HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Staff_Comments_PRE26-000177_260618DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200 |www.rentonwa.gov
PREAPPLICATION MEETING FOR
Castañeda Residence
(APN 3340401131)
PRE 26-000177
July 18, 2026
Contact Information:
Planner: Mariah Kerrihard, 425-430-7238, mkerrihard@rentonwa.gov
Public Works Plan Reviewer: Heather Bray, 425-430-7383, hbray@rentonwa.gov
Fire Prevention Reviewer: Corey Thomas, 425.276.9582, cthomas@RentonRFA.org
Building Department Reviewer: Rob Shuey, 206.550.8523, rshuey@rentonwa.gov
Please retain this packet throughout the course of your project as a reference. Consider giving
copies to engineers, architects, and contractors who will work on the project. You will need to
submit an PDF copy of this packet when you apply for land use and/or environmental permits.
When the project application is ready for submittal, you may email the project planner to start
the prescreen process. Similarly, you may contact the assigned planner if there are any
questions regarding submittal requirements.
The pre-application meeting is informal and non-binding. The comments provided on the
proposal are based on the codes and policies in effect at the time of review. The applicant is
cautioned that the development regulations are regularly amended and the proposal will be
formally reviewed under the regulations in effect at the time of project submittal. The
information contained in this summary is subject to modification and/or concurrence by
official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Planning Director, Development Services
Director, Development Engineering Director, Department of Community & Economic
Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator and City Council).
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: June 18th, 2026
June 20, 2011
TO: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
FROM: Heather Bray, Civil Plan Reviewer
SUBJECT: Castañeda SFR
PRE25-000314
NOTE: The applicant is cautioned that information contained in this summary is preliminary and non-
binding and may be subject to modification and/or concurrence by official city decision-makers.
Review comments may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes
required by City staff or made by the applicant.
I have completed a preliminary review for the above-referenced proposal located KC Parcel
#334040-1131. The following comments are based on the pre-application submittal made to the City
of Renton by the applicant.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The site is approximately 0.38 acres in size and is irregular in shape. The site is currently undeveloped
with one accessory structure associated with 1717 Lake Ave S.
Water Water service is provided by the City of Renton. The site is in the West Talbot Hill service
area in the 300 hydraulic pressure zone. There is an existing 8-inch City water main located
in Lake Ave S (see Water plan no. W-319804) that can deliver a maximum total flow
capacity of 2,200 gallons per minute (gpm). The approximate static water pressure is 92
psi at ground elevation of 88 feet. The site is located outside of the Wellhead Protection
Area Zone.
Sewer Wastewater service is provided by the City of Renton. There is an existing 8-inch concrete
gravity wastewater main located in Lake Ave S (see City plan no. S-00220B). There is also
a private 6-inch sewer stub going into the property on the east side of the site.
Storm There is an existing 8-inch stormwater main in Lake Ave S (see City plan no. D-212401). The
existing property does not contain stormwater facilities. Based on the current site
topography, the site appears to drain stormwater run-off towards the west property line.
Streets Lake Ave S is a Residential Access Street with an existing right of way (ROW) width of 60.0-
ft as measured using the King County Assessor’s Map and approximately 24.0-ft of asphalt
paving.
Castañeda SFR, PRE26-000177 Page 2 of 4
June 18th, 2026
2
WATER COMMENTS
1. Installation of a new water meter and service will be required per COR Std Plan 320.1 by City
Forces.
a. Water meters may not be located with driveways.
2. All residential domestic water meters shall have a double check valve assembly (DCVA)
installed behind the meter on private property per City Standards if a fire sprinkler system is
required.
3. Installation of a landscape irrigation meter with a backflow prevention assembly (DCVA) if
applicable.
4. A pressure reducing valve will need to be installed per COR Std plan 340.4 and the most
recent UPC since the static pressure exceeds 80 psi
5. Installation of a “Storz” adapter on the existing hydrants, if they are not already equipped
with one. Installation of additional fire hydrants as required by the Renton Regional Fire
Authority (RRFA). RRFA to provide the required fire flow demand. There is one existing fire
hydrant within 300-ft of the property:
a. HYD-S-00137
6. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development.
