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PROJECT LUA25-000246
Radiance Learning Center
City of Renton Department of Planning / Building / Public Works
ENVIRONMENTAL & DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REVIEW SHEET
POLICE RELATED COMMENTS
2 Police Calls for Service Estimated Annually
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
To protect materials and equipment it is recommended that all materials and tools be
locked up when not in use. Toolboxes and storage containers should be secured with
heavy-duty padlocks and kept locked when not in use. The site will need security
lighting and any construction trailer should be completely fenced in with portable chain-
link fencing. The fence will provide both a physical and psychological barrier to any
prospective thief and will demonstrate that this area is private property. Construction
trailers should be kept locked when not in use and should also have a heavy-duty
deadbolt installed with no less then a 1-1/2” throw when bolted. Any construction
material that contains copper should be removed from the construction site at the end of
each working day. Glass windows in the trailer should be shatter-resistant.
I also recommend the business post appropriate “No Trespassing” signs on the property
while it is under construction and a Business Trespass Authorization be put in place to
authorize Renton Police Department to trespass anyone found on the property during off-
hours of construction. This will aid police in making arrests on the property after hours if
suspects are observed vandalizing or stealing building materials. The use of off-duty
police officers or private security guards to patrol the site during the hours of darkness is
also recommended.
COMPLETED BUILDING
Access Control
Access control is the ability to decide who gets in and out of your learning/daycare
center. This center will occupy one single-level building, with multiple windows and
possibly more than one entry/exit point covering the front and rear of the building. It is
important to direct all foot and vehicle traffic into the main entrance of the building; this
should be monitored during hours of business by placing a check in point in the main
lobby area. This will assist with control of the pedestrian traffic in the building’s public
areas. Entrance through other exterior doors should be strictly prohibited. Rules should
be posted in conspicuous locations, letting visitors know they are to check in at the main
office immediately upon arrival. Some suggestions to accomplish this are:
• Re-configure as many excess entry doors as possible so that they automatically
lock when closed and only serve as emergency exits.
• Re-configure windows so that they cannot be used as entry points for people.
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• Every occupied space should have at least two means of egress. If a threat enters
at point A (could be a fire or an intruder) students and staff should be able to exit
from point B. Some specialized windows incorporated with an emergency latch
will function as exits when needed.
o If this is not an option then doors need to have a locking/blocking
mechanism that can be activated in case of active shooter/intruder
situation.
• A receptionist or person situated at main entrance/lobby area should have the
ability to institute a lockdown with the touch of a button. If this is not possible
than have the capability of locking the main entry remotely; and train all staff to
be able to implement this if necessary.
Doors/Glass
All exterior doors should be made of solid metal or metal over wood, with heavy-duty
deadbolt locks, latch guards or pry-resistant cylinders around the locks, and peepholes.
All strike plates should have 2-1/2 to 3” wood screws. If glass doors are used, they
should be fitted with the hardware described above and additionally be fitted with a layer
of security film. Security film can increase the strength of the glass by up to 300%,
greatly reducing the likelihood of breaking glass to gain entry.
Security
It is recommended that this building have monitored security alarms installed. There
should be a plan set in place for lockdown procedures as well should an emergency
occur, and alarms are set off.
Any alternative employee entrances should have coded access to prevent trespassing.
Exterior doors should be checked routinely to insure they are not being propped open.
Lighting
Lighting is collectively considered to be one of the most important security features.
Good lighting has been documented to deter crime and produce a more secure
environment. Good lighting also enhances the effectiveness of CCTV systems.
All areas of parking and pedestrian travel need to have adequate lighting to provide safe
pedestrian travel for parents, employees, and visitors. The Learning Center should
consult with lighting experts on proper selection and placement that adhere to the
standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
Landscaping
The “Broken Window Theory” says, “An ordered and clean environment – one which is
maintained – sends the signal the area is monitored, and that criminal behavior will not be
tolerated.” All trees should be trimmed six to eight feet up from the ground. Shrubs
should be pruned to no more than three feet tall. This will help eliminate areas of
concealment for suspicious persons. Trees and shrubs which are not maintained can
cause safety issues. Regular maintenance should be planned, and landscaping monitored
to stay within the above-mentioned guidelines.
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Territoriality/Signage
Territoriality refers to measures that reinforce a message of ownership over the
learning/daycare center. The most straight-forward examples of territoriality are signs
restricting access, directing visitors to the office, or posting business opening/closing
times. The public needs to be made aware at all times of what space is private and what
space is public. Careful placement of signs and graphics helps orient parents, staff and
visitors and allows them to move quickly throughout the school and parking areas,
making them less vulnerable to opportunities of crime. Signs and graphics can also
assure parents, staff, and the public that their safety is being monitored. Likewise,
potential perpetrators may be deterred by a notice that they are under surveillance. Proper
No Trespassing signs should be posted in conspicuous locations throughout the outside of
the buildings (including parking areas) so enforcement action can be taken if needed.
Defining clear borders is another step that reinforces territoriality. A low fence, hedge, or
markings/signs around the edge of the school property may not physically stop a
trespasser, but it helps identify where public space ends and private space begins.
Maintenance further reinforces territoriality. Any unkempt part of the property will soon
send a message that no one is particularly concerned about or possessive of that part of
the property. If the area remains neglected, it will also seem ideal for misbehavior.
The above-mentioned suggestions are from Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED) ideology. CPTED focuses on preventing crime by designing your
physical environment to positively influence human behavior. These are only
recommendations based on the CPTED philosophy and if implemented cannot guarantee
that the area will be impervious to crime.
If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this plan review, please
feel free to contact me at 425-430-7520 or at shavlik@rentonwa.gov
Sandra Havlik
Police Communications & Engagement Coordinator/PIO
Renton Police Department