HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Checklist_TE_Sep2025etSEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 1
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SEPA 1 Environmental Checklist
Purpose of checklist
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance,
minimization, or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if
an environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
“does not apply” only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is
unknown. You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and
accurate answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the
decision-making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your
proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to
explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be
significant adverse impact.
Instructions for lead agencies
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed
to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency
is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the
applicable parts of sections A and B, plus the Supplemental Sheet for Nonproject Actions (Part D).
Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and
"property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area,"
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respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in “Part B: Environmental
Elements” that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background
Find help answering background questions2
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable: PR25-000002 Land Use Non-Project 2025
Docket Group 20A, D-238:2025 Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Transportation
Element Update), LUA25-000263, ECF
2. Name of applicant: City of Renton
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Ellen Talbo, Transportation Planning Manager
Tel: 425-430-7319,
Email: etalbo@rentonwa.gov
4. Date checklist prepared: August 15, 2025
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton
6. Proposed timing of schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Completion of
Comprehensive Plan-Transportation Element by December 2025
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to
or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain. There are no existing plans for future
additions, expansion, or further activity related to the update.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will
be prepared, directly related to this proposal.
The Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Planned Action EIS was completed in 2024
and addresses a key mixed use transit-oriented development area that would be
upzoned supporting the City’s housing and economic development goals. The City has
adopted the Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Planned Action EIS as part of its SEPA
Determination for the Comprehensive Plan Update.
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9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of
other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes,
explain.
The 2024 Comprehensive Plan was adopted and certified by the Puget Sound Regional
Council (PSRC) in June 2025 with the condition that the Transportation Element must
be fully updated and complete by December 2026. This Transportation Element has
been prepared and updated for its full completeness and with the intent of satisfying
PSRC’s conditional certification. No other applications for governmental approvals are
pending directly affecting property or right of way covered by the Transportation
Element.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if
known.
N/A
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and
the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist
that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to
repeat those answers on this page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include
additional specific information on project description.)
This Transportation Element assists the City of Renton in coordinating transportation
and land use planning within its municipal boundaries, guides the development of a
multimodal system that provides transportation choices for all users and facilitates
inter-jurisdictional coordination of transportation-related projects. This element is
consistent with Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2050 plan.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand
the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any,
and section, township, and range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range
of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description,
site plan, vicinity map, and topographic map, if reasonably available. While you
should submit any plans required by the agency, you are not required to duplicate
maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications related to this
checklist.
The Transportation Element is intended to cover the citywide network. The Rainier-
Grady TOD Subarea Plan is adopted by reference and contains specific policies
covering the transportation area in the subarea.
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B. Environmental Elements
1. Earth
Find help answering earth questions3
a. General description of the site:
N/A, non-project action. The City of Renton has areas of steep slopes, a plateau,
but also includes a valley area. All land use applications will be reviewed and
analyzed for potential site-specific impacts at the time of application.
Circle or highlight one: Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand,
gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify
them, and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and
whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate
vicinity? If so, describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total
affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source
of fill.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
f. Could erosion occur because of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally
describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
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g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after
project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth,
if any.
When individual projects are proposed, the City will avoid development within
geologically-hazardous areas to the extent possible and conduct analysis of soil
types and landslide potential at each site during environmental review. The City will
follow its critical areas ordinance, surface water design manual, construction
standards, and applicable codes to reduce potential erosion or other impacts to
earth.
2. Air
Find help answering air questions4
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during
construction, operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If
any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known.
N/A, this is a non-project action. Renton’s Comprehensive Plan is consistent with
regional growth strategies including VISION 2050 and Countywide Planning Policies.
The Comprehensive Plan includes a Climate and Resilience Element with policies
meant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles travelled. All land use
applications will be reviewed and analyzed for impacts to air at the time of
application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your
proposal? If so, generally describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if
any:
The City’s Comprehensive Plan will be monitored consistent with RCW 36.70A.130
regarding GHG and VMT reduction strategies. The City will implement its Clean
Energy Economy strategies. City construction requirements (e.g. dust control) as
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well as Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and State and Federal Air Quality regulations
would continue to apply to site specific development.
3. Water
Find help answering water questions5
a. Surface:
Find help answering surface water questions6
1. Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site
(including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds,
wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state
what stream or river it flows into.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
2. Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the
described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
3. Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or
removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site
that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
4. Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give a
general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
5. Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on
the site plan.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
6. Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface
waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of
5 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water 6 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-3-Water/Environmental-elements-Surface-water
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discharge.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Ground:
Find help answering ground water questions7
1. Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other
purposes? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and
approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged
to groundwater? Give a general description, purpose, and approximate
quantities if known.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
2. Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic
tanks or other sources, if any (domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals…; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the
system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if
applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected
to serve.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Water Runoff (including stormwater):
1. Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of
collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this
water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
2. Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally
describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
3. Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity
of the site? If so, describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
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d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and
drainage pattern impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action.
4. Plants
Find help answering plants questions
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
☒ deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
☒ evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
☒ shrubs
☐ grass
☐ pasture
☐ crop or grain
☐ orchards, vineyards, or other permanent crops.
