HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-App Meeting Summary_PRE25-000217.pdfDEPARTMENT 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
Finseth Townhomes
15XX Morris Ave S, Renton, WA 98055
PRE 25-000217
August 7, 2025
Contact Information:
Planner: Jill Ding, 425-430-6598, jding@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Heather Bray, 425-430-7383, hbray@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 Director, Development Services
Director, Development Engineering Director, Department of Community & Economic
Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: July 28, 2025
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Corey Thomas, Lead Plans Review Inspector
SUBJECT: Finseth Townhomes
Comments based on the assumption that these units will be built under the International
Residential Code. Starting February 1st, 2021, townhomes over 4 units will require sprinklers
per Washington State building code amendment.
1. The preliminary fire flow requirement is calculated at the rate of 3,500 gpm if built with
non-rated construction and no fire sprinklers, which is the base residential code requirement
for the proposed four-unit buildings. Four fire hydrants are required. One within 150 feet and
three within 300 feet of each of the proposed buildings. Looped water mains are required to
be provided for all buildings with fire flows over 2,500 gpm per city ordinance.
The fire flow for a fire sprinklered building would be 2,500 gpm. Three fire hydrants would be
required. One within 150 feet and two within 300 feet of each of the proposed buildings. The
looped water mains requirement would no longer be necessary.
2. The fire impact fees are applicable at the rate of $421.98 per townhome unit. This fee
is paid at building permit issuance.
3. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required to be minimum 20 feet wide
and fully paved, with 25 feet inside and 45 feet outside turning radius. Fire access roadways
shall be constructed to support a 30-ton vehicle with 75-psi point loading. Access is required
within 150 feet of all points on all buildings. Dead end streets that exceed 150-feet in length
require an approved turnaround. Proposed hammerhead type turnaround is acceptable.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 7th, 2025
June 20, 2011
TO: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
FROM: Heather Bray, Civil Plan Reviewer
SUBJECT: Finseth Townhomes
APN 7222000281 & 7222000282
PRE25-000217
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 completed a preliminary review for the above -referenced proposal located at parcel
#7222000281 & 7222000282. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal
made to the City of Renton by the applicant.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The site is two rectangular parcels that are cumulatively 0.91 acres in size. Both are vacant lots with
lawn with parcel 7222000281 having a few large trees.
Water Water service is provided by the City of Renton. The site is in the West Talbot Hill service
area in the 300 hydraulic pressure zone. There is an existing 8-inch City water main located
in Morris Ave S (see Water plan no. W-314207) that can deliver a maximum total flow
capacity of 2,500 gallons per minute (gpm). The approximate static water pressure is 68
psi at ground elevation of 143 feet.
Sewer Wastewater service is provided by the City of Renton. There is an existing 8-inch vitrified
clay gravity wastewater main located in Morris Ave S (see City plan no. S-002206).
Storm There is no existing stormwater main in Morris Ave S within the project vicinity. The nearest
infrastructure is a catch basin located in the intersection of Morris Ave S and S 15 th Street
(see City plan no. W-314208). Based on the current site topography, the site appears to
drain stormwater run-off towards the northeast.
Streets Morris Ave S is a Residential Access Street with an existing right of way (ROW) width of 30.0-
ft as measured using the King County Assessor’s Map and approximately 18.0-ft of asphalt
paving.
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August 7th, 2025
2
WATER COMMENTS
1. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting,
Renton Regional Fire Authority has determined that the preliminary fire flow demand is 3,500
GPM if built non-rated construction and no fire sprinklers for 4-unit townhomes. Four fire
hydrants would be required. One within 150 feet and three within 300 feet of each proposed
buildings. Looped water mains are required for buildings with fire flows over 2,500 GPM per
city ordinance. The water system in the West Talbot Hill pressure zone cannot provide a
maximum flow capacity greater than 2,500 GPM, therefore a fire sprinklered building is
required. The fire flow for a fire sprinklered building would be 2,500 GPM. Three fire hydrants
would be required. One within 150 feet and two within 300 feet. The looped water mains
requirement would no longer be necessary.
