HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgendaHome
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, March 2, 2015
3:00 p.m.
1. AGENDA
a. Comprehensive Plan Amendment ‐ TransportaƟon Element
Planning & Development Committee - 02 Mar 2015 https://renton.civicweb.net/filepro/document/39252/Planning _ Develop...
1 of 2 7/18/2019, 2:19 PM
EXHIBIT A
February 19, 2015 1
PHASE 2 RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
Understanding and Scope
UNDERSTANDING
The City of Renton is undertaking its Comprehensive Plan Update and desires to update and streamline
its Transportation Element. In addition to ensuring the Element meets Growth Management Act (GMA)
and Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC’s) requirements in order to be certified, the Element would
address a new level of service (LOS) policy and concurrency approach.
The City is undertaking the Element Update in a phased manner.
Phase 1 involved an Element audit, evaluation of land use forecasts and their compatibility with
2035 projections and PSRC forecasts, development of LOS policy options, and development of staff
reports identifying Element update priorities and LOS policies. Phase 1 is complete as of December
31, 2014.
Phase 2 would begin in January 2015, and would test land use projections and the proposed LOS
policy. Once the modeling is completed, proposed multimodal improvements would be identified
along with funding. Then an updated impact fee study would be developed.
The key steps in Phase 2 include:
1. Affirm the desired LOS approach to begin implementing policy changes into the Comprehensive Plan
Update,
2. Determine subareas of interest if an area‐specific LOS approach is pursued (e.g. consolidation of
some community plan areas or all areas),
3. Update the City’s current travel demand model to test future growth and provide information for
person trips,
4. Finalize the Transportation Element for adoption with the Comprehensive Plan Update,
5. Develop multimodal LOS and concurrency tools (e.g. trip calculator, SEPA mitigation approach, etc.),
and
6. Develop an updated rate study.
The meetings with advisory bodies and committees and affirmation of the approach and subareas of
interest in Steps 1 and 2 are anticipated to occur in January or early February 2015.
The travel demand model update, and finalization of the Transportation Element document with the
benefit of the model results would be conducted in the first quarter of 2015 to allow for public review
and adoption by the second quarter of 2015 (i.e. June 30, 2015). Steps 5 and 6 would implement the
Transportation Element and could occur over the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2015.
The scope of services below details the steps to complete the steps above. The Transpo Group would
lead Transportation Modeling and the Final Element Update tasks in Phase 2. Henderson Young and
Company would lead the Impact Fee/Rate Study Update. While there is some early coordination
involved with both firms, the scopes are presented for independent contracting.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 2
2.0 PHASE 2: SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1 Transportation Modeling and Final Transportation Element
Note: Based on preliminary discussions, the City intends, with consultant support, to
complete an update of the Transportation Element addressing a new horizon year of
2035 and integrating results into the draft Element produced in Phase 1. The
Consultant’s role will be to bring technical assistance that the City does not have in‐
house (e.g. modeling) plus work in a collaborative manner bringing experience in
completing Transportation Elements under state and regional requirements. Items that
the City is anticipated to lead are shaded below. The Transpo Group (Transpo) would
lead modeling and technical preparation of the Element, and would work collaboratively
with the City’s consultant regarding the Rate Study, Henderson Young & Company; see
Section 2.2 below.
A. Affirm Desired LOS Approach
Transpo will coordinate with City staff to identify any staff or decision maker comments that may result
in refinements to the approach for incorporation in Task 2.2
B. Determine Subareas of Interest: Area‐Specific LOS Approach and Support
Development of Concurrency Implementation Program
Based on the City’s objectives, Transpo will assist Henderson Young & Company to define and evaluate
potential strategies for applying the LOS approach and concurrency strategy to various subareas of the
City. Options for the subareas may include review of the availability of travel modes, types and densities
of land uses, planned transportation improvement projects, as well as overall policy direction.
Transpo also will support the project team in developing the implementation tools for the final program.
These will include:
Providing trip generation data for use in multimodal level of service
Provide input to and review of trip calculator.
