HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Admin_Decision_Electric_Special_Fence_Permit_250529_FINAL
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Admin Decision_Electrical Special Fence Permit_250529_FINAL
PLANNING DIVISION
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIAL FENCE PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: May 29, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA24-000347, SF
PROJECT NAME: Toyota Renton Security Fence
PROJECT MANAGER: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner
OWNER: Krause C R, 150 SW 77th St, Renton, WA 98057
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Bobby Inabinet, Sr. Compliance Manager
Amarok, LLC
550 Assembly St, 5th Fl
Columbia, SC 29201
PROJECT LOCATION: 650 Rainier Ave S (APN 1823059133)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant, AMAROK, is requesting approval of a Special Fence
Permit in order to install an electric fence on the site at 650 Rainier Ave S (APN 1823059133). The 67,509 sq.
ft. (1.55 acre) parcel is developed with a surface vehicle storage lot and two (2) buildings associated with the
Toyota auto-dealership located approximately 0.25 miles to the west of the parcel near the intersection of S
7th St and Hardie Ave SW. The building on the east side of the site is used for small vehicle repair and the
building on the west side of the site is vacant. The parcel is located in the Commercial Arterial (CA) zone,
which has minimum front yard and secondary front yard setbacks of fifteen feet (15’). An existing black
bonded vinyl chain link fence is located around the perimeter of the site. The existing chain link fence varies
in height from six feet (6’) to eight feet (8’). The electrical fencing is proposed behind the existing chain link
fencing on the north, south, east, and west sides of the site totaling approximately 910 linear feet (910’)
(Exhibit2). The proposed fence material consists of 12.5-gauge galvanized steel wires suspended
horizontally to a maximum height of seven feet (7’) above grade on steel or fiberglass poles of the same height
(Exhibit 3). The electrical fencing is located approximately four to eight inches (4” to 8”) behind the existing
perimeter fence per IEC and ANSI standards. The horizontal wires are energized with approximately 7,000
volts powered by a solar panel system. Warning signage is proposed approximately every thirty feet (30’).
According to the applicant, the purpose of the fencing is to improve security and discourage unauthorized
access to the parking lot. No new landscaping on the site is proposed and no existing landscaping would be
impacted by the fence installation. Critical areas mapped on the site include a High Seismic Hazard Area
and the Downtown Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2.
ANALYSIS: The applicant, AMAROK, has provided a written justification (Exhibit
3) outlining the operational need and safety rationale for installing an electric fence at the subject site. The
proposal involves placing a seven foot (7’) tall electric fence directly behind the existing six to eight foot (6’ -
Docusign Envelope ID: 7494EB48-4555-47C0-A45C-18050A4BE450
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Administrative Special Fence Permit
Toyota Renton Security Fence LUA24-000347, SF
Date: May 29, 2025 Page 2 of 4
D_Admin Decision_Electrical Special Fence Permit_250529_FINAL
8’) black bonded vinyl chain link fence, set back 4 to 8 inches per IEC and ANSI standards. Warning signage
would be posted at regular intervals, and the fence would be powered by a solar energy system.
The proposed fencing is specifically designed to deter unauthorized access, enhance vehicle storage
security, and prevent theft and vandalism. Given the site's use for vehicle storage associated with a regional
auto dealership, the applicant has demonstrated that enhanced perimeter security is a necessary and a
proportional response to the property's function and value. Although electric fences are not typical in
commercial areas, the proposed installation is discreet in scale and does not alter the physical footprint or
landscaping of the site. It is visible to the public through the existing chain link fence, but no new structures,
grading, or lighting are proposed. The electric fence functions as a passive deterrent rather than an active
physical barrier, and safety measures such as signage and compliance with national standards ensure the
installation meets public safety expectations.
Considering the low-profile design, compatibility with the existing fence, and the site’s use as a secure
vehicle storage facility, the proposal aligns with the intent of the Special Fence Permit criteria and is
appropriate in this context, if all conditions of approval are met.
FENCE LOCATION: ☐ Clear Vision Area
☒ Front Yard
☐ Rear Yard
☐ Rear Yard along a Street
☒ Side Yard
☒ Secondary Front Yard
FENCE DESIGN: ☒ Permanent Landscaping along the Front of the Fence (Partial)
☐ Quality Fence Materials
☐ Modulation of Fence
☐ Similar to Design & Material of Surrounding Fence
☒ Increased Setbacks from Sidewalks
☐ Ornamental Materials or Construction Treatment
☐ Orientation of the Finished Face of the Fence toward the Street
EVALUATION CRITERIA: Achieved
a. The proposed fence or hedge is not out of character with the surrounding neighborhood.
Staff Comment: While electric fences are not widespread in the commercial zoning districts, the
proposed fence is consistent with the security needs of a vehicle storage lot, a land use that
inherently requires enhanced protection due to its high-value inventory. The fence would be located
behind an existing chain link fence and would not be overtly visible from the public right-of-way. Its
design is tailored to provide functional security without altering the character of the site or the
surrounding commercial area. Therefore, the proposed fence is not out of character in context of the
site’s unique operational needs.
