HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_Vantage_Glen_Forest_Stewardship_CAE_251224_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_Vantage_Glen_Forest_Stewardship_CAE_251224_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: December 24, 2025
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA25-000413, CAE
PROJECT NAME: Vantage Glen Forest Stewardship
PROJECT MANAGER: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
APPLICANT/CONTACT: Ellen Arnstein, King County Conservation District
800 SW 39th St, Suite 150, Renton, WA 98057
OWNER: King County Housing Authority Attn: Wen Xu
600 Andover Park W, Tukwila, WA 98188
PROJECT LOCATION: APNs: 3223059020, 3223059070, 3223059361, 3223059363, and 3223059364
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is proposing to restore 12.82 acres of forest within multiple
parcels by treating invasive species and replanting with native trees and shrubs. Vantage Glen is a King
County Housing Authority-owned site composed of four (4) parcels. The two (2) parcels where the proposed
work will occur cover approximately 12.82 acres of forested land. The two parcels—APN 3223059363 (1.41
acres) and APN 3223059364 (11.41 acres)—are both zoned Residential Manufactured Home Park (RMH).
The combined 12.82 acres of forested land are divided into six (6) forest management areas, or stands,
ranging from approximately 0.96 to 3.45 acres. Stands 2 and 6 are largely unforested and dominated by
Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry, while Stands 4 and 7 consist of older mixed conifer- deciduous
forest located on the steep ravine slopes adjacent to Panther Creek. The adjacent properties are zoned
Residential-1 and Residential-4 on the western side, and Residential Manufactured Home Park and
Residential-8 on the eastern and southern sides of parcel 3223059364. Properties to the north of parcel
3223059363 are zoned Residential Multi-family and Commercial Arterial, while properties to the south are
zoned Residential Manufactured Home Park. There is no proposed development or off-site improvements,
and the project does not require any fill or excavation.
The scope of work includes removing invasive vegetation using both chemical and hand-control methods
consistent with King County best management practices. As outlined in the Forest Stewardship Plan within
the project narrative (Attachment D), mechanical techniques such as brush cutting and mowing will be
limited to upland areas outside of critical areas, while manual methods will be used within critical areas
and their buffers. The project also includes installing erosion-control measures, such as coir logs and jute
netting, within mapped steep-slope, landslide, and high-erosion hazard areas, in accordance with the
recommendations of the geotechnical report (Attachment C). These installations will be performed using
hand tools and light equipment accessed from existing trails and terraces, thereby avoiding the use of heavy
Docusign Envelope ID: AD42C159-3A95-4693-80DD-0915D0DC5C85
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Vantage Glen Forest Stewardship LUA25-000413, CAE
Permit Date: December 24, 2025 Page 2 of 5
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machinery within critical areas. The project includes planting approximately 610 trees and 500 shrubs to re-
establish native canopy and understory, particularly in Stands 2 and 6, and along the upper slopes above
Panther Creek. Native tree and shrub species will be planted consistent with the recommendations in the
Forest Stewardship Plan, focusing on species suited to the existing forest conditions and site soils. Native
trees proposed in the Forest Stewardship Plan include species such as Douglas fir, western red cedar, big
leaf maple, black cottonwood, and shore pine to re-establish native forest cover. Shrub and ground layer
plantings will include native species like salmonberry, redstem dogwood, Pacific ninebark, Oregon grape,
salal, and sword fern to create a diverse understory and improve long-term forest health following invasive
removal. A forest management plan, geotechnical report and stream study (Attachments C, D and E) have
been prepared for the property. These documents describe Vantage Glen’s soils as Alderwood gravelly
sandy loam on slopes of about 22 to 35 degrees around the community, and up to about 40 degrees within
the Panther Creek Ravine, with the site underlain by dense glacial outwash and nonglacial deposits.