2. Based on the information provided with the pre-application submittal documents, the
following developer’s installed water main improvements will be required to provide
domestic and fire protection service to the development including but not limited to the
items that follow.
a. An 8-inch water main extension within the new private access road connecting to the
existing 8-inch water main in Morris Ave S and extending to the eastern end of the
access road to serve the proposed lots will be required.
b. A 15-foot-wide public water easement is required for any public water main, hydrants
and water meters located outside City Right-of-Way.
c. Installation of a separate water service (minimum 1-inch) and meter for each new
single-family residence. The sizing of the meter shall be in accordance with the most
recent edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code. Installation of the service and water
meter shall be done by City forces, a separate water permit is required.
d. Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly
(DCVA) if applicable.
e. Two new fire hydrants would be required to be installed. A new fire hydrant will be
required along Morris Ave S at its intersection with the new private access road and a
new fire hydrant within the parcel . The location and number of hydrants will be
determined by the RRFA based on the final fire flow demand and final site plan.
3. Civil plans for the water main improvements will be required and must be prepared by a
professional engineer registered in the State of Washington. Please refer to City of Renton
General Design and Construction Standards for Water Main Extensions as shown in
Appendix K of the City’s 2019 Water System Plan. Adequate horizontal and vertical
separations between the new water main and other utilities (storm sewer pipes and vaults,
sanitary sewer, power, gas, electrical) shall be provided for the operation and m aintenance
of the water main. Retaining walls, rockeries or similar structures cannot be installed over
the water main unless the water main is installed inside a steel casing.
4. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
5. The development is subject to applicable water system development charges (SDC’s) and
meter installation fees based on the number and size of the meters for domestic uses and
for fire sprinkler use. The development is also subject to fees for water connect ions, cut and
caps, and purity tests.
6. Current fees can be found in the 2025 Development Fees Document on the City’s website.
Fees will be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
Finseth Townhomes PRE25-000217 Page 3 of 6
August 7th, 2025
3
a. The SDC fee for water is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the
project. The current water fee is $5,025.00 per 1-inch meter.
b. Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service are
applicable. Water Service installation is $2,875.00 per 1-inch service line,
c. Drop-in meter fee is $400 per ¾-inch meter and $460.00 per 1-inch meter.
d. The 2025 full fee schedule can be found here.
SEWER COMMENTS
1. An 8-inch gravity sewer main extension is required to serve the units within the shared
driveway.
a. A minimum 15-foot wide public sewer easement is required for any public sewer
main located outside of the city right-of-way.
2. All new sewer stubs shall be a minimum of 6-inch and shall run at a slope of at least 2% to
the main. All new side sewers and sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in RMC 4 -6-
040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
3. For lots where a gravity connection to the existing and proposed sewer main is not possible,
individual grinder pumps and force mains will be required for each lot. The applicant shall
make every effort to accomplish gravity side sewers. Should the applicant pursue grinder
pumps, they will be required to demonstrate it is not feasible to adjust grading or pad
elevations to accomplish gravity side sewers. The private force main should connect to a 6 -
inch sewer stub that is a minimum of 2% in slope dedicated specifically to the private force
main. Private utility easements will be needed for any force main or gravity side sewer that
passes through an adjacent lot prior to connecting to the existing sewer main.
4. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
5. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee
for sewer is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees
can be found in the 2025 Development Fees Document on the City’s website.
a. The current sewer fee for a 1-inch meter install is $4,025.00 per meter.
b. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
c. The full fee schedule can be found here.
SURFACE WATER COMMENTS
1. A 12-inch gravity storm main extension is required from the intersection of S 15th St and
Morris Ave S to extend to the furthest southerly property line of APN 7222000282.
2. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface
Water Design Manual (RSWDM) will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart in the
2022 RSWDM to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. The site falls
within the City’s Flow Control Duration Standard (matching Forested site conditions). The
site falls within the Black River basin.
3. Drainage report and drainage plans based on 2022 RSWDM are required to be provided.
4. Storm drainage improvements along all public street frontages are required to conform to
the City’s Street and stormwater conveyance standards. Any new storm conveyance
installed on or off-site shall be designed and sized in accordance with standards found in
Chapter 4 of the 2022 RSWDM. New storm drains shall be designed to account for the total
Finseth Townhomes PRE25-000217 Page 4 of 6
August 7th, 2025
4
upstream tributary area, assuming developed conditions for onsite tributary areas and
existing conditions for any offsite tributary areas.
5. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the
applicant will be required to provide enhanced basic water quality treatment. All proposed
stormwater facilities shall be designed in accordance with the current RSWDM at the time of
civil construction permit application. Separate structural plans will be required to be
submitted for review and approval under a separate building permit for all proposed
detention and/or water quality vaults.
6. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate
the new runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On -site BMPs
shall be evaluated as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2022 RSWDM. A preliminary drainage
plan, including the application of on-site BMPs, shall be included with the land use
application, as appliable to the project. The final drainage plan and drainage report must be
submitted with the utility construction permit construction.
7. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual Section C.1.3. Information on the water table and soil permeability (measured
infiltration rates), with recommendations of appropriate on-site BMPs per Core Requirement
#9 and Appendix C shall be included in the report. The report should also include information
concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns and vegetation present shall be presented
to evaluate the drainage, erosion control and slope stability for site development of the
proposed plat. The applicant must demonstrate the development will not result in soil
erosion and sedimentation, landslide, slippage, or excess surface water runoff.
8. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided.
9. An NPDES permit from the Department of Ecology will be required if total site disturbance
exceeds 1 acre. A copy of the approval shall be provided to City of Renton prior to
construction.
10. The current City of Renton Surface Water Standard Plans that shall be used in all drainage
submittals. The current City of Renton Standard details are available online at the City of
Renton website here.
11. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fee. Fees
will be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a. The 2025 Surface water system development fee is $2,350 per one new single-
family house.
b. The full schedule can be found here.
TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS
1. In accordance with RMC 4-6-060, if the site improvements and/or proposed building
additions exceed an overall valuation of $175,000, the project site(s) shall be required to
meet the City’s Complete Streets Standards:
a. Morris Ave S is classified as a residential access street. Per RMC 4-6-060, the
minimum right of way (ROW) width for a residential access street is 60-ft. Half street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline will be required and include a
minimum 16-foot paved road, 0.5 feet of cub and gutter, an 8-foot planting strip, and
5-foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements.
i. Dedication of approximately 15 feet is required pending final survey.
2. If a shared driveway is proposed as part of this development, it shall meet the design
standards found in RMC 4-6-060. Shared driveways may be allowed for access to four (4) or
Finseth Townhomes PRE25-000217 Page 5 of 6
August 7th, 2025
5
fewer residential lots. Shared driveways shall be wholly in a tract. Shared driveways shall not
be more than 200-ft in length. The paved surface shall be a minimum of 20-ft to meet Renton
Regional Fire Authority standards. The maximum grade of the shared driveway shall not
exceed 15%. Drainage improvements per City standards are required along the shared
driveway. An access easement shall cover the entirety of the tract.
3. On-site and off-site curb ramps, sidewalk improvements will be reviewed in conjunction with
the civil construction permit and will require a grading plan consisting of spot elevations and
slopes showing that ADA and City specifications are being met.
4. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
5. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4 -
6-090.
6. Paving and trench restoration shall comply with the City’s Trench Restoration and Overlay
Requirements.
7. Street lighting per City standards is required along NE 7th Street as the proposed development
is larger than 4 residential units. A street lighting plan and photometric analysis should be
submitted at the time of construction permit submittal.
8. 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 I TE 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.
9. The transportation impact fee is based on the type of land use. For a single -family dwelling,
the 2025 transportation impact fee is $11,485.67. Transportation impact fees are subject to
change based on the calendar year the building permit is issued.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. All existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along
property frontage or within the site must be underground. The construction of these
franchise utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from
the right-of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls. a. Show
all retaining walls on profile view. No walls shall be greater than 6’.
3. Retaining walls that are 4’ or taller from bottom of footing and stormwater detention vaults
will require a separate building permit. Structural calculations and plans prepared by a
licensed engineer will be required as part of the building permit review.
4. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in
accordance with code requirements:
a. Provide rim and invert elevations on all drainage and sewer structures.
b. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other
utilities is required except for water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft
vertical.
c. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall
or building.
d. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of
the building.
