HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 6173CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 6173
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, AMENDING
CHAPTER 4-2 SECTIONS 4-2-060, 4-2-080.A.6.d, 4-2-080.A.38, 4-2-
080.A.39, 4-2-110.C.4, 4-2-110.F.12, AND 4-2-110.F.6; CHAPTER 4-4
SECTIONS 4-4-080.F.10.e AND 4-4-155; AND CHAPTER 4-11 SECTIONS 4-
11-010, 4-11-020, 4-11-030, 4-11-040, 4-11-200.V, AND 4-11-200.W OF THE
RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE, AMENDING ZONING REGULATIONS,
REPEALING OUTDATED TERMS, ADDING CO -LIVING HOUSING
DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS, AUTHORIZING CORRECTIONS,
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City seeks to adopt regulations allowing co -living housing, as
required by House Bill (HB) 1998; and
WHEREAS, HB 1998 requires cities to allow co -living housing on any lot within an
urban growth area where at least six multifamily units are allowed, including lots zoned for
mixed -use development; and
WHEREAS, this amendment establishes standards for co -living housing related to
unit eligibility, parking, and density; and
WHEREAS, the City of Renton is required to implement the new co -living housing
requirements by December 31, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of HB 1998; and
WHEREAS, this matter was duly referred to the Planning Commission for
investigation and study, and the matter was considered bythe Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.106, on June 13, 2025, the City notified the
State of Washington of its intent to adopt amendments to its development regulations; and
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 2, 2025,
considered all relevant matters, and heard all parties in support or opposition, and
subsequently forwarded a recommendation to the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON,
DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. All portions of the Renton Municipal Code in this ordinance that are not
shown in strikethrough and underline edits or are not explicitly repealed herein remain in
effect and unchanged.
SECTION II. Section 4-2-060 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as as shown
in Exhibit A.
SECTION III. Subsection 4-2-080.A.6.d. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
d. Mixed-Income Housing: Upon any site and its abutting lots in the CV zone:
i. There shall be no more than:
(a) One hundred (100) dwelling units for rent/lease with income
restrictions; provided, that an additional ten (10) such units may be
created for every twenty (20) market-rate dwelling units (e.g., if twenty (20)
market-rate units are created, ten (10) more income-restricted units may
be created); or
(b) Two hundred (200) dwelling units for sale with income restrictions;
provided, that an additional ten (10) such units may be created for every
twenty (20) market-rate dwelling units; or
(c) Any combination of one hundred fifty (150) or more dwelling units
for rent/lease or sale with income restrictions; provided, that an additional
ten (10) such units may be created for every twenty (20) market-rate
dwelling units.
ii. Within a site, market-rate units shall not have substantially less floor
area, number of bedrooms or bathrooms as compared to the varying sizes and
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number of bedrooms and bathrooms for income-restricted units (i.e.,
inasmuch as the floor area or number of bedrooms and bathrooms varies
among income- restricted units, market-rate units shall have a similar mix of
unit floor area and number of bedrooms and bathrooms). This provision does
not apply to co-living housing. This provision can only be altered if based on a
market study and in conjunction with a modification granted per RMC 4-9-
250.
iii. For the purposes of these standards the terms “market-rate” and
“income-restricted” dwelling units shall have the following meanings:
(a) Market-rate units: dwelling units for which homeowners (and
renters, if rented) do not have income eligibility restrictions and the sale
price (or rent, if applicable) is not artificially restricted in any manner.
(b) Income-restricted units: dwelling units that are only eligible for
households or individuals earning no more than a certain income level, or
for which the rent or sale price is restricted by any legal instrument.
SECTION IV. Subsection 4-2-080.A.38. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
38. Reserved. Specified use(s) are permitted when located within ¼ mile
walking distance of a Major Transit Stop (Area B). The distance is measured
through the creation of a walkshed, which represents the collective spatial
area within a defined walking distance from major transit stops (e.g. one
quarter (¼) mile). Geospatial tools incorporating major transit stop locations
and mapped pedestrian networks are used to approximate and map the
walkshed boundary. Lots that partially intersect or partially fall within the
walkshed shall be treated as entirely within.
SECTION V. Subsection 4-2-080.A.39. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
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39. Reserved. Specified use(s) are permitted if the net density of the
corresponding zone allows at least six (6) dwelling units on the subject site.
SECTION VI. Subsection 4-2-110.C.4. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
4. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: The following development standards are
established for ADUs:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS4, 10
Maximum Number
of Units24
Two (2) ADUs are allowed per legal lot as an accessory
use to a principal dwelling.
Configuration
Either one (1) attached ADU and one (1) detached ADU,
two (2) attached ADUs, or two (2) detached ADUs. ADUs
may be established within or as an addition to the
principal dwelling.
In RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-8 zones, when two (2) ADUs
are proposed, the second ADU shall comply with the
location and setback requirements applicable to the
principal dwelling.
Maximum Gross
Floor Area40
1,000 sq. ft.
Maximum Building
Area26, 41
1,000 sq. ft.
Conversions25 If a conversion unit occupies an entire single floor of the
primary dwelling, it may be allowed to increase the
maximum unit size to efficiently use all the floor area.
Conversion units greater than 1,250 sq. ft. shall be
classified as an attached dwelling rather than ADU.
Parking20 A minimum of 1.0 parking space per dwelling unit.
No off-street parking required for ADUs located on lots
within a ½ mile walking distance fromof a Major Transit
Stop (Area A).
Design Standards See RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design Standards.
ATTACHED AND INTERNAL ADUs
Setbacks and
Building Height
ADUs shall comply with the standards applicable to
primary structures, pursuant to RMC 4-2-110A,
Development Standards for Residential Low Density and
Medium Density Zones – Primary Structures, and RMC 4-
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2-110B, Development Standards for Residential High
Density Zones.
DETACHED ADUs
Front Yard and
Secondary Front
Yard Setbacks
ADUs shall comply with the location and front yard
setback requirements of the underlying zone, pursuant
to RMC 4-2-110A, Development Standards for
Residential Low Density and Medium Density Zones and
RMC 4-2-110B, Development Standards for Residential
High Density Zones.
Detached ADUs shall be located at least 4 ft. from any
residential structure otherwise the structure shall be
considered an attached ADU.
Side Yard
Setbacks
RC and R-1 zones: 25 ft.
R-4, R-6, and R-8 zones: 5 ft.
R-10 and R-14 zones: 4 ft.
Rear Yard
Setbacks
5 ft. When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line,
at least 25% of the lineal length of the rear yard shall
remain unoccupied from accessory dwellings.
ADUs may be sited at the rear lot line where an alley is
present.
Building Height23, 42 24 ft. measured to the highest point of a flat roof or the
highest ridge of a pitched roof.
SECTION VII. Subsection 4-2-110.F.6. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
6. Maximum Dwelling Units per Legal Lot: A maximum number of dwelling
units are allowed per legal lot, within applicable zones, as shown in the
following table. For the purposes of this subsection, accessory dwelling units
and single-family dwelling units are included in the calculation of maximum
dwelling units per lot. For middle housing unit lot subdivisions, the maximum
dwelling units per legal lot shall apply to the parent site as a whole, rather than
to individual unit lots.
Lots in all Applicable
Zones
Lots located within ¼
mile walking distance20
of a Major Transit Stop
(Area B)
Lots with Affordable
Housing
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4 dwelling units per lot. 6 dwelling units per lot.
6 dwelling units per lot,
provided at least 2 units
are reserved for
affordable housing
pursuant to subsection
9, Affordable Middle
Housing Units.
SECTION VIII. Subsection 4-2-110.F.12. of the Renton Municipal Code is
amended as follows:
12. Parking and Driveway Standards: Middle housing developments shall
comply with all driveway and parking design standards applicable to single
family development, pursuant to RMC 4-4-080, Parking, Loading and Driveway
Regulations, except for the number of required parking spaces, which shall be
subject to the following:
a. Off-Street Parking Spaces Required for Middle Housing:
Lots 6,000 sq. ft.
or Less
Lots greater than
6,000 sq. ft.
Lots located within ½ mile
walking distance20 of a
Major Transit Stop (Area B)
A minimum of 1.0
per dwelling unit.
A minimum of 2.0
per dwelling unit.
No off-street parking
required. Developers that
provide off-street parking
spaces, when not required
by this subsection, are
eligible for parking
incentives pursuant to
subsection 12.b of this
section.
b. Parking Incentives for Middle Housing Development Located within ½
Mile Walking Distance20 of a Major Transit Stop (Area B): Middle housing
developments that provide off-street parking spaces as shown in the
following table, when not otherwise required by this subsection, are
eligible for the following parking incentives, provided the increase is
feasible and consistent with the Surface Water Design Manual. For each
increase in number of parking spaces provided, the applicant is eligible for
an additional parking incentive. For example, applicants that provide a
minimum of 2.0 parking spaces per dwelling unit are eligible for the
incentives below.
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Number of Off-Street
Parking Stalls Provided Incentives
A minimum of 1.0 per
dwelling unit.
10% Increase in Maximum Impervious
Surface Area permitted by the subject
zone, pursuant to RMC 4-2-110A; and
A minimum of 2.0 per
dwelling unit.
5% Increase in Maximum Building
Coverage permitted by the subject zone,
pursuant to RMC 4-2-110A.
SECTION IX. Subsection 4-4-080.F.10.e. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended
as follows:
e. Parking Spaces Required Based on Land Use:
USE NUMBER OF REQUIRED SPACES
GENERAL:
Uses not specifically
identified in this
Section:
Department staff shall determine which of the
below uses is most similar based upon staff
experience with various uses and information
provided by the applicant. The amount of required
parking for uses not listed above shall be the same
as for the most similar use listed below.
Bicycle parking: See minimum requirements in subsection F11 of
this Section.
Parking in Excess of
Maximum Standards:
Maximum ratios for off-street parking facilities
may be exceeded by up to 10% if the applicant
implements low impact development techniques
that reduce stormwater runoff and manages
stormwater on site in a way that exceeds the
requirements of surface water management in
RMC 4-6-030.
COMMERCIAL MIXED USES OUTSIDE OF CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE:
Commercial mixed use
with 2 or 3 individual
establishments (except
vertical mixed use
developments):
The total requirement for off-street parking
facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for
each use computed separately.
