HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-NWRO-9157_May Creek Trail Expansion Decision STATE OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
Northwest Region Office
PO Box 330316, Shoreline, WA 98133-9716 • 206-594-0000
April 27, 2026
Jason Lederer
City of Renton
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Re: City of Renton Permit Number LUA25-000091
Jason Lederer - Applicant
Shoreline Conditional Permit No. 2025-NWRO-9157
Dear Jason Lederer:
On August 20, 2025, the Department of Ecology (Ecology) received the City of Renton (City)
decision to grant a shoreline substantial development permit and approve a shoreline
conditional use permit and shoreline variance permit allowing construction of an ADA -
accessible trail along the south side of May Creek, including multiple boardwalk sections over
delineated wetlands, and a bridge crossing that spans the creek and the 100-year floodplain.
Following a request for additional information by Ecology, a complete application was received
on April 7, 2026.
The City Shoreline Master Program (SMP) requires a shoreline conditional use permit to modify
the required setback for non-water dependent uses in Type S Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Conservation Areas and to develop an overwater structure. The project requires a shoreline
variance to increase the trail width from the maximum allowed width of 6 feet to 8 feet,
including a shift from the required soft surfaces trail to a hard surface trail. A variance is also
required to install the trail within in the inner 75% of the shoreline buffer.
Compensatory mitigation and restoration are proposed throughout the shorelands. Mitigation
efforts cover approximately 3 ¼ acres outside of the trail footprint, including invasive species
removal and replanting with native trees and shrubs.
The subject parcel (Parcel Number: 3224059109) is waterfront lot located at 4260 Lake
Washington Blvd in Renton, WA 98056. The project area is within the Urban Conservancy
shoreline environment designation adjacent to May Creek, a shoreline of the state.
By law, Ecology must review shoreline variance permits for compliance with:
May Creek Trail Park
April 27, 2026
Page 2 of 3
•The Shoreline Management Act (Chapter 90.58 RCW).
•Ecology’s conditional use permit approval criteria (Chapter 173–27–160 WAC).
•City of Renton Shoreline Master Program.
After reviewing shoreline conditional use permits for compliance, Ecology must decide whether
to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove them.
Our Decision:
Ecology approves your shoreline conditional use permit and shoreline variance permit
provided your project complies with the conditions required by the City of Renton’s Hearing
Examiner Decision August 6, 2025, and the following conditions:
1.No fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides may be used in the shoreline jurisdiction
without express permission from the Department of Ecology.
2.The project shall conform to the revised site plan received by the Department of
Ecology on 04/06/2026.
3.The Applicant shall submit a no net loss analysis, including a copy of the final City-
approved mitigation plan, prepared by a qualified professional and subject to
approval by Ecology, prior to any development activity. Ecology will review the plan
as submitted and respond within 10 business days.
4.Installation of the mitigation plantings waterward of the trail shall occur prior to land
clearing and development where it is feasible to minimize impacts to sensitive banks
and in-stream habitat from trail and bridge construction. Following installation of
the proposed mitigation, submit to Ecology the as-built plan, to ensure compliance
with the mitigation as proposed. Submit the report to smp@ecy.wa.gov with the
subject line “2026-NWRO-9157 As-Built Mitigation Plan”.
5.Submit to Ecology the Year-5 mitigation monitoring report to ensure compliance
with approved performance standards. Submit the Year 5 monitoring report and
materials to smp@ecy.wa.gov with the subject line “2026-NWRO-9157 Year-5
Monitoring Report”.
6.The applicant hereby authorizes Ecology staff to have access to the subject property
for the purposes of compliance inspection. Such right of access shall begin from the
date of the receipt of this letter, during construction, and following project
completion. Ecology staff must provide reasonable notice to the applicant or their
designee prior to coming onto the site.
Please note, however, that other federal, state, and local permits may be required in
addition to this shoreline permit.
May Creek Trail Park
April 27, 2026
Page 3 of 3
What Happens Next?
Before you begin activities authorized by this permit, the law requires you to wait at least 21
days from the date we mail this letter, the “date of filing.” This waiting period allows anyone
(including you) who disagrees with any aspect of this permit to appeal the decision to the state
Shorelines Hearings Board (SHB). You must wait for the conclusion of an appeal before you can
begin the activities authorized by this permit.
The SHB will notify you by letter if they receive an appeal. We recommend you contact the SHB
before starting development to ensure they have not received an appeal. You may reach them
at (360) 664-9160, eluho@eluho.wa.gov, or Shorelines Hearings Board.
If you want to appeal this decision, you can find appeal instructions (Chapter 461–08 WAC) at
the SHB website above or on the website of the Washington State Legislature at
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=461-08.
If you have any questions about this letter, please contact Brooke Sullivan at (425) 570-2028 or
brooke.sullivan@ecy.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Joe Burcar, Section Manager
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program
Sent via email: JLederer@rentonwa.gov
E-cc: Jason Lederer, Applicant
Jill Ding, City of Renton
Brooke Sullivan, PhD, Department of Ecology
Chad Yunge, Department of Ecology