Assist in defining projects and costs for concurrency/SEPA mitigation program.
C. Update Travel Demand Model and Analyze 2035 Baseline Forecasts
In order to provide a 20‐year horizon for the Transportation Element, the City’s existing travel demand
model will be updated and extended to a 2035 horizon year. This will be consistent with the updated
Land Use Element. Land use forecasts/trip generation for areas outside of the City and its UGA will be
based on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) model based on the regional land use targets
forecasts for 2035. Transpo would typically recommend that the City’s current 2008 base year model be
reviewed and updated to a 2010 base year, consistent with the PSRC 2010 base year for the regional
model. However, given the short timeframe for completing the Transportation Element to meet the
GMA requirement of June 30, 2015, the scope of work will focus on updating the 2030 forecast model to
a 2035 horizon year. The forecasts will be based on typical weekday PM peak hour conditions,
consistent with the City’s existing model.
Work program tasks for updating the model to a 2035 horizon year include:
Develop equivalence of Renton TAZ structure outside of the City of Renton with PSRC regional
model Forecast Analyses Zones (FAZs) and Transportation Analyses Zones (TAZs).
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 3
Update the land use/trip generation data for TAZs outside of the City based on PSRC 2035 land use
data. The PSRC 2035 data will be allocated to the Renton model TAZs based on the relative
proportion of each land use in the 2030 Renton model. This is needed to incorporate growth outside
of the City into the 2035 model. This will include PSRC “external” stations, as appropriate.
Create GIS shape file of Renton TAZ system within City.
Update land use data for TAZs within the City and immediately adjacent areas based on the
results/direction from the Phase 1 work program; this will be the 2035 Baseline land use scenario.
Update the 2030 model network to reflect current assumptions on funding for projects inside and
outside of Renton (the committed network). These will include assumptions on I‐405, SR 169, and
other facilities. We will provide a summary of the improvements assumed in the City’s existing 2030
model, review current improvement plans of WSDOT, Renton, and other agencies in the vicinity of
Renton. We will summarize our recommendations for review by the City to establish the regional
and local transportation system assumptions for use in the 2035 Baseline model.
Rerun the model trip generation, distribution, and assignments for the 2035 Baseline scenario. The
2035 forecasts will be compared (using model plots) with the prior 2030 forecast volumes (for a
similar network – e.g. I‐405 widened or not) to identify areas of growth and/or significant changes in
travel patterns. This will provide the basis for identifying areas of focus for evaluating the validity of
the City’s current transportation improvement program from its Transportation Element and TIP.
For areas of further review, we will conduct a simple post‐processing of model link volumes,
evaluate roadway link volume/capacity (V/C) ratios and determine if additional roadway capacity
may be desirable.
The 2035 model forecast intersection turn movements will be post processed at up to 20 key study
intersections throughout the City. The study intersections are all assumed to be in the City’s existing
Synchro network or Synchro networks from other recent studies (e.g. Transpo’s downtown one‐way
couplet study, Sunset Subarea, or KPG’s North Renton Study) which were used in comparing the
land use forecasts during Phase 1.
Traffic operations analyses will be conducted for the 20 study intersections to identify potential
traffic congestion or operational issues that may require consideration of additional improvement
projects in the Transportation Element.
Provide summary documentation and files for the updated 2035 travel demand model.
D. 2035 Alternatives Analyses
Upon review of the 2035 Baseline traffic forecasts and operations analyses, Transpo will work with the
City and project team to define up to two (2) network and/or land use alternatives to be evaluated to
support the 2015 Transportation Element. These will likely include different regional strategies for I‐405
or SR 169 through the City, as well as changes in assumptions for one or more major corridor in the City.
The City will define revisions to the 2035 land use allocation, by TAZ, for any land use changes desired as
part of the alternatives analyses.
Shifts in traffic volumes along arterials will be evaluated and documented in model plots and tables.