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Shopping centers (4 or
more individual
commercial
establishments):
A minimum of 2.5 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area and a maximum of 5.0 per 1,000 square feet
of net floor area. In the UC-1 and UC-2 Zones, a
maximum of 4.0 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area is permitted unless structured parking is
provided, in which case 5.0 per 1,000 square feet
of net floor area is permitted. Drive-through retail
or drive-through service uses must comply with
the stacking space provisions listed below.
Commercial within
vertical mixed-use
developments:
A minimum of 2.5 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area and a maximum of 5.0 per 1,000 square feet
of net floor area. In the UC-1 and UC-2 Zones, a
maximum of 4.0 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area is permitted unless structured parking is
provided, in which case 5.0 per 1,000 square feet
of net floor area is permitted.
RESIDENTIAL USES OUTSIDE OF CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE:
Detached dwellings and
townhouses:
A minimum of 2.0 per dwelling unit, however, 1.0
per dwelling unit may be permitted for 1 bedroom
or less dwelling units.
Attached dwellings in R-
10, R-14, and RMF
Zones:
Attached dwellings in R-10, R-14, and RMF
Zones1: , A minimum and maximum of 1.6 per 3
bedroom or large dwelling unit; 1.4 per 2 bedroom
dwelling unit; 1.0 per 1 bedroom or studio dwelling
unit. In addition to the minimum parking stalls
required, a minimum 10% of the total number of
required parking spaces shall be provided for
guest parking and located in a common area
accessible by guests.
Attached dwellings in
Commercial Zones:
1.0 per dwelling unit is required. A maximum of
1.75 per dwelling unit is allowed.
Affordable housing
dwelling units:
A minimum of 1.0 for each 4 dwelling units is
required. A maximum of 1.75 per dwelling unit is
allowed.
Middle housing dwelling
units:
See RMC 4-2-110F, Development Standards for
Middle Housing, for number of required parking
spaces.
Accessory dwelling
units:
See RMC 4-2-110C, Development Standards for
Accessory Dwelling Units, for number of required
parking spaces.
Cottage house
developments:
A minimum and maximum of 1.6 per cottage
house of 3 bedrooms or greater; 1.4 per 2-
bedroom cottage house; 1.0 per 1-bedroom
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cottage house or studio. In addition to the
minimum parking stalls required, a minimum 20%
of the total number of required parking spaces in
the cottage house development shall be provided
for guest parking and located in a common area
accessible by guests.
Manufactured homes
within a manufactured
home park:
A minimum of 2.0 per manufactured home site,
plus a screened parking area shall be provided for
boats, campers, travel trailers and related devices
at a ratio of 1.0 screened space per 10 units.
Congregate
residencesCo-living
housing:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per sleeping
room and 1.0 for the proprietor, plus 1.0 additional
space for each 4 persons employed on the
premises. A minimum of 0.25 parking space per
sleeping unit and a maximum of 1.0 parking space
per sleeping unit.
No minimum off-street parking is required for co-
living housing located on lots within a ½ mile
walking distance of a Major Transit Stop (Area A).
Assisted living: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 space per
residential unit of assisted living, plus dedicated
parking spaces for facility fleet vehicles.
Live-work unit,
residential unit:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per unit.
RESIDENTIAL USES IN CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE:
Attached dwellings: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per unit.
Affordable housing
dwelling units:
1.0 for every 4 dwelling units is required. A
maximum of 1.75 per dwelling unit is allowed.
Congregate residences: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 4 sleeping
rooms and 1.0 for the proprietor, plus 1.0
additional space for each 4 persons employed on
the premises.
Assisted living: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 space per
residential unit of assisted living, plus dedicated
parking spaces for facility fleet vehicles.
Detached dwellings
(existing legal):
A minimum of 2.0 per unit.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE:
Drive-through retail or
drive-through service:
Stacking spaces: The drive-through facility shall
be so located that sufficient on-site vehicle
stacking space is provided for the handling of
motor vehicles using such facility during peak
business hours. Typically 5.0 stacking spaces per
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window are required unless otherwise determined
by the Administrator. Stacking spaces cannot
obstruct required parking spaces or
ingress/egress within the site or extend into the
public right-of-way.
Banks: A minimum of 2.5 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area and a maximum of 5.0 per 1,000 square feet
of net floor area.
Convalescent centers: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 for every 2
employees plus 1.0 for every 3 beds.
Day care centers, adult
day care (I and II):
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 for each
employee and 2.0 drop-off/pick-up spaces within
100 feet of the main entrance for every 25 clients
of the program.
Hotels and motels: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per guest room
plus 1.0 for every 3 employees.
Bed and breakfast
houses:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per guest room.
Mortuaries or funeral
homes:
A minimum and maximum of 10 per 1,000 square
feet of floor area of assembly rooms.
Vehicle sales (large and
small vehicles) with
outdoor retail sales
areas:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 5,000 square
feet. The sales area is not a parking lot and does
not have to comply with dimensional
requirements, landscaping or the bulk storage
section requirements for setbacks and screening.
Any arrangement of motor vehicles is allowed as
long as:
• A minimum 5-foot perimeter landscaping area is
provided;
• They are not displayed in required landscape
areas; and
• Adequate fire access is provided per Fire
Department approval.
Vehicle service and
repair (large and small
vehicles):
A minimum and maximum of 2.5 per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area.
Offices, medical and
dental:
A minimum and maximum of 5.0 per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area.
Offices, general: A minimum of 2.0 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area and a maximum of 4.5 parking spaces per
1,000 square feet of net floor area.
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Eating and drinking
establishments and
taverns:
A minimum and maximum of 10 per 1,000 square
feet of dining area.
Eating and drinking
establishment
combination sit-
down/drive-through
restaurant:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 75 square
feet of dining area.
Retail sales and
wholesale retail sales:
A minimum and maximum of 2.5 per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area, except wholesale retail
sales, which is allowed a maximum of 5.0 per
1,000 square feet of net floor area if shared and/or
structured parking is provided.
Retail marijuana: A minimum of 4.0 and a maximum of 5.0 per 1,000
square feet of net floor area.
Services, on-site
(except as specified
below):
A minimum and maximum of 3.0 per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area.
Clothing or shoe repair
shops, furniture,
appliance, hardware
stores, household
equipment:
A minimum and maximum of 2.0 per 1,000 square
feet of net floor area.
Uncovered commercial
area, outdoor
nurseries:
A minimum and maximum of 0.5 per 1,000 square
feet of retail sales area in addition to any parking
requirements for buildings.
Recreational and entertainment uses:
Outdoor and indoor
sports arenas,
auditoriums, stadiums,
movie theaters, and
entertainment clubs:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 for every 4 fixed
seats or 10 per 1,000 square feet of floor area of
main auditorium or of principal place of assembly
not containing fixed seats, whichever is greater.
Bowling alleys: A minimum and maximum of 2.0 per alley.
Dance halls, dance
clubs, and skating
rinks:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 40 square
feet of net floor area.
Golf driving ranges: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per driving
station.
Marinas: A minimum and maximum of 2.0 per 3 slips. For
private marina associated with a residential
complex, then 1.0 per 3 slips. Also 1 loading area
per 25 slips.
Miniature golf courses: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per hole.
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Other recreational: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per occupant
based upon 50% of the maximum occupant load
as established by the adopted Building and Fire
Codes of the City of Renton.
Travel trailers: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per trailer site.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CENTER DOWNTOWN ZONE:
Convalescent center,
drive-through retail,
drive-through service,
hotels, mortuaries,
indoor sports arenas,
auditoriums, movie
theaters, entertainment
clubs, bowling alleys,
dance halls, dance
clubs, and other
recreational uses:
These uses follow the standards applied outside
the Center Downtown Zone.
Retail marijuana: A minimum of 4.0 and a maximum of 5.0 per 1,000
square feet of net floor area.
All commercial uses
allowed in the CD Zone
except for the uses
listed above:
A maximum of 1.0 space per 1,000 square feet of
net floor area, with no minimum requirement.
INDUSTRIAL/STORAGE ACTIVITIES:
Airplane hangars, tie-
down areas:
Parking is not required. Hangar space or tie-down
areas are to be utilized for necessary parking.
Minimum and maximum parking for offices
associated with hangars is 5.0 per 1,000 square
feet.
Manufacturing and
fabrication,
laboratories, and
assembly and/or
packaging operations:
A minimum of 1.0 per 1,000 square feet of net floor
area and a maximum of 1.5 spaces per 1,000
square feet of net floor area (including warehouse
space).
Self service storage: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 3,500 square
feet of net floor area. Maximum of 3.0 moving
van/truck spaces is permitted.
Outdoor storage area: A minimum and maximum of 0.5 per 1,000 square
feet of area.
Warehouses and indoor
storage buildings:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 1,500 square
feet of net floor area.
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC ACTIVITIES:
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Religious institutions: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 for every 5 seats
in the main auditorium; however, in no case shall
there be less than 10.0 spaces. For all existing
institutions enlarging the seating capacity of their
auditoriums, 1.0 additional parking space shall be
provided for every 5 additional seats provided by
the new construction. For all institutions making
structural alterations or additions that do not
increase the seating capacity of the auditorium,
see “outdoor and indoor sports arenas,
auditoriums, stadiums, movie theaters, and
entertainment clubs.”
Medical institutions: A minimum and maximum of 1.0 for every 3 beds,
plus 1.0 per staff doctor, plus 1.0 for every 3
employees.
Cultural facilities: A minimum and maximum of 40 per 1,000 square
feet.
Public post office: A minimum and maximum of 3.0 for every 1,000
square feet.
Secure community
transition facilities:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per 3 beds, plus
1.0 per staff member.
Schools:
Elementary and junior
high:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per employee. In
addition, if buses for the transportation of
students are kept at the school, 1.0 off-street
parking space shall be provided for each bus of a
size sufficient to park each bus.
Senior high schools:
public, parochial and
private:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per employee
plus 1.0 space for every 10 students enrolled. In
addition, if buses for the private transportation of
children are kept at the school, 1.0 off-street
parking space shall be provided for each bus of a
size sufficient to park each bus.
Colleges and
universities, arts and
crafts schools/studios,
and trade or vocational
schools:
A minimum and maximum of 1.0 per employee
plus 1.0 for every 3 student rooming units, plus 0.5
space for every full-time student not residing on
campus. In addition, if buses for transportation of
students are kept at the school, 1.0 off-street
parking space shall be provided for each bus of a
size sufficient to park each bus.