☒ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
☐ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
☐ other types of vegetation
All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to
plants/vegetation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific impacts
will be addressed and mitigated.
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or
enhance vegetation on the site, if any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
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5. Animals
Find help answering animal questions8
a. List any birds and other animals that have been observed on or near the site or
are known to be on or near the site.
Examples include:
• Birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
• Mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
• Fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other:
All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts
to plants/vegetation at the time of application. If appropriate, project specific
impacts will be addressed and mitigated.
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
6. Energy and natural resources
Find help answering energy and natural resource questions9
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used
to meet the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be
used for heating, manufacturing, etc.
N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed for
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energy and potential impacts to natural resources at the time of application. If
appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and mitigated.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent
properties? If so, generally describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this
proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if
any. N/A, this is a non-project action. Renton’s Energy Code would apply to new
development.
7. Environmental health
Health Find help with answering environmental health questions10
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic
chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could
occur because of this proposal? If so, describe. N/A, this a non-project action. All
land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to
environmental health at the time of application.
1. Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or
past uses.
N/A, this a non-project action.
2. Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project
development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and
gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the
vicinity.
N/A, this is a non-project action. The following regulations apply to future
development and can help mitigate impacts: State Model Toxics Control Act
(Chapter 70.105D RCW); State Underground Storage Tank Regulations (Chapter
173-360A WAC); Renton’s building and fire prevention standards including the
International Fire Code.
10 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-7-Environmental-health
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3. Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or
produced during the project's development or construction, or at any time
during the operating life of the project.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
4. Describe special emergency services that might be required.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
5. Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if
any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Noise
1. What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for
example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
N/A, this is a non-project action. All land use applications will be reviewed and
analyzed for potential noise impacts at the time of application.
2. What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the
project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic,
construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come
from the site)?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
3. Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action. The City sets maximum environmental noise
level consistent with the Washington Administrative Code 173-60.
8. Land and shoreline use
Find help answering land and shoreline use questions11
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal
affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
11 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-8-Land-shoreline-use
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b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If
so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial
significance will be converted to other uses because of the proposal, if any? If
resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest
land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
1. Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or
forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment
access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the
site?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If
so, specify.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed
project?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
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j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and
projected land uses and plans, if any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest
lands of long-term commercial significance, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action.
9. Housing
Find help answering housing questions12
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether
high, middle, or low-income housing.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether
high, middle, or low-income housing.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action.
10. Aesthetics
Find help answering aesthetics questions13
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas;
what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
12 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-9-Housing
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b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action.
11. Light and glare
Find help answering light and glare questions14
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it
mainly occur?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with
views?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action.
12. Recreation
Find help answering recreation questions
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate
vicinity?
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so,
describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including
recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
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N/A, this is a non-project action.
13. Historic and cultural preservation
Find help answering historic and cultural preservation questions15
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are
over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local
preservation registers? If so, specifically describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or
occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any
material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site?
Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such
resources.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and
historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation
with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation,
archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to,
and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any
permits that may be required.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
14. Transportation
Find help with answering transportation questions16
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic
area and describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site
plans, if any.
N/A, this is a non-project action. See Attachment A, Renton Community Profile for a
description of the overall transportation system. All land use applications will be
15 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-B-Environmental-elements/Environmental-elements-13-Historic-cultural-p
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reviewed and analyzed for potential impacts to transportation at the time of
application. If appropriate, project specific impacts will be addressed and
mitigated.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so,
generally describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest
transit stop?
N/A, this is a non-project action. See Attachment A, Renton Community Profile for a
description of transit service.
c. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets,
pedestrian, bicycle, or state transportation facilities, not including driveways?
If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private).
N/A, this is a non-project action. The City’s Transportation Element levels of service,
development regulations, and public works standards guide the requirements for
roads and streets.
d. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water,
rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe.
N/A, this is a non- project action. The City’s development regulations address land
use compatibility with the Renton airport. Shoreline Master Program requirements
address Lake Washington and other water bodies that may have water
transportation including for recreation.
e. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project
or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what
percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and
nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to
make these estimates?
N/A, this is a non-project action. The City’s Transportation Element sets levels of
service, and the City’s transportation improvement program and capital facility plan
serve current and future land uses.
The City used the Puget Sound Regional Council’s regional travel demand model for
settings its baseline conditions for future forecast modeling. For the City of Renton,
the city’s travel demand modeling estimated the following work trip mode shares in
Renton’s Regional Growth Center for the PM Peak hour representing the city’s
period of heaviest travel: Single Occupancy Vehicle (66.6%), High Occupancy
Vehicle (5.3%), Walk and Bike (3.7%), Transit (8.5%), Work from Home (15%), and
Other (1.3%). The City used PSRC’s “SoundCast” activity-based model as it serves
as the regional modeling standard for the region’s regional growth centers. Further
elaboration of vehicles traveled and truck volumes is discussed in the
Transportation Element.
f. Will the proposal interfere with, affect, or be affected by the movement of
agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally
describe.
