HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE25_000275_PreApplication_Meeting_Summary_Staff_Comments_250917DEPARTMENT 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
NE 12th St Townhomes
3401 NE 12th St (APN 0923059124)
PRE 25-000275
September 18, 2025
Contact Information:
Planner: Mariah Kerrihard, 425-430-7238, mkerrihard@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Yong Qi, 425-430-7439, yqi@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Hugo Sotelo, 425.276.9587, Hsotelo@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 proposal 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: September 8th 2025
TO: Mariah Kerrhard, Associate Planner
FROM: Hugo Sotelo, DFM
SUBJECT: CW Design 3401 NE 12th St.
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 fire flow requirement for the proposed building is 3,500 gpm. Four new fire
hydrants are required, one within 150 feet and three within 300 feet from each of the
proposed buildings. A looped water main is required for 2,500gpm and greater. Fire
Sprinklers may be installed to reduce the fire flow requirements to 2,500gpm and thus
only require three new fire hydrants, one within 150ft and the other two within 300 ft.
of all buildings. It appears the fire hydrant located on NE 12th street would be within the
300 ft. requirement. The potential installation of the fire sprinkler system could
eliminate the looped water main requirement.
2. The fire impact fees are currently applicable at the rate of $421.98 per single family unit
and or duplexes. This fee is paid at building permit issuance. Credit will be provided for
any homes removed or retained.
3. Fire department apparatus access roadways are required to be a minimum of 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 the buildings. Approved turnarounds
are required for dead end roads that exceed 150 feet. Maximum fire apparatus access
roadway grade allowed is 15 percent. Based on the drawing submitted no fire
department turn-around would be required.
4. Per question 3. for rated wall assemblies contact the building department.
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 18th, 2025
TO: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
FROM: Yong Qi, Civil Engineer III
SUBJECT: NE 12th St Townhomes
3401 NE 12th St
PRE25-000275
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(s)
0923059124. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City of
Renton by the applicant.
Water
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s water service area in the Highlands 565 Pressure Zone.
2. The static water pressure is approximately 54 psi at ground elevation of 440-feet. There is an existing
8-inch (asbestos-cement) water main located in NE 12th St that can deliver a maximum flow capacity
of 2500 gpm (see water plan no. W-14180D). The City’s water utility is planning on replacing the
existing 8-inch A.C. water main in NE 12th St with a new 12-inch ductile iron water main. The new 12-
ich water main will be able to deliver 5,000 gpm. It is anticipated that the construction of the new
water main will be completed within the next 2 years
3. There is one existing ¾-inch domestic water lateral and meter (facility ID number LAT-011315 and
MTR-009717) serving parcel 0923059124.
4. There is one existing fire hydrant within 300-feet of all points of the property (Hydrant ID HYD-NE-
00028)
5. Based on the review of project information submitted for the pre-application meeting, Renton
Regional Fire Authority has determined that the fire flow requirement for the proposed building is
3,500 gpm. Four new fire hydrants are required, one within 150 feet and three within 300 feet from
each of the proposed buildings. A looped water main is required for 2,500gpm and greater. Fire
Sprinklers may be installed to eliminate the looped water main requirement, and reduce the fire flow
requirements to 2,500 gpm and thus only require three new fire hydrants, one within 150ft and the
other two within 300 ft. of all buildings.
6. 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 water main extension is required:
i. If fire flow is 2,500 gpm, a minimum 10-inch dead-end water main is required to be
installed within the access road and turnaround. The 10-inch water main can deliver
a maximum capacity of 1,950 gpm.
ii. If fire flow is 3,500 gpm, a looped 8-inch water main is required. It appears from the
provided site plan does not have adequate room for a looped water main around
the buildings.
• A 15 feet wide public water easement is required for any public water main, hydrants and
water meters located outside City right-of-way. A minimum 10-foot setback is required from
the building foundation to the new water main
• Installation of a separate water service (minimum 1-inch) and meter for each 4-plex unit.
The sizing of the meter shall be in accordance with the most recent edition of the Uniform
Plumbing Code. All residential domestic water meters shall have a double check valve
assembly (DCVA) installed behind the meter on private property if the building has 3 stories
or more and/or if a residential fire sprinkler system is used. Water meters shall not be
located in the driveways, and that there is at least 3 feet of space between the back of the
meters to the face of the buildings to allow the connection of the private service line to the
meters.
• Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly (DCVA) if
applicable.
• Installation of off-site and on-site fire hydrants, as required. The location and number of
hydrants will be determined by the Fire Authority based on the final fire flow demand and
final site plan.
• Installation of a “Storz” adapter on the existing hydrants if they are not already equipped with
one.
