HomeMy WebLinkAboutComprehensive PlanCITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MAYOR
Denis Law
CITY COUNCIL
Ed Prince, Council President
Randy Corman
Don Persson
Marcie Palmer
Greg Taylor
Armondo Pavone
Ruth Pérez
Terri Briere (Councilmember: 2000‐2014)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Jay Covington
PLANNING COMMISSION
Kevin Poole, Commission Chair
Martin Regge, Commission Vice Chair
David Fleetwood
Angelina Benedetti
Michael Chen
Michael Drollinger
Roxanna Johnson
Michael O'Halloran
Nancy Osborn
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
C.E. “Chip” Vincent, Administrator
Cliff Long, Economic Development
Director
Jennifer Henning, Planning Director
Vanesssa Dolbee, Planning Manager
Angie Mathias, Senior Planner (Project
Manager)
Elizabeth Higgins, Senior Planner
Rocale Timmons, Senior Planner
Paul Hintz, Associate Planner
Kris Sorenson, Associate Planner
Adriana Abramovich, GIS Analyst
Judith Subia, Administrative Assistant
CITY ATTORNEY
Larry Warren, City Attorney
Alex Tuttle, Assistant City Attorney
Stephanie Rary, Paralegal
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Terry Higashiyama, Administrator
Leslie Betlach, Parks Planning & Natural
Resources Director
Karen Bergsvik, Human Services Manager
Kelly Beymer, Parks & Golf Course Director
Terry Flatley, Urban Forestry & Natural
Resources Manager
PUBLIC WORKS
Gregg Zimmerman, Administrator
Doug Jacobson, Deputy Administrator
Lys Hornsby, Utility Systems Director
Jim Seitz, Planning & Program Supervisor
Abdoul Gafour, Water Utility Engineering
Manager
Bob Hanson, Transportation Design
Engineering Supervisor
David Christensen, Wastewater Utility
Engineering Manager
Ron Straka, Surface Water Utility Engineering
Manager
CONSULTANTS
BERK & Associates, Inc., Lisa Grueter & Kevin
Gifford
Transpo Group, Larry Toedtli
Henderson, Young & Co., Randy Young
Provide a safe,
healthy, vibrant community
Promote safety, health,
and security through
effective communication
and service delivery
Facilitate successful
neighborhoods through
community involvement
Encourage and partner
in the development of
quality housing choices
for people of all ages and
income levels
Promote a walkable,
pedestrian and bicycle-
friendly city with complete
streets, trails, and
connections between
neighborhoods and
community focal points
Provide opportunities
for communities to be
better prepared for
emergencies
Promote economic
vitality and strategically position Renton for
the future
Promote Renton as the
progressive, opportunity-
rich city in the Puget
Sound region
Capitalize on
opportunities through
bold and creative
economic development
strategies
Recruit and retain
businesses to ensure
a dynamic, diversified
employment base
Nurture
entrepreneurship
and foster successful
partnerships with
businesses and
community leaders
Leverage public/
private resources to
focus development
on economic centers
Support planned
growth and influence decisions that impact
the city
Foster development
of vibrant, sustainable,
attractive, mixed-use
neighborhoods in urban
centers
Uphold a high standard
of design and property
maintenance
Advocate Renton’s
interests through state and
federal lobbying efforts,
regional partnerships and
other organizations
Pursue transportation
and other regional
improvements and services
that improve quality of life
Balance development
with environmental
protection
Building an inclusive
informed city with opportunities for all
Improve access to city
services, programs and
employment, and make
residents and businesses
aware of opportunities
to be involved with their
community
Build connections with
ALL communities that
reflect the breadth and
richness of the diversity
in our city
Promote understanding
and appreciation of
our diversity through
celebrations and festivals
Provide critical and
relevant information on a
timely basis and facilitate
two-way dialogue between
city government and the
community
Meet service demands
and provide high quality customer
service
Plan, develop, and
maintain quality services,
infrastructure, and
amenities
Prioritize services at
levels that can be sustained
by revenue
Retain a skilled
workforce by making
Renton the municipal
employer of choice
Develop and maintain
collaborative partnerships
and investment strategies
that improve services
Respond to growing
service demands through
partnerships, innovation,
and outcome management
Renton Business Plan
2018–2023 GOALS
The City of Renton, in partnership and communication
with residents, businesses, and schools, is dedicated to:MISSION
Providing a safe, healthy, welcoming atmosphere where people choose to live
Promoting economic vitality and strategically positioning Renton for the future
Supporting planned growth and influencing decisions that impact the city
Building an inclusive informed city with opportunities for all
Meeting service demands through high quality customer service, innovation, a positive work environment, and a commitment to excellence
Renton: The center
of opportunity in
the Puget Sound
Region where
families and
businesses thrive
VISION
RENTON. AHEAD OF THE CURVE.
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PAGE i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION 1
LAND USE ELEMENT 3
Table LU‐1: Growth Targets 3
Figure LU‐1: Regional Growth Centers and Manufacturing/Industrial Centers 3
Figure LU‐2: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map 10
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT 16
Figure T‐1: Arterial Streets Map 20
Table T‐1: Growth Targets 25
Table T‐2: LOS/Concurrency Program 27
Figure T‐2: State Freight Routes in Renton 29
Table T‐3: Summary of 2015‐2035 Transportation Costs 33
Table T‐4: Summary of 2015‐2035 Transportation Revenues 33
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT 36
Table HHS‐1: 2006‐2031 Growth Targets: Extended to 2035 38
Table HHS‐2: 2012‐2035 Growth Targets: Adjustments for Growth 2006‐2012 38
Table HHS‐3: Estimates of Existing Households by Percentage of Area Median Income 38
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 46
PARKS, RECREATION, NATURAL AREAS, AND TRAILS ELEMENT 48
COMMUNITY PLANNING ELEMENT 50
Figure CP‐1: Community Planning Areas Map 51
UTILITIES ELEMENT 52
Figure U‐1: Utilities Planning Relationships 52
Figure U‐2: City of Renton Water System Service Area 54
Figure U‐3: City of Renton Sewer System Service Area 56
Figure U‐4: City of Renton Surface Water Service Area and Drainage Basins 60
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT 72
Table CF‐1: Levels of Service 74
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT 78
GLOSSARY i
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS xiii
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH xix
APPENDIX C: LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS AND UTILITY PLANS xxv
APPENDIX D: INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS xxvii
VISION
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 1
VISION
- The center of opportunity in the Puget Sound Region where businesses and families thrive -
These words from the Renton Business Plan
represent the City’s Vision of itself now and in the
future. The image of a thriving, opportunity-rich
community takes form as different elements of that
Vision come into focus:
A sustainable city that promotes economic
vitality, environmental quality, social equity,
and resiliency;
A community that is healthy and safe, that has
cohesive, well-established neighborhoods and
a growing variety of housing to match the
diversity of the population with its various
needs and wants;
A working town with a full spectrum of
employment opportunities for all economic
segments, regardless of education, age,
gender, or ethnicity;
A regional center for active and passive
recreation that features 1access for all to a
healthy river, a clean lake, abundant trees, and
clear mountain views to enhance the
experience; and
A well-connected place that builds cohesive
networks, in the form of: partnerships that
enhance community resources; transportation
and recreation facilities that connect through
trails, sidewalks, and streets; and local
business, volunteer, and neighborhood
organizations that bring people together.
RELATIONSHIP TO THE GMA AND VISION 2040
The State of Washington adopted the Growth
Management Act (GMA) in 1990. This legislation
requires comprehensive plans to include specific
elements; obligates cities to adopt implementing
regulations and counties to develop Countywide
Planning Policies (CPP’s) to address issues of a
regional nature. King County’s CPPs ensure
consistency for addressing issues that cross
jurisdictional boundaries within the County.
In addition to the GMA and CPP’s, the multicounty
planning policies of Vision 2040 greatly influence the
content and policies of comprehensive plans.
Developed by the Puget Sound Regional Council,
Vision 2040 is the long-range growth management,
environmental, economic, and transportation plan
intended to guide future employment and
population growth for the central Puget Sound
region.
The content, analyses, goals, and policies of Renton’s
Comprehensive Plan were developed in
conformance with the GMA, King County’s
Countywide Planning Policies, and Vision 2040.
RENTON WITHIN THE REGION
Renton’s city government, business community, and
residents are infused with a passionate belief that
this is the best place to be. There is also the will,
desire, and resources to nurture the qualities that
make it great and to make it even better in the
future.
At the center of Renton’s Vision is the underlying
principle that urban living provides both choice and
balanced opportunities for employment, housing,
recreation, health, goods, and services. As Renton
grows beyond a community of 100,000 residents,
development patterns will continue to shift from
traditional suburban forms to more urban forms.
Regional growth continues to shape Renton’s
landscape and the City has a responsibility to ensure
adequate land capacity to allow expansion and
diversification of its employment and economic
base, as well as its housing stock. Policies encourage
maximum land efficiency and strive for development
that is more intense than typical suburban
prototypes. Future residential and commercial
growth is directed to the City Center and to mixed-
use areas that already exist throughout the City.
Expansion of Renton’s employment and economic
base will continue through redevelopment in the City
VISION
PAGE 2 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Center and the Valley. The development of small
business and industry in Renton will also diversify
and strengthen the local economy.
Renton’s City Center is located at the hub of
commerce and transportation networks and
designated as a Regional Growth Center for
employment and housing. A revitalized Downtown
that functions as a 24-hour living, working, and
entertainment area will emerge through planning for
a balance of residential, commercial, and office uses
with a distinctive, local identity. Development north
of Downtown, near the Landing, will contribute to
the vitality of the City Center by serving regional
needs for shopping, entertainment, housing, and
employment.
Outside of the City Center in areas currently
dominated by commercial strip development, higher
density mixed-use development will establish
neighborhood-scale living, working, and
entertainment nodes, such as the Sunset Area of the
Renton Highlands. Mixed-use centers and
neighborhood nodes will reduce transportation
impacts within the City by allowing residents to work
and shop close to where they live, as well as, provide
alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips.
While new multi-family and mixed-use housing in the
City Center and established neighborhood nodes will
help to accommodate housing growth, single-family
housing stock will grow through infill development.
Single-family infill development also allows for the
necessary densities to provide services at the edge of
the urban area. Renton is proud of the diversity of
its population and requires a full-range of housing
types to accommodate people of different ages,
incomes, and ethnic groups. Housing Renton’s
growing population will require approaches that
allow for a variety of housing types, maintain the
ability to provide high levels of service, and ensure a
high quality of life in Renton’s new and established
neighborhoods.
One of the ways to sustain quality of life and respond
to the diverse needs of the community is through
community planning. The City is divided into ten
geographically distinct community planning Areas.
Through the Community Planning process, residents,
businesses, and other stakeholders develop a local
vision and establish policies that address issues of
growth, quality of life, design, and capital
improvements as they affect the Community
Planning Area. Meeting and working together can
also help to build community connections and
strengthen neighborhood cohesiveness.
Beyond local needs, there are City goals to enhance
the character of the City and improve overall quality
of life. Renton is a safe, healthy, and attractive
community that promotes good design, abundant
tree cover and landscaping, and civic art.
Neighborhoods are well-maintained and have strong
ties that have been nurtured through the City
Neighborhood Program. Quality parks and open
space meet the recreational needs of residents.
Trails, bike paths, sidewalks, and transit tie
neighborhoods together and make it possible to
travel without a car. Renton enjoys high levels of
service in all areas and the cost of implementation is
shared in an equitable manner.
There is an abiding commitment to protect, restore,
and enhance environmental quality because the
many natural features of the City are deeply
appreciated by its residents. Renton participates in
regional efforts to improve sustainability and, at the
local level, make it easier for businesses and
residents to pursue environmentally friendly
methods by which to live and work. Policies, plans,
and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
support the use of renewable resources and energy,
and increase access to locally grown food, make a
difference in the health of Renton’s residents and
makes the community more resilient when faced
with natural or human-made disasters.
The City of Renton’s Vision is ambitious and far-
sighted; it is the underlying structure for the
Comprehensive Plan, the Renton Business Plan, and
all other plans and strategies made by the City.
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 3
LAND USE ELEMENT
- Guiding future growth and development to ensure our community flourishes -
DISCUSSION
Under the Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70a)
Renton has an obligation to meet the demands of
local and regional growth. Managing growth is not
an endeavor that Renton takes on alone. The Puget
Sound Regional Council’s VISION 2040 establishes
goals and policies that tie the region together and
support people, prosperity, and the environment.
Through the Countywide Planning Policies, King
County jurisdictions further define their roles in
accommodating growth using sustainable and
environmentally responsible development
practices. Renton’s Comprehensive Plan outlines
the ways that these goals and policies combine with
our unique community Vision to be the center of
opportunity where families and businesses thrive.
MEETING DEMANDS OF GROWTH
GOALS
Goal L-A: Comply with the Countywide Planning
Policies established by the Puget Sound Regional
Council and the Countywide Planning Policies
adopted by King County.
Goal L-B: Continue to build Renton’s Regional
Growth Center consistent with VISION 2040 to
provide compact, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use
development to meet the demands of population
and employment growth, while reducing the
transportation related and environmental impacts
of growth.
Goal L-C: Ensure sufficient land capacity to meet the
growth targets, as shown in Table L-1.
Goal L-D: Meet regional and local obligations to
provide essential public facilities through
collaboration with other jurisdictions when
possible.
Goal L-E: Promote annexation where and when it is
in Renton’s best interests.
POLICIES
MEETING DEMANDS OF GROWTH
Policy L-1: Support uses that sustain minimum
employment levels of 50 employees per gross acre
and residential levels of 15 households per gross
acre within Renton’s Growth Center.
Accommodate approximately 2,000 households
and 3,500 jobs from the City’s Growth 2035 Targets
within the Growth Center.
Policy L-2: Support compact urban development to
improve health outcomes, support transit use,
maximize land use efficiency, and maximize public
investment in infrastructure and services.
Policy L-3: Encourage infill development of single-
family units as a means to meet growth targets and
provide new housing.
Policy L-4: Consider surplus public property for
other public uses before changing ownership.
Policy L-5: Use a public process when siting
essential public facilities.
Table L-1: Growth Targets
Housing
Target
Employment
Target
2012-2035 Growth
Target per 2014
Buildable Lands Report
14,050 28,755
Growth Capacity
Estimated 2012 BLR
and Land Use Element
Update
15,351-
16,741
26,090-
31,076
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 4 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Policy L-6: Site and design essential
public facilities to be efficient and
convenient while minimizing
impacts on surrounding uses.
Facilities should be sited on an
arterial street where there is good
access to transportation, including
transit service and where parking
requirements are appropriate to the
use. If the use is people intensive, it
should be in a Center, compatible
with surrounding uses, and
collocated with other uses when
possible.
Policy L-7: Coordinate with King
County to ensure land development
policies are consistent in the
Potential Annexation Area.
Policy L-8: Support annexation
where infrastructure and services
allow for urban densities, service
providers would be consolidated,
and/or it would facilitate the
efficient delivery of services.
Policy L-9: Consider the fiscal
impacts for each proposed
annexation.
PLANS INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE
King County Countywide
Planning Policies
Vision 2040 and the Countywide
Planning Policies
Auto Mall Improvement Plan
Figure L-1: Regional Growth Centers & Manufacturing/Industrial Centers
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 5
PLANNING FOR THE EFFICIENT USE OF LAND
DISCUSSION
To meet and exceed Renton’s targets for housing
and employment growth land use must be
organized efficiently, consistent with the
community’s vision. Concentrated growth in
housing and employment will occur in Growth
Centers, increasing the intensity of activities in
these districts to create a lively, vibrant, urban
environment. Outside of the Growth Centers,
residential areas will provide for a range of housing
types and lifestyle options that are served by mixed-
use commercial development nodes that provide
daily goods and services. Additional opportunities
to grow employment and maintain an industrial and
manufacturing base are in the Employment Area.
GOALS
EFFICIENT USE OF LAND
Goal L-F: Minimize risk associated with potential
aviation incidents, on the ground and for aircraft
occupants.
Goal L-G: Pursue transition of non-conforming uses
and structures to encourage development patterns
consistent with Renton’s land use plan.
Goal L-H: Plan for high quality residential growth
that supports transit by providing urban densities,
promotes efficient land utilization, promotes good
health and physical activity, builds social
connections, and creates stable neighborhoods by
incorporating both built amenities and natural
features.
Goal L-I: Utilize multiple strategies to accommodate
residential growth, including:
Development of new single-family
neighborhoods on large tracts of land outside
the City Center;
Development of new multifamily and mixed-use
in the City Center and in the Residential High
Density and Commercial Mixed Use
designations; and
Infill development on vacant and underutilized
land in established neighborhoods and
multifamily areas.
Goal L-J: Develop well-balanced, attractive,
convenient Centers serving the City and the region
that create investment opportunities in urban scale
development, promote housing close to
employment and commercial areas, reduce
dependency on automobiles, maximize public
investment in infrastructure and services, and
promote healthy communities.
Goal L-K: Provide an energetic business
environment for commercial activity providing a
range of service, office, commercial, and mixed-use
residential uses that enhance the City’s
employment and tax base along arterial streets and
in Centers.
Goal L-L: Transform concentrations of linear form
commercial areas into multi-use neighborhood
centers characterized by enhanced site planning,
efficient parking design, coordinated access for all
modes of transportation, pedestrian linkages from
adjacent uses and nearby neighborhoods, and
boulevard treatment.
Goal L-M: Strengthen Renton’s employment base
and economic growth by achieving a mix of
industrial, high technology, office, and commercial
activities in Employment Areas.
Goal L-N: Sustain industrial areas that function as
integrated employment activity areas and include a
core of industrial uses and other related businesses
and services, transit facilities, and amenities.
Goal L-O: Support the Auto Mall to concentrate
auto and vehicular related businesses and increase
their revenue and sales tax base for the City and to
present an attractive environment for doing auto-
related business.
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 6 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POLICIES
EFFICIENT USE OF LAND
Policy L-10: Meet or exceed basic aviation safety
concerns and reduce potentially negative impacts
from normal airport operations by restricting land
use, prohibiting airspace obstacles and noise-
sensitive land uses, and by requiring aviation
easements within the Airport Influence Area.
Policy L-11: Encourage non-conforming uses to
transition into conforming uses or relocate to areas
with compatible designations.
Policy L-12: Identify potential areas for rapid or
temporary housing in case of emergency or natural
disaster.
Policy L-13: Enhance the safety and attractiveness
of the Automall with landscaping, signage, and
development standards that create the feeling of a
cohesive business district.
PLANS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Airport Layout Plan Update
Airport Compatible Land Use Program
Airport Master Plan
RENTON LAND USE PLAN
Renton’s Land Use schema identifies six types of land uses: Residential Low Density, Residential Medium
Density, Residential High Density, Commercial Mixed Use, Employment Area, and Commercial Office
Residential. Each of these land uses has designated zones that detail the types of land uses allowed in those
zones. The table below identifies the six land use designations and the zones that implement each land use
designation. Policies for each designation and implementing zone follow.
Residential Low Density (RLD) Policy L-14: Residential Low Density – Place lands constrained by sensitive areas, those intended to provide
transition to the rural area, or those appropriate for larger lot housing within the Residential Low Density
(RLD) land use designation to allow for a range of lifestyles.
Resource Conservation Zone – Zone lands with significant environmental constraints, which are not
appropriate for urban development, lands suitable for environmental conservation or restoration,
and lands used for agriculture or natural resource extraction for Resource Conservation (RC). RC
zoning is allowed in the Residential Low Density and Employment Area land use designations.
Residential-1 Zone – Lands with significant environmental constraints, which may have the potential
for development at a level of intensity that is compatible with that environment, or lands that provide
urban separators should be zoned for Residential-1 (R-1). R-1 zoning is allowed in the Residential Low
Density land use designation.
Residential-4 Zone – Zone lands suitable for large lot housing and suburban, estate-style dwellings
compatible with the scale and density of the surrounding area Residential-4 (R-4). R-4 zoning is
allowed in the Residential Low Density land use designation.
Residential Manufactured Home Park Zone – Lands with existing manufactured home parks as
established uses should be zoned Residential Manufactured Home Park (RMH). RMH zoning is allowed
in the Residential Low Density, Residential Medium Density, and Residential High Density land Use
designations.
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 7
Residential Medium Density (RMD) Policy L-15: Residential Medium Density – Place areas that can support high-quality, compact, urban
development with access to urban services, transit, and infrastructure, whether through new development
or through infill, within the Residential Medium Density (RMD) designation. Within the RMD designation,
allow a variety of single-family development, with continuity created through the application of design
guidelines, the organization of roadways, sidewalks, public spaces, and the placement of community
gathering places and civic amenities.
Residential-6 Zone – Zone lands Residential-6 (R-6) where there is land suitable for larger lot
development, an opportunity for infill development, an existing pattern of single-family development
in the range of four to eight units per net acre, and where critical areas are limited. R-6 zoning is
allowed in the Residential Medium Density land use designation.
Residential-8 Zone – Zone lands Residential-8 (R-8) where there is opportunity to re-invest in existing
single-family neighborhoods through infill or the opportunity to develop new single-family plats at
urban densities greater than four dwelling units per acre. R-8 zoning is allowed in the Residential
Medium Density land use designation. Growth and Center’s Designations and Zoning Residential High Density (RHD) Policy L-16: Residential High Density – Designate land for Residential High Density (RHD) where access,
topography, and adjacent land uses create conditions appropriate for a variety of housing unit types, or
where there is existing multifamily development. RHD unit types are designed to incorporate features
from both single family and multifamily developments, support cost-efficient housing, facilitate infill
development, have close access to transit service, and efficiently use urban services and infrastructure.
Land designated RHD is where projects will be compatible with existing uses and where infrastructure is
adequate to handle impacts from higher density uses.
Residential-10 Zone – Zone lands Residential-10 (R-10) where there is an existing mix of single
family and small-scale multifamily use or there are vacant or underutilized parcels that could
be redeveloped as infill and are located within ¼ mile of public transit service and a major
arterial. R-10 implements the Residential High Density land use designation.
Residential-14 Zone – Zone lands Residential-14 (R-14) where it is possible to develop a mix of
compact housing types in areas of approximately 20 acres or larger in size (may be in different
ownerships) or are within or adjacent to a Growth CenterThe zone functions as a transition
zone between lower intensity residential and higher intensity mixed use zoning. R-14
implements the Residential High Density land use designation.
Residential Multi-Family Zone – Zone lands Residential Multi Family (RMF) where there is
existing (or vested) multifamily development of one-acre or greater in size. Expanded RMF
zoning should only be where access is from a street classified as a Principal arterial, Minor
arterial, or Collector, and where existing multi-family is abutting at least two property sides.
RMF zoning implements the Residential High Density land use designation.
Commercial Neighborhood Zone – Zone lands Commercial Neighborhood (CN) that provide
goods and services on a small-scale to a surrounding residential neighborhood and that front
on a street classified as a Principal arterial, Minor arterial, or Collector. Expanded CN zoning
should only be where there is opportunity to provide small limited-scale commercial
opportunity to the immediately surrounding residential community that would not result in
an increase in scale or intensity, which would alter the character of the nearby residential
neighborhood. The CN zone implements the Residential High Density land use designation.
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 8 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Growth and Center’s Designations and Zoning Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) Policy U-17: Commercial Mixed Use – Place areas with established commercial and office areas near
principle arterials within the Commercial and Mixed Use (CMU) land use designation. Allow residential
uses as part of mixed-use developments, and support new office and commercial development that is
more intensive than what exists to create a vibrant district and increase employment opportunities.
The intention of this designation is to transform strip commercial development into business districts
through the intensification of uses and with cohesive site planning, landscaping, signage, circulation,
parking, and the provision of public amenity features.
Commercial Arterial Zone – Zone lands Commercial Arterial (CA) where a historical strip
pattern dominates, characterized by large surface parking in front of buildings, long blocks
oriented to automobiles, and an incomplete street grid. CA zoning should be located within
one-quarter mile of transit, provide employment, and allow mixed-use development. CA
zoning implements the Commercial Mixed Use and Employment Area land use designations.
Center Downtown Zone – Zone Land Center Downtown (CD) within downtown Renton that is
appropriate for the widest mix of uses, is served by transit, and is suitable for intensive urban
use within a pedestrian environment. The Center Downtown zone is intended to revitalize the
area by creating a vibrant, urban center in Renton’s historic downtown core. Surface parking is
discouraged in this zone, except as a land bank. CD zoning implements the Commercial Mixed
Use land use designation.
Center Village Zone – Zone lands Center Village (CV) that are characterized by an existing
commercial and multi-family core served by transit and set in the midst of suburban patterns of
residential developmentor in Renton’s downtown. CV zoned lands are suitable for
redevelopment into compact urban development with a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use
center, and community focal point. The zone is intended to revitalize an area, creating a
vibrant, urban center where surface parking is discouraged. CV zoning implements the
Commercial and Mixed Use designation.
Urban Center Zone – Zone lands that are located within Renton’s Designated Regional Growth
Center, if there is a potential for the creation of dense employment, destination retail,
recreation, or public gathering space with the Urban Center (UC) zone. The Urban Center zoned
areas have large parcels of land with the potential for large scale redevelopment opportunities
that will create a mixed-use retail, employment, and residential center. UC zoning implements
the Commercial Mixed Use land use designation.
Commercial Office Zone – Zone large parcels of land, that are highly visible from arterials or
highways and located on existing or planned transit routes, for Commercial Office (CO) if they
contain, or are suitable for medium- to high-intensity office use. Limited residential mixed-use
development is allowed in close proximity to select transit services. This zone implements the
Commercial Mixed Use and Employment Area land use designations.
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 9
Employment Area (EA) Policy L-18and industrial uses such as office, industrial, warehousing, and manufacturing, with access to
transportation networks and transit, within the Employment Area (EA) land use designation. Employment
Areas provide a significant economic development and employment base for the City. Maintain a variety
and balance of uses through zoning that promotes the gradual transition of uses on sites with good access
and visibility to more intensive commercial and office uses.
Light Industrial Zone – Zone property Light Industrial (IL) where it is appropriate for very low-
intensity manufacturing and industrial services. Uses and potential impacts of uses in this zone are
fully contained within their buildings. This zone implements the Employment Area land dse
designation.
Medium Industrial Zone – Zone property Medium Industrial (IM) where it is intended for
manufacturing, processing, assembly, and warehousing. Outdoor storage of some materials may be
allowed. Uses and potential impacts of uses in this zone are contained within the property or
project site. This zone implements the Employment Area land use designation.
Heavy Industrial Zone – Zone property Heavy Industrial (IH) where it is intended for high-intensity
fabrication, processing of raw materials, bulk handling and storage, or heavy construction and
transportation. Such uses may require significant outdoor area in which to conduct operations and
isolation or buffering from other uses may be necessary to help control potential impacts. This zone
implements the Employment Area land use designation. Commercial Office Residential (COR) Policy L-18: Commercial Office Residential – Place areas that are located near a significant amenity, such
as a waterfront, are near major transportation or transit routes, and are comprised of one or more large
tracts of vacant or underutilized land in the Commercial Office Residential land use designation and zone.
This land banking designation is intended to transform properties into compact, mixed-use developments
that act as City gateways, through master planning and coordinated design.
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 10 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Figure L-2: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 11
PROTECTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND
ENSURING NATURAL RESOURCES FOR THE FUTURE
DISCUSSION
Sustainability recognizes that natural systems are
essential to providing both economic needs and
quality of life and that actions of today have an
impact on the environment which impacts the
future. The quality of Renton’s land, air, and water
affect the health and resiliency of everyone in the
community.
GOALS
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Goal L-P: Minimize adverse impacts to natural
systems, and address impacts of past practice
where feasible, through leadership, policy,
regulation, and regional coordination.
Goal L-Q: Support commercial and hobby
agricultural uses such as small farms, hobby farms,
horticulture, beekeeping, kennels, stables, and
produce stands that are compatible with urban
development.
Goal L-R: Maintain extractive industries where their
continued operation does not impact adjacent
residential areas, the City’s aquifer, or critical areas.
Goal L-S: Maintain Urban Separators to provide
visual and physical distinction to the edges of
Renton, protect critical areas, and provide a
transition to the rural area.
Goal L-T: Create a functioning and exemplary urban
forest that is managed at optimum levels for
canopy, health, and diversity.
Goal L-U: Preserve, protect, and enhance the
quality and functions of the City’s sensitive areas
including: lakes, rivers, major and minor creeks,
intermittent stream courses and their floodplains,
wetlands, ground water resources, wildlife habitats,
and areas of seismic and geological hazards.
Goal L-V: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains and floodways to prevent threats to life,
property, and public safety associated with flooding
hazards.
Goal L-W: Reduce the potential for damage to life
and property due to abandoned coal mines, and
return this land to productive uses.
Goal L-X: Support and sustain educational,
informational, and public involvement programs in
the City over the long term in order to encourage
effective use, preservation, and protection of
Renton's resources.
Goal L-Y: Protect clean air and the climate for
present and future generations through reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions at the individual,
household, and community levels, and promote
efficient and effective solutions for transportation
and development.
Goal L-Z: Promote regional air quality in
coordination with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
and the Puget Sound Regional Council, consistent
with the Countywide Planning Policies, through its
policies, methodologies, and standards.
POLICIES
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Policy L-20: Recognize the importance of fresh food
in improving health and building community
resilience, and encourage local food by allowing
cultivation and sale of vegetables, herbs, flowers, or
similar crops in residential areas, as an accessory
use and/or home occupation and allow community
gardens on private property, vacant public
property, and unused rights-of-ways.
Root vegetables, Credit: City of Renton
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 12 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Policy L-21: Apply conditional use permits, or other
approvals as appropriate, for extractive industries
including timber, sand, gravel, or other mining to
ensure that potential impacts are confined, limited,
or mitigated.
Policy L-22: Designate Urban Separators on lands
characterized by individual and interconnecting
natural features, critical areas, open space, parks,
agricultural areas, and water features and by areas
that provide a logical and easily identifiable physical
separation between urban communities or with the
rural area.
Policy L-23: Promote urban forests through tree
planting programs, tree maintenance programs that
favor the use of large healthy trees along streets
and in parks, residential, commercial, and industrial
areas, programs that increase education and
awareness, and through the protection and
restoration of forest ecosystems.
Arbor Day Tree Planting, Credit: City of Renton
Policy L-24: Manage urban forests to maximize
ecosystem services such as stormwater
management, air quality, aquifer recharge, other
ecosystem services, and wildlife habitat.
Policy L-25: Educate the community about
sustainable neighborhood concepts as part of
planning processes to build support and
understanding for future policy and regulatory
changes.
Policy L-26: Utilize education and outreach
programs to inform the public and build support for
initiatives promoting sustainability, health, and
emergency preparedness.
Policy L27: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including recreation, fish and wildlife, flood
protection, erosion control, water supply, energy
production, and open space.
Policy L-28: Minimize erosion and sedimentation in
and near sensitive areas by requiring appropriate
construction techniques and resource practices,
such as low impact development.
Policy L-29: Protect the integrity of natural drainage
systems and existing land forms, and maintain
wildlife habitat values by preserving and enhancing
existing vegetation and tree canopy coverage to the
maximum extent possible and by restoring
hydrological flows and improving the condition of
shorelines.
Policy L-30: Maintain or increase the quantity and
quality of wetlands. Development activities shall
not decrease the net acreage of existing wetlands.
Policy L-31: Protect buffers along wetlands and
surface waters to facilitate infiltration and maintain
stable water temperatures, provide for biological
diversity, reduce amount and velocity of run-off,
and provide for wildlife habitat.
Policy L-232: Emphasize the use of open ponding
and detention, vegetated swales, rain gardens,
clean roof run-off, right-of-way landscape strips,
open space, and stormwater management
techniques that mimic natural systems, maximize
water quality and infiltration where appropriate,
and which will not endanger groundwater quality.
Policy L-33: Acquire the most sensitive areas such
as wetlands, flood plains, and wildlife habitat for
conversion to parks and greenbelts. Pursue an
overall net gain of natural functions and values by
enhancing sensitive areas and providing incentives
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 13
Policy L-34: Ensure buildings, roads, and other built
features are located on less sensitive portions of a
site when sensitive areas are present.
Policy L-35: Re-establish self-sustaining fisheries
resources in appropriate rivers and creeks through
habitat improvement projects that encourage and
enhance salmonid use.
Policy L-36: Land uses in areas subject to flooding,
seismic, geologic, and coal mine hazards should be
designed to prevent property damage and
environmental degradation before, during, and
after construction.
Policy L-37: Emphasize non-structural methods in
planning for flood prevention and damage
reduction.
Policy L-38: Dredge the Cedar River bed within the
existing engineered channel as one method of flood
control.
Policy L-39: Provide information for and participate
in informing and educating individuals, groups,
businesses, industry, and government in the
protection and enhancement of the quality and
quantity of the City's natural resources and to
promote conservation.
Heron at Black River Riparian Forest, Credit: City of Renton
Policy L-40: Coordinate with the Puget Sound Air
Pollution Control Agency and the Puget Sound
Regional Council to develop policies,
methodologies, and standards that promote
regional air quality.
Policy L-41 Conduct all City operations to minimize
adverse environmental impacts by reducing
consumption and waste of energy and materials;
minimizing use of toxic and polluting substances;
reusing, reducing, and recycling; and disposing of
waste in a safe and responsible manner.
Policy L-42: Encourage environmentally friendly
construction practices, such as Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design, Built Green, Salmon
Safe, and Living Building Challenge.
Policy L-43: Support and implement the Mayor’s
Climate Protection Agreement, climate pledges and
commitments undertaken by the City, and other
multi-jurisdictional efforts to reduce greenhouse
gases, address climate change, sea-level rise, ocean
acidification, and other impacts to global
conditions.
Policy L-44: Recognize that a sustainable
community requires and supports economic
development, human health, and social benefit, and
makes decisions using the “triple bottom line”
approach to sustainability (environment, economy,
and social equity).
PLANS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Clean Economy Strategy
Urban and Community Forestry Development
Plan
Growth Management Policies, Puget Sound
Clean Air Agency
Making Our Watershed Fit for a King – WRIA 9
Salmon Habitat Plan, King County
Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish
Watershed (WRIA 8) Chinook Salmon
Conservation Plan, King County
May Creek Basin Action Plan, King County
Lower Cedar River Basin and Nonpoint Action
Plan, King County
PROMOTING A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND ATTRACTIVE
COMMUNITY
LAND USE ELEMENT
PAGE 14 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PROMOTING A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND ATTRACTIVE
COMMUNITY
DISCUSSION
Community design includes those elements or
features that provide for visual identity and evoke
the character of the city, creating a sense of place.
Community design influences quality of life for
people who live, work, learn and play in the city. A
safe, healthy, and attractive community recognizes
and acknowledges the natural setting and the
unique features of a community.
GOALS
SAFE, HEALTHY, AND ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY
Goal L-AA: Maintain the City’s cultural history by
documenting, recognizing, and protecting its
historic, archaeological, and traditional cultural
sites.
Goal L-BB: Maintain a high quality of life as Renton
grows by ensuring that new development is
designed to be functional and attractive.
Goal L-CC: Support and sustain programs in the City
to encourage effective use, preservation, and
protection of Renton’s resources.
