HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_SEPA Checklist_191030_V2.pdfSEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 13
SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an environmental
impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decision-
making process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your proposal
or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to explain your
answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may be significant
adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed to
make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency is
responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the SUPPLEMENTAL SHEET FOR NONPROJECT ACTIONS (part D). Please
completely answer all questions that apply and note that the words "project," "applicant," and "property or
site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and "affected geographic area," respectively. The lead
agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not
contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.
A. Background [HELP]
1.Name of proposed project, if applicable: Sunset Crest
2.Name of applicant: Third Place Design Cooperative
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3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
Third Place Design Cooperative
Attn: Poppi Handy
304 Alaskan Way, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98104
206.331.3795
4. Date checklist prepared: 09/08/2019
5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton, Department of Community and Economic
Development
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
Construction will begin in late spring of 2020 and include all site work and building construction
for the Sunset Oaks Apartments.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
No
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
Geotechnical Report
Technical Information Report (TIR)
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
No
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Site Review Permit
Civil Constrution Permit
Building Permits
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
The proposal includes the development of an existing undeveloped parcel, 45,870 sf, to
construct 60 apartments homes, landscaped common areas, a private drive, right of way work in
Harrington Ave NE and Glennwood Avenue NE and utilities. Apartments will range in size from
350nsf to 900 nsf.
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12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and
range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist.
The parcel is located bounded by Harrington Avenue NE, Glennwood Avenue NE and NE 10th Street.
Parcel #’s 7227801315, 7227801290 & 7227801310
Legal Description: Parcel 5 of City of Renton Lot Line Adjustment No. LUA16-000132, recorded under
recording no. 20160603900008, in King County, Washington; and Lots 6 and 11, Block 41, Corrected
Plat of Renton Highlands No. 2, according to the plat thereof recorded in Volume 57 of Plats, Pages 92
through 96, inclusive, in King County, Washington. Situate in the County of King, State of Washington.
B. Environmental Elements [HELP]
1. Earth [help]
a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other: gradual slope east to west
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? 3%
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils.
Soils are primarily silty sand underlain by impermeable glacial till soil.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe. No
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
Approximately 200 cubic yards of fill will be needed for the proposal. Fill areas will range in
height from 0-3 feet. Fill will be obtained from a Washington Department of Transportation
approved source.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Geotechnical analysis indicates erosion potential of on-site soils is low to moderate.
Construction erosion and sediment control systems will be designed and provided for review
at construction permit submittal. Geotechnical recommendations regarding minimizing soil
disturbance during wet weather conditions will be observed.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? 16,552 sf
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h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
• Clearing limits will be delineated by perimeter silt fencing and chain link fencing
• Temporary cover will be installed if an area is to remain unworked for more than 7 days
in the dry season or more than 2 working days in the wet season. Any area to remain
unworked for more than 30 days shall be seeded and sodded.
• Perimeter protection will be implemented by silt fencing around the site perimeter as
required by drainage paths
• A stabilized construction entrance will be built for construction traffic
• Catch basin protection will be provided
• Surface water will be controlled and conveyed via swales with check dams if necessary
• Dust control, if required, will be provided through the limited use of water trucks.
• Subgrade areas will be proof rolled to located any soft or pumping soils. If soft or
pumping soils are observed, they should be removed and replaced with compacted
structural fill.
• If deep pockets of soft or pumping soils are encountered outside the building areas, they
should be supported with non-woven geotextile fabric prior to placing structural fill.
• For earthwork that occurs in wet weather, the ground surface should be sloped so that
surface water is directed away from the work area and ponded water does not develop.
• Earthwork activities should not take place during periods of moderate to heavy
precipitation
• Slopes with exposed soils should be covered with plastic sheeting.
• Site soils to be used as fill should not be left uncompacted and exposed to moisture. Soil
stockpiles that will be used as structural fill should be covered with plastic sheeting.
• Permanent cut or fill slopes should be constructed at inclinations of 2H:1V or flatter,
3H:1V where possible for landscape purposes.
2. Air [help]
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe
and give approximate quantities if known.
During construction there will be emissions from construction vehicles. After construction
and during occupancy, the main source of emissions to the air will be resident use of private
automobiles for transportation to and from the site.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe. No
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
The Sunset Oaks Apartments are designed to be superinsulated and daylit to reduce heating,
cooling, and lighting demands. High-efficiency, Energy Star-certified equipment and lighting will
be installed throughout the apartments. Additionally, each home will be solar-ready. Pedestrian
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paths throughout the site connecting to neighborhing sites, as well as the site proximity to public
transportation offer further opportunities for reducing emissions.
3. Water [help]
a. Surface Water: [help]
1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into. No
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans. N/A
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
Indicate the source of fill material. N/A
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. N/A
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
No
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge. No
b. Ground Water: [help]
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve. N/A
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
Stormwater runoff will be created from new impervious surfaces including building roof
areas, sidewalks, driveways, and access roads. A detention vault is proposed to meet the
Peak Rate Flow Control Standard requirement. Perforated pipe connections will be installed
for all roof drain connections from the three proposed apartment buildings.