7. 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 maintenance 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.
8. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
9. 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 connections, cut and caps, and purity tests.
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.
• 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 per 1-inch service.
• Water service installation charges for each proposed domestic water service are applicable.
Water Service installation is $2,875.00 per 1-inch service line.
• Drop-in meter fee is $400.00 per ¾-inch meter and $460.00 per 1-inch meter.
• If abandoned, a water system redevelopment credit will apply for the existing meter.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11438465&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
Sanitary Sewer
1. The project is within the City of Renton’s sanitary sewer service area.
2. There is an 8-inch clay gravity wastewater main located in NE 12th St (record drawing S-141806).
3. There is an existing 4-inch concrete side sewer and sewer stub connected directly to existing manhole
MH0917 with an inside drop. The existing service shall be removed.
4. A public sewer main extension serving all subject parcels and structures is required. The sewer main
shall conform to the standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of Renton Standard Details.
5. A minimum of 15 feet wide public sewer easement is required for any public main located outside
City right-of-way. Each townhome unit shall be served with a sewer stub and side sewer in accordance
with COR std. plan 406.1, 406.2 and RMC 4-6-080.
6. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
7. 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. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current sewer fee is $4,025.00 per 1-inch meter
• Final determination of applicable fees will be made after the water meter size has been
determined.
• A credit will be given if the existing sewer stub is cut and capped.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11438465&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
Surface Water
1. There is currently no storm system fronting the parcel. An extension of the storm system will be
required along NE 12th St.
2. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart of the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual (RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is required for this site. The project is
in the City’s Peak Rate Flow Control (Matching Existing) Standard. The site falls within the East Lake
Washington drainage basin.
3. Critical areas on site that may impact surface water review include: landslide hazard (offsite but within
200 feet of the proposed parcel).
4. The current Surface Water Standard Plans shall be used in all drainage plan submittals. The current
City of Renton Standard Details are available online in the City of Renton website.
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=990403&dbid=0&repo=CityofRenton
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. Any proposed detention and/or water
quality vault shall be designed in accordance with the RSWDM that is current 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 the detention and/or water quality vault.
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 applicable to the
project. The final drainage plan and drainage report must be submitted with the utility construction
permit application.
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 in order 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. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees. Fees will be
charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
• The current SDC fee is charged per square foot of new impervious surface at $0.94 per square
foot, but not less than $2,350.
• The full fee schedule can be found at:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11438465&dbid=0&repo=Cityof
Renton
Transportation
1. Per City code 4-6-060 frontage improvements are required for new construction in excess of
$175,000. The proposed project fronts NE 12th St to the North and private property on all other sides.
• NE 12th St is classified as a Collector Arterial street. To meet the City’s complete street
standards for Collector Arterial streets with 2 lanes a minimum ROW width of 83 feet is
required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of street improvements as taken from the ROW centerline
shall be required and include a minimum 46 foot paved road (23 feet each side consisting of
a 10 foot travel lane, 5 foot bike lane, and 8 foot parking lane), a 0.5 foot curb, an 8 foot
planting strip, an 8 foot sidewalk, 2 foot clear space at back of walk and storm drainage
improvements. Dedication of approximately 11.5 feet will be required pending final survey.
2. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
• A minimum separation of 5-feet is required between driveway and the property line.
• Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15%. Driveways exceeding 8% shall provide
slotted drains.
• The maximum driveway width shall not exceed 40% of the street frontage and no driveway
shall exceed 30-feet in width.
3. Street lighting is required for projects that consists of 4 or more residential units.
4. Paving and trench restoration within the City of Renton right of way shall comply with the City’s Trench
Restoration and Street Overlay Requirements.
5. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the rate at
the time of construction permit issuance.
• The 2025 transportation impact fee is $6,987.79 per townhome unit.
General Comments
1. If frontage improvements are required, all existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone,
and cable services, etc.) along property frontage or within the site must be underground as outlined
in RMC 4-6-090 – UTILITY LINES - UNDERGROUND INSTALLATION. 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.
3. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in accordance with
code requirements.
a. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other utilities is
required with the exception of water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft vertical.
b. The stormwater line should be minimum 5-feet away from any other structure or wall or
building.
c. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of the
building.
4. All construction utility 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:
https://rentonwa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7922741&pageId=968701
5. A landscaping plan shall be included with the civil plan submittal. Each plan shall be on separate
sheets.
6. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2024 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.