7. The development is subject to applicable water system development charges (SDC’s) and
meter installation fees based on the number and size of the meters for domestic uses and
for fire sprinkler use. The development is also subject to fees for water connections, cut and
caps, and purity tests. Current fees can be found in the 2026 Development Fees Document
on the City’s website. Fees will be charged based on the rate at the time of construction
permit issuance.
a. The current SDC fee for a 1-inch domestic water meter is $5,025.00.
b. Drop-in meter fee is $400.00 per 1-inch meter.
c. The full fee schedule can be found here.
SEWER COMMENTS
1. A 6-inch sewer line will need to be installed from property line to building structure. All new
side sewers and sewer stubs shall conform to the standards in RMC 4-6-040 and City of
Renton Standard Details.
2. The 6-inch concrete sewer stub may be lined for use or replaced with a PVC stub. CCTV
footage will need to be provided to the City at time of Building Permit Submittal for review
and approval to be lined. If not deemed acceptable for lining, the pipe will need to be
replaced with PVC.
3. A conceptual utility plan will be required as part of the land use application for the subject
development
4. The development is subject to a wastewater system development charge (SDC) fee. SDC fee
for sewer is based on the size of the new domestic water to serve the project. Current fees
can be found in the 2026 Development Fees Document on the City’s website. Fees will be
charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a. The current sewer SDC fee is $4,025 per 1-inch meter.
b. The full fee schedule can be found here.
Castañeda SFR, PRE26-000177 Page 3 of 4
June 18th, 2026
3
SURFACE WATER COMMENTS
1. Drainage plans and a drainage report complying with the adopted 2022 Renton Surface
Water Design Manual will be required. Refer to Figure 1.1.2.A – Flow Chart in the 2022 City of
Renton Surface Water Manual (2022 RSWDM) to determine what type of drainage review is
required for this site. A drainage study complying with the 2022 RSWDM may be
required. Based on the City’s flow control map, the site falls within the City’s Flow Control
Duration Standard area (Matching Forest Conditions). The site falls within the Black River
Basin.
2. Critical areas on site that may affect stormwater review include regulated (steep) slopes,
high erosion hazard, high landslide hazard, and high seismic hazard.
3. The current City of Renton Surface Water Standard Plans that shall be used in all drainage
submittals. The current City of Renton Standard details are available online at the City of
Renton website.
4. If the new plus replaced pollution generating impervious surface exceeds 5,000 SF, the
applicant will be required to provide basic water quality treatment. Any proposed detention
and/or water quality vault shall be designed in accordance with the RSWDM that is current
at the time of civil construction permit application. Separate structural plans will be required
to be submitted for review and approval under a separate building permit for the detention
and/or water quality vault.
5. Appropriate on-site BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 will be required to help mitigate
the new runoff created by this development to the maximum extent feasible. On-site BMPs
shall be evaluated as described in Section C.1.3 of the 2022 RSWDM. A preliminary drainage
plan, including the application of on-site BMPs, shall be included with the land use
application, as applicable to the project. The final drainage plan and drainage report must be
submitted with the utility construction permit application.
6. A geotechnical soils report for the site is required per the 2022 Renton Surface Water Design
Manual Section C.1.3. Information on the water table and soil permeability (measured
infiltration rates), with recommendations of appropriate on-site BMPs per Core Requirement
#9 and Appendix C shall be included in the report. The report should also include information
concerning the soils, geology, drainage patterns and vegetation present shall be presented
to evaluate the drainage, erosion control and slope stability for site development of the
proposed plat. The applicant must demonstrate the development will not result in soil
erosion and sedimentation, landslide, slippage, or excess surface water runoff.
7. Erosion control measures to meet the City requirements shall be provided
8. The development is subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fee. Fees
will be charged based on the rate at the time of construction permit issuance.
a) The current stormwater SDC fee for a single-family residence is $2,350.00.
b) The full schedule can be found here.
