HomeMy WebLinkAboutA-Shoreline Exemption Permit Application-MFP25006681-101193402
December 30, 2025
Community & Economic Development – Permits
1055 South Grady Way
6th Floor
(425) 430-7200
permittech@rentonwa.gov
Re: E Perimeter Rd Pole Replacement
To Whom It May Concern,
PSE is seeking a shoreline exemption for our proposal to replace an older utility pole. The
pole is located within the shoreline jurisdiction of the Cedar River and its replacement is
necessary as part of standard maintenance practices to prevent service disruptions.
This is a maintenance project as the pole will be replaced with one of the same height in
the same location. The project is categorically exempt from SEPA review pursuant to
WAC 197-11-800(23). This project is also exempt from the substantial shoreline
development permit requirement of Renton’s Shoreline Master Program (RMC 4-9-
190(C)(C)) as it qualifies as a maintenance activity: “Replacement of a structure or
development may be authorized as repair where such replacement is the common method
of repair for the type of structure or development and the replacement structure or
development is comparable to the original structure or development including, but not
limited to, its size, shape, configuration, location and external appearance and the
replacement does not cause substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or
environment.”
The pole is located in right-of-way next to 289 E Perimeter Rd. The site is zoned for
Industrial Medium with the adjacent property across Airport Way being zoned as Center
Downtown. The site is currently being used for the Renton Municipal Airport and is part
of the Shoreline High Intensity zone.
The pole is located approximately 60 feet west of the Ordinary High Water Mark of the
Cedar River. The project is outside of all critical areas and functional buffers. A road,
parking strip, and bulkhead separate the pole from the banks of the river. The proposed
project should have no impact on the shoreline habitat, as the project impact area will be
contained to the few feet immediately surrounding the pole, which is functionally
disconnected from the river. The pole is located in a mulched planting strip with little
habitat. This information was obtained using publicly available GIS resources including
those provided by the City of Renton and King County.
Best management practices (BMP’s) will be used to protect the river from sedimentation
including temporarily installing a silt fence, gravel bags, or straw wattles. The
replacement pole will be the same height as the existing pole (50 feet), so there will be no
change in view. The replacement process will temporarily impact approximately five
square feet with two cubic yards of cut/fill. Disturbed surfaces will be restored to their
original condition or better upon completion of construction. All work will occur during
reasonable hours and will occur in one day. The estimated construction cost is $40,000.
No trees will be removed or trimmed.
Below is a table illustrating the differences between the new and existing pole:
Site # Grid # Height (ft) Class
P01 - existing 318041-165975 50 2
P02 - new 318041-165975 50 H2
Below is a site photo showing the pole and surrounding development.
Proposed pole
to be replaced
Cedar River
The City of Renton’s shoreline development permit lists a number of requirements that
are not applicable to this application. The project only involves 2 cubic yards of cut/fill
and the pole is located in a flat mulched planting strip; functionally disconnected from the
Cedar River by a road, gravel parking strip, and wall. Therefore, replacing the pole
should not cause any impacts to the shoreline environment. The pole is outside of critical
areas and their buffers. PSE is requesting the City concur that these additional materials
can be waived.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at joseph.pignatelli@pse.com.
Sincerely,
Joe Pignatelli
Municipal Land Planner
(206) 716-2614 | joseph.pignatelli@pse.com