Goal L-DD: Maintain and promote Renton as a
center for arts and culture where traditional and
contemporary arts thrive and creative industries are
cultivated.
Emerging, by Hai Ying Wu, Credit: City of Renton
Goal L-EE: Build neighborhoods that promote
community resiliency through healthy lifestyles,
active transportation, proximity to goods and
services, access to local fresh food, environmental
sustainability, and a feeling of community.
Goal L-FF: Strengthen the visual identity of Renton
and its Community Planning Areas and
neighborhoods through quality design and
development.
POLICIES
SAFE, HEALTHY, AND ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY
Policy L-45: Identify and catalog historic, cultural,
and archaeological resources on an on-going basis
and as part of project specific review.
Policy L-46: Preserve and incorporate historic and
archaeological sites into development projects.
Policy L-47: Accommodate change in a way that
maintains Renton’s livability and natural beauty.
Policy L-48: Address privacy and quality of life for
existing residents by considering scale and context
in infill project design.
Policy L-49: Maintain existing, and encourage the
creation of additional, places and events
throughout the community where people can
gather and interact. Allow for flexibility in public
gathering places to encourage place-making efforts
and activities.
Policy L-50: Respond to specific site conditions such
as topography, natural features, and solar access to
encourage energy savings and recognize the unique
features of the site through the design of
subdivisions and new buildings.
Policy L-51: Include human-scale features such as
pedestrian pathways, quality landscaping, and
public spaces that have discernible edges, entries,
and borders to create a distinctive sense of place in
neighborhoods, commercial areas, and centers.
Policy L-52: Orient buildings in developments
toward the street or a common area, rather than
toward parking lots.
LAND USE ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 15
Gateway Sign, Credit: City of Renton
Policy L-54: Protect public scenic views and public
view corridors, including Renton’s physical, visual
and perceptual linkages to Lake Washington and
the Cedar River.
Policy L-55: Preserve natural landforms, vegetation,
distinctive stands of trees, natural slopes, and
scenic areas that contribute to the City’s identity,
preserve property values, and visually define the
community and neighborhoods.
Policy L-56: Complement the built environment
with landscaping using native, naturalized, and
ornamental plantings that are appropriate for the
situation and circumstance and provide for respite,
recreation, and sun/shade.
Policy L-57: Provide complete arranged as an
interconnecting network or grid. Locate planter
strips between the curb and the sidewalk in order
to provide separation between cars and
pedestrians. Discourage dead-end streets and cul-
de-sacs.
Policy L-58: Encourage signage that guides and
promotes business without creating visual clutter.
Implement sign regulations that balance adequate
visibility for businesses while protecting Renton’s
visual character.
Policy L-59: Balance the need for appropriate
lighting levels for safety and security to avoid light
intrusion and glare impacts, and to preserve the
night sky.
Policy L-60: Improve the appearance of parking lots
through landscaping and screening.
Policy L-61: Promote environmentally friendly,
energy-efficient development, including building
and infrastructure.
Policy L-62: Create a supportive environment for
cultural activities and the arts.
Renton Film Frenzy Curvy Awards, Credit: City of Renton
Policy L-63: Collaborate with schools, businesses,
and faith-based groups to promote healthy
lifestyles through education, activity, and nutrition.
Policy L-64: Design buildings with provisions for
evacuation in case of all types of emergency events.
PLANS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Disaster Recovery Plan
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan
Arts and Culture Master Plan
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 16
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
- Linking growth and transportation and accommodating all users -
DISCUSSION
Ownership, control, development and maintenance
of public rights-of-way are primary functions of
city government. Transportation investments
shape development patterns that, in turn,
influence the economic health, safety, and
character of a community. The design,
construction, and maintenance of city streets,
roads, sidewalks, trails and other transportation
facilities impact all Renton residents, employees,
and visitors.
For many decades, transportation problems have
been seen primarily as engineering problems with
engineering solutions. As a result, transportation
planning has been primarily concerned with the
construction of new facilities – mostly roads but
also transit, airport, and rail facilities – and has
relied on gas taxes to fund the construction.
However, our current transportation challenges are
different.
The facilities built in preceding decades are reaching
the end of their design life and require
maintenance, rehabilitation, or retrofitting.
Securing revenue for transportation investments is
increasingly difficult as the purchasing power of gas
tax revenue has eroded steadily over time along
with the increasing difficulty of generating greater
revenue through taxes. The public’s concerns about
transportation issues have also expanded beyond
cost and mobility to include neighborhood impacts,
sustainability, and accommodations for all types of
users. There is growing demand for alternatives to
single-occupancy vehicles and reducing the impacts
of transportation on the environment.
While specific responsibility and authority for
transportation choices is divided amongst various
governments and agencies, users expect local and
regional transportation facilities to function as a
unified system. Achieving that requires coordination
with federal, state, regional, county, and municipal
stakeholders and decision makers.
Renton has been designated a Core City by the
Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). A Core City
contains a regionally
designated growth
center – Renton’s Urban
Center encompassing
Boeing, The Landing,
and Downtown Business
District – serves as a key
hub for the region’s
long-range multimodal
transportation system,
and also provides major
civic, cultural, and
employment centers.
Downtown Transit Center, Credit: City of Renton
This Transportation Element assists the City of
Renton in coordinating transportation and land use
planning within its municipal boundaries, guides
development of a multimodal system that provides
transportation choices for all users, and facilitates
interjurisdictional coordination of transportation
related projects. This element is consistent with
Puget Sound Regional Council’s VISION 2040 and
Transportation 2040.
This Transportation Element includes goals and
policies addressing the following topics:
Framework and General Goals
Maintenance, Management and Safety
Transportation Demand Management
Transportation planning seeks
to “protect and enhance the
environment, promote energy
conservation, improve the
quality of life, and promote
consistency between
transportation improvements
and State and local planned
growth and economic
development.” Federal
Highway Administration.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 17 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Street Network
Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
Transit and High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV)
Transportation Options and Mobility
Growth Strategy, Land Use, and Transportation
Level of Service Standards, Design, and
Concurrency
Freight
Airport
Finance, Investment, and Implementation
Intergovernmental Coordination
FRAMEWORK GOAL STATEMENT
Coordinate transportation investments with the
pace of growth and land use development patterns
to ensure Renton maintains an efficient, balanced,
multimodal transportation system.
GENERAL GOALS AND POLICIES
The following goals and policies are applicable in all
transportation decisions. Policies specific to
particular transportation topics are covered
elsewhere in this element.
GOALS
Goal T-A: Continue to develop a transportation
system that stimulates, supports, and enhances the
safe, efficient and reliable movement of people,
vehicles, and goods.
Goal T-B: Balance transportation needs with other
community values and needs by providing facilities
that promote vibrant commerce, clean air and
water, and health and recreation.
Goal T-C: Maintain, preserve, and extend the life
and utility of transportation investments.
Goal T-D: Reduce the number of trips made via
single occupant vehicle.
Goal T-E: Apply technological solutions to improve
the efficiency of the transportation system.
Goal T-F: Promote and develop local air
transportation facilities in a responsible and
efficient manner.
Goal T-G: Establish a stable, long-term financial
foundation for continuously improving the quality,
effectiveness and efficiency of the transportation
system.
POLICIES
Policy T-1: Develop a connected network of
transportation facilities where public streets are
planned, designed, constructed, and maintained for
safe convenient travel of all users – motor vehicle
drivers as well as, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit
riders of all ages and abilities.
Policy T-2: Implement a multimodal level of service
that maximizes mobility, is coordinated with level of
service standards of adjacent jurisdictions, and
meets concurrency requirements.
Policy T-3: Develop a transportation system that
preserves and protects natural resources and
complies with regional, state, and federal air and
water quality standards.
Policy T-4: Support electric vehicle infrastructure in
all areas except those zoned for resource use or
those areas designated as critical areas.
Policy T-5: Support transportation modes and
technologies that are energy-efficient and improve
system performance.
City Maintenance Crew, Credit: City of Renton
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 18
MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND SAFETY
The design, construction, operation and
maintenance of the transportation system impacts
long-term use and safety for all users. Safety
planning and mitigation, including strategies for
protecting the transportation system from
disasters, includes multidisciplinary efforts that can
significantly improve the livability of our
community.
POLICIES
Policy T-6: Establish essential maintenance,
preservation and safety improvements of the
transportation systems as a high priority.
Policy T-7: Ensure maintenance and preservation of
the transportation systems are high priorities in
resource allocations. Maintain and preserve the
transportation system mindful of life-cycle costs
associated with delayed maintenance.
Policy T-8: Develop and coordinate prevention and
recovery strategies and disaster response plans with
regional and local agencies to protect the
transportation system against major disruptions.
Policy T-9: Optimize the performance of the
transportation network and improve efficiency and
safety for various travel modes through signal
timing coordination, signal retiming on a regular
basis, maintenance and capital replacement
programs, and other operational improvements of
existing and planned transportation facilities.
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
focuses on more effectively using existing and
planned transportation capacity, ensures
compatibility with planned uses, helps
accommodate growth consistent with community
character and land use objectives, offers
alternatives to Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV)
travel, and serves to mitigate impacts and better
meet mobility needs.
Reducing trip-making, dispersing peak period travel
demand throughout the day, and increasing transit
usage and ride sharing are significantly less costly
means of accommodating increased travel demands
than constructing new or widening existing
transportation facilities. Reducing the number of
trips made via single occupant vehicles is also an
effective way of reducing automobile-related air
pollution, traffic congestion and energy use.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can be used
to apply technological solutions to problems such as
congestion, safety, and mobility. Substantial
investment in ITS – such as signs and internet sites
providing real time feedback on travel times and
alternatives – continues in the Puget Sound Region.
The City is currently developing plans to implement
an Adaptive Signal Control System (ASCS) along the
SW 43rd Street/Carr Road/Petrovitsky Road
corridor as was installed on Rainier Avenue S.
Adaptive signal control systems adjust the timing of
intersection stop lights (green, yellow, red lights) to
accommodate changing traffic patterns and ease
traffic congestion (FHWA 2015).
The location and supply of parking is an integral
part of the local transportation system and TDM
strategies are important to commerce and private
enterprise. Inadequate parking can increase
congestion on streets as people circle and look for
available spaces. Too much parking can deter use of
alternative travel modes, including transit. A proper
balance needs to be achieved between parking
supply and demand. Providing for “right size”
parking ratios based on a district’s land use intensity
and access to transit is important to community
character and mobility, and can help reduce total
costs of development. Satellite parking with shuttle
services and collective structured parking are
potential physical methods for managing and
increasing the parking supply. For example, Boeing
currently utilizes shuttle service to the plant from
off-site parking areas.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 19 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Opportunities to reduce SOV travel are particularly
found in Renton’s mixed use centers. Regional plans
call for Regional Growth Centers such as Renton’s to
work towards reducing SOV shares. In 2014, PSRC
estimated the following work trip mode shares in
Renton’s Regional Growth Center as of a 2010 base
year (percentages are rounded):
SOV: 82%
HOV: 9%
Walk and Bike: 3%
Transit: 7%
POLICIES
Policy T-10: Implement transportation demand
management (TDM) programs to reduce disruptive
traffic impacts and to support mixed-use
development, commercial centers, and
employment areas.
Policy T-11: Through investments in non-motorized
facility connections, collaboration with transit
providers, and commute trip reduction programs
with employers, encourage a reduction in drive
alone work trip shares to below 75% by 2035 within
the Regional Growth Center.
Policy T-12: Invest in and maintain Renton’s
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program
coordinated with other agencies.
Policy T-13: Incorporate TDM measures such as
priority parking places for HOVs and convenient,
direct pedestrian access from transit stops/stations
in site design and layout for all types of
development.
Policy T-14: Educate employers about their
commute trip reduction obligations under the City
of Renton’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR)
Ordinance and CTR Plan.
Policy T-15: Regularly review and refine parking
ratios to account for existing parking supply, land
use intensity, and access to transit.
Policy T-16: Encourage shared and structured
parking in downtown Renton to achieve land use
and economic development goals as expressed in
the City Center Community Plan and to coordinate
parking for the benefit of the district businesses and
residents.
STREET NETWORK
INVENTORY
Federal and State highways such as I-405, SR-900
(Sunset Boulevard), SR-169 (Maple Valley Highway),
SR-515 (Benson Highway), and SR-167 (Rainier
Avenue) are integral elements of Renton's arterial
system, as well as, routes for regional commuters.
These five interstate, freeway, and state highways
converge in central Renton within a half mile radius
of each other. This results in a complex traffic flow
as regional and local trips interact within a relatively
short distance. Local arterial streets link
commercial, industrial, and residential
neighborhoods to the freeways and state highways.
Within neighborhoods, local access streets provide
internal circulation and connections to the arterials.
Local access streets primarily provide direct access
to abutting land uses and are designed to
discourage through traffic.
Arterials in the City of Renton are divided into three
classifications that are used to identify appropriate
uses, establish eligibility for road improvement
funding, and define appropriate street design
standards:
Principal Arterials – streets and highways that
connect major intra-city activity centers and
have high traffic volumes and relatively fast
vehicle speeds. The focus is on through travel
instead of property access.
Minor Arterials – streets that provide links
between intra-city activity centers or between
principal and collector arterials. Minor arterials
carry moderately high traffic volumes and
vehicle speeds are typically lower than principal
arterials.
Collector Arterials – streets that distribute
traffic between local streets and principal or
minor arterials and provide circulation within
commercial, industrial, or residential areas. The
collector system distributes traffic to local
streets to support property access.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 20
Figure T-1: Arterial Streets Map
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 21 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Generally, local access streets include all public
streets not classified as principal, minor, or collector
arterials. A conceptual arterial map is shown in
Figure T-1. Annually, the City adopts an Arterial
Streets map displaying the three arterial categories
above. The City hereby incorporates by reference its
Arterial Streets Map dated August 4, 2014,
Resolution 4222, or as thereafter amended, into
this Transportation Element. The City has adopted
more specific street classifications in the Renton
Sunset area.
The transportation element seeks to balance local
and regional mobility needs. The following policies
and priorities address issues related to the street
network as a system, the physical design of
individual roadways, traffic flow, and traffic
operations control. The intent is to reduce the
amount of traffic on City streets that has neither an
origin nor destination in the City of Renton while
providing reasonable levels of traffic flow and
mobility for users of the local street system.
POLICIES
Policy T-17: Work with the State and neighboring
jurisdictions to provide capacity on regional
transportation systems and to reduce regional
traffic on local streets.
Policy T-18: Increase the person-carrying capacity of
the Renton arterial system by encouraging modes
that allow more people per vehicle and by
discouraging single occupancy vehicle usage.
Policy T-19: Adopt and implement street standards
based on assigned street classification, land use
objectives, and user needs.
Policy T-20: Arrange the street network in a grid
pattern to the extent possible. Connect internal
development networks to existing streets and avoid
cul-de-sacs and dead end streets.
Policy T-21: Support vacating streets when they
meet the criteria in Renton Municipal Code, Chapter
14, Vacations.
Policy T-22: Review new developments fronting on
state highways in the City in accordance with
WSDOT access standards for state managed access
highways.
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION
Investments in the non-motorized components of
the City’s transportation system enhance the
quality of life in Renton, improve walking and
bicycling safety, support healthy lifestyles, and
support pedestrian and bicycle transportation
modes as alternatives to the use of automobiles.
Non-motorized facilities serve commuters and
recreational users.
INVENTORY
The City's existing non-motorized transportation
system is comprised primarily of roadside
sidewalks. These facilities provide safe non-
motorized mobility for pedestrians and cyclists
outside of business districts. Within business
districts, sidewalks are restricted to pedestrians.
Many streets were constructed before the existing
code requiring sidewalks was enacted; as a result,
numerous local and arterial roadways are currently
without sidewalks. Some notable walkway
deficiencies exist along sections of
Maple Valley Highway (SR-169), Puget Drive, and
Talbot Road South. The City of Renton
Comprehensive Citywide Walkway Study (March
2008) addresses the sidewalks and walkways within
the City and identifies a priority roster to construct
"missing" sidewalk/walkway sections throughout
the City.
In addition to sidewalks, Renton has combined
bicycle/pedestrian facilities along Logan Avenue and
portions of Garden Avenue North and North 8th
Street, and striped bicycle lanes on portions of SW
16th Street, Oakesdale Avenue SW, Duvall Avenue
NE, and NE 4th Street. The Renton Trails and Bicycle
Master Plan (2009) lists routes that have been
identified as important bicycle transportation
elements.
The City of Renton Parks, Recreation, and Natural
Areas Plan (November 2011) provides an in-depth
description of proposed walking, bicycle, and
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 22
mixed-use trails. By nature, these types of trails are
primarily used for recreational purposes and
supplement the City's non-motorized transportation
system; their development should be encouraged.
FUTURE PLANS
Renton's existing transportation system is oriented
towards accommodating cars, trucks, and buses
rather than pedestrians or bicycles. The policies and
priorities of this section provide guidelines for
reevaluating the existing system and making
incremental improvements in the City’s walking and
biking environment. More facilities are also needed
for bicycle storage and parking in shopping areas,
employment centers and in public places. Specific
recommendations on improvement projects are
included in the Renton Trails and Bicycle Master
Plan (May 2009) and hereby incorporated by
reference into this Transportation Element.
Cedar River Trail, Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan 2009
POLICIES
Policy T-23: Coordinate transportation planning
activities with the Renton Trails and Bicycle Master
Plan and the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas
Plan.
Policy T-24: Enhance pedestrian and bicycle
movement and safety by:
1) Providing adequate separation between non-
motorized and motorized traffic;
2) Separating foot and bicycle traffic when
possible, but giving preference to foot traffic
when necessary;
3) Improving arterial intersection crossings for
non-motorized users;
4) Minimizing obstructions and conflicts that
restrict the movement of non-motorized users;
and
5) Providing convenient access to all transit stops
and transit centers.
Policy T-25: Develop and designate appropriate
pedestrian and bicycle commuter routes along
minor arterial and collector arterial corridors.
Policy T-26: Ensure provision of safe and convenient
storage and parking facilities for bicyclists.
Policy T-27: Promote non-motorized travel not only
as a viable means of transportation but as an
important method for maintaining overall health
and fitness.
TRANSIT AND HOV
As Renton’s population continues to grow, there is a
greater need to move people efficiently on the local
roadway network. A well-managed, attractive, and
convenient transit system reduces traffic demand
by encouraging the use of alternatives to single-
occupancy vehicles, for trips within the city limits
and for trips to regional destinations. The following
policies and priorities seek to maximize the use of
transit and other alternatives to single-occupancy
vehicles in Renton.
INVENTORY
The Downtown Renton Transit Center is the hub of
transit service in Renton. The Transit Center acts as
both a destination and a major transfer center. Bus
service in Renton is currently provided by King
County Metro and Sound Transit.
Metro provides internal city routes and regional
service. Local transit service includes RapidRide,
buses, shuttles, and Dial-a-Ride (DART). The
RapidRide F-line connects The Landing and Boeing
plant with Downton Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac, and
Burien. It connects with the regional Sounder
(commuter rail) and Link Light Rail systems. As of
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 23 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2014, Renton has over 1,100 park and ride spaces
located throughout the community to serve local
commuters.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, available to
buses and vehicles with two or more occupants,
currently exist north and southbound on Interstate
405 and SR-167. HOV queue jump lanes are
provided at some interchange ramps in Renton.
Rainier Avenue has business access and transit only
(BAT) lanes.
FUTURE PLANS
VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040 call for
channeling future growth into regional growth
centers such as Renton and providing transit links
between centers. Transit investments are critical to
providing local and regional trip alternatives to
single-occupancy vehicles.
Transit service and facility improvements are
needed to support and encourage increased transit
use in the City of Renton. Renton has been and will
continue to work with King County Metro and
Sound Transit to develop transit system service
improvements (e.g., new routes, increased
frequency) and capital investments (e.g., signal
queues, park and ride facilities) to adequately serve
Renton’s developing residential and employment
areas.
Specific transit service improvements and facilities
are needed to support Renton’s role as a regional
center. The City hereby incorporates by reference:
1) King County Metro’s Strategic Plan for Public
Transportation 2011-2021, or as thereafter
amended, and
2) Sound Transit’s Sound Transit 3 (ST3) Plan as
adopted by the agency in 2016, or as thereafter
amended.
The City is very supportive of Sound Transit’s
proposal to add Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to the I-405
corridor, including direct HOV ramps at a new
interchange at NE 8th Street.
Planned HOV facility investments, such as HOV
lanes or intersection queue jumps, are planned in
several Renton corridors and direct access HOV
interchange ramps are planned at the following
locations between 2015 and 2020:
SW 43rd Street/Carr Road/Petrovitsky Road
Corridor Improvements: Implement Adaptive
Signal Control System (ASCS) along corridor
which also will support transit operations. The
system may be expanded to include transit
signal priority if King County Metro would
provide a BRT route to the corridor.
NE 3rd/NE 4th Corridor Improvements:
Implement projects at locations along this
arterial corridor to improve traffic operations
including revising/adding turn lanes, access
management, and traffic signal modifications.
Projects will upgrade pedestrian and bicycle
facilities. Project to consider transit signal
priority enhancements and queue jump lanes to
improve transit reliability.
NE Sunset Boulevard (SR 900) Corridor
Improvements from I-405 on the west to the
east City limits: Reconstruct arterial to enhance
pedestrian and bicycle facilities and transit
facilities/develop street to latest adopted
Principal Arterial street standards. The City is
also discussing extension of BRT to this corridor,
which would connect the Sunset Area with The
Landing, Boeing, and other employment
centers.
Grady Way Corridor Improvements from Lind
Avenue to Main Avenue: Reconfigure traffic
lanes and add turn lanes and other traffic signal
improvements to enhance traffic operations
and transit reliability.
These HOV investments will improve transit travel
time, accessibility, and reliability and contribute to a
reduction in congestion and pollution by providing
an attractive alternative to the single occupant
vehicle.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 24
POLICIES
Policy T-28: Work with other jurisdictions and
transit authorities to plan and provide frequent,
coordinated and comprehensive transit service and
facilities in residential and employment areas.
Policy T-29: Support direct HOV ramps to/from I-
405 in the vicinity of The Landing (NE 8th) per the
City Center Community Plan.
Policy T-30: Work to improve the frequency and
reliability of transit serving Renton’s Downtown and
promote the Downtown Transit Center as part of a
regional high capacity transit system.
Policy T-31: Increase transit service and access in
commercial and mixed use corridors and nodes.
Policy T-32: Coordinate transit, bike, and pedestrian
planning efforts and evaluate opportunities to
leverage investments for the benefit of more users.
Policy T-33: Construct improvements and
implement actions to facilitate the flow of HOV’s
into, out of, and through Renton.
Policy T-34: Support exclusive freeway/arterial HOV
facilities that improve transit travel times by
enabling buses to bypass congestion.
Policy T-35: Allow park-and-ride facilities in
appropriate locations subject to design
considerations.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AND MOBILITY
As described in Renton’s Community Needs
Assessment (2014) and Housing Element, lack of
mobility creates obstacles for individuals and
families to access the services they need. Lack of
mobility and transportation services can limit a
household’s ability to obtain basic goods and
services, receive medical or dental care, commute
to a job, and maintain employment. Current
barriers to mobility in Renton include:
Uneven access to public transit, with limited
options for those who do not live Downtown,
do not commute during peak travel times, or
who need to travel within Renton (instead of
between Renton and other destinations in the
region). The most vulnerable groups include
low-income households that are unable to
afford vehicle ownership, as well as, residents
who are unable to drive.
Elderly residents and others with personal
physical mobility issues also face the challenge
of not being able to walk longer distances to
and from a bus stop, further limiting their
opportunities to use public transit.
Many of the pedestrian and bike routes
connecting Renton’s residential areas with basic
services are unsafe, which further limits
transportation alternatives for households
without an automobile.
F-Line Rapid Ride, Credit: City of Renton
POLICIES
Policy T-36: Invest in connection of non-motorized
facilities across Renton. Provide improvements at
intersections to improve safety and comfort of
pedestrians and bicyclists.
Policy T-37: Support transit agencies’ investment in
transit service to Renton neighborhoods within and
beyond Downtown.
Policy T-38: Develop a connected transportation
system that provides opportunities for mobility of
people with special needs.
GROWTH STRATEGY, LAND USE, AND
TRANSPORTATION
Renton has been designated a Core City and has a
Regional Growth Center called the Renton Urban
Center. Renton’s adopted Urban Center boundary
includes two primary sections: the northern portion
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 25 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
borders Lake Washington and emphasizes mixed
use and regional employment, including Boeing’s
Renton Plant and The Landing, a retail and
residential development; the southern portion of
the center includes the downtown core and
adjacent residential area.
The City is obligated to meet the 2031 Growth
Targets contained in the King County Countywide
Planning Policies, and much of its growth capacity is
in mixed use zones such as the Central Business
District (CBD). The City must also estimate its
growth to the year 2035 to provide the required 20-
year planning period under GMA. Table T-1 shows
the City’s growth targets, capacity, and
transportation model assumptions.
Table T-1: Growth Targets
Housing Target Employment
Target
2012-2035
Growth Target
per 2014
Buildable Lands
Report
14,050 28,755
Growth Capacity
Estimated 2012
BLR and Land
Use Element
Update
15,351-16,741 26,090-31,076
Transportation
Model
Assumptions
16,741 31,076
Sources: King County, Puget Sound Regional Council, BERK
Consulting 2014
The City has tested the future land use, desired
mode split, and planned transportation
improvements in the City’s transportation model.
The model results show that the projected growth
can be supported by the City’s planned
improvements, and the City’s level of service
policies (see Policy T-48) can be met. The model
tested Renton’s planned growth and improvements
in the context of regional growth and networks
consistent with Puget Sound Regional Council’s
VISION 2040 and Transportation 2040 plans.
Testing Renton’s planned growth and
improvements shows the following summary model
results in selected corridors:
SW 43/Carr/Petrovitsky Corridor: Planned
physical improvements to intersections and
lanes together ASCS, and the LOS E Mitigated
designation per policies, are appropriate.
Grady Way: Planned improvements would
improve operations even in areas of projected
continued congestion.
156th Avenue NE Corridor: Three lanes should
suffice through 2035 modeled conditions. The
142nd/156th intersection with a signal and turn
lanes are projected to work well.
SR 169: Interim improvements are possible and
desirable at SE 5th at SR 169, such as
striping/signing/operations changes. The State’s
Route Development Plan improvements,
included in the Renton Transportation Element
list of projects (Appendix A), are needed.
Houser Way at Lake Washington Boulevard:
Projects 3 and 5 (Appendix A) would address
projected traffic.
192nd Extension over SR 167: This new road
would likely pull traffic off of the SW 43rd
overcrossing of SR 167, but would not eliminate
the need for widening the overcrossing.
More detailed transportation analysis of planned
improvements would occur through the design
process.
POLICIES
Policy T-39: Provide multimodal transportation
improvements that support land use plans and are
compatible with surrounding land uses.
Policy T-40: Plan, design, and operate streets to
enable safe and convenient access and travel for all
users including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders,
and people of all ages and abilities, as well as,
freight and motor vehicle drivers, and to foster a
sense of place in the public realm with attractive
design amenities.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 26
Policy T-41: Plan for land use densities and mixed-
use development patterns that encourage walking,
biking, and transit use in designated areas.
Policy T-42: Continue to implement the following
design guidelines in Renton’s Regional Growth
Center:
Encourage a mix of complementary land uses.
Encourage compact growth by addressing
density.
Link neighborhoods and connect streets,
sidewalks, and trails.
Complete missing links and connections in the
pedestrian and bicycle systems.
Integrate activity areas with surrounding
neighborhoods.
Locate public and semipublic uses near
Renton’s transit center(s).
Design for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Provide usable open spaces such as the
Renton Piazza, Burnett Linear Park, Cedar
River Trail, and others.
Manage the supply of parking.
Promote the benefits of on-street parking.
Reduce and mitigate the effects of parking.
Policy T-43: Prioritize multimodal transportation
investments in Renton’s Growth Urban Center.
LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS, DESIGN, AND
CONCURRENCY
Transportation concurrency – ensuring the
programs, projects, and services needed to serve
growth are in place when or soon after growth
occurs – is a key requirement of the Washington
State Growth Management Act (GMA). The City
established the following objectives for its
multimodal concurrency system:
Meet requirements of GMA and be defensible
Be meaningful to measure transportation
system versus development
Be simple to explain
Be simple and cost efficient to implement and
monitor
Incorporate other travel modes
Be receptive to various TDM and parking
strategies
Consider the potential for different standards
for different parts of the City
Help fund/implement multimodal
transportation improvements
Provide a basis for interjurisdictional
coordination on transportation
Following a review of different systems and
methods, the City developed a multimodal LOS and
concurrency system for the following modes of
travel meeting the objectives:
Motor vehicles (single and multi occupancy)
Transit
Non-motorized (bicycle and pedestrian)
The multimodal LOS system addresses the following
scales: 1) citywide, 2) community planning area, and
3) development level.
The primary component of the system is a plan-
level estimate of person trips by mode based on the
land use forecasts. Person trips are the number of
persons making trips by various modes of travel.
Bicycle and pedestrian trips typically involve one
person, thus one person trip. But motor vehicles
often have more than one occupant. For example, if
the average vehicle occupancy was 1.3, and a
concurrency service area (like a community
planning area) had 1,000 p.m. peak vehicle trips,
the person trips would be 1,300. Similarly, if a
transit vehicle carries 65 passengers, there would
be 65 person trips. Using person trips provides a
common metric for use in concurrency and also
assessment of transportation impacts or mitigation
fees.
To ensure that growth is occurring in a pattern and
intensity proposed by the Land Use Element, the
person trips could be tracked by consolidated
Community Planning Areas that share a common
circulation system and that do not place undue
administrative burden.
The last component of the LOS program is at a
development scale. Applicants for development
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 27 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
would need to provide an analysis of the effect of
their proposed development on safety, operations
and local access considering a measurement of
delay per vehicle of LOS D or LOS E mitigated using
Highway Capacity Manual definitions. See Table T-2
for a description of the key steps in the
LOS/Concurrency system.
LOS standards guide the types of street, pedestrian,
bicycle, and transit improvements needed to meet
planned levels of growth. The list and map of
planned transportation system improvements are
presented in Appendix A.
The transportation system’s quality of design,
sensitivity to human needs, and integration with the
surroundings impact the City’s urban character and
quality of life. Transportation improvements should
be designed accordingly.
Table T-2: LOS/Concurrency Program
Program Component
or Characteristic Attributes
Person Trips Person trips are the number of persons making the same trip in the same mode of travel. Using
person trips provides a common metric for use in concurrency and also impact or mitigation fees.
Multimodal Levels
of Service
Person trips will be calculated for the following modes of travel:
Motor vehicles (single and multi-occupancy)
Transit
Non-motorized (bicycle and pedestrian)
Multiple Service
Areas
The City will monitor trip banks to specific service areas, such as consolidated Community Planning
Areas, that reflect differences in transportation opportunities, needs and capacities, as well as,
differences in existing and future land uses.
However, the City will determine system needs and collect fees at a citywide scale in order to
preserve the City’s flexibility to prioritize projects, and to avoid creating smaller accounts that do
not collect enough to fund any projects before the legal deadlines to spend the money or refund
it.
Trip Calculator,
Fee Calculator,
Trip Bank
Applicants will provide the type(s) of land uses they will develop, and the number of units they
propose for each type (i.e., # of apartments, or # of square feet of retail, office, etc.). The Trip
Calculator will convert the applicant’s data to the number of person trips in their service area
using trip generation rates. The trip calculator results will be used for concurrency by comparing
the applicant’s person trips to the balance available in the trip bank for each mode. The trip
calculator results will be used for fee calculations by multiplying the applicant’s person trips for
each mode times the fee per trip for each mode.
Multimodal
Mitigation Fees
A separate SEPA-based mitigation fee schedule will collect each applicant’s proportionate share of
their direct impact on the other modes of travel.
Strategies such as TDM and parking can earn credits that reduce the mitigation fees.
Safety,
Operations, and
Local Access
Analysis
Applicants for development will be required to submit an analysis of the effect of their proposed
development on safety, operations and local access using guidelines outlined in the City of Renton
Policy Guidelines for Traffic Impact Analysis for New Development.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 28
POLICIES
Policy T-44: Ensure adequate transportation
facilities are in place at the time of development
approval or that an adopted strategy is in place to
provide adequate facilities within six years.
Policy T-45: Ensure that new development
contributes its fair share of the cost of
transportation facilities, programs and services
needed to mitigate growth related transportation
impacts.
Policy T-46: Maintain a multimodal level of service
that maximizes mobility, is coordinated with level of
service standards of adjacent jurisdictions, and
meets concurrency requirements.
Policy T-47: Incorporate multiple transportation
modes in concurrency determinations.
Policy T-48: Apply the following multimodal LOS
standards at a citywide level, community planning
area level, and development level:
A. Citywide Person Trips: Based on the City’s land
use and growth strategy, establish a citywide
level of person trips by mode, and support each
mode with capital improvements and programs.
The general mode categories include: motor
vehicle trips, transit trips, and non-motorized
trips.
B. Community Planning Area Trips: Through the
concurrency review process, track person trips
by the following areas to monitor if growth is
occurring in relation to the Land Use Element
and planned Transportation and Capital Facility
Plan investments. If growth is occurring in a
different pattern than planned, consider the
effect on operational LOS and determine if the
Comprehensive Plan land use, LOS or capital
investments should be amended.
1. West Hill/City Center/Cedar River
Community Planning Areas
2. Valley Community Planning Area
3. Talbot/Benson/Fairwood Community
Planning Areas
4. Kennydale/Highlands/East Plateau
Community Planning Areas
5. Adopted planned action areas: Track
vehicular trips per City-adopted Planned
Action ordinances
C. Operational LOS: Through the SEPA review
process, apply the following operational LOS
standard at intersections that could be
impacted by a proposed development:
1. Arterials and Collectors: Except as listed in
C.2, apply a standard of LOS D.
2. Alternative Arterial and State Route LOS:
Apply a standard of Level of Service E
Mitigated for the following:
Specific Corridors: Carr Road, Logan
Avenue, Rainier Avenue, Grady Way, SR
900 and SR 515.
Centers: Renton Urban Center and
Center Village
For the above Corridors and Centers,
congestion should be mitigated (such as
increasing transit or other modes) when
p.m. peak hour LOS falls below LOS E.
Policy T-49: Encourage development that can be
supported by transit and other non-single occupant
vehicle modes.
Policy T-50: Design transportation facilities to fit the
neighborhood context. Apply urban design
principles.
Policy T-51: Support continued development of the
27th/Strander Corridor into Tukwila.
FREIGHT
Safe and efficient movement and distribution of
goods is important for attracting and retaining
businesses in the City of Renton.
INVENTORY
Truck and rail freight are important to the regional
and local economy. The Washington State Freight
Mobility Plan, hereby incorporated by reference,
identifies T1 freight corridors (those carrying more
than 10 million tons per year), T2 freight corridors
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 29 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
(carrying 4 to 10 million tons per year), and other
freight routes within the City that are important to
the state economy. Figure T-2 identifies the state
designated freight routes.