TRANSPORTATION COMMENTS
1. In accordance with RMC 4-6-060, if the site improvements and/or proposed building
additions exceed an overall valuation of $175,000, the project site(s) shall be required to
meet the City’s Complete Streets Standards:
a. Lake Ave S is classified as a residential access street. Per RMC 4-6-060, the minimum
right of way (ROW) width for a residential access street is 60-ft. Half-street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline will be required and include a
minimum 16-foot paved road, 0.5 feet of cub and gutter, an 8-foot planting strip, and
5-foot sidewalk, street trees and storm drainage improvements.
Castañeda SFR, PRE26-000177 Page 4 of 4
June 18th, 2026
4
i. A Fee-in-Lieu will be supported for this street frontage. See the City Fee
Schedule for cost per linear foot of frontage.
2. On-site and off-site curb ramps, sidewalk improvements will be reviewed in conjunction with
the building permit and will require a grading plan consisting of spot elevations and slopes
showing that ADA and City specifications are being met.
3. Refer to City code 4-4-080 regarding driveway regulations.
4. Undergrounding of all existing and proposed utilities is required on all frontages per RMC 4-
6-090.
5. Paving and trench restoration shall comply with the City’s Trench Restoration and Overlay
Requirements.
6. The development is subject to transportation impact fees. Fees will be charged based on the
rate at the time of building permit issuance.
a. The 2026 transportation impact fee for multifamily housing is $11,485.67 per
dwelling.
b. The full fee schedule can be found here.
GENERAL COMMENTS
1. All existing and proposed utility lines (i.e. electrical, phone, and cable services, etc.) along
property frontage or within the site must be underground. The construction of these
franchise utilities must be inspected and approved by a City of Renton inspector.
2. Maximum exposed retaining wall height is 6-ft and shall be setback a minimum of 3-ft from
the right-of-way as outlined in RMC 4-4-040 – Fences, Hedges and Retaining Walls. a. Show
all retaining walls on profile view. No walls shall be greater than 6’.
3. Retaining walls that are 4’ or taller from bottom of footing and stormwater detention vaults
will require a separate building permit. Structural calculations and plans prepared by a
licensed engineer will be required as part of the building permit review.
4. Adequate separation between utilities as well as other features shall be provided in
accordance with code requirements:
a. Provide rim and invert elevations on all drainage and sewer structures.
b. 7-ft minimum horizontal and 1-ft vertical separation between storm and other
utilities is required except for water lines which require 10-ft horizontal and 1.5-ft
vertical.
c. The stormwater line should be minimum 5 feet away from any other structure or wall
or building.
d. Trench of any utility should not be in the zone of influence of the retaining wall or of
the building.
5. Fees quoted in this document reflect the fees applicable in the year 2026 only and will be
assessed based on the fee that is current at the time of the permit application or issuance,
as applicable to the permit type. Please visit the fee schedule here.
CityofRenton\Department Folders\Community and Economic Development (CED)\Current Planning\Pre-
Applications\2026\PRE26-000177
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: June 18, 2026
TO: Pre-Application File No. PRE26-000177
FROM: Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Castañeda Residence – APN 3340401131
General: We have completed a preliminary review of the pre-application for the above-
referenced development proposal. The following comments on development and
permitting issues are based on the pre-application submittals made to the City of
Renton by the applicant and the codes in effect on the date of review. The applicant is
cautioned that information contained in this summary may be subject to modification and/or
concurrence by official decision-makers (e.g., Hearing Examiner, Community & Economic
Development Administrator, Public Works Administrator, Planning Director, Development
Services Director, Development Engineering Director, and City Council). Review comments
may also need to be revised based on site planning and other design changes required by
City staff or made by the applicant. The applicant is encouraged to review all applicable
sections of the Renton Municipal Code. The Development Regulations are available online
at https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Renton.
Project Proposal: The subject property is located at APN 3340401131 and is 16,380 square
feet (0.38 acres) in size. The site is currently developed with a detached shed. The applicant
is proposing to demolish the existing structure and construct a new one-story single-family
home estimated at 1,523 square feet. The access is proposed from Lake Ave S on the
northeast side of the property. According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the subject parcel is
located within the (FAR) Part 77 - Airport Height Restrictions, 38. The project site is
encumbered by regulated steep slopes (protected and sensitive, >25% & <=40% to >40% &
<=90%), high erosion hazard area, high landslide hazard area, high seismic hazard area,
within 200 ft of a wetland (Category I with a habitat score of 7) and a Type F stream (Rolling
Hills Creek). There are no trees proposed for removal.
