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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_Walker_Subaru_250716_v4_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Project Location Map SR_ERC Report_ Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC Meeting Date: July 21, 2025 Project File Number: PR25-000031 Project Name: Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Land Use File Number: LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Principal Planner Owner: Dale Walker (D&C Investments, LLC), 3400 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA 98057 Applicant/Contact: John Manuel, HHJ Architects, PLLC, 601 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 Project Location: 519 SW 12th St, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 3340404265) Project Summary: The applicant is requesting an Administrative Conditional Use Permit, Administrative Site Plan Review, Environmental (SEPA) Review, and a street Modification to construct a 14,417 sq. ft. service shop addition and 1,216 sq. ft. drive through addition to the existing small vehicle service area on the subject property located at 519 SW 12th St (APN 3340404265). The existing building and drive-through area total approximately 22,140 sq. ft. The 2.13 acre property is located in the Commercial Arterial (CA) zoning district and Auto Mall Area A overlay district and has a Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation of Commercial Mixed Use (CMU). The proposed addition would add new service bay stalls, parts storage area, and office space. Approximately twenty (20) new parking stalls would be established on the site. Access to the site would remain via the two (2) existing driveways off of Seneca Ave SW and two (2) driveway off of SW 12th St. The applicant has proposed the removal of five (5) trees. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the site is located within a High Seismic Hazard Area. The applicant submitted a Traffic Impact Analysis, a Drainage Report, an Arborist Report, and an Environmental Checklist to evaluate the application. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 22,140 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): 15,633 SF 15,633 GSF Site Area: 92,600 sq. ft. (2.13 ac) Total Building Area GSF: 37,773 SF STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M). Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 2 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT 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 project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the geotechnical engineering report, prepared by Migizi Group and dated December 11, 2024, or future addenda. 2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the final construction and building permit plans to verify consistency with the report recommendations. A stamped letter shall be provided to the City confirming that the plans meet the intent of the geotechnical recommendations. 3. The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence. C. Exhibits Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Environmental Checklist Exhibit 3: Site Plan Exhibit 4: Landscape and Irrigation Plans Exhibit 5: Architectural Plans Exhibit 6: Civil Plans (Grading, Drainage, Utility, and Frontage) Exhibit 7: Construction Mitigation Description Exhibit 8: Preliminary Technical Information Report, prepared by AHBL, dated March 2025 Exhibit 9: Geotechnical Engineering Report, prepared by Migizi Group, Inc., dated December 11, 2024 Exhibit 10: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated February 19, 2025 Exhibit 11: Arborist Report, prepared by Nature by Design, dated March 13, 2025 Exhibit 12: Department of Ecology Comment Letter, dated June 18, 2025 Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 3 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT Exhibit 13: Department of Ecology Staff Response Email, dated June 23, 2025 Exhibit 14: Transportation Concurrency Test Memorandum, prepared by Nathan Janders, dated July 15, 2025 Exhibit 15: Frontage Improvement Waiver Request Exhibit 16: 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: The 2.13-acre subject site is currently developed with an existing small vehicle service facility and associated parking areas (Exhibit 3). The site topography is generally flat, with minimal grade changes and an average slope of less than 4-percent (4%) across the site. According to City of Renton (COR) maps, the site is located within a High Seismic Hazard Area. The applicant has proposed approximately 300 cubic yards (cy) of cut and 300 cubic yards (cy) of fill (Exhibit 2). The applicant submitted a Geotechnical Engineering Report, dated December 11, 2024, prepared by Migizi Group, Inc. (Exhibit 9). The applicant’s geotechnical engineer completed a geotechnical investigation on November 4 and 5, 2024. The investigation program included surface reconnaissance of the site and advancement of five (5) hollow stem auger borings to depths ranging from approximately 21.5 to 31.5 feet. Three (3) borings were located adjacent to the existing facility, and two (2) were located toward the perimeter of the property. According to the report, the borings revealed relatively consistent subgrade conditions consisting of an asphalt section underlain by loose to medium dense non-native gravelly sand subbase. Native soils beneath this fill include very soft silts and sands, grading to coarser, medium dense sands and gravels at approximately 20 to 23 feet below grade. The underlying soils are typical Holocene alluvial deposits associated with historic floodplain features. Groundwater was encountered in four of the five borings at depths ranging from approximately eight to fourteen feet (8’ to 14’) below existing site elevations. The report indicates the groundwater table may fluctuate higher during wet winter months, with perched conditions possible near the surface within fine-grained soil layers. However, due to the fine-grained upper soils and shallow groundwater conditions, the report concludes that infiltration is infeasible for the project. The site is located within a mapped high seismic hazard area. Based on the soil profile and groundwater conditions, the report concluded that the site has a moderate to high susceptibility to liquefaction during a significant seismic event. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer provided detailed recommendations for site preparation and structural support, including but not limited to: over-excavation of spread footing subgrades to depths of three to five feet (3’ to 5’) and installation of engineered structural fill bearing pads; over-excavation of slab-on-grade floors to a minimum depth of two feet (2’) with compacted structural fill; over-excavation of pavement subgrades to a minimum depth of 12-inches (12”) with properly compacted subbase; implementation of perimeter drainage systems; temporary dewatering measures; and erosion and sediment control best practices. Due to the mapped seismic hazard and liquefaction susceptibility, staff recommends a mitigation measure requiring that the project comply with all recommendations in the Geotechnical Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 4 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT Engineering Report, prepared by Migizi Group Inc., dated December 11, 2024, and any future addenda. Additionally, staff recommends that prior to construction, the applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the final construction and building permit plans to verify consistency with the report recommendations. A stamped letter shall be provided to the Current Planning Project Manager confirming that the plans meet the intent of the geotechnical recommendations. Mitigation Measures: 1. The project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the Geotechnical Engineering Report, prepared by Migizi Group, Inc., dated December 11, 2024, or any future addenda. 2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the final construction and building permit plans to verify consistency with the report recommendations. A stamped letter shall be provided to the City confirming that the plans meet the intent of the geotechnical recommendations. Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy LU-37; State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review, RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations, and RMC 4-4-060 Grading, Excavation and Mining Regulations. 2. Air Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work and building construction required to develop this site. Project development impacts during construction may include dust as a result of grading and exhaust from construction vehicles and equipment. 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 required. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 3. Water a. Storm Water Impacts: The applicant submitted a Preliminary Drainage Plan and Technical Information Report (TIR) prepared by AHBL and dated March 2025 (Exhibits 6 and 8). The report analyzes the site’s existing and proposed surface water collection, conveyance, and treatment. The subject property generally slopes with minimal grade changes and drains primarily to the southeast corner. Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls under the Peak Rate Flow Control Standard (Matching Existing Conditions) and is located within the Black River–Springbrook Creek Drainage Basin. The development is subject to a Full Drainage Review in accordance with the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design Manual (RSWDM). All nine (9) core requirements and six (6) special requirements have been addressed in the report. The applicant proposes to connect site drainage to the City’s public storm drainage system in Seneca Ave SW and to use an on-site storm drainage bioswale and detention system in the southeast corner of the site. Additionally, the northwest portion of the site is proposed to be diverted to Seneca Ave SW, replacing the current configuration where runoff passes beneath the existing service drive- through area. Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 5 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT The project is located within a basin where flow control matching existing conditions applies. Since the majority of the site is already developed with impervious surfaces, and the project primarily replaces these surfaces, a flow control exemption applies (Core Requirement #3 – 0.15 cfs exemption). However, the site currently contains an existing detention pond that must be verified to ensure that the pond and associated flow control structure are sized appropriately and remain in proper working condition prior to issuance of building permits. Final review and verification of flow control requirements will occur during the civil construction permit review to confirm compliance with the 2022 RSWDM. To satisfy Core Requirement #8, the applicant proposes to use a new Stormfilter catch basin (CB) and the existing bioswale for enhanced basic water quality treatment. The new Stormfilter CB is proposed for the northwest corner connection to the Seneca Ave SW system, while