The City has a system of truck routes for trucks
weighing over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
In accordance with the City’s truck route ordinance,
trucks needing to make deliveries off of the
designated truck routes are required to take the
most direct arterial route to/from one of the
designated truck routes and to combine multiple
trips off designated truck routes when feasible. The
truck route ordinance does not
apply to the operation of school
buses or public transit on
designated routes, garbage trucks,
city maintenance vehicles, or
emergency vehicles.
Freight rail service is currently
available to several industrial and
commercial areas of the City.
Existing rail lines bordering the City
of Renton include the Union Pacific
(UPRR) and Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) main line
tracks between Seattle and Tacoma.
The BNSF main line runs in a north-
south direction and is located along
the City of Renton's western city
limits, separating Renton from the
City of Tukwila. The BNSF main line
carries a considerable volume of
freight service, as well as passenger
service. Two spur lines provide
intermittent, as-needed freight
service from the main line to the
Renton Valley industrial area
(southwest Renton) and the
Container Corporation of America
plant in the Earlington industrial
area. The BNSF 18th Subdivision
Branch Line splits from the BNSF
main line at the Black River
Junction, and continues through
Downtown Renton and the North
Renton industrial area before continuing along the
east side of Lake Washington and terminating in
south Bellevue. Spur tracks off of the branch line
provide freight service to the Earlington industrial
area in west central Renton. Two spur tracks serve
the North Renton industrial area north of
Downtown Renton.
The UPRR mainline track, located 200 to 300 feet
west of the BNSF mainline and Renton's City limits,
also runs in a north-south direction. The UPRR
mainline is a single track, carrying a somewhat
lower level of freight-only service.
Figure T-2: State Freight Routes in Renton
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 30
The infrequent use of the spur tracks and branch
lines within city limits results in minimal disruption
to vehicular traffic movement in Renton. Future
land use development is not anticipated to result in
a significant increase in rail freight service in
Renton.
The following policies and priorities seek to balance
the needs of freight (trucks and trains) with the
needs of other users of the local street network.
Policy T-52: Work with local, regional, state, and
federal agencies to address regional freight needs
and mitigate local impacts.
Policy T-53: Maintain and improve freight access to
and from Renton industrial areas.
Policy T-54: Minimize the impact of freight traffic
on transportation facilities and general traffic
circulation.
Policy T-55: Limit heavy through truck traffic to
designated truck routes.
Policy T-56: Support railroad crossing
improvements that minimize maintenance and
protect the street surface. Where warranted,
provide protective devices, such as barriers and
warning signals, on at-grade crossings.
AIRPORT
The Renton Municipal Airport is a major general
aviation airport and a designated Reliever Airport
for SeaTac International Airport in the Federal
Aviation Administration’s National Plan of
Integrated Airport Systems.
Both federal and state governments recognize its
importance as part of the transportation system
and require the City to protect and maintain it so
that it can be used safely. Renton's Airport is more
than a transportation facility. It is a vital element to
Renton's commercial and industrial economy,
providing aircraft services, manufacturing support,
flight training, and other airport activities. The
airport is a self-sufficient enterprise fund within the
City’s operations.
Seaplane at Renton Municipal Airport, Credit: City of Renton
According to the 2012 WSDOT Aviation Economic
Impact Study, four airports in Washington State
account for the greatest economic impact:
The most significant overall finding is that the
statewide economic impacts attributable to
airports are substantial, but heavily concentrated
in just four facilities - the three major Boeing
activity centers (Paine Field, Boeing Field, and
Renton Municipal) and Sea-Tac, which is the
principal commercial airline hub in the state and
ranked 17th nationally in terms of annual
enplanements.
Combined, they account for 91% of total jobs and
95% of total statewide output attributable to
individual airport activity. Each of these facilities is
estimated to support at least 10,000 jobs and
more than $5 billion of economic activity.
INVENTORY
The Renton Municipal Airport is owned by the City
of Renton. The Airport consists of approximately
165.5 acres; it has one runway with two parallel
taxiways.
The runway, running southeast to northwest, is
5,379 feet long and 200 feet wide. It is equipped
with medium intensity runway lighting, Runway End
Identification Lighting (REIL), and Precision
Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). Taxiways are
lighted, there is a rotating beacon, a windsock, and
a non-directional radio beacon. The Federal
Aviation Administration operates a contracted Air
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 31 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Traffic Control Tower year round during established
hours (generally 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
The Renton Airport serves general aviation demand
(aviation uses except scheduled commercial
passenger airlines) generated by Renton, Boeing,
and other communities generally within a 30-
minute drive. Aircraft services available at the
Airport include aircraft maintenance and service,
fuel, flight instruction, aircraft charter and rental,
and aircraft storage. Fixed Base Operators (FBO's),
which are aviation-oriented businesses offering a
variety of services and products to aircraft owners
and operators, provide these services to the
aviation public.
Contiguous to the Renton Airport is the Will Rogers-
Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base which, during
the summer months, is one of the busiest seaplane
bases in the Northwest.
The Renton Municipal Airport is a Landing Rights
Airport, with US Customs services available for both
floatplane and wheeled aircraft arriving by water or
by land.
FUTURE PLANS
The Airport Layout Plan establishes future
development and improvement priorities and
timelines that will yield a safe, efficient, economical,
and environmentally acceptable public facility with
capacity for the future air transport needs of the
City of Renton and the Puget Sound region.
The number of aircraft and the number of
operations are projected to grow only modestly in
the coming decades; however, the region has a
large unmet need for hangars for aircraft storage.
The airport has begun a comprehensive Master Plan
update scheduled to be completed in the spring of
2016.
POLICIES
Policy T-57: Acknowledge that there are certain
impacts to the community associated with the
existence of the Renton Municipal Airport, such as
noise generation, but that these impacts have
historically been accepted by the community in
exchange for the economic and transportation-
related benefits and the civic prestige that are also
associated with the Airport.
Policy T-58: Recognize the regional significance of
the Airport for economic development.
Policy T-59: Maximize available space on the Airport
site for uses that require direct access to taxiways
and runways.
Policy T-60: Continue operation of the Airport as a
Landing Rights Airport.
Policy T-61: Recognize the benefit of Airport access
for emergency medical and disaster response in the
community.
Policy T-62: Promote and develop Airport facilities
and services for all wheeled and float-equipped
aircraft, owners, pilots, and passengers in a manner
that maximizes safety, efficiency, and opportunity
for use.
Policy T-63: Lease Airport property for aviation-
related uses that create jobs and expand the City’s
tax base.
Policy T-64: Maintain the northern shoreline of the
Airport as the only major publicly-owned seaplane
access and protect its use for that purpose.
Policy T-65: Develop appropriate land use plans and
regulations for structures and vegetation within the
Airport’s runway approach zone.
FINANCE, INVESTMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
This section contains details of transportation
revenue sources that the City can reasonably expect
to receive during the life of the transportation plan.
Revenue sources contained in the Financial Program
vary widely in terms of the amounts available and
the types of projects for which they may be used. In
most cases, individual transportation projects are
funded by a combination of funding sources,
reflecting the fact that transportation projects have
multiple purposes and serve multiple beneficiaries.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 32
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
Appendix A: Transportation Improvement Projects
and Programs, summarizes the City of Renton’s
identified multimodal roadway system
improvements needed to address capacity and
operational issues based on the forecast travel
demands. The project table and map, which
constitute Appendix A, include a project number for
reference. The table is generally organized by
Community Plan Area, starting with the Kennydale
Planning Area in the north part of the City.
In addition, the table includes programs covering
pedestrian and bicycle travel consistent with the
City’s other adopted plans, such as the Renton Trails
and Bicycle Master Plan. Programs covering
preservation, traffic operations and Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS), safety, and
transportation project development are also
included. Without programs addressing these items,
the City’s existing infrastructure will be less efficient
and ultimately will cost more to reconstruct
transportation facilities.
Key improvements from other agencies including
Washington State Department of Transportation
(WSDOT), Sound Transit, King County, and adjacent
cities are also included in the list to illustrate the
interdependence of Renton’s transportation
element within the regional and sub-regional
framework.
To better support use of alternative travel modes,
most of the identified roadway improvements
include facilities for pedestrians, and others also
include improvements for bicycle travel and
improving transit service reliability. The roadway
projects focus on improving traffic safety and
operations along major corridors. These include
adding turn lanes (including center, two-way left-
turn lanes) and upgrading traffic signals at major
intersections. These include projects along Lake
Washington Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Grady
Way, Carr Road/Petrovitsky Road, and 116th Avenue
SE. In addition to the listed corridor projects, the
traffic operations and ITS program provide for
adjusting the traffic signal phasing and operations
at signals throughout the city.
The only project that adds additional travel lanes
for a significant distance is the widening of Monster
Road between Oakesdale Avenue and Martin Luther
King Jr Way (SR 900). This project completes the 4/5
lane arterial corridor and would be constructed in
partnership with King County.
The Transportation Element also incorporates
improvement projects from Community Plans and
other planning studies. These include the plan to
convert the one-way roadways in downtown
Renton to two-way operations to support the vision
identified in the City Center Community Plan. In
addition, the Transportation Element includes the
key transportation improvements identified in the
Sunset Area Community Planned Action Study, and
the Benson Hill Community Plan.
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM COSTS
In emphasizing multiple travel modes, this plan
requires resources to be spread and balanced
among all modes. Many of the identified
improvement projects address multiple travel
modes in an integrated manner. The City of Renton
cost of funding the transportation improvement
projects and programs described in previous
sections for the next 21 years (2015-2035) is
estimated at approximately $617 million (2015
dollars). In addition, the City’s Transportation
Element relies on WSDOT, Sound Transit, King
County Metro and other agencies to fund and
implement regional and sub-regional
transportation improvement projects, as identified
in Appendix A. Ongoing transportation planning
work will include continued refinement of the 20-
year transportation plan and costs.
As shown in Table T-3, $422 million (68%) of the
City’s transportation costs are for multimodal
transportation improvement projects in key
corridors throughout the City. Pedestrian, bicycle,
and trail projects are estimated to cost $102 million
based on the current plans. The remaining $93
million is needed to fund ongoing operations,
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 33 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
including street overlays, system preservation,
traffic signal, signs, implementation of ITS, and
overall administration and development of
projects.
Table T-3: Summary of 2015-2035 Transportation
Costs
Type of Project Costs
(1,000s)
Roadway Projects $ 422,000
Non-Motorized Projects and
Programs $102,000
Preservation, Safety, ITS, and
Project Development Programs $93,000
TOTAL Costs $ 617,000
INVENTORY OF FUNDING SOURCES
Having established a 20-year transportation funding
level of $617 million, an annual average funding
level of approximately $30 million would be needed
to fully implement the Transportation Element by
2035. Sources of revenue to provide this annual
funding need are identified on TableT-5. The
forecast revenues are based on historical data
extrapolated out to 2035. From existing
transportation revenue sources, the City would be
expected to generate $240 million from 2015-2035.
This is approximately 40% of the total estimated
costs of the 21 year list of transportation projects
and programs.
Table T-4: Summary of 2015-2035 Transportation
Revenues
Existing Revenue Sources Costs
(1,000s)
Grants $119,000
Business License Fees $52,000
Fuel Taxes $51,000
Transportation Impact
Fees and Sidewalk
Mitigation Payments
$18,000
TOTAL Revenues $240,000
Existing revenues are not able to keep pace with
transportation costs for several reasons. They
include:
Declining revenue available from several
existing sources, such as the half-cent gas tax
and grants;
Transportation needs and costs growing
faster than available revenues;
Local, state, and federal requirements on
transportation improvements lengthening the
design process and increasing cost;
Increased needs for preservation of the
existing infrastructure;
Additional focus on incorporating complete
streets concepts into transportation projects
which adds costs due to right-of way and
street standards;
The undetermined potential for new funding
sources; and
The continued inability of regional agencies to
address regional transportation needs.
Ongoing transportation planning work will include a
review and update of current revenue sources to
reflect federal, state, and regional decisions
regarding these revenue sources. Should the City’s
transportation funding approach result in shortfalls,
the City will reassess its land use plan, level of
service standards, and funding strategies,
accordingly.
To help address this shortfall in funding, the City is
considering two new funding sources and potential
future modifications to the existing Transportation
Impact Fee (TIF) program rates.
Transportation Benefit District (TBD) – The
City is evaluating the potential for
establishing a TBD, as allowed under State
law. Without a vote of the City residents, a
TBD could be based on a $20 assessment on
the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET). This
could generate over $30 million over the life
of the plan if implemented starting in 2016.
State law allows the City to enact up to a
$100 MVET through a vote of residents. A
$100 MVET could raise $8 million a year if
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 34
approved. The City would likely target the
TBD to help provide more consistent funding
for preservation of the transportation system
and possibly some key non-motorized
projects.
Non-motorized concurrency Impact Fee –
The City’s current TIF program is focused on
improvements that add capacity to roadways
and streets that serve growth, consistent with
State law. With the increased focus on
completing key segments of the sidewalk,
bicycle, and trails system, the City is
considering a supplemental mitigation fee
that would cover those modes. This
mitigation payment would be integral to the
multi-modal concurrency program. Specific
rates and projects/costs are yet to be fully
defined and would be adopted as part of a
subsequent change to the City’s existing
concurrency requirements (RMC 4-6-070).
Preliminary estimates suggest such a program
could generate approximately $8 million for
separate pedestrian, bicycle, and multi-use
trail projects. The costs of the non-motorized
projects would not overlap with costs
included in the impact fee program.
Transportation Impact Fee – The City revised
its TIF in 2011. As part of that update, the City
set the TIF rate per new PM peak hour trip
well below the maximum rate developed in
the Rate Study (Rate Study for Impact Fees,
City of Renton). With adoption of the 2015
Transportation Element and project list, the
City will need to review and update the TIF
program and ordinance to be internally
consistent. At that time, the City could choose
to set the TIF rates at a higher (or lower)
level, which could affect the ability to
complete the growth-related street and
roadway projects.
This Element provides a summary of six and 20-year
transportation system proposals (see Level of
Service Standards, Design, and Concurrency)
needed to support the land use plan. The City has
developed a six-year Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) that details projects and funding by
year for 2015-2020, and is hereby incorporated by
reference. The full 20-year multimodal project list,
summarized in Appendix A, is also incorporated by
reference.
POLICIES
Policy T-66: Ensure the transportation system
funding and implementation program supports land
use policies and distributes transportation costs
equitably.
Policy T-67: Pursue federal, state and local sources
of funding (e.g. loans, matching funds) for
transportation improvements in an efficient and
equitable manner.
Policy T-68: Use business license fees and impact
fees charged to new development to fund growth
related traffic improvements.
Policy T-69: Coordinate equitable public/private
partnerships to help pay for transportation
improvements.
Policy T-70: Seek opportunities for multi-
jurisdictional cooperation to fund transportation
improvements (e.g. joint transportation mitigation
systems or funding mechanism) to address impact
of growth outside municipal boundaries on the
City’s transportation system.
Policy T-71: Expedite implementation of
transportation projects that protect neighborhoods
against the impacts of through traffic, improve HOV
flow, increase transit service, and enhance
pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Policy T-72: Reassess the Land Use Element, Level
of Service standard, and funding strategies if
probable funding falls short of meeting existing
needs and to ensure that the Land Use Element,
transportation plans, and financing plan are
coordinated and consistent.
Policy T-73: Evaluate establishing a Transportation
Benefit District (TBD) as allowed under State law.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
PAGE 35 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
A significant amount of travel that occurs in Renton
is regional in nature – with either the origin or
destination (sometimes both) outside city limits.
Effectively managing flow within and through the
City requires extensive coordination with
neighboring jurisdictions, transit service providers,
and regional, state, and federal entities.
POLICIES
Policy T-74: Develop and maintain relationships
between Renton and other agencies and local
jurisdictions for cooperative planning of common
transportation improvements.
Policy T-75: Continue to coordinate Renton's
Transportation Element with adjacent jurisdictions'
transportation and land use goals, countywide
policies, regional land use and transportation plans,
and statewide goals outlined in the GMA.
Policy T-76: Pursue strategies to address
inconsistencies (i.e. interlocal agreements) and
adjust Renton’s Transportation Element, as needed.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Appendix A: Transportation Improvement
Projects and Programs
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 36
HOUSING & HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
- Working to provide opportunity for those with need -
DISCUSSION
This Element states Renton’s housing and human
services goals and policies, guides Renton’s
approach to creating opportunities for the physical
development of housing over the long term, and
also directs Renton’s human services activities to
increase the social and economic well-being of
individuals and families.
Housing variety, location, and
affordability influence a household’s
ability to access jobs, schools, and
services. Human services can help
support households to find and
maintain stable and healthy dwellings
and to meet economic, health, and
social needs.
HOUSING
This Element provides housing goals
and policies intended to meet the Growth
Management Act’s (GMA) housing goal: “Encourage
the availability of affordable housing to all
economic segments of the population of this state,
promote a variety of residential densities and
housing types, and encourage preservation of
existing housing stock.”
HUMAN SERVICES
The goals and policies related to Human Services
are integrated with Housing goals and policies,
because housing and human service needs are
often intertwined. Human Services are programs
and strategies that:
Support vulnerable or at risk individuals and
families in times of need,
Address the social conditions that make people
vulnerable or put them at risk, and
Foster an effective and efficient system of
services.
Human Services that meet basic human needs and
promote safe and healthy communities can be
represented on a continuum, from prevention of
problems, including crime, to assuring basic
survival, to assistance in becoming self-reliant.
While optional under GMA, addressing Human
Services in the Comprehensive Plan allows Renton
to guide its Human Services programs to best meet
community needs in an efficient and effective
manner.
SUMMARY OF HOUSING AND HUMAN
SERVICE NEEDS
The goals and policies in this Element are
based on the Renton Community Needs
Assessment for Human Services and
Housing, December 2013 (Community
Needs Assessment). Brief discussions of
housing and human service needs are
provided, but the full analysis of the
Community Needs Assessment should be consulted
for information required by the GMA.
Key findings of the Community Needs Assessment
indicated the following housing and human service
needs:
AVAILABLE QUALITY HOUSING
More rental units for very low-income
households;
Opportunities for upward mobility by
promoting ownership housing for first-time
homebuyers; and
More safe, energy efficient, and healthy
housing for low and moderate income
households.
NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY
Improved mobility and transportation options;
More high quality out-of-school time
opportunities for youth; and
Increased access to affordable, quality early
childhood education
The Community Needs
Assessment identifies
two broad values to
guide the delivery of
housing and human
services: equity and
dignity.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
PAGE 37 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Support for adults who face
barriers to employment; and
Access to living-wage jobs and
career advancement
BASIC NEEDS FOR FAMILIES
Improved access to quality
food; and
Day and night shelters that
offer a range of services for
homeless families
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Better access to health and
dental care for low-income
residents;
Early childhood health
screenings and parenting support; and
More mental health and substance abuse
services
HOUSING VARIETY AND OPPORTUNITY
Renton has a diverse housing stock with a wide
range of unit types and prices. This includes new
and older single-family homes of all sizes, flats,
townhouses, semi-attached houses, low- and mid-
rise apartments and condominiums, and high-
density mid-rise apartments in Sunset and the
Growth Center. Renton also has a strong sense of
community, and many established neighborhoods
organized around schools, parks, and other
institutions. In addition to established
neighborhoods, where infill development has been
increasingly common, Renton has newly developed
neighborhoods close to its southern and eastern
edges, and emerging mixed-use residential
neighborhoods in several of its commercial centers.
Renton continues to have a supply of vacant,
underutilized, and re-developable land in its
neighborhoods and mixed-use centers, offering
many opportunities for growth.
The City is obligated to meet its 2031
Growth Targets contained in the King
County Countywide Planning Policies.
The City must also estimate its
growth to the year 2035 to provide
the required 20-year planning period
under GMA (i.e., 2015-2035). Table
HHS-1 shows the City’s projected land
use assumptions related to housing
for a period 2006-2035, while Table
HHS-2 provides an adjustment for
growth that has already occurred
between 2006 and 2012. The Tables
demonstrate that the City’s land
supply is consistent with 2035 growth
targets. The Land Use Element
allocates land use designations in a
methodical manner to facilitate a
range of housing types that will meet the 2035
growth targets.
By providing for housing variety, Renton:
Recognizes that housing needs change over a
person’s life cycle. Renton’s housing supply
should be diverse and consist of a variety of
styles and price ranges to serve all residents.
Improves mobility. Placing housing where there
is a variety of transportation modes or
increasing the allowed density in areas that are
served with public transportation can improve
the viability of transit and provide better access
to employment, recreation, and other services
for all households.
Meets special housing needs. Renton has a
population that is aging, has disabilities, is
homeless, or has other special needs. A variety
of housing choices allows persons and
households with special needs to have access to
stable and supportive housing choices.
Equity is when social,
economic and political
opportunities are not
predicated on a person’s age,
appearance, citizenship or
national origin, employment
classification, ethnicity,
gender, gender identity or
gender expressions,
language, marital status,
race, religion, faith or
spirituality, sexual
orientation, socioeconomic
status, veteran status, and
visible or invisible disabilities.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 38
Creates opportunities for households to gain
upward mobility. There is a gap in housing for
households with low incomes, as well as, a lack
of housing options for households that can
afford entry-level home ownership. Creating a
better balance between dwellings serving
different households creates opportunities for
upward mobility such as by promoting
ownership housing for first-time homebuyers.
Homeownership has been, over time, a
significant source of wealth accumulation
despite the recent Great Recession.
Provides for stable housing. Very low-income
households may be sharing housing units
affordable to higher incomes because there are
not enough rentable dwellings affordable to
households with very low-incomes. Until more
housing stock that promotes upward mobility is
available and frees up lower-cost units, City
policies can promote forms of shared housing
and accessory dwelling units, which can be both
a source of affordable housing and housing
stability by providing income for homeowners
to help them meet their mortgage obligations
or to age in place.
Table HHS-1: 2006-2031 Growth Targets: Extended to 2035
Housing Target
2006-2031 Target 14,835
Annual increment over 25 years 593
Add 4 years to get to 2035 2,372
2035 Growth Target 17,207
Source: Prepared by BERK and The Transpo Group
Table HHS-2: 2012-2035 Growth Targets: Adjustments for
Growth 2006-2012
Housing Target
Renton: 2012-2031 Growth Target, King County
Buildable Lands Report 11,706
PSRC Land Use Targets 2031-2035, 4 years
addition 2,344
2012-2035 Growth Target 14,050
Growth Capacity Estimated 2012 15,351
Difference: Capacity - Target 1,301
Source: Prepared by BERK and The Transpo Group
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND SPECIAL NEEDS
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
The King County Countywide Planning Policies
require jurisdictions to analyze housing affordability
according to income groups benchmarked against
King County’s median income for all households.
More specifically, the policies define housing need
groups based on income
thresholds equal to 30%,
50%, and 80% of the
County’s Area Median
Income (AMI). Countywide
Planning Policies direct
Renton, other cities, and
King County to work
collectively to meet low-
and moderate-income
housing needs
countywide. At both a
collective and individual level, Renton is to address
the housing needs for households earning very low
incomes (30% of AMI or less), as this is where the
greatest need exists.
Table HHS-3 identifies the 2012 and 2013
countywide share of households, and Renton’s
share of households that meet the income levels.
Table HHS-3: Estimates of Existing Households by Percentage of
Area Median Income
Percent of
Area
Median
Household
Income
Countywide:
2012 King
County
Countywide
Planning
Policies
Countywide:
2013
Community
Needs
Assessment
Renton: 2013
Community
Needs
Assessment
Under 30%
(very low) 12% 13% 15%
30 - 50%
(low) 12% 11% 14%
50 - 80%
(moderate) 16% 16% 19%
80% and
above 60% 60% 52%
Total 100% 100% 100%
Sources: King County, Countywide Planning Policies 2012; Community
Needs Assessment based on 2007-2011 ACS and ESRI; BERK, 2013.
Dignity refers to the
experience of receiving
housing and human
services. To treat
someone with dignity is
to treat them as being of
worth, in a way that is
respectful of them as
valued individuals.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
PAGE 39 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Based on this information:
Renton has somewhat higher proportions of its
households in the very low, low, and moderate
income housing need categories; and
Renton’s proportions of middle and upper
income residents are lower than King County.
COST-BURDENED HOUSEHOLDS
Many households in Renton are spending more
than 30% of their income on housing, and therefore
are considered “cost-burdened.” Due to the high
percentage of income spent on housing, these
households may have difficulties meeting other
household necessities including food, medicine,
clothing, and transportation needs.
A vast majority of households (82.5%) earning
under $35,000 (generally low- and very low-income
households) are spending more than 30% of their
income on housing. A greater proportion of renting
households earning under $35,000 per year are
cost-burdened than owner-occupied households.
See the Community Needs Assessment for
additional detail.
Glennwood Townhomes, Credit: City of Renton
SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSEHOLDS
Persons who may require housing with particular
design or support services include, but are not
limited to, the homeless, large households, those
living with a disability, and older adults including
those who live independently and those requiring
some sort of living assistance. Many special-needs
households also require affordable housing choices.
Homeless: This special needs population has an
acute housing need, yet there are significant data
gaps and gross undercounts. In the 2011-12 school
year, the Renton School District identified 341
students who met the legislative definition of
homeless. The one-night unsheltered homeless
counts in Renton show unsheltered homelessness in
the City ranging from 71-84 persons over the last
four years. However, not all areas are searched and
many homeless persons do not want to be seen.
Beyond the number estimated above, there are
likely individuals and families that are improvising
with camping, sleeping in their cars, rotating around
weekly “motels,” and spending nights in someone’s
spare room or couch, with no fixed residence.
Large Households: Large households often require
dwelling units with more bedrooms than units
available on average. Renton has a slightly greater
proportion of households with 3 to 7 people than in
King County. About 40% of Renton residents live in
households with more than 2 people, compared to
36% for the County overall.
Elderly Population: Households with older adults
may require assistance to update their homes to
accommodate physical constraints (e.g., ramps,
remodeling, and repairs) or may require emotional,
social, health or other assistance for daily life. In
2010, Renton’s senior population (ages 65 years and
over) was about 10.1% of the population.
Disabled Population: Renton has an estimated
8,398 adults living with a disability, representing
approximately 8% of the population 18 to 64 years
old and 41% of the population over 64 years old.
Persons with medical or physical disabilities or
substance abuse concerns may need support
services or a supportive living environment.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 40
GOAL
HHS-A: Adopt best available housing practices and
implement innovative techniques to advance the
provision of affordable, fair, healthy, and safe
housing for renters, homeowners, and the
homeless. By the end of year 2020, adopt a
strategic housing plan tailored to achieve this goal.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-1: Provide resource assistance to
potential new homeowners, homeowners facing
foreclosure, and others in danger of losing their
housing.
Policy HHS-2: Collaborate with financial institutions,
organizations, and individuals who provide
affordable housing to acquire and rehabilitate
foreclosed units to be used as long-term affordable
or subsidized housing.
Policy HHS-3: Work with other jurisdictions and
organizations, including the Renton Housing
Authority and non-profit housing developers, to
address the need for housing to be affordable to
very low-income households. This housing should
focus on accessibility, mobility, and proximity to
social services.
Policy HHS-4: Promote homeownership
opportunities for households of all incomes.
Policy HHS-5: Work collaboratively with local,
regional, state, and federal public and private sector
entities to enhance resources and secure financial
and other types of support for housing programs.
GOAL
HHS-B: Ensure a variety of housing types are
available within the City that meet the needs of the
present without compromising the needs of future
generations.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-6: Implement inclusionary zoning
provisions and other techniques that result in a
range of housing types, at different densities, and
prices in new developments that address the
housing needs of all people at all stages of life,
including vulnerable populations.
Policy HHS-7: Continue to regulate manufactured
housing the same as site built housing. Also,
maintain manufactured housing developments that
meet the following criteria:
1) The development provides market rate housing
alternatives for moderate- and low-income
households.
2) The housing is maintained and certified as built
to the International Building Code and Federal
Department of Housing and Urban
Development standards.
3) Site planning includes pedestrian amenities,
landscaping, and a community facility.
Policy HHS-8: Continue to allow Accessory Dwelling
Units in single family residential areas and ensure
they are compatible with the existing
neighborhood.
Policy HHS-9: Foster and locate new housing in
proximity to Employment Centers and streets that
have public transportation systems in place, and
complements existing housing.
Policy HHS-10: In collaboration with the County,
other cities, and community stakeholders, develop
strategies to achieve a diverse housing stock that is
affordable for the following minimum percentages
of the City’s households:
Total Households AMI
12 % Below 30% (very low-income)
12 % 30 to 50% (low-income)
16 % 51 to 80% (moderate-income)
HOUSING PRESERVATION
Age of housing is a factor in the quality of housing
and how much housing costs to maintain. Older
homes typically have less efficient furnaces,
insulation, windows, and appliances, which lead to
higher operating costs compared to newer housing
construction. Under normal circumstances, a new
residential unit can be expected to have an effective
useful life of 40-50 years before it becomes
functionally obsolete. The useful lifespan can be
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
PAGE 41 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
expanded indefinitely with continued maintenance
and reinvestment.
About 19% of housing in Renton was built before
1959, making it over 50 years old. The vast majority
of this older housing is comprised of single family
homes. In addition, a significant portion of housing
built in the 1940’s, some of which is still owned by
the Renton Housing Authority, was built quickly for
the war defense industry. This housing was
constructed as temporary housing for war defense
workers who were expected to return to their
original communities after the war. Much of this
housing is still in use today, and likely is
approaching functional obsolescence.
Preserving existing housing where it provides
quality living environments protects neighborhood
character and is the largest source of affordable
housing in the community. Other activities to
preserve housing can include promoting the
preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing
that would otherwise convert to market rate
housing (e.g., subsidized housing, manufactured
home parks, etc.) or home repair programs for low-
income households.
GOAL
HHS-C: Increase the stability of neighborhoods by
fostering long-term homeownership, property
maintenance, and investments in existing housing.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-11: Utilize the City’s authority to
rehabilitate housing to prevent neighborhood blight
or eliminate unsound structures.
Policy HHS-12: Encourage expansion of programs
that result in home repair, weatherization, and
other energy-efficient improvements to owner-
occupied and rental housing, and promote
additional funding for these programs at the state
and federal level.
Policy HHS-13: Promote housing development in
proximity to the City’s Employment Centers and
other areas of the City that have jobs and work
opportunities, or the potential for future job
growth.
Policy HHS-14: Provide technical assistance and
access to resources for housing adaptations and
remodels to allow people to age or remain in place
as their circumstances change.
Downtown Housing, Credit: ICF Jones & Stokes
SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS
Livable neighborhoods include those that promote
physical activity with access to amenities (sidewalks,
trails, parks, and services) and protection of
environmental quality such as clustered designs and
low-impact development to protect critical areas
and water quality.
Livable homes include those that are developed and
maintained to meet quality building and housing
codes, including energy conservation and good
ventilation to reduce exposure to indoor air
pollutants due to paint, flooring, and furniture.
HUMAN SERVICES
The City’s role is to fund, advocate, facilitate, plan,
and inform by continuously engaging service
providers and community organizations in dialogue
regarding the functioning of the present service
systems, the emerging needs of the community and
the building of a complete system of services.
The Human Services Division distributes general
funds and Community Development Block Grants.
The staff and Advisory Committee members
advocate for community members who cannot do
so for themselves; needs are assessed and
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 42
appropriate policy and program responses are
developed. City staff facilitates in convening and
engaging others in community problem solving to
develop and improve services.
FUNDING AND PARTNERSHIPS
Renton primarily creates opportunities for market
rate and assisted housing through its
Comprehensive Land Use Plan and zoning. The City
has worked in partnership with the Renton Housing
Authority (RHA) to establish the long-term vision
and revitalization of RHA properties, such as Sunset
Terrace and other locations in the Sunset Area. The
City also participates in the King County Joint
Recommendations Committee (JRC) which allocates
funding for affordable housing. The City does not
have a dedicated funding source for housing, but
could continue to advance partnerships with other
cities located within South King County.
GOAL
HHS-D: Partner with the community to help provide
services and resources so that all residents have
food, clothing, and shelter, and have the
opportunity to live a healthy, active, safe, and
sustainable lifestyle. To achieve this goal, adopt a
strategic human services plan that furthers the
ability of residents to develop to their fullest
potential.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-15: Work with other jurisdictions and
social service organizations to develop a regional
approach to end homelessness and, on a local level,
with community partners to expand services
available to the chronically homeless, temporarily
homeless, and other vulnerable populations in
Renton.
Policy HHS-16: Increase awareness of healthy food
options by building collaborative partnerships with
community organizations and sharing resources to
promote food access and provide education about
nutrition and healthy food preparation.
ACCESSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE HUMAN SERVICES
The Renton Community Needs Assessment for
Human Services and Housing identified a number of
key human service concerns in the Renton
community, including Economic Opportunity, Basic
Needs for Families, and Health and Wellness. The
Assessment also identified the need for Available
Quality Housing and Mobility, which are addressed
elsewhere in this element.
The Salvation Army Services Center, Credit: City of Renton
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Most human service and housing programs aim to
increase the social and economic well-being of
individuals and families. Families with sufficient
resources are largely able to attain services and
housing to meet their needs. In general, improving
economic opportunity in a community for those
who face barriers to employment, career
advancement, and other forms of economic
opportunity can improve, prevent, or reduce needs
for social service and housing supports. In some
cases, families with otherwise adequate purchasing
power will have needs that outstrip their resources.
The Community Needs Assessment identified the
need to provide or promote:
Support for adults who face barriers to
employment; and
Access to living-wage jobs and career
advancement.
BASIC NEEDS FOR FAMILIES
There are families in Renton experiencing significant
economic hardship who are unable to meet their
most basic needs, including adequate shelter and
having enough to eat. While this is a small
percentage of all families, the needs are very
urgent. While immediate services are needed for
those who are in crisis, preventative support such
as increased economic opportunity and education
on managing household expenses is also needed.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
PAGE 43 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Priority areas of focus for human services include:
Improved access to quality food;
Day and night shelters that offer a range of
services for homeless families.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and wellness is fundamental to quality of
life. The Community Needs Assessment
documented a dominant theme in human services
stakeholder feedback that there are structural and
personal obstacles that many individuals and
families face to adequate healthcare. Areas of focus
for human services include:
Better access to health and dental care for low-
income residents;
Early childhood screenings and parenting
support; and
More mental health and substance abuse
services
More mental health and substance abuse
services.
NEIGHBORHOOD OPPORTUNITY
Neighborhood opportunity reflects a person or
family’s ability to access the services and amenities
they need to lead socially and economically
successful lives. In almost all cities, access to
services and amenities is driven by the attainability
of housing options in different neighborhoods, and
as a result is geographically unequally distributed.
This results in uneven access and functional barriers
to services and opportunity. In addition to mobility
addressed elsewhere in this Element, the following
needs were highlighted in the Community Needs
Assessment:
More high quality out-of-school time
opportunities for youth, including programs and
activities that engage youth to learn and
practice social skills that lead to life and
academic success; and
Increased access to affordable, quality, early
childhood education.
GOAL
HHS-E: Actively participate in local, regional, state,
and federal programs to address human services
needs in the region and in Renton.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-17: Build on collaborative relationships;
partner with local agencies and school districts to
increase affordability and availability of early-
childhood education, after-school youth
engagement opportunities, and preparation for
college/career.
Policy HHS-18: Work with community partners to
support people who face barriers to getting and
staying employed, need job training, and who
desire career advancement.
