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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_May_Creek_Trail_South_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: June 23, 2025 Project File Number: PR25-000033 Project Name: May Creek Trail South Land Use File Number: LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Project Manager: Jill Ding, Senior Planner Owner/Applicant/ Contact: Jason Lederer, City of Renton, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location: 4260 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056 (APN 3224059109) Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) review, Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, Shoreline Conditional Use Permit, Shoreline Variance, and Street Standards Modification to construct an ADA-accessible trail along the south side of May Creek that includes two (2) viewpoints, multiple boardwalk sections over delineated wetlands, and a bridge crossing that spans the 100-year floodplain at 4260 Lake Washington Blvd, Renton, WA 98056 (APN 3224059109). The 8.21-acre parcel is located in the Residential-6 (R-6) zoning district and is designated Residential Medium Density (RMD) in the Comprehensive Plan. The site currently contains vegetation and is currently used as a public park. Frontage improvements are proposed along Lake Washington Blvd N. A modified street standard is requested to remove the required street tree planter strip due to the presence of steep slopes within the project vicinity. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the site is mapped with moderate landslide hazard areas, sensitive slopes, protected slopes, a high seismic hazard area, wetlands, a stream (May Creek), and a 100-year floodplain and floodway associated with May Creek. May Creek is classified as a Shoreline of the State. The project site is located within reach B of May Creek (MC-B) and is within the Urban Conservancy Environment Designation. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): N/A N/A Site Area: 357,673 square feet (8.21 acres) Total Building Area GSF: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M). Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 2 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND The City of Renton Parks Planning and Natural Resources Division (City) proposes the May Creek Trail South Project (Project), which includes a soft surface trail, pedestrian bridge, and associated frontage improvements within the May Creek Greenway in Renton. There is an existing trail that runs along the north side of May Creek (a Type S stream). It was originally constructed in 2012 and extended in 2018. The proposed trail would be constructed along the south side of May Creek and would connect to the north side trail via a new bridge. The proposed soft surface trail would be one-quarter (1/4) mile in length, consisting of an approximately six-foot (6’) wide trail with one-foot (1’) shoulders constructed at existing grade with two (2) spurs (Spur 1 and Spur 2) leading to viewing areas, as well as boardwalk sections at wetland crossings. The bridge would be approximately 100 feet (100’) length, approximately eight feet (8’) in width, and would cross May Creek at the eastern portion of the site. The trail is designed to be a Trail Class 4 to meet the existing classification, and both the trail and bridge will conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Frontage improvements are required and would consist of the addition of sidewalks to the eastern side of Lake Washington Boulevard, storm drainage improvements, and the realignment of the roadway to allow for the placement of the sidewalks. PART TWO: 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. Construction on the project site shall comply with the recommendations of the submitted Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023, and any future addenda. 2. When feasible, any wood from onsite tree removal shall be reused onsite. 3. If any Native American grave(s) or archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found, all construction activity shall stop and the owner/developer shall immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. C. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: May Creek Trail South 60% Plan Set Exhibit 3: SEPA Environmental Checklist, prepared August 28, 2024 Exhibit 4: Shoreline Conditional Use, Shoreline Variance, and Modification Justifications, dated March 7, 2025 Exhibit 5: May Creek Frontage Road Improvements Plan Set Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 3 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL Exhibit 6: Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023 Exhibit 7: Biological Assessment, prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 Exhibit 8: Wetland and Stream Delineation Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated April 2024 Exhibit 9: Drainage Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 Exhibit 10: Arborist Report, prepared by Davey Resource Group Inc., dated December 3, 2022 Exhibit 11: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet Exhibit 12: Duwamish Tribe Comment Letter, dated April 28, 2025 Exhibit 13: Staff Response to the Duwamish Tribe’s Comment Letter, dated May 16, 2025 Exhibit 14: King County Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD) Comment Letter, dated May 19, 2025 Exhibit 15: Staff Response to KCWTD’s Comment Letter, dated May 21, 2025 Exhibit 16: Public Comment Email from Roman Spektor, dated May 12, 2025 Exhibit 17: Staff Response to Roman Spektor’s Comments, dated May 16, 2025 Exhibit 18: Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Comment Letter, dated June 12, 2025 Exhibit 19: Staff Response to WDFW Comment Letter, dated June 12, 2025 Exhibit 20: Advisory Notes 