HomeMy WebLinkAboutD_F26_Cedar_River_205_Levee_Left_Bank_2026_FinalDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
PLANNING DIVISION
CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION
FROM SHORELINE SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
EVALUATION FORM & DECISION
DATE OF DECISION: July 16, 2026
PROJECT NUMBER: LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
PROJECT NAME: F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026
PROJECT MANAGER: Alex Morganroth, Prinicipal Planner
APPLICANT/OWNER/ Chester Bennett, City of Renton Public Works
CONTACT: 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
PROJECT LOCATION: Left bank of the Cedar River between approximately Stations 35+50 and 46+00
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant, the City of Renton Public Works Department, is requesting both a
Shoreline Exemption and Critical Areas Exemption to repair damaged portions of the existing Cedar River
Left Bank Levee (Section 205) adjacent to the Renton Municipal Airport. The existing flood protection system
is located on both banks of the lower Cedar River. The levee system consists of earthen levee embankments
(levees) and floodwalls along both banks of the lower 1.25 miles of the Cedar River. The proposed emergency
repairs would restore erosion damage resulting from recent high-flow events and maintain the levee's ability
to provide flood protection for surrounding properties and public infrastructure. The project site is located
within the Shoreline High Intensity designation and Cedar River Reach A. The Cedar River is classified as a
Shoreline of the State. Proposed work would occur both above and below the ordinary high water mark
(OHWM). The project would consist of repairing approximately 1,000 linear feet (1,000’) of the existing levee
along the left (west) bank of the Cedar River between approximately Stations 35+50 and 46+00. The work
location abuts the Renton Municipal Airport located at 243 W Perimeter Rd. Repair work is divided into two
(2) segments separated by the Boeing Bridge, with no work proposed beneath the bridge. Proposed
improvements include excavation and grading of damaged slope areas, restoration and supplementation of
existing riprap with Class III riprap where necessary, reconstruction of eroded levee slopes, placement of
topsoil, hydroseeding of disturbed areas, and restoration of construction access and staging areas to pre-
construction conditions. Existing culverts and outfalls within the repair area would be protected during
construction and maintained at their existing elevations. All work would occur within the footprint of the
existing levee and flood protection facility.
Construction access would be provided from Airport Way and E Perimeter Rd, with a temporary staging area
located landward of the existing floodwall adjacent to Renton Municipal Airport. In-water work, where
necessary, would occur during the approved fish window, and all disturbed areas would be restored following
completion of construction.
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026 LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
Permit Date: July 16, 2026 Page 2 of 6
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
SEC-TWN-R: SE 7-23N-05E
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
(King County Assessor)
Renton Municipal Airport: POR SECS 7 & 18-23-5 & POR TOBINS D C INCL POR
PLATTED & VAC STS LY WLY OF COMM W W # 2 N OF N LN DIXIE AVE & ELY OF
STATE HWAY # 5 & ELY & SLY OF FOLG LN BEG ON ELY MGN SD HWAY AT PT 5
FT S OF N LN OF LOT 8 BLK 18 BRYN MAWR TH E 89.23 FT TH N 05-16-51 E
438.90 FT TH N 40-09-47 E 188.55 FT TH N 60 FT TH N 29-00-40 W 197.07 FT TH
S 88-27-28 E 90.83 FT TH N 01-32-32 W 40 FT TH S 88-27-28 E 234.53 FT TH S
35-00-00 E 142.41 FT TH E 403.70 FT LESS LOTS 19 TO 22 INCL BLK 4 RENTON
REAL ESTATE COS 1ST ADD LESS PORTION FOR LANE HANGAR
CONDOMINIUM -TGW POR OF RAINIER AVE N PER RENTON VAC ORD #5780
WATER BODY/REACH: Cedar River, Reach A
CRITICAL AREA(S): 100 year floodplain and floodway (Zone AE), critical wildlife habitat, sensitive
and protect slopes, a high seismic hazard area, and the Downtown Wellhead
Protection Area Zone 2
CRITICAL AREAS EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: Renton Municipal Code, Section RMC 4-3-050C.3.h.i,
Emergency Activities.
