45; Chapter 27.53
RCW, Archaeological Sites and Resources; Chapter 27.44 RCW, Indian Graves and Records;
Chapter 197-11 WAC, SEPA Rules.
7. Transportation
Impacts: The project site fronts Logan Ave S along the east property line, S 3rd St along the south
property line, and a Seattle Public Utilities easement along the north property line. Logan Ave S is
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 6 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
classified as festival streets designed to support pedestrian access, transit operations, and events
at the Pavilion and Piazza Park. The street features street trees, wide sidewalks, planted medians,
and ornamental paving. The city’s Transportation Division supports retaining the existing
configuration, provided a modification request is submitted and approved prior to the issuance of
the civil construction permit. Similarly, S 3rd St, a downtown principal arterial with a 60-foot (60’)
right-of-way, includes two (2) eastbound travel lanes, a right-turn-only lane, an eight-foot (8’) wide
parking lane, and a 12-foot (12’) wide sidewalk with street trees. The Transportation Division also
supports maintaining the existing street sections, provided a modification request is submitted and
approved prior to the issuance of the civil construction permit.
The applicant proposes a new driveway cut from S 3rd St at the southwest corner of the site near the
new building. The driveway would include removable bollards to restrict public access except for
delivery, garbage, fire, or special event vehicles. During the civil construction review process, the
applicant must demonstrate that the new driveway cut meets all applicable code requirements and
city standard details. In addition, the existing driveway cut along S 3rd St would be removed and
replaced with an ADA compliant walkway. Striping along the frontage of S 3rd St would be revised to
accommodate the new driveway configuration.
Parking is not available on site, however, the City-owned parking garage located on the east side of
Logan Ave adjacent to the site is available for visitors. Street parking is also available on S 3rd St.
Trip Generation
A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is required when a project proposal would result in the generation of
20 new AM or PM peak hour trips. The applicant submitted a Traffic Generation Memo, prepared by
Ellen Talbo, dated February 2, 2025 (Exhibit 7) with the application. According to the report, the
proposed project is estimated to generate 71 additional new weekday daily trips compared to
current conditions. Weekday peak hour AM trips would generate an increase of one (1) new vehicle
trip, with no vehicles leaving and one (1) vehicle entering the site. Weekday peak hour PM trips would
generate an increase of 16 new vehicle trips, with 11 vehicles entering and five (5) vehicles exiting
the site. The calculation was based on the ITE Manual for Trip Generation, 11th Edition. The report
concludes that increased traffic created by the development would not result in unacceptable levels
of service (less than Level of Service D) for the surrounding study intersections in the opening year
(2026) and horizon year (2031). Staff concurs with the findings of the TIA and therefore no further site-
specific mitigation is recommended.
Transportation Concurrency
Staff determined that at completion of the project, the development will have met City of Renton
traffic concurrency requirements (Exhibit 12), which is based upon a test of the citywide
Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the LOS-tested Transportation Plan,
site specific improvements, and future payment of Transportation Impact Fees. The Transportation
Impact Fee that is current at the time of building permit issuance would be levied. It is anticipated
that compliance with the city’s adopted Street Standards (modified) and the payment of required
Traffic Impact Fees would mitigate any adverse impacts that could be generated by additional traffic
attributed to the proposal; therefore, no further mitigation is recommended.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
8. Fire & Police
Impacts: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services
to the proposed development; provided the applicant constructs Code required improvements and
pays associated Fire Impact Fees (Exhibit 13).
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
World Cup Legacy Square
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Report of March 31, 2025 Page 7 of 7
SR_ERC Report_World Cup Legacy Square_250326FINAL
Nexus: Not applicable.
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their
comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this
report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the
14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed
in writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on April 14, 2025. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk
at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee,
normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted
electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals
to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process
may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
World Cup Legacy Square
Land Use File Number:
LUA25-000065, ECF, SA-A, CU-A
Date of Meeting
March 31, 2025
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Principal Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Justin Johnson / City of
Renton, 1055 S Grady Way,
Renton, WA 98057 /
jtjohnson@rentonwa.gov
Project Location
510 S 3rd St (APNs 7841800195,
7841800205, and 5696000005)
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: SEPA Environmental Checklist, dated March 1, 2025
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Plan Set (including, but not limited to: Demo, Grading, Landscape, Lighting)
Exhibit 5: Color Renderings and Plan
Exhibit 6: Technical Information Report, prepared by Emma Conley, Troy Solly, Justin Johnson,
and Brianne Bannwarth, dated March 2025
Exhibit 7: Traffic Generation Report, prepared by Ellen Talbo, dated February 2, 2025
Exhibit 8: Duwamish Tribe Comment Letter, dated March 10, 2025
Exhibit 9: City’s Email Response to the Duwamish Comment Letter, dated November 22, 2024
Exhibit 10: King County Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD) Comment Letter, dated March
19, 2025
Exhibit 11: City’s Email Response to KCWTD’s Comment Letter, dated March 24, 2025
Exhibit 12: Transportation Concurrency Memo, prepared by Nate Janders, Development
Engineering Manager, dated March 26, 2025.
Exhibit 13: Advisory Notes
Docusign Envelope ID: 6DBBB0D8-C0DE-4028-82B1-69ACAB5FF0A4