HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Justification_082125_v1August 9, 2025 | Page 1
August 9, 2025
To City of Renton
Planning Division
Attn: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Project Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Project # 20240132.0
Re Conditional Use Permit Justification
Ms. Kerrihard:
On behalf of Valvoline, LLC, please accept this project justification as Valvoline’s application and request
for your review and approval of a proposed Conditional Use Permit (RMC 4-9-030E) for the Valvoline
Instant Oil Change located at 4225 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA 98056.
a. Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The proposed use shall be compatible with the general goals,
objectives, policies and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning regulations, and any other
plans, programs, maps, or ordinances of the City of Renton.
The proposed use classified as a vehicle service and repair, small, is compatible with the city’s goals to
support commercial development that provides essential services while maintaining community
aesthetics and minimizing negative impacts such as noise, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution.
Valvoline implements best management practices for handling oil, lubricants, and other automotive fluids
to prevent contamination of soil and stormwater, consistent with the Plan’s environmental goals. The
functions of the space will be identical to similar uses that are nearby the property that are already
approved.
As such Valvoline is compatible with the general purpose of the zoning ordinance for this parcel. The
function falls well within the objectives and standards of the comprehensive plan.
b. Appropriate Location: The proposed location shall not result in the detrimental overconcentration of a
particular use within the City or within the immediate area of the proposed use. The proposed location
shall be suited for the proposed use.
The location along 4th avenue is well-positioned with several other complementary auto services. Only one
other establishment offers quick service vehicle repairs similar to individual vehicles, not in direct
competition with the fleet service business directly adjacent to the project site.
c. Effect on Adjacent Properties: The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in substantial
or undue adverse effects on adjacent property.
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Valvoline places great emphasis on utilizing environmentally friendly practices while delivering high-quality
services to the community, ensuring that the facility minimizes its impact on the surrounding environment
including not overparking their lot with unnecessary paving contributing to surface run-off to the local
ecosystem.
Valvoline’s building is constructed with sealed floor drains and constant pressure switches provide an
extra level of fluid containment. In addition, the building contains a full basement with no in-ground storage
tanks and enclosed in a liquid-proof membrane. It also houses an oil-water separator that treats
wastewater by splitting oil and water into their respective components for safe discharge.
Valvoline is categorized as low traffic with typical 23 peak trips per day. The proposed use does not
increase any of the variables of traffic or noise than what is already provisioned for on the site. The
proposed site plan maintains the existing traffic patterns, fixtures are downlit and the building is oriented
for mitigation of headlight reflections directly into the adjacent residential property and 4th street roadway.
Additionally, the headlights will not be on while the vehicles are being serviced.
d. Compatibility: The proposed use shall be compatible with the scale and character of the neighborhood.
The proposed building height shall not exceed 24’-0” and maintains a similar color palate to adjacent
parcels along 4th Street, relatively lower in height than buildings in immediate proximity.
e. Parking: Adequate parking is, or will be made, available.
Per the City municipal requirements of 2.5 stalls per 1000 square feet, 8 stalls are required. Nine (9) stalls
are proposed, including one (1) accessible stall, parking meets these requirements.
f. Traffic: The use shall ensure safe movement for vehicles and pedestrians and shall mitigate potential
effects on the surrounding area.
The site design has made no modifications to the existing driveways to minimize altering ingress/ egress
from the proposed site. Within the site, best practices have been implemented to separate vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
g. Noise, Light and Glare: Potential noise, light and glare impacts from the proposed use shall be
evaluated and mitigated.
As required, the building construction does include soundproofing for more audible equipment like the air
compressors. The proposed site plan maintains the existing traffic patterns, fixtures are downlit and
building is oriented for mitigation of headlight reflections directly into the adjacent residents and 4th street
roadway. Additionally, the headlights will not be on while the vehicles are being serviced.
h. Landscaping: Landscaping shall be provided in all areas not occupied by buildings, paving, or critical
areas. Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from potentially adverse
effects of the proposed use.
The proposed site plan contains landscaping areas where areas are not directly subject to vehicular traffic.
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i. Specific Requirements for Kennels and Pet Day Cares: (not applicable)
j. Specific Requirements for Live-Work Units: (not applicable)
Valvoline's proposed auto repair facility offers a range of benefits to the community, including enhanced
aesthetics, environmental sustainability, safe practices, convenience, job creation, and collaborative
partnerships. We would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss the project and address any
questions or concerns you may have. Valvoline is committed to operating in accordance with all relevant
regulations and working closely with city officials to ensure the project's successful implementation.
Sincerely,
LeAmber Yisrael