Traffic operations analyses also will be prepared for the 20 study intersections that are most affected by
the alternatives. The results will be compared to the 2035 Baseline forecast results. The alternatives will
assist the City in better understanding potential traffic issues with and without specific major
transportation system improvements which will better inform identification of improvement projects
and their priorities and phasing.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 4
E. Multimodal Transportation Improvement Projects and Programs
Based on the 2035 Baseline and Alternatives Analyses, a framework for the Transportation Element will
be established. This will include the basic assumptions on regional improvements and the City’s desired
strategies for major roadway corridors.
The results of the technical analyses and policy direction will be used in updating the existing list of
multimodal transportation improvement projects. This will include confirming and/or revising projects in
the Transportation Improvement Program and Transportation Element, adding new projects, and
deleting projects that are no longer needed or are already complete. The project list will also be
reviewed and coordinated with plans from other agencies. The prior project descriptions will be revised,
as needed. The rationale for the project (mobility, safety, connectivity, road standards, etc.) and any
constraints that may affect implementation will be identified. Transpo will lead the update of the
roadway and intersection improvement projects and the City will lead the update of the non‐motorized
and transit recommended improvements from its other planning efforts.
The project list also may identify annual citywide transportation programs such as sidewalk construction
and improvements, street overlays, spot safety improvements, and operations and maintenance. The
City will lead the addition/refinement of these types of programs, in coordination with the Consultant.
Transpo will prepare planning level cost estimates for each project based on recent bid tabs or other
local area data provided by the City. City staff also will develop estimates of annual costs for the various
transportation programs based on system needs and historical cost/expenditure data
As with most local agencies, the City of Renton is unlikely to be able to fully fund all of the identified
improvement projects and programs. Therefore, the City must identify priorities based on a set of
established criteria. City staff and Transpo will discuss existing transportation priority processes and/or
databases. City staff will refine the criteria for establishing transportation project priorities based on
direction from the City Council, public input and funding options. Criteria may include safety, mobility,
non‐motorized connectivity, support for economic development, cost and impacts on maintenance and
operations. Each project and program will be assessed based on the criteria and assigned a relative
priority for the draft 2015 Transportation Element.
F. Finalize Transportation Element
The analyses and direction from the above tasks will be used by City staff to finalize the update the
Transportation Element of the City’s existing Comprehensive Plan, which began as part of Phase 1. The
Phase 1 work identified several remaining items needed to complete the Transportation Element. These
include incorporating the 20‐year transportation improvement project list and programs (Task 2.1E) and
transportation costs and funding strategies. A final review and edit of the December 2014 draft will also
be conducted to reflect the travel forecasts and associated analyses and for internal consistency.
Street and Highway Systems
The City’s roadway functional classification will also be reviewed and updated, as applicable, based on
the travel forecasts, improvement projects, and policies. The street system plan also will incorporate
other Subarea Plans, if needed.
Freight Systems
Truck routes serving the City will be reviewed and updated, as needed, to be consistent with the revised
goals and policies and technical analyses and long‐range improvement projects. This will take into
account functional classification, land use, and truck traffic patterns. The City will lead the update of the
freight systems plan with input from the Consultant.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 5
Pedestrian and Bicycle Systems
The draft December 2014 Transportation Element will be reviewed to assure that it accurately reflects
and revisions made in developing the multimodal transportation improvement project list. In addition,
the multimodal level of service and concurrency program will be referenced in this section.
Public Transportation System and Transportation Demand Management
Transit strategies identified in the draft December 2014 Transportation Element will be reviewed and
revised, if needed, to match the 20‐year project list. These will include City recommendations for Sound
Transit and King County Metro (as applicable) that result from the analyses of travel demands, travel
patterns, and land use changes. These will not be specific transit plans, but will focus on areas where
increased or revised transit service could better support the City’s long‐range transportation needs. The
public transportation system plan will be coordinated with the street and highway and non‐motorized
systems plans to make sure these elements help support the proposed transit service programs.
The City also will revise and update, as needed, strategies and policy direction to further reduce traffic
volumes through transportation demand management programs will also be documented. These will
reflect Vision 2040 goals and policies and Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) requirements.