Current Use: The site is currently vacant, with a detached shed.
1. Zoning /Land Use Designation, and Overlays: The Comprehensive Plan designation for
the site is Residential Medium Density (RMD), and it is located within the Residential-6
(R-6) zoning designation. According to RMC 4-2-060, Zoning Use Table – Uses Allowed
in Zoning Designations, detached single-family dwelling units are a permitted use
within the R-6 zone.
2. Development Standards: The proposal is subject to RMC 4-2-110A, Development
Standards for Residential Low and Medium Density Zones – Primary Structures, effective
at the time of complete application.
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Setbacks – Setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint
and the property line and any private access easement. The required setbacks in the R-6
zone are 25 feet for the front yard, 25 feet for the rear yard, and the side setbacks must
be a combined 15 feet with not less than 5 feet on either side. The provided site plan
appears to be meeting the setback requirements. Building setbacks will be verified at
the time of the building permit application.
Building Height and Impervious Surface Coverage – In the R-6 zone, the maximum wall
plate height is 24 feet, and the building may not exceed two stories. Roofs with a pitch
equal to or greater than 4:12 may project an additional six (6) vertical feet from the
maximum wall plate height; common rooftop features, such as chimneys, may project
an additional four (4) vertical feet from the roof surface. Non-exempt vertical projections
(e.g., decks, railings, etc.) shall not extend above the maximum wall plate height unless
the projection is stepped back one-and-a-half (1.5) horizontal feet from each façade for
each one (1) vertical foot above the maximum wall plate height. The maximum height for
detached accessory structures is 12 feet. The gross floor area must be less than that of
the primary structure. Accessory structures are also included in building lot coverage
calculations. See RMC 4-2-110E for development standards for detached accessory
buildings.
The R-6 zone allows a maximum building coverage of 40% of the lot area and a maximum
impervious surface area of 55%. The site plan provides the existing shed, proposed
building footprint, and driveway. The proposed site plan appears to have an estimated
10% building coverage and 13% impervious surface coverage. New development would
need to comply with the maximum building coverage, impervious surface
requirements, and building height regulations of the zone at the time of building
permit review.
3. Residential Design and Open Space Standards: All new residences within the R-6 zone
are subject to the Residential Design Standards outlined in RMC 4-2-115, Residential
Design and Open Space Standards. In addition, the project shall comply with the
following standards, where applicable:
a. Buildings shall incorporate a minimum of two (2) differing siding materials
(horizontal siding and shingles, siding and masonry or masonry-like material,
etc.) on street-facing facades. One (1) alternative siding material must comprise
a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the street-facing façade;
b. Material transitions or changes shall not occur at an exterior corner, but shall
wrap the corner no less than twenty-four inches (24"). The material change shall
occur at an internal corner or a logical transition, such as aligning with a window
edge or chimney;
c. Acceptable exterior wall materials include: wood, cement fiberboard, stucco,
stone, and standard sized brick ((3 1/2" x 7 1/2") or (3 5/8" x 7 5/8")); and simulated
stone, wood, or brick may be used only for detailing and not for the primary form
of the building.
d. All ground-related dwelling units shall provide a covered porch entry with a
minimum depth of five feet (5');
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e. Entries shall be a minimum height of twelve inches (12") above grade;
f. Windows and doors shall constitute a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of
the primary front façade;
g. Sliding glass doors are not permitted along a frontage elevation or an elevation
facing a pedestrian easement.
h. Eaves projecting from the roof of the entire building at least twelve inches (12")
with horizontal fascia or fascia gutter at least five inches (5") deep on the face of
all eaves;
i. Rakes on gable ends must extend a minimum of two inches (2") from the surface
of exterior siding materials;
j. If an attached garage is wider than twenty-six feet (26'), at least one (1) garage
door shall be recessed a minimum of four feet (4') from the other garage door;
k. Garage doors shall contain a minimum of thirty percent (30%) glazing and/or
architectural detailing (e.g., trim and hardware)
Building elevations were not submitted for review. Applications subject to the
Residential Design and Open Space Standards must demonstrate compliance with
the applicable standards at the time of submittal.
