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D_ Northeast Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations_CAE_251219_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: December 19, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000437, CAE
PROJECT NAME: Northeast Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations
PROJECT MANAGER: Alex Morganroth, Planning Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER: Mark Richardson, City of Renton
1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
CONTACT: Arielle Farina-Williams
1201 Third Ave, Ste 2600, Seattle, WA 98101
PROJECT LOCATION: APNs 0323059116, 0323059287, 0323059164, 0323059005, 3424059164
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Critical Area Exemption for minor vegetation
clearing to support geotechnical soil testing around the area of the proposed Northeast Renton Park (“Park”).
The work is proposed on five (5) parcels (APNs 0323059116, 0323059287, 0323059164, 0323059005, and
3424059164) near the intersection of SE 95th Way and Duvall Ave NE/Coal Creek Pkwy SE. The minor clearing
is proposed in order to facilitate the establishment of approximately fourteen (14) shovel probe sites as part
of preparation for improvements at the future Park. Proposed improvements include paved pedestrian paths,
raised boardwalks, picnic areas, a surface parking lot, an access drive, and lighting. Each shovel probe would
be approximately five feet (5’) deep and be dispersed around the site in areas where future infrastructure is
anticipated to be located (Attachment A). According to the applicant, minimal vegetation trimming at the
locations of the probe sites would occur. The predominant vegetation to be pruned includes non-native
Himalayan blackberry, reed canary-grass, and other native groundcover. The proposed work would occur in
the winter of 2025. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, multiple critical areas are present on the
identified parcels, including high erosion hazard areas, sensitive and protected slopes, wetlands, a
floodway, a special flood hazard (FEMA Zone – AE), and a stream (May Creek). While locations of the probe
sites have not yet been determined, the applicant’s site plan indicates that approximately seven (7) probe
sites would occur within either wetlands, wetland buffers, or protected slopes. No trees are proposed for
removal.
CRITICAL AREA: High erosion hazard, wetlands, sensitive and protected slopes, floodway, a
special flood hazard, and a stream (May Creek).
EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: Renton Municipal Code, Section 4-3-050C.3.b.ii. Site Investigative Work: Site
investigative work necessary for land use application submittals such as surveys, soil logs, percolation
Docusign Envelope ID: 4BBE0C24-3F3E-43FE-A7C2-11C990A5E4EB
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Northeast Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations LUA25-000437, CAE
Permit Date: December 19, 2025 Page 2 of 3
D_NE Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations_CAE_251219_Final
tests and other related activities. Investigative work shall not disturb any more than five percent (5%) of the
critical area and required buffer. In every case, impacts shall be minimized and disturbed areas shall be
immediately restored at a one-to-one (1:1) ratio. Within shoreline jurisdiction, this includes the marking of
property lines or corners on state-owned lands, when such marking does not significantly interfere with the
normal public use of the surface water. Limitations on site exploration and investigative activities are
defined in WAC 173-27-040(2)(m) for properties within shoreline jurisdiction.
CRITCAL AREA EXEMPTION FINDINGS:
The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section 4-3-050C.2.d:
YES i. The activity is not prohibited by this or any other provision of the Renton Municipal
Code or State or Federal law or regulation;
Staff Comments: The activity is not prohibited. The Critical Areas Regulations
allow site investigative work within critical areas and their buffers provided that the
investigative work does not disturb any more than five percent (5%) of the critical
area and required buffer. According to the applicant, minimal vegetation trimming
is proposed on the 18.8-acre site to facilitate approximately fourteen (14) shovel
probe sites as part of preparation for improvements at the Park.
YES ii. The activity will be conducted using best management practices as specified by
industry standards or applicable Federal agencies or scientific principles;
Staff Comments: The proposed work would be completed in a manner that limits
impacts to native vegetation. Hand tools would be used where possible, including
for excavation of the probe sites.
YES, IF
CONDITION OF
APPROVAL IS
MET
iii. Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
Staff Comments: According to the applicant, vegetation disturbance would be
minimal and would only occur at the immediate area around shovel probe sites.
To ensure disturbed areas are immediately restored at a one-to-one (1:1) ratio, the
applicant shall restore any permanently disturbed areas with native plant species
within six (6) months following the conclusion of site investigative work. Upon
completion of the restoration work, the applicant shall contact the Current
Planning Project Manager for a site inspection.
YES iv. Where water body or buffer disturbance has occurred in accordance with an
exemption during construction or other activities, revegetation with native
vegetation shall be required;
Staff Comments: No in-water work is proposed. See the recommended condition
of approval above related to reestablishment of native vegetation in disturbed
areas.
N/A v. If a hazardous material, activity, and/or facility that is exempt pursuant to this
Section has a significant or substantial potential to degrade groundwater quality,
then the Administrator may require compliance with the Wellhead Protection Area
requirements of this Section otherwise relevant to that hazardous material,
activity, and/or facility. Such determinations will be based upon site and/or
chemical-specific data.
Docusign Envelope ID: 4BBE0C24-3F3E-43FE-A7C2-11C990A5E4EB
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Northeast Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations LUA25-000437, CAE
Permit Date: December 19, 2025 Page 3 of 3
D_NE Renton Park Geotechnical Explorations_CAE_251219_Final
Staff Comments: Not applicable. The proposed scope of work would not impact
any groundwater or a Wellhead Protection Area.
DECISION: An exemption from the Critical Areas Regulations is hereby Approved with Conditions* .
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall restore any permanently disturbed areas with native plant species within six (6)
months following the conclusion of site investigative work. Upon completion of the restoration work,
the applicant shall contact the Current Planning Project Manager for a site inspection.
SIGNATURE & DATE OF DECISION:
_______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Matthew Herrera, Planning Director Date
RECONSIDERATION: Within 14 days of the decision date, any party may request that the decision be
reopened by the approval body. The approval body may modify his decision if material evidence not readily
discoverable prior to the original decision is found or if he finds there was misrepresentation of fact. After
review of the reconsideration request, if the approval body finds sufficient evidence to amend the original
decision, there will be no further extension of the appeal period. Any person wishing to take further action
must file a formal appeal within the 14-day appeal time frame.
APPEALS: This administrative land use decision will become final if not appealed in writing to the
Hearing Examiner on or before 5:00 PM on January 2, 2026. An appeal of the decision must be filed
within the 14-day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). Appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub
Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at
a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the
first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and
additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office,
cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.
EXPIRATION: Two (2) years from the date of decision (date signed).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Site Plan
Docusign Envelope ID: 4BBE0C24-3F3E-43FE-A7C2-11C990A5E4EB
12/19/2025 | 4:11 PM PST