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 proposed 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 site is mapped with moderate landslide hazard areas, sensitive slopes, protected slopes, and a high seismic hazard area. A Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023 (Exhibit 6), was submitted with the project application materials. The ground surface along the north bank of May Creek at the proposed pedestrian bridge is relatively level and the area is vegetated primarily with fir and deciduous trees and undergrowth. The north bank is within the mapped 100-year flood plain of May Creek. The south bank slopes moderately to steeply upward to the southwest at a grade of about 40%. The south bank is being actively undercut by the creek and is vegetated primarily with blackberries. Filling, excavation, and grading are anticipated for the construction of the south May Creek trail, installation of bridge abutments, and regrading of sidewalks on Lake Washington Boulevard North. Fill would consist of imported clean borrow material. Approximately 260 cubic yards of cut and approximately 200 cubic yards of fill are anticipated. Subsurface conditions at the bridge site were explored with two (2) borings (PG-1 and PG-2) that were drilled using a track mounted hollow stem auger drill rig. The soils encountered in PG-1 on the north bank consisted of beds of alluvium overlying glacial outwash material, with glaciolacustrine material at depth. The alluvium extends to a depth of roughly 14 feet (14’) below Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 4 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL the ground surface. Boring PG-2 on the south bank also encountered about ten feet (10’) of colluvium overlying glacial outwash and glaciolacustrine beds. Groundwater was encountered at a depth of two feet (2’) in both borings. It is anticipated that groundwater levels would be controlled by the surface elevation of the creek and that water levels at the abutments would be at or slightly above the creek level. Groundwater levels are expected to fluctuate with seasonal flow changes in the creek. The report included recommendations for bridge and walkway foundation support, trail cuts and fills, and modular block and gabion walls. Staff recommends, as SEPA mitigation, that construction on the project site comply with the recommendations of the submitted Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023, and any future addenda. Mitigation Measures: Construction on the project site shall comply with the recommendations of the submitted Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023, and any future addenda. Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy L-37; and RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations. 2. Water a. Wetlands and Streams Impacts: According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the site is mapped with wetlands, a stream (May Creek), and a 100-year floodplain and floodway associated with May Creek. May Creek is classified as a Shoreline of the State. The project site is located within Reach B of May Creek (MC- B) and is within the Urban Conservancy Environment Designation. A Biological Assessment (BA), prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 (Exhibit 7) and a Wetland and Stream Delineation Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated April 2024 (Exhibit 8), were included with the May Creek Trail South project application. The purpose of the BA is to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed activities on species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The report evaluated the likely effects of proposed alterations within the floodplain, riparian buffer zone, and channel migration zone. The proposal includes an approximately 50-foot (50’) long spur trail within the 100-year floodplain. This section would match the existing conditions and would not require grading or fill activities. Two (2) trail sections would cross existing wetland areas and would be constructed as an elevated boardwalk in these locations. The proposed bridge would not impact May Creek and the proposed bridge abutments would be positioned above the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM), the floodway, and the 100-year floodplain. The BA concludes that, as proposed, the project is not likely to adversely affect threatened salmonid species or critical habitat. The submitted Wetland and Stream Delineation Report identified four (4) wetlands (Wetlands A- D) within the project site. All wetlands were classified as Category III wetlands. Wetland A (0.14 acres) is a forested wetland located within the southern portion of the project site and is to the south of May Creek. Wetland B (0.03 acres) is a scrub-shrub wetland located within the southern portion of the project site, along the southern floodplain of May Creek. Wetland C (0.80 acres) is a forested wetland located within the southern portion of the project site, south of May Creek. Wetland D (0.03 acres) is a scrub-shrub wetland located on the northern portion of the project site, north of May Creek. All onsite wetlands are located within the 200-foot (200’) shoreline jurisdiction of May Creek and would be regulated under the City’s Shoreline Master Program. Category III wetlands within the Shoreline Master Program would be subject to a 60-foot (60’) buffer. Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 5 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL The Shoreline Master Program permits the development of permeable public trails within the shoreline of up to six feet (6’) in width per RMC Section 4-3-090D.4.d. In addition, RMC Section 4- 3-090E.1 permits the expansion of existing overwater trails, subject to the approval of a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit. The project proposal includes the expansion of an existing overwater trail system through the construction of a new bridge and includes the development of a six-foot (6’) wide trail with one-foot (1’) shoulders that would be ADA accessible, which would trigger the requirement for a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit and Shoreline Variance. The parcel contains natural features including May Creek and four (4) wetlands. A portion of the site is within shoreline jurisdiction and subject to the regulations of the Shoreline Master Plan. The trail was routed to avoid wetlands as much as possible but total avoidance is not feasible based on existing conditions and site topography. The trail is designed to maintain grades and widths that are ADA accessible while following the existing topography to minimize grading needs. The proposed trail would be constructed as an elevated boardwalk through Wetland C. Impacts are proposed to be mitigated in accordance with the submitted mitigation planting plans (Exhibits 2, 3, and 7). It is anticipated that the City’s adopted Shoreline Master Program would adequately mitigate for impacts to the wetlands, May Creek and their associated buffers. Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. b. Surface Water Impacts: A Drainage Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 (Exhibit 9), was submitted with the project application materials. Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls within the Duration Flow Control Standard Matching Existing Site Conditions and is within the Lower May Creek Drainage Basin. In accordance with the 2022 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual (RSWDM), the proposed project would be subject to Targeted Drainage Review. Existing stormwater runoff from the Lake Washington Blvd N frontage is collected in a system of vegetated swales and culverts on the southeast side of Lake Washington Blvd N. The flow from this system of swales and culverts discharges into Wetland A, where it merges with runoff from the trail portion of the project area and then ultimately outfalls into May Creek. Stormwater runoff from the proposed May Creek South Trail project area travels as sheet flow generally from the sloped area along the southerly portion of the parcel. The runoff travels to either the flatter part of the site or to a wetland, where it eventually discharges into May Creek. The proposed Lake Washington Blvd N improvements fronting the project site would include approximately 150 linear feet (150’) of five-foot (5’) wide sidewalk, curb, and gutter (new PGIS) adjacent to the northbound lanes from the new May Creek South Trailhead to connect to the existing sidewalk, curb, and gutter on the Lake Washington Blvd N bridge over May Creek. In addition, there would be approximately 100 feet (100’) of two-inch (2”) grind and overlay adjacent to the new sidewalk, curb, and gutter until the improvements meet the bridge. There is a proposed catch basin at the downstream end of the new curb and gutter to capture the flow from the added impervious areas of the frontage road improvements that would discharge via a 12-inch (12”) storm drain into Wetland A and eventually flowing into May Creek. The existing system of vegetated swales and culverts on the southeast side of Lake Washington Blvd N, upstream of the improvements, would not be impacted and the stormwater runoff to this system would not change except for the replacement of an existing 12-inch (12”) culvert. Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 6 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL The drainage report also contends that the proposed target surfaces being added or replaced for the proposed trail and bridge construction would not require flow control, nor treatment for water quality. Flow control would not be required as the proposed increase in 100-year peak flow for the project would be less than 0.15 cubic feet per second (cfs) when comparing existing vs. proposed site conditions. In addition, the proposed new plus replaced pollution-generating impervious surface (PGIS) will be less than 5,000 square feet and less than three-quarter (3/4) acre of new pollution-generating pervious surface (PGPS) will be added. The following minimization measures and best management practices (BMPs) would be implemented during construction to minimize project impacts: 1. Corrective actions would be taken in the event of any discharge of oil, fuel, or chemicals into the water, including the following: a. Containment and cleanup efforts would begin immediately upon discovery of the spill and be completed in an expeditious manner in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Spill response would take precedence over normal work. Cleanup would include proper disposal of any spilled material and used cleanup material. b. The cause of the spill would be ascertained, and appropriate actions taken to prevent further incidents or environmental damage. c. Spills would be reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Northwest Regional Spill Response Office at 425-649-7000. 