Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutECF_Environmental Checklist_191107_v1.pdf SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 1 of 14 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 Highlands 2. Name of applicant: Ben Childs / Jon Graves Architects and Planners SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 2 of 14 3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person: 3110 Ruston Way Suite E Tacoma WA 98402 / 253.272.4214 / Ben Childs 4. Date checklist prepared: November 6, 2019 5. Agency requesting checklist: City of Renton; Development Services Division and related agencies 6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable): Commencement of development is as soon as possible after permits are issued. 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. A Critical Areas Report was done in February 27, 2018. A Geotechnical Report was completed on February 12, 2018. 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. None. 10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known. Grading and Clearing; Construction Permit, Various Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical 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 site is approximately 35,600 square feet. We propose to construct a mixed-use development consisting of 16 dwelling units, parking, and 1,929 SF of commercial space. 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 site is on the south side of the 4400 block of the Sunset Highway located at 4409 NE Sunset Blvd, Renton WA 98059. B. Environmental Elements [HELP] SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 3 of 14 1. Earth [help] a. General description of the site: (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________ b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)? 2% 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. Not agricultural, this is generally sandy gravel 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. The developed footprint (approximately 35,000 sf) will be stripped of topsoil which will be exported to an approved location. The same area will have minimal excavation and filling as needed for extension of utilities and preparation of building foundations. We anticipate less than 4,000 CY earth moving. f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe. No, this site is so flat, there is no risk of erosion. g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)? Approximately 65%. (Asphalt 12,250 SF, Building 8,150 SF, Permeable Concrete 2,450 sf, Concrete Sidewalk 400 SF) h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any: A Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will be prepared in accordance with City standards. Methods include perimeter erosion controls and over measures. The developed site will be stabilized with vegetation or hard surfaces. 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: Minimal, typical of small construction During operation of business after construction: none, other than from general public vehicles accessing the premises. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 4 of 14 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: If it is dry and the dust kicks up, we will wet it down with water to control it. 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. Yes, Honey Creek, an Ns rated water body. 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. The property is less than 200’ from a non-fish bearing portion of honey creek. Grading will occur up to the buffer. Utilities will be excavated within the buffer. 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. None. 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known. No. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 5 of 14 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. Not Applicable. 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. The proposed improvements will have stormwater runoff. Stormwater will be treated through bioretention cells, go to the underground detention system, and discharge from the flow control structure to Honey Creek. 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: All developed runodd will be collected onsite and discharged at the natural location. The project is designed to the flow duration standard as required by the City (releasting at pre-developed rates) 4. Plants [help] a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site: ____deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other _X___evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other _X__shrubs _X__grass ____pasture ____crop or grain ____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops. X__ 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? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 6 of 14 The site will be stripped pretty bare at the commencement of the project with the exception of the larger trees. 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: The site will be landscaped per plan to be submitted by a licensed Landscape Architect. Extensive effort will be made to use drought tolerant plantings and to retain the larger existing trees where possible. e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site. None. 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: birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other: Crows mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________ Comment: The site is small and surrounded by commercial development on all sides. The only animal life might be mice or moles typical to the Northwest. 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: Not Applicable 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 used for lighting, either electricity or natural gas will be used for heating and hot water. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 7 of 14 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: Well insulated building heating spaces, insulated glass, set-back thermostats, typical measures used in contemporary buildings of a similar nature. 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. None. 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. None. 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. None. 4) Describe special emergency services that might be required. None. 5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any: Not Applicable. b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment, operation, other)? General traffic from surrounding streets, though this is not deemed a negative impact. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 8 of 14 Construction should be a 150 (+/-) day period and will generate the noise typical of light commercial construction. 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 site is currently vacant. The adjacent propertiers are general retail/commercial uses. 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. There are no structures on the site. d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what? There are no structures on the site. e. What is the current zoning classification of the site? CA – Commercial Arterial. f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site? Commercial / Retail Uses g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site? Not Applicable. 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? Depending on the tenant in the retail lease space, there could be anywhere from 5-10 employees on the site at a time. The residential units could potentially have 16-30 residents. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 9 of 14 j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace? None. k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any: Not Applicable. L. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any: Review of the City of Renton Municipal Code as well as a Pre Application Meeting with City of Renton staff. m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any: None. 9. Housing [help] a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, mid- dle, or low-income housing. 16 units will be provided – middle income housing. b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing. The site is currently vacant. No units will be eliminated. c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any: None. 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? 52’-3”. Type VB construction, high quality fiber cement siding and concrete masonry or brick, and a standing seam curved metal rood over the rooftop resident amenity. b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed? None. b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any: The site is currently a weed patch and an aesthetic blight on the overall area. Our development should represent a considerable enhancement to the overall aesthetics of the area. 11. Light and Glare [help] a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur? SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 10 of 14 Minimal, some parking lot lighting. It would be consistent with the existing commercial surroundings. 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? The overall Renton community and surrounding area offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, many of them outdoor oriented. Hazen Highschool is about a 10 minute walk from the site, as well as there being a variety of eating and drinking establishments along Sunset Blvd. b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe. No. c. 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. 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. Not Applicable. 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. Not Applicable. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 11 of 14 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. The site accesses directly onto the Sunset Highway. There are currently 3 curb cuts serving the site, we expect to pursue a modification to allow 2. 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? Yes. There is a bus stop near the northeaster corner of the property. c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate? The project would not eliminate any parking spaces and would provide 29 parking spaces total. d. 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). A modification to frontage requirements is being requested. The exiting 6” curb and gutter are proposed to remain but behing the curb an 8’ wide landscape planter and an 8’ wide sidewalk are proposed. A ROW dedication will be provided to maintain a 2’ clear space behind the sidewalk. 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? A total of 19 Peak Hour trips per day are anticipated per the Heath and Associates traffic analysis dated October 17, 2019. 6 new AM peak hour trips (1 in/5 out) and 13 new PM peak hour trips (7 in/6 out). 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. h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any: None. 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. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 12 of 14 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 ___________ c. 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. Electricity – Puget Sound Energy Telephone – Qwest Water – City of Renton Utilities Sewer – City of Renton Utilities Natural Gas – Puget Sound Energy 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 __________Ben Childs_______________________________ Position and Agency/Organization __Project Manager / Jon Graves Architects & Planners____ Date Submitted: ___11/07/2019__________ D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions [HELP] (IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions) Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction with the list of the elements of the environment. When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity or at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in general terms. SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 13 of 14 1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; pro- duction, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise? Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are: 2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life? Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are: 3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources? Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are: 4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks, wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands? Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are: 5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans? Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are: SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 14 of 14 6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public services and utilities? Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are: 7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or requirements for the protection of the environment.