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N/A, this is a non-project action. The movement of agricultural and/or forest
products throughout the network would occur on interstate highways, state routes,
and principal arterials designated for such transport. No effects are anticipated.
g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
N/A, this is a non-project action. The City’s development regulations provide a
concurrency review process and the City collects transportation impact fees. The
City also implements a non-motorized plan and commute trip reduction ordinance.
The Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Subarea Planned Action EIS identifies mitigation
improvements that will work to move the levels of service to the adopted standard.
VISION 2050 and Destination 2050 identify the cumulative expected growth and
regional improvements needed. The City’s Transportation Element will be certified
to be consistent with VISION 2050.
15. Public services
Find help answering public service questions17
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example:
fire protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If
so, generally describe.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if
any.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
16. Utilities
Find help answering utilities questions18
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water,
refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other:
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the
service, and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate
vicinity which might be needed.
N/A, this is a non-project action.
17 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-15-public-services
18 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-b-environmental-elements/environmental-elements-16-utilities
SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 18
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C. Signature
Find help about who should sign19
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand
that the lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
X
Type name of signee: Ellen Talbo
Position and agency/organization: Transportation Planning Manager
Date submitted: August 16, 2025
D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions
Find help for the nonproject actions worksheet20
Do not use this section for project actions.
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at
a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general
terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to
air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or
production of noise?
The intent of many of the policies in the Transportation element is to decrease
discharges to water and emissions to air through programs like Commute Trip
Reduction and prioritizing multimodal levels of service.
• Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
The City’s Commute Trip Reduction program sets a drive alone rate of 66% based on
WSDOT’s methodology for drive alone trip commuting in the Puget Sound region. However
in addition to promoting carpooling and transit usage, the city continues to implement a
year-long telecommute policy for its employees and recent surveying among major
19 https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/SEPA/Environmental-review/SEPA-guidance/SEPA-checklist-guidance/SEPA-Checklist-Section-C-Signature
20 https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/sepa/environmental-review/sepa-guidance/sepa-checklist-guidance/sepa-checklist-section-d-non-project-actions
SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 19
(WAC 197-11-960)
employers indicate that Renton’s larger employers are still telecommuting thereby
contributing to reductions in commute-related GHG release.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to adversely affect plants,
animals, fish, or marine life.
• Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine
life are:
Upon roadway impacts from capital projects or improvements, the city will continue to
follow its critical areas ordinance and urban forestry policies along with state and federal
regulations pertaining to fish & wildlife to protect or conserve heritage trees, vegetation,
and overall natural environment ecology. Mitigation would be determined at the time of a
project specific proposal. The City would apply its critical areas regulations, shoreline
master program, stormwater codes, tree protection standards, landscape standards and
others addressing plants and animals.
3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
The proposed regulations and amendments are not likely to deplete energy or natural
resources.
• Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources
are:
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: Mitigation
would be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. Washington State
regulations address energy use and conservation; City of Renton’s Critical Areas
Ordinance includes measures to conserve natural resources.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive
areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental
protection, such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or
endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or
prime farmlands?
The amendments are not likely to have a detrimental effect on environmentally
sensitive areas or areas designated for governmental protection.
• Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts
are:
Mitigation would be determined at the time of a project specific proposal. The
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element incorporates the City’s parks and trails
plans. State and federal standards for historic and cultural resource protection will
continue to apply along with the City’s development regulations such as the Critical Areas
Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program which protect environmental and cultural
resources.
SEPA Environmental checklist September 2023 Page 20
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5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including
whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with
existing plans?
The proposed amendments are meant to assure conformance with Growth
Management Act Goals, VISION 2050, and Countywide Planning Policies to provide for
a compatible and consistent growth strategy to meet current and future needs for
housing and jobs. The Comprehensive Plan periodic review does not propose Shoreline
Master Program amendments is not likely to have an effect on shoreline use. Any
effects on land use will be compatible with existing plans. The City of Renton Shoreline
Management Program will continue to provide protection of shorelines and reduce
impacts of land use in proximity to shoreline environments.
• Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or
public services and utilities?
The proposed amendments would address a 20-year growth horizon and the City’s
transportation, utility, and capital plans will be designed to meet growth targets and
can be regularly updated every 6 years (e.g. Transportation Improvement Program,
Budget and Capital Improvement Program). Thus, the City does not anticipate increase
demands on transportation or public services and utilities beyond what has been
planned for. All land use applications will be reviewed and analyzed for potential
impacts to public services at the time of application and if appropriate, project specific
impacts will be addressed.
Furthermore the planned Rainier-Grady transportation oriented development area is
intended to increase demand and usage for transit as a mitigative measure to
encourage decreased commuting and overall encourage local trip making via transit or
nonmotorized modes.
• Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
The city is positioned to continue close coordination and partnership with WSDOT, Sound
Transit, and KC Metro in delivering regional significant programs and projects that expand
the regional transit system responsive to the city’s planned land use for 2044.
Implementation of the I-405/SR-167 master plans and programmatic projects, specifically
the non-motorized elements, will provide critical connectivity for necessary circulation for
bikes/peds in order to reduce demand on SOV’s for local tripmaking.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or
federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.
No conflicts have been identified. The periodic update is meant to comply with the Growth
Management Act, VISION 2050, and Countywide Planning Policies.