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-
Applications\2025\PRE25-000275
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 18, 2025
TO: Pre-Application File No. 25-000275
FROM: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: NE 12th St Townhomes – 3401 NE 12th St (APN 0923059124)
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 applicant is proposing a residential townhome development on the
project site. The project site is located at 3401 NE 12th St (APN 0923059124) and the parcel
is 26,140 square feet (0.60 acres) in size. The parcel is located within the Residential Multi-
Family (RMF) zoning classification, Urban Design District B, and the Residential High Density
(RHD) land use designation. According to the submitted materials the proposal would
include three (3) separate townhome residential structures with four (4) residential units per
building structure resulting in a total of twelve (12) units total on the project site. The parcel
currently contains eleven (11) trees. The proposed site plan will retain three existing trees
and remove the remaining trees. Access to the site is proposed via NE 12th St. According to
the City of Renton (COR) mapping the site is not mapped with any critical areas.
Current Use: According to the applicant the property is currently developed with a 990 sq ft
one-story single-family home built in 1938.
1. Zoning /Land Use Designation, and Overlays: The property is located within the
Residential High Density (RHD) land use designation, the Residential Multi-Family (RMF)
zoning designation, and Urban Design District B. Attached dwellings – townhouses are
a permitted use within the RMF zone, provided specified use(s) shall be subject to
the standards of RMC 4-2-115.
2. Development Standards: The project is subject to RMC 4-2-110B, “Development
Standards for Residential High Density Zoning Designations” effective at the time of
complete application (noted as “RMF standards” herein).
NE 12th St Townhomes
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Individual unit lots created for townhouses and cottage house developments 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.
Density – The density range allowed in the RMF zone is a minimum of 10.0 to a maximum
of 20.0 dwelling units per net acre (du/ac). 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. Public alleyways are not deducted from the gross site area.
For Unit Lot Subdivisions, the density of the parent site shall not exceed the
maximum net density of the zone. Only one (1) dwelling unit shall be located on a
unit lot. A completed density worksheet would be required with the land use
application.
Minimum Lot Size, Width and Depth – There is no minimum lot size requirement in the
RMF zone. The minimum lot depth is 50 feet for townhouse developments. The minimum
lot width for townhouse developments is 25 feet for interior lots and 30 feet for corner
lots. Submitted plans would need to show compliance with the required lot size and
dimensional standard with the land use application.
Building Coverage – The RMF zone allows a maximum building coverage of 70% of the lot
area for townhouse development. 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. Compliance would be
verified at the time of building permit review.
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 RMF
zone are 15 feet for the front yard (except when all vehicle access is taken from an alley,
then it is 10-feet), 10 feet for the rear yard, 5 feet for unattached side yards and 0 feet for
attached side yards, and 15 feet for secondary front yards. Individual units lots would
be exempt from compliance with the setback requirements, setbacks for the
proposed townhomes would be applicable to the parent site as a whole (as though
it were a standalone lot). Compliance with setbacks would be verified at the time of
formal land use application.
Building Height and Impervious Surface Coverage – The maximum wall plate height is 32
feet with 3 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. The pre-application materials did not indicate a proposal for
building height expansion. Elevations were not provided with the preapplication
materials; building height would be verified at the time of land use application.
Impervious Surface Area - The maximum impervious surface would be limited to 75% of
the parent parcel. Impervious surface requirements would be applicable to the
NE 12th St Townhomes
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parent site as a whole and would be verified at the time of formal land use
application and building permit review.
The building height and coverage requirements would be verified at the time of
formal application.
Maximum Number of Units per Building – N/A for any allowed attached dwellings in the
RMF zone.
3. Unit Lot Subdivision Standards: Parent sites developed or proposed to be developed
with attached townhouse dwellings may be subdivided into unit lots and the remainder
of the parent site shall be platted as one or more tracts. Any private open space or private
amenities for a dwelling unit shall be provided on the same unit lot as the dwelling unit.
The density of the parent site shall not exceed the maximum net density of the zone. Only
one dwelling unit shall be located on a unit lot. The parent site would need to comply
with all development standards as though it were a standalone lot. Please see RMC
4-7-090 for additional requirements and regulations for unit lot subdivisions.
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
4-2-110B, Development Standards for Residential High Density (Primary Structures). The
parent site would be subject to compliance with the minimum lot size, width, and
depth requirements of the RMF zone.
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.
Drainage – Make adequate provision for drainage ways, streets, alleys, other public ways,
water supplies and sanitary wastes.
4. Residential Design and Open Space Standards: All new townhouse units in the RMF
zone would be subject to the Residential Design Standards outlined in RMC 4-2-115.
