HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_MBAKS_Public Comment_20250916
September 16, 2025
City of Renton Planning Commission Renton City Hall
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
RE: Comments on Proposed Updates to Renton’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO)
Dear Planning Commissioners,
On behalf of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish
Counties (MBAKS), representing nearly 2,500 members, thank you for your work to update Renton’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). We support efforts to align with Best Available Science and state requirements while ensuring the ordinance also supports housing
opportunity, predictability, and flexibility—especially for infill and middle
housing.
As MBAKS has emphasized in similar policy discussions across the region, it is critical that jurisdictions balance environmental protections with broader planning goals. The Growth Management Act (GMA) does
not prioritize one goal over another. While protecting the environment is a central objective (Goal 10), cities must also consider how new regulations affect other important objectives, including:
• Urban Growth – Support development in areas with existing
infrastructure.
• Housing – Promote diverse, affordable housing.
• Property Rights – Avoid overly restrictive regulations.
• Permits – Ensure timely, fair, and predictable permitting.
We encourage the Commission to ask staff to clarify which changes are required by law or BAS, and where discretion exists. Key questions include:
• Will updates increase housing costs or delay permitting?
• Are all changes required, or are some discretionary?
• Are there alternative approaches that meet BAS with fewer
impacts?
• Is there BAS demonstrating that current regulations are failing to protect existing functions and values?
While we support the City of Renton’s goal of aligning with best
available science and state law, we remain concerned that several
provisions in the materials presented to date could unintentionally hinder housing production, especially in urban and infill contexts.
Expanded Buffer Widths and Setbacks
Proposed increases in wetland buffers may significantly reduce development capacity, particularly in already constrained infill zones. We recommend flexibility for urban areas and request that buffer changes be tied to clear, localized performance data demonstrating the need for expansion. While well-intentioned, these changes could significantly impact housing development. Buffer and setback expansions reduce
buildable land, especially in infill areas. Absent evidence that the current regulations are failing to protect existing wetland functions and values, we do not see a factual basis for the proposed amendments.
As the Council reviews the proposed critical areas updates, we encourage a balanced approach that reflects the Growth Management Act’s intent to consider all 15 goals
equally—not in isolation. We ask that you to weigh how new regulations may affect urban growth, housing affordability, and permit efficiency. Broad or inflexible rules can limit development in areas with existing infrastructure and drive-up housing costs. We urge the City of Renton to clearly distinguish between state-mandated updates and discretionary changes, allowing for alternative approaches that still protect the
environment while supporting housing goals.
We look forward to working with Renton to ensure the final ordinance reflects a balanced approach to sustainability and housing opportunity.
Sincerely,
Matt Haight
Government Affairs Manager Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties mhaight@mbaks.com | (425) 451-7920