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5. All civil construction permits for utility and street improvements will require separate plan
submittals. All utility plans shall confirm to the Renton Drafting Standards. A licensed Civil
Engineer shall prepare the civil plans. Please visit the Development Engineering Forms page
for the most up-to-date plan submittal requirements:
http://rentonwa.gov/business/default.aspx?id=42473
6. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on
separate sheets.
7. A demo permit is required for the demolition of the existing building. The demo permit shall
be acquired through the building department.
8. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2025 only and will be
assessed based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance,
as applicable to the permit type. Please visit www.rentonwa.gov for the current development
fee schedule.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: August 7, 2025
TO: Pre-Application File No. PRE25-000217
FROM: Jill Ding, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Finseth Townhomes –
15XX Morris Ave S, Renton, WA 98055
APNs 7222000281 and 7222000282
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 on the east side of Morris Ave S, south of S 15th
St, and consists of two (2) parcels (APNs 7222000281 and 7222000282). Both parcels are
currently vacant and have an area of approximately 39,750 square feet (0.91 acres). The
parcels are zoned Residential-8 (R-8). The proposal includes a unit lot subdivision with a new
middle housing development for the construction of a total of eight (8) townhomes in three
(3) separate structures; in a three-unit building, a four-unit building, and a single detached
unit. An open space tract (Tract B) and tree tract (Tract C) are proposed on the eastern portion
of the project site. Access to the site is proposed via a 20-foot-wide unit lot drive (Tract A) off
Morris Ave S, which would terminate in a hammerhead turnaround. According to City of
Renton (COR) Maps, the site contains slopes with grades between 15 and 25%.
Current Use: The subject property is currently vacant.
1. Zoning and Overlay Districts: The surrounding area, including this property, has a
Comprehensive Plan land use designation of Residential Medium Density (RMD) and is
zoned Residential 8 (R-8) dwelling units per acre. The Residential-8 (R-8) Zone applies to
lands suitable for moderate-density residential uses, including single-family and middle
housing, where there is opportunity to reinvest in existing single -family residential
neighborhoods through infill development or the development of new residential p lats.
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August 7, 2025
2. Density: The minimum density required in the R-8 zone is 4.0 dwelling units per net acre
(du/ac) and maximum density permitted is 8.0 dwelling units per net acre (du/ac). Net
density is calculated after areas required for public right-of-way dedication, private
access easements (shared driveways), and critical areas are deducted from the gross
site area. Joint use driveways are not deducted as part of the density calculations.
The area of public and private streets and critical areas would be deducted from the gross
site area to determine the “net” site area prior to calculating density. Calculations for
minimum or maximum density which result in a fraction that is one -half (0.50) or greater
shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those density calculations resulting
in a fraction that is less than one-half (0.50) shall be rounded down to the nearest whole
number. For Unit Lot Subdivisions, the density of the parent site shall not exceed the
maximum net density of the zone, except for middle housing, which shall conform
to the maximum number of dwelling units allowed pursuant to RMC 4-2-110F.6,
Maximum Dwelling Units per Legal Lot. Only one (1) dwelling unit shall be located on
a unit lot. A completed density worksheet would be required with the land use
application.
Density requirements are not applicable to middle housing developments.
3. Development Standards: The project is be subject to RMC 4-2-110A, “Development
Standards for Residential Zoning Designations” effective at the time of complete
application (noted as “R-8 standards” herein).
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – The minimum lot size in the R-8 zone is 5,000
square feet. The minimum lot depth is 80 feet. The minimum lot width is 50 feet for
interior lots and 60 feet for corner lots. Middle housing developments must comply
with the standards applicable to single-family development, pursuant to RMC 4-2-
110A.
Middle Housing – Attached dwelling units that are compatible in scale, form, and
character with single-family dwellings, having a permanent foundation, and containing
two or more attached or stacked homes, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes,
townhouses, stacked flats, and courtyard apartments.