Vegetation to be removed would only include invasive weeds, concentrating on spotted knapweed, tansy
ragwort, English ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, and scotch broom and other listed invasive species identified
in the Forest Stewardship Plan, while retaining existing native trees and shrubs. According to the applicant,
Panther Creek runs through the southwest corner of the property and is classified as a Type-F stream, with
documented use by coho salmon and presumed use by cutthroat trout. In addition, there is a mapped
erosion hazard on the sides of the creek and a slope of about 65 percent (65%). Forest management
activities in these areas will be timed outside the wet season when soils are less saturated and less
vulnerable to erosion, consistent with the recommendations in the geotechnical report. Erosion control
measures would be installed where necessary, including placement of small-scale bioengineering
measures in disturbed areas to limit surface erosion on steep slopes such as coir logs, jute netting, and
mulching. According to City of Renton (COR) maps, there are moderate and high landslide hazards, high
erosion hazard areas, regulated steep sensitive and protected slopes, and a Type-F stream (Panther Creek)
with a 115-foot (115’) buffer. There are no trees proposed for removal.
Per RMC 4-3-050C.3.a.ii, Enhancement Activities, which include removal of noxious or intrusive species,
plantings of appropriate native species and/or removal of diseased or decaying trees which pose a clear
and imminent threat to life or property are an exempt activity in geologic hazard areas and in streams and
their buffers.
CRITICAL AREAS: High Erosion Hazard, moderate and high landslide hazard, Type F stream
(Panther Creek), and regulated steep sensitive and protected slopes.
EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: Renton Municipal Code, Section 4-3-050C.3.a.ii. Enhancement activities as
defined in chapter 4-11 RMC: Removal of noxious or intrusive species, plantings of appropriate native
species and/or removal of diseased or decaying trees which pose a clear and imminent threat to life or
property. Enhancement activities shall not involve the use of mechanical equipment. Enhancement
activities may include the removal of pests which pose a clear danger to public health; provided, that such
danger is certified by the King County Department of Public Health.
CRITCAL AREA EXEMPTION FINDINGS:
The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section 4-3-050C.2.d:
Docusign Envelope ID: AD42C159-3A95-4693-80DD-0915D0DC5C85
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Vantage Glen Forest Stewardship LUA25-000413, CAE
Permit Date: December 24, 2025 Page 3 of 5
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YES, IF
CONDITION
OF
APPROVAL
IS MET
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: Enhancement Activities are exempt activities and are permitted
within flood hazard areas, geologic hazard areas, habitat conservation areas,
streams and lakes, and wetlands according to the City of Renton’s Critical Areas
Regulations. The proposed enhancement activities consist of invasive and noxious
plant removal and planting of native vegetation within the identified regulated
critical areas and their buffers. These activities meet the definition of Enhancement
Activities as defined in RMC Chapter 4-11 and qualify as exempt activities under
RMC 4-3-050C.3.a.ii when conducted without mechanical equipment and within
the limits described in the approved plans. Enhancement activities under this
exemption are limited to manual removal of invasive and noxious vegetation and
planting of native species within the identified work areas; no tree removal, grading
or installation of new structures are included within this exemption. Staff
recommends, as a condition of approval, that enhancement activities under this
exemption be limited to manual removal of invasive and noxious vegetation and
planting of native species within the identified work areas, and that no tree removal,
grading, or installation of new structures be authorized under this decision. No
grading, filling, new structures, or other activities that are prohibited in critical areas
or buffers are proposed. This decision does not exempt the applicant from any
other agency approvals needed to do the proposed work.