4. Refuse and Recycling Areas: According to RMC 4-4-090, Refuse and Recyclables
Standards, residential developments must provide storage space for refuse, recycling,
and compost carts within a garage, an accessory structure, or in an exterior storage area
on the same lot. Each storage space shall have a minimum clear area of 2 feet by 6 feet
and a minimum height of 60 inches, and any indoor storage shall be identified on building
floor plans. Outdoor storage areas shall be screened from public view using wood,
masonry, or ornamental metal. Carts shall not be stored within or obstruct any required
parking space, and a sufficiently sized collection point with a direct, smooth-surfaced
path shall be provided to allow carts to be rolled to the public street or other approved
collection location.
5. Landscaping: Ten feet (10') of on-site landscaping is required along all public street
frontages with a mix of trees, shrubs, and groundcover, with the exception of areas for
required walkways and driveways. Street trees, selected from the City’s Approved Street
Tree List, in the ROW planter would also be required. Landscaping may include
hardscape such as decorative paving, rock outcroppings, fountains, plant containers,
etc. Minimum planting strip widths between the curb and sidewalk are established
according to the street development standards of RMC 4-6-060, Street Standards. Street
trees and, at a minimum, groundcover are to be located in this area when present. Street
trees shall be planted in the center of the planting strip between the curb and the
sidewalk at the following intervals; provided, that, where right-of-way is constrained,
irregular intervals and slight increases or decreases may be permitted or required.
Additionally, trees shall be planted in locations that meet required spacing distances
from facilities located in the right-of-way including, but not limited to, underground
utilities, streetlights, utility poles, traffic signs, fire hydrants, and driveways; such
spacing standards are identified in the City’s Approved Tree List. Generally, the following
spacing is required:
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i. Small-sized maturing trees: thirty feet (30') on center;
ii. Medium-sized maturing trees: forty feet (40') on center; and iii. Large-sized
maturing trees: fifty feet (50') on center.
Except for critical areas, all portions of the development area not covered by structures,
required parking, access, circulation or service areas, must be landscaped with native,
drought-resistant vegetative cover. Where there is insufficient right-of-way space or no
public frontage, street trees are required in the front yard subject to approval of the
Administrator. A minimum of two (2) trees are to be located in the front yard prior to final
inspection.
6. Significant Tree Retention: When significant trees (greater than 6-inch caliper or 8-
caliper inches for alders and cottonwoods) are proposed to be removed, a tree inventory
and a tree retention plan along with an arborist report, tree retention plan and tree
retention worksheet shall be provided with the formal land use application as defined in
RMC 4-8-120. The tree retention plan must show preservation of at least 30% of
significant trees. A review of COR Maps appears to show that there are mature trees on
the site. Please refer to RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing Regulations for
further general and specific tree retention and land clearing requirements.
In addition to retaining a minimum of 30% of existing significant trees, properties subject
to an active land development permit shall comply with minimum tree credit retention
requirements of a minimum of 30 credits per net acre. Tree credits encourage retention
of existing significant trees with larger trees being worth more tree credits. The
Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that an insufficient number of
trees can be retained.
TREE SIZE
TREE
CREDITS
New small species tree 0.25
New medium species tree 1
New large species tree 2
Preserved tree 6 – 9 caliper inches 4
Preserved tree 10 – 12 caliper inches 5
Preserved tree 13 – 15 caliper inches 6
Preserved tree 16 – 18 caliper inches 7
Preserved tree 19 – 21 caliper inches 8
Preserved tree 22 – 24 caliper inches 9
Preserved tree 25 – 28 caliper inches 10
Preserved tree 29 – 32 caliper inches 11
Preserved tree 33 – 36 caliper inches 12
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TREE SIZE
TREE
CREDITS
Preserved tree 37 caliper inches and
greater
13
Significant trees shall be retained in the following priority order:
Priority One: Landmark trees; significant trees that form a continuous canopy; significant
trees on slopes greater than twenty percent (20%); significant trees adjacent to critical
areas and their associated buffers; significant trees over sixty feet (60') in height or
greater than eighteen inches (18") caliper; and trees that shelter interior trees or trees on
abutting properties from strong winds, which could otherwise allow such sheltered trees
to be blown down if removed.