the existing bioswale serves the southern property line. However, the existing bioswale does not meet current “Enhanced Basic Water Quality” requirements. The applicant must either upgrade the existing bioswale to a treatment facility that meets current standards, use a treatment train, or demonstrate that there is less than 5,000 square feet of replaced pollution-generating impervious surface by confirming that the building expansion’s roofing material is non–pollution generating. Although the northwest parking diversion area is under 5,000 square feet, the area previously discharged to a water quality facility; therefore, staff concurs that a new Stormfilter CB is appropriate. Final water quality measures would be confirmed during the civil construction permit review to ensure compliance with the 2022 RSWDM (Exhibit 16). On-site Best Management Practices (BMPs) to meet Core Requirement #9 will be required for the project. The TIR states that infiltration-based BMPs are infeasible due to underlying soil and groundwater conditions. However, the feasibility of partial infiltration options, bioretention, permeable pavement, perforated pipe systems, or rain gardens must still be fully analyzed. Final BMP feasibility would be confirmed during civil construction permit review. The development is subject to a system development charge (SDC) for stormwater, which is currently $0.94 per square foot of new impervious surface area, with a minimum charge of $2,350. The applicable SDC will be assessed and collected at the time of construction permit issuance. A Construction Stormwater General Permit from the Department of Ecology may be required if clearing and grading exceeds one acre. The applicant shall confirm with the Department of Ecology whether the permit is needed. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required and will be reviewed with the civil construction permit. 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. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 4. Environmental Health a. Environmental Health Hazards Impacts: Staff received a letter from the Department of Ecology (DOE), dated June 18, 2025 (Exhibit 12) regarding the proposed project. In the letter, the agency identifies the project site as being located in an area that may have been contaminated with heavy metals due to air emissions originating from the old Asarco smelter in north Tacoma. The letter requests that the SEPA lead agency (City of Renton) include three (3) mitigation measures as part of the Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 6 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT threshold determination related to entry into the agency’s Voluntary Clean-up Program (VCP) under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act. Staff confirmed that the Tacoma Smelter Plume map indicates the potential presence of heavy metals on the site, similar to a large swath of Renton’s jurisdictional area. Therefore, staff recommends a mitigation measure that the applicant be required to sample soil for arsenic and lead following the 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence. Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall sample soil for arsenic and lead following 2019 Tacoma Smelter Plume Guidance. If lead or arsenic are found at concentrations above the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) cleanup level, construction workers and employees on site shall be notified of their occurrence. Nexus: Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy UT-32; State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Review; and DOE comment letter (Exhibit 12). b. Noise Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from the construction of the proposed road improvements and new structure and addition. 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 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 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 Sunday. Temporary noise impacts are anticipated, that would be commonly associated with commercial development. The project is located in an area adjacent to a major freeway and is surrounded by existing auto-centric commercial and industrial uses. Therefore, no significant impacts, are anticipated and no specific mitigation measures are recommended. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 5. Light and Glare Impacts: The proposed project involves the construction of additions to an existing vehicle service facility, expansion of paved areas, and related site improvements. Exterior lighting would be limited to standard site safety and security lighting for parking, drive aisles, and building entrances. Lighting fixtures are anticipated to be downward-directed and shielded to minimize spillover onto adjacent properties. Given the commercial nature of the site, the existing surrounding development, and the scale of the additions, the project is not anticipated to generate significant light or glare impacts on neighboring properties or roadways. Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended. Nexus: Not applicable. 