YES, IF
CONDITION
OF
APPROVAL
IS MET
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 submitted Vantage Glen Forest Restoration Site Plan
(Attachment A), Geotechnical Investigation (Attachment C), and Stream Study
(Attachment E) identify and incorporate best management practices for vegetation
management on steep slopes and within stream buffers. These practices include
the use of hand-removal methods, retention of native vegetation, prompt replanting
with native species, and installation of erosion and sediment control measures
where needed. Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that all work within
mapped protected or sensitive slopes, landslide hazard areas, and erosion hazard
areas comply with the recommendations in the Geotechnical Investigation
prepared by Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. These recommendations include
limitations on access, timing of work, and measures to minimize surficial instability
and erosion. Any proposed deviation from the geotechnical recommendations
shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to implementation. Work
will be limited to manual techniques to avoid unnecessary soil disturbance, and
erosion and sediment control practices will be implemented as needed, such as
maintaining ground cover, limiting work during periods of heavy rainfall, and
promptly installing plants and mulch in disturbed areas. All work within mapped
protected or sensitive slopes, landslide hazard areas, and erosion hazard areas
shall comply with the recommendations in the Geotechnical Investigation
prepared by Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. These recommendations include
limitations on access, timing of work, and measures to minimize surficial instability
and erosion. Any proposed deviation from the geotechnical recommendations
Docusign Envelope ID: AD42C159-3A95-4693-80DD-0915D0DC5C85
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Vantage Glen Forest Stewardship LUA25-000413, CAE
Permit Date: December 24, 2025 Page 4 of 5
D_Vantage_Glen_Forest_Stewardship_CAE_251224_Final
shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to implementation.
Temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall also follow the additional
guidance and comments provided in the Civil Engineering Memorandum
(Attachment F). According to the applicant, the proposed work would avoid and
limit soil compaction, and thinning might be recommended in Stands 1, 3, 4, and 5
in the future to increase the health and diameter of existing trees for more optimal
carbon storage (Attachment D).
YES iii. Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
Staff Comments: According to the applicant, the proposal is designed to minimize
disturbance by focusing on selective invasive plant removal and native planting
within existing forest stands and the mapped stream buffer, avoiding grading,
large-scale clearing, or changes to site topography. Any ground disturbance
associated with invasive species removal and planting would be limited in extent
and followed by immediate stabilization and revegetation using native trees,
shrubs, and groundcovers consistent with the restoration plan.
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. The project has been designed to
minimize impacts to buffers. The applicant’s proposal includes a rehabilitation and
planting plan for the re-establishment of native vegetation in disturbed areas.
Enhancement activities include invasive plant removal and native revegetation
within the Panther Creek buffer, which would temporarily disturb portions of the
buffer. The restoration planting plan provides for planting of native species
appropriate to riparian and steep-slope conditions, increasing native cover,
improving shading and organic inputs to the stream corridor, and stabilizing soils
so that any disturbed buffer areas are revegetated with native vegetation.
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.
Staff Comments: Not Applicable. It is not anticipated that the proposal would
result in hazardous materials infiltrating the groundwater as the proposed work is
not located within a Wellhead Protection Area. Vegetation management and
revegetation would be conducted with hand tools and manual labor, and no fueling,
chemical treatments in critical areas, or other groundwater risk activities are
proposed under this exemption.
DECISION: An exemption from the Critical Areas Regulations is hereby Approved with Conditions* .
*CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
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City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Critical Areas Regulations
Vantage Glen Forest Stewardship LUA25-000413, CAE
Permit Date: December 24, 2025 Page 5 of 5
D_Vantage_Glen_Forest_Stewardship_CAE_251224_Final
1. Enhancement activities under this exemption are limited to manual removal of invasive and noxious
vegetation and planting of native species within the identified work areas; no tree removal, grading,
or installation of new structures is authorized by this critical areas exemption.
2. All work within mapped protected or sensitive slopes, landslide hazard areas, and erosion hazard
areas shall comply with the recommendations in the Geotechnical Investigation (Attachment C)
prepared by Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., including limitations on access, timing of work, and
measures to minimize surficial instability and erosion. Any proposed deviation from the geotechnical
recommendations shall be submitted to the City for review and approval prior to implementation.
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 7, 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
Attachment B: Neighborhood Detail Map
Attachment C: Geotechnical Investigation, prepared by Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., dated July 23, 2025
Attachment D: Project Narrative, prepared by Jason Saura, Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator, dated
April 2024
Attachment E: Stream Study, prepared by Confluence Environmental Company, dated July 2025
Attachment F: Development Engineering Memorandum, prepared by Huy Huynh, Civil Engineer, City of
Renton, dated December 12, 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: AD42C159-3A95-4693-80DD-0915D0DC5C85
12/24/2025 | 9:56 AM PST