Residential Design Review occurs as part of the Site Plan Review. For example, site
design requirements for townhomes in the R-14 zones would require 350 square feet of
common open space for each unit in the development. Open space may not have a slope
greater than 5%. Each ground-related dwelling shall have a private yard that is at least
250 square feet in size with no dimension less than eight feet (8') in width. An additional
two hundred fifty (250) square feet of open space per unit shall be added to the required
amount of common open space for each unit that is not ground related. An example of
the residential design standard requirement includes developments of more than four
structures shall incorporate a variety of home sizes, lot sizes, and unit clusters. Building
entries must take access from and face a street, park, common green, pocket park,
pedestrian easement, or open space. Open space should be contiguous to the majority
of the dwellings in the development, accessible to all dwellings, and shall be at least
twenty feet (30') wide. All site design, open space, and residential design standards
would be verified at the time of formal land use application.
5. Refuse and Recycling Areas: Multi-family residences using thirty-five (35) gallon
garbage carts or smaller must be provided either within the garage or outside. Storage
NE 12th St Townhomes
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within a garage must be appropriately sized to accommodate both vehicles and
refuse and recycling carts. Storage space for carts must measure at least two feet by
six feet (2’ x 6’) floor area and sixty inches (60”) high. This space must be identified on
floor plans. Storage located outside must measure at least two feet by six feet (2’ x 6’) in
size and be located on the same lot as the dwelling in a side or rear yard. Outdoor storage
must be adequately screened from public view, made of wood, masonry, or ornamental
metal. A minimum of one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet per dwelling unit in multi-family
residences shall be provided for recyclables deposit areas. A minimum of three (3)
square feet per dwelling unit shall be provided for refuse deposit areas. A total minimum
area of eighty (80) square feet shall be provided for refuse and recyclables deposit areas.
See RMC 4-4-090 for additional information and standards. Compliance with the refuse
and recyclable standards would be verified at the time of formal land use
application.
All site design, open space, and residential design standards applicable to the RM-
F zone would be verified at the time of site plan review.
6. Landscaping: Except for 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 will 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.
Individual unit lots are exempt from the following subsections of Section 4-4-070,
Landscaping but instead are applied to the parent site for unit lot subdivisions:
a. RMC 4-4-070F1, Street Frontage Landscaping Required;
b. RMC 4-4-070F2, Street Trees and Landscaping Required Within the Right-of-Way
on Public Streets; and
c. RMC 4-4-070F3, Front Yard Trees Required When Street Trees Are Not Located
Within the Right-of-Way Abutting a Front Yard.
Stormwater Facility Perimeter Landscaping: A landscaping strip with a minimum
fifteen feet (15') of width shall be located on the outside of the perimeter fence, unless
otherwise determined through the site plan review or subdivision review process.
NE 12th St Townhomes
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Please refer to landscape regulations (RMC 4-4-070) for additional general and specific
landscape requirements. A conceptual landscape plan demonstrating compliance
with the landscape standards shall be submitted at the time of land use application.
7. Significant Tree Retention: Application materials identify that there are mature trees on
the site. When 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.
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
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
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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 area
or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that
involves tree removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
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.
8. Fences/Retaining Walls: If the applicant intends to install any fences as part of this
project, the location must be designated on the landscape plan. A wall taller than four
feet requires a building permit. Fences up to six-feet in height are permitted in the rear
yard and side yard; fences up to four feet are permitted in the front yard. Any part of a
yard that is within a clear vision area has a limited fence height of 42 inches. 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.
New or existing fencing would need to comply with the fence requirements of the code
(RMC 4-4-040).
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.
9. Parking: Townhouse development requires a minimum and maximum of two (2) onsite
parking stalls per dwelling unit. Parking spaces within the garages shall be a minimum of
8’x20’. Parking stalls within garages may count toward minimum requirements. The
applicant must provide detailed parking information with the formal land use
application, including stall dimensions, drive aisle measurements, and total parking
calculations based on the actual square footage used for the mixed use.
One-half (0.5) bicycle parking space is required per each dwelling unit. Spaces shall meet
the requirements of RMC 4-4-080F.11.c, Bicycle Parking Standards.
Compliance with this requirement would be verified at the time of formal land use
application.
10. Access/Driveways: The proposed access is shown as a driveway off NE 12th St for the
project site. The maximum width of single loaded garage driveways shall not exceed nine
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feet (9') and double loaded garage driveways shall not exceed sixteen feet (16').
Driveways shall not be closer than five feet (5') to any property line. Maximum driveway
slopes shall not exceed 15 percent; provided, that driveways exceeding eight percent
(8%) shall provide slotted drains at the lower end with positive drainage discharge to
restrict runoff entering the garage/residence or crossing any public sidewalk. If the grade
exceeds 15%, a variance is required. Driveways shall not be closer than five feet (5’) to
any property line except as allowed per RMC 4-4-080I.9, Joint Use Driveways.