Exceptions for Individual Unit Lots – Individual unit lots created for townhouses, middle
housing, or cottage house development are exempt from the following standards of RMC
4-2-110A, Development Standards for Residential Zoning Designations (Primary and
Attached Accessory Structures): maximum net density, minimum lot size, minimum lot
width, minimum lot depth, yard setbacks, maximum building coverage, and maximum
impervious surface area. The proposed lot with the detached dwelling would be
subject to compliance with the minimum lot size, width, and depth requirements of
the R-8 zone.
Building Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building
footprint and the property line and any private access easement. The required setbacks
in the R-8 zone are 20 feet for the front yard, 25 feet for the rear yard, 5 feet for interior
side yards, and 15 feet for secondary front yards. Individual units lots would be exempt
from compliance with the setbacks requirements, setbacks for the proposed
townhomes would be applicable to the parent site as a whole (as though it were a
standalone lot). The proposed lot with the detached dwelling would be subject to
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August 7, 2025
compliance with the setback requirements of the R-8 zone. Compliance with
setbacks would be verified at the time of formal land use application.
Building Height – The maximum wall plate height is 24 feet with 2 stories. Roofs with a
pitch equal to or greater than 4:12 may project an additional six (6) vertical feet from the
maximum wall plate height; common rooftop features, such as chimneys, may project
an additional four (4) vertical feet from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical projections
(e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not extend above the maximum wall plate height unless
the projection is stepped back one-and-a-half (1.5) horizontal feet from each façade for
each one (1) vertical foot above the maximum wall plate height. Building height would
be verified at the time of formal land use application and building permit review.
Building Coverage – R-8 zone allows a maximum building coverage of 50% of the lot area.
Building coverage requirements for the townhomes would be applicable to the
parent site as a whole and would be verified at the time of formal land use
application and building permit review. The proposed lot with the detached dwelling
would be subject to compliance with the building coverage requirements of the R -8
zone. Compliance would be verified at the time of building permit review.
Impervious Surface Area – The maximum impervious surface would be limited to 65%.
Impervious surface requirements would be applicable to the parent site as a whole
and would be verified at the time of formal land use application and building permit
review. The proposed lot with the detached dwelling would be subject to
compliance with the impervious surface coverage requirements of the R-8 zone.
Compliance would be verified at the time of building permit review.
4. Unit Lot Subdivisions: Are intended to allow the creation of unit lots for townhouse,
middle housing, and cottage house development through established subdivision
procedures while generally only applying development standards to the parent site as a
whole rather than to individual unit lots.
Access – The parent site shall have direct vehicular access to a public street. Each unit
lot shall have direct vehicular access to either a public street or a unit lot drive, in
conformance with RMC 4-6-060K, Unit Lot Drives. Primary access for individual unit lots
may be from a public alley.
Drainage – Make adequate provision for drainage ways, streets, alleys, other public ways,
water supplies and sanitary wastes.
Short Subdivision – Unit lot subdivisions of nine (9) or fewer unit lots shall be processed
as short subdivisions, and subject to all provisions of RMC 4-7-070, Detailed Procedures
for Short Subdivisions.
Landscaping – Individual unit lots are exempt from RMC 4-4-070F.3, Front Yard Trees
Required When Street Trees Are Not Located Within the Right-of-Way Abutting a Front
Yard.
5. Residential Design and Open Space Standards: All middle housing developments
would be subject to the Residential Design and Open Space Standards, as outlined in
RMC 4-2-115. Residential Design Review occurs as part of the Building Permit Review.
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August 7, 2025
Residential Design and Open Space Standards – Future single-family building permits
would be subject to the RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards.
Requirements related to garages, entries, modulation, windows/doors, scale, bulk, and
character, roof forms, eaves, architectural detailing, and materials/color should be
reviewed in their entity prior to submitting permit applications.
In addition, middle housing developments shall comply with the following standards,
where applicable:
a. Entries: All ground-related dwelling units fronting a street and/or common open space
shall provide a covered porch with a minimum depth of five feet (5'). Dwelling units that
are accessed entirely from an internal common corridor are exempt from this
requirement provided the shared entry features a covered porch with a minimum depth
of five feet (5').
b. Pedestrian Access: A paved pedestrian connection at least three feet (3') wide is
required between each middle housing building and the sidewalk (or the street if there is
no sidewalk). Driveways may be used to meet this requirement.
c. Courtyard Apartments – Open Space: Courtyard apartments shall provide open space
in conformance with the following:
i. At least one (1) outdoor common open space is required.
ii. Common open space shall be bordered by dwelling units on two (2) or three (3)
sides.
iii. Common open space shall be a minimum dimension of fifteen feet (15') on any
side.
iv. Parking areas and vehicular areas do not qualify as a common open space.
