HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-App Meeting SummaryDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200 |www.rentonwa.gov
PREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
Floating Sauna
1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
PRE 25-000125
April 24, 2025
Contact Information:
Planner: Jill Ding, 425-430-6598, jding@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Yong Qi, 425-430-7439, yqi@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org
Building Department Reviewer: Rob Shuey, 206.550.8523, rshuey@rentonwa.gov
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider giving
copies to engineers, architects, and contractors who will work on the project. You will need to
submit an PDF copy of this packet when you apply for land use and/or environmental permits.
When the project application is ready for submittal, you may email the project planner to start
the prescreen process. Similarly, you may contact the assigned planner if there are any
questions regarding submittal requirements.
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 pr oposal 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 Directo r, Development Services
Director, Development Engineering Director, Department of Community & Economic
Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 24th, 2025
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Yong Qi, Civil Plan Reviewer
SUBJECT: Floating Sauna –
1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
PRE 25-000105
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 reviewed the application for the Floating Sauna at 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA
98056 APN 0523059075 and have the following engineering comments:
TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS
1. A traffic impact analysis is required when estimated vehicular traffic generated from a proposed
development exceeds 20 vehicles per hour in either the AM (6:00 - 9:00) or PM (3:00 –6:00)
peak periods estimated by the applicant engineer using the current ITE Trip Generation book.
The applicant engineer can contact the City to determine the extent of the traffic study that will
be required for the project. If the peak trips exceed 20, a traffic impact study will be required to
be included with the land use application.
2. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the
rate at the time of building permit issuance.
a. 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.
b. See Section XII.5.b for the full impact fee schedule:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=1&repo=Cityo
fRenton.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: April 24, 2025
TO: Pre-Application File No. PRE25-000105
FROM: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Floating Sauna –
1053 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
Parcel No. 0523059075
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and
permitting issues are based on the pre -application submittals made to the City of
Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is
cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic
Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator, Planning Director, Development
Services Director, Development Engineering Director, and City Council). Review comments
may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by
City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable
sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development Regulations are available online
at https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton.
Project Proposal: The project site is located at 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N (Parcel
#0523059075), totals approximately 239,195 square feet (5.49 acres) in area, and is zoned
Urban Center-2 (UC-2). The applicant proposes to install a 221 square foot floating sauna
within the aquatic shoreline at the Hyatt Regency at Southport. The proposed floating sauna
would have the following dimensions: 8.5' wide x 26' long x 8' tall (10' height if including the 2
foot deep barge hull). In addition, the sauna would have a 5' deck, 8' changing room, and 13'
hot room. The floating sauna would be non-motorized and include a wood burning tank.
According to the City’s COR Mapping system, the site is mapped within a high seismic hazard
area and is located within the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction of Lake Washington. The site is
mapped within the Shoreline Aquatic Designation of Lake Washington Reach H.
Current Use: The property has an existing hotel and multiple grated floats intended to be
utilized by providing temporary moorage of motorized and non-motorized vessels onsite,
which is proposed to remain.
1. Zoning Districts and Land Use Designation: The subject property is located within
the Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) land use designations and the Urban Center-2 (UC-2)
zoning classification. A variety of service and recreation uses are permitted in the UC-2
zone. See the Zoning Use Table in RMC 4 -2-060 for a list of specific uses. Unclassified
uses are defined as a use which does not appear in a list of permitted, conditionally
Floating Sauna
Page 2 of 4
April 24, 2025
permitted, or accessory uses, but which is interpreted by the Administrator as similar to
a listed permitted, conditionally permitted or accessory use, and not otherwise
prohibited, pursuant to RMC 4-2-050C6, Unclassified Uses. In accordance with RMC 4-
9-190B, a development or use that is listed as a shoreline conditional use pursuant to the
Shoreline Master Program or is an unlisted use must obtain a conditional use permit even
if the development or use does not require a substantial development permit.
Passive and active recreational uses are permitted within the Aquatic Designation,
provided the use is water-dependent. Passive recreational activities are defined as
activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities, such as walking,
sitting, reading, picnicking, and card, board, or table games. Active recreational uses are
defined as leisure-time activities sometimes requiring equipment and taking place at
prescribed places, sites, or fields. Active recreation includes such activities as
swimming, boating, tennis, fishing, soccer, etc. The applicant would need to provide
more information to allow staff to determine if the proposed floating sauna is an
unclassified use or a water-dependent active or passive recreational use.
2. Shoreline Master Program: The project site is located within Lake Washington and
would be subject to the requirements of the Aquatic Designation. Active and passive
recreation, boat launching, and boat moorage uses are outright permitted uses within
the Aquatic Designation, provided the use is water-dependent (RMC 4-3-090E.1). Boat
houses are prohibited within the Aquatic Designation. Unclassified uses require a
shoreline conditional use permit.