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.
In accordance with RMC 4-7-150E.5, Alley access is the preferred street pattern for all
new residential development except in the Residential Low Density land use designation
(RC, R-1, and R-4 zones) and the R-6 zone. Please revise the proposed layout to provide
an alley loaded access to the proposed townhomes.
Alternatively, in accordance with RMC 4-6-060K, 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 applicant shall demonstrate compliance with access standards at the time of
formal short plat application. Compliance with individual driveway and parking
standards would be verified at the time of building permit review.
11. Urban Design Regulations: Compliance with Urban Design Regulations, District ‘B’, is
required. The land use application shall provide a written narrative to identify how
the project meets each applicable urban design regulation. Please refer the
standards in their entirety at RMC 4-3-100. The following bullets are some, but not all, of
the guidelines and standards outlined in the regulations.
12. Critical Areas: Per COR Maps, critical areas or their associated buffers are not located
on the site. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ascertain whether any critical areas
or environmental concerns are present on the subject property prior to development
and/or construction
13. Environmental Review: The construction of nine (9) dwelling units or more on a project
site requires Environmental (SEPA) Review in accordance with WAC 197-11-800.
14. Subdivision: Unit lot subdivisions of greater than nine (9) unit lots shall be processed as
a preliminary plat and are subject to all provisions of RMC 4-7-080, Detailed Procedures
for Subdivisions, unless otherwise specified by this Section.
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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
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 loading
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. Waiver 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.
17. Permit Requirements: The proposed project would require Environmental (SEPA)
Review, Site Plan Review, Unit Lot Subdivision, and Preliminary Plat approval by the
Hearing Examiner. All land use applications would be processed concurrently within an
estimated time frame of 12 weeks. The 2025 application fees are as follows: SEPA Review
is $1,856, Hearing Examiner Site Plan Review is $4,402, and Preliminary Plat is $12,547.
A 5% technology fee would also be assessed at the time of land use application. Any
modifications requested would require an additional $299 fee. All fees are subject to
change. In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building
permits would be required. Detailed information regarding the land use permit
application submittal requirements can be found on the Administrative Site Plan Review
and the Preliminary 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.
In addition to the required land use permits, separate construction and building permits
would be required. For unit lot subdivisions, construction may commence upon approval
of a site plan and issuance of a building permit prior to final subdivision approval and
recording if all applicable permits and approvals have been obtained by the applicant.
However, no dwelling unit or unit lot may be sold, transferred, occupied or conveyed prior
to final subdivision approval and recording.
18. Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and Type III
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. The applicant is solely responsible for the construction,
installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign.
19. Public Meeting: Please note a neighborhood meeting, according to RMC 4-8-090, is
required for:
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a. Preliminary plat applications;
b. Planned urban development applications; and
c. Projects estimated by the City to have a monetary value equal to or greater than
ten million dollars ($10,000,000), unless waived by the Administrator.
The intent of this meeting is to facilitate an informal discussion between the project
developer and the neighbors regarding the project. The neighborhood meeting occurs
after a pre-application meeting and before submittal of applicable permit applications.
The public meeting shall be held within Renton city limits, at a location no further than
two (2) miles from the project site.
20. Public Outreach Sign: Preliminary Plats require the applicant to install a public outreach
sign. Public outreach signs are intended to supplement information provided by public
information signs by allowing an applicant to develop a personalized promotional
message for the proposed development. The sign is also intended to provide the public
with a better sense of proposed development by displaying a colored rendering of the
project and other required or discretionary information that lends greater understanding
of the project.
21. Impact Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees
would be required. Fees change periodically and the fees in effect at the time of building
permit issuance would apply. For informational purposes, the 2025 impact fees are as
follows:
a. A Transportation Impact Fee assessed at $6,987.79 per each new townhome.
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.
d. A Renton School District Impact Fee assessed at $3,268 per townhome (plus a
5% processing charge) per each new detached dwelling unit.
A handout listing all of the City’s Development related fees is available for your review at
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=11713108&dbid=0&repo=C
ityofRenton.
22. 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 Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner, at 425-430-7238 or
mkerrihard@rentonwa.gov to submit prescreen materials and subsequent land use
application.
23. Expiration: Upon approval, preliminary plat approval shall lapse unless a final 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 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 the original life of the preliminary plat, provided
the Administrator finds that the applicant has obtained issuance of a construction permit
and has made sustained progress towards final construction, engineering, and surveying
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necessary to record a final plat. It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor the
expiration dates.