SECTION X. Section 4-4-155.B of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as follows:
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B. APPLICABILITY:
The standards of this Section shall apply to all attached dwelling units,
excluding Middle Housing and co-living housing.
SECTION XI. Section 4-11-010 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as follows:
For the purpose of this Title, the following words, terms, phrases and their
derivations shall have the meaning given herein, unless the context otherwise
indicates.
4-11-010 DEFINITIONS A:
A. ABANDONMENT OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITIES: See RMC 4-
5-120G.
B. ABUTTING: Lots sharing one or more property lines or easements;
provided, that any improved or unimproved right-of-way of the City, other
cities, or the State shall, for the purposes of this definition, disqualify lots as
abutting.
C. ACCESS EASEMENT: See EASEMENT, ACCESS.
D. ACCESSORY BUILDING: A subordinate building located upon the same lot
occupied by a principal use or building with which it is customarily
associated, but clearly incidental to. This definition excludes accessory
dwelling units.
E. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT: See DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY.
F. ACCESSORY USE, AGRICULTURE OR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: Subordinate
and incidental uses, typically located upon the same lot, which support the
agricultural or animal husbandry use of a site including, but not limited to the
storage of agricultural products and equipment, and the sheltering of
animals.
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G. ACCESSORY USE, COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/PUBLIC/COMMUNITY
FACILITY: A use typically subordinate in size to the principal commercial,
industrial, public, community facility, or other similar principal use; that
would not contribute significantly to traffic generation, noise, or nuisance;
and that supports the primary use operation without displacing it. Uses are
typically located upon the same lot occupied by a principal use.
H. ACCESSORY USE, RESIDENTIAL: A subordinate use, which supports the
principal residential use without displacing it, typically located upon the same
lot occupied by the principal residential use with which it is customarily
associated, but clearly incidental to. The accessory use is typically
subordinate in size and supports the principal residential use without
displacing it.
I. ACT, SHORELINE MANAGEMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090,
Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) The Shoreline Management
Act of 1971, chapter 90.58 RCW as amended.
J. ACTIVE RECREATION: See RECREATION, ACTIVE.
K. ACTIVITY: A happening associated with a use; the use of energy toward a
specific action or pursuit. Examples of shoreline activities include but are not
limited to fishing, swimming, boating, dredging, fish spawning, wildlife
nesting, or discharging of materials. Not all activities necessarily require a
shoreline location.
L. ADDITIONAL ANIMALS LICENSE: An annually renewed license issued by
the Finance Department to individuals permitted to keep additional animals.
M. ADDITIONAL ANIMALS PERMIT: A conditionally granted permit for the
keeping of household pets and/or domestic animals, when they are
accessory, at greater numbers than allowed outright. For dogs, cats, and/or
combinations of dogs and cats the maximum number allowable with this
permit is six (6). Animals kept in small animal hospitals, clinics, pet shops, or
grooming services are excluded from this definition.
N. ADJACENT: Lots located across a street, railroad, or right-of-way, except
limited access roads.
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O. ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OFFICE: A use containing one or
more of the day-to-day functions (e.g., management, payroll, information
systems, inventory control) related to the operation of a company or affiliated
corporate group.
P. ADMINISTRATOR: Unless otherwise specified in this Title, Administrator
shall mean the Administrator of the Department of Community and Economic
Development or designee.
Q. ADULT DAY CARE/HEALTH: A program designed to meet the needs of
adults with functional impairments through an individualized plan of care. It
is a structured, comprehensive program that provides a variety of health,
social, and related support services in a protective setting during any part of a
day for a minimum of four (4) hours, but less than twenty four (24) hour care.
While beds may be provided for rest periods, adult day care/health uses are
not intended to function as residential facilities. A number, where specified,
is the maximum number of clients present at any one period of time during the
program operation. Adult day care/health programs are subclassified as
follows:
1. Adult Day Care/Health Category I: A maximum of four (4) clients upon
a property containing a residential use; and a maximum of twelve (12) clients
upon a property in nonresidential use.
2. Adult Day Care/Health Category II: Five (5) or more clients upon a
property containing a residential use; and thirteen (13) or more clients upon a
property in nonresidential use.
R. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS:
1. Any enterprise which, for money or any other form of consideration,
features “adult live entertainment” as defined herein; or
2. Any “adult motion picture theater” as defined herein; or
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3. Any adult arcade containing individual viewing areas or stations or
booths, where for money or any other form of consideration one or more still
or motion picture projectors, slide projectors, or similar machines, or other
image-producing machines are used to show films, motion pictures, video
cassettes, slides or other photographic reproduction of specified sexual
activities or specified anatomical areas.
S. ADULT FAMILY HOME: A state-licensed facility providing personal care,
room and board within a dwelling unit to more than one person, but not more
than four (4) adults, not related by blood or marriage to the person(s) providing
the service. A maximum of eight (8) adults may be permitted if the Washington
State Department of Social and Health Services determines the home is of
adequate size and the home and provider are capable of meeting standards
and qualifications as provided for in chapters 70.128 RCW and 388-76 WAC.
T. ADULT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: A person appearing nude or a live
performance which is characterized by specified sexual activities as defined
in RMC 4-11-190. This definition includes, but is not limited to, peep shows.
U. ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER: An enclosed building used for
presenting motion picture films, video cassettes, cable television, or any
other such visual media for observation by patrons there, distinguished or
characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to
specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
V. ADULT RETAIL USE: A retail establishment which, for money or any other
form of consideration, either: (1) has as one of its principal purposes to sell,
exchange, rent, loan, trade, transfer, and/or provide for viewing or use, off the
premises, any adult-oriented merchandise; or (2) provides, as its substantial
stock in trade, for the sale, exchange, rental, loan, trade, transfer, and/or
provide for viewing or use, off the premises, any adult-oriented merchandise.
W. ADULT-ORIENTED MERCHANDISE: Any goods, products, commodities,
or other wares, including but not limited to, videos, CD roms, DVDs,
magazines, books, pamphlets, posters, cards, periodicals or nonclothing
novelties, which depict, describe or simulate specified anatomical areas or
specified sexual activities. This definition is not intended to include movies
rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America or its successor
organization.
X. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: A dwelling unit reserved for occupancy as a
primary residence by an eligible household that qualifies as affordable under
applicable program eligibility requirements.
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Y. AGGRIEVED PARTY: A person seeking to protect what must be “arguably
within the zone of interests to be protected or regulated by the statute or
constitutional guarantee in question” and must allege an “injury in fact,” i.e.,
that he or she will be specifically and perceptibly harmed by the proposed
action.
Z. AGRICULTURE: Use of land for growing crops for sale or consumption,
other than for home agriculture. This use includes the accessory uses for
sales, packing, treating, or storing the produce; provided, that the operation
of the accessory use is clearly incidental to the agricultural activity. This
definition includes but is not limited to produce farms, vineyards, and
Christmas tree farms. This definition excludes nurseries and animal
husbandry.
AA. AGRICULTURE, HOME: The accessory use of land to grow crops at a
small or limited scale, for sale or consumption, when it occurs on the same
site as the residence of the person primarily responsible for the crops.
BB. AIR GAP: See RMC 4-6-100.
CC. AIRPLANE SALES AND REPAIR: Facilities where airplanes are displayed
for sale and/or brought for repair services.
DD. AIRPORT COMPATIBLE LAND USE: Uses and structures within the
Airport Influence Area that must be considered as to compatibility with
aviation operations associated with the Renton Municipal Airport.
EE. AIRPORT HAZARD: Any structure, tree or use of land which obstructs the
air space required for the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at the airport
or is otherwise hazardous to landing or takeoff of aircraft.
FF. AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA: The area defined by the outer perimeter of
“Safety Zone Six,” the Traffic Pattern Zone, on the Airport Influence Area Map
(RMC 4-3-020F).
GG. AIRPORT, MUNICIPAL: The Renton Municipal Airport, a general aviation
facility located in Renton, Washington.
HH. AIRPORT-RELATED USES: Uses that require proximity and access to an
airport runway.
II. ALLEY: A vehicular right-of-way not over thirty feet (30') wide which is not
designed for general travel and primarily used as means of vehicular and
pedestrian access to the rear of abutting properties.
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JJ. ALTERATION OF WATERCOURSE: Any action that will change the location
of the channel occupied by water within the banks of any portion of a riverine
water body.
KK. ANIMAL FOSTER CARE PROVIDER: A homeowner and/or tenant who
cares for an animal or animals not considered their household pet/pets or
domestic animal/animals on a temporary basis that is not longer than one
hundred twenty (120) days per animal.
LL. ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: The raising of domestic animals other than
common household pets.
MM. ANIMALS, DOMESTIC: Animals that have been bred to be tame, are
dependent on human intervention for food and shelter, and are kept
continually at the premises of the owner. These animals are to include: large
lot domestic animals, medium lot domestic animals, small lot domestic
animals, and other animals as approved by the Community and Economic
Development Administrator. Bees, peafowl, and roosters are excluded from
this definition.
NN. ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – EXTRA LARGE LOT: Livestock to include horses,
donkeys, cows, llamas and other animals of similar size and characteristics
as approved by the Development Services Division.
OO. ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – LARGE LOT: Animals that typically require a lot
size of at least one acre; to include goats, pigs, and other animals of similar
size and characteristics as approved by the Development Services Division.
PP. ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – MEDIUM LOT: Animals that typically require at
least twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) gross square feet of lot size; to
include miniature goats that are smaller than twenty-four inches (24") at the
shoulder and/or not more than one hundred fifty (150) pounds in weight,
sheep and other animals of similar size and characteristics as approved by
the Development Services Division.
QQ. ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – SMALL LOT: Animals that typically require at
least four thousand five hundred (4,500) gross square feet of lot size; to
include chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, and other animals of similar size
and characteristics as approved by the Development Services Division.
RR. APPEAL: A request for a review of any action pursuant to this Title, or of
the interpretation of any provision of the Title by any City official.
SS. APPELLANT: A person, organization, association or other similar group
who files a complete and timely appeal as set forth in Renton Municipal Code.
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TT. APPLICANT: A person who files an application of permit under this Title
and who is either the owner of the land on which that proposed activity would
be located, a contract vendee, a lessee of the land, the person who would
actually control and direct the proposed activity, or the authorized agent of
such a person.
