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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ_Modification_ Justification_EVCS_Best-Western_v1 Modification Justification for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Best Western Plus Renton Inn The following is a Modification Justification Request to the site parking standards for the proposed EVCS project at the Best Western Plus Renton Inn located at 1850 Maple Valley Hwy. In Summary, EVCS proposes the modification of the existing Best Western Hotel Parking Lot with the conversion of (12) standard parking spaces into (9) electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces, which includes (1) ADA compliant parking stall. The project also includes the reconfiguration of an existing curb, addition of protective bollards and replacement of existing landscaping in the existing landscape area near the West property boundary above the existing retaining wall. Although the proposal does not conform to City Parking standards regarding the required number of stalls per the room count of the Hotel, the landowner and applicant EVCS wish to request the Modification to provide selected parking stalls conversion to Electrical Vehicle (EV) Charging stalls and infrastructure to accommodate growing customer EV Charging needs at the Hotel. The following is provided to demonstrate project meets decision criteria per RMC 4-9-250 - VARIANCES, WAIVERS, MODIFICATIONS, AND ALTERNATES D. MODIFICATION PROCEDURES: a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum adjustment necessary to implement these policies and objectives; Applicant response: The 2025 Renton Comprehensive Plan encourages EV uses and deployment of EV infrastructure in the Transportation Section. • Goal CR-E: Reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector by reducing vehicle miles traveled via expanding multimodal transportation systems for all community members and promoting the use of electric vehicles. • Policy CR-12: Work with utility providers, communities, and other stakeholders (e.g., developers and EV companies) to ensure that there is access to EV charging where it is needed and expand EV charging readiness for buildings equitably. The proposed EV stalls and Infrastructure are the minimum necessary for traveling motorist located at the Hotel’s intersection of regional freeways, highways, and city arterials in the CA zone. b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment; LD C , I n c . • Su r vey i n g • E n g i n e e r i n g • Pl a n n i n g Applicant response: The proposed EV stalls and Infrastructure are designed and engineered to conform to city building and electrical codes regarding safety and environmental protection. The use of dual stall charging units and a dedicated ADA charging stall serve to enhance full function. In addition, the equipment has an attractive appearance when installed and operational. c. Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity; Applicant response: The property is in a heavy traffic corridor serving the business and recreational demands of the Best Western Plus Hotel guests as a long term established use in the community. The proposed equipment is screened from view with established landscaping fronting and parallel to the Maple Valley Hwy. and across from the City’s Cedar River Park, Fields, & Aquatic Center. The proposed EV Charging equipment will have no adverse impact to the properties in the vicinity and reduction of emissions realized by the project for hotel customers, guests, and employees is consistent with the intent of the Comp Plan. d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code; and Applicant response: The location for the proposed project as an accessory use at the Hotel property in the CA zone is consistent with the intent of the land use district and the ability for charging EVs while those motorists are lodging at the hotel during business, recreational, or personal travel to the City of Renton is compatible. The code requirements are maintained by the project with replacement of landscaping that will provide improved screening of the equipment and from view from neighboring properties and motorists passing by. e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended; Applicant response: The proposed EV Charging equipment is compatible with the Hotel’s Primary Use of the property in the CA zone and as an Accessory Use in demand by Customers, Guest, and Employees at the site. With the intended growth of EV use the need for adequate deployment of EV Charging equipment is prevalent and anticipated within the Transportation section of the Renton Comp Plan.