2. Excess or waste materials would not be disposed of or abandoned waterward of the OHWM or allowed to enter waters of the state. Waste materials would be disposed of in an appropriate manner consistent with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. It is anticipated that the City’s adopted RSWDM as well as the implementation of BMPs would adequately mitigate any surface water impacts from the proposed project. No further mitigation is recommended. Mitigation Measures: None recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 3. Vegetation Impacts: An Arborist Report, prepared by Davey Resource Group Inc., dated December 3, 2022 (Exhibit 10) and Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet (Exhibit 11) were submitted with the project application materials. A total of 151 trees were inventoried onsite in the vicinity of the proposed trail expansion. There were eighty-one (81) red alder, thirty-six (36) black cottonwood, twenty-six (26) bigleaf maple, three (3) Douglas fir, two (2) willow, two (2) Western red cedar, and one (1) oak. According to the submitted Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet, a total of one hundred seventeen (117) of these trees were identified as significant. Tree condition is important to evaluate because healthy trees can better withstand construction impacts and partial root loss. Of the 151 site trees, one (1) was in excellent condition, twenty-six (26) were in good condition, seventy-four (74) were in fair condition, twenty-nine (29) were in poor condition, and twenty-one (21) trees were dead or dying. Comments were received from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), dated June 12, 2025 (Exhibit 18). Included with their comments, WDFW requested that cut trees be reutilized onsite. Staff recommends, as a mitigation measure that when feasible, any wood from onsite tree removal be reused onsite. The City’s adopted Tree Retention Regulations require the retention of thirty percent (30%) of onsite significant trees. In addition, a total of thirty (30) tree credit units per net acre are required Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development May Creek Trail South Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Report of June 23, 2025 Page 7 of 7 ERC_May Creek Trail South_FINAL to be provided onsite. A total of approximately twenty (20) trees are currently proposed for removal within the vicinity of the proposed trail work, resulting in the retention of ninety-seven (97) trees. The proposal to retain ninety-seven (97) of the existing one hundred seventeen (117) significant trees would result in the retention of eighty-three percent (83%) of existing significant trees. As noted on the submitted Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet, a total of 194 total tree credits are required on the project site. A total of 3,591 tree credits are proposed to be provided through the retention of existing trees (611 credits) and the planting of new trees (2,980 credits), which would exceed the minimum tree credits required. Mitigation Measures: When feasible, any wood from onsite tree removal shall be reused onsite. Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations (RMC 4-4-130). 4. Historic and Cultural Preservation Impacts: Staff received comments from the Duwamish Tribe (Exhibit 12) requesting that archaeological monitoring be conducted in the case that archaeological deposits are discovered during construction activities. To ensure that any archaeological deposits are managed appropriately, staff recommends, as a SEPA mitigation measure, that the applicant and/or developer stop work and immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation if any Native American grave(s) or archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found. Mitigation Measures: If any Native American grave(s) or archaeological/cultural resources (Indian artifacts) are found, all construction activity shall stop and the owner/developer shall immediately notify the City of Renton planning department, concerned Tribes’ cultural committees, and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Nexus: State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Regulations; City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policy, L-AA, L-46, and LU-47; RCW 27.53 Archeological Sites and Resources; and RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and Records; and Duwamish Tribe Comment Letter, dated April 28, 2025. 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 July 7, 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: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047 CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: May Creek Trail South Land Use File Number: LUA25-000091, SSDP, CUP-H, V-H, ECF, MOD Date of Meeting June 23, 2025 Staff Contact Jill Ding Senior Planner Project Contact Jason Lederer City of Renton 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Project Location 4260 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056 The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: May Creek Trail South 60% Plan Set Exhibit 3: SEPA Environmental Checklist, prepared August 28, 2024 Exhibit 4: Shoreline Conditional Use, Shoreline Variance, and Modification Justifications, dated March 7, 2025 Exhibit 5: May Creek Frontage Road Improvements Plan Set Exhibit 6: Geotechnical Report, prepared by PanGEO, Inc., dated March 3, 2023 Exhibit 7: Biological Assessment, prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 Exhibit 8: Wetland and Stream Delineation Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated April 2024 Exhibit 9: Drainage Report, prepared by WSP USA, dated September 2024 Exhibit 10: Arborist Report, prepared by Davey Resource Group Inc., dated December 3, 2022 Exhibit 11: Tree Retention and Tree Credit Worksheet Exhibit 12: Duwamish Tribe Comment Letter, dated April 28, 2025 Exhibit 13: Staff Response to the Duwamish Tribe’s Comment Letter, dated May 19, 2025 Exhibit 14: King County Wastewater Treatment Division (KCWTD) Comment Letter, dated May 19, 2025 Exhibit 15: Staff Response to KCWTD’s Comment Letter, dated May 21, 2025 Exhibit 16: Public Comment Email from Roman Spektor, dated May 12, 2025 Exhibit 17: Staff Response to Roman Spektor’s Comments, dated May 16, 2025 Exhibit 18: Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Comment Letter, dated June 12, 2025 Exhibit 19: Staff Response to WDFW Comment Letter, dated June 12, 2025 Exhibit 20: Advisory Notes Docusign Envelope ID: 3947FE7A-D463-41BB-933E-23F73F139047