Priority Two: Healthy tree groupings whose associated undergrowth can be preserved;
other significant native evergreen or deciduous trees; and other significant non-native
trees.
Priority Three: Alders and cottonwoods shall be retained when all other trees have been
evaluated for retention and are not able to be retained, unless the alders and/ or
cottonwoods are used as part of an approved enhancement project within a critical area
or its buffer.
The Administrator may require independent review of any land use application that
involves tree removal and land clearing at the City's discretion.
The Administrator may authorize the planting of replacement trees on the site if it can be
demonstrated to the Administrator's satisfaction that replacement requirements in RMC
4-4-130H1e can be met. Tree retention standards shall be applied to the developable
area, as defined in RMC 4-11-040, Definitions D, of a property. No trees are proposed
for removal. A formal tree retention plan and tree retention worksheet prepared by
an arborist or landscape architect would be reviewed at the time of the land use
application if trees are proposed for removal.
7. Fences/Retaining Walls: The applicant would be required to show all existing fencing
on the submitted drawings. If the applicant intends to install any new fences or retaining
walls as part of this project, the location must be designated on the landscape plan or
grading plan. Within residential zones the maximum height of any fence, hedge, or
retaining wall shall not exceed 48 inches (48”) within the front yard and secondary front
yard and 72 inches (72”) elsewhere on the site. Retaining walls shall be composed of
brick, rock, textured or patterned concrete, or other masonry products that complement
the proposed building and site development. A retaining wall that is 4 feet or taller, as
measured by the vertical distance from the bottom of the footing to the finish grade at the
top of the wall requires a building permit. There shall be a minimum three-foot (3')
landscaped setback at the base of retaining walls abutting public rights-of-way. A fence
shall not be constructed on top of a retaining wall unless the total combined height of the
retaining wall and the fence does not exceed the allowed height of a standalone fence.
Please refer to fence and retaining wall standards (RMC 4-4-040) for additional
information.
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8. Parking: The number of required parking spaces is based on the proposed land use per
RMC 4-4-080, Parking, Loading, and Driveway Regulations. According to the parking table
a detached single-family home is required to provide a minimum of two (2) parking stalls
per dwelling unit.
9. Access/Driveways: The maximum width of single loaded garage driveways shall not
exceed nine feet (9’) and double loaded garage driveways shall not exceed 16 feet.
Maximum driveway slopes shall not exceed 15 percent; provided, that driveways
exceeding eight percent (8%) shall provide slotted drains at the lower end with positive
drainage discharge to restrict runoff from entering the garage/residence or crossing any
public sidewalk. Driveways shall not be closer than five feet (5’) to any property line
except as allowed per RMC 4-4-080I.9, Joint Use Driveways.
Compliance with parking, loading and driveway standards would be required at the
time of building permit application.
10. Critical Areas: According to City of Renton (COR) Maps, the subject site contains
regulated slopes (protected and sensitive, >25% & <=40% to >40% & <=90%), high
erosion hazard area, high landslide hazard area, high seismic hazard area. The site is also
within 200 ft of a wetland (Category I, with a habitat score of 7) and a Type F stream
(Rolling Hills Creek). Due to the presence of geological hazards, a geotechnical study
would be required at the time of building permit application. The study shall
specifically address if the proposal will not increase the threat of the geological hazard
to adjacent or abutting properties beyond pre-development conditions; and the proposal
will not adversely impact other critical areas; and the development can be safely
accommodated on the site. The geotechnical study must meet the requirements set
forth in the City of Renton Critical Areas Regulations, RMC 4-3-050. Per RMC 4-3-050 the
City may require an independent secondary review of any valid geotechnical reports by a
qualified specialists selected by the City, at the applicant’s expense. Based upon the
results of a geotechnical report and/or independent review, conditions of approval for
developments may include increased buffers and/or increased setbacks from buffers.