UU. APPROVED: See RMC 4-6-100.
VV. AQUACULTURE: The culture of farming of aquatic animals and plants.
WW. AQUIFER: A geological unit of porous and permeable rock, sand or
gravel capable of yielding usable amounts of water.
XX. AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA (APA): Shall be the portion of an aquifer
within the zone of capture and recharge area for a well or well field owned or
operated by the City, and as identified in the City of Renton’s COR Maps, the
City’s online interactive mapping application available through the City’s
website. The term shall be synonymous with “wellhead protection area.”
YY. AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA PERMIT: An authorization by the
Department for a person to store, handle, treat, use or produce a hazardous
material within an APA. The two (2) types of permits that will be issued
pursuant to RMC 4-9-015, Aquifer Protection Areas Permits, and RMC 4-3-
050, Critical Areas Regulations, are an operating permit and a closure permit.
ZZ. ARBORIST, CITY: The Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager of
the City of Renton, or his or her designee.
AAA. AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING: A designated zone AO, AH, AR/AO or
AR/AH (or VO) on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one
percent (1%) or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one
to three feet (1 to 3') where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the
path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident.
Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow. Also referred to as
the sheet flow area.
BBB. AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD: The land in the floodplain within a
community subject to a one percent (1%) or greater chance of flooding in any
given year. It is shown on the flood insurance rate map (FIRM) as zone A, AO,
AH, A1-30, AE, A99, AR (V, VO, V1-30, VE). “Special flood hazard area” is
synonymous in meaning with the phrase “area of special flood hazard.”
CCC. ARTERIAL: A street classified as a principal arterial on the City’s Arterial
Street Plan.
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DDD. ARTERIAL PASS-THROUGH TRAFFIC: Traffic that has neither an origin
nor destination in an affected area which is diverted from an arterial road.
EEE. ARTERIAL STREET: See STREET, ARTERIAL.
FFF. ARTICULATION: The giving of emphasis to architectural elements (like
windows, balconies, entries, etc.) that create a complementary pattern or
rhythm dividing large buildings into smaller identifiable pieces.
GGG. ARTIFICIAL CHANNEL: A stream channel that is entirely manmade but
does not include relocated natural channels.
HHH. ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOLS/STUDIOS: See SCHOOLS/STUDIOS,
ARTS AND CRAFTS.
III. ASSEMBLY AND PACKAGING OPERATIONS: A facility where pre-
manufactured components are assembled to construct a product. Products
may be packaged and moved off-site for wholesale or retail sale. This use
includes but is not limited to assembly and packaging of computer,
electronics, office equipment, chemicals and allied products, fabricated
metal products, and other products.
JJJ. ASSISTED LIVING: A facility containing two (2) or more dwelling units
where residents live in private units and receive assistance with limited
aspects of personal care, such as taking medication, bathing, or dressing.
Staff is on duty twenty four (24) hours per day to ensure the welfare and safety
of residents. Dwelling units include a full kitchen (sink, oven or range, and
refrigerator) or a kitchenette, a bathroom, a living area, and may include a call
system. On the premises, facilities include: a professional kitchen, common
dining room, recreation area(s), activity room, and a laundry area. Meals may
be provided multiple times daily in a common dining area. This definition does
not include: convalescent centers, congregate residencesco-living housing,
boarding and lodging houseshomes, adult family homes, and group homes I
and II.
KKK. ATTIC: A finished or unfinished area, not considered a story, located
between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above,
and having a floor-to-ceiling height of seven feet (7') or greater for an area that
constitutes no more than fifty percent (50%) of the building footprint.
LLL. AUTOMOBILE: See VEHICLE.
MMM. AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY: See RMC 4-6-100.
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NNN. AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT): The average number of motor vehicles
crossing in one direction per working day for any continuous thirty (30) day
period.
OOO. AVERAGE HORIZONTAL ILLUMINATION: The quantity of light
measured at the pavement surface and averaged over the traveled lanes
expressed in foot-candles.
PPP. AVIATION-RELATED USES: Uses that offer aeronautical services to the
public or provide support services to airport-related uses.
QQQ. AWNING: A shelter, typically for a pedestrian walkway, that projects
from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building. Awnings have
noncombustible frames, but may have combustible coverings. Awnings may
be fixed, retractable, folding or collapsible. Any structure which extends
above any adjacent parapet or roof of a supporting building is not included
within the definition of awning.
SECTION XII. Section 4-11-020 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as follows:
4-11-020 DEFINITIONS B:
A. BACKFLOW: See RMC 4-6-100.
B. BACKFLOW PREVENTER: See RMC 4-6-100.
C. BACKGROUND AREA: The entire face of a sign upon which text and/or
graphics could be placed.
D. BACKSIPHONAGE: See RMC 4-6-100.
E. BASE FLOOD: A flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled
or exceeded in any given year. Also referred to as the “one hundred (100) year
flood.” Designation on flood maps always includes the letters A or V.
F. BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE): The elevation to which floodwater is
anticipated to rise during the base flood.
G. BASEMENT: Any floor level below the first story in a building, except that a
floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a
basement unless such floor level qualifies as a first story as defined herein.
H. BASEMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-050, flood hazard regulations, use
only.) Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level)
on all sides.
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I. BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FACILITY: One or more utility-scale
energy storage systems designed to receive, store, and discharge energy to
and from the electrical grid or energy generation facility for later use. Battery
energy storage systems generally consist of batteries assembled together and
may include on-site switchyard, inverters, associated interconnection
transmission line, and supervisory control and data acquisition system. This
definition excludes individual residential and commercial use systems for on-
site energy use, standalone twelve (12) volt car battery or electric motor
vehicles, and other consumer products.
J. BED AND BREAKFAST HOUSE, ACCESSORY: Overnight accommodations
and a morning meal in a dwelling unit with less than four (4) guest rooms
provided to transients for compensation. Accessory bed and breakfast
houses are proprietor-occupied, or the proprietor lives on a contiguous
property, and morning meals are provided to the house residents and the
overnight guests only. This definition does not include congregate residences,
professional bed and breakfast houses, hotels, or motels.
K. BED AND BREAKFAST HOUSE, PROFESSIONAL: Overnight
accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit with four (4) to ten (10)
guest rooms provided to transients for compensation. Professional bed and
breakfast houses are proprietor-occupied, or the proprietor lives on a
contiguous property, and morning meals are provided to the house residents
and the overnight guests only. This definition does not include congregate
residences, accessory bed and breakfast houses, hotels, or motels.
L. BEDROCK: In-place subsurface material consisting of solid rock.
M. BEEKEEPING: The management and maintenance of colonies of
honeybees.
N. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, WETLANDS: Conservation practices or
systems of practices and management measures that:
1. Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by
nutrients, animal waste, toxins and sediment;
2. Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and groundwater flow,
circulation patterns, and to the chemical, physical and biological
characteristics of wetlands; and
3. Includes allowing proper use and storage of fertilizers/pesticides.
O. BINDING SITE PLAN: A drawing as authorized by chapter 58.17 RCW and
provided for in RMC 4-7-230 which:
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1. Identifies and shows the areas and locations of all streets, roads,
improvements, utilities, open spaces, and any other matters specified by
RMC 4-8-120C, Submittal Requirements; and
2. Contains inscriptions or attachments setting forth such appropriate
limitations and conditions for the use of the land as are established by the
City; and
3. Contains provisions requiring site development to be in conformity with
the approved binding site plan.
P. BLOCK: A block consists of two (2) facing block fronts bounded on two (2)
sides by alleys or rear property lines and on two (2) sides by the centerline of
platted streets, with no other intersecting streets intervening.
Q. BLOCK FRONT: A block front is the frontage of property along one side of a
street bound on three (3) sides by the centerline of platted streets and on the
fourth side by an alley or rear property lines.
R. BMPs: Best management practices, see supra, and RMC 4-6-100.
S. BOARDING HOUSE: See CONGREGATE RESIDENCE.
TS. BOAT LAUNCHING RAMP: A facility with an inclined surface extending
into the water which allows launching of boats directly into the water from
trailers.
UT. BODY SHOP: An establishment which conducts any of the following
operations:
1. Collision repair services, including body, frame or fender straightening,
repair, or replacement; and/or
2. Overall painting of vehicles or painting of vehicles in a paint shop, but
excluding minor painting with an airbrush or roller brush utilized in
customizing or detailing operations; and/or
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3. Welding, molding, and similar operations conducted on vehicles.
VU. BREAKWATER: A protective structure, usually built off-shore for the
purpose of protecting the shoreline or harbor area from wave action.
WV. BUFFER, CRITICAL AREA: A naturally vegetated and undisturbed,
enhanced, or revegetated area that surrounds and protects a critical area
from adverse impacts to its functions and values, and/or which protects
developed areas from potentially hazardous conditions.
XW. BUFFER, LANDSCAPE: Landscaped area used to physically separate or
screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block views,
noise, lights, or other potential nuisances.
YX. BUFFER, SHORELINES: A strip of land that is designated to permanently
remain vegetated in an undisturbed and natural condition to protect an
adjacent aquatic, riparian, or wetland site from upland impacts, to provide
habitat for wildlife and to afford limited public access. Uses and activities
within the buffer are extremely limited. The buffer is measured horizontally
upland from and perpendicular to the OHWM.
ZY. BUILDABLE AREA: The portion of a lot or site, exclusive of required yard
areas, setbacks, landscaping or open space within which a structure may be
built.
AAZ. BUILDING: As defined by the International Building Code.
BBAA. BUILDING: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program
Regulations, use only.) Any structure having a roof intended to be used for the
shelter or enclosure of persons, plants, animals or property.
CCBB. BUILDING CODE: The International Building Code, promulgated by
the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this
jurisdiction.
DDCC. BUILDING COMPLEX, MULTIPLE: A group of structures housing more
than one type of retail business, office or commercial venture and generally
under one ownership and control.
EEDD. BUILDING DRAIN: See RMC 4-6-100.
FFEE. BUILDING FACADE: That portion of any exterior elevation of a building
extending from the grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, and the entire
width of the building elevation.
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GGFF. BUILDING FOOTPRINT: The area of a lot or site included within the
surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion of a building, exclusive of
courtyards. In the absence of surrounding exterior walls, the building footprint
shall be the area under the horizontal projection of the roof.