Policy HHS-19: Promote healthcare equity and
increase the availability of: medical and dental care,
mental health and substance abuse services, early
childhood screenings, and parenting support.
Policy HHS-20: Strengthen collaborative
partnerships between cities and regional, state,
federal, and public and private sector providers of
human services.
City of Renton Community Garden, Credit: City of Renton
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 44
GOAL
HHS-F: Enable individuals to meet their basic
physical, economic, and social needs by promoting
an effective and equitable human services delivery
system that enhances their quality of life.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-21: Promote an individualized approach
for vulnerable people by utilizing community
services and transportation assistance.
Policy HHS-22: Develop incentives to encourage
food outlets to locate in Renton so that healthy
foods are accessible, with an emphasis on school-
age children.
MOBILITY
Transportation and mobility is an important
component of all forms of opportunity. Lack of
mobility creates obstacles for individuals and
families to access the services they need. Renton,
like many suburban cities, has a need for improved
mobility and transportation options. For a family
with very little income, lack of mobility and
transportation services can limit a household’s
ability to obtain basic goods and services, receive
medical or dental care, commute to a job, and
maintain employment. Current barriers to mobility
in Renton include:
Inequitable access to public transit, with limited
options for those who do not live Downtown,
do not commute during peak travel times, or
who need to travel within Renton (instead of
between downtowns). This negatively impacts
mobility for all residents, but is especially
problematic for individuals and families who do
not have access to a vehicle. The most
vulnerable groups include low-income
households who are unable to afford vehicle
ownership, as well as, residents who are unable
to drive.
Elderly and disabled residents with personal
mobility issues also face the challenge of not
being able to walk longer distances to and from
a bus stop, further limiting their opportunities
to use public transit.
Many pedestrian and bike routes connecting
Renton’s residential areas with basic services
are unsafe, which further limits transportation
alternatives for households without a vehicle.
Renton Transit Center, Credit: City of Renton
King County Van Share, Credit: City of Renton
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT
PAGE 45 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL
HHS-G: Make land use decisions that provide
increased options for healthy living in Renton.
POLICY
Policy HHS-23: Support the link between land
development and physical activity by increasing
options for transit use, walking, and bicycling, such
as providing physical connections between
residential areas and schools and/or commercial
development.
GOAL
HHS-H: Actively work to increase the availability of
healthy, equitable, and affordable housing for
people in all demographic groups and at all income
levels and promote a balance of housing and the
amenities needed by residents at a neighborhood
level, such as childcare, availability of fresh food,
recreational opportunities, and medical care.
POLICY
Policy HHS-24: Support the development of housing
and neighborhoods that are sited, designed,
constructed, and maintained to promote
environmentally healthy and safe living.
“Environmental heath,” in this context, includes
factors of the natural and built environment that
affect human health, such as physical, chemical, and
biological factors external to a person.
GOAL
HHS-I: Improve mobility and transportation options
for Renton residents to increase access to jobs and
services, reduce household costs, and maintain a
sustainable lifestyle.
POLICIES
Policy HHS-25: Plan and construct a transportation
system that links residents to services, such as
childcare, healthcare, and places of work.
Transportation systems should include
opportunities for various modes of transportation,
including automobiles, public transit, walking, and
cycling.
Policy HHS-26: Encourage construction of
universally designed units, supportive housing
arrangements, and transitional housing in close
proximity (within one-quarter mile) to public
transportation.
Sunset Terrace Redevelopment Concept, Credit: Mithun
The Bristol at Southport, Credit: City of Renton
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Renton Community Needs Assessment for
Human Services and Housing
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 46
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
- Creating economic opportunity that keeps Renton as a city of prosperity -
DISCUSSION
Renton's economic development promotes it as the
progressive, opportunity-rich city in the Puget
Sound region. Renton’s economic development
policies encourage collaboration between the public
and private sectors to ensure the long-term
economic health of Renton and its residents. A
healthy economy provides jobs and opportunity and
helps pay for vital public services such as education,
parks, transportation, police and fire protection,
and human services. The policies encourage a mix
of high-tech, creative jobs, as well as retail, service,
and office uses that will result in a diversified
employment base. The policies
encourage high quality development
necessary to sustain a high standard of
living in Renton.
GOALS
ED-A: Promote and maintain diversified
economic growth by utilizing resources
and amenities to stimulate economic
development while protecting quality of
life through environmental sustainability
and increased employment
opportunities to ensure competitiveness
in the market.
ED-B: Recruit and retain businesses to ensure a
dynamic, diversified employment base. Nurture
entrepreneurship while fostering successful
partnerships with business and community leaders.
Invest in and grow workforce training and retraining
opportunities to support targeted local industry
clusters. Build a diverse economic industry base in
areas of aerospace, healthcare, and creative
industries (high-tech, design, software, local artisan,
gaming, and architecture, etc.).
ED-C: Leverage public and private resources to
focus development on targeted economic centers,
in addition to industry clusters, and pursue
transportation and other regional improvements
and services that support and improve quality of
life. Foster commercial and residential
development, and cultivate optimism and focus
towards redevelopment of public and private
spaces throughout the City.
POLICIES
Policy ED-1: Develop incentives for businesses to
locate, stay, and expand within the City; provide
incentives for economic development within the
City’s Growth Center, neighborhood business
districts, and commercial corridors.
Policy ED-2: Promote targeted local and regional
industry cluster development: meet with top
employers and key organizations to identify and
discuss their future needs to determine how the
City can assist them in being
successful in expanding in Renton.
Policy ED-3: Foster
communications with, and support
for key local and regional economic
foundations. Support partnerships
between businesses, government,
schools, and research institutions to
implement economic development
policies and promote workforce
development programs.
Policy ED-4: Develop a retail
recruitment strategy with an emphasis on business
district development.
Policy ED-5: Implement strategies to foster and
expand knowledge-based businesses, high profile
companies, and locally owned startups.
Policy ED-6: Ensure Renton’s Economic
Development Element is consistent with
countywide economic policies and strategies in
accordance with relevant Countywide Planning
Policies.
Policy ED-7: Provide transparency, efficiency, and
uniformity of City regulations, policies, and
procedures. Allocate sufficient resources to process
development projects quickly and professionally.
Policy ED-8: Define and develop Renton’s unique
cultural, historic, recreational, educational, and
“Jobs, businesses, and
transportation, are
interdependent parts of
strong local economies.
By planning and
building smarter, we
can make families,
communities and entire
regions more
prosperous” (Smart
Growth America).
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 47 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
environmental assets as important marketing and
image-building tools of the City’s business districts
and neighborhoods.
Policy ED-9: Support Downtown Renton
redevelopment by engaging Downtown
stakeholders and business community members
with efforts to implement the City Council’s
priorities for the City Center Community Plan.
First Savings Bank, Credit: City of Renton
Policy ED-10: Promote incentives for multifamily
development in Downtown. Work with prospective
single-family and multifamily developers to
facilitate new residential development with a
diversity of housing types and price ranges to meet
the needs of Renton citizens.
Policy ED-11: Encourage growth that balances
employment and housing opportunities within
designated urban centers by promoting investment
in mixed-use centers with compact urban
development, specifically advocating for
redevelopment and quality infill design that
maximizes allowable density.
Policy ED-12: Facilitate the Sunset Area Community
Revitalization; engage with Renton Housing
Authority and prospective developers to identify
additional opportunities for the City to successfully
leverage capital investment in the Sunset Area.
Policy ED-13: Foster economic and employment
growth by encouraging local investment, planning,
and financial policies that advance the development
of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial
development centers.
Policy ED-14: Encourage investments that address
future needs; focus investment in infrastructure and
services in designated centers that align with the
City’s projected population, housing, and job
growth targets.
Policy ED-15: Implement the Renton Airport
Compatible Land Use Program when guiding
development within the Airport Influence Area.
Policy ED-16: Further the provisions of Creating
Renton’s Clean Economy. Attract low-carbon and
clean-energy sectors and promote green job
development. Encourage economic activity that is
highly resource-efficient and minimizes the
generation of waste and pollution.
Policy ED-17: Promote the efficient use of services
and resources, including conserving water and
energy, reducing waste, and protecting resource
lands. Work cooperatively with local businesses to
help protect the natural environment in a manner
that is efficient and predictable.
Policy ED-18: Provide peripheral support to
community services to facilitate the growth of a
regional food economy through the development
and expansion of farmers’ markets, food co-ops,
and community supported agriculture programs.
Policy ED-19: Support collaboration with the Renton
Housing Authority to encourage economic
development strategies that address disparities in
income and employment opportunities for
economically disadvantaged populations, including
minorities and women.
Policy ED-20: Develop and promote local arts and
culture programs, particularly by supporting the
Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Encourage
investments in creative industries and centers,
bolster earned income for local attractions, and
generate new tax revenues by attracting cultural
tourists to the City while expanding cultural
experiences for residents.
Policy ED-21: Identify and encourage the
preservation of lands, sites, and structures that
have historical, cultural, and/or archaeological
significance.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Clean Economy Strategy
Renton Airport Compatible Land Use Program
PARKS, RECREATION, NATURAL AREAS, AND TRAILS ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 48
PARKS, RECREATION, NATURAL AREAS, AND TRAILS ELEMENT
- Creating and preserving Renton’s parks, recreation, natural areas, and trails -
DISCUSSION
Parks, trails, and natural areas create opportunities
to recreate, connect people and build community,
protect natural resources, and offer places for quiet
reflection to experience nature. The City of Renton
strives to provide access to parks,
indoor and outdoor recreation
facilities, natural areas and trails, and
focuses on developing a unique and
varied system. Renton’s natural areas
are a critical link between people and
their environment, build stewardship
ethic and attract residents and
businesses. Planning for natural areas
provides a balance between public
access to natural areas with the need
to protect and conserve natural
resources. Alternatively, Renton’s
developed parks offer a wide range of
indoor and outdoor recreation
facilities supporting the vision for healthy and active
lifestyles. Recreation programing connects people,
builds community, fosters volunteerism and creates
long term partnerships, especially with other major
community resources. The goals and policies in the
Comprehensive Plan are intended to illustrate the
desired future for the community, while giving the
Community Services Department the flexibility it
needs to achieve these goals.
Park trail, Credit: City of Renton
GOALS
P-A: Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resource Areas
provide the opportunity for the community to
connect to, participate in, support and encourage a
healthy environment and active lifestyle.
P-B: Support a city where residents and
visitors can recreate and exercise,
contributing to a healthy lifestyle and
where using an integrated trails/road
network becomes a realistic
transportation alternative.
POLICIES
Policy P-1: Expand parks and
recreational opportunities in new and
existing locations with an identified
need, in order to fill gaps in service and
keep pace with future growth.
Policy P-2: Create a connected system
of parks corridors, trails, and natural
areas that provide nearby and accessible
opportunities for recreation and non-motorized
transportation.
Playground at Gene Coulon Memorial Park, Credit: City of Renton
“City parks offer children
the daily benefits of direct
experience with nature –
the motivation to explore,
discover and learn about
their world and to engage
in health-promoting,
physical activity” (City
Parks Forum, American
Planning Association).
PARKS, RECREATION, NATURAL AREAS, AND TRAILS ELEMENT
PAGE 49 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Boats docked at Gene Coulon Memorial Park, Credit: City of Renton
Policy P-3: Cultivate strong, positive partnerships at
the local and regional level with public, private, and
non-profit organizations in order to unite
community efforts to develop and sustain the park
system.
Policy P-4: Create a distinct identity that celebrates
the natural, historic, and diverse character of the
community through park and facility design,
recreation programming, interpretation, and
education.
Policy P-5: Ensure long-term economic and
environmental sustainability in system planning,
design, operation, maintenance, and decision
making.
The Piazza, Credit: City of Renton
Policy P-6: Promote healthy and active lifestyles
and build community through programs that are
inclusive, fun, and accessible for a diverse
population.
Policy P-7: Protect, conserve, and enhance the
area’s diverse natural resources for the long-term
health of ecosystems, and for the benefit and
enjoyment of future generations.
Water feature at Maplewood Golf Course, Credit: City of Renton
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office
requires the City to adopt a specific parks plan every
six years to maintain eligibility for State and Federal
grant funding. The following plans have been
adopted:
Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Plan
Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan
COMMUNITY PLANNING ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 50
COMMUNINTY PLANNING ELEMENT
- Engaging citizens at the local level -
DISCUSSION
Through the Community Planning process,
communities decide what they want to nurture and
what they want to change at a local level and set
the vision and goals for the community.
Community Plans are a unifying force that identify
local characteristics and addresses local issues that
are not in the Comprehensive Plan, such as
patterns of land use, design, traffic
circulation, and services.
Community Plans result from a
partnership between the City and
community residents, businesses,
and other stakeholders in the
Planning Area. The purpose of
Community Planning is to enhance
that which the community values,
as well as to identify and assure
sensible growth and development,
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Community Plans align the provision of City
services and the allocation of infrastructure
investments with community goals and priorities.
GOALS
CP-A: Engage the public with the opportunity to
participate in a partnership with the City shaping
the future of their community.
CP-B: Through Community Planning, improve the
livability of Renton’s neighborhoods, preserve
unique identities, foster and enhance community
character, and prioritize the provision of City
services and investment in infrastructure.
CP-C: Ensure Community Plans implement the
goals of the City and the Growth Management Act
and that there is consistency between the
Comprehensive Plan, Community Plans, and
Development Regulations.
POLICIES
Policy CP-1: Develop Plans in conjunction with the
people of the Community; this includes
coordinating with recognized neighborhood
associations, business associations, and other
community groups, as well as, business owners and
community residents.
Policy CP-2: Engage in consistent and
ongoing public participation because it is
essential in developing relevant plans and
in implementing plans successfully.
Policy CP-3: Community Plans establish
the vision of the Community and identify
features and characteristics to retain,
develop, preserve, enhance, or correct.
They also seek to identify local centers
where housing, employment, and services
are accommodated in a compact urban
form. Finally, plans seek to identify opportunities
to enhance community character and mix of uses
through infill development, redevelopment, and
reuse of existing buildings.
Renton Community Members, Credit: City of Renton
Policy CP-4: Develop plans that supplement and
refine the goals, objectives, and policies of the
Comprehensive Plan within the Community
Planning Areas and that make recommendations
on land use designations, design standards, and
capital improvements within the Community
Planning Areas.
The City of Renton has 10
Community Planning
Areas. The City began
community planning in
2010 and is working
towards adopting plans for
each of the Planning Areas
COMMUNITY PLANNING ELEMENT
PAGE 51 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Policy CP-5: Recognize that unique districts and
neighborhoods exist within Community Planning
Areas and, if appropriate, include provisions for
subarea or neighborhood plans for these areas in a
Community Plan.
Policy CP-6: Implement Community Plans in concert
with Community Plan Advisory Boards who make
recommendations based on the adopted vision and
goals of their Community Plan regarding the
provision of City services and infrastructure
investment.
COMMUNITY PLANNING AREAS
MAP
Community Planning Areas share
community identity, schools,
existing infrastructure, physical
features, service areas, districts,
access to and from the
community, and/or data collection
units. Based on those traits, at a
Neighborhood Program Neighbor
to Neighbor meeting, residents
began the process of identifying
Community Planning Areas. City
elected officials and staff refined
the drafted maps and following
review of Planning Commission
and City Council the formal
Community Planning Areas map
was adopted. The Map shows ten
Community Planning Areas in the
City of Renton and its Potential
Annexation Area. Boundaries are
not final until the adoption of the
Community Plan.
ADOPTED COMMUNITY PLANS
Over time, community plans will be developed for
each of the ten, Community Planning Areas. Copies
of all adopted Community Plans can be obtained by
contacting the Planning Division of the Department
of Community and Economic Development. The
following plans have been adopted:
The City Center Community Plan
The Benson Hill Community Plan
Figure CP-1: Community Planning Areas Map
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 52
UTILITIES ELEMENT
- Ensuring reliable, cost-effective, and essential utilities for the community –
DISCUSSION
The Utilities Element guides future utility service
within Renton’s planning area and ensures that
adequate utility services will be available to support
existing and future development in the City. The
goals and policies included in the Utilities Element
are designed to promote efficient, cost-effective
utility service while meeting community needs and
protecting both existing neighborhoods and the
natural environment.
The City of Renton provides water, wastewater, and
surface water utility services to Renton residents, as
well as some areas outside City boundaries. The City
contracts with a private hauler for solid waste and
recycling collection and coordinates with King
County for use of regional solid waste disposal
facilities. Several non-City utility providers also
operate within Renton, providing water and sewer
service for developed areas that have been
annexed. Other non-City utilities include electric,
natural gas, and telecommunications (cable
television, internet, wired telephone, and cellular
telephone/data services).
Under the Growth Management Act, planned land
use patterns and growth must be supported by
adequate levels of utility service. The Utilities
Element must therefore ensure that adequate
levels of utility service are available to serve the
levels of growth that are discussed in the Land Use
Element. Functional plans for each utility system
must also accommodate projected growth in their
respective service areas, based on these adopted
growth allocations. A detailed discussion of City
utility system capacity and the City’s adopted
growth allocations is contained in Appendix C: Land
Use Assumptions and Utility Plans, which is hereby
adopted by reference.
The relationship of the Land Use Element, Utilities
Element, and City utility functional plans is shown in
Figure U-1.
Major challenges related to the provision of utility
services include the following:
Recent annexations have created large areas of
the City, mostly in southeastern Renton, where
water and/or sewer service is provided by non-
City providers.
Much of the City’s existing wastewater
infrastructure is approaching the end of its
useful life and will require replacement in
the near future.
New requirements for implementation of Low
Impact Development (LID) are included in the
NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit
for Western Washington, issued by the
Department of Ecology in 2012. These
requirements may affect development patterns
in Renton and may result in new methods for
handling stormwater runoff. Increased use of
on-site infiltration may affect aquifer recharge
and groundwater quality.
Figure U-1: Utilities Planning Relationships
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 53 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOALS
U-A: Provide an adequate level of public utilities
consistent with land use, protection of the
environment, and annexation
goals and policies.
U-B: Ensure the long-term
protection of the quality and
quantity of the groundwater
resources of the City of Renton
in order to maintain a safe and
adequate potable water
supply for the City.
POLICIES
Policy U-1: All utility services and systems should be
consistent with the growth projections and
development concepts established in this
Comprehensive Plan.
Policy U-2: Protect the health and safety of Renton
citizens from environmental hazards associated
with utility systems through the proper design and
siting of utility facilities.
Policy U-3: Promote co-location of new utility
infrastructure within rights-of-way and utility
corridors, and coordinate construction and
replacement of utility systems with other public
infrastructure projects to minimize construction-
related costs and disruptions.
Policy U-4: Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions
and non-City service providers within Renton to
cooperatively plan for regional growth.
Policy U-5: Approval of development should be
conditioned on the availability of adequate utility
service and should not result in decreases in local
levels of service for existing development. All new
development should be required to pay their fair
share of construction costs for necessary utility
system improvements.
Policy U-6: Encourage the use of water and energy
conservation technologies to provide utility services
in an environmentally responsible manner.
Policy U-7: Non-City utility systems should be
constructed in a manner that minimizes negative
impacts to existing development and should
not interfere with operation of City utilities.
City development regulations should
otherwise not impair the ability of utility
providers to adequately serve customers.
Policy U-8: Encourage the use of new
technology to increase the quality and
efficiency of utility service and utility system
management.
CITY-MANAGED UTILITIES
WATER
The Renton Water System is a publicly owned water
system operated by the City of Renton as a self-
supporting enterprise utility. Operations and system
planning are guided by the City of Renton
Comprehensive Water System Plan (2012) and the
provisions of Chapter 246-290 of the Washington
Administrative Code (WAC), Group A Public Water
Supplies. The City provides water service to an area
of approximately 16 square miles, generally
coincident with City boundaries, though portions of
northeastern and southeastern Renton (East
Renton Plateau and Benson Hill) are currently
served by non-city water providers. Figure UT-2
shows the boundaries of the City’s water service
area and those of adjacent water purveyors.
The master planning of
utilities is necessary for
cost-effective
development and
maintenance of essential
public and private utility
systems.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 54
WATER SUPPLY AND SYSTEM CAPACITY
The City’s water supply is from a
combination of groundwater wells,
Springbrook Watershed, and a
partial contract with Seattle Public
Utilities (SPU) for Boeing facilities.
City water sources represent 95% of
the City’s supplies and the SPU
agreement represents 5%. There are
also emergency interties with
adjacent cities. The current capacity
of the City’s active supply wells is
19,450 gallons per minute (gpm), or
27.29 million gallons per day (mgd).
Emergency wells and interties with
adjacent water systems can provide
an additional 14,695 gpm (21.16
mgd). The City also maintains two
interties with Seattle Public Utilities
dedicated to supplying water to the
Boeing’s Renton Plant and an
intertie with the Skyway Water and
Sewer District, which purchases
water wholesale from Renton. The
City’s water system also includes a
network of ten storage reservoirs,
consisting of underground concrete
and steel tanks, above-ground steel
tanks, elevated steel tanks and
standpipes, and covered concrete-
lined surface reservoirs. The overall
gross storage volume available is
approximately 22.88 million gallons.
Detailed descriptions of the City’s supply wells,
storage reservoirs, and all interties with other
systems are included in the Comprehensive Water
System Plan.
GOALS
U-C: Provide and maintain a consistent, ample, and
safe water supply for the City and future service
areas through system planning consistent with
anticipated development.
U-D: Protect water supply resources and ensure
that groundwater quality is not negatively impacted
by future development.
POLICIES
WATER SUPPLY AND SERVICE
Policy U-9: Provide and maintain water supply,
infrastructure, and service consistent with projected
population growth within the City’s service area, as
established in the Land Use Element and the Water
System Comprehensive Plan.
Figure U-2: City of Renton Water System Service Area
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 55 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Policy U-10: Extend water service within the City’s
water service area in an orderly manner to serve
anticipated growth and development in accordance
with the Land Use Element.
Policy U-11: Ensure adequate water supply to meet
both average and maximum daily demand. Employ
monitoring of water supply sources and withdrawal
limits as necessary to comply with State issued
water rights certificates and permits.
Policy U-12: Maintain and upgrade the water
system to deliver adequate water flow and storage
for fire protection to all customers and facilities
connected to the City water system.
Policy U-13: Continue maintenance and upgrades to
the water system to ensure water quality that
meets or exceeds all health requirements.
Policy U-14: Coordinate with non-City water
providers operating within Renton and neighboring
jurisdictions where the City has extended water
service to accommodate road construction and
other public works projects.
Policy U-15: Practice and support water resource
management that achieves a maximum net benefit
for all citizens and promotes enhancement of the
natural environment.
Policy U-16: Actively promote voluntary water
conservation and coordinate with Seattle Public
Utilities to meet regional water conservation goals.
Policy U-17: Implement the City’s Wellhead
Protection Plan and Aquifer Protection Program to
preserve groundwater quality.
Policy U-18: Emphasize the use of stormwater
management techniques that maximize water
quality and infiltration where appropriate, which
will not endanger groundwater quality.
Policy U-19: Promote the use of interlocal
agreements with other agencies to restrict land use
in sensitive aquifer recharge areas to minimize
possible sources of pollution and the potential for
erosion, and to increase infiltration.
WASTEWATER
The Renton sewer system is a publicly owned
wastewater system operated by the City of Renton
as a self-supporting enterprise utility. Operations
and system planning are guided by the City of
Renton Long-Range Wastewater Management Plan.
The City collects wastewater from a service area of
approximately 21.68 square miles, with
approximately 3.91 square miles located outside
City limits. Primary collection of wastewater is
achieved through gravity sewer lines, though the
City maintains a series of lift stations and force
mains to overcome changes in topography.
Collected wastewater is discharged to King County
wastewater facilities, where it is ultimately
transmitted to the King County South Treatment
Reclamation Plant for treatment.
Some portions of the City are not served by
municipal sewer, and are instead connected to non-
City sewer districts. Figure U-3 shows the
boundaries of the City’s sewer service area and
those of adjacent service providers.
SYSTEM CAPACITY
Sewer system capacity is dependent on a number of
factors, including adequately sized pipes to collect
wastewater, properly sloped pipes to allow
adequate gravity flow, the capacity of downstream
treatment facilities to accept wastewater, and the
level of inflow and infiltration into the system. An
updated hydraulic computer model of the City’s
wastewater system was completed in 2006, and the
City uses this model to evaluate the effects of
changes to the sewer system resulting from new
development, changes to the existing system, or
future population growth. Hydraulic modeling does
not show any current capacity deficiencies in the
City’s system, but capacity is projected to become
an issue at various locations as the City nears the
“ultimate build-out” year of 2030.
King County’s handling of wastewater flows from
the Renton system also contributes to potential
capacity issues. During peak flows, King County
interceptor lines are sometimes used to store
wastewater while the South Treatment Plant is
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 56
temporarily over-capacity or when flows to the
treatment plant need to be limited for other
reasons. When these interceptor lines cannot flow
freely, they may cause back-ups in connected
systems, including Renton. During such conditions,
the City system has experienced sewer surcharging
in low-lying areas, resulting in wastewater
overflowing through manhole covers and side
sewer connections.
INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT
Much of Renton’s existing sewer infrastructure
dates from the 1940’s and 1950’s, installed as
part of federal programs to provide housing for
workers at the Renton Boeing Plant. Sewer
infrastructure in the Central Business District is
even older, much of it dating from the 1920’s and
1930’s. These facilities have reached the end of
their useful life and many are in need of
replacement. The Long-
Range Wastewater
Management Plan
establishes a list of
recommended capital
improvements to the sewer
system, ranked in priority
order, which includes
extensive replacement of
wastewater collection
pipes, elimination or
replacement of lift stations,
and rehabilitation or
improvement of aging
interceptor lines.
A complete list of proposed
capital improvements is
included in Chapter 6 of the
Long-Range Wastewater
Management Plan.
Figure U-3: City of Renton Sewer System Service Area
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 57 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INFLOW/INFILTRATION MANAGEMENT
Inflow results from storm water flowing into the
sewer system, either during a storm incident or
from an illegal connection. Infiltration results from
groundwater entering the sewer system through
leaking pipe joints, cracks, or other defects in the
sewer system. While some level of
Inflow/Infiltration (I/I) is unavoidable, excessive
volumes can place a strain on the system, taking up
valuable conveyance and treatment capacity with
relatively clean water.
The City participates in
King County’s regional
I/I management
program by
implementing I/I
reduction techniques,
such as minimizing vent
holes, sealing manholes
in wet areas, and
conducting video
inspections of sewer
lines to check for leaks.
Older sewer
infrastructure is more susceptible to I/I, and the City
has identified priority areas for investigation and
replacement. A complete discussion of the City’s I/I
monitoring efforts is contained in the Long-Range
Wastewater Management Plan.
GOALS
U-E: Ensure the availability of an adequate level of
sanitary sewer service through system planning that
is consistent with land use, environmental
protection, and annexation goals and policies.
U-F: Provide and maintain a sanitary sewer
collection system that is consistent with the public
health and water quality objectives of the State of
Washington and the City of Renton.
POLICIES
SEWER SERVICE CAPACITY AND AVAILABILITY
Policy U-20: Sewer facilities and services should be
consistent with the growth and development
concepts expressed in the Land Use Element.
Extension of sewer service should be coordinated
with expected growth and development.
Policy U-21: All new development should be
required to connect to the sanitary sewer system,
except properties that have adequate soils to
support on-site septic systems, are zoned for low
density single family residential development,
located away from environmentally sensitive areas,
and outside Aquifer Protection Areas.
Policy U-22: Projected sewage flows from
development should be calculated based on
adopted land use plans and policies. These
projections should be used as a guide in developing
the wastewater Capital Improvement Program
(CIP). The CIP should be updated as land use plans
and policies are revised.
Policy U-23: Coordinate with non-City sewer
providers operating within Renton and neighboring
jurisdictions where the City has extended sewer
service to accommodate road construction and
other public works projects.
The Surface Water Utility
develops policies, design
standards, and capital
projects to maintain and
restore the quality of
Renton’s lakes, wetlands,
streams, and rivers,
improve drainage, and
reduce flooding.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 58
WATER QUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Policy U-24: Timely and orderly extension of the
sewer system should be provided within the City’s
existing and future service areas to meet public
health requirements.
Policy U-25: Sewer system improvements
supporting areas of the City projected to experience
high levels of growth should be prioritized to ensure
that sewer service is concurrent with anticipated
growth.
Policy U-26: Protect surface and groundwater
quality through coordination with King County to
reduce surcharging conditions that may cause
wastewater overflows.
Policy U-27: Continue coordination with King
County Wastewater Division regarding
Inflow/Infiltration reduction initiatives, system
improvements, and interconnections between City
and County sewer infrastructure.
SURFACE WATER
THE SURFACE WATER SYSTEM
Renton’s surface water system consists of natural
streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes, and
constructed systems that manage drainage, provide
flood protection, and water quality treatment.
Surface water management is important to meet
social, economic, and ecological needs including
flood protection, erosion control, water supply,
groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, and
recreation.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Impervious surfaces in an urban, growing
community such as Renton can affect surface and
groundwater quality through stormwater runoff
containing pollutants from roads and parking lots
and landscaping. Impervious surfaces can also
decrease groundwater recharge and increase the
quantity of peak flows of runoff, causing stream
channel scouring, sedimentation, and loss of
habitat.
The existing surface water drainage system is
meeting capacity requirements under normal
conditions. However, in some areas of the City, the
system has become inadequate to serve present
needs during large, infrequent storm events. In
more developed areas of the City within the Lower
Cedar River and Lake Washington East Basins,
problems include flooding and ponding caused by
inadequately sized pipes, ditches and detention
facilities. In other areas of the City, such as the
Black River Basin, loss of wetlands and fish passage
are concerns, as well as, development occurring
within the watershed, both inside and outside the
City.
In areas where redevelopment is likely such as the
Renton Urban Center, Sunset Area, and other
centers, redeveloped properties would be required
to provide water quality treatment, which could
improve water quality over present conditions.
Additionally, as new development and
redevelopment occur, Low Impact Development
(LID) practices would be implemented to conserve
native soils and vegetation, protect hydrologic
processes (e.g., infiltration), and reduce and treat
overland stormwater flow to more closely match
native forest or prairie conditions. Selected
examples of LID techniques include bioretention
planters, rain gardens, and permeable sidewalks.
Cedar River, Credit: City of Renton
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 59 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LID works to provide water quality treatment and
reduce stormwater flow.
SURFACE WATER UTILITY
Renton’s Surface Water Utility manages stormwater
and surface water in Renton’s city limits which has
grown from about 17 square miles in the year 2000
to 24 square miles in 2013. Figure U-4 illustrates the
Surface Water Utility service area and its
component drainage basins.
The Utility develops policies, basin plans,
development design standards, and capital
improvement projects in order to maintain and
restore the quality of Renton’s lakes and rivers,
improve drainage, and reduce flooding.
The Utility coordinates with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency regarding flood hazard
management. The Utility also coordinates with
multiple state, county, and city agencies to conduct
watershed planning for the Green River/Duwamish
and Cedar River/Lake Washington Watersheds.
The City currently operates a storm system
maintenance program that includes cleaning catch
basins, pipes and other facilities, along with a street
vacuum sweeping program. The maintenance
programs remove sediment and pollutants from
City-owned and operated storm systems and
streets, which reduces flooding and non-point
source pollution from being discharged into water
bodies in the City.
The Utility also provides public education on how
homeowners and businesses can help minimize
impacts to surface waters such as by using natural
lawn care, and avoiding discharges or spills entering
drains or waterways. As the City redevelops and
annexes territory, greater demand is placed on the
Utility to provide planning, regulatory oversight,
capital project implementation, and maintenance
services it provides today.
STATE AND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
The Utility is responsible for meeting federal and
state stormwater requirements. A significant effort
for the Utility is compliance with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Phase II Stormwater Permit. This permit requires
the Utility to control discharge of pollutants to
protect surface water and to develop and
implement a stormwater management program
addressing:
Public education and outreach
Public involvement and participation
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
(IDDE)
Controlling runoff from new development,
redevelopment, and construction sites
Pollution prevention and good housekeeping
for municipal operations and maintenance
Post construction stormwater management
for new development & redevelopment,
including LID
Monitoring
Annual reporting and record keeping of
compliance with NPDES permit requirement.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 60
Figure U-4: City of Renton Surface Water Service Area and Drainage Basins
AQUIFER PROTECTION COORDINATION
Approximately 87 percent of Renton's water is
supplied by the Cedar Valley Aquifer, with the rest
coming from Springbrook Springs. As Renton's
primary water source, the Cedar Valley Aquifer has
been designated a "sole source" by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency; no federal
financial assistance can be given to a project which
might contaminate the aquifer. The City has
identified aquifer protection area (APA) zones.
Development projects located in either Zone 1,
Zone 1 Modified, or Zone 2 of the Aquifer
Protection Area (APA) are required to pass
additional City review to ensure the projects do not
produce water quantity and/or quality impacts that
may affect the aquifer. Areas of particular concern
include areas subject to vehicular traffic or the
storage of chemicals. In some areas, infiltration
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 61 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
systems are not allowed and could increase runoff,
requiring new facilities to be larger. If the new
NPDES Phase II requirements result in changes to
quality or quantity of runoff and infiltration, the
City’s aquifer protection regulations could require
review and amendments.
GOALS
U-G: Provide and maintain surface water
management systems to minimize impacts of land
use development and storm water runoff on natural
systems, fish and wildlife habitat, water supply,
public health, and safety.
U-H: Implement a stormwater management
program that optimizes Renton's water resources
and promotes low impact development that
combines engineering with the preservation of
natural systems.
U-I: Preserve and protect fish and wildlife habitat,
riparian corridors, and wetlands for overall surface
water system functioning.
U-J: Protect the natural functions of 100 year
floodplains and floodways to prevent threats to life,
property, and public safety associated with flooding
hazards.
U-K: Increase the participation by the City of Renton
in resolution of regional surface water and
ecological issues that may impact Renton residents.
POLICIES
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Policy U-28: Design storm drainage systems to
minimize potential erosion and sedimentation
problems, and to preserve natural drainage,
watercourses, and ravines.
Policy U-29: Control runoff from new development,
redevelopment, and construction sites through the
implementation of development design standards
and construction techniques that promote the use
of best management practices to maintain and
improve storm water quality and manage
stormwater flow.
Waterway, Credit: City of Renton
Policy U-30: Provide incentives and regulations
appropriate to an urban environment that reduce
impervious surfaces, promote natural and
distributed stormwater techniques, and incorporate
native and naturalized vegetation.
Policy U-31: Maintain, protect, and enhance natural
drainage systems and natural surface water storage
sites to protect water quality, reduce public costs,
and prevent environmental degradation.
Policy U-32: Work to protect surface and
groundwater resources from pollutants entering the
storm drainage system.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 62
NATURAL SYSTEM PROTECTION
Policy U-33: Manage water resources for multiple
uses including recreation, fish and wildlife, flood
protection, erosion control, water supply,
recreation, and open space.
Policy U-34: Through public programs and new
development, naturalize degraded channels,
streams, creeks, and banks.
Policy U-35: Prohibit filling, culverting, and piping of
natural watercourses that are classified as streams,
except as needed for a public works project where
no other option is feasible and mitigation is
provided to replace lost functions.