Buffers are established from the top, toe, and sides of slopes. As noted below,
alterations to critical areas buffers is subject to RMC 4-3-050I. Protected slopes also
require a 15-foot building setback beyond the required buffer.
Wetlands require the following buffers and additional 15-foot structure setback based on a
wetland report prepared by a qualified professional:
Table 4-3-050G2j Wetlands Buffer Table
Critical Area Category or Type Critical Area Buffer Width
Structure
Setback
Beyond
Buffer3
Wetlands4
Wetland Characteristic Standard
Buffer1
Increased
Buffer2
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Critical Area Category or Type Critical Area Buffer Width
Structure
Setback
Beyond
Buffer3
Wetlands4
Category I
Bogs and Natural Heritage
Wetlands – Habitat score 8 – 9 225 ft 300 ft
15 ft3
Natural Heritage Wetlands and
Bogs – All Others 190 ft 250 ft
Habitat score of 8 – 9 225 ft 300 ft
Habitat score of 6 – 7 110 ft 150 ft
Habitat score of 3 – 5 75 ft 100 ft
Footnotes:
1. To apply the standard buffer width criteria for performance standards under
subsection G2e of this Section, vegetation buffer standards under subsection G2n of this
Section and habitat corridor must be met.
2. Buffers that do not meet criteria for vegetation buffer standards and habitat corridor
are assigned the increased buffer width.
3. The following may be allowed in the building setback area:
a. Landscaping;
b. Uncovered decks, less than eighteen inches (18") above grade;
c. Building overhangs, if such overhangs do not extend more than twenty-four inches
(24") into the setback area; and
d. Impervious ground surfaces, such as driveways and patios; provided, that such
improvements may be subject to water quality regulations and maximum impervious
surface limitations.
e. Other similar architectural elements, as determined by the Administrator.
Alterations to wetland buffers may be reduced through buffer enhancement or buffer
width averaging provided it is not reduced by no more than 25% of the buffer requirement
and where the City is able to verify that the proposal will result in no net loss of functions
or values as documented in a study prepared by a qualified professional.
Criteria for Reduction of Wetland Buffer Width with Enhancement: The reviewing official
must find that the proposal meets all the following criteria:
i. The reduced buffer will function at a higher level than the standard buffer; and
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ii. An enhanced buffer shall never be less than seventy five percent (75%) of the standard
width at its narrowest point; and
iii. The buffer area has less than fifteen percent (15%) slopes and no direct or indirect,
short-term or long-term, adverse impacts to regulated wetlands, as determined by the
City; and
iv. The proposal shall rely upon a site-specific evaluation and documentation of buffer
adequacy based upon Wetlands in Washington State, Volume 1: A Synthesis of the
Science (Ecology Publication No. 05-06-006, March 2005), Wetlands in Washington
State, Volume 2: Managing and Protecting Wetlands (Ecology Publication No. 04-06-008,
April 2005), and Wetland Mitigation in Washington State Part 1: Agency Guidance,
Version 2 (Ecology Publication No. 21-06-003, April 2021), or as amended hereafter, or
similar approaches; and
v. The proposed buffer standard is based on consideration of the best available science
as described in WAC 365-195-905; and
Criteria for Averaging of Wetland Buffer Width: Averaging may be allowed only where the
applicant demonstrates all of the following:
i. There are existing physical improvements in or near the wetland and buffer; and
ii. That width averaging will not adversely impact the wetland function and values; and
iii. That the total area contained within the wetland buffer after averaging is no less than
that contained within the required standard buffer prior to averaging; and
iv. A site-specific evaluation and documentation of buffer adequacy based upon
Wetlands in Washington State, Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science (Ecology
Publication No. 05-06-006, March 2005), Wetlands in Washington State, Volume 2:
Managing and Protecting Wetlands (Ecology Publication No. 04-06-008, April 2005), and
Wetland Mitigation in Washington State Part 1: Agency Guidance, Version 2 (Ecology
Publication No. 21-06-003, April 2021), or as amended hereafter, or similar approaches,
have been conducted. The proposed buffer standard is based on consideration of the
best available science as described in WAC 365-195-905; and
v. In no instance shall the buffer width be reduced by more than seventy five percent
(75%) of the standard buffer. Greater buffer width reductions require review as a variance
pursuant to RMC 4-9-250B; and
vi. Buffer enhancement in the areas where the buffer is reduced shall be required on a
case-by-case basis where appropriate to site conditions, wetland sensitivity, and
proposed land development characteristics.