HHGG. BUILDING HEIGHT: The measurement of building height depends on
the applicable zone, as follows:
1. Within the RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, and RMF Zones: Primary
structures and accessory dwelling units shall be measured by the vertical
distance from grade plane to the highest wall plate combined with the height
of any portion of the structure that extends above the wall plate (e.g., roof,
deck, etc.), excluding chimneys, ventilation stacks, and similar elements as
determined by the Administrator. Detached accessory structures shall be
measured by the vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of
the highest roof surface.
2. All Other Zones: The vertical distance from grade plane to the average
height of the highest roof surface.
IIHH. BUILDING, MULTI-OCCUPANCY: A single structure housing more than
one type of retail business, office or commercial venture and generally under
one ownership and control.
JJII. BUILDING OFFICIAL: The officer or other person charged with the
administration and enforcement of the IBC and the building-related
provisions of this Title, or his duly authorized deputy.
KKJJ. BUILDING, SINGLE OCCUPANCY: A building occupied by a single
tenant. A building is considered to be “single occupancy” if:
1. It has only one occupant; and
2. It has no wall in common with another building; and
3. It has no part of its roof in common with another building.
LLKK. BUILDING STEP-BACK: A building step-back applies to stories above
the ground floor and is the horizontal distance between one or more stories of
a building façade relative to the building façade of the floor directly below.
MMLL. BULK STORAGE: See STORAGE, BULK.
NNMM. BULKHEAD: A vertical wall constructed of rock, concrete, timber,
sheet steel, gabions, or patent system materials. Rock bulkheads are often
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termed “vertical rock walls.” Seawalls are similar to bulkheads, but more
robustly constructed.
OONN. BUOY: A floating object anchored in a lake, river, etc., to warn of
rocks, shoals, etc., or used for boat moorage.
PPOO. BUSINESS FACADE: That portion of an exterior building wall owned or
leased by a business.
SECTION XIII. Section 4-11-030 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
4-11-030 DEFINITIONS C:
A. CALIPER: The diameter of any tree trunk as measured at a height of four
and one-half feet (4-1/2') above the ground on the upslope side of the tree.
B. CANOPY, BUILDING: A rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric,
metal or other material and supported by a building at one or more points or
extremities and by columns or posts embedded in the ground at other points
or extremities. Any structure which extends above any adjacent parapet or
roof of supporting building is not included within the definition of building
canopy.
C. CAR: See VEHICLE.
D. CAR WASH: A structure with machine-operated or hand-operated
facilities used principally for the cleaning, washing, polishing, or waxing of
motor vehicles.
E. CARD ROOM: A use governed pursuant to the provisions of
chapter 9.46 RCW, 1973 Gaming Act, and licensed by the Washington State
Gambling Commission that is ancillary to a permitted use where food and
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beverages are served on the premises and whose purpose is to serve as a
commercial stimulant to the principal activities associated with the primary
use.
F. CARETAKER’S RESIDENCE: A dwelling unit located on the site of a
nonresidential use and occupied only by a caretaker or guard employed on the
premises, and consisting of only one residence per permitted establishment.
G. CARPOOL: A group of people traveling to the same or relatively nearby
locations in the same vehicle.
H. CARPORT: A roofed structure, enclosed on less than three sides, without
interior parking aisles, for the purpose of storing motor vehicles.
I. CEMETERY: Property used for interring of the dead. This definition includes
accessory buildings, crematories, and mausoleums.
J. CENTER, EMPLOYMENT: An area of higher intensity uses that typically
employs thousands of people that is contained by a boundary to prevent it
from encroaching on adjacent areas and/or neighborhoods.
K. CERTIFIED: A facility and staff qualified and able to provide certain tests
and measurements relating to specific tasks and based upon established
standards.
L. CHANNEL MIGRATION ZONE: The area along a river within which the
channel(s) can be reasonably predicted to migrate over time as a result of
natural and normally occurring hydrological and related processes when
considered with the characteristics of the river and its surroundings.
M. CIRCULATION: The movement of passengers or goods to, from, over, or
along a transportation corridor.
N. CITY COUNCIL: The City Council of the City of Renton, Washington.
O. CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Offices for City administration and/or
provision of services to the public. This definition includes but is not limited to
City Hall.
P. CIVIL ENGINEER: A professional engineer registered in the State to
practice in the field of civil works.
Q. CLEAR VISION AREA: The area bounded by the street property lines of
corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines twenty feet (20')
from their point of intersection.
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R. CLOSED RECORD APPEAL: An administrative appeal on the record to a
local government body or officer including the legislative body, following an
open record hearing on a project permit application when the appeal is on the
record with no or limited new evidence or information allowed to be submitted
and only appeal argument allowed.
S. CLOSURE OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITIES: See RMC 4-5-
120G.
T. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT: A residential subdivision comprised of a
grouping of single family dwellings on small lots designed to include
significant open space or preserve significant natural features, which are
commonly held by the residents, in exchange for modifications to certain
development standards (e.g., lot dimensions, setbacks, and building
standards).
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U. COFFEE STAND: A retail business serving primarily coffee, beverages, and
other related goods and merchandise, typically for off-site consumption by
the traveling public. This definition excludes eating and drinking
establishments and walk-up windows.
V. CO-LIVING HOUSING: See DWELLING UNIT.
W. COLLECTION POINT: The exterior location designation for garbage and
recyclables collection by the City’s contractor or other authorized haulers.
WX. COLLECTOR STREET: See STREET, COLLECTOR.
XY. COMBINED PUBLIC DETENTION: A stormwater detention system
designed to accommodate runoff from both public streets and private
property.
YZ. COMBINED SEWER: See RMC 4-6-100.
ZAA. COMMERCIAL LAUNDRIES: A facility where clothing or other fabrics are
washed, dried, or dry cleaned for other businesses or institutions. This
definition does not include laundromats.
AABB. COMMERCIAL USE: A type of land use that includes commercial
office activities, services and/or retail sales.
BBCC. COMMISSARY KITCHEN: A facility providing leasable commercial
kitchen space where food operators prepare, store, portion, or package food,
typically intended for off-site sale and consumption. Facilities are typically
shared among two (2) or more tenants and may be utilized to fulfill mobile food
orders associated with platform-based food-delivery services. Operations
may occur as a primary use or as an accessory use to an eating and drinking
establishment, as governed by the underlying zoning designation.
CCDD. COMMON SPACE AREA (COMMON AREA, COMMON OPEN SPACE,
COMMON SPACE): Land that is designed and intended for common use or
enjoyment and may include such structures and improvements as are
necessary and appropriate.
DDEE. COMMUNICATION BROADCAST AND RELAY
TOWERS: Establishments that provide point-to-point communication
services, whether by wire or radio, including radio and television broadcasting
stations and the exchange or recording of messages. This definition excludes
all terms related to wireless communication facilities.
EEFF. COMMUNITY ACCESS: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline
Master Program Regulations, use only.) A means of physical approach to
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and/or along the shoreline available to the residents, tenants, customers,
patrons, guests, and/or other authorized users of a development. Community
access may also include space set aside for outdoor recreation including:
picnic areas, view points, water craft launch facilities, and may also include
other similar features.
FFGG. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATOR: The Administrator of the Department of Community and
Economic Development or designee.
GGHH. COMMUNITY HEALTH ENGAGEMENT LOCATION (CHEL): A location
designed to provide a hygienic environment where individuals are able to
consume illegal or illicit drugs intravenously or by any other means. A CHEL
includes all uses established or activities undertaken for the above-defined
purpose, irrespective of how the use or activity is described. A CHEL may also
be referred to as a “medically supervised injection center,” “supervised
injection site or facility,” “safe injection site,” “fix room,” or “drug
consumption facility.”
HHII. COMPACTION: The densification of an earthen fill by mechanical
means.
IIJJ. COMPENSATION PROJECT: Actions necessary to replace project-
induced wetland and wetland buffer losses, including land acquisition,
planning, construction plans, installation, monitoring and contingency
actions.
JJKK. COMPENSATORY MITIGATION: Replacing project-induced wetland
losses or impacts, including but not limited to wetlands restoration and
creation, and wetland enhancement in conjunction with wetlands restoration
or creation.
KKLL. COMPLETE APPLICATION: Unless waived by the Community and
Economic Development Administrator, the requirements for a full complete
land use, building, or public works permit application shall consist of the
information listed in RMC 4-8-120A, B and C, any site-specific information
identified in a pre-application meeting summary, and any required application
fee pursuant to the City of Renton Fee Schedule.
LLMM. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The plans, maps and reports that comprise
the official development plan and twenty (20) year “vision” for the future
physical design and character of the City as adopted by the City Council in
accordance with chapter 35.63 RCW.
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MMNN. CONCEPTUAL PLAN: A development tool designed to provide a
comprehensive overview of proposed uses, site layout, infrastructure
concepts, phasing and amenities. A conceptual plan approval establishes
conditions with which all concurrent and subsequent land use approvals
within its geographic area must comply, unless the conceptual plan itself is
amended. It also provides long-term guidance for a larger area than either
master plan or detailed site plan review was intended for, so that continuity of
the overall development is maintained.
NNOO. CONDITIONAL USE, SHORELINE: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090,
Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) A use, development, or
substantial development which is classified as a conditional use or is not
classified within the applicable Master Program.
OOPP. CONDOMINIUM: Real property, portions of which are designated for
separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common
ownership solely by the owners of those portions. Real property is not a
condominium unless the undivided interests in the common elements are
vested in the unit owners, and unless a declaration and a survey map and
plans have been recorded pursuant to chapter 64.32 RCW.
PPQQ. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS: The filing of a declaration pursuant
to the Horizontal Property Regimes Act, of the sale by a developer of
condominium units that were previously rental units.
QQRR. CONFERENCE CENTERS: Facilities where large gatherings of people
converge to meet on a variety of subjects. These facilities are characterized by
one large space where exhibits are set up and numerous adjoining meeting
rooms. This definition excludes sports arenas, auditoriums, and exhibition
halls.
RR. CONGREGATE RESIDENCE: Any building or portion thereof that contains
facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation and may include facilities for eating
and cooking for occupancy for other than a family. A “congregate residence”
may include a boarding house, but does not include a group home I or II,
convalescent center, jail, hotel, motel or secure community transition facility.
(Amd. Ord. 4982, 9-23-2002)
SS. CONSERVANCY: A Shoreline Master Program land use designation
identifying an area to be managed in essentially its natural state while
providing for a moderate to low intensity of land uses surrounding the area.