Policy U-36: Where feasible, promote the return of
precipitation to the soil at natural rates near where
it falls through development design that minimizes
impermeable surface coverage and maximizes
infiltration, through the exposure of natural
surfaces, tree retention, and the use of LID
techniques(such as flow dispersion, bioretention
facilities, and permeable pavements).
Policy U-37: Preserve and protect wetlands for
overall system functioning.
Policy U-38: Protect buffers along wetlands,
streams, rivers, and other water bodies to facilitate
infiltration and maintain stable water temperatures,
provide for biological diversity, reduce amount and
velocity of run-off, and provide for fish and wildlife
habitat.
Policy U-39: Ensure water level fluctuations in
wetlands used as part of storm water detention
systems are similar to the fluctuations under natural
conditions. The utilization, maintenance, and
storage capacity provided in existing wetlands
should be encouraged.
Policy U-40: Minimize erosion and sedimentation by
requiring appropriate construction techniques and
resource practices.
Policy U-41: Limit discharges of pollutants such as
chemicals, insecticides, pesticides, and other
hazardous wastes to surface waters.
Policy U-42: Reduce the impact of new
development on the environment by encouraging
sustainable design techniques in public and private
development, through LID and other sustainable
development methods.
Herons by the shore, Credit: City of Renton
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Policy U-43: Prohibit permanent structures from
developing in floodways and manage development
within the 100 year floodplain. Where development
is permitted in the floodplain, ensure compliance
with FEMA floodplain development regulations and
the National Marine Fisheries Biological Opinion
regarding the National Flood Insurance Program.
Policy U-44: Emphasize non-structural methods in
planning for flood prevention and damages
reduction.
Policy U-45: Continue to maintain levees and
floodwalls and perform maintenance dredging of
the Army Corps of Engineers constructed Lower
Cedar River Flood Hazard Reduction Project to
protect the Renton Municipal Airport, other
essential public facilities, industrial, and residential
areas in the urban center, educational and
recreation investments, and other facilities.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 63 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
REGIONAL COORDINATION
Policy U-46: Actively participate in regional efforts
to improve fish habitat and water quality that also
contribute to the recovery of Endangered Species
Act listed salmon in WRIA 8 and WRIA 9, which
include May Creek, Cedar River, and Green River
Basins.
Policy U-47: Actively participate in the King County
Flood Control District regional efforts to implement
flood hazard reduction projects and programs on
the major river basins in King County, including the
Green River and Cedar River basins.
Policy U-48: Coordinate with adjacent cities,
counties, state, and federal agencies in the
development and implementation of the NPDES
Phase II Stormwater Permit, flood hazard
management plans, and storm and surface water
management programs.
UTILITY MANAGEMENT
Policy U-49: Provide high quality surface water
utility services. Continue to develop policies, design
standards, basin plans, and capital projects to
maintain and restore the quality of Renton’s
waterbodies, improve drainage, protect fish and
wildlife habitat, and reduce flood hazards to protect
people and property.
Policy U-50: Protect, restore, and enhance
environmental quality through land use plans,
surface water management programs, park master
programs, urban forestry programs, transportation
planning, development review, and incentive
programs; work with citizens, land owners, and
public and private agencies.
Policy U-51: Establish regulatory standards for
sustainably developed public and private projects,
to include standards for site design and layout,
construction, and on-going maintenance and
operation.
Policy U-52: Continue to assume maintenance of
stormwater facilities in subdivisions that manage
runoff from public streets.
Policy U-53: Continue to implement a program to
detect and remove illicit connections and
contaminated discharges.
Policy U-54: Continue to implement public
education and outreach activities to inform
residents, businesses, and developers about ways
they can prevent stormwater pollution.
SOLID WASTE
While solid waste collection is managed by the City,
Renton maintains an interlocal agreement with King
County for disposal of collected solid waste. This
interlocal agreement also authorizes King County to
include Renton in its Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management Plan. Renton’s Solid Waste Utility
administers the City’s solid waste, recycling, and
yard/food waste collection for all residents and
businesses through a contract with Republic
Services, Inc. The City’s Solid Waste Utility also
develops and manages Renton’s Recycling Program,
waste reduction, hazardous waste education, and
special collection events.
COLLECTION PROCESS AND SOLID WASTE FACILITIES
Solid waste and recycling are collected every other
week, while food/yard waste is collected weekly.
The majority of collected waste is brought to King
County’s Renton Transfer Station located in the
Renton Highlands. Residents of unincorporated King
County, as well as City residents are also allowed to
use this facility for self-haul disposal. Also within
city limits is the Black River Construction,
Demolition, and Land Clearing Transfer Station
(CDL), overseen by Republic Services, Inc. Under a
contract with King County, this facility accepts
construction, demolition, and land clearing waste
from waste hauling companies and private
residents.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 64
Waste Management trucks, Credit: Waste Management, Inc.
Following the city-administered collection process,
all solid waste produced in Renton is brought to the
King County Solid Waste Division’s Cedar Hills
Regional Landfill, located southeast of Renton. All
recyclables collected from single-family, duplex, and
multi-family residents are brought to a recycling
center while all food/yard waste from single-family
and duplex residents is taken to Cedar Grove
Recycling in Maple Valley.
Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, Credit: Parametrix, Inc.
ESTIMATED CAPACITY OF FACILITIES
As of 2012, the remaining airspace capacity (with
anticipated settling) at the Cedar Hills Regional
Landfill is 9 million cubic yards. However, an
additional waste disposal area that is currently in
planning will add another 8.6 million cubic yards by
2017, bringing the total estimated airspace capacity
to 17.7 million cubic yards. Under current planning
assumptions, the landfill has a remaining operating
life of nearly 15 years.
The Cedar Grove Recycling Center has a yearly
capacity of 195,000 tons of organic material.
At this time, the capacities of the Renton Transfer
Station, the Cedar Hills Landfill, the Cascade
Recycling Center, and Cedar Grove Recycling are
sufficient to meet the City’s needs.
KING COUNTY SOLID WASTE DIVISION
The King County Solid Waste Division serves
unincorporated King County and 37 of the 39 cities
in the County, including Renton. It manages a
complex network of collections, transportation, and
processing for garbage, recyclables, organics, and
construction and demolition debris. The services
and infrastructure of the public and private sectors
are included in the County’s integrated network to
establish long-term capacity for the management of
solid waste in the County.
GOAL
U-L: Provide a responsible, comprehensive solid
waste management program that provides cost-
effective, environmentally sensitive service to the
community.
POLICIES
Policy U-55: Actively promote recycling, as well as
overall reduction of both the residential and
commercial solid waste streams through public
education programs and incentive programs.
Policy U-56: Work closely with King County Solid
Waste Division to plan for regional solid waste
collection and disposal, including siting of facilities.
Policy U-57: Coordinate with King County’s Local
Hazardous Waste Management Program to provide
opportunities for residents to dispose of
commercial and household hazardous materials in a
safe, environmentally sound manner.
Policy U-58: Administer the City’s contracts with
private waste haulers to ensure capacity for
collection of solid waste, recycling, and food waste
that is adequate to serve both existing and future
population and that solid waste is handled in a
manner that minimizes the potential for land, air,
and water contamination.
NON-CITY MANAGED UTILITIES
Non-City managed utilities operating within Renton
conduct their own planning processes and maintain
their own systems with limited involvement from
the City, and expansion of these systems is often
driven by consumer demand and not solely on
regional growth forecasts, though those are
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 65 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
considered. An overview of the major non-City
utility providers offering service within Renton is
provided in this section, as well as policies to ensure
that Renton is aware of non-City utility upgrades
and utility providers are aware of City needs.
WATER
While the majority of Renton is served by the City’s
publicly owned water system, portions of
northeastern and southeastern Renton (East
Renton Plateau and Benson Hill) are currently
served by various non-City water providers; the two
largest are Soos Creek Water & Sewer and King
County Water District #90.
SOOS CREEK WATER & SEWER
Soos Creek is a municipal corporation of King
County that operates across multiple incorporated
cities and unincorporated King County. Its retail
water service area covers approximately 16 square
miles (with the majority located within the Cities of
Renton and Kent) and serves more than 23,400
equivalent residential units (ERUs).
While only one pump station and one reservoir are
located within Renton city limits, City residents are
served by the broader system that utilizes the
District’s entire infrastructure. In 1997, the City of
Renton and Soos Creek signed an interlocal
agreement for the establishment of water and
sewer service area boundaries. An addendum to the
agreement occurred in 2004 that included a
transfer of facilities and a re-establishment of
service boundaries.
SUPPLY, SYSTEM CAPACITY, AND PROJECTED DEMAND
Soos Creek’s water supply is provided exclusively by
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), with flow occurring
from four locations. The current contract with SPU
guarantees a total of 7,000 gallons per minute,
which is less than the current projected maximum
daily demand (MDD) of 7,500 gallons per minute
and the projected MDD of 9,458 gallons per minute
in 20 years. Increased water supply could become
available in the future if the District revises its
contract with Seattle Public Utilities.
PLANNED SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
The District’s capital facility plan identifies capital
improvements to be built over the next 20 years,
including short and long term projects aimed at
improving the District’s existing system to meet its
policies and criteria and respond to projected
growth. The types of projects planned include:
supply and source projects, pressure zone projects,
storage facility projects, intertie projects, and
distribution and transmission projects.
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT #90
King County Water District #90 is a special purpose
district located in the Renton Highlands area of
unincorporated King County, directly east of and
adjacent to the City of Renton. It serves just fewer
than 6,000 direct service connections in a service
area of approximately 15 square miles (9,770
acres). Because it provides water service to some
areas inside the City of Renton, the District
maintains an interlocal agreement that details the
conditions of the District’s operations,
infrastructure, and service within the City.
WATER SUPPLY AND SYSTEM CAPACITY
Seattle Public Utility (SPU) currently supplies 70% of
the District’s water. The District provides the other
30% of its water supply from a groundwater well
and treatment facility, located off Jones Road, that
it operates and maintains. In total, the District’s
water supply capacity is 3,450 gpm.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 66
PLANNED SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
The District’s Capital Improvement Plan presents
recommended improvements over a 20-year
period. It addresses construction of new facilities
and upgrades to existing facilities to provide for
projected growth. The District is planning to focus
on improved system reliability through astute
upsizing of critical pipes and additional looping of
water mains. Another major project that will be
addressed in phases is the expansion of one of the
major pressure zones to address areas of low
pressure and improve the utilization of the two
main storage reservoirs.
GOAL
U-M: Ensure that water service from non-City
providers is available to support development that
is consistent with City land use plans and policies, as
well as, the policies of the service provider.
POLICIES
Policy U-59: Maintain coordination with non-City
water providers to ensure that they have adequate
capacity to serve planned development within the
City of Renton.
Policy U-60: Work collaboratively with non-City
water providers to identify opportunities for joint
projects to minimize potential impacts to
neighborhoods and the environment.
Policy U-61: Coordinate with non-City water
providers to ensure that all water systems operating
in Renton have access to sufficient emergency
water flow for fire protection.
Policy U-62: Before issuing building permits to new
development in areas not served by the City of
Renton Water Utility, require applicants to provide
a certificate of water availability stating that
sufficient water supply is available to meet both
regular and fire flow requirements.
WASTEWATER
While most of Renton is served by the City
Wastewater Utility, portions of the City are served
by other wastewater providers, most notably in
areas of southeastern Renton annexed in 2008. The
largest non-City provider of sewer service is Soos
Creek Water & Sewer.
Soos Creek is a municipal corporation of King
County that operates across multiple incorporated
cities and unincorporated King County. The district
covers portions of multiple cities and provides
sewer service to approximately 92,500 customers
within its 35-square mile service area. Primary
collection of wastewater is through gravity mains
and trunks that drain to interceptors or lift stations.
Wastewater leaves the District at a total of 19
locations, with three discharge connections to the
City of Renton. Collected wastewater is treated at
King County’s Renton treatment facility.
Soos Creek Water & Sewer District's Lift Station 10B, Credit: Harbor
Pacific Contractors, Inc.
SYSTEM CAPACITY
The District utilizes hydraulic modeling, forecasted
population growth, and a range of assumptions to
prepare existing, 10-year, 20-year, and ultimate
build-out scenario analyses that identify potential
deficiencies within the system. These analyses
identified relatively few capacity deficiencies in the
portion of the District’s Renton service area.
Currently, capacity issues exist in two gravity lines
that discharge to the City of Renton sewer system.
Additional capacity issues are projected to develop
in southeastern Renton as development continues.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 67 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN
Based on the system analyses described above, a
range of necessary improvements have been
identified to meet the District’s future sewerage
needs. Improvements have been classified as either
short-term (within the next 10 years) or long-term
(through ultimate build-out) and fall under one of
two categories: pipe replacements/upgrades or lift
station replacement/upgrades. Funding has also
been allocated to conduct general facilities
upgrades and maintenance.
GOAL
U-N: Ensure that sewer service from non-City
providers is available to support development that
is consistent with City land use plans and policies, as
well as, the policies of the service provider.
POLICIES
Policy U-63: Maintain coordination with non-City
sewer providers to ensure that they have adequate
capacity to serve planned development within the
City of Renton.
Policy U-64: Work collaboratively with non-City
sewer providers to identify opportunities for joint
projects to minimize potential impacts to
neighborhoods and the environment.
Policy U-65: Ensure that wastewater flows from
areas served by non-City providers do not create
capacity deficiencies where non-City sewer lines
discharge to the City of Renton system. Coordinate
with both sewer providers and City development
services staff to ensure such areas have adequate
sewer capacity before development is approved.
Policy U-66: Before issuing building permits to new
development in areas not served by the City of
Renton Wastewater Utility, require applicants to
provide a certificate of sewer availability stating
that sufficient capacity is available to meet both
regular and peak demand.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is distributed in Renton by a combination
of three purveyors, which are part of an integrated
transmission grid that connects production and
consumption locations across the Pacific Northwest.
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the regional
administrative entity of the U.S. Department of
Energy, operates major transmission lines that
transmit power from generation facilities to
retailers across the state, who then sell power to
local customers. Most electricity customers in
Renton are served by Puget Sound Energy (PSE),
while Seattle City Light (SCL) provides power to the
Bryn Mawr and Skyway areas, including some
customers within current Renton city limits.
ELECTRIC FACILITIES
The electric transmission grid consists of high-
voltage transmission lines (115 kilovolts (kV) or
above) and distribution lines (55 kV and lower).
Distribution substations transform high-voltage
current into lower voltages suitable for distribution
on local lines. Local transformers further reduce
voltage to levels suitable for use by customers.
Bonneville Power Administration Facilities
BPA Transmission lines at voltages of 500 kV, 345
kV, and 230 kV enter the Renton Planning Area
from the east and south, terminating at the Maple
Valley Substation in southeastern Renton. The
Maple Valley Substation provides power to Puget
Sound Energy’s adjacent Talbot Hill Substation,
which distributes electricity to local PSE customers.
Bonneville power lines, Credit: The Columbian Publishing Co.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 68
Puget Sound Energy Facilities
As the primary electricity retailer in Renton, PSE
maintains a variety of transmission lines,
distribution lines, and substations in the area for
provision of power to local customers. Locally, PSE
distributes power from its Talbot Hill Substation,
located adjacent to BPA’s Maple Valley Substation
in southeastern Renton.
Seattle City Light Facilities
Seattle City Light maintains distribution lines and
two minor distribution substations in a small
portion of the Renton Planning Area. Power is
provided to these substations by Seattle’s Creston
distribution substation, located outside Renton’s
planning area.
GROWTH AND CAPACITY
As population in Renton continues to grow, demand
for electricity will increase. BPA, PSE, and SCL all
conduct ongoing system planning efforts to ensure
adequate energy supply is available for their
customers and that transmission and distribution
infrastructure can accommodate anticipated
demand. PSE has planned additional transmission
lines and upgrades to existing infrastructure to
increase system reliability and capacity in response
to growth, as well as construction of a new
substation. Seattle City Light has likewise planned
for the replacement of existing aging infrastructure
in the Skyway and Bryn Mawr areas with new,
higher-voltage distribution lines.
GOAL
U-O: Promote the availability of safe, adequate,
and efficient electrical service within the City and its
planning area, consistent with the regulatory
obligation of the utility to serve customers.
POLICIES
Policy U-67: Coordinate with local and regional
electricity providers to ensure the siting and
location of transmission and distribution facilities is
accomplished in a manner that minimizes adverse
impacts on the environment and adjacent land
uses.
Policy U-68: Encourage electricity purveyors to
make facility improvements and additions within
existing utility corridors wherever possible.
Policy U-69: Require underground electricity
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with
the City of Renton Public Works Department to
prevent cross-boring through existing water, sewer,
or natural gas lines.
NATURAL GAS
Natural gas service in Renton is provided by Puget
Sound Energy under a franchise agreement with the
City. The gas distribution system consists of a
network of pressurized mains and distribution lines
that convey natural gas throughout PSE’s service
area. PSE receives natural gas from the Northwest
Pipeline Corporation, which operates large,
interstate natural gas pipelines. Two pipelines cross
the Renton Planning Area and terminate at the
South Seattle Gate Station. PSE mains extend from
the gate station, distributing the gas to pressure
regulators and smaller lines, which provide natural
gas to customers.
GROWTH AND FACILITY CAPACITY
Natural gas system capacity is primarily a function
of the volume of gas flowing from the Northwest
Pipeline Corporation pipelines, and demand
fluctuates based on power consumption. Natural
gas is used primarily as fuel for home heating, so
demand is highest during winter months and peaks
during extremely cold weather. PSE maintains
storage tanks that provide a reserve against such
periods of high demand. In the event of supply
shortfalls from extreme demand, residential
customers are granted first priority for service.
Because it is clean-burning and less expensive than
other energy sources, the popularity of natural gas
has risen in recent years, and this trend is expected
to continue. Population growth within PSE’s service
area will also increase demand for natural gas.
Puget Sound Energy conducts ongoing system
planning to ensure an adequate supply is available
to customers. Improvements to regional
infrastructure, including the South Seattle Gate
Station, and construction of additional high
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 69 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
pressure mains, have been planned. Precise timing
and location of infrastructure improvements will be
determined based on right-of-way permitting,
environmental analysis, and coordination with the
City of Renton.
Natural Gas pipe replacement, Credit: PSE
GOAL
U-P: Promote the safe transport and delivery of
natural gas and other fuels within the planning area.
POLICIES
Policy U-70: Coordinate with local and regional
purveyors of natural gas for the siting of
transmission and distribution infrastructure within
the Renton Planning Area.
Policy U-71: Support voluntary energy conservation
and efficiency programs, including the
supplementation of natural gas supplies with new
technologies.
Policy U-72: Allow extension of natural gas
distribution infrastructure within the Renton
Planning Area, provided such facilities are
consistent with development assumptions in the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy U-73: Require underground natural gas
infrastructure installation to be coordinated with
the City of Renton Public Works Department to
prevent cross-boring through existing utility lines.
TELEPHONE
Conventional telephone service in Renton is
provided by CenturyLink (formerly Qwest
Communications). CenturyLink is an investor-owned
corporation and one of the largest
telecommunications companies in the United
States, serving millions of customers nationwide.
CenturyLink also provides broadband internet
service and satellite television service through
DirecTV.
Digital phone service is also provided by Comcast in
conjunction with their cable television and internet
services.
TELEPHONE FACILITIES
Conventional telephone facilities consist of
switching station, trunk lines, and distribution lines
located throughout Renton. Switching stations
direct calls from one line exchange to another,
trunk lines connect switching stations to one
another, and distribution lines provide phone
connections to individual customers.
GROWTH AND FACILITY CAPACITY
The capacity of conventional telephone switching
stations is determined by the type of switch
employed. Use of modern digital switches allow for
straightforward increases in switch capacity to
accommodate growth. Regulations governing
telecommunications service require that telephone
purveyors provide adequate service on demand.
CenturyLink installs new lines and upgrades facilities
as required to accommodate customer demand.
CELLULAR TELEPHONE AND DATA
Cellular phone and data service providers are
licensed by the Federal Communication Commission
(FCC) for a particular band of radio frequencies.
Major cellular service providers operating in Renton
include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and
Sprint.
UTILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 70
CELLULAR TELEPHONE AND DATA FACILITIES
Cellular telephone systems consist of a series of
wireless antennae, each located at the center of a
single “cell” of the overall system. The cellular
transmitters themselves are generally located
where topography and features of the built
environment will have the least effect on signal
quality, such as existing broadcast communication
towers, water towers, high-rise buildings, or vacant
open land.
GROWTH AND FACILITY CAPACITY
The significant growth in wireless phone and data
usage over the past few years is anticipated to
continue, placing additional demand on existing
cellular networks. The capacity of a cellular
transmission cell is limited by the number of radio
frequencies available for use; the carrier’s FCC
license defines what frequency spectrum is allowed.
To increase system capacity, carriers often install
additional transmitters, thereby creating multiple
smaller cells that cover less area than the original,
larger cell and serve fewer customers each,
increasing overall system capacity.
CABLE AND SATELLITE TELEVISION
Cable television service in Renton is currently
provided by Comcast, and satellite television service
is currently provided by DirecTV through an
agreement with CenturyLink, allowing customers to
bundle their phone, internet, and television
services. Satellite television is also available from
Dish Network.
CABLE TELEVISION FACILITIES
Cable television facilities include broadcast
receivers, a headend, a trunk system, and a feeder
system. After receiving and processing broadcast
signals, the trunk and feeder system distribute
television signal to individual customers. Cable
trunk and feeder lines generally follow existing
street rights-of-way.
Satellite television facilities generally consist only of
receiver dishes installed at individual customer
locations, which receive signal directly from orbiting
communications satellites. While uplink
transmitters are necessary at the origin of the
broadcast, no additional local infrastructure is
needed to receive satellite television signal.
Telecommunications Facility, Credit: City of Renton
UTILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 71 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GROWTH AND FACILITY CAPACITY
Because Comcast currently holds the cable
television franchise for the City of Renton, the
company must continue to make cable television
service available upon request. Comcast offers
telecommunications service over a large portion of
western Washington in addition to Renton and
reviews population growth as part of its ongoing
system planning operations.
Satellite television services are provided in response
to customer requests. Capacity planning occurs at a
regional or national scale due to the substantial
investment required to use communications
satellites.
INTERNET
Broadband internet service is provided in Renton by
a variety of private providers; the two largest are
Comcast and CenturyLink, who provide internet
services in addition to phone and television.
Wireless internet service is also provided by
Clearwire through Sprint’s network of cellular
communication towers.
INTERNET FACILITIES
Internet service is provided via cable television
infrastructure, telephone lines, or wirelessly.
GROWTH AND FACILITY CAPACITY
Internet service is not considered an essential
public utility and is provided in response to
customer requests. Individual providers conduct
system planning in response to population growth
and increased demands for service. Given the
increasing rate of internet adoption in American
homes in recent years, it is likely that demand for
internet service will continue to increase, and it will
be necessary for providers to continue to increase
capacity and connection speeds to satisfy demand.
GOAL
U-Q: Promote the timely and orderly expansion of
all forms of telecommunications service within the
City and its planning area.
POLICIES
Policy U-74: Require the siting and location of
telecommunications facilities be accomplished in a
manner that minimizes adverse impacts on the
environment and adjacent land uses.
Policy U-75: Require wireless communication
structures and towers to be designed and sited to
minimize aesthetic impacts and to be co-located on
existing structures and towers wherever possible.
Policy U-76: Encourage healthy competition among
telecommunication service providers in the City to
promote high-quality, cost-effective service for
Renton residents.
Policy U-77: Require underground
telecommunication infrastructure installation to be
coordinated with the City of Renton Public Works
Department to prevent cross-boring through
existing water, sewer, or natural gas lines.
PLANS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
City Of Renton Comprehensive Water System
Plan
City of Renton Long Range Wastewater
Management Plan
King County Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management Plan
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 72
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
- Investing in the City for the prosperity of the community -
DISCUSSION
The City of Renton is responsible for providing
facilities and services that are needed by the
residents and businesses of the City for a functional,
safe, and efficient environment. Capital facilities
and services are City-owned or managed
infrastructure, property and services such as, police
and fire protection, parks, streets, water and
sanitary sewer service, and storm drainage service.
The Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive
Plan consists of two portions: the 20-
year Element and the 6-year Program.
The Element, which is this chapter of
the Plan, contains goals and policies
related to capital facilities that are
consistent with those of other
Comprehensive Plan Elements. The
Element relies heavily on the analyses
and policies presented in other
Elements of the Comprehensive Plan,
specifically the Utilities, Land Use,
Transportation, and Parks, Recreation, Natural
Areas, and Trails Elements.
The Program portion is the most current Capital
Investment Program, which is supplemented by the
most current adopted City Budget, and functional
Plans specific to individual City Departments and
other service providers. For detailed information
and explanations concerning existing, future and
improved facilities, as well as the method of
financing them, the reader must consult these
documents. The Capital Facilities Element
incorporates by reference the information and
analyses presented in these other documents. With
a six-year horizon, the Program inventories existing
and proposed capital facilities, forecasts future
needs for facilities, identifies deficiencies and
necessary improvements of capital facilities, and
provides a financing plan. The Capital Investment
Program and supplemental plans are separate
documents. Capital facilities belonging to privately
owned utilities serving Renton are addressed in the
Utilities Element of the Plan.
GOALS
CF-A: Establish policies that enable the
development and implementation of the Capital
Investment Program in order to provide high-
quality, well-maintained facilities and services that
support the social, economic, cultural, safety,
transportation, environmental, communication and
other needs of the community, that
are available at the time of
development to serve new growth,
and are equitably distributed.
CF-B: Ensure capital facility
investments are prioritized to
support growth in the locations
targeted in the Land Use Element
and that these facilities will be in
place when development occurs.
CF-C: Identify service standards for capital facilities
that meet community expectations for municipal
services, and that are consistent for both existing
and new development.
CF-D: Ensure adequate long-term financial capacity
exists to provide capital facilities and services
needed to support expected growth, while
maintaining adopted level of service standards.
POLICIES
Policy CF-1: Update the Capital Investment
Program in conjunction with the City's regular
budget adoption process and ensure anticipated
funding is adequate to finance capital facilities that
are necessary for development at predetermined
levels of service, and in conformance with the
Comprehensive Plan. If funding is insufficient,
adjustments should be made to the levels of
service, the Land Use Element, sources of revenue,
or any combination thereof. For the purpose of
capital facilities planning, plan for forecasted
Capital Facilities Planning is
an integral element of a
comprehensive plan.
Infrastructure investments
support economic
development and have long-
term impacts on
communities.
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 73 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
growth at the high end of the projected range and
in locations determined by the Land Use Element.
Policy CF-2: Ensure adequate public facilities are in
place concurrent with development. Concurrent
with development shall mean the existence of
adequate facilities, strategies, or services when
development occurs or the existence of a financial
commitment to provide adequate facilities,
strategies, or services within six years of when
development occurs.
Policy CF-3: Pursue funding from a mix of sources
for new, improved, or expanded public facilities or
services in order to distribute the cost of such
facilities or services according to use, need, and
adopted goals and policies.
Policy CF-4: Levy impact fees on development that
are commensurate with the cost of funding new or
expanded capital facilities and services necessary
for the development.
Policy CF-5: Individually adopt by reference the
most current Capital Facilities Plans for the Kent
School District #415, the Issaquah School District
#411, and the Renton School District #403, and
adopt an implementing ordinance establishing a
school impact fees consistent with each District’s
adopted Capital Facilities Plan, if the Plan
demonstrates that the facilities are needed to
accommodate projected growth.
Policy CF-5: Adopt by reference the most current
Capital Facilities Plans for Renton Regional Fire
Authority and adopt an implementing ordinance
establishing a fire impact fee consistent with their
Capital Facilities Plan, if the Plan demonstrates that
the facilities are needed to accommodate projected
growth.
Policy CF-6: Support private/public partnerships to
plan and finance infrastructure development, public
uses, structured parking, and community amenities
to stimulate additional private investment and
produce a more urban environment.
Policy CF-7: Protect public health, enhance
environmental quality and promote conservation of
man-made and natural resources through
appropriate design and installation of public
facilities.
Policy CF-8: Promote conservation and demand-
management programs that reduce the impact on
public facilities and maximize their efficiency.
Policy CF-9: Advocate projects that are energy
efficient or enhance energy conservation efforts by
the City and its residents.
Policy CF-10: Coordinate with federal, state,
regional and local jurisdictions, private industry,
businesses and citizens in the planning, design and
development of facilities serving and affecting the
community.
Policy CF-11: Consider land use compatibility,
capital facility needs and financial costs when siting
essential public facilities.
See the Land Use Element, the Parks, Recreation,
Natural Areas, and Trails Element, the Utilities
Element, and the Transportation Element for
policies related to the Capital Facilities Element.
Fire Station 11, Credit: City of Renton
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 74
LEVELS OF SERVICE
Levels of service are objective standards of capacity or services that specify minimum metrics and provide an
unbiased basis for assessing the need for new facilities or capacity. These standards are established at the local
level and influenced by citizen, City Council, and Planning Commission recommendations, national and regional
standards, state and federal laws, the City’s population, and fiscal resources.
Table CF-1: Levels of Service
Capital Facilities (necessary for development) Level of Service
Domestic Water Minimum of 30 psi at the meter during normal demand conditions and a
minimum of 20 psi during an emergency.
Surface Water
1) Development shall treat stormwater runoff and not increase pre-
developed stormwater discharge rates.
2) Development shall convey stormwater discharge without system
surcharging during a 25-year storm event and result in no increased
flooding during a 100-year storm event.
Sanitary Sewer 20-year total population projection, as well as, Dept. of Ecology Criteria
Fire and Emergency Services Level of Service provision for the Renton Regional Fire Authority is adopted in
their Standards of Cover document.
Police Enforcement
Avg. response time to Priority I calls: <3.5 minutes
Avg. response time to Priority II calls: <8 minutes
Avg. response time to Priority III calls: <12 minutes
Avg. response time to Priority IV calls: <21 minutes
Parks and Recreational Facilities 0.009 acres of parkland per capita
Schools
Renton:
K-3: 24:1 (students per teacher)
4-5: 29:1
6-12: 29:1
Kent:
K-3: avg. class size of 23
4-6: avg. class size of 27
7-8: avg. class size of 28
9-12: avg. class size of 30
Issaquah:
K-5: avg. class size of 20
6-8: avg. class size of 26
9-12: avg. class size of 28
Special Ed: class size of 12
Transportation
1. Motor Vehicles (SOV & HOV)
2. Transit
3. Non-motorized
1. LOS D
2. LOS D
3. LOS D
Capital Facilities (NOT necessary for
development) Level of Service
Airport 100% compliance with FAA
Municipal Buildings (e.g., City Hall, libraries) As needed
Municipal Parking Facilities As needed
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 75 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SURFACE WATER
Renton’s surface water system consists of natural
streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes, and
constructed systems that manage drainage, provide
flood protection, and water quality treatment.
Surface water management is important to meet
social, economic, and ecological needs including
flood protection, erosion control, water supply,
groundwater recharge, fish and wildlife habitat, and
recreation.
Renton’s Surface Water Utility manages stormwater
and surface water in Renton’s. The Utility develops
policies, basin plans, development design
standards, and capital improvement projects in
order to maintain and restore the quality of
Renton’s lakes and rivers, improve drainage, and
reduce flooding. The Utility is responsible for
meeting federal and state stormwater
requirements. A significant effort for the Utility is
compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater
Permit. This permit requires the Utility to control
discharge of pollutants to protect surface water and
to develop and implement a stormwater
management program.
DOMESTIC WATER
The City owns and operates a multi-source
municipal water system, which includes supply,
treatment, storage, and distribution of potable
water to residential, commercial, industrial, and
wholesale customers. The City’s water distribution
system consists of more than 1.6 million feet of
pipeline and provides service to a full-time
residential population of approximately 54,000,
approximately 20,000 temporary and transient
users, and approximately 28,000 regular non-
residential users in an area of approximately 16
square miles that is largely coincident with the city
limits. In addition, the City supplies water on a
wholesale basis to Skyway Water and Sewer District
through a single metered connection.
Updated every six years, the Water System Plan
Update (Plan) develops a long-term planning
strategy for the City’s water service area by
evaluating the existing system and its ability to
meet the anticipated requirements for water
source, quality, transmission, storage, and
distribution over a twenty-year planning period.
Water system improvement projects have been
developed to meet the changing demands of
regulatory impacts, and population growth, as well
as infrastructure repair and replacement. The Plan
also identifies planning level costs of the
improvement projects and provides a financial plan
for funding the projects.
Water Tower, Credit: City of Renton
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 76
SANITARY SEWER
The City of Renton owns, operates, and maintains
its Wastewater Utility, which has a service area that
encompasses a wide variety of residential,
commercial, and industrial land uses over 21 square
miles. This system consists of approximately 191
miles of gravity sewer, 23 sewage lift stations and
force mains, and approximately 5,107 manholes.
Wastewater is discharged to King County facilities at
79 locations within the City Service Area from which
it is conveyed to and treated by King County’s South
Treatment Reclamation Plant.
The City of Renton Service Area is divided into six
major wastewater collection basins: Black River,
Downtown, East Cedar River, East Lake Washington,
May Valley, and West Cedar River. For the most
part, these major collection basins follow the
natural drainage patterns of the Renton service
area. Policies, design criteria, and standards used
for planning and operating the sanitary sewer
system are based on laws and policies that originate
from several sources. All these policies and
standards have the general purpose of providing an
acceptable level of service to the sanitary sewer
customers. Analysis and design criteria for the
sanitary sewer system are based on standards
presented in the Criteria for Sewage Works Design
prepared by the Washington State Department of
Ecology, as well as, standards set by King County
Department of Natural Resources - Wastewater
Treatment Division and the City of Renton.
Operations and system planning are guided by the
City of Renton Long-Range Wastewater
Management Plan.
PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Renton’s parks, recreation and natural area system
is comprised of distinctive parks and popular
recreation facilities, providing for a wide range of
opportunities and benefits for the community.
Parks are also a key gathering point, creating space
for building community and providing exposure to
history, arts and culture. In addition, many parks in
Renton play a critical role in preserving natural
areas, protecting wildlife and riparian habitat,
conserving natural resources and contributing to
clean water and a healthy environment for City
residents.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) fulfills its
mission through three core services: Response
Operations, Community Risk Reduction, and Safety
and Support Services. The RRFA currently has 161
employees, 145 are uniformed personnel. External
services include community risk reduction activities
that meet the needs of our community prior to an
emergency, and response operations activities
focused on responding to calls for service and
assisting customers as they return to a normal or
better condition. Internal services focus primarily
on the safety and support of RRFA members, while
maintaining effective partnership between the
department and the City.
Fire protection level of service is primarily
influenced by call volume and response time.
Service level is constrained by the station location,
quantity of stations, number of trucks/units,
number of firefighters, and road congestion.
POLICE ENFORCEMENT
The Renton Police Department is a full-service law
enforcement agency with 148 personnel comprised
of 120 sworn and 28 non-sworn. The Renton Police
Department is accredited by Washington
Association of Sheriffs and Police
Chiefs. Accreditation is a significant accomplishment
and demonstrates a commitment to excellence.
Officers work very diligently to protect life and
property, assist in the suppression of crime,
apprehend criminals and enforce laws.