Define Funding Strategies and Summarize Financing Program
The City will lead the update of the transportation funding analyses and refinement of the financing
strategy. The Consultant will provide oversight and input on the strategies. The City will prepare
summaries of revenues and expenditures related to transportation covering the past 4 to 6 years.
Existing revenues will include REET funds, gas taxes, development mitigation, grants, General Fund
contributions, and any other funds directed toward transportation capital. City staff also will summarize
expenditures for transportation operations, maintenance, and administration.
The City will use the historical transportation revenues and expenditures as the basis for developing
projections of potential future funding levels from existing sources through the 2035 forecast horizon
year for the TE and STP. The City’s projections will identify the potential level of funding for each
revenue category as well as maintenance and operations costs, based on historical revenues and
expenditures, local jurisdictional policies, and an understanding of the current economic context of each
revenue source. The Consultant will review the projections and provide comments to the City.
To the extent there are likely funding shortfalls based on the funding projections, the City, in
consultation with the Consultant team will identify and evaluate strategies to address funding gaps. The
strategies will concentrate on policy options to make funding available within the time frame shown in
the financial plan and implement the projects in the long‐range TE and STP. Strategies could include
increasing revenues from impact fees (Task 2.2), other local funding programs, transportation benefit
districts, expanded grant programs (including non‐transportation related grants) and others. The City
will estimate the potential revenues from each potential funding program. In addition, the City and
Consultant will work to define the potential advantages and disadvantages of each funding option. City
staff will develop the recommended funding strategy for the Transportation Element.
The funding assessment also will identify potential options for phasing transportation improvements,
revising the street design standards, modifying level of service standards, or other policy changes to
reduce the funding needs within the planning period. These options also will be developed by City staff
with input from the Consultant; these options will be incorporated into the discussions with the City
Council.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 6
Transpo will support the City and project team in defining roadway and intersection projects that can be
included in the update of the City’s Transportation Impact Fee (see Task 2.2). In addition, Transpo will
provide the 2008 and 2035 link volumes and associated calculations for the Rate Study.
Public Meeting Support
Transpo will attend two public meetings at the City’s request.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 7
Transportation Modeling and Final Transportation Element: Cost Estimate
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 8
2.2 Transportation Impact Fee / Rate Study Update
Note: Tasks are designed to update the 2011 Rate Study with a collaborative approach
similar to the prior study. Items that the City is anticipated to lead are shaded below. It is
expected that roles and responsibilities will be discussed. For this scope, references to the
Consultant mean Henderson Young & Company and references to the City’s
transportation consultant include The Transpo Group who has helped develop the Phase
2 modeling approach as part of the Phase 1 effort.
A. Confirm LOS Policy
The Consultant will confirm and/or refine LOS approach based on Council response to Phase 1.
B. Develop Multimodal LOS and Concurrency Tools
B.1. Simplified Concurrency
Simplified transportation concurrency will replace the existing system with a trip capacity bank from
which each new development will have its trips deducted as calculated by a simple trip generation
calculator using standardized trip generation rates for each type of land use.
The Consultant will:
Develop a trip calculator into which will be input the size of a proposed development (i.e.,
square feet of each type of proposed non‐residential development and the number of dwelling
units of each type of proposed residential development). The trip calculator will compute the
total number of trips generated by the proposed development by multiplying the size of the
development times the standard trip generation rates for each type of land use.
Collaborate with the City’s transportation consultant to determine the total number of trips
from all new development that can be served at the City’s adopted level of service standard by
the future transportation network (i.e., the existing network plus all transportation
improvements that are included in the traffic model for the horizon year).
Develop a trip bank that begins with the total number of trips from all new development from
the preceding task, and maintains a running balance by subtracting trips for development that
has been previously approved. As each new development application is received, the trips it will
generate (as determined by the trip calculator) are compared to the balance in the trip bank in
order to determine whether or not concurrency can be approved. If concurrency is approved,
the trips calculated by the trip calculator for the application will be recorded as a “withdrawal”
from the trip bank, and the running balance will be reduced by that number of trips.
