HomeMy WebLinkAboutM_Street_Improvements_Mod_ Request_FFCC_190905_v1
September 5, 2019
Family First Community Center
STREET IMPROVEMENTS MODIFICATION REQUEST
The Family First Community Center project includes proposed modifications and improvements to the
existing Cascade Elementary School’s south parking lot. The modifications include designating the existing
southernmost driveway for Community Center access and revising the next adjacent driveway to the north
for two-way traffic plus a proposed Bus Only lane.
The RMC Development Regulations note the maximum driveway width for “All Other Uses” to not exceed
30’ width. We are requesting a modification to allow a 49’ driveway width to accommodate a Bus Only lane.
Per the Traffic Impact Study prepared by Transportation Engineering Northwest (TENW), dated February 13,
2019, it is recommended that the existing student load/unload zone be maintained at its current location, but
modified to mitigate the current student load/unload procedure that results in over capacity queuing on 116th
Ave SE. The school bus access is currently the same access point as the student load/unload access
resulting in increased traffic conflicts and slowdowns.
The recommended mitigation is to expand the parking area to create on-site student load/unload queuing
area and create a new access for School Bus Only. This configuration consists of a 24’ wide driveway for
two-way load/unload traffic, a 14’ wide driveway for Bus Only access, and an approximately 11’ wide island
that separates these two access points. The overall curb cut width would be approximately 49’, exceeding
the code allowed width by 19’.
The proposed design layout is consistent with the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan to support
compact urban development and maximize land use efficiency through the improvement of the school’s
traffic conflict and creating an efficient access to the proposed Community Center. The Community Planning
Element will be addressed by enhancing the vehicle and pedestrian experience for the existing school and
community.
The proposed design is in alignment with the mitigation methods proposed by TENW and there is no
evidence that it will be injurious to other properties in the vicinity. The Code takes into consideration the
need for certain land uses to have larger driveway widths and allows widths up to 50’ for some Industrial and
Commercial uses. The proposal conforms to the purpose and intent of the code in that it would minimize the
traffic impacts of the existing student load/unload operations.