TT. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Construction and all activities associated
with construction, to include, but not be limited to, construction, remodeling,
repair, and maintenance of structures, equipment, roads, and utilities;
ORDINANCE NO. 6173
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mining; grading; landfilling; and excavating. Construction activities may be
regulated by permits issued by the City including, but not limited to, public
works construction permits, building permits, and mining, excavation, and
grading permits and licenses.
UU. CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE: An area where a
construction contractor maintains its office, as well as storage for equipment
and materials, for the construction and landscaping trades.
VV. CONSTRUCTION WASTE: Solid waste resulting from the building or
renovation of buildings, roads and other human-made structures.
Construction waste includes, but is not limited to, materials such as
plasterboard, cement, dirt, wood, and brush.
WW. CONTAINMENT DEVICE: A device that is designed to contain an
unauthorized release, retain it for cleanup and prevent released materials
from penetrating into the ground.
XX. CONTAMINANT: See RMC 4-6-100.
YY. CONTIGUOUS PROPERTIES: Properties sharing a property line.
ZZ. CONTINUOUS MONITORING: See RMC 4-5-120G.
AAA. CONVALESCENT CENTER: A facility licensed by the State for patients
who are recovering health and strength after illness or injury, or receiving long-
term care for chronic conditions, disabilities, or terminal illnesses. Facilities
provide twenty-four (24) hour supervised nursing care and feature extended
treatment that is administered by a skilled nursing staff. Typically, residents
do not live in individual units and the facilities provide personal care, room,
board, laundry service, and organized activities. This definition does not
include adult family homes, assisted living, group homes II, medical
institutions, and/or secure community transition facilities.
BBB. CONVERTED BUILDING: Any condominium or cooperative which
formerly contained rental dwelling units.
CCC. COOPERATIVE: Any existing structure, including surrounding land and
improvements, which contains one or more dwelling units and which: (a) is
owned by an association organized pursuant to the Cooperative Association
Act (chapter 23.86 RCW); or (b) is owned by an association with resident
shareholders who are granted renewable leasehold interests in housing units
in the building.
DDD. COOPERATIVE UNIT: Any dwelling unit in a cooperative.
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EEE. COPY: The graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or
removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.
FFF. CORNER LOT: See LOT TYPES; Lot, Corner.
GGG. CORRIDOR: A strip of land forming a passageway between two (2)
otherwise separate parts.
HHH. COTTAGE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT: A unit-lot subdivision consisting of
at least three (3) unit lots containing small scale (no more than one thousand
five hundred (1,500) gross square foot) detached, single-family dwelling units
clustered around a shared common open space.
III. COUNTY AUDITOR: As defined in chapter 36.22 RCW or the office of the
person assigned such duties under the King County Charter.
JJJ. COVID-19 DEINTENSIFICATION SHELTER: A facility (whether a separate
structure, or situated inside or outside a building or a portion of a building)
used for the relocation of homelessness shelters and encampments for the
purposes of de-intensifying or reducing density in response to the novel
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A COVID-19 deintensification shelter that
meets the definition of a homeless services use – overnight shelter – is both a
COVID-19 deintensification shelter and a homeless services use – overnight
shelter.
KKK. CRITICAL AREAS: Wetlands, aquifer protection areas, fish and wildlife
habitat, frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas as defined by the
Growth Management Act and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations.
LLL. CRITICAL FACILITY: A facility for which even a slight chance of flooding,
high geologic hazard, or inundation in the areas of flood hazard or volcanic
hazard might be too great. Critical facilities include, but are not limited to,
schools, nursing homes, hospitals, police, fire and emergency response
installations, and facilities that produce, use or store hazardous materials or
hazardous waste.
MMM. CRITICAL HABITAT or CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT: Habitat areas
associated with threatened, endangered, sensitive, monitored, or priority
species of plants or wildlife and which, if altered, could reduce the likelihood
that the species would maintain and reproduce over the long term. See also
RMC 4-3-050.
NNN. CROSS CONNECTION: See RMC 4-6-100.
OOO. CUL-DE-SAC: A vehicular turn-around at the end of a dead end street.
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PPP. CULTURAL FACILITIES: Facilities which offer passive entertainment
and enjoyment activities to the general public. This definition includes, but is
not limited to, museums and libraries. This definition excludes adult
entertainment businesses; dance halls; dance clubs; religious institutions;
and gaming/gambling facilities.
QQQ. CURB: A vertical curb and gutter section constructed from concrete.
SECTION XIV. Section 4-11-040 of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
4-11-040 DEFINITIONS D:
A. DANCE CLUB: Any facility, restricted to adults over twenty one (21) years
of age, at which dancing occurs, as a primary form of entertainment. This
definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, entertainment clubs,
and gaming/gambling facilities, dance halls and other establishments
conducting public dances as defined in RMC 5-13-1.
B. DANCE HALL: Any place where a public dance, as defined in RMC 5-13-1,
is conducted without restriction on age, or restricted to minors only. Dance
halls are further regulated under RMC Title 5 and require a license to operate.
This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, dance clubs,
entertainment clubs, and gaming/gambling facilities.
C. DANGEROUS BUILDING: As defined by the “Uniform Code for the
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.”
D. DATA CENTER: A facility used primarily for off-site storage of computer
systems and associated components including applications and secure data.
Some data centers may include maintenance areas and a small office. Data
centers may be occupied by single or multiple tenants, but typically have a
small number of employees and visitors. See RMC 4-11-230,
WAREHOUSING.
E. DAY CARE CENTER: A day care operation licensed by the State of
Washington (WAC 388-73-014), for thirteen (13) or more children in any
twenty four (24) hour period, or any number of children in a nonresidential
structure. This definition does not include adult day care/health.
F. DAY CARE, FAMILY, HOME: A day care operation licensed by the State of
Washington (WAC 388-73-014), caring for twelve (12) or fewer children in any
twenty four (24) hour period within the caregiver’s place of residence.
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G. DAYLIGHTING: Restoration of a culverted or buried watercourse to a
surface watercourse.
H. DEDICATION: A deliberate appropriation of land by its owner for any
general and public uses, reserving to himself/herself no other rights than such
as are compatible with the full exercises and enjoyment of the public uses to
which the property has been devoted.
I. DEED OF DEDICATION: A formal dedication of right-of-way or easement to
the City, to be approved by City Council, the Hearing Examiner, the Public
Works Administrator or designee, or the Community and Economic
Development Administrator or designee.
J. DEMOLITION WASTE: Solid waste resulting from the demolition or razing of
buildings, roads and other human-made structures. Demolition waste
includes, but is not limited to, concrete, brick, bituminous concrete, wood
and masonry, composition roofing and roofing paper, steel, and minor
amounts of other metals like copper.
K. DENSITY, GROSS: A measure of population, dwelling units, number of lots,
or building area related to land area, and expressed as a ratio, i.e., one
thousand (1,000) people per square mile, one dwelling unit per acre, or one
lot per acre.
L. DENSITY, NET: A calculation of the number of housing units and/or lots
that would be allowed on a property after critical areas, i.e., very high
landslide hazard areas, protected slopes (except evaluate on a case-by-case
basis those protected slopes created by previous development), wetlands,
Class 1 to 4 streams and lakes, or floodways, and public rights-of-way and
legally recorded private access easements, are subtracted from the gross
area (gross acres minus streets and critical areas multiplied by allowable
housing units per acre). Developments meeting the definition of a shopping
center are not required to deduct areas within access easements from the
gross site area for the purpose of calculating net density. Required critical
area buffers, streams that have been daylighted including restored riparian
and aquatic areas, public and private alleys, unit lot drives, drives, joint use
driveways (and the access easements upon them), and trails shall not be
subtracted from gross acres for the purpose of net density calculations. All
fractions which result from net density calculations shall be truncated at two
(2) numbers past the decimal (e.g., 4.5678 becomes 4.56). Calculations for
minimum or maximum density which result in a fraction that is one-half (0.50)
or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Those density
calculations resulting in a fraction that is less than one-half (0.50) shall be
rounded down to the nearest whole number. For the purpose of calculating
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net density, co-living housing is treated as one-quarter (0.25) of a dwelling
unit.
M. DEPARTMENT: The Department of Community and Economic
Development of the City of Renton, unless otherwise specified.
N. DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR: See ADMINISTRATOR.
O. DEPOSIT AREA: The designated area(s) where refuse, recyclables, and
compostables will be stored.
P. DESIGNATED ZONE FACILITY: Any hazardous waste treatment and
storage facility that requires an interim or final status permit under rules
adopted under chapter 70.105 RCW and that is not a “preempted facility” as
defined in RCW 70.105.010.
Q. DETENTION/RETENTION FACILITIES: Facilities designed either to hold
runoff for a short period of time and then release it to the point of discharge at
a controlled rate or to hold water for a considerable length of time during
which the volume is reduced through evaporation, evapotranspiration by
plants, or infiltration into the ground.
R. DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS): The written decision by
the responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is not likely to have
a significant adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is not
required (WAC 197-11-310 and 197-11-340). The DNS form is in WAC 197-11-
970.
S. DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE, MITIGATED (MDNS): A DNS
that includes mitigation measures and is issued as a result of the process
specified in WAC 197-11-350.
T. DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE (DS): The written decision by the
responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is likely to have a
significant adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is required
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(WAC 197-11-310 and 197-11-360). The DS form is in WAC 197-11-980 and
must be used substantially in that form.
U. DEVELOPABLE AREA: Land area outside of critical areas, critical area and
shoreline buffers, and public rights-of-way that is otherwise developable.
V. DEVELOPMENT: The division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more
parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration,
relocation or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or
land disturbance and any use or extension of the use of land.
W. DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas
Regulations, use only.) Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real
estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of
equipment or materials located within the area of special flood hazard.
X. DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master
Program Regulations, use only.) A use consisting of the construction or
exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of
any sand, gravel or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of
obstructions; or any other projects of a permanent or temporary nature which
interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying
lands subject to the Act at any state of water level. This does not include
dismantling or removing structures if there is no other associated
development or redevelopment.
Y. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: A recorded contract entered into by the city
and an applicant setting forth development standards and other provisions
governing and vesting a development or use for a duration of time specified in
the contract. May be used to obligate an applicant to fund or provide services,
infrastructure, or other facilities.