Community resources, needs, and values determine
the level of law enforcement services and facilities.
Generally, the higher the density and intensity of
land use, the greater the demand for law
enforcement services to address the safety of the
citizens. Capital facilities associated with police
CAPITAL FACILITIES ELEMENT
PAGE 77 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
services include vehicles, office and police
equipment which are provided through general
funds and grants and determined on an annual
basis. Projected capital facility requirements are
based on officer response times to different types
of “priority” level calls that are received. As the City
grows, and response times increase, the need for
additional officers will increase, as well as the need
for additional police equipment and facilities.
TRANSPORTATION
The City of Renton owns and maintains 250
centerline miles of streets. Projects are developed
and prioritized based on community needs, specific
goals to be achieved and on general programming
considerations.
1) CORRIDOR PROJECTS are oriented toward “moving
people” through a balanced transportation
system that involves multiple modes of
transportation. Included are facilities that
facilitate the movement of transit and carpools.
2) OPERATIONS AND SAFETY projects and programs
are developed through ongoing analyses of the
transportation system and are directed mainly
toward traffic engineering concerns such as
safety and congestion. Projects are identified
not only by analysis of traffic counts, accident
records and geometric data, but also through
review and investigation of citizen complaints
and requests.
3) NON-MOTORIZED PROJECTS are developed with
major emphasis on addressing quality of life
issues by improving and/or protecting
residential livability while providing necessary
transportation system improvements.
4) OTHER PROGRAMS involve planning of
transportation improvements necessitated by
new development and new transportation
capital improvements.
SCHOOLS
Renton’s youth attend schools within the Renton,
Kent, or Issaquah School District depending on the
location of the pupil’s residence. The Renton School
District spans 32.5 square miles and serves over
13,000 students in preschool through twelfth grade.
Four high schools, three middle schools, 13
elementary schools, an early childhood education
center and various other special programs
constitute the accredited preschool-12 system.
The Kent School District is the fourth largest school
district in the state with over 27,000 students
enrolled in four high schools, six middle schools, 28
elementary schools, and three academies. The
district boundaries encompass approximately 71
square miles.
The Issaquah School District is the 15th largest
district in the state of Washington with more than
18,000 students attending a combination of 15
elementary schools, five middle schools, three
comprehensive high schools, and an alternative
high school spread.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Functional plans are major components of this
Capital Facilities Element. The following functional
plans are incorporated by reference and may be
consulted for more detailed information regarding
existing and planned facilities, service standards and
facility development:
Most current Adopted Budget
Most current Capital Investment Program
Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Plan
Renton Water System Plan Update
Renton Long-Range Wastewater Management
Plan
Renton Stormwater Management Program
Renton Transportation Improvement Program
Renton School District’s Capital Facilities Plan
Issaquah School District’s Capital Facilities Plan
Kent School District’s Capital Facilities Plan
Renton Regional Fire Authority Capital Facilities
Plan
King County Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management Plan
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 78
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
- Fulfilling the vision of the state Shoreline Management Act & engaging the Community -
INTRODUCTION
The Washington State Shoreline Management Act
(the Act) passed in 1971 and is based on the
philosophy that the shorelines of our state are
among our most "valuable" and "fragile" natural
resources and that unrestricted development of
these resources is not in the best public interest.
Therefore, planning and management are
necessary in order to prevent the harmful
effects of uncoordinated and piece-meal
development of our state's shorelines.
Shorelines are of limited supply and are
faced with rapidly increasing demands for
uses such as marinas, fishing, swimming,
recreation, and scenic views, as well as,,
private housing, commercial and industrial
uses.
Lake Washington from Coulon Park, Credit: City of Renton
The policy goals for the management of shorelines
harbor potential for conflict. The Act recognizes
that the shorelines and the waters they encompass
are "among the most valuable and fragile" of the
state's natural resources. They are valuable for
economically productive industrial and commercial
uses, recreation, navigation, residential amenity,
scientific research and education. They are fragile
because they depend upon balanced physical,
biological, and chemical systems that may be
adversely altered by natural forces and human
conduct. Unbridled use of shorelines ultimately
could destroy their utility and value. The prohibition
of all use of shorelines also could eliminate their
human utility and value. Thus, the policy goals of
the Act relate both to utilization and protection of
the extremely valuable and vulnerable shoreline
resources of the state. The Act calls for the
accommodation of "all reasonable and appropriate
uses" consistent with "protecting
against adverse effects to the public
health, the land and its vegetation
and wildlife, and the waters of the
state and their aquatic life and
consistent with "public rights of
navigation”. The planning policies of
master programs (distinct from the
development regulations) may be
achieved by a number of means,
only one of which is the regulation of
development. Other means, as authorized by
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 90.58.240,
include, but are not limited to: the acquisition of
lands and easements within shorelines of the state
by purchase, lease, or gift, either alone or in concert
with other local governments, and accepting grants,
contributions, and appropriations from any public
or private agency or individual. Additional means
may include, but are not limited to, public facility
and park planning, watershed planning, voluntary
salmon recovery projects, and incentive programs.
Through numerous references to and emphasis on
the maintenance, protection, restoration, and
preservation of "fragile" shoreline, "natural
resources," "public health," "the land and its
vegetation and wildlife," "the waters and their
aquatic life," "ecology," and "environment," the Act
makes protection of the shoreline environment an
essential statewide policy goal consistent with the
other policy goals of the Act. It is recognized that
shoreline ecological functions may be impaired not
only by shoreline development subject to the
substantial development permit requirement of the
There are over 18 miles
of shoreline in the City
of Renton’s planning
area are under the
jurisdiction of the
Shoreline Management
Act of 1971.
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 79 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Act but also by past actions, unregulated activities,
and development that is exempt from the Act's
permit requirements. The principle regarding
protection of shoreline ecological systems is
accomplished by these guidelines in several ways
and in the context of related principles.
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT GOALS
The City adopts the findings of fact established by
the King County Shoreline Master Program based
on the findings of RCW 90.58.020.
1) The shoreline jurisdiction is one of the most
valuable and fragile of the City’s natural
resources. There is appropriate concern
throughout the watershed and the greater
Puget Sound Region relating to the utilization,
protection, restoration, and preservation of the
shoreline jurisdiction.
2) Ever increasing pressures of additional use are
being placed on the shoreline jurisdiction,
which in turn necessitates increased
coordination in its management and
development.
3) Much of the shoreline jurisdiction and the
uplands adjacent thereto are in private
ownership. Unrestricted construction on the
privately owned or publicly owned shorelines is
not in the best public interest; therefore,
coordinated planning is necessary in order to
protect the public interest associated with the
shoreline jurisdiction while recognizing and
protecting private property rights consistent
with the public interest.
4) There is a clear and urgent demand for a
planned, rational, and concerted effort, jointly
performed by federal, state, and local
governments, to prevent the inherent harm in
an uncoordinated and piecemeal development
of the City’s shoreline jurisdiction.
5) It is the intent of the City to provide for the
management of the shoreline jurisdiction by
planning for and fostering all reasonable and
appropriate uses. The Shoreline Master
Program is designed to ensure development in
a manner that, while allowing for limited
reduction of rights of the public in the navigable
waters, will promote and enhance the public
interest.
6) The City’s shoreline policies are intended to
protect against adverse effects to the public
health, the land and its vegetation and wildlife,
and the waters of the state and their aquatic
life, while protecting generally public rights of
navigation and corollary rights incidental
thereto.
7) In the implementation of the Shoreline Master
Program, the public's opportunity to enjoy the
physical and aesthetic qualities of natural
shorelines shall be preserved to the greatest
extent feasible consistent with the overall best
interest of the state, the county, and the people
generally. To this end, uses shall be preferred
which are consistent with control of pollution
and prevention of damage to the natural
environment or are unique to or dependent
upon use of the state's shoreline.
8) Alterations of the natural condition of the
shoreline, in those limited instances when
authorized, shall be given priority for single
family residences and their appurtenant
structures; ports; shoreline recreational uses
including but not limited to parks, marinas,
piers, and other improvements facilitating
public access to shorelines; industrial and
commercial developments that are particularly
dependent on their location on or use of the
shoreline jurisdiction; and other development
that will provide an opportunity for substantial
numbers of the people to enjoy the shorelines.
9) Permitted uses in the shorelines zone shall be
designed and conducted in a manner to
minimize, insofar as practical, any resultant
damage to the ecology and environment of the
shoreline jurisdiction and any interference with
the public's use of the water.
LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Under the Act, local governments have the primary
responsibility for initiating the planning program
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 80
and administering the regulatory requirements of
the Act, with the Washington State Department of
Ecology acting in a supportive, review, or approval
capacity depending on the particular shoreline
proposal and regulatory requirements.
As set forth in the provisions of the Act, local
governments must fulfill the following basic
requirements:
Use a process that identifies, inventories, and
ensures meaningful understanding of current
and potential ecological functions provided by
affected shorelines.
Include policies and regulations designed to
achieve no net loss of those ecological
functions, including:
Regulations and mitigation standards
ensuring that each permitted development
will not cause a net loss of ecological
functions of the shoreline.
Local government shall design and
implement such regulations and mitigation
standards in a manner consistent with all
relevant constitutional and other legal
limitations on the regulation of private
property.
Include goals and policies that provide for
restoration of impaired ecological functions
that include identifying existing policies and
programs that contribute to planned
restoration goals, as well as any additional
policies and programs that local government
will implement to achieve its goals. This Master
Program element considers established or
funded non-regulatory policies and the direct or
indirect effects of other regulatory or non-
regulatory programs.
Evaluate and consider cumulative impacts of
reasonably foreseeable future development on
shoreline ecological functions and other
shoreline functions fostered by the policy goals
of the Act, address adverse cumulative impacts,
and fairly allocate the burden of addressing
cumulative impacts among development
opportunities.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE MASTER PROGRAM
The Act (RCW 90.58) directs all local governments
to develop a Master Program for the management
of all shorelines of the state and associated shore
lands that are under the local governments’
jurisdiction. Shoreline management is most
effective and efficient when accomplished within
the context of comprehensive planning. The Growth
Management Act requires mutual and internal
consistency between the comprehensive plan
elements and implementing development
regulations (RCW 36.70A).
This Master Program has been prepared and
updated to comply with the requirements of the
Shoreline Management and Growth Management
Acts and to formulate guidelines that will regulate
the utilization and development of the shorelines
within the City of Renton. As part of this Master
Program, the City of Renton has established
administrative provisions, including a permit system
for any substantial development, as well as review
provisions to ensure that all development complies
with the policies and regulations of the program.
The City of Renton has conducted a comprehensive
inventory of the natural characteristics, present
land uses, and patterns of ownership along the
City's shoreline that provides a substantial
information base for understanding ecological
functions and other considerations for the
development of this Master Program update. The
City of Renton, with the involvement of its citizens,
local agencies, and interested parties has developed
this Shoreline Master Program to serve as both a
planning guide and resource for specific regulations
Lake Washington Shoreline, Credit: Parametrix
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 81 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
pertaining to development and use of the
shorelines in Renton. Included is a description of
the goals, objectives, policies, environments, use
regulations, and provisions for variances and
conditional uses.
The basic intent of this Master Program is to
provide for the management of shorelines of the
state within Renton’s jurisdiction by planning for
and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses
and to ensure, if development takes place, that it is
done in a manner which will promote and enhance
the interests of the general public. This Master
Program has further been composed to protect the
public interest and general welfare in shorelines
and, at the same time, to recognize and protect the
property rights of owners. The goals and policies of
this Master Program are formulated so as to
enhance the public use and enjoyment of the
shorelines. It is recognized that the Shorelines of
the State found in Renton are located within a
major urbanized area, and that they are subject to
ever increasing pressures of additional uses
necessitating increased coordination in the
management and development of the shorelines.
The Shoreline Master Program is a planned,
rational, and concerted effort to increase
coordinated and optimum utilization of the
Shorelines of the State in Renton.
Cedar River, Credit: Parametrix
REGULATED SHORELINES
Overview: Over 18 miles of shoreline in the City of
Renton’s planning area are under the jurisdiction of
the Shoreline Management Act of 1971. By
statutory standards, the Green River and Lake
Washington are classified as Shorelines of
Statewide Significance, and comprise approximately
5.8 miles of Shorelines of the State regulated by City
of Renton. In addition, the shorelines of the Cedar
River, Black River, Springbrook Creek, and May
Creek are shorelines within the City. These 18 miles
of shoreline in the City of Renton are an extremely
valuable resource not only to the City of Renton,
but also for the watersheds of which they are part
and for the greater Puget Sound community of
which Renton is an integral part.
Shoreline Jurisdiction: In the City of Renton, the
following bodies of water are regulated by the Act.
Applicability: The Renton Shoreline Master
Program applies to Shorelines of the State, which
includes Shorelines of Statewide Significance and
Shorelines as defined in Renton Municipal Code
(RMC) 4-11 and as listed below.
1) Shorelines of Statewide Significance:
a) Lake Washington
b) Green River (The area within the ordinary
high water mark of the Green River is not
within the Renton City Limits, but portions
of the 200-foot shoreline jurisdiction are
within city limits.)
2) Shorelines:
a) Cedar River
b) May Creek from the intersection of May
Creek and NE 31st Street in the southeast
quarter of the southeast quarter of
Section 32-24-5E WM
c) Black River
d) Springbrook Creek from the Black River
on the north to SW 43rd Street on the
south
e) Lake Desire (in the city’s potential
annexation area)
Extent of Shoreline Jurisdiction: The jurisdictional
area includes:
1) Lands within 200 feet, as measured on a
horizontal plane, from the ordinary high water
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 82
mark, or lands within 200 feet from floodways,
whichever is greater;
2) Contiguous floodplain areas; and
3) All marshes, bogs, swamps, and river deltas
associated with streams, lakes, and tidal waters
that are subject to the provisions of the State
Shoreline Management Act.
Shorelines of Statewide Significance: Each
shoreline has its own unique qualities which make it
valuable, particularly Shorelines of Statewide
Significance. Preference is, therefore, given to the
following uses (in descending order of priority),
which:
1) Recognize and protect the statewide interest
over local interest.
2) Preserve the natural character of the
shorelines.
3) Result in long-term over short-term benefits.
4) Protect the resources and ecology of the
shorelines.
5) Increase public access to publicly owned areas
of the shorelines.
6) Increase recreational opportunities for the
public in the shoreline.
7) Provide for any other element as defined in
RCW 90.58.100 deemed appropriate or
necessary.
Development, redevelopment, and use of Lake
Washington shall recognize and protect the
statewide interest in terms of providing for benefits
to the general public in terms of:
Preserving and enhancing the natural character
and ecological functions of the shoreline to
provide long-term public benefits to fish stocks,
many of which depend on south Lake
Washington for a key phase of their lifecycle.
Increasing public access to the shoreline and
integrating public access on individual sites with
an integrated non-motorized trail system to
allow access to persons not living on or near the
shoreline.
Ensuring that impacts of development are
mitigated to ensure the long-term benefits of a
productive environment over short-term
economic benefits.
Providing a variety of recreational opportunities
for the public in multiple use development on
the shoreline.
Providing high standards for design and
aesthetics in the shoreline site and building
design to address the visual character and
quality of the range of public use of the lake and
shorelines. Design and review standards shall
achieve high-quality landmark developments
that are integrated with the natural
environment, that provide appropriate transition
to areas of less intense development, and
integrate building height, bulk, setbacks,
landscaping, and signage into a cohesive whole.
The redevelopment of former industrial areas on
the Lake Washington shoreline will lead to the
creation of a vibrant new lakefront community
providing additional housing, shopping, and
employment opportunities to the region.
Multiple use projects will take advantage of the
amenities of the lake while providing
opportunities for water-oriented uses, public
access, and/or ecological enhancement.
GEOGRAPHIC ENVIRONMENTS
Shorelines are classified into separate geographic
areas known as “use environments” based upon the
current development pattern, biophysical
capabilities, and other factors. Policies, standards,
and regulations can be customized by the use
environment, shoreline, and other uses depending
on need. Generally, regulated shorelines include the
water bodies and their shorelands extending
landward from the floodway or ordinary high water
mark for 200 feet in all directions. This
jurisdictional area increases to include all marshes,
bogs, swamps, and river deltas associated with the
regulated Shorelines of the State. The total of this
area is subject to shoreline use classification and
regulation.
The overlay districts in the Renton Shoreline Master
Program are classified as zoning overlay districts
and include six districts:
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 83 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1) Shoreline Natural Environment Overlay District
Objective: The objective in designating a natural
environment is to protect and preserve unique and
fragile shoreline or wetland environments that are
ecologically intact as close to their natural state as
possible. The natural environment is intended to
provide areas of wildlife sanctuary and habitat
preservation.
Areas to be Designated as a Natural Environment:
A Natural Area designation is assigned to shoreline
areas if any of the following characteristics apply:
The shoreline retains the majority of natural
shoreline functions, as evidenced by the
shoreline configuration and the presence of
native vegetation. Generally, but not
necessarily, ecologically intact shorelines are
free of structural shoreline modifications,
structures, and intensive human uses.
Shoreline areas that provide valuable
functions for the larger aquatic and terrestrial
environments, which could be lost or
significantly reduced by human development.
The shoreline represents ecosystems that are
of particular scientific and educational
interest.
Shorelines with large areas of relatively
undisturbed areas of wetlands.
Shorelines that support specific important
wildlife habitat, such as heron rookeries.
The shoreline is unable to support new
development, extractive uses, or physical
modifications or uses without significant
adverse impacts to ecological functions.
2) Shoreline Urban Conservancy Environment
Overlay District
Objective: The purpose of the Urban Conservancy
environment is to protect, conserve, restore, and
manage existing areas with ecological functions of
open space, floodplain, and other sensitive lands
where they exist in urban and developed settings,
while allowing compatible uses.
Areas to Be Designated as a Conservancy
Environment:
Areas of high scenic value.
Areas of open space, floodplain, or other
sensitive areas such as wetlands or geological
hazards that should not be more intensively
developed.
Areas that retain important ecological
functions, including areas, which, even
though they are partially developed, provide
valuable wildlife habitat or essential aquatic
habitat functions.
Areas with the potential for ecological
restoration.
Areas that cannot provide adequate utilities
for intense development.
Areas with unique or fragile features.
3) Shoreline Single Family Residential Overlay
District
Objective: The objective of the Single Family
Residential Shoreline Overlay District is to
accommodate residential development and
appurtenant structures that are consistent with this
chapter.
Areas to Be Designated: The Single Family
Residential Shoreline Overlay District is applied to
and characterized by single-family use and zoning.
4) Shoreline High-Intensity Overlay District
Objective: The objective of the High Intensity
Overlay is to provide opportunities for large-scale
office and commercial employment centers, as well
as, multifamily residential use and public services.
This district provides opportunities for water-
dependent and water-oriented uses while
protecting existing ecological functions and
restoring ecological functions in areas that have
been previously degraded. Development may also
provide for public use and/or community use,
especially access to and along the water's edge.
Areas to Be Designated: The Shoreline High-
Intensity Overlay District is designated in areas
characterized by: commercial, industrial, or mixed-
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 84
use zoning or use, but not meeting the criteria for
conservancy or natural designation.
Management Policies:
Water-Oriented Activities: Because shorelines
suitable for high-intensity urban uses are a limited
resource, development opportunities are largely
limited to redevelopment. Existing industrial and
commercial uses on the shoreline are not water-
dependent. It is unlikely that the Renton shoreline
will provide opportunities for a commercial port, or
other major water-oriented industrial uses.
However, there may be opportunity for some types
of water-dependent uses to be integrated into
existing multiple-use developments or
redevelopment projects, particularly on Lake
Washington. Opportunities for water-dependent
and water-oriented uses are likely to be oriented to
recreation, public enjoyment, transportation, and
moorage. Emphasis shall be given to development
within already developed areas and particularly to
water-oriented industrial and commercial uses.
Non-water-oriented Activities: Non-water-oriented
uses should be permitted as part of development
that also includes water-oriented use. Non-water-
oriented uses should be allowed in limited
situations where they do not conflict with or limit
opportunities for water-oriented uses, or on sites
where there is not direct access to the shoreline.
Non-water-oriented uses allowed in the shoreline
should provide ecological restoration and/or public
access along the full length of shoreline frontage.
Public Access: Priority is also given to planning for
public visual and physical access to water in the
High Intensity Overlay District. Identifying needs
and planning for the acquisition of urban land for
permanent public access to the water is addressed
in Public Access regulations in RMC 4-3-090.E.4.g
Table of Public Access Requirements by Reach.
Public access is one of the primary public benefits
that may be necessary to locate development on
the shoreline.
Ecological Restoration: Providing for restoration of
ecological functions is one of the public benefits
necessary to locate non-water-oriented
development on the shoreline. Ecological
restoration opportunities are limited in Renton due
to the developed nature of much of the shoreline.
Generally, new development and redevelopment
should remove and replace shoreline armoring that
does not meet standards of theCode, restore native
vegetation and wetlands, as well as, restore the
aquatic substrate. Public access may be required to
be set back from restored areas with controlled
access to the water’s edge at locations that are less
ecologically sensitive.
Aesthetics: Aesthetic objectives shall be
implemented by appropriate development siting,
building bulk, design standards, screening,
landscaping, and maintenance of natural vegetative
buffers.
5) Shoreline Isolated High-Intensity - Isolated
Lands Overlay District
Objective and Areas to be Designated: The
objective of the High Intensity Overlay – Isolated
Lands overlay is to provide appropriate regulations
for areas that are within shoreline jurisdiction but
are separate parcels effectively isolated from the
water by intervening elements of the built
environment, largely consisting of railroads and
roads or intervening private parcels. In most cases,
these areas function as parallel designations with
other designations applied to the area adjacent to
the water.
6) Aquatic Environment Overlay District
Objective: The objective of the Aquatic designation
is to protect, restore, and manage the unique
characteristics and resources of the areas
waterward of the ordinary high water mark.
Areas to be Designated: The Aquatic Overlay
District is defined as the area waterward of the
ordinary high water mark of all streams and rivers,
all marine water bodies, and all lakes, constituting
shorelines of the state together with their
underlying lands and their water column; but do not
include associated wetlands and other shorelands
shoreward of the ordinary high water mark.
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 85 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Management Policies: Development within Aquatic
Areas shall be consistent with the following:
Allowed uses are those within the adjacent
upland shoreline overlay, limited to water-
dependent use or public access.
New uses and over-water structures are
allowed only for water-dependent uses, single-
family residences, public access, or ecological
restoration and only when no net loss of
ecological functions will result.
The size of new over-water structures shall be
limited to the minimum necessary to support
the structure's intended use. In order to reduce
the impacts of shoreline development and
increase effective use of water resources,
multiple-use of over-water facilities is
encouraged and may be required.
All developments and uses on navigable waters
or their beds shall be located and designed to
minimize interference with surface navigation,
to consider impacts to public views, and to
allow for the safe, unobstructed passage of fish
and wildlife, particularly those species
dependent on migration.
Shoreline uses and modifications shall be
designed and managed to prevent degradation
of water quality, minimize alteration of natural
conditions and processes, and result in no net
loss of ecological functions
Uses and modification of Public Aquatic Land
shall incorporate public access and ecological
enhancement, except where inconsistent with
the operation of water-dependent uses.
Fish and wildlife resource enhancement,
including aquaculture related to fish
propagation are allowed and encouraged.
Seaplane on Lake Washington, Credit: Parametrix
GOALS AND POLICIES
SHORELINE USES AND ACTIVITIES POLICIES
Objective SH-A: Provide for use of the limited water
resource consistent with the goals of the Shoreline
Management Act by providing a preference for
water-oriented uses.
Objective SH-B: Provide that the policies,
regulations, and administration of the Shoreline
Master Program ensure that new uses,
development, and redevelopment within the
shoreline jurisdiction do not cause a net loss of
shoreline ecological functions.
Objective SH-C: Ensure that the policies,
regulations, and administration of the Shoreline
Master Program are consistent with the land use
Vision of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Policy SH-1: Reasonable and appropriate shoreline
uses and activities should be planned for:
1) Short-term economic gain or convenience in
development should be evaluated in
relationship to potential long-term effects on
the shoreline.
2) Preference should be given to those uses or
activities which enhance the natural functions
of shorelines, including reserving appropriate
areas for protecting and restoring ecological
functions to control pollution and prevent
damage to the natural environment and public
health.
3) Provide for the following priority in shoreline
use and modification of the shoreline:
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 86
a) Water-dependent and associated water-
related uses are the highest priority for
shorelines unless protection of the existing
natural resource values of such areas
precludes such uses.
b) Water-related and water-enjoyment uses
that are compatible with ecological
protection and restoration objectives,
provided that adequate area is reserved for
future water-dependent and water-related
uses.
c) Multiple use developments may be allowed
if they include and support water-oriented
uses and contribute to the objectives of the
act including ecological protection and
restoration and/or public access.
d) Limit non-water-oriented uses to those
locations where access to the water is not
provided or where the non-water-oriented
uses contribute to the objectives of the Act,
including ecological protection and
restoration and/or public access.
e) Preserve navigational qualities, and the
infrastructure that supports navigation, to
support water-oriented use.
4) Recognize existing single-family residential uses
and neighborhood character and ensure that
existing uses, new uses, and alteration of
facilities:
a) Do not result in a net loss of shoreline
ecological functions.
b) Avoid disturbance of unique and fragile
areas.
c) Are provided with adequate public services
including water, sanitary sewer, and
stormwater management.
5) Future shoreline subdivision, multi-family
developments, and planned urban
developments of more than four units should
provide public benefits, including ecological
protection and restoration, and/or public or
community access.
6) New residential developments should provide
open space areas at or near the shoreline
through clustering of dwellings.
Policy SH-2: Aesthetic considerations should be
integrated with new development, redevelopment
of existing facilities, or for general enhancement of
shoreline areas and should include:
1) Identification and preservation of areas with
scenic vistas and areas where the shoreline has
high aesthetic value as seen from both upland
areas, areas across the water, and recreational
and other uses on the water.
2) Appropriate regulations and criteria should
ensure that development provides designs that
contribute to the aesthetic enjoyment of the
shoreline for a substantial number of people
and provide the public with the ability to reach,
touch, enjoy the water’s edge, and view the
water and shoreline.
3) Regulations and criteria for building siting,
maximum height, setbacks, screening,
architectural controls, sign regulations,
designation of view corridors, and other
provisions should ensure that development
minimizes adverse impacts on views of the
water from public property or views enjoyed by
a substantial number of residences.
Policy SH-3: All shoreline policies, regulations, and
development shall recognize and protect private
rights consistent with the public interest and, to the
extent feasible, shall be designed and constructed
to protect the rights and privacy of adjacent
property owners. Shoreline uses and activities
should be discouraged if they would cause
significant noise or odor or unsafe conditions that
would impede the achievement of shoreline use
preferences on the site or on adjacent or abutting
sites.
CONSERVATION POLICIES
Objective SH-D: The resources and amenities of all
shorelines and the ecological processes and
functions they provide, such as wetlands, upland
and aquatic vegetation, fish and wildlife species and
habitats, as well as, scenic vistas and aesthetics
should be protected and preserved for use and
enjoyment by present and future generations.
Natural shorelines are dynamic with
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
PAGE 87 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
interdependent geologic and biological
relationships. Alteration of this dynamic system has
substantial adverse impacts on geologic and
hydraulic mechanisms important to the function of
the water body and can disrupt elements of the
food chain.
Policy SH-4: When necessary, Shoreline
modifications should emulate and allow natural
shoreline functions to the extent feasible and where
needed utilize bioengineering or other methods
with the least impact on ecological functions.
Policy SH-5: Native shoreline vegetation should be
conserved to maintain shoreline ecological
functions and mitigate the direct, indirect, and/or
cumulative impacts of shoreline development,
wherever feasible. Important functions of shoreline
vegetation include, but are not limited to:
Providing shade necessary to maintain water
temperatures required by salmonids, forage
fish, and other aquatic biota.
Regulating microclimate in riparian and
nearshore areas.
Providing organic inputs necessary for aquatic
life, including providing food in the form of
various insects and other benthic macro
invertebrates.
Stabilizing banks, minimizing erosion and
sedimentation, and reducing the
occurrence/severity of landslides.
Reducing fine sediment input into the aquatic
environment by minimizing erosion, aiding
infiltration, and retaining runoff.
Improving water quality through filtration and
vegetative uptake of nutrients and pollutants.
Providing a source of large woody debris to
moderate flows, create hydraulic roughness,
form pools, and increase aquatic diversity for
salmonids and other species.
Providing habitat for wildlife, including
connectivity for travel and migration corridors.
Policy SH-6: Existing natural resources should be
conserved through regulatory and non-regulatory
means that may include regulation of development
within the shoreline jurisdiction, ecologically sound
design, and restoration programs, including:
1) Water quality and water flow should be
maintained at a level to permit recreational use,
to provide a suitable habitat for desirable forms
of aquatic life, and to satisfy other required
human needs.
2) Aquatic habitats and spawning grounds should
be protected, improved and, when feasible,
increased to the fullest extent possible to
ensure the likelihood of salmon recovery for
listed salmon stocks and to increase the
populations of non-listed salmon stocks.
3) Wildlife habitats should be protected, improved
and, if feasible, increased.
4) Unique natural areas should be designated and
maintained as open space for passive forms of
recreation and provide opportunities for
education and interpretation. Access and use
should be restricted, if necessary, for the
conservation of these areas.
Policy SH-7: Existing and future activities on all
Shorelines of the State regulated by the City of
Renton should be designed to ensure no net loss of
ecological functions.
Policy SH-8: The City of Renton should work with
other responsible government agencies to assure
that surface water management in all drainage
basins is considered an integral part of shoreline
planning.
1) Soil erosion and sedimentation that adversely
affect any shoreline within the City of Renton
should be prevented or controlled.
2) The contamination of existing water courses
should be prevented or controlled.
Policy SH-9: Shoreline stabilization should be
developed in a coordinated manner among affected
property owners and public agencies for a whole
drift sector (net shore-drift cell) or reach where
feasible, particularly those that cross jurisdictional
boundaries, to address ecological and geo-hydraulic
processes, sediment conveyance and beach
management issues. Where erosion threatens
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 88
existing development, a comprehensive program
for shoreline management should be established.
Policy SH-10: Shoreline areas having historical,
cultural, educational, or scientific value should be
identified and protected.
1) Public and private cooperation should be
encouraged in site identification, preservation,
and protection.
2) Suspected or newly discovered sites should be
kept free from intrusions for a reasonable time
until their value is determined.
Policy SH-11: Critical areas in the shoreline should
be managed to achieve the planning objectives of
the protection of existing ecological functions and
ecosystem-wide processes and restoration of
degraded ecological functions and ecosystem-wide
processes. The regulatory provisions for critical
areas should protect existing ecological functions
and ecosystem-wide processes. In protecting and
restoring critical areas within the shoreline, the City
should integrate the full spectrum of planning and
regulatory measures, including the Comprehensive
Plan, interlocal watershed plans, local development
regulations, as well as, state, tribal, and federal
programs.
Policy SH-12: The City shall implement the
Restoration Plan provided as an adjunct to The
Shoreline Master Program in coordination with
other watershed management agencies and groups,
and shall manage public lands and may acquire key
properties and provide for off-site mitigation on
City or other public or private sites.
Policy SH-13: Preservation of natural shoreline
areas can best be ensured through public or non-
profit ownership and management. Therefore,
where private development is proposed in areas so
designated, the City should require dedication as
necessary.
Policy SH-14: Shoreline use and development
should be carried out in a manner that prevents or
mitigates adverse impacts so that the resulting
ecological condition does not become worse than
the current condition. This means ensuring no net
loss of ecological functions and processes in all
development and use. Permitted uses should be
designed and conducted to minimize, in so far as
practical, any resultant damage to the ecology and
environment (RCW 90.58.020). Shoreline ecological
functions that should be protected include, but are
not limited to, fish and wildlife habitat, food chain
support, and water temperature maintenance.
Shoreline processes that shall be protected include,
but are not limited to: water flow; littoral drift;
erosion and accretion; infiltration; ground water
recharge and discharge; sediment delivery,
transport, and storage; large woody debris
recruitment; organic matter input; nutrient and
pathogen removal; and stream channel
formation/maintenance.
Naturalized Shoreline, Credit: Parametrix
ECONOMIC POLICIES
Objective SH-E: Existing economic uses and
activities on the shorelines should be recognized
and economic uses or activities that are water-
oriented should be encouraged and supported.
Policy SH-15: Shoreline uses should be integrated
with the land use vision of the Comprehensive Plan.
Harbor areas in Renton do not have reasonable
commercial accessibility and necessary support
facilities such as transportation and utilities to
warrant reservation for commercial ports and
related uses, but may support other water-
dependent uses such as a marina or passenger ferry
service. Water-oriented uses should be encouraged
in multiple use development to provide
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PAGE 89 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
opportunities for substantial numbers of people to
enjoy the shorelines. Multiple uses should prove a
significant public benefit with respect to the
Shoreline Management Act's objectives, such as
providing ecological restoration and/or public
access to and along the water's edge.
Policy SH-16: Future economic uses and activities
should utilize the shoreline to achieve the use and
other goals of the Act and The Shoreline Master
Program, including:
1) Economic uses and activities should locate the
water-oriented portion of their development
along the shoreline.
2) New over-water structures should be limited to
water-dependent use and the length, width,
and height of over-water structures should be
limited to the smallest reasonable dimensions.
3) Shoreline developments should be designed to
maintain or enhance aesthetic values and scenic
views.
Policy SH-17: Shoreline facilities for the moorage
and servicing of boats and other vessels may be
allowed in appropriate locations within residential,
commercial, and other areas, provided they are
located and designed to result in no net loss of
ecological functions.
1) Shared moorage is encouraged over individual
single family docks.
2) Commercial docks and marinas should meet all
health standards. Marinas and other economic
activities should be required to contain and
clean up spills or discharges of pollutants
associated with boating activities.
3) Shoreline facilities for the moorage and
servicing of boats and other vessels should be
developed in size and location when it would
not impair unique or fragile areas, or impact
federal or state-listed species.
Policy SH-18: All economic activities on the
shoreline shall provide for no net loss of ecological
functions during construction and operation.
Policy SH-19: Festivals and temporary uses
providing public benefits such as recreation or
public access, and which are compatible with
ecological functions, including water quality, water
flow, habitat, or unique and fragile areas, may be
permitted with appropriate review and conditions.
PUBLIC ACCESS POLICIES
Objective SH-F: Increase public accessibility to
shorelines and preserve and improve the natural
amenities.
Policy SH-20: Public access should be provided
consistent with the existing character of the
shoreline and consideration of opportunities and
constraints for physical and visual access, as well as,
consideration of ecological functions, as provided in
Policy SH-31 Table of Public Access Objectives by
Reach, and in conjunction with the following
policies.
Policy SH-21: Public access to and along the water's
edge should be available throughout publicly owned
shoreline areas although direct physical access to
the water’s edge may be restricted to protect
shoreline ecological values. Public access shall be
provided over all public aquatic lands leased for
private activity, consistent with compatibility with
water-dependent uses.
Policy SH-22: Public access from public streets shall
be made available over public property and may be
acquired by easement or other means over
intervening private property.