3. Water-Dependent Uses: In accordance with RMC 4-3-090E.4.a, water-dependent
commercial and community service uses shall be given preference over water-related
and water-enjoyment commercial and community service uses. Prior to approval of
water-dependent uses, the Administrator shall review a proposal for design, layout, and
operation of the use and shall make specific findings that the use qualifies as a water -
dependent use. Water-dependent commercial and community service uses shall
provide public access in a manner that will not interfere with the water-dependent
aspects of the use. The portion of a site not required for water-oriented use may include
multiple use, approved non-water-oriented uses, ecological restoration, and public
access. The applicant would need to clarify if the proposed floating sauna would
meet the criteria of a water-dependent use.
4. Commercial and Community Services: In accordance with RMC 4-3-090E.4, new
commercial and community services developments are subject to the following:
Over-Water Structures – Over-water structures are allowed only for those portions of
water-dependent commercial uses that require over-water facilities or for public
recreation and public access facilities. Non-water-dependent commercial uses shall not
be allowed over water except in limited instances where they are appurtenant to and
necessary in support of water-dependent uses.
Setbacks – Public access adjacent to the water may be located within the required
setback, subject to the standards for impervious surface in subsection D7a of this
Section, Setbacks, for non-water-oriented commercial buildings and shall be located no
closer than one hundred feet (100') from the OHWM; provided, this requirement may be
modified in accordance with subsection F1 of this Section, Vegetation Conservation.
Floating Sauna
Page 3 of 4
April 24, 2025
Scenic and Aesthetic Qualities – All new or expanded commercial and community
services developments shall take into consideration the scenic and aesthetic qualities
of the shoreline and compatibility with adjacent uses as provided in subsection D3 of this
Section, Use Compatibility and Aesthetic Effects and subsection D5 of this Section,
Building and Development Location – Shoreline Orientation.
5. Critical Areas: According to the City’s COR Mapping system, the site is mapped within a
high seismic hazard area and is located within the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction of Lake
Washington. The parcel is mapped within the Shoreline Aquatic and High Intensity
Designations of Lake Washington Reach H. A lake study would be required to be
submitted with the project application, the lake study must make a finding regarding
whether the proposed floating sauna would have a net loss of ecological functions.
In assessing the potential for net loss of ecological functions or processes, project-
specific and cumulative impacts shall be considered and mitigated on - or off-site.
6. Environmental Review: The proposal would require Environmental (SEPA) Review, as
the proposal is undertaken on lands covered by water.
7. Shoreline Permit Requirements: Shoreline Substantial Development Permits ensure
proposed shoreline development is consistent with the goals and policies of the
Shoreline Master Program. The proposal would be subject to a Shoreline Substantial
Development Permit in accordance with WAC 173-27.
8. Permit Requirements: A Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, Shoreline
Conditional Use Permit, and Environmental (SEPA) Review would be reviewed within an
estimated time frame of 12 weeks. The 2025 permit fees would total $9,180.15 ($3,124
Shoreline Substantial Development Permit + $1,856 SEPA + $3,763 Conditional Use +
$437.15 Technology Fee = $9,180.15). 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 Permit Center
website (www.Rentonwa.gov). The City now requires electronic plan submittal for all
applications.
In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building
permits may be required.
9. 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.
10. Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and Type III
Land Use Permits as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to
inform the public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being
considered by the City, and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the
review process. The applicant must follow the specifications provided in the public
information sign handout. The applicant is solely responsible for the construction,
installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign.
Floating Sauna
Page 4 of 4
April 24, 2025
11. Impact Fees: There following impact fees would be associated with the proposed
floating sauna:
a. The 2025 transportation impact fee is $8,031.94 per net new PM peak Hour
Vehicle Trip.
The city’s 2025-2026 fee schedule is available for your review on the City’s website.
12. Next Steps: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant shall
have the materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package.
Please contact Jill Ding, Senior Planner , at 425-430-6598 or jding@rentonwa.gov to
submit prescreen materials and subsequent land use application.
13. Expiration: A permit authorizing construction shall extend for a term of no more than five
(5) years after the effective date of a shoreline permit, unless a longer period has been
specified pursuant to RCW 90.58.143 and subsection RMC 4-9-190J.2 or J.3. If an
applicant files a request for an extension prior to expiration of the shoreline permit the
Planning Division shall review the permit and upon a showing of good cause may
authorize a single extension of the shoreline permit for a period of up to one year. It is the
applicant’s responsibility to monitor the expiration dates.