6. Middle Housing Development Standards: A maximum number of dwelling units are
allowed per legal lot, within applicable zones, as shown in the following table. Accessory
dwelling units and single-family dwelling units are included in the calculation of
maximum dwelling units per lot. For middle housing unit lot subdivisions, the maximum
dwelling units per legal lot shall apply to the parent site as a whole, rather than to
individual unit lots.
Lots in all
Applicable
Zones
Lots located
within 1/4 mile
walking
distance20 of a
Major Transit
Stop
Lots with Affordable Housing
4 dwelling units
per lot.
6 dwelling units
per lot.
6 dwelling units per lot, provided at least 2 units
are reserved for affordable housing pursuant to
subsection 9 of this Section, Affordable Middle
Housing Units.
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August 7, 2025
The following middle housing typologies are allowed within applicable zones under this
subsection: Duplexes; Triplexes; Fourplexes; Stacked flats; Townhouses; and Courtyard
apartments.
A maximum of four (4) attached dwelling units is allowed per building. For the purposes
of this subsection, accessory dwelling units are included in the calculation of maximum
dwelling units per building.
7. Landscaping: With the exception of critical areas, all portions of the development area
not covered by structures, required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must
be landscaped with native, drought-resistant vegetative cover. The minimum on-site
landscape width required along street frontages is 10 feet and shall contain trees,
shrubs, and landscaping. Street trees in the ROW planter would also be required.
Landscaping may include hardscape such as decorative paving, rock outcroppings,
fountains, plant containers, etc. Minimum planting strip widths between the curb and
sidewalk are established according to the street development standards of RMC 4-6-
060, Street Standards. Street trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be located in
this area when present. Street trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip
between the curb and the sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right-
of-way is constrained, irregular intervals and slight increases or decreases may be
permitted or required. Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that meet required
spacing distances from facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to,
underground utilities, streetlights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways;
such spacing standards are identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the
following spacing is required: i. Small-sized maturing trees: thirty feet (30') on center; ii.
Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40') on center; and iii. Large-sized maturing
trees: fifty feet (50') on center.
A conceptual landscape plan shall be provided with the land use application as
prepared by a licensed Landscape Architect, a certified nurseryman or other
certified professional.
Storm drainage facilities are required to comply with the minimum 15-foot perimeter
landscaping strip on the outside of the fence unless otherwise determined through the
site plan review or subdivision review process. Please refer to landscape regulations
RMC 4-4-070 for further general and specific landscape requirements.
8. Significant Tree Retention: A review of COR Maps appears to show that there are mature
trees on the site. If significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-caliper inches for
alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory and a tree
retention plan along with an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree retention
worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use application as defined in RMC 4-8-
120. The tree retention plan must show preservation of at least 30% of significant trees.
Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for further
general and specific tree retention and land clearing requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, each new lot would
be required to provide a minimum tree density of 30 tree credits per net acre. Tree credits
encourage retention of existing significant trees with larger trees being worth more tree
credits.
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August 7, 2025
TREE SIZE
TREE
CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
New large species tree 2
Preserved tree 6 – 9 caliper inches 4
Preserved tree 10 – 12 caliper inches 5
Preserved tree 12 – 15 caliper inches 6
Preserved tree 16 – 18 caliper inches 7
Preserved tree 19 – 21 caliper inches 8
Preserved tree 22 – 24 caliper inches 9
Preserved tree 25 – 28 caliper inches 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and greater 13
Protected trees within a subdivision shall be retained in the order of priority listed in
RMC 4-4-130H.2. Protection of trees or groves by placement within a dedicated tract
(Tier 1) is the highest priority.