Docusign Envelope ID: 7494EB48-4555-47C0-A45C-18050A4BE450
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Administrative Special Fence Permit
Toyota Renton Security Fence LUA24-000347, SF
Date: May 29, 2025 Page 3 of 4
D_Admin Decision_Electrical Special Fence Permit_250529_FINAL
b. The proposed fence or hedge does not detract from the quality of the environment by being out of
scale or creating vast blank walls along public roadways.
Staff Comment: The proposed electric fence is modest in scale, extending no higher than seven (7’)
feet and set behind the existing chain link perimeter fencing. It does not create visual mass or blank
walls, and it does not obstruct visibility or access. The visual impact is minimal due to its placement
behind an existing fence and the use of slim, unobtrusive support posts. The signage, while required,
is strategically spaced and sized to be effective yet not visually dominant. Overall, the proposal does
not detract from the quality of the environment.
c. The proposed fence or hedge complements the environment it serves in an aesthetically pleasing
manner.
Staff Comment: Although utilitarian in nature, the proposed electric fence is visually subdued and
effectively concealed by the existing perimeter fence. The clean, linear design integrates without
introducing clutter or bulk to the site. In the context of securing a vehicle storage area, the fence
complements the functional needs of the site while maintaining a low profile. No changes to building
facades are proposed, and the commercial frontage remains intact and accessible.
The site currently lacks substantial vegetation between the sidewalk and the existing chain link fence
along S 7th St. This segment of the site does not comply with the perimeter parking lot landscaping
standard in RMC 4-4-070F.6.a, which requires a minimum five-foot-wide landscape strip containing
trees, shrubs, and ground cover to screen parking areas. While the proposed fence does not increase
this non-conformity, the lack of landscaping reduces the site’s visual compatibility with surrounding
commercial development. To help ensure the project better complements its environment in an
aesthetically pleasing manner and to help soften the appearance of the fence, staff recommends as
a condition of approval, the applicant shall install at least two (2) trees in the vegetated strip of land
between the existing chain link fence and the public sidewalk along S 7th St. The species and location
of the trees shall be reviewed and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager. These two (2)
trees shall be installed within ninety (90) days of permit issuance.
d. The proposed fence or hedge does not present a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Staff Comment: The proposed fence is set back behind the existing perimeter fence and would not
be physically accessible to pedestrians or vehicles. The installation complies with all applicable
national safety standards, and warning signs would be clearly displayed every thirty feet (30’). The
fence is powered by a solar-charged system with voltage levels designed to deter, not harm. There is
no hazard to passing pedestrians or traffic, and the proposal does not interfere with visibility, street
access, or pedestrian infrastructure, including the forthcoming S 7th Street Corridor Improvements.
e. The proposed fence or hedge is necessary due to special lot circumstances.
Staff Comment: The subject site has a unique function within the commercial district as a secured
vehicle storage facility associated with a regional auto dealership. This use involves the regular
storage of high-value vehicles in an open lot, which presents security concerns not typical of other
commercial properties. The applicant has demonstrated that existing security measures are
insufficient and that theft and vandalism risks require a more robust solution. Therefore, the electric
fence is a necessary response to the special operational circumstances of the lot and meets the
intent of this criterion.
Docusign Envelope ID: 7494EB48-4555-47C0-A45C-18050A4BE450
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Administrative Special Fence Permit
Toyota Renton Security Fence LUA24-000347, SF
Date: May 29, 2025 Page 4 of 4
D_Admin Decision_Electrical Special Fence Permit_250529_FINAL
DECISION: The Special Fence Permit is hereby Approved with Conditions*.
1. The applicant shall install at minimum of two (2) trees in the vegetated strip of land between the
existing chain link fence and the public sidewalk along S 7th St. The species and location of the trees
shall be reviewed and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager. These two (2) trees shall
be installed within ninety (90) days of permit issuance.
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
Matt Herrera, Planning Director Date
ADVISORY NOTE: The applicant should contact the Utility Notification Center, by dialing 800-424-5555, to
determine the location of underground utilities (telephone, streetlights, cable, electric), which may be
located behind the sidewalk.
APPEAL: This administrative land use decision will become final if not appealed in writing to the
Hearing Examiner on or before 5:00 PM on June 12, 2025. An appeal of the decision must be filed within
the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). 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.
RECONSIDERATION: Within 14 days of the decision date, any party may request that the decision be
reopened by the approval body. The approval body may modify his decision if material evidence not readily
discoverable prior to the original decision is found or if he finds there was misrepresentation of fact. After
review of the reconsideration request, if the approval body finds sufficient evidence to amend the original
decision, there will be no further extension of the appeal period. Any person wishing to take further action
must file a formal appeal within the 14-day appeal time frame.
Docusign Envelope ID: 7494EB48-4555-47C0-A45C-18050A4BE450
5/29/2025 | 3:38 PM PDT
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIAL FENCE PERMIT DECISION
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Toyota Renton Security Fence
Land Use File Number:
LUA24-000347, SF
Date of Report
May 29, 2025
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Principal Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Bobby Inabinet, Sr.
Compliance Manager
Amarok, LLC
550 Assembly St, 5th Fl
Columbia, SC 29201
Project Location
650 Rainier Ave S (APN
1823059133)
The following exhibits are included with the Administrative Special Fence Permit:
Exhibit 1: Administrative Decision
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Special Fence Permit Justification
Docusign Envelope ID: 7494EB48-4555-47C0-A45C-18050A4BE450