Staff Comment: The proposed project consists of emergency repairs to approximately 1,000 linear feet
(1,000’) of the existing Cedar River Left Bank Levee (Section 205) adjacent to the Renton Municipal Airport.
The repairs are necessary to restore damage caused by the atmospheric river event during the week of
December 6, 2025, which resulted in erosion of the riverward levee slope and displacement of existing
riprap. The purpose of the project is to restore the existing public flood protection facility to substantially
the same condition and function that existed prior to the storm damage and maintain continued flood
protection for surrounding properties and public infrastructure.
The proposed repairs include excavation and grading of damaged slope areas, reconstruction of eroded
levee slopes where necessary, restoration and supplementation of existing riprap using Class III riprap,
placement of topsoil, hydroseeding of disturbed areas, and restoration of temporary construction access
and staging areas following completion of construction. Existing drainage outfalls and culverts within the
repair limits would be protected during construction and maintained at their existing elevations. All repair
work would occur within the footprint of the existing levee and flood protection facility, and would not
increase the height, footprint, or flood protection capacity of the existing levee.
Construction activities would result in temporary disturbance to portions of the existing levee embankment
and adjacent vegetation. This is necessary to complete the repairs. Disturbed areas would be restored upon
completion of construction through placement of topsoil and hydroseeding in accordance with the
approved plans. Construction would be completed using applicable best management practices to
minimize temporary impacts to the Cedar River and associated critical areas. The project restores an
existing public flood protection facility and will not result in new or expanded impacts to regulated critical
areas beyond those necessary to complete the emergency repairs.
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026 LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
Permit Date: July 16, 2026 Page 3 of 6
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
The proposal is subject to authorization by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 205 of the Flood
Control Act and a Hydraulic Project Approval from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
CRITICAL AREA EXEMPTION FINDINGS:
The proposed development is consistent with the following findings pursuant to RMC section 4-3-050C.2.d:
YES 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: The proposed project consists of emergency repairs to the
existing Cedar River Left Bank Levee following damage sustained during the
atmospheric river event during the week of December 6, 2025. The damage resulted
in erosion of the riverward levee slope and displacement of existing riprap,
compromising portions of the City's public flood protection system. The proposed
repairs are necessary to restore the levee to its pre-damage condition and maintain
continued flood protection for surrounding properties, public infrastructure, and
critical facilities. Staff finds that the proposed work constitutes an emergency
activity pursuant to RMC 4-3-050C and WAC 173-27-040, as the repairs are
necessary to prevent imminent damage to public property and infrastructure and are
required within a time frame too short to allow compliance with the standard critical
area review process. This approval does not relieve the applicant from obtaining all
other required local, state, and federal permits and approvals, including
authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a Hydraulic Project Approval
from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and any other applicable
agency approvals.
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 proposed repairs would be completed in accordance with the
approved construction plans and any applicable conditions imposed by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington
State Department of Ecology, and other applicable regulatory agencies.
Construction activities shall implement applicable best management practices to
minimize temporary impacts to the Cedar River and adjacent critical areas. Staff
recommends, as a condition of approval, that the applicant comply with all
applicable federal and state permit conditions.
YES iii. Impacts are minimized and, where applicable, disturbed areas are immediately
restored;
Staff Comments: The proposed repairs are limited to the minimum area necessary
to restore approximately 1,000 linear feet (1,000’) of the existing Cedar River Left
Bank Levee within the footprint of the existing flood protection facility. No expansion
of the levee, increase in flood protection capacity, or modification of the existing
alignment is proposed. Disturbed areas would be restored following construction
through placement of topsoil, hydroseeding, and implementation of any additional
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026 LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
Permit Date: July 16, 2026 Page 4 of 6
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
restoration or mitigation measures required by the applicable federal and state
resource agencies.
YES, IF
CONDITION
OF
APPROVAL
IS MET
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: Temporary disturbance associated with the emergency repairs
shall be restored following construction. As a condition of approval, the applicant
shall implement all revegetation, restoration, mitigation, and monitoring
requirements required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Ecology, or other
applicable regulatory agencies. All approved plans related to revegetation,
restoration, mitigation, or monitoring shall be provided to the Current Planning
Project Manager within ninety (90) days of approval.