Policy SH-23: Future multi-family, planned unit
developments, subdivisions, commercial, and
industrial developments that provide physical and
visual public/community access along the water's
edge should be guided by the policy provided in
Policy SH-31 Table of Public Access Objectives by
Reach.
Policy SH-24: Public access to and along the water's
edge should be located, designed, and maintained
in a manner that protects the natural environment
and shoreline ecological functions and is consistent
with public safety, as well as, compatible with
water-dependent uses. Preservation or
improvement of the natural processes shall be a
basic consideration in the design of shoreline areas
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 90
to which public access is provided, including trail
systems.
Policy SH-25: When making extensive modifications
or extensions to existing commercial, industrial,
multi-family, planned unit developments,
subdivisions, and public facilities, public/community
access to and along the water's edge should be
provided if physically feasible.
Policy SH-26: Both passive and active public areas
should be designed and provided.
Policy SH-27: In order to encourage public use of
the shoreline corridor, public parking should be
provided at frequent locations on public lands and
rights of way and may be required on private
development.
Policy SH-28: In planning for public access,
emphasis should be placed on foot and bicycle
paths consistent with the Renton Bicycle and Trails
Master Plan, rather than roads, except in areas
where public boat launching would be desirable.
Policy SH-29: Physical or visual access to shorelines
should be required as a condition of approval for
open space tax designations pursuant to RCW
84.34.
Policy SH-30: Development and management of
public access should recognize the need to address
adverse impacts to adjacent private shoreline
properties and should recognize and be consistent
with legal property rights of the owner. Just
compensation shall be provided to property owners
for land acquired for public use. Private access to
the publicly owned shoreline corridor shall be
provided to owners of property contiguous to said
corridor in common with the public.
RECREATION POLICIES
Objective SH-G: Water-oriented recreational
activities available to the public should be
encouraged to the extent that the use facilitates the
public’s ability to reach, touch, and enjoy the
water's edge, to travel on the waters of the state,
and to view the water and the shoreline.
Policy SH-31: Table of Public Access Objectives by
Reach is included in the Comprehensive Plan
technical appendix. It outlines the policy objectives
for maintaining and improving public access within
the shoreline. Application of public access
objectives should be considered along with other
objectives of the Shoreline Management Act, such
as ecological restoration and priority uses.
Policy SH-32: Water-oriented recreational activities
should be encouraged.
1) Accessibility to the water's edge should be
improved in existing parks and new
development, substantial alteration of existing
non-single family development, and
intensification of existing uses where consistent
with maintaining ecological functions.
2) A balanced choice of public recreational
opportunities should be provided on Lake
Washington as a Shoreline of Statewide
Significance that recognizes and protects the
interest of all people of the state, as well as,
Renton residents. Recreation use includes
enjoyment and use of the water for boating and
other activities. Shoreline park and recreation
areas should be increased in size and number
and managed for multiple uses including,
shoreline recreation, preservation, and
enhancement of ecological functions.
3) Areas for specialized recreation should be
developed at locations where physical and
ecological conditions are appropriate.
4) Both passive and active recreational areas
should be provided.
Policy SH-33: Recreational boating and fishing
should be supported, maintained, and increased.
Policy SH-34: Public agencies, non-profit groups,
and private parties should use cooperative and
innovative techniques to increase and diversify
recreational opportunities including incorporation
in development, as well as, public purchase of
shoreland. Public agencies should establish the
intent to acquire lands by incorporation of such
policies in their plans and declaring public intent.
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PAGE 91 CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Policy SH-35: Public land, including City parks and
public aquatic lands, should be managed to provide
a balance of public recreation, public access to the
water, as well as, protection and enhancement of
ecological functions.
Policy SH-36: Subject to policies providing for no
net loss of ecological functions as well as local,
state, and federal regulations, the water's depth
may be changed to foster recreational aspects.
Policy SH-37: Provision of recreation facilities and
use shall be consistent with growth projections and
level-of-service standards established by the
comprehensive plan.
CIRCULATION POLICIES
Objective SH-H: Minimize the impacts of motor
vehicular traffic and encourage non-motorized
traffic within the shorelines as part of achieving no
net loss.
Policy SH-38: Roadways within shorelines should be
scenic boulevards, where possible, to enhance the
scenic views of the shoreline and provide
opportunities for public visual access to the
shoreline. Existing arterials on the shoreline should
incorporate substantial plantings of street trees or
other landscaping and emphasize enjoyment of the
shoreline.
Policy SH-39: Viewpoints, parking, trails, and similar
improvements should be considered for
transportation system projects in shoreline areas.
Bridge abutments should incorporate stairs or trails
to reach streams where appropriate.
Policy SH-40: Public transportation should be
encouraged to facilitate access to shoreline
recreation areas.
Policy SH-41: Pedestrian and bicycle pathways,
including provisions for maintenance, operation,
and security, should be developed.
1) Access points to and along the shoreline should
be linked by pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
2) Separate pedestrian and bicycle pathways
should be included in new or expanded bridges
or scenic boulevards within the shorelines.
3) Separate pedestrian and bicycle pathways
should be included in publicly financed
transportation systems or rights of way,
consistent with public interest and safety.
4) Public access provided in private development
should be linked to public pathways.
5) Public access and non-motorized access to
shorelines should be considered when rights of
way are being vacated or abandoned.
Policy SH-42: Rail lines within the shoreline should
provide opportunities for public access and
circulation:
1) The rail line along the east shore of Lake
Washington should be reserved for use as a
public trail if rail use ceases. If rail use
continues, joint trail and rail use should be
explored.
2) Rail lines adjacent to the Green River should
provide means for public access across the rail
lines to access shorelines and public trails
where this can be accomplished safely through
bridges or undercrossings.
Policy SH-43: Trails should be developed to enhance
public enjoyment of and access to the shoreline:
1) Trails within the shoreline should be developed
as an element of non-motorized circulation, the
City’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas Plan,
Trails and Bicycle Master Plan, and the
Shoreline Public Access program. Trails provide
the potential for low impact public physical and
visual access to the shoreline.
2) Trails should be developed as an element of a
system that links together shoreline public
access into an interconnected network
including active and passive parks, schools,
public and private open space, native
vegetation easements with public access, utility
rights of way, waterways, and other
opportunities.
3) Public access to and along the water's edge
should be linked with upland community
facilities and the comprehensive trail system
that provides non-motorized access throughout
the City.
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE 92
4) A system of trails on separate rights of way and
public streets should be designed and
implemented to provide linkages along
shorelines including the Lake Washington Loop,
the Cedar River, the Black River, Springbrook
Creek, and the Green River.
Policy SH-44: Road standards should meet roadway
function and emergency access standards and
provide for multiple modes, while reducing
impervious surfaces, where feasible, and managing
surface water runoff to achieve appropriate water
quality.
Policy SH-45: Commercial boating operations, other
than marinas, should be encouraged as they relate
to water-dependent uses and should be limited to
commercial and industrial areas.
SHORELINE HISTORICAL / CULTURAL /
SCIENTIFIC / EDUCATION RESOURCES AND
ACTIVITIES POLICIES
Objective SH-I: Provide for protection and
restoration of buildings, sites, and areas having
archaeological, historical, cultural, scientific, or
educational value.
Policy SH-46: Sites with archaeological, historical,
cultural, and scientific, or educational value should
be identified and protected or conserved in
collaboration with appropriate tribal, state, federal,
and local governments, as well as, private parties.
Policy SH-47: Such features may be integrated with
other shoreline uses if appropriate to the character
of the resource.
Policy SH-48: Include programs and interpretive
areas in recreational facilities in or near identified
shoreline areas with historical, cultural, educational,
and scientific value.
SHORELINE RESTORATION AND
ENHANCEMENT POLICIES
Objective SH-J: Provide for the timely restoration
enhancement of shorelines with impaired ecological
functions. Such restoration should occur through a
combination of public and private programs and
actions. This Master Program includes a restoration
element that identifies restoration opportunities
and facilitates appropriate publicly and privately
initiated restoration projects. The goal of this effort
is to improve shoreline ecological functions.
Policy SH-49: A cooperative restoration program
among local, state, and federal public agencies;
tribes; non-profit organizations; and landowners
should be developed to address shorelines with
impaired ecological functions.
Policy SH-50: The restoration plan incorporated by
reference into The Shoreline Master Program is
based on:
1) Identification of degraded areas, areas of
impaired ecological functions, and sites with
potential for ecological restoration.
2) Establishment of overall goals and priorities for
restoration of degraded areas and impaired
ecological functions.
3) Identification of existing and ongoing projects
and programs that are being implemented, or
are reasonably assured of being implemented,
which are designed to contribute to local
restoration goals.
4) Identification of additional projects and
programs needed to achieve restoration goals.
5) Identification of prospective funding sources for
those projects and programs.
6) Identification of timelines and benchmarks for
implementing restoration projects and
programs.
7) Development of strategies to ensure that
restoration projects and programs will be
implemented according to plans, periodically
reviewed for effectiveness, and adjusted to
meet overall restoration goals.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Table of Public Access Objectives by Reach
(Appendix B)
Renton Shoreline Master Program
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE i
GLOSSARY
Accessory housing: Dwellings constructed within an existing single family home, usually for use as a rental unit.
Accessory unit: A dwelling physically separated from the primary dwelling unit, which includes kitchen, sleeping,
and bathroom facilities. Also known as a "mother-in-law apartment."
Activity node: An area of clustered higher density land uses.
Adaptive use: The utilization of an older building that is no longer suited for its original purpose, but may be
modified and used for a different purpose such as housing. A common example is the conversion of older public
school buildings to rental or condominium apartments.
Affordable housing: Housing that meets the needs of a household earning at or below eighty percent (80%) of
county median income (adjusted for household size), for which the household pays no more than thirty percent
(30%) of its gross income toward housing costs, including utilities.
Aquifer: Groundwater-bearing geologic formation or formations that contain enough saturated permeable
material to yield significant quantities of water to wells.
Aquifer Protection Area (APA): Zone of capture and recharge area for a well or well field owned or operated by
the City of Renton.
Aquifer protection zones: Zones of an APA designated to provide graduated levels of aquifer protection. Each
APA may be subdivided by the City into two aquifer protection zones.
a. Zone 1: The land area situated between a well or well field owned by the City of Renton and the
365-day groundwater travel time contour.
b. Zone 2: The land area situated between the 365-day groundwater travel time contour and the
boundary of the zone of potential capture for a well or well field owned or operated by the City of
Renton.
Arterial, minor: Right-of-way that serves as a distributor of traffic from a principal arterial to lower classified
streets, directly to secondary traffic generators such as community shopping areas and high schools, and serves
trips between neighborhoods within a community. Minor streets are more intensive than collectors, but less
intensive than principal arterials.
Arterial, principal: Right-of-way that connects regional arterials to major activity areas and directly to traffic
destinations. Principal arterials are the most intensive arterial classification, serve major traffic generators such
as the Urban Center, major shopping and commercial districts, and move traffic from community to community.
Basin (Surface Water Utility): An area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Basin (Water Utility): An area defined by the natural features of the landscape such that any flow of water in
said area will flow toward one low point.
Best Management Practices (Surface Water Utility): Conservation practices or systems of practices and
management measures that:
a. Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxins,
and sediment;
b. Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and groundwater flow, circulation patterns, and to the
chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of wetlands; and
GLOSSARY
PAGE ii CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
c. Include allowing proper use and storage of fertilizers/pesticides.
Bicycle facility: An improvement designed to facilitate accessibility by bicycle, including bicycle trails, bicycle
lanes, storage facilities, etc.
Boulevards: Typically a broad thoroughfare that is often separated by a landscaped median or center divider
that has potential to function as linear open space. Boulevard designation would imply a higher priority for
landscape, sidewalk, or trail improvements.
Buildable Lands Analysis (BLA): An assessment required by Washington state law that requires six counties to
determine the amount of land suitable for urban development and its capacity for growth, based upon a five-
year measurement of actual development activity. King County (and five others) must report the results of the
buildable lands analysis to the state every five years.
Capacity: The space to accommodate population growth or increases in employment or residential uses as
determined by the methodology used in the Buildable Lands Analysis.
Capacity problem (Wastewater Utility): When flow rates exceed what the facility is designed to convey.
Capital facilities: Infrastructure, structures, improvements, pieces of equipment or other major assets, and land
that serve public purposes and provide services.
Cell (Cellular Telephone Service): The geographic cellular telephone coverage area, approximately 2 to 10 miles
in radius, served by low-powered transmitters.
Cell site (Cellular Telephone Service): A communications site that includes the cellular transmitting and
receiving antennas, cellular base station radios, and interconnecting equipment. This equipment is necessary to
route cellular telephone system through the mobile telephone switching office and connect to the conventional
wire-line telephone network.
Cell splitting (Cellular Telephone Service): The process of dividing a larger cell into several smaller units, to
provide additional channels within the same cell.
Chemicals (Surface Water Utility): All "Regulated Substances" as defined by the City of Renton in the Aquifer
Protection Ordinance (APO).
Circuit: A set of conductors through which an electric current is intended to flow. Also known as a "line."
Cluster development: A development design technique that concentrates buildings in specific areas on a site to
allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally
critical areas.
Collocation: The result of placing public facilities at or near the same location to provide increased public
access. One example is the collocation of a public school with a community center.
Commercial use: A business or employment activity or other enterprise that is carried out for profit on a
property by the owner, lessee, or licensee.
Community: A subarea of the City consisting of residential institutional and commercial land uses and sharing a
common identity (e.g., the Highlands in Renton).
Community separator: See “Urban Separator”
Commute trip: A trip made from an employee's residence to a worksite for a regularly scheduled work day.
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE iii
Commute Trip Reduction (CTR): A Washington state law requiring counties with a population greater than
150,000 to implement a plan to reduce single occupant commute trips and number of commute trip vehicle
miles traveled per employee by employees of major public and private sector employers. The plan is developed
in cooperation with local transit agencies, regional transportation planning organizations, major employers, and
the owners of and employers at major worksites.
Concurrency: A Growth Management Act requirement that transportation facilities and other infrastructure,
such as water and sewer, needed to maintain adopted Level of Service (LOS) standards, are available within six
years of development at the time of occupancy or within a specified time period.
Conductor: A wire or cable intended to carry electric power, supported by poles, towers or other structures.
Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs): A series of policies that address growth management issues in King
County. The CPPs provide a countywide vision and serve as a framework for each jurisdiction to develop its own
comprehensive plan, which must be consistent with the overall vision for the future of King County.
Critical areas: Wetlands, aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat, frequently flooded, and geologically
hazardous areas regulated by the City of Renton’s Critical Areas Ordinance.
Demand (Water Utility): The quantity of water obtained from the water supply source over a period of time to
meet the needs of domestic, commercial, industrial and public use, and also firefighting water, system losses,
and miscellaneous other water uses. Demands are normally discussed in terms of flow rate, such as million
gallons per day (mgd) or gallons per minute (gpm). The flow rates can be described in terms of a volume of
water delivered during a certain time period. Flow rates pertinent to the analysis and design of water systems
are:
a. Average Daily Demand (ADD). The total amount of water delivered to the system in a year divided
by the number of days in the year. This is further divided into average residential (ADDR),
commercial (ADDC), industrial (ADDI), and unaccounted for (ADDN) demands.
b. Maximum Month Demand. The total amount of water delivered to the system during the month of
maximum water use.
c. Peak Hour Demand. The amount of water delivered to the system in the hour of maximum use
usually occurring during the maximum day.
Density: The number of dwelling units per acre. See “net density.”
Density bonus: Incentive provided to a developer of housing, in exchange for meeting a specified condition or
conditions such as quality of design or provision of a certain type of housing unit or other use.
Detention/retention facilities: Facilities designed either to hold runoff for a short period of time and then
release it to the point of discharge at a controlled rate or to hold water for a considerable length of time and
then consume it by evaporation, plants or infiltration into the ground.
Development standards: Restrictions, requirements and provisions for land development imposed by
ordinance. In Renton, development standards are included in the Renton Municipal Code Title IV,
“Development Regulations.”
Duplex: A residential building located on a single lot that contains two attached dwelling units under one roof.
Also known as a “flat.”
Dwelling unit: One or more rooms located within a structure, designed as and arranged for living
accommodations, and occupied or intended to be occupied by not more than one family and permitted roomers
GLOSSARY
PAGE iv CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
and boarders, independent from any other family. The existence of a food preparation area and sanitation
facilities within the room or rooms shall be evidence of the existence of a dwelling unit. Dormitories,
institutional housing, and other group quarters are not counted as dwelling units.
Employment Center: An area of the City where various industries provide higher than average concentrations
of employment.
Equalizing storage (Water Utility): The act of balancing the difference between the capacity of the sources of
supply and the maximum demand rate (generally considered the highest use hour of the hottest day of the
year). In water systems that service a large number of residences, the demand for water varies hourly and
supply facilities are sized to meet the average rate of the maximum day demand. The maximum hour demand
rate is typically about twice the average maximum day rate. If equalizing storage is not available to provide
water during peak hours, the supply facilities and major pipelines would have to be sized for the maximum hour
demands. However, during non-peak hours, much of the supply capacity would not be used. Instead, equalizing
storage facilities are used to make up the difference between maximum hour and maximum day demand.
The stored water is released when demand exceeds the supply, and replenished when the supply exceeds
demand. Equalizing storage facilities enable supply facilities and pipelines to be smaller and, therefore, lower
costs for supply and pipeline facilities are obtained.
Feeder system (Cable Television Service): The line that carries the signal from a trunk line amplifier to the
subscriber's service drop.
Fiber optic cable: A multi-layered cable composed of fine strands of glass fibers capable of transmitting large
quantities of coded data by means of modulated light rather than electronic signals. It is preferred as a medium
for television signals as it can carry more signals with less dissipation.
Fireflow: The rate of flow of water required during firefighting.
Fire storage: Reservoir capacity required to meet fire flows.
Force main: A sanitary sewer main that utilizes artificial means (pressure) to transport waste. A force main
usually moves sewage from a lower elevation to or across a higher elevation. A lift station typically pumps
sewage from one basin through a force main to another basin.
Functional plans: City departments prepare planning documents that establish long-range goals and objectives
to guide their operations and capital development requests. These plans, referred to as functional plans,
typically represent the ideal goals for the department in providing urban services and facilities.
Gate station (Natural Gas Service): The point at which gas from Northwest Pipeline enters the Puget Sound
Energy system, where odorant is added for safety, pressure is reduced between 200 to 300 psi, and the gas is
metered.
Gateway: A point of entry that identifies a transition between different land uses, landscapes and jurisdictional
boundaries and enhances a feeling of anticipation and arrival for the approaching traveler.
Geologically hazardous: Areas that may be prone to one or more of the following conditions: erosion, flooding,
landslides, coal mine hazards, or seismic activity.
Gravity sewer: A sanitary sewer main installed with the intention of utilizing gravity or "downhill flow" to move
the waste. The maximum capacity for a gravity sewer is the volume of flow that can be carried in a sewer at a
depth to diameter ratio of 0.70.
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE v
Greenbelt: An area intended for open space, recreation, very low-density residential uses, agriculture,
geographic relief between land uses, or other low-intensity uses.
Growth Management Act (GMA) of 1990: A law passed by the Washington State Legislature in 1990 (RCW
36.70A), and amended periodically thereafter, that mandates comprehensive planning in designated counties
and cities.
Hazardous waste: Any wastes included in the State of Washington, Department of Ecology Dangerous Waste
Regulations, Chapter 173-303 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
Headend (Cable Television Service): The electronic equipment that amplifies and processes television signals
from all sources. After being assigned a channel, the signals leave via the trunk system.
Heavy industrial: A type of land use including manufacturing processes using raw materials, extractive land
uses, and any industrial uses that typically are incompatible with adjacent uses due to noise, odor, toxic
chemicals, or other activities which could pose a hazard to public health and safety.
High-occupancy vehicle (HOV): Generally, a vehicle carrying two or more people.
Housing unit: Any dwelling unit, housekeeping unit, guest room, dormitory, or single-occupancy unit.
Impact fees: Fees imposed on developers to pay for the community's costs of providing services to a new
development. Such charges are an extension of efforts to make new development pay for their impact on the
community. Impact fees may also involve some effort to predict the total cost of the community for servicing
the new development and relate it to the revenues that will be produced by the development once it is
completed.
Impervious surface: A hard surface area that either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle
under natural conditions prior to development, and/or a hard surface that causes water to run off the surface in
greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to
development. Common examples include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, decks, driveways,
parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed or oiled earthen materials,
macadam, or other surfaces that similarly impede the natural infiltration of storm water.
Industrial: A type of land use characterized by production, manufacturing, distribution or fabrication activities.
Infill development: Development consisting of either construction on one or more lots in an area that is mostly
developed, or new construction between two existing structures.
Infill housing: Construction of new dwelling units on vacant or underutilized parcels in built-up areas. Because
utilities, transit, and other infrastructure are already in place, the costs and impacts of new units are generally
lower than for development on raw land.
Infiltration (Wastewater Utility): The entrance of ground water into the sanitary sewer system through cracks,
pores, breaks, and defective joints in the sewer piping network.
Inflow: Direct flow of storm water into sanitary sewer systems through hookups from storm water collection
facilities and illegal connections.
Infrastructure: Facilities and services needed to sustain industry, residential, commercial, and all other land use
activities, including water, sewer lines, and other utilities, streets and roads, communications, and public
facilities such as fire stations, parks, schools, etc.
Institution: A structure (or structures) and related grounds used by organizations providing educational,
medical, social, and recreational services to the community such as hospitals, vocational or fine arts schools,
GLOSSARY
PAGE vi CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
child care centers, whether operated for nonprofit or profit-making purposes; and nonprofit organizations such
as colleges and universities, elementary and secondary schools, community centers and clubs, private clubs,
religious facilities, museums, and institutes for advanced study.
Intensive office: Mid- to high-rise office development including structured parking typically located in areas
with regional transportation access.
Intermediate pressure (ip) distribution main: Underground lines varying from 1.25 to 6 inches in diameter.
Pressure averages 35 psi.
Jobs/housing balance: The ratio between jobs and housing within a specified area. The jobs/housing balance
can influence housing costs and transportation demand.
Land use zoning: Traditionally, a technical or physical approach to the segregation of incompatible land uses,
such as residential and industrial use, through systems of land use and development controls. More recently,
the techniques have emphasized reinforcing position relationships between compatible land uses such as
residential and neighborhood commercial. The contemporary approach also emphasizes the close relationship
between transportation and land use to more effectively respond to accessibility, reduction of infrastructure
costs, urban design, air, noise, and water pollution, energy conservation, and conservation of resource lands.
Landfill: A disposal facility, or part of a facility, where solid waste is permanently placed in or on land and which
is not a land spreading disposal facility.
Large scale multi-family: A residential building, or group of buildings that contain more than four dwelling units
in each building.
Level-of-service (LOS): A qualitative rating of how well some unit of transportation supply (e.g., street,
intersection, sidewalk, bikeway, transit route, ferry) meets its current or projected demand.
Linear parks: Parks that are long and narrow, and follow a natural or man-made corridor such as a road or
stream course.
Lift station: A sewage pumping facility that consists of a wet well for collecting wastewater, mechanical
equipment such as pumps, valves and piping, electrical and control equipment, and a force main. The maximum
capacity for a lift station is equal to the peak, wet weather flow that the largest pump within the lift station has
been designed to convey.
Light industrial: A type of land use including small scale or less intensive production, manufacturing,
distribution or fabricating activities. Some office activities and supporting convenience retail activities may also
be included.
Looping main (Natural Gas Service): A main that connects to a supply line at both ends, thereby providing an
alternate route for natural gas to travel to an area needing additional supply.
Manufactured housing: A broad term including mobile homes, modular homes, and other "factory built"
housing. The main distinction between manufactured homes and site-built homes is that manufactured homes
are created in one or more parts away from the site, and then transported to it. “Red Seal” manufactured
homes are built to HUD standards, with the chassis included as a permanent part of the home, although the
axles must be removed when the home is installed. These homes, however, are built so that they may be placed
on a permanent foundation. "Gold Seal" modular homes are constructed in a factory in several pieces that may
be smaller or less complete than the pieces of a “Red Seal” manufactured home. Gold Seal homes are built to
the specifications of the Uniform Building Code, and are placed on a permanent foundation, similar to a "stick-
built" home. Unlike Red Seal homes, the chassis for transportation is not a permanent part of the home. Mobile
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE vii
homes, as opposed to manufactured or modular homes, are typically located in established mobile home parks
and were built before HUD standards for manufactured housing went into effect June 15, 1976.
Master plan: A plan that shows how proposed development will comply with the development standards in the
applicable zoning. It also is intended to show compatibility of development within the Master Plan, and
compatibility of anticipated uses in areas adjacent to and abutting the Master Plan area. It provides long-term
guidance for a smaller area than a Conceptual Plan, but a larger area than a detailed Site Plan.
Metro: A countywide agency run by Metropolitan King County that provides regularly scheduled public transit
service (both express and local service), park and ride lots, vanpools, ride-sharing, and customized service to
meet people with special needs. Metro is also a regional sewage treatment agency charged with the collection,
treatment, and disposal of sewage from the City of Renton and much of King County.
Minimum density: A development standard that sets the least amount of density permitted in a residential
zone and results in a more efficient use of urban land than might otherwise be attained through market forces.
Mitigation (Surface Water Utility): Avoiding, minimizing or compensating for adverse wetland impacts.
Mitigation, in the following order of preference, is:
a. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;
b. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation, by
using appropriate technology, or by taking deliberate steps to avoid or reduce impacts;
c. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;
d. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during
the life of the action;
e. Compensating for the impact by restoring or providing substitute resources or environments;
f. Monitoring the impact and the compensation project and taking appropriate corrective measures.
Mitigation for individual actions may include a combination of the above measures.
Mixed-use: The presence of more than one category of use in a structure or development project, for example,
a mixture of residential units and retail or offices in the same building or if in separate buildings, in close
proximity to one another.
Mode: Types of transportation available for use, such as a bicycle, an automobile, or a bus.
Mode-split: The proportion of total persons using a particular mode of travel. In this document, mode-split
generally refers to the percentage of people using public transportation as opposed to other motorized modes.
Multi-family use: A structure or portion of a structure containing two or more dwelling units.
Multi-modal: Referring to accessibility by a variety of travel modes, typically pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and
automobile modes, but may also include water and air transport modes.
Natural gas: For the most part methane, a naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon
gases found in porous geologic formations beneath the earth's surface, often in association with petroleum.
Neighborhood commercial: Small commercial areas providing limited retail goods and services such as groceries
and dry cleaning for nearby customers.
Net density: A calculation of the number of housing units that would be allowed on a property after sensitive
areas, public streets, and private access easements are subtracted from the gross area (gross acres minus
GLOSSARY
PAGE viii CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
streets, easements, and sensitive areas multiplied by allowable housing units per acre). This calculation applies
to residential uses only.
Northwest Pipeline: Interstate pipeline providing gas to Puget Sound Energy. Pressure varies from 600 to 900
psi in two parallel pipes, 26 and 30 inches in diameter.
Off-site release rates (Surface Water Utility): As a result of development, the peak release rate of water from
the developed property during the design storm.
On-street parking: Parking spaces in the rights-of-way.
Open space: Any area of land, or water that provides physical or visual relief from the developed environment.
Open space may be essentially unimproved and set aside, designated or reserved for public use or enjoyment,
or for the private use and enjoyment of adjacent property owners. Open space may also consist of undeveloped
or developed areas including urban plazas, parks, pedestrian corridors, landscaping, pastures, woodlands,
greenbelts, wetlands, and other natural areas or street rights-of-way which provide visual relief within
developed areas. The term does not include driveway, parking lots, or other surfaces designed for vehicular
travel.
Outfall: The point, location, or structure where wastewater or drainage discharges from a sewer, drain, or other
conduit.
P-1 Channel: An existing channel in the lower Green River Valley that transports the surface water flows of
Springbrook Creek to the Black River Pump Station.
Peak flow (wastewater utility): The maximum amount of sewage, either actual or estimated, that must be
transported through the system in a given time (usually in gallons per minute). Peak flow is usually measured or
calculated during the wettest time of the year when rain and high ground water add inflow and infiltration to
the normal flow of the system at the time of day when domestic use is the greatest.
Peak hour: One-hour interval within the peak period when travel demand is usually highest (e.g., 7:30-8:30 a.m.
and 4:30-5:30 p.m.).
Pedestrian-orientated: A type of development where the location and access to buildings, types of uses
permitted on the street level, and design of building facades are based on the needs of people on foot.
Pedestrian facility: An improvement designed to facilitate accessibility by foot or wheelchair, including
sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, overpasses and undercrossings, etc.
Pipeline: Buried pipe systems (including all pipe, pipe joints, fittings, valves, manholes, sumps, and
appurtenances that are in contact with the substance being transported) utilized for the conveyance of
regulated substances. Pipelines include, but are not limited to, sanitary sewers, side sewers, leachate pipelines,
and product pipelines, such as petroleum.
Planning Area: A geographic area defined on a map in a comprehensive plan that is a logical area for expansion
of the system. Conversion of a planning area to a utility service area requires King County approval of an
amendment to a comprehensive plan.
Platting: Essentially a map of a piece of land that shows the location, boundaries, area, and other details of
existing and proposed lots, streets, utilities, public areas, and all other necessary data to demonstrate
compliance with subdivision regulations; state statutes provide for the recording of plats, and the selling of lots
or parcels of land by referring to the recorded plat.
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE ix
Potential Annexation Area (PAA): The area within the Urban Growth Area that is not already incorporated as a
city and is designated for future annexation by specific cities.
Pre-development levels (Surface Water Utility): The rate of flow under a design storm occurrence that would
occur in absence of a development.
Pressure zone (Water Utility): A water system subsection operating from one source at a common hydraulic
elevation.
Protected APA designated Zone 2: If the aquifer supplying water to a well, well field, or spring is naturally
protected by overlying geologic strata, the City of Renton may choose not to subdivide an APA into two zones.
In such a case, the entire APA will be designated as Zone 2.
Public facilities: Streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic
water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, park and recreational facilities, schools and public buildings.
Public Works: The City of Renton's Planning/Building/Public Works Department.
Recyclables (Solid Waste Utility): Newspaper, uncoated mixed paper, aluminum, glass and metal, food and
beverage containers, Polyethylene terepthalate (PET #1) plastic bottles, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE #2)
plastic bottles, and such other materials that the City and contractor determine to be recyclable.
Residential use: Any land use that provides for living space. Examples include artist studio/dwelling, boarding
house, caretaker’s quarters, single family, multi-family, special residence, floating homes, and mobile home
parks.
Rezoning: An amendment approved by the governing body, to the Official Zoning Map and/or text of
development standards to effect a change in the nature, density, or intensity of uses allowed in a zoning district
and/or on a designated lot or land area.
Rezoning can take two forms: 1) a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (revision or modification of the
text and/or map), or 2) a change of the zoning district applied to a particular lot or lots, without a change in the
Comprehensive Plan land use designation.
Right(s)-of-way: A public or private area that allows for the passage of people or goods. Right-of-way includes
passageways such as freeways, streets, bike paths, alleys, and walkways. A public right-of-way is a right-of-way
that is dedicated or deeded to the public for public use and under the control of a public agency.
Runoff: That portion of precipitation that flows over land surface and enters a natural drainage system or
constructed storm sewer system during and immediate following a storm.
Rural area: A sparsely developed area located outside of the Urban Growth Area, where the land is
undeveloped or primarily used for agricultural, forestry, resource extraction, very low-density residential uses,
or open space purposes.
Sanitary sewer: A piping system that carries liquid and waterborne wastes from residences, commercial
buildings, industrial plants, and institutions, together with minor quantities of ground, storm, and surface waters
that are not admitted intentionally.
SEPA: See State Environmental Policy Act.
Service area: A geographic area within which service to customers is available as specifically defined on a map
in a utilities service plan and approved by King County.
GLOSSARY
PAGE x CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Service drop (Cable Television Service): Smaller diameter cable that runs from a feeder line to the subscriber's
television.
Side sewer: In plumbing, the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal.
Also called house connection or side sewer (private). A side sewer stub is that portion of the side sewer
between the collector sewer and the individual property line.
Single-occupant vehicle (SOV): A vehicle carrying only one person.
Solid waste: A general term for discarded materials destined for disposal, but not discharged to a sewer or to
the atmosphere.
Special benefit districts: Subareas of a community designated by city ordinance to assess payments for
construction or installation of public facilities which primarily benefit the property owners within the district.
Special needs housing: This category refers to housing that is provided for low income or indigent persons and,
where applicable, their dependents who, by virtue of disability or other personal factors, face serious
impediments to independent living and who require special assistance and services in order to sustain
appropriate housing on a permanent, long-term or transitional basis.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA): The state law passed in 1971 requiring state and local agencies to
consider environmental impacts in the decision-making process.
Storm sewer or storm drain: A sewer that carries storm water and surface water, street wash, and other wash
waters, or drainage, but excludes domestic wastewater and industrial wastes.
Storm water: Water originating from precipitation, surface runoff, shallow ground water, or other drainage that
does not include domestic wastewater or industrial wastes.
Strip commercial: An area occupied by businesses along an arterial street, located in one-story structures or
platted lots and/or small shopping centers arranged in a line and set back from the street to allow front of store
parking lots with individual driveway entrances and individual parking.
Structured parking: Vehicle parking within a building having one or more stories.
Surface parking: Open lots or grounds with at-grade vehicle parking facilities.
Townhouse: A form of ground-related housing where individual dwelling units are attached along at least one
common wall to at least one other dwelling unit. Each dwelling unit occupies space from the ground to the roof.
Transfer of development rights (TDRs): A program in which the unused portion of a "sending" property's zoned
capacity – one of the separable rights of property – is sold to the developer of a "receiving" site, who is allowed
to add the capacity to the zoned limit of that site.
Transfer station: Permanent, fixed, supplemental collection and transportation facility, used by persons and
route collection vehicles to deposit collected solid waste from off-site into a larger transfer vehicle for transport
to a solid waste handling facility. Transfer stations may also include recycling facilities and compaction/baling
systems.
Transit: Public transportation by public bus, light rail, heavy rail, and commuter rail transport, but not ferries or
vanpools.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM): A system for reducing traffic congestion and provide multi-modal
transportation opportunities, which is implemented in Washington State through the Commute Trip Reduction
law. See Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) definition.
GLOSSARY
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xi
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A plan, adopted by a jurisdiction, that details the priority for
improvements to the transportation system related infrastructure and the means and methods of financing
those improvements.
Transportation Systems Management (TSM): Accommodating transportation demand by using the existing
supply more efficiently and by emphasizing lower cost improvements that can be implemented quickly. For
example, converting a general purpose traffic lane into a transit-way might increase the person-carrying capacity
of a highway more easily and quickly than widening the highway for additional traffic lanes.
Trunk system (Cable Television Service): The cables that carry signals from the headend to the feeder lines.
Since the signal loses strength as it travels down the cable, a series or cascade of amplifiers, located at intervals
along its length, boost signal strength.
Undeveloped rights-of-way: Any undeveloped portion of a strip of land legally established for the use of
pedestrians, vehicles, or utilities.
Upzoning: Changing the Official Zoning Map and/or text of development standards in a way that allows less
restrictive uses (e.g., from residential to commercial) or allowing higher densities for a given area of land.