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant
trees on slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical
areas and their associated buffers; significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or
greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or trees on
abutting properties from strong winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees
to be blown down if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved;
other significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non -native
trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been
evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained, unless the alders and/ or
cottonwoods are used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical are a
or its buffer.
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August 7, 2025
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that
involves tree removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC
4-4-130H.1.e can be met.
Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable area, as defined in RMC
4-11-040, Definitions D, of a property. A formal tree retention plan and tree retention
worksheet prepared by an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the
time of the land use application.
9. Fences/Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences or retaining walls as part of
this project, the location must be designated on the landscape plan and grading plan with
top of wall and bottom of wall elevations. A fence and/or wall detail should also be
included on the plan. A retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as measured by the vertical
distance from the bottom of the footing to the finish grade at the top of the wall requires
a building permit. The maximum height of any fence or retaining wall is 72-inches subject
to further height limitations in setbacks and clear vision areas noted in RMC 4 -4-040D. A
fence shall not be constructed on top of a retaining wall unless the total combined height
of the retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the allowed height of a standalone
fence.
Retaining walls shall be composed of brick, rock, textured or patterned concrete, or other
masonry product that complements the proposed building and site development. There
shall be a minimum three-foot (3') landscaped setback at the base of retaining walls
abutting public rights-of-way. Please refer to retaining wall standards (RMC 4-4-040) for
additional information about fences and retaining walls. No fences or retaining walls
were shown on the submitted materials.
For more information about fences and retaining walls refer to RMC 4-4-040.
10. Access: Access to the proposed development is proposed to be provided via a twenty-
foot (20’) wide access tract that terminates in a hammerhead turnaround.
Unit lot drives may be constructed to serve unit lot subdivisions. Each unit lot drive may
serve up to nine (9) unit lots. Each unit lot drive shall be accessed by a public street. The
design of each unit lot drive shall meet the following standards:
a. Roadway Width: The paved roadway shall be a minimum of sixteen feet (16') wide; the
Fire Department may require the paved roadway to be up to twenty feet (20') wide.
b. Curb: Except for points of ingress/egress, curb shall be installed along the perimeter
of the roadway.
c. Landscaping Strip and Sidewalk: There shall be an eight foot (8') wide landscaping strip
between the curb and a five foot (5') wide sidewalk along one side of the unit lot drive.
The proposed access would need to be revised to comply with the unit lot driveway
standards.
11. Parking: The number of parking spaces required for middle housing pursuant to RMC 4 -
2-110F12, Parking and Driveway Standards, may be averaged and dispersed among unit
lots or within the parent site. Off-Street Parking Spaces Required for Middle Housing:
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August 7, 2025
Lots 6,000 sq. ft. or
Less
Lots greater than
6,000 sq. ft.
Lots located within 1/2 mile walking
distancei of a Major Transit Stop
A minimum of 1.0
per dwelling unit.
A minimum of 2.0
per dwelling unit.
No off-street parking required. Developers
that provide off-street parking spaces, when
not required by this subsection, are eligible
for parking incentives pursuant to Parking
Incentives for Middle Housing Development
Located Within One-Half (1/2) Mile Walking
Distance of a Major Transit Stop.
Parking Incentives for Middle Housing Development Located Within One -Half (1/2) Mile
Walking Distancei of a Major Transit Stop – Middle housing developments that provide
off-street parking spaces as shown in the table below, when not otherwise required by
this subsection, are eligible for the following parking incentives, provided the increase is
feasible and consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual. For each increase in
number of parking spaces provided, the applicant is eligible for an additional parking
incentive. For example, applicants that provide a minimum of 2.0 parking spaces per
dwelling unit are eligible for the incentives below.
Number of Off-Street Parking Stalls
Provided
Incentives
A minimum of 1.0 per dwelling unit. 10% Increase in Maximum Impervious
Surface Area permitted by the subject
zone, pursuant to RMC 4-2-110A; and
A minimum of 2.0 per dwelling unit. 5% Increase in Maximum Building
Coverage permitted by the subject zone,
pursuant to RMC 4-2-110A.