Assist the City in developing administrative procedures and forms for simplified concurrency,
including a “single‐pay” program, and information for applicants, such as FAQs.
Assist the City in developing revisions to the City code in order to adopt simplified concurrency.
B.2. Multi‐modal Mitigation Fees
A new mitigation fee will calculate fees that development will pay to mitigate its impact on the City’s
bicycle, pedestrian, transit and rideshare facilities by paying its proportionate share of the cost of
projects that provide bicycle, pedestrian, transit and rideshare that benefits new development.
The Consultant will:
Work with City staff and the City’s transportation consultant to prepare the list of multi‐modal
projects and costs (from the most recent non‐motorized plans).
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 9
Evaluate "other funding" that is committed to the project list in order to determine the net
unfunded portion of projects that are needed for growth.
Develop a “person trip” factor to calculate the growth in trips (from the growth in trips for the
transportation impact fee).
Calculate the cost per trip (from the net unfunded cost and the growth in trips).
Prepare a draft nexus study that documents the formulas and algorithms for calculating the
impacts and the mitigation fees. The nexus study will describe each variable in each formula,
and document the data and/or assumptions used for each variable, and the resulting mitigation
fee rates. The study may be adopted by reference in the City’s code.
Estimate the amount of revenue that the City would collect from the draft mitigation fee rates.
Meet with staff to receive their review of the draft study and revenue estimate.
Prepare the final nexus study.
Assist the City in developing revisions to the City code in order to adopt the updated multi‐
modal mitigation fees.
C. Develop Updated Impact Fee Rate Study
The Consultant will update the City of Renton’s transportation impact fees (TIF) that were calculated and
included in “Rate Study for Impact Fees for Transportation, Parks, and Fire Protection” dated August 26,
2011.
C.1. Confirm Methodology
The Consultant will meet with City staff to review the methodology used to calculate the 2011
TIF. The Consultant and City staff will confirm that the same methodology will be used for the
2014 update, or identify specific changes that will be made to the methodology for the 2014
update.
C.2. Assemble Information for Update
The Consultant will work with City staff and the City’s transportation consultant to identify the
updated transportation improvements that are eligible for impact fees.
City staff and the City’s transportation consultant will provide the following information to the
Consultant:
A. Title, description and cost for each arterial and collector project in the updated list of
transportation improvements.
B. Traffic volume and capacity for each arterial and collector project in the updated list of
transportation improvements:
1. Base year capacity at adopted standards for level of service
2. Base year traffic volume
3. Year 2035 capacity at adopted standards for level of service
4. Year 2035 traffic volume
C. Sources and amounts of funding from sources other than impact fees for each arterial
and collector project in the updated list of transportation improvements.
D. Total p.m. peak hour trips on the network for the base year:
1. internal – internal
2. internal – external
3. external – internal
4. external – external
E. Total p.m. peak hour trips on the network for the Year 2035:
1. internal – internal
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 10
2. internal – external
3. external – internal
4. external – external
F. Current balance of unexpended transportation impact fees and any specific planned
expenditures of fund balance.
The Consultant will review the data.
C.3. Update Formulas, Algorithms and Rate Model
The Consultant will update the 2011 impact fee rate calculation model to incorporate any
updates to the formulas or algorithms that correspond to any changes in the methodology
identified during Task D.1, and/or any changes caused by the information provided in Task D.2.
C.4. Analyze Revenue from Other Sources
The Consultant will review the City’s planned financing of transportation improvements in order
to determine the amounts of any other revenue, such a grants, or other non‐impact fee funds
that constitute “adjustments” to be made to impact fees, as required by RCW 82.02.060.