Urban Center: Defined by the Countywide Planning Policies, recognized by the Puget Sound Regional Council,
and so designated by City Council Resolution, the Urban Center is an area of Renton with existing and/or future
high employment concentration, residential use at high density, and accessibility. These areas promote non-
SOV mobility, reduce sprawl, and maximize benefits of existing public investment.
Urban growth area: Area designated by the City and endorsed by the County for development over the next
twenty years as required by the Growth Management Act. Urban growth patterns should not occur outside
these areas.
Urban separator: Corridors of natural areas or very low density rural development between higher density
urban areas. Examples include lands useful for open space, wildlife habitat, recreation trails and connection of
critical areas, agricultural uses, or lands which have a rural character. Also known as a “Community Separator.”
Utilities: All lines and facilities related to the provision, distribution, collection, transmission, or disposal of
water, storm and sanitary sewage, oil, gas, power, information, telecommunication and telephone cable, and
includes facilities for the generation of electricity.
Vision 2020: Puget Sound Regional Council's 1990 adopted regional comprehensive vision that describes linking
high-density residential and employment centers throughout the region by high capacity transit and promoting
a multi-modal transportation system.
Wastewater: The spent or used water of a community or industry that contains dissolved and suspended
contaminants that cannot be discharged directly to a lake, stream, or river.
Wetlands: Areas characterized by the presence of surface or groundwater at a frequency or duration to support
vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. For the purposes of inventory, incentives, and non-
regulatory programs, those lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is
usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For the purposes of regulation, wetlands
are defined by the Federal Manual for the Regulation and Delineation of Jurisdictional Wetlands pursuant to this
Chapter, Section 4-32-3.C. Wetlands created or restored as part of a mitigation project are regulated wetlands.
Wetlands intentionally created for purposes other than wetland mitigation, including but not limited to,
stormwater management, wastewater treatment or landscape amenities, drainage ditches are not considered
regulated wetlands.
GLOSSARY
PAGE xii CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Wildlife habitat: An area characterized by wildlife that forage, nest, spawn, or migrate through, in search of
food and shelter.
Yard waste (Solid Waste Utility): Debris from leaves, grass, and clippings of woody as well as fleshy plants.
Materials larger than two inches (2") in diameter and four feet (4') in length shall not be considered yard waste.
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xiii
APPENDIX A:
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Project
ID Project Location (Limits) Description
Community
Planning
Area
MULTIMODAL ROADWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
1 Lake Washington Blvd/NE 44th St
(May Creek Bridge to NE 48th St)
Widen arterial including upgraded pedestrian and bicycle
facilities and new traffic signal. Kennydale
2 NE 31st St (May Creek)
Bridge Replacement
Replace the existing substandard bridge based on low
sufficiency rating. Kennydale
3 Lake Washington Blvd
(Park Ave N to Coulon Park Entrance) Widen existing roadway to provide additional left turn lanes. City Center
4 Park Ave N Extension
(Logan Ave N to north of Logan Ave N)
Extend Park Ave N through construction of a new 4/5 lane
roadway with pedestrian and bicycle facilities. City Center
5 Houser Way N
(from N 8th St to Lk Washington Blvd)
Convert Houser Way N to two-way operation including
pedestrian and bicycle facilities. City Center
6 Rainier Ave Phase 4
(S 3rd St (SR 900) to NW 3rd Pl)
Reconstruct arterial including pedestrian improvements and
traffic signal upgrades. City Center
7 Rainier Ave Phase 5
(NW 3rd Pl to North City Limits)
Convert existing arterial to 3 to 4 lanes with pedestrian and
bicycle facilities. City Center
8 Bronson Way
(S 2nd St to Park Ave N) Rehabilitate or replace existing bridge. City Center
9 Main Ave S/Bronson Way S Circulation
(S 3rd St to Mill Ave S/ Bronson Way S)
Construct new northbound lane on Main Ave S and Bronson
Way S and intersection modifications. City Center
10 City Center One-way Street System
Conversion
Convert existing one-way streets per City Center Community
Plan. City Center
11 City Center Circulation and Multimodal
Enhancement Projects
Implement arterial and local roadway improvements
identified in the City Center Community Plan. City Center
12 Logan Ave Phase 2
(N 6th St to Park Ave N)
Widen arterial to include additional northbound lane,
sidewalks, multi-use trail, and traffic signal modifications. City Center
13 Grady Way
(Main Ave to Rainier Ave)
Reconfigure existing travel lanes to improve traffic
operations and transit reliability. City Center
14 S 7th St
(Rainier Ave S to Talbot Rd S)
Widen existing arterial and install traffic signal and
additional lanes at intersection of S 7th St/Shattuck Ave. City Center
15
Sunset Blvd NE (SR 900)
(I-405 to NE Park Dr; Monroe Ave NE
to East City Limits)
Modify arterial to improve traffic operations including
channelization, access management, pedestrian/bicycle
facilities and traffic signal modifications.
Highlands - East
Plateau
16 Sunset Area Community Road Improvements
16a Sunset Blvd
(NE Park Dr to Monroe Ave NE)
Reconstruct arterial with pedestrian and bicycle facilities and
transit facilities to latest principal arterial standards. Highlands
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
PAGE xiv CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Project
ID Project Location (Limits) Description
Community
Planning
Area
16a Sunset Blvd
(NE Park Dr to Monroe Ave NE)
Reconstruct arterial with pedestrian and bicycle facilities and
transit facilities to latest principal arterial standards. Highlands
16b Sunset Ln/NE 10th St
(Sunset Boulevard to Glennwood Ave)
Reconstruct Sunset Ln to a 2-lane roadway and extend NE
10th St (Harrington Ave NE to Glenwood Ave NE). Highlands
16c Sunset Area Green Connections Construct multimodal improvements identified in the Sunset
Area Community Planned Action Study. Highlands
16d NE 12th St/Edmonds Ave Modify intersection channelization. Highlands
16e NE 12th St/Harrington Ave Modify intersection channelization. Highlands
17 NE 10th St
(Union Ave NE to Duvall Ave NE)
Develop streets to Residential Access standards with one
lane in each direction. Highlands
18 NE 8th St
(Union Ave NE to Duvall Ave NE)
Develop streets to Residential Access standards with one
lane in each direction. Highlands
19 NE 3rd St/NE 4th St Corridor
(Sunset Blvd to East City Limits)
Modify intersection channelization and traffic signals and
upgrade pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Highlands - East
Plateau
20 NE 6th St
(Duvall Ave NE to 156th Ave SE)
Develop streets to Residential Access standards with one
lane in each direction. East Plateau
21 Duvall Ave NE
(NE 4th St to Sunset Blvd)
Widen existing 4-lane arterial to provide center two-way left
turn lane north of NE 7th St, as needed. East Plateau
22 NE 2nd St
(Duvall Ave NE to 156th Ave SE)
Develop streets to Residential Access standards with one
lane in each direction. East Plateau
23 156th Ave SE
(NE 4th St to SE 143rd St)
Construct two-way left-turn lane and non-motorized
facilities, as needed. Install signal at 156th Ave SE/
NE 142nd St.
East Plateau
24 Maple Valley Hwy (SR 169) Interim
(SE 5th St to East City Limits)
Construct intersection and operational improvements. Also
see WSDOT SR 169 project. Cedar River
25 Grady Way
(Rainier Ave to West City Limits)
Construct additional turn lanes at Grady Way intersections
with Lind Ave and with Oakesdale Ave. Valley
26 Lind Ave SW
(SW 16th St to SW 43rd St)
Widen arterial to provide a center two-way left turn lane
and upgrade sidewalks, as needed. Modify traffic signals. Valley
27 SW 43rd St/Carr Rd (Lind Ave to Talbot
Rd S)
Widen SW 43rd St and East Valley Hwy to add travel lanes
approaching their intersection. Also see SR 167/SW 43rd St
interchange project.
Valley - Talbot
28
SW 43rd St/Carr Rd/SE 176th St/SE
Petrovitsky Rd
(Oakesdale Ave to 134th Ave SE)
Implement adaptive signal control system (ASCS) along
corridor and construct westbound right-turn lane from Carr
Rd to Benson Dr SE.
Valley - Talbot -
Benson
29 Talbot Rd
(SW 43rd St to South City Limits)
Widen existing 2-lane roadway to provide a center two-way
left turn lane, where needed, and bike lanes. Talbot
30 Carr Rd/Petrovitsky Rd
(Talbot Rd S to Benson Dr S)
Implement projects along this arterial corridor to improve
traffic operations and enhance non-motorized facilities. Talbot
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xv
Project
ID Project Location (Limits) Description
Community
Planning
Area
31 Puget Dr SE
(Jones Pl SE to Edmonds Ave SE)
Widen existing 2-lane roadway to provide center two-way
turn lane, as needed. Benson
32 Benson Rd
(S 26th St to S 31st St) Widen existing 2-lane roadway to 3-4 lanes, as needed. Benson
33 Benson Hill Community Plan
Improvements
Implement various pedestrian and bicycle enhancements as
identified in the Benson Hill Community Plan. Benson
34 116th Ave SE/Edmonds Ave SE
(Puget Dr SE to S 192nd St)
Widen arterial to provide a center two-way left turn lane
and upgrade sidewalks, as needed. Modify traffic signals. Benson
35 Petrovitsky Rd
(Benson Dr S to 134th Ave SE)
Implement projects along this arterial corridor to improve
traffic operations and enhance non-motorized facilities. Benson
36
Monster Rd
(Monster Rd SW/Oakesdale Ave SW to
MLK Way/Sunset Blvd)
Widen to 4/5 lane arterial with pedestrian and bicycle
facilities. Realign intersection of Beacon Coal Mine Rd. Joint
project with King County.
West Hill
NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
Lake Washington Loop Trail
Construct a shared use regional trail from the Cedar River
Trail and extending to the north City limits along Airport Way
and Rainier Ave N.
City Center
Lake to Sound Trail
The Lake-to-Sound (L2S) Trail is a joint partnership between
the cities of Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila, Burien, and Des
Moines, in coordination with King County.
City Center -
Valley
Walkway/Bicycle/Trails Program
Construct sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and multi-use trails
per Comprehensive Walkway Study and Renton Trails and
Bicycle Master Plan.
Citywide
Other Annual Walkway and Barrier-
free Transition Plan Program
Construct missing sidewalks, walkways, and other pedestrian
facilities based on various studies. Also includes removal of
barriers to pedestrian travel.
Citywide
PRESERVATION, SAFETY, ITS, AND TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Preservation Programs
Annual City programs including Street Overlay, Arterial
Rehabilitation, Sidewalk Rehab and Replacement, and Bridge
Inspection and Repair.
Citywide
Safety Programs
Annual City programs including Roadway Safety and
Guardrails, Intersection Safety and Mobility, and Traffic
Safety.
Citywide
Traffic Signal Operations and
Intelligent Transportation Systems
(ITS) Program
Provides for improvements to the operational efficiency of
the transportation retiming and modifying traffic signals,
coordinating traffic signals, and implementation of various
ITS improvements including adaptive signal control systems
(ASCS).
Citywide
Arterial Circulation and Project
Development Programs
Provide for the short and long-range planning and traffic
analyses to evaluate transportation improvements projects.
Include other support activities such as funding and public
involvement.
Citywide
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
PAGE xvi CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Project
ID Project Location (Limits) Description
Community
Planning
Area
OTHER AGENCY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS SERVING RENTON
WSDOT
I-405 Widening and High Occupancy
Toll (HOT) Lanes
(I-5 to Bellevue)
Add lanes to I-405 and convert existing HOV Lane to HOT
lane. Modify Interchanges in Renton per I-405 Master Plan.
I-405/SR 167 Interchange Direct
HOV/HOT Connector Project
Construct new HOV/HOT direct access ramps between SR
167 and I-405.
SR 167
SW 43rd Street to I-405 Construct one or two additional northbound lanes.
SR 167/SW 43rd St Interchange
Work with WSDOT to modify and increase capacity of SR
167/SW 43rd Street interchange including widening SW 43rd
St/Carr Rd and interchange overcrossing.
Maple Valley Hwy (SR 169) Long-range
(I-405 to City Limits)
Work with WSDOT to widen existing 4-lane state highway to
provide an additional lane in each direction per WSDOT
Route Development Plan.
Sound Transit
I-405 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Implement BRT along I-405 corridor in conjunction with
WSDOT widening of I-405 to add HOV/HOT lanes.
I-405 NE 8th St Transit/High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Interchange
Construct a direct access HOV interchange in north Renton.
Project tied to WSDOT I-405 widening project.
N 8th St Parking Garage Construct a park-and-ride with up to 700 parking stalls for
transit riders.
King County/Metro
Cedar River to Sammamish Trail
(Cedar River Trail in Renton to
East Lake Sammamish Trail in
Issaquah)
Acquisition, design, and construction of paved off-road
multi-purpose facility linking the Cedar River Trail with East
Lake Sammamish Trail.
Lake to Sound Trail - Various
Segments Acquisition, design, and construction of paved regional trail.
Soos Creek Trail to Lake Youngs Trail
(Soos Creek Trail at 116th St to 116th
St/148th Ave SE)
Design and construct on-road and off-road connector trail
between Soos Creek and Lake Youngs Trails via SE 216th St
140th / 132nd Ave SE
(From SE Petrovitsky Rd to
SE 240th St)
Provide continuity in the north/south corridor by capacity,
operational, and safety improvements. Will add additional
lanes in the south portion of the corridor.
Kennydale P&R 400 new stalls.
Rainier Ave ITS (Seattle City Limits to
Renton City Limits)
Provide ITS improvements which could include signal
synchronization, vehicle detection, cameras, and TSP.
Renton Ave ITS
(from Rainier Ave S to Rainier Ave N)
Provide ITS improvements which could include signal
synchronization, vehicle detection, cameras, and TSP.
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xvii
Project
ID Project Location (Limits) Description
Community
Planning
Area
87th Ave S and S 124th St Realign Intersection
68th Ave S
(Martin Luther King Jr Way to Renton
City Limits)
Construct walls for widening arterial. Also see City of Renton
project 36.
Kent
SE 192nd St Roadway Extension
(84th Ave/ E Valley Hwy to 108th Ave
SE)
Create new roadway connection with 4-5 lanes and bike
lanes
Newcastle
112th Pl SE (SE 86th Pl to 114th Ave
SE) and 114th Ave SE
(112th Pl SE to SE 88th St)
Construct sidewalks
Replace Coal Creek Prkwy Bridge
(South of Coal Creek Pkwy/
SE May Valley Rd)
Replace bridge
144th Pl SE road extension to May
Valley Rd Construct new street with curb, gutters, and drainage
Tukwila
SW 27th St/Strander Blvd
(West Valley Hwy (SR-181)
to Naches Ave SW)
Design and construct arterial improvements for a new
roadway extending Strander Blvd/SW 27th St from West
Valley Highway to Naches Ave SW
Strander/W Valley Hwy Extension
Modifications Modify future roadway and intersection, as needed.
Baker Boulevard
(from Andover Park W to W Valley
Hwy)
Modify roadway and construct pedestrian/bicycle bridge
over the Green River to the Interurban Trail and connections
to the Tukwila commuter rail/Amtrak Station.
Tukwila Station Access with 156th St
to 16th Ave S Link
(156th St to 16th Ave S)
Construct new roadway with pedestrian facilities to pass
under the BNSF and UP railroad tracks; connecting S 156th
St in Tukwila to 16th Ave S in Renton.
Tukwila Urban Center Transit Center
(Strander Blvd to Tukwila Pkwy) Construct Transit Center in the Central Business District
APPENDIX A: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
PAGE xviii CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xix
APPENDIX B:
PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
The following table outlines the policy objectives for maintaining and improving public access within the shoreline. Application of public access objectives
should be considered along with other objectives of the Shoreline Management Act, such as ecological restoration and priority uses.
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
LAKE WASHINGTON
Lake Washington
Reach A
From Bellevue city
limits to Renton
city limits
This developed primarily single-family area currently provides no public access. The potential for provision of
public access from new development is low because further subdivision and non-single family use is not
likely but should be pursued if such development occurs. Public agency actions to improve public access
should include visual access from public trail development along the railroad right of way inland of the
residential lots; however, views may be limited by topography and vegetation. Access to the water should be
pursued at an existing undeveloped railroad right of way, including parcels used for utilities and potential
acquisition of parcels, with emphasis on parcels that are not currently developed because they do not
currently have roadway access.
Lake Washington
Reach B
From the city limits to
the Seahawks training
facility
This is primarily a single-family area with one multi-family development immediately south of the Seahawks
Training Center. There is currently no public access. There is a public trail along I-405, but it does not have
views of the water. The potential for provision of public access from new development is low because further
subdivision and non-single family use is not likely, but should be pursued if such development occurs. Public
agency actions to improve public access should include visual access from trail development along the
railroad right of way inland of the residential lots (however, views may be limited by topography and
vegetation) and potential acquisition of opportunities for public access to the water.
Lake Washington
Reach C
From the Seattle
Seahawks
headquarters and
training facility
through the former
Barbee Mill site.
This reach includes the recently constructed Seattle Seahawks headquarters and training facility to the north
and the Barbee Mill site to the south. The Quendall Terminals parcel between the Seahawks and Barbee Mill
sites is a Superfund site contaminated with coal tar and creosote. There is public access along a portion of
the shoreline at the Seahawks site and adjacent to May Creek at the Barbee Mill site. Public harbor lands are
along about a third of the subdivision water frontage. The potential for provision of public access from new
development will occur after cleanup of the Superfund site with multi-use development that should offer
shoreline access across the entire property, consistent with vegetation conservation. Provision of public
access from future redevelopment of the Seahawks and Barbee Mill site is possible under the existing zoning,
which allows higher intensity use and provides an opportunity for continuous public access parallel to the
shoreline. Public access should be provided to shared or commercial docks. Public agency actions to improve
public access should include visual access from a future trail along the railroad (views may be limited to the
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
PAGE xx CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
northerly and southerly portion of the reach because of distance to the water and potential blockage by
intervening buildings); enhancement of the May Creek trail to public streets; access on public aquatic lands;
and potential acquisition of public access to the water.
Lake Washington
Reach D
From May Creek to
Mountain View
Avenue
This reach is a single-family area with no public access except Kennydale Beach Park. The potential for
provision of public access from new development is low because further subdivision and non-single family
use is not likely but should be pursued if such development occurs. Public agency actions to improve public
access should include visual access from public trail development along the railroad right of way; pedestrian
and bicycle access on Lake Washington Boulevard; public viewing areas and possible public acquisition of
access to the water including an existing undeveloped railroad right of way adjacent to the water; and
potential public right of way and potential public acquisition of selected parcels, including undeveloped
parcels with development constraints.
Lake Washington
Reach E
From Mountain View
Avenue to Gene
Coulon Park
This reach is a single-family area with no existing public access. The potential for provision of public access
from new development is low because further subdivision and non-single family use is not likely but should
be pursued if such development occurs. Public agency actions to improve public access should include visual
access from public trail development along the railroad right of way; pedestrian and bicycle access on Lake
Washington Boulevard; public viewing areas and possible public acquisition of access to the water including
an existing undeveloped railroad right of way adjacent to the water; possible public street ends; and
potential public acquisition of selected parcels.
Lake Washington
Reach F
The less developed
northerly portion of
Gene Coulon Park
Public access is currently provided by a trail system through the park and a variety of primarily passive
recreational facilities, a fishing pier, and a moorage dock. Public access is one element of park functions that
should be continued and incorporated in future plans and balanced with goals for providing recreation and
improving ecologic functions. Other public agency actions to improve public access should include visual
access from public trail development along the railroad right of way, and pedestrian and bicycle access on
Lake Washington Boulevard including addition of public viewing areas.
Lake Washington
Reach G
The more developed
southerly portion of
Gene Coulon Park
Public access is currently provided by a trail system through the park together with a variety of passive and
active recreational facilities, a boat launch, over-water facilities, and concession facilities. Public access is
one element of park functions that should be continued and incorporated in future plans, as well as
balanced with goals for providing recreation and improving ecologic functions.
Lake Washington
Reach H
Southport multiple use
development
Public access is currently provided along the waterfront and should continue in the future as part of multi-
use development of the remainder of the property. The design should include supporting water-oriented
uses and amenities such as seating and landscaping.
Lake Washington
Reach I
Boeing Plant and to
the Cedar River
This reach is about one-third state-owned aquatic lands designated as Harbor Area and managed by the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and two-thirds is the Boeing Company’s site.
Landward of the inner harbor line, ownership is entirely the Renton Boeing Plant. Public access in this area
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xxi
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
includes the Cedar River Boathouse located on pilings in Lake Washington and accessed from the west from
the Cedar River Trail. The boathouse includes a public fishing area and provides canoe and kayak rentals,
classes, and guided trips. Public access is currently not feasible on the three acres of state owned aquatic
lands managed by DNR. In the future, if the Boeing site is redeveloped public access should be provided,
balanced with goals for ecological restoration. Public agency actions to improve public access should
include a waterfront trail, which would connect the public access at the Southport development to the
Cedar River Trail. This action should be implemented when environmental and security issues can be
resolved, as well as public access to public lands, balanced with the goals of preserving ecological functions.
Lake Washington
Reach J
Renton Municipal
Airport
Public access to the Lake Waterfront is provided from the lawn area of the Will Rogers, Wiley Post
Memorial Sea Plane Base and should be maintained if the goal of public access is not in conflict with the
aeronautical use of the property. Public agency actions to improve public access should include enhancing
opportunities for the public to approach the water’s edge from the existing lawn area. Public access may
necessarily be limited by safety and security limitation inherent in the primary use of the property for
aeronautical purposes.
Lake Washington
Reach K
From the Renton
Municipal Airport to
the Seattle city limits
This reach is predominantly single-family area with no existing public access. Public visual access is provided
from Rainier Avenue. The potential for provision of public access from new development is likely limited to
future redevelopment of a small mobile home park in the easterly portion of this reach and from
redevelopment of existing multi-family uses. Public agency actions to improve public access should include
enhanced public views from Rainier Avenue as well as enhanced pedestrian facilities or view points. This
effort may include acquisition of several undeveloped parcels to provide access to the water’s edge,
consistent with goals for preservation and enhancement of ecological functions.
MAY CREEK
May Creek A
From the mouth of the
creek to Lake
Washington Boulevard
This reach is bounded by open space dedicated as part of a subdivision and includes public access provided
by a trail along the creek. Public agency actions to improve public access should include enhanced public
views from Lake Washington Boulevard including enhanced pedestrian facilities or view points, improved
connections of the May Creek trail to public streets, and to the potential trail to the east across or under
the railroad right of way and Lake Washington Boulevard.
May Creek B
From Lake
Washington Boulevard
to I-405
There is currently no public access in this reach. At the time of re-development, public access should be
provided from a trail parallel to the water along the entire property with controlled public access to the
water, balanced with goals of preservation and enhancement of ecological functions. Public agency actions
to improve public access should include provisions to cross I-405 to connect with trail systems to the east.
May Creek C From I-405 to NE 36th
Street
This reach includes discontinuous public ownership with some private ownership. At the time of
development of private lands, public access should be provided from a trail parallel to the water together
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
PAGE xxii CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
with public agency actions to develop a trail on public land. All trail development should be set back from
the water’s edge with controlled public access to the water, balanced with goals of preservation and
enhancement of ecological functions.
May Creek D From NE 36th Street to
the city limits
This reach is largely King County May Creek Park. Public access is informal and discontinuous. There are
some private holdings along the creek. At the time of development of private lands, public access should be
provided from a trail parallel to the water coordinated with public agency actions to develop a trail on
public land. All trail development should be set back from the water’s edge with controlled public access to
the water, balanced with goals of preservation and enhancement of ecological functions.
CEDAR RIVER
Cedar River A Mouth to Logan
Avenue
A public trail is provided on the east side of the river in the Cedar River Park. No public access is provided
on the west side of the river adjacent to the municipal airport. Public physical access from a trail parallel to
the water should be provided if the Renton Municipal Airport redevelops in the future, balanced with goals
of ecological restoration.
Cedar River B Logan Avenue to I-405
bridges
A public trail is provided on the north side of the river and a variety of public access is provided on the
south side, including small city parks. Public access should generally be provided within the corridor of
public lands adjacent to the river; however, adjacent private parcels not separated by public streets should
provide active open space and other facilities to provide gathering places to enjoy the shoreline
environment, together with water-oriented uses. Revisions to the existing trail to relocate further from the
water’s edge to allow revegetation should be considered in the future as part of public park and river
maintenance plans.
Cedar River C I-405 to the SR 169
A public trail is provided on the former Milwaukee railroad. Public access is provided at a public park on the
north side immediately east of I-405. Public and/or community access along the waterfront should be
provided as private lands on the north side of the river redevelop, considered along with the goal of
restoration of ecological functions. The single-family residential area on the north side of the river provides
no public access. The potential for provision of public access from new development is low because further
subdivision and non-single family use is not likely but should be pursued if such development occurs. Public
agency actions to improve public access should include additional interpretive trails and trail linkages
through public lands on the south side of the river, if consistent with ecological functions and public
acquisition of access to the water in existing single-family areas, where appropriate.
Cedar River D SR 169 to UGA
boundary
A public trail is provided on the former Milwaukee railroad. It is generally at a distance from the water’s
edge. Most of this reach is under public ownership or dedicated open space. The primary goal for
management of this reach should be ecological enhancement. Additional public access to the water’s edge
may be provided if consistent with ecological functions. The small residential area at the east end of the
UGA provides no public access. The potential for provision of public access from new development is low
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xxiii
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
because further subdivision and non-single family use is not likely but should be pursued if such
development occurs. Public agency actions to improve public access should include improved visual access
from the existing trail and possible public acquisition of access to the water.
GREEN RIVER
Green River
Reach A
The Green/Black River
below the pump
station
The area west of Monster Road provides no public access. Public physical access from a trail parallel to the
water should be provided as private lands redevelop. Public agency actions to improve public access should
include acquisition of trail rights to connect the Lake to Sound trail system to the Green River Trail and Fort
Dent Park.
The area west of Monster Road is part of the publicly owned Black River Forest where interpretive trails
exist. Expansion of public access should occur only if consistent with ecological functions.
BLACK RIVER / SPRINGBROOK CREEK
Black/Springbrook A From the City Limits to
Grady Way
The area west of Monster Road provides no public access. Public physical access from a trail parallel to the
water should be provided as private lands redevelop. Public agency actions to improve public access should
include acquisition of trail rights to connect the trail system to the Green River Trail and Fort Dent Park.
The area west of Monster Road is part of the publicly owned Black River Forest where interpretive trails
exist. Expansion of public access should occur only if consistent with ecological functions. Interpretive trails
are present in the Black River Forest. Expansion of public access should occur only if consistent with
ecological functions. A trail system is present on the west side of the stream adjacent to the sewage
treatment plant and should be retained and possibly enhanced.
Springbrook B From Grady Way to
SW 16th Street
A trail system is present on WSDOT right of way and crosses under I-405. Enhancement should be
implemented as part of future highway improvements or other public agency actions.
Springbrook C From SW 16th Street
to the City Limits
A public trail parallel to the stream was developed as part of the Boeing Longacres Office Park and extends
from SW 16th Street under Oaksdale. Avenue and terminates at the alignment of 19th Street at the parking
lot of a pre-existing industrial building. If future development occurs in this area, a continuous trail system
connecting to the continuous system to the south should be planned, consistent with protection of
ecological values of wetlands and streamside vegetation.
There is no trail system along the stream from SW 19th Street to the approximate alignment of SE 23rd
Street. A continuous trail system is provided from 23rd Street to the city limits including portions through
the Springbrook Wetland Mitigation Bank. If future development occurs in the area of the missing trail link,
a trail system connecting to the continuous system to the south should be planned, consistent with
protection of ecological values of wetlands and streamside vegetation buffers. Public actions should
include interim linkages of the existing trail systems, which may include interim trails or routing on public
streets and sidewalks. In the future, if vegetation buffers are developed within the stream corridor and
APPENDIX B: PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES BY REACH
PAGE xxiv CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
SHORELINE REACH LOCATION PUBLIC ACCESS OBJECTIVES
adjacent lands, relocation of the trail farther from the stream should be considered with controlled access
to the water’s edge.
LAKE DESIRE: A trail system is present in public open space in parks around the lake but there is no trail system adjacent to the lake.
Lake Desire Entire Lake
Public access is provided by a WDFW boat launch. There is currently no formal public access to the water at
the natural area at the south end of the lake, nor the County-designated natural area at the north end of
the lake. Interpretive access should be implemented in a manner consistent with ecological values.
Existing single-family residential development provides no public access. The potential for provision of
public access from new development is low because further subdivision and non-single family use is not
likely but should be pursued if such development occurs. Public agency actions to improve public access
should include public acquisition of access to the water where appropriate. Access for interpretive purposes
may be an element of public acquisition of wetlands.
TECHNICAL APPENDIX C: LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS AND UTILITY PLANS
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xxv
TECHNICAL APPENDIX C:
LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS AND UTILITY PLANS
INTRODUCTION
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires that cities and counties develop land use plans that
accommodate 20 years of growth. The land use pattern and growth is to be supported by utilities and
capital facilities. The purpose of this technical appendix is to establish and compare the growth
assumptions in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Countywide Planning Policies with the assumptions in
the City’s “Water System Plan Update: A Comprehensive Water System Plan, 2012” and the “Long-
Range Wastewater Management Plan, A Comprehensive Sewer System Plan, Final 2010.” Results show
the system plans can support the land use plan and growth assumptions for the horizon year of 2031
matching the growth allocations in the Countywide Planning Policies.
GROWTH TARGETS AND CAPACITY
The City of Renton and its Potential Annexation Area have been allocated housing and employment
growth targets in the King County Countywide Planning Policies. The City’s Comprehensive Plan needs to
reflect the growth targets and provide land use capacity sufficient to meet the targets for lands in the
city limits; King County must do likewise for the Potential Annexation Area. Currently, the growth targets
extend to the year 2031.1 At the time of the 2007 Buildable Lands Report, the City had sufficient capacity
to meet its growth targets. See Table 1.
Table 1. Growth Targets 2006-2013 and Buildable Land Capacity 2007
Source: King County Buildable Lands Report 2007, Pers Com, Felt, June 27, 2013, “Buildable Lands: instructions for measuring
updated capacity.” BERK 2013
Based on the 2007 Buildable Lands results the City has sufficient capacity for planned growth under both
housing and employment.
After the publication of the 2007 Buildable Lands Report, the City has studied future growth capacity in
the Sunset Area Planned Action, and found additional capacity was likely, up to 850 more housing units
than the prior assumed growth under the Comprehensive Plan and up to 2,278 more jobs than the prior
assumed growth under the Comprehensive Plan (Preferred Alternative assumptions; Final EIS, April
2011). This would further bolster the City’s land capacity.
1 While the growth targets extend to the year 2031, the new 20-year planning horizon for local governments with a Comprehensive Plan
Update deadline of June 30, 2015, such as Renton, is actually 2035. However, King County has no plans to formally update growth targets to the
year 2035. Given the GMA requirement to plan for 20 years (RCW 36.70A.115), King County and an inter-jurisdictional team of planning
directors recommends that local governments start with the 2031 growth target and use either a straight-line projection or otherwise “bend
the trend” towards Vision 2040 in order to derive a 20 year growth number. The City is considering the extension of the growth target to the
year 2035, but has not yet made a determination of the numbers.
Location Net New Units Net New Jobs
City Growth Target 2006-2031 14,835 29,000
City Capacity 2007 (inc Benson Hill)16,250 29,550
Excess Capacity - City 2007 1,415 550
PAA Target 3,895 470
TECHNICAL APPENDIX C: LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS AND UTILITY PLANS
PAGE xxvi CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The City’s Transportation Model growth assumptions represent the allocation of growth to sub
geographies across the City (transportation analysis zones across the city limits). The City’s traffic model
shows the City’s anticipated growth of 15,787 housing units and 31,440 jobs between 2006 and 2030;
both estimates are greater than the assigned growth targets. For the purposes of this analysis, the traffic
model analysis zone growth estimates are compared to the water service area and sewer service area
(city limits portion).
WATER SYSTEM PLAN
Household growth is projected in the Renton Water System Plan for the years 2010 to 2071 for the
water system service area which is smaller than the city limits. The plan considered growth based on
Puget Sound Regional Council growth projections (similar to those in the Countywide Planning Policies
and the City traffic model) and a “growth cap” that considered infill capacity plus redevelopment in the
Renton Urban Center and Renton Sunset Area Planned Action Area. Based on the analysis the net
growth from 2010-2031 is less than City growth targets, but the growth from 2010-2071 is consistent
with those targets. The analysis shows the Water System Plan can accommodate the growth targets, but
the growth cap approach allows the City to see what the improvements would be if growth occurred in a
more phased manner. See Table 2.
Table 2. Water System Growth Projections Compared to Targets
City of Renton, 2012; BERK, 2013
WASTEWATER SYSTEM PLAN
Population and job growth is projected in the Renton Wastewater System Plan for the years 2001 and
2030. The wastewater service area extends further east than the city limits but not fully to the
southeast, where other districts are the service providers. Nevertheless, comparisons of growth
assumptions show more than sufficient planned growth in the Wastewater System Plan beyond the
city’s growth targets. See Table 3.
Table 3: Wastewater System Growth Projections Compared to Targets
a. Sewer System Assumptions
b. Comparison to Growth Targets
Source: City of Renton, 2010; BERK, 2013
Countywide Planning Policies
Total Net Total Net Net
Year Households Households Year Households Households Households
2010 23,704 2006 23,544
2031 30,770 7,066 2030 38,346 14,802 14,835
2071 38,587 14,883
Traffic Model - Water Service AreaWater System Plan
Total Net Total Net Total Net
Year Population Population Households Households Jobs Jobs
2000 44,504 19,479 49,128
2030 + 25%102,901 58,397 45,186 25,707 103,357 54,229
Sewer System Plan
Total Net Total Net Net Net
Year Households Households Jobs Jobs Households Jobs
2006 24,203 56,918
2030 39,990 15,787 88,358 31,440 14,835 29,000
Traffic Model - Sewer Service Area (within city limits)Countywide Planning Policies
APPENDIX D: INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS
CITY OF RENTON – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PAGE xxvii
APPENDIX D:
INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS
Functional plans, continually updated reports, programs, and other documents are major components of this
Comprehensive Plan. The following documents, and any amendments made hereafter, are incorporated by
reference and may be consulted for more detailed information:
Airport Compatible Land Use Program
Airport Layout Plan Update
Arts and Culture Master Plan
Auto Mall Improvement Plan
City of Renton Adopted Budget
City of Renton Capital Investment Program
City of Renton’s Wellhead Protection Plan
and Aquifer Protection Program
Clean Economy Strategy
Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan
Renton Community Needs Assessment for
Human Services and Housing
Renton Long-Range Wastewater
Management Plan
Renton Regional Fire Authority Capital
Facilities Plan
Renton Stormwater Management Program
Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan
Renton Transportation Improvement
Program
Renton Water System Plan Update
Renton’s Commute Trip Reduction (CTR)
Ordinance and CTR Plan
Sunset Area Community Planned Action
Study
The Benson Hill Community Plan
The City Center Community Plan
Urban and Community Forestry
Development Plan
Shoreline Master Program