YES 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: The proposed emergency levee repair does not involve a
hazardous material, activity, or facility that would have a significant or substantial
potential to degrade groundwater quality. Therefore, no additional Wellhead
Protection Area requirements are warranted as part of this approval.
SHORELINE EXEMPTION JUSTIFICATION: Renton Municipal Code, Section RMC 4-9-190C.1.c,
Maintenance and Repair. Per RMC 4-9-190C.1.c, the following shall not be considered substantial
developments for the purpose of the Shoreline Master Program and are exempt from obtaining a Shoreline
Substantial Development Permit:
Normal maintenance or repair of existing structures or developments, including damage by accident, fire, or
elements. "Normal maintenance" includes those usual acts to prevent a decline, lapse, or cessation from a
lawfully established condition. "Normal repair" means to restore a development to a state comparable to its
original condition, including but not limited to its size, shape, configuration, location and external
appearance, within a reasonable period after decay or partial destruction, except where repair causes
substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or the environment. 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 the environment.
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026 LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
Permit Date: July 16, 2026 Page 5 of 6
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
Staff Comments: As discussed above, the proposed project consists of emergency repairs to the existing
Cedar River Left Bank Levee following damage sustained during the atmospheric river event that occurred
during the week of December 6, 2025. The proposed work would restore the existing levee and associated
slope protection to substantially the same condition, location, configuration, and function that existed prior
to the storm damage. No expansion of the levee system, increase in flood protection capacity, or
modification to the existing alignment is proposed. The project, therefore, constitutes normal repair of an
existing public flood protection facility and qualifies for exemption from a Shoreline Substantial
Development Permit pursuant to RMC 4-9-190C.1.c.
At the time of this decision, final restoration and mitigation requirements associated with the project are still
under review by the applicable state and federal resource agencies. To ensure that the repair work does not
result in substantial adverse effects to shoreline resources or the environment, the project is conditioned
upon compliance with all applicable restoration, revegetation, mitigation, and monitoring requirements
contained in the final agency approvals. The recommended condition of approval would require the
applicant to submit a copy of all applicable federal and state permit authorizations, including any final
restoration, revegetation, mitigation, or monitoring plans approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or Washington State Department of Ecology prior to
commencement of construction. In addition, the applicant would be required to implement all restoration,
revegetation, mitigation, and monitoring requirements contained in those approvals.
SHORELINE EXEMPTION FINDINGS:
The proposed development is consistent with the following findings:
YES i. Consistent with the policies of the Shoreline Management Act.
Staff Comments: As discussed above, the proposal is consistent with the policies of
the Shoreline Management Act and the scope of work qualifies for a Shoreline
Exemption.
YES ii. Not Applicable to the guidelines of the Department of Ecology where no Master Program
has been finally approved or adopted by the Department.
Staff Comments: The project is subject to the City of Renton’s adopted Shoreline
Master Program.
YES iii. Consistent with the City of Renton Shoreline Master Program.
Staff Comments: As discussed above, the proposal complies with the standards and
requirements of the Shoreline Master program and the scope of work qualifies for a
Shoreline Exemption.
DECISION: An exemption from both the Critical Areas Regulations and a Shoreline Management Substantial
Development Permit is hereby Approved with Conditions* for the F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank
2026.
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Certificate of Exemption From Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026 LUA26-000226, CAE, SME
Permit Date: July 16, 2026 Page 6 of 6
D_F26 Cedar River 205 Levee Left Bank 2026_Final
* CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. The applicant shall comply with all applicable federal and state permit conditions.
2. The applicant shall implement all revegetation, restoration, mitigation, and monitoring requirements
required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Washington State Department of Ecology, or other applicable regulatory agencies. A copy of the
approved plans related to revegetation, restoration, mitigation, or monitoring shall be provided to
the Current Planning Project Manager within ninety (90) days of approval.
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 July 30, 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: Project Narrative
Attachment B: Plan Set
cc: William Adams, Renton Municipal Airport
Docusign Envelope ID: 111E0003-2180-8322-831B-C4B2AA465CD3
7/16/2026 | 2:34 PM PDT