C.5. Analyze Data, Calculate Rates, and Prepare Rate Study
The Consultant will enter in the spreadsheet model updated during Task D.3 the data from the
research and analysis (Tasks D.2 and D.4), and the model will calculate the impact fee rates. The
Consultant’s model will use trip data developed as part of the traffic model to calculate the cost
per trip. The Consultant’s model will apply the cost per trip to the most recent standard trip
generation data and produce the maximum allowable impact fee rate per dwelling unit for
different types of residential development, and the maximum allowable impact fee rate per
square foot for commercial and other non‐residential development.
The Consultant will prepare a rate study to describe all the equations, variables, data,
assumptions, and resulting TIF rates.
C.6. Update Comparison to Other Cities and Phasing Plan
City staff, with assistance from the Consultant, will update comparisons of the proposed
updated TIF rates to rates charged by other cities. City staff, with assistance from the
Consultant will update the plan for phasing any increases of the TIF rates.
C.7. Prepare Ordinance Amending City Code
The City will prepare a draft ordinance to amend Renton’s City Code. The amendments will
authorize and impose the updated TIF.
C.8. Presentation of Rate Study and Ordinance
The Consultant will make two presentations of the final TIF rate study and ordinance. At each
presentation, the Consultant will respond to comments, suggestions, questions and requests for
clarification.
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 11
Transportation Impact Fee / Rate Study Update: Cost Estimate
2.2 Renton Transportation Impact Fee / Rate Study Update
Task Hours Cost @
210
A. Decision Maker Review of LOS Policy
Confirm and/or refine LOS approach based on Council response to
Phase 1
4840
Task Total 4 840
B. Develop Multimodal LOS and Concurrency Tools
B.1 Create Simplified Concurrency
A. Develop trip calculator 12 2,520
B. Trips for trip bank (coordinate with Transpo) 6 1,260
C. Develop trip bank 8 1,680
D. Admin procedures, forms, single-pay, applicant info, FAQs 16 3,360
E. Code revisions 4 840
F. Team meetings (prep & attend): 3 @ 3 hours 9 1,890
G. 1 meeting of Planning Commision &/or City Council 4 840
Task Total 59 12,390
B.2 Multi-modal Mitigation Fee
A. Finalize project list and cost 14 2,940
B. Evaluate "other funding" 6 1,260
C. Develop person trip factor 8 1,680
D. Calculate cost per trip 4 840
E. Draft nexus study 20 4,200
F. Estimate potential revenue 2 420
G. Staff review of study, revenue 8 1,680
H. Final nexus study 6 1,260
I. Ordinance 4 840
J. Team meetings (prep & attend): 3 @ 3 hours 9 1,890
K. 1 meeting of Planning Commision &/or City Council 4 840
Task Total 85 17,850
C. Develop Updated Impact Fee Rate Study
C.1 Confirm methodology or identify changes 12 2,520
C.2 Assemble information (review data from City & Transpo) 16 3,360
C.3 Update formulas, algorithms and rate model 18 3,780
C.4 Evaluate "other funding" 12 2,520
C.5 Calculate cost per trip, rates, rate study 48 10,080
C.6 Compare transp impact fees in other cities; phasing plan 8 1,680
C.7 Ordinance 4 840
C.8 2 presentations: 2 @ 4 hours 8 1,680
C.9 Team meetings (prep & attend): 4 @ 3 hours 9 1,890
Task Total 135 28,350
TOTAL ALL TASKS 283 59,430
RENTON TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT UPDATE
PHASE 2 SCOPE
February 19, 2015 12
2.3 Phase 2: Transportation Element Review, Coordination, and
Completion
BERK Consulting will coordinate and review the products of Tasks 2.1 and 2.2 for integration into the
Transportation Element and participation in meetings and calls.
The estimated fee is $4,500. The level of effort is anticipated to be 24 hours at $166.65 (Grueter) and 4
hours at $125 (Associate).
COST SUMMARY
The Cost for each task described above is provided below.
Task Cost
2.1 Transportation Modeling and Final
Transportation Element
$89,000
2.2 Transportation Impact Fee / Rate Study
Update
$59,430
2.3 2.3 Phase 2: Transportation Element
Review, Coordination, and Completion
$4,500
Total $152,930