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2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe. No
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
No.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
n/a
4. Plants [help]
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:
_X__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
_X___evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
_____shrubs
____grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
____ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
____water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
____other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Vegetation to be removed includes all surface vegetation and (1) Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 26.5”
DSH, (1) Douglas Fir 29” DSH, (1) Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) 40” DSH, (1) Pacific Dogwood (Cornus
nuttalli) 13” DSH, and (1) Red Alder (Alnus rubra) 36” DSH.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any: New landscaping will consist of drought-tolerant native species
with 90% of the plants producing edibles.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None known
5. Animals [help]
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include:
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birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ___None_____
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site. None
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain. No
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any: None
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site. None
6. Energy and Natural Resources [help]
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc.
Electricity will be the main energy source for the apartments, and will be used for space
heating, ventilation, lighting, and appliance needs. Additionally, each home will be solar-
ready to facilitate future installation of roof-mounted PV arrays.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe. No
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
The building envelopes will be superinsulated to reduce heating and cooling demand. Ample
daylighting is provided to reduce demand for electric lighting during the day. Energy Star
Appliances will be installed throughout. LED lighting will be installed throughout.
7. Environmental Health [help]
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe. No
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses. Site
is undeveloped and does not present a contamination risk.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development
and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity. N/A
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced
during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project. N/A
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4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. N/A
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: N/A
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)? Traffic
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indi-
cate what hours noise would come from the site.
Noise generated during construction will be a short-term consideration and will be limited to
the the daily and hourly schedule allowed by the local jurisdiction. Long-term noise
generated by the project will be typical for the existing residential neighborhood. Minimal
residential traffic is expected throughout the development at peak morning and evening
commute hours and occasionally throughout the day.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any: None
8. Land and Shoreline Use [help]
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The project site is currently undeveloped and is part of Sunset Terrace Redevelopment
Master Plan where it was planned to have high density residential.
b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to
other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use? No
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how: No
c. Describe any structures on the site. None, site is undeveloped
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? N/A
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? Center Village (CV)
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The designation is high density residential.
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g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? N/A
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
No
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Approximately 90 – 120 people total.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: N/A
L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
The proposed project complies with the urban design guidelines in form and site layout with a
pedestrian focused street frontage.
m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term
commercial significance, if any: N/A
9. Housing [help]
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid-
dle, or low-income housing. 60 affordable homeownership units, priced for residents at the
60-80% AMI level.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing. None
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: N/A
10. Aesthetics [help]
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
Maximum ridge height among the buildings is approximately 38’ on Building B. Principal
exterior building materials are fiber cement, metal and ceramic tile siding. A combination of
thermoplastic polyolefin and asphalt shingle roof systems.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
Views to the south may be obstructed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
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The proposal considers the existing aesthetic context, City of Renton Urban Design
Standards, and overall aesthetic appeal and durability in exterior appearance and material
selections.
11. Light and Glare [help]
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?
There will be site lighting for resident safety to illuminate pedestrian paths and the surface
parking area and drive, which will be on during hours of darkness.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views? No
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal? None
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any: None
12. Recreation [help]
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
There is a park across the street from the proposed project.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
none
13. Historic and cultural preservation [help]
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers ? If so,
specifically describe. No
b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources.
No evidence of Indian or historic use has been found on site. Per City of Renton Ordinance
No. 5813, Attachment B no native “A” horizon was identified at the site, and no further
archaeological investigations are recommended for this area.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
N/A
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d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required. N/A
14. Transportation [help]
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and
describe proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
Main access to the site will be via a private road on the north of the site running west to east.
Access to the drive is from both Harrington Avenue NE and Glennwood Avenue NE.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
The site is within a half-mile of multiple bus routes, and a future Rapid Ride expansion is
planned for the neighborhood.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The proposal locates the minimum number of required parking in structured (15 total) and
provides 26 additional surface parking stalls throughout the site. No parking stalls will be
eliminated.
e. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
The proposal requires right of way improvements along Harrington Avenue NE and
Glennwood Avenue NE consistent with the City of Renton standards.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe. No
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume
would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or
transportation models were used to make these estimates?
The proposal will generate approximately 337 vehicle trips per typical weekday, with 22 trips
during the weekday AM peak hour and 27 trips during the weekday PM peak hour. These
estimates were based on the average trip rates from Trip Generation, 10th Edition, Institute of
Tranportation Engineers (ITE), 2017. These estimates are presented in detail in a memo
dated 08/21/2019 from the project transportation engineer included in the application
materials.
No significant impacts requiring mitigation are anticipated.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe. No
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g. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
A woonerf-type access drive is used throughout the proposal to make the streetscape more
pedestrian-friendly and calm traffic.
15. Public Services [help]
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection,
police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe. --No
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any. None
16. Utilities [help]
a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other ___________ All of the above utilities are available on site except septic system.
h. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed.
Electrical service will be brought to the site through lines routed underground by Puget
Sound Energy.
Domestic water service will be provided through connection to an existing public water main
along the west of the site in Glennwood Avenue.
Two fire hydrants will be installed on site per the civil site plan. All apartments will have fire
sprinklers.
Stormwater runoff will be collected by roof drains, catch basins, and area drains. Runoff will
then be routed to a detention vault in the west area of the site, which will discharge to an
existing storm drain main on Glennwood Avenue NE.
C. Signature [HELP]
The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the
lead agency is relying on them to make its decision.
Signature:
Name of signee ___Poppi Handy_______________________________________________
Position and Agency/Organization __Managing Director, Third Place Design Co-operative
Date Submitted: _09-08-2019
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