Table 4-3-050G2a Streams and Lakes Buffer Table
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Critical Area Category or Type Critical Area Buffer Width Structure
Setback
Beyond
Buffer1
Streams and Lakes3
Standard
Buffer1
Increased
Buffer2
Type F 115 ft 200 ft 15 ft4
The submitted site plan does not show the location of the stream or its associated
buffer. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine whether any other critical
areas are present on the site prior to formal land use application.
11. Environmental Review: Due to the presence of critical areas on the project site, the
critical areas reports will require review. It is unclear if all critical areas impacting the site
have been identified and whether potential impacts to these areas have been adequately
addressed. Per RMC 4-9-070, Environmental Review Procedures, construction of one
new single-family residence on an existing legal lot is exempt from an Environmental
(SEPA) Review, unless the proposed development fails to comply with the Critical Areas
Regulations (RMC 4-3-050), i.e. developing within a critical area or those projects
requiring a variance or reasonable use exception from RMC 4-3-050 or 4-3-090. In such
case, the Environmental (SEPA) Review is required.
12. Waiver of Submittal Requirements: The submittal checklist is not an exhaustive list of
submittal requirements and may be modified in cases where additional information is
required to complete the review of an application. In addition, non-applicable submittal
requirements may be waived. The applicant should contact the assigned Project
Manager if there are any questions regarding submittal requirements.
13. Permit Requirements: If any critical areas are impacted, the proposal would require a
development permit, critical area permit, and/or a letter of exemption. In addition, the
project would require Environmental (SEPA) Review. If the proposal is revised and there
are no proposed impacts to critical areas, then the proposed project may only require a
building permit. If the project includes retaining walls, fences, or outdoor storage areas,
separate permits may also be needed. All land use applications will be reviewed
concurrently. The land use review would include public notice, and a two-week public
comment period. Once a complete land use application is submitted and all fees are
paid, a decision can be issued in 6-8 weeks. The 2026 land use application fees would
total: $3,583.65 ($1,499 Critical Area Permit + $1,914 Environmental (SEPA) review +
170.65 technology fee (5%)).
A building permit must be obtained to build buildings and structures. A construction
Permit must be obtained to install utility lines. When ready to apply for building permits,
contact the City of Renton Permit Services at PermitTech@rentonwa.gov. All fees are
subject to change.
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Other informational applications and handouts can be found on the City’s Digital
Records Library.
The City requires electronic plan submittal for all applications. Please refer to the City’s
Electronic File Standards.
14. Public Information Sign: Public Information Signs are required for all Type II and Type III
Land Use Permits as classified by RMC 4-8-080. Public Information Signs are intended to
inform the public of potential land development, specific permits/actions being
considered by the City, and to facilitate timely and effective public participation in the
review process. The applicant must follow the specifications provided in the public
information sign handout. The applicant is solely responsible for the construction,
installation, maintenance, removal, and any costs associated with the sign.
15. Impact Fees: In addition to the applicable building and construction fees, impact fees
would be required. Fees change periodically and the fees in effect at the time of building
permit issuance would apply. For informational purposes, the 2026 impact fees are as
follows:
• A Fire impact fee 779.24;
• A transportation impact fee 11,485.67 per each new detached dwelling unit;
• Renton School District Impact Fee $0.00 (+5% administrative fee) unless an
exemption can be made under RMC 4-1-190.I.1.a; and
• Parks Impact Fee currently assessed at 3,276.44.
A handout listing all of the City’s Development related fees is available for your review at
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/Browse.aspx?id=8217302&dbid=0&repo=City
ofRenton
16. Next Steps: When the formal application materials are complete, the applicant shall
have the materials pre-screened prior to submitting the complete application package.
Please contact Mariah Kerrihard, Associate Planner at 425-430-7238 or
mkerrihard@rentonwa.gov to submit prescreen materials and subsequent land use
application.