Z. DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: Written permission after appropriate review for
type of application from the appropriate decision-maker authorizing the
division of a parcel of land, the construction, reconstruction, conversion,
structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structure, utility, or any
use or extension of the use of the land.
AA. DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (for vesting purposes): The following
controls placed on development or land use activities by the City, including
but not limited to: Comprehensive Plan Policies, zoning regulations,
subdivision regulations, shoreline management regulations, road design
standards, site development regulations, sign regulations, critical areas
regulations, and all regulations and land use controls that must be satisfied
ORDINANCE NO. 6173
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as a prerequisite to obtaining approval of an application for development. For
the purposes of this definition, construction and utility regulations such as
stormwater standards and erosion/sediment control requirements contained
in RMC Title IV, Development Regulations, building standards, fire standards,
sewer utility standards, and Health Department standards are not considered
development regulations or land use controls. RMC Title IV processes and
procedures are not considered development regulations or land use controls.
BB. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR: The Director of the Development
Services Division of the Department of Community and Economic
Development or designee.
CC. DISPLAY SURFACE: The area made available by the sign structure for the
purpose of displaying the advertising message.
DD. DISPLAY WINDOW: A window in a building facade intended for
nonpermanent display of goods and merchandise.
EE. DIVERSION FACILITY: A facility that provides inpatient healthcare for
individuals that are self-admitted or ordered, diverted, or referred from jails,
hospitals, doctors or similar treatment facilities or professionals, or by first
responders, including law enforcement, hospital emergency department
social workers, and similar professionals. Services may include an array of
inpatient healthcare treatment and support services including but not limited
to screening and assessment, psychological counseling, case management,
crisis management, detox services, substance use and trauma-related
treatment services, behavioral/mental health care, medical isolation, care, or
treatment, counseling, respite services, and various levels of
accommodations for sleeping purposes. Some outpatient healthcare
services may be provided. Not included in this definition are congregate
residences, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, group homes,
convalescent centers, social service organizations, or homeless services
uses.
FF. DOCK: A fixed or floating platform extending from the shore over the
water.
GG. DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY: See RMC 4-6-100.
HH. DOUBLE-WALLED: See RMC 4-5-120G.
II. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT: Those uses, buildings, and walkways
within the area mapped in RMC 4-2-080D. In general, the area is bounded at
the north by parcel lines near South Second Street, at the east by the Cedar
River and I-405, at the south by parcel lines near South Fourth Street and
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parcel lines along South Third Street, and at the west by parcels along Burnett
Avenue South and Shattuck Avenue South.
JJ. DRAINAGE AREA: The total area whose drainage water flows to and across
the subject property.
KK. DREDGING: The removal of earth from the bottom or banks of a body of
water.
LL. DRIP LINE: A tree’s drip line shall be described by a line projected to the
ground from the outer edge of the tree canopy delineating the outermost
extent of foliage in all directions.
MM. DRIP LINE, PROTECTED: A tree drip line identified to be retained and
preserved as an undisturbed, vegetated area that fully encompasses the drip
line of a protected tree removed in violation of a land development permit.
NN. DRIVE-IN/DRIVE-THROUGH RETAIL OR SERVICE: A business or a
portion of a business where a customer is permitted or encouraged, either by
the design of physical facilities or by service and/or packaging procedures, to
carry on business in the off-street parking or paved area accessory to the
business, while seated in a motor vehicle. In some instances, customers may
need to get out of the vehicle to obtain the product or service. This definition
shall include but not be limited to drive-in/drive-through services at eating and
drinking establishments, fast-food restaurants, coffee stands, and banks and
pharmacies. This definition excludes vehicle service and repair, vehicle
fueling stations, and car washes.
OO. DRIVEWAY, SHARED: A single driveway serving two (2) or more adjoining
lots, parcels, or tracts for the purposes of vehicular access. New shared
driveways shall conform to the provisions of RMC 4-6-060J, Shared Driveway
Standards.
PP. DROP-OFF ZONE: A sidewalk area abutting a street intended for
passengers to enter or exit vehicles that are temporarily parked for that
purpose.
QQ. DWELLING, ATTACHED: A dwelling unit connected to one or more
dwellings by common roofs, walls, or floors or a dwelling unit or units
attached to garages or other nonresidential uses. This definition includes all
structures or portions of structures meeting this definition, but excludes
boarding and lodging houses, adult family homes, and group home I or group
home II, as defined herein.
ORDINANCE NO. 6173
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RR. DWELLING, DETACHED: A building containing one dwelling unit which is
not attached to any other dwelling by any means except fences and is
surrounded by open space or yards. This definition includes single-family
dwellings and cottages.
SS. DWELLING UNIT: A structure or portion of a structure designed,
occupied, or intended for occupancy as a single residential unit providing
complete, independent living facilities with separated living quarters, a
kitchen, sleeping, and sanitary facilities provided for the exclusive use of a
single household. For the purposes of this definition, “sanitary facilities” shall
include a sink, a toilet, and a shower or bathtub. Dwelling units (attached or
detached) include the following types:
1. Apartment(s): Multiple attached dwelling units in a residential building
in which units may be separately rented or owned. Unit entrances are
provided from a common internal corridor and individual units’ habitable area
is provided on a single level.
2. Accessory dwelling unit(s): An independent subordinate dwelling unit
that is located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling, courtyard
apartment, stacked flat, duplex, triplex, fourplex, and/or townhouse, or on the
same lot as a principal building actively operated with a nonresidential use by
a religious institution or social service organization. This may include units
over detached garages.
3. Co-Living Housing: A residential development with sleeping units that
are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space,
and residents share kitchen facilities with other sleeping units in the building.
Other terms that refer to co-living housing include, but are not limited to,
congregate living facilities, single room occupancy, rooming house, boarding
house, lodging house, and residential suites.
4. Cottage(s): A detached, single-family dwelling unit that is oriented
around a shared common open space within a unit lot subdivision.
45. Courtyard Apartment(s): Attached dwelling units arranged on two or
three sides of a yard or court.
56. Garden Style Apartment(s): A dwelling unit that is one of several
stacked vertically, with exterior stairways and/or exterior corridors and
surface parking. Parking is not structured and may include detached carports
or garages. Buildings and building entries are oriented toward internal drive
aisles and/or parking lots and not street frontage. There is typically no formal
building entry area connected to a public sidewalk and a public street.
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7. Middle Housing: Attached dwelling units that are compatible in scale,
form, and character with single-family dwellings, having a permanent
foundation, and containing two or more attached or stacked homes, including
duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, and courtyard
apartments.
8. Single-Family: A detached dwelling unit which is not attached to any
other dwelling unit(s) by any means except fences, has a permanent
foundation, and is surrounded by open space or yards. This definition does
not include accessory dwelling units or manufactured homes.
9. Townhouse(s): A dwelling unit attached to one (1) or more such units by
one or more common vertical walls in which each unit occupies the building
from the bottom of the foundation to the roof, has at least two (2) exterior
faces, front and rear ground-level access to the outside, and no unit is located
over another unit. Townhouse units may be multistory.
SECTION XV. Subsection 4-11-200.V. of the Renton Municipal Code is amended as
follows:
V. TRANSIT STOP, MAJOR (AREA A): (This definition applies to RMC 4-2-110C,
Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units, use only.) A transit
stop governed pursuant to the provisions of RCW 36.70A.535(11)(b) and RCW
36.70A.696(8) which includes any of the following:
1. A stop on a high capacity transportation system funded or expanded
under the provisions of chapter 81.104 RCW;
2. Commuter rail stops;
3. Stops on rail or fixed guideway systems, including transitways;
4. Stops on bus rapid transit routes or routes that run on high occupancy
vehicle lanes; or
5. Stops for a bus or other transit mode providing actual fixed route service
at intervals of at least fifteen (15) minutes for at least five (5) hours during the
peak hours of operation on weekdays.
SECTION XVI. Subsection 4-11-200.W. of the Renton Municipal Code is
amended as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 6173
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W. TRANSIT STOP, MAJOR (AREA B): (This definition applies to RMC 4-2-
110F, Development Standards for Middle Housing, use only.) A transit stop
governed pursuant to the provisions of RCW 36.70A.030(257) which includes
any of the following:
1. A stop on a high capacity transportation system funded or expanded
under the provisions of chapter 81.104 RCW;
2. Commuter rail stops;
3. Stops on rail or fixed guideway systems; or
4. Stops on bus rapid transit routes, including those stops that are under
construction.
SECTION XVII. Upon approval of the City Attorney, the City Clerk is authorized
to direct the codifier to make necessary corrections to this ordinance, including the
corrections of scriveners or clerical errors; references to other local, state, or federal laws,
codes, rules, or regulations; or ordinance numbering and section/subsection numbering
and references. The City Clerk is further authorized to direct the codifier to update any
chapter, section, or subsection titles in the Renton Municipal Code affected by this
ordinance.
SECTION XVIII. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of
this ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the
constitutionality of any other section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this
ordinance.