12. Driveways: The project site slopes to the east. Driveways exceeding 8% must provide
slotted drains at the lower end of the driveway. The maximum driveway slopes cannot
exceed 15%. If the grade exceeds 15%, a variance is required . The maximum width of
single loaded garage driveways shall not exceed 9 feet and double loaded garage
driveways shall not exceed 16 feet.
13. Critical Areas: According to COR Maps, slopes with grades between 15 and 25% are
mapped on the project site.
A geotechnical report may be required to evaluate the slopes identified onsite. It is
the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain if any critical areas or environmental
concerns are present on the site during site development or building construction.
14. Environmental Review: The construction of nine (9) or fewer dwelling units on a project
site is exempt from Environmental (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800.
15. Site Plan Approval: Unit lot subdivisions shall be subject to RMC 4 -9-200, Master Plan
and Site Plan Review. The purpose of the site plan review process is to analyze the
detailed arrangement of project elements to mitigate negative impacts where necessary
to ensure project compatibility with the physical characteristics of a site and with the
surrounding area. Site plan review ensures quality development consistent with City
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August 7, 2025
goals and policies. Site plan review analyzes elements including, but not limited to, site
layout, building orientation and design, pedestrian and vehicular environment,
landscaping, natural features of the site, screening and buffering, parking and loadin g
facilities, and illumination to ensure compatibility with potential future development.
Decisional criteria for site plan approval are itemized in RMC 4-9-200E.3.
16. Permit Requirements: The proposed project would require Administrative Site Plan
Review and Preliminary Short Plat approval and would be processed within an estimated
time frame of 6-8 weeks. The 2025 application fees include $3,124 for Administrative Site
Plan and $6,268 for Preliminary Short Plat review, and a 5% technology fee. All fees are
subject to change. Any modifications requested would require an additional $299 fee. In
addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits
would be required. All fees are subject to change. Detailed information regarding the land
use permit application submittal requirements can be found on the Administrative Site
Plan Review and the Preliminary Short Plat Submittal Requirements checklists. Other
informational applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital Records
Library. The City requires electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer
to the City’s Electronic File Standards. A Final Plat application, and its associated fee,
will be required following construction of the subdivision’s infrastructure.
17. 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.
18. Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II 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 (see land use forms on City website). The applicant is solely responsible for the
construction, installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the
sign.
19. Impact Mitigation Fees (2025): In addition to the applicable building and construction
fees, impact mitigation fees are required for the construction of new building areas or
changes of use to a more intensive use. If any building expansions or new buildings are
proposed or a change in use to a more intense use, fire and transportation impact fees
may be assessed.
a. A Transportation Impact Fee assessed at $6,987.79 per each new townhome
and $11,485.67 per each new detached dwelling unit.
b. A Parks Impact Fee assessed at $2,531.21 per each new townhome with 3 or
4 units and $3,276.44 per each new detached dwelling unit.
c. A Fire Impact Fee assessed at $579.41 per each new townhome and $421.98
per each new detached dwelling unit.
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August 7, 2025
d. A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $1,003 per detached single
family dwelling unit and $3,268 per townhome (plus a 5% processing charge)
per each new detached dwelling unit.
A handout listing Renton’s development-related fees is available on the City of Renton
website for your review.
20. 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 when
you are ready to submit your application materials for application pre-screening.
21. Expiration: Upon approval, preliminary short plat approval shall lapse unless a final
short plat based on the preliminary plat, or any phase thereof, is recorded with the King
County Recorder within five (5) years from the date of preliminary short plat approval.
One single year extension may be granted to an applicant who files a written request with
the Administrator at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of this five (5) year period,
provided the applicant demonstrates that he/she has att empted in good faith to record
the final short plat within the five (5) year period. It is the responsibility of the applicant
to monitor the expiration date.
i The lot’s proximity to a major transit stop, measured by walking distance, shall determine parking
requirements for middle housing and ADUs. The distance is measured through the creation of a
walkshed, which represents the collective spatial area within a defined walking distance from major
transit stops (e.g., one quarter (1/4) mile or one half (1/2) m ile). Geospatial tools incorporating major
transit stop locations and mapped pedestrian networks are used to approximate and map the
walkshed boundary. Lots that partially intersect or partially fall within the walkshed shall be treated
as entirely within.