6. Transportation Impacts: The applicant submitted a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), prepared by Heath & Associates, dated February 19, 2025 (Exhibit 10). The report analyzes anticipated vehicle trip Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 7 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT generation, trip distribution, and impacts on the surrounding transportation network. The site is currently developed as an existing auto service facility and is proposed to expand with a 14,417 square-foot service shop addition and a 1,216 square foot drive-through addition. The subject site fronts SW 12th St, Seneca Ave SW, and Lind Ave SW. The site also abuts I-405. As the project proposes more than $175,000 in exterior improvements, full frontage improvements are required per RMC 4-6-060. SW 12th St is classified as a Commercial Access street. Existing conditions include a 36-foot-wide paved section with sidewalks, planter strips, and curbs on both sides. The site lies within the Auto Mall Improvement Plan area, which calls for a 24-foot paved roadway, a one-half-foot (0.5’) wide curb, and five-foot (5’) wide sidewalk. Staff has reviewed the existing improvements and determined they meet the applicable standards. No additional dedication or road widening, is required, pending final survey. The existing ADA ramp at the southeast corner of the SW 12th St/Seneca Ave SW intersection may need to be upgraded to current standards, including upgrades to receiving ramps on the southwest and northeast corners (Exhibit 16). Further analysis will occur at the time of civil construction permit application review. Seneca Ave SW is also classified as a Commercial Access street. The existing improvements include a 26-foot paved width, sidewalk, planter strip, and curb on the project side. As with SW 12th St, the site is located within the Auto Mall Improvement Plan area. Staff finds that the current frontage improvements along Seneca Ave SW meet the applicable standards, and no further dedication is required, pending final survey. ADA upgrades to driveways and sidewalk obstructions (e.g., utility poles) will be required. Lind Ave SW is classified as a four-lane Minor Arterial. The subject property abuts the I-405 bridge structure at this location, and the frontage is characterized by steep embankments. The applicant submitted a frontage improvement waiver, per RMC 4-9-250, requesting relief from constructing frontage improvements due to topographic constraints and the location of the bridge structure (Exhibit 15). City staff supports the waiver, as improvements at this location would require structural modification to the existing WSDOT bridge and are not feasible within the scope of this project. Further evaluation would occur at the time of site plan review. Primary access to the site would remain via three (3) existing driveways: two (2) off of Seneca Ave SW and two (2) off of SW 12th St. No changes are proposed to the existing driveway configuration. The TIA estimates that the proposed development would generate 413 net new average daily trips. Of these, 27 new trips would occur during both the AM and PM peak hours (AM: 20 in, 7 out; PM: 10 in, 17 out), based on rates from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition (Land Use Code 840 – Auto Sales). The TIA evaluated the impact of the proposed development on nearby intersections and concluded that the additional vehicle trips would not result in a decrease in the level of service (LOS) below City standards. Staff concurs with the analysis and findings, and therefore no off-site mitigation measures are recommended beyond payment of the applicable transportation impact fees and completion of required frontage improvements. The development may be subject to transportation impact fees in accordance with RMC 4-6-090. The 2025 transportation impact fee is $8,031.94 per net new PM peak hour person-trip. The exact fee amount will be calculated and assessed at the time of building permit issuance, based on the most current rates. Based on the transportation concurrency test review (Exhibit 14), the City’s adopted Transportation Plan, and the proposed payment of impact fees and required frontage improvements, the project is anticipated to comply with the City’s level of service and concurrency standards. Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Report of July 21, 2025 Page 8 of 8 SR_ERC Report_Walker Subaru_250716_v1_DRAFT Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended. 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 August 4, 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: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697 CITY OF RENTON DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE EXHIBITS Project Name: Walker's Renton Subaru Service Department Expansion Land Use File Number: LUA25-000171, ECF, CU-A, SA-A, MOD Date of Meeting July 21, 2025 Staff Contact Alex Morganroth Principal Planner Project Contact/Applicant John Manuel, HHJ Architects, PLLC, 601 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 Project Location 519 SW 12th St, Renton, WA 98057 (APN 3340404265) The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report: Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report Exhibit 2: Environmental Checklist Exhibit 3: Site Plan Exhibit 4: Landscape Plan Exhibit 5: Architectural Plan Exhibit 6: Civil Plans (Grading, Drainage, Utility) Exhibit 7: Construction Mitigation Description Exhibit 8: Preliminary Technical Information Report, prepared by AHBL, dated March 2025 Exhibit 9: Geotechnical Report, prepared by Migizi Group, Inc, dated December 11, 2025 Exhibit 10: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by Heath & Associates, dated February 19, 2025 Exhibit 11: Arborist Report, prepared by Nature by Design, dated March 13, 2025 Exhibit 12: Department of Ecology Comment, dated June 18, 2025 Exhibit 13: Staff Response to Public Comment Exhibit 14: Transportation Concurrency Exhibit 15: Waiver Request Exhibit 16: Advisory Notes Docusign Envelope ID: A8A5BFC1-1B8B-45C4-AB62-B0960DC02697