SECTION XIX. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect on December 31,
2025. The summary shall consist of this ordinance’s title.
EXHIBIT A
4-2-060 ZONING USE TABLE – USES ALLOWED IN ZONING DESIGNATIONS:
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
A. AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Agriculture P35 P35
Home agriculture AC3
5
AC3
5
AC3
5
AC3
5
AC3
5
AC3
5
AC3
5
AC35 AC3
5
AC3
5
Natural resource
extraction/recovery
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
Research – Scientific
(small scale)
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
B. ANIMALS AND RELATED USES
Beekeeping AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC
Kennels AD P37 P37 P37 AD AD AD AD AD
Stables, commercial AD AD
Pet day care P37 P37 P37 AD AD AD AD AD AD AD8
2
AD8
2
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Veterinary offices/clinics P AD42 P P P P112 P P P29 P P82 P82
C. RESIDENTIAL
Single-family P P P P P P P
Cottage P32 P32 P32 P32 P32 P32 P32
Apartments P P P P P6 P6 P6 P6 P16 P6 P6 P6
Middle housing P P P P P
Garden style apartments P P P6
Townhouses P P P13 P13 P6 P6 P6
Accessory dwelling unit AC7 AC7 AC7 AC7 AC7
AC7 AC7
Manufactured homes P50 P50 P50 P50 P50 P P50 P50
D. OTHER RESIDENTIAL, LODGING AND HOME OCCUPATIONS
Adult family home P P P P P P P P P P P P3
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Assisted living AD AD P P P P P3 P40 P P96 P96
Caretaker’s residence AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC
Congregate residenceCo-
Living Housing
P38 P38 P38 P38 P38 P39 ADP39 P39 P39 P6 P6 P6 P36 P16 P6 P6 P6
Group homes I AD H3
Group homes II for 6 or
less
AD P P P P P P P P P P P3 P
Group homes II for 7 or
more
H H H H H H H H H P H H3 AD
Home occupations
(RMC 4-9-090)
AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC
Live-work unit AD AD AD
Permanent supportive
housing88
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H6 H6 H6 H6 H16 H6 H6 H6
Transitional housing88 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H6 H6 H6 H6 H16 H6 H6 H6
E. SCHOOLS
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
K-12 educational
institution (public or
private)
H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H H H H9 H9 H9 H9 H9 H87 H87
Other higher education
institution
P29 P29 P29 P P P P21 AD8
7
AD8
7
Schools/studios, arts and
crafts
P P29 P29 P P P P
Trade or vocational school P P H H H77 H77
F. PARKS
Parks, neighborhood P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Parks,
regional/community,
existing
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Parks,
regional/community, new
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD P P
G. OTHER COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Cemetery H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Religious institutions H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
Social service
organizations
H H H H H H H H H H H12 H21 H82 H82
Private club, fraternal
organizations
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H12 H21 H82 H82
City government offices AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD P AD AD AD
City government facilities H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
Community health
engagement location
(CHEL)
Jails, existing municipal P
Diversion facility H71 H71
Secure community
transition facilities
H71 H71
Other government facilities H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Other government
maintenance facilities
H H
Other government offices AD42 P P P AD P112 P P P P P92 P92
Homeless services use H H H H H H H H H H H
COVID-19
deintensification shelter
P101 P101 P101 P101 P101 P101
H. OFFICE AND CONFERENCE
Conference centers P P P H P P P P21 P18 P18
Medical and dental offices AD42 P P P AD P112 P P P P P92 P92
Offices, general AD42 P P P AD P112 P P P P P92 P92
I. RETAIL
Adult retail use (RMC 4-3-
010)
P P P P P P P12
Coffee stand80, 81 AD AD AD AD AD AD AD8
2
AD8
2
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Commissary kitchen31 P P P AC AC P26 AC P27 AC AC AC
Drive-in/drive-through,
retail19, 80
AC AC AC AC AC6
1
AC AC6
1
AC8
2
AC8
2
Eating and drinking
establishments80, 81
P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 P1 AD33 AD3
4
AD3
4
P29 P P P22 P61 P P61 P12 P82 P82 P82
Horticultural nurseries,
existing
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Horticultural nurseries,
new
AD AD2
9
Marijuana retail (RMC 4-1-
250)
AD P AD P21 P82 P82
Mobile food vending P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P10 P23 P23 P23 P10 P23 P23 P23 P23 P10 P10 P10
Retail sales AD33 AD AD AC AC AC P22 P P P P54 P21 P82 P82
Retail sales, outdoor P15 P15 P30 P30 P30 P15 P15 P15 P15 P15
Taverns AD P20 AD P21 P82 P82
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Vehicle sales, large P29 P29 P29 P29
Vehicle sales, small P P P P68
Walk-up window81 AD1 AD1 AD1 AD1 AD1 AD1 AD1 AD33 AD3
3
AD3
3
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Wholesale retail P P P P29 P79 P79
J. ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION
Adult entertainment
business (RMC 4-3-010)
P P P P P P12
Card room P52 P52 P52 P52
Cultural facilities H H H H H H H H H H AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Dance clubs P29 P29 P29 AD P20 AD P29 AD
Dance halls P29 P29 P29 AD P20 AD P29 AD
Gaming/gambling
facilities, not-for-profit
H29 H29 H29 H20 H29
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Movie theaters P29 P29 P29 AD P20 P P12 P82 P82
Smoking lounge
Sports arenas,
auditoriums, exhibition
halls, indoor
AD2
9
AD2
9
AD2
9
P20 P AD2
9
H18 H18
Sports arenas,
auditoriums, exhibition
halls, outdoor
AD2
9
AD2
9
AD2
9
AD2
0
AD2
9
H18 H18
Golf courses (existing) P P P P P P P
Golf courses, new H P H H H H H
Marinas P P21 H H
Recreational facilities,
indoor, existing
H P33 P29 P29 P29 P P P P54 P21 P82 P82
Recreational facilities,
indoor, new
H P29 P4 P P P91 P12 P21 P82 P82
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Recreational facilities,
outdoor
P29 P29 P29 H20 H29 H83 H83
K. SERVICES
Bed and breakfast house,
accessory
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD P
Bed and breakfast house,
professional
AD AD AD5 AD5 AD P
Hotel P29 P29 P29 P P20 P P P P18 P18
Hotel, extended stay P29 P29 P29 P29 P
Motel P29 P29 P29 P P20
Off-site services P29 P29 P29 P29
On-site services AD33 P29 P29 P29 P22 P P P P54 P21 P82 P82
Drive-in/drive-through
service
AC6
1
AC6
1
AC6
1
AC8
0
AC6
1
AC8
0
AC6
1
AC6
1
AC6
1
AC8
2
AC8
2
Adult day care I AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC P P P P P P P P P P100 P100
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Adult day care II H H H H H H H H P P P P P P P P12 P21 P100 P100
Day care centers H25 H25 H25 H25 H25 H25 H25 H25 P P P P P P P P P21 P100 P100
Family day care AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC3 AC AC AC AC
Convalescent centers H H H H H P AD P3 P40 AD AD9
6
AD9
6
Medical institutions H H H H H H H H H H29 H29 H H H H P H H H
L. VEHICLE RELATED ACTIVITIES
Car washes P P P AD2 P2
Fuel dealers H59 P
Industrial engine or
transmission rebuild
P28 P28 P28
Parking garage, structured,
commercial or public
P P P P P20 P3 P P P92 P92
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Parking, surface,
commercial or public,
existing
P29 P29 P29 P20 P3 AD
Parking, surface,
commercial or public, new
P29 P29 P29 P20 AD
Park and ride, dedicated P107 P107 P107 P107 P107 P107 P107 P107 P107
Park and ride, shared-use P P P P P P P P P P P P107 P109 P107 P P107 P107
Railroad yards P
Taxi stand P AD AD
Tow truck operation/auto
impoundment yard
P36 H59 P AD3
6
Transit centers H29 H29 H29 P H20 P H29 P P
Truck terminals P
Vehicle fueling stations P P P P P P29
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Vehicle fueling stations,
existing legal
P P P AD P P P29
Vehicle rental, small P P P P20
Vehicle and equipment
rental, large
P29 P29 P29
Vehicle service and repair,
large
AD2 P P
Vehicle service and repair,
small
P2 P2 P2 AD2 AD2 AD2
Wrecking yard, auto H59 H
Airplane manufacturing H59 P78 P78
Airplane manufacturing,
accessory functions
AC P78 P78
Airplane sales and repair P
Airport, municipal P
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Airport-related or aviation-
related uses
AC
Helipads P111 H29 H29 H29 H H H78 H78
Helipads, commercial H H78 H78
M. STORAGE
Bulk storage P29 P29 P29
Hazardous material
storage, on site or off site,
including treatment
H24 H24 H24
Fulfillment center AD1
1
AD1
1
Outdoor storage, existing P29 P29 P29 P64
Outdoor storage, new P29 P29 P29 P64
Self-service storage AD2
9
P59 P H17
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Vehicle storage AD2
9
AD2
9
AD2
9
Warehousing AD1
1
AD1
1
AD1
1
Warehousing and
distribution
AD1
1
AD1
1
N. INDUSTRIAL
Assembly and/or
packaging operations
P P P P86 P86
Commercial laundries,
existing
P29 P29 P29 P4
Commercial laundries,
new
P29 P29 P29
Construction/contractor’s
office
P P P
Craft distilleries with
tasting rooms, small
wineries, and micro-
breweries
P P P P P P P P
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Industrial, heavy P14
Laboratories: light
manufacturing
P29 P29 P29 AD P20 P3 AD5
4
P86 P86
Laboratories: research,
development and testing
P28 P P H P20 AD3 AD H P86 P86
Manufacturing and
fabrication, heavy
H59 P67
Manufacturing and
fabrication, medium
P67 P67
Manufacturing and
fabrication, light
P P P AD2
9
P P
Recycling collection and
processing center
P28 P28 P28 P29
Recycling collection
station
P P P P P P P P P
Sewage disposal and
treatment plants
H59 H
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Waste recycling and
transfer facilities
H59 P
O. UTILITIES
Battery energy storage
system facility
Communication broadcast
and relay towers
H H H H H H H H H H H29 H29 H29 H H H H H H
Electrical power
generation and
cogeneration
H H H66 H66 H66 H66 H66 H66 H66 H66 H66
Utilities, small P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P5 P P P P P P P P P P P
Utilities, medium AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD5 AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Utilities, large H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H5 H H H H H H H H H H H
Solar energy system,
ground-mounted, small-
scale
AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC
P. WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Amateur radio antenna AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8 AD8
Camouflaged WCF AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Concealed WCF AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Major alterations to
existing WCF structures
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Minor alterations to
existing WCF structures
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Monopole I support
structures
H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47
Monopole II support
structures
H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47 H47
Small cells complying with
a preferred concealment
technique
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
Small cells submitting a
concealment element plan
AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
EXHIBIT A
USES:
RESIDENTIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL ZONING DESIGNATIONS
RC R-1 R-4 R-6 R-8 RMH R-10 R-14 RMF RMF-
2 IL IM IH CN CV CA CD CO COR UC-1 UC-2
Stealth tower AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD AD
Q. GENERAL ACCESSORY USES
Accessory uses per
RMC 4-2-050 and as
defined in chapter 4-
11 RMC, where not
otherwise listed in Use
Table
AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC AC
Blank=Not Allowed P#=Permitted AD=Administrative Conditional Use AC=Accessory Use
P=Permitted Use provided condition can be met H=Hearing Examiner Conditional Use #=Condition(s)
Uses may be further restricted by: RMC 4-3-020, Airport Related Height and Use Restrictions; RMC 4-3-040C, Uses Permitted in the Renton Automall Improvement
District; RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations; RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations