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CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT SERVICES
MODIFICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
SPECIFIC CODE SECTIONS RELATED TO THIS DOCUMENT
RMC 4-9-250 Modification Process
RMC 4-8 Permits – General and Appeals
PURPOSE
A modification is a means by which an applicant may request to modify a Code requirement when there are practical
difficulties involved in carrying any of the provisions of the regulations when a special individual reason makes the strict
letter of the Code impractical.
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APPLICATION SCREENING
A Pre-Submittal screening may be required prior to formal Land Use Review. The screening will be performed
electronically via an FTP link that your Project Manager will provide to you. After you upload your submittal documents
the Project Manager will review the submittal materials to ensure that requested revisions or missing items have been
updated and/or corrected. If all required submittal items are provided and complete, unless waived by the Project
Manager, staff will take in the application for official review.
ELECTRONIC FILE STANDARDS
All documents MUST be submitted electronically. Specific file naming conventions for submitted plans are required to
facilitate the electronic plan review process. Failure to adhere to the sample file naming format listed in the Electronic
File Standards may result in a request for resubmittal and/or delay the plan review process, deeming the application
incomplete.
COMPLETE APPLICATION REQUIRED
In order to accept your application, each of the numbered items must be submitted at the same time. Determination
that an application is complete indicates only that the application is ready for review on its merits, not that the City will
make a favorable decision on the application.
APPLICATION SUBMITTAL HOURS
Applications should be submitted to Planning Division staff electronically, not in person. Please email or call your
assigned Project Manager to submit your application. If you have any Planning related questions you may reach out to
Planning Customer Service at 425-430-7294 or planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov.
TIME FRAME
The Administrator will review your request for modification and issue a written decision typically within a week or two
from submittal. A public hearing is not required unless there is an appeal filed.
ADDITIONAL PERMITS
Additional permits from other agencies may be required. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain these other
approvals. Information regarding these other requirements may be found at https://apps.oria.wa.gov/opas/
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SOME KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. City Staff or other agencies may request additional information during the review and decision-making process.
2. It is important that the applicant submit the requested material quickly to avoid delays in the process.
3. Any time spent gathering data and/or additional city review period will increase the time required to process the
application.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
The submittal checklist is not an exhaustive list of submittal requirements and may be modified in cases where additional
information is required to complete the review of an application. The applicant should contact the assigned Project
Manager, if there are any questions regarding submittal requirements.
All application materials required unless waived by City Staff.
1. Waiver Form: A Waiver Form will be provided to you by City Staff during the Pre-Submittal Review. The Waiver
Form should be submitted with the land use application.
2. Land Use Permit Master Application Form: The standardized application form used for the majority of land use
permit applications including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Owner, applicant, and contact person names, addresses and telephone numbers;
b. Notarized signatures of all current property owners;
c. Name of the proposed project;
d. Project/property address;
e. King County Assessor’s tax account number;
f. Existing and proposed land uses;
g. Existing and, if applicable, proposed Comprehensive Plan map designation;
h. Existing and, if applicable, proposed zoning designation;
i. Site area;
j. Estimated project cost;
k. Whether or not the project site contains any environmentally sensitive areas; and
l. Property legal description.
Note: The application must have notarized signatures of ALL current property owners listed on the Title Report. If
the property owner is a corporation, the authorized representative must attach proof of signing authority on behalf
of the corporation. The legal description of the property must be attached to the application form.
3. Fees: The application must be accompanied by the required application fee (see Fee Schedule). Please call 425-
430-7294 to verify the exact amount required. Checks should be made out to the City of Renton and cannot be
accepted for over the total fee amount. Credit cards may also be used to pay required application fees. Fees are paid
at Cashier on the 1st Floor City Hall.
4. Project Narrative: A clear and concise description and summary of the proposed project, including the
following:
a. Project name, size and location of site;
b. Zoning designation of the site and adjacent properties;
c. Current use of the site and any existing improvements;
d. Special site features (i.e., wetlands, water bodies, steep slopes);
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e. Statement addressing soil type and drainage conditions;
f. Proposed use of the property and scope of the proposed development (i.e., height, square footage, lot
coverage, parking, access, etc.);
g. Proposed off-site improvements (i.e., installation of sidewalks, fire hydrants, sewer main, etc.);
h. Total estimated construction cost and estimated fair market value of the proposed project;
i. Estimated quantities and type of materials involved if any fill or excavation is proposed;
j. Number, type and size of trees to be removed;
k. Explanation of any land to be dedicated to the City; and
l. For shoreline applications only:
• Name of adjacent water area or wetlands,
• Nature of existing shoreline – describe:
Type of shoreline (i.e., lake, stream, lagoon, marsh, bog, floodplain, floodway);
Type of beach (i.e., accretion, erosion, high bank-low bank);
Type of material (i.e., sand, gravel, mud, clay, rock, riprap); and
The extent and type of any bulkheading, and
• The number and location of structures and/or residential units (existing and potential) which might
have views obstructed as a result of the proposed project; and
m. The proposed number, size, and density of the new lots, for subdivision applications only.
5. Justification for the Modification Request: Please provide a written justification for the modification request. The
Burden of proof as to the appropriateness of the application lies with the applicant. Whenever there are practical
difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this Title, the Department Administrator may grant modifications
for individual cases provided he/she shall first find that a specific reason makes the strict letter of this Code
impractical, that the intent and purpose of the governing land use designation of the Comprehensive Plan is met and
that the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of this Code, and that such modification.
Please submit a written statement addressing and justifying how the modification request complies with each of
the following issues to be considered by the Administrator:
a. Substantially implements the policy direction of the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan Land
Use Element and the Community Design Element and the proposed modification is the minimum adjustment
necessary to implement these policies and objectives;
b. Will meet the objectives and safety, function, appearance, environmental protection and maintainability
intended by the Code requirements, based upon sound engineering judgment;
c. Will not create substantial adverse impacts to other property(ies) in the vicinity;
d. Conforms to the intent and purpose of the Code; and
e. Can be shown to be justified and required for the use and situation intended;
6. Neighborhood Detail Map: Please provide a map, drawn at a scale of one inch equals one hundred feet (1" = 100')
or one inch equals two hundred feet (1" = 200') (or other scale approved by the Planning Division Director or
designee). The map shall show the location of the subject site relative to the property boundaries of the surrounding
parcels within approximately one thousand feet (1,000') or approximately two thousand five hundred feet (2,500')
for properties over five (5) acres and identifying the subject site with a darker perimeter line than that of surrounding
properties. The map shall also show the property’s lot lines, existing land uses, building outlines, City boundaries of
the City of Renton (if applicable), north arrow (oriented to the top of the plan sheet), graphic
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scale used for the map, and City of Renton (not King County) street names for all streets shown. (Amd. Ord. 4963, 5
-13-2002). Please ensure all information fits on a single map sheet.
7. Site Plan: Please provide a fully-dimensioned plan sheet drawn at a scale of 1"=20' (or other scale approved by
the Planning Division). We prefer the site plan be drawn on one sheet of paper unless the size of the site requires
several plan sheets to be used. If you are using more than a single plan sheet, please indicate connecting points on
each sheet. The Site Plan should show the following:
a. Name of proposed project;
b. Date, scale, and north arrow (oriented to the top of the paper/plan sheet);
c. Drawing of the subject property with all property lines dimensioned and names of adjacent streets;
d. Widths of all adjacent streets and alleys;
e. The location of all existing public improvements including, but not limited to, curbs, gutters, sidewalks,
median islands, street trees, fire hydrants, utility poles, etc., along the full property frontage;
f. Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures, parking and loading areas, driveways, existing
trees on and abutting the site, existing or proposed fencing or retaining walls, freestanding signs, easements,
refuse and recycling areas, freestanding liquid fixtures, utility junction boxes, public utility transformers,
storage areas, buffer areas, open spaces, and landscaped areas;
g. The location and dimensions of natural features such as streams, lakes, marshes and wetlands. Include
boundaries of utility, open space, and/or critical area(s) tracts, square footage, and purpose statement of
each tract. Clearly delineate the critical area and buffer boundaries within the tract and indicate a dimension
for buffer width;
h. Ordinary high water mark, existing and proposed, and name of water body if applicable;
Note: For projects near the Cedar River, ordinary high water mark and distance to closest area of work for any
project located within 200-feet of the river.
8. Architectural Elevations: Please provide a twenty four inch by thirty six inch (24" x 36") fully dimensioned
architectural elevation plan drawn at a scale of one-fourth inch equals one foot (1/4" = 1') or one-eighth inch equals
one foot (1/8" = 1') (or other size or scale approved by the Building Official) clearly indicating the information required
by the “Permits” section of the currently adopted International Building Code and chapter 19.27 RCW (State
Building Code Act, Statewide amendments), including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Existing and proposed ground elevations;
b. Existing average grade level underneath proposed structure;
c. Height of existing and proposed structures showing finished roof top elevations based upon site elevations
for proposed structures and any existing/abutting structures;
d. Building materials and colors including roof, walls, any wireless communication facilities, and enclosures;
e. Fence or retaining wall materials, colors, and architectural design;
f. Architectural design of on-site lighting fixtures; and
g. Cross-section of roof showing location and height of rooftop equipment (including air conditioners,
compressors, etc.) and proposed screening.
h. Required for the Urban Center Design Overlay District review packet.
• Identify building elevations by street name and orientation, i.e., Burnett Ave. (west) elevation.
• Show the location of rooflines, doors and window openings.
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• Indicate typical detailing around doors, windows and balconies indicating finishes, color and reflectivity
of glazing.
• Identify offsets in walls intended to meet the minimum requirements for building modulation indicating
the amount of offset.
• Show on each elevation any roof top elements such as mechanical and elevator penthouses that
protrude above the parapet or penetrate the roof and would be visible from other buildings of the same
height.
• Photographs of proposed materials from manufacturers’ catalogues. A materials board showing actual
materials and colors referenced on the architectural elevations is recommended.
i. Required for shoreline permits:
• Include measurements of the existing and proposed elevations of the stream, river or lake bottom in
relationship to the proposed structure, if the proposed structure is located fully or partially in, or over,
the water.
• Projects exceeding thirty five feet (35') in height must demonstrate compliance with the height
requirement in RMC 4-3-090D7a.
9. Biological Assessment/Critical Areas Study: Projects with the potential to impact fish (Chinook salmon, bull trout,
steelhead trout), unexpected, new, rare or other endangered species habitat (bald eagles) shall provide a biological
assessment/critical area study. The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether a proposed action is likely
to: (1) adversely affect listed or de-listed species or designated critical habitat; (2) jeopardize the continued existence
of species that are proposed for listing, or unexpected, new or rare species; or (3) adversely modify proposed critical
habitat. A biological assessment/critical area study is a written study that evaluates the proposal, all probable
impacts and risks related to the critical area, and recommends appropriate mitigation measures to adequately
protect the functions and values of the critical area, and preserve anadromous fish and their habitat.
The assessment/study shall be prepared by a person with experience and training in the scientific discipline
appropriate for the relevant critical area in accordance with WAC 365-195-095(4). A qualified professional must have
obtained a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent degree in biology, engineering, environmental studies, fisheries,
geomorphology, biological assessment, or related field, and have at least five (5) years of related work experience.
a. A qualified professional for wetlands must be a professional wetland scientist with at least two (2) years of
full-time work experience as a wetlands professional, including delineating wetlands using the federal
manuals and supplements, preparing wetlands reports, conducting function assessments, and developing
and implementing mitigation plans.
b. A qualified professional for Habitat conservation must have a degree in biology or a related degree and
professional experience related to the subject species.
c. A qualified professional for a geological hazard must be a professional engineer or geologist, licensed in the
state of Washington.
d. A qualified professional for Wellhead Protection Areas means a hydrogeologist, geologist, engineer, or
other scientist with experience in preparing hydrogeologic assessments.
The assessment/study shall use scientifically valid methods and studies in the analysis of critical area data and field
reconnaissance and reference the source of the material used. Best available science is that scientific information
applicable to the critical area prepared by local state or federal natural agencies or a qualified scientific professional
that is consistent with the criteria established in WAC 395-195-900 through 365-195-925.
The assessment/study shall contain, at a minimum, the following information, as applicable:
a. The name and contact information of the applicant;
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b. The dates, names, and qualifications of the persons preparing the assessment/study and documentation of
any fieldwork performed on the site;
c. A description of the proposal and identification of the permits requested;
d. A site plan showing:
• Identified critical areas, buffers and the development proposal with dimensions;
• Topography at two-foot (2') intervals;
• Limits of any areas to be cleared/impacted; and
• A description of the proposed stormwater management plan for the development and consideration of
impacts to drainage alterations;
e. Accurate identification, location, and characterization of critical areas, water bodies, and buffers adjacent
to the proposed project area or potentially impacted by the proposed project;
f. A statement specifying the accuracy of the assessment/study, assumptions used in the assessment/study,
and explaining how best available science has been incorporated;
g. Determination of the degree of hazard and risk from the proposal both on the site and on surrounding
properties;
h. An assessment of the probable cumulative impacts to the critical areas, their buffers and other properties
resulting from the proposal;
i. An evaluation of the project’s compliance with sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act;
j. A description of reasonable efforts made to apply mitigation sequencing to avoid, minimize, and mitigate
impacts to critical areas;
k. Plans for adequate mitigation to offset any impacts and an explanation of how best management practices
will be used to minimize impacts to critical area; and
l. Recommendations for maintenance, short-term and long-term monitoring, contingency plans and security
requirements.
10. Floor Plans: A basic line drawing plan of the general building layout showing walls, exits, windows, and designated
uses indicating the proposed locations of kitchens, baths and floor drains, bedrooms and living areas, with sufficient
detail for City staff to determine if an oil/water separator or grease interceptor is required and to determine sizing
of side sewer.
11. Utilities Plan, Generalized: A plan drawn on twenty two inch by thirty four inch (22" x 34") plan sheets using a
graphic scale of one inch equals twenty feet (1" = 20') (or other scale or size approved by the Planning Division’s
Development Engineering Manager or designee) clearly showing all existing (to remain) and proposed public or
private improvements to be dedicated or sold to the public including, but not limited to: curbs, gutters, sidewalks,
median islands, street trees, fire hydrants, utility poles, refuse areas, signage, freestanding lighting fixtures, utility
junction boxes, public utility transformers, etc., along the full property frontage. The finished floor elevations for
each floor of proposed and existing (to remain) structures shall be shown. (Amd. Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000)
12. Geotechnical Report: A study prepared in accordance with generally accepted geotechnical practices and
stamped by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Washington which includes soils and slope stability
analysis, boring and test pit logs, and recommendations on slope setbacks, foundation design, retaining wall design,
material selection, and all other pertinent elements. If the evaluation involves geologic evaluations or
interpretations, the report shall be reviewed and approved by a geologist. Further recommendations, additions or
exceptions to the original report based on the plans, site conditions, or other supporting data shall be signed and
sealed by the geotechnical engineer. If the geotechnical engineer who reviews the plans and specifications is not the
same engineer who prepared the geotechnical report, the new engineer shall, in a letter to the City
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accompanying the plans and specifications, express his or her agreement or disagreement with the
recommendations in the geotechnical report and state that the plans and specifications conform to his or her
recommendations. If the site contains a geologic hazard regulated by the critical areas regulations, the preparation
and content requirements of RMC 4-8-120D, Table 18 shall also apply. If the site is within a channel migration zone,
within shoreline jurisdiction, the geotechnical report shall also include a geomorphic assessment by a Washington
State licensed geologist with engineering geology or hydrogeology specialty license plus experience in conducting
fluvial geomorphic assessments.
13. Wetland Assessment: A wetland assessment includes the following:
a. A description of the project and maps at a scale no smaller than one inch equals two hundred feet (1" = 200')
showing the entire parcel of land owned by the applicant and the wetland boundary surveyed by a qualified
surveyor, and pursuant to RMC 4-3-050F2, Plans and Studies Required;
b. A description of the vegetative cover of the wetland and adjacent area including identification of the
dominant plant and animal species;
c. A site plan for the proposed activity at a scale no smaller than one inch equals two hundred feet (1" = 200')
showing the location, width, depth and length of all existing and proposed structures, roads, stormwater
management facilities, sewage treatment and installations within the wetland and its buffer;
d. The exact locations and specifications for all activities associated with site development including the type,
extent and method of operations;
e. Elevations of the site and adjacent lands within the wetland and its buffer at contour intervals of no greater
than five feet (5') or at a contour interval appropriate to the site topography and acceptable to the City;
f. Top view and typical cross-section views of the wetland and its buffer to scale;
g. The purposes of the project;
h. Such other information as may be needed by the City, including but not limited to a study of hazards if
present on site, the effect of any protective measures that might be taken to reduce such hazards; and any
other information deemed necessary to verify compliance with the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 4587, 3-
18-1996; Amd. Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5757, 6-1-2015)
Note: Please provide a map and report if ANY wetlands are located on subject property or within 100 feet of subject
property. The wetland report/delineation must be prepared by a qualified professional and include information
specified in RMC 4-8-120D.23. In addition, if any alteration to the wetland or buffer is proposed, a wetland mitigation
plan is also required. See RMC 4-8-120D.23 for plan content requirements.
14. Standard Stream or Lake Study: A report shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and include the following
information:
a. Site Map: Site map(s) indicating, at a scale no smaller than one inch equals twenty feet (1" = 20') (unless
otherwise approved by the Community and Economic Development Administrator):
• The entire parcel of land owned by the applicant, including one hundred feet (100') of the abutting
parcels through which the water body(ies) flow(s);
• The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) determined in the field by a qualified consultant pursuant to
RMC 4-3-050G7, Streams and Lakes, (the OHWM must also be flagged in the field);
• Stream or lake classification, as recorded in the City of Renton’s COR Maps, the City’s online interactive
mapping application available through the City’s website, for the City of Renton Water Class or RMC 4-
3-090 (if unclassified, see “Supplemental Stream or Lake Study” below);
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• Topography of the site and abutting lands in relation to the stream(s) and its/their buffer(s) at contour
intervals of two feet (2') where slopes are less than ten percent (10%), and of five feet (5') where slopes
are ten percent (10%) or greater;
• One hundred (100) year floodplain and floodway boundaries, including one hundred feet (100') of the
abutting parcels through which the water body(ies) flow(s);
• Site drainage patterns, using arrows to indicate the direction of major drainage flow;
• Top view and typical cross-section views of the stream or lake bed, banks, and buffers to scale;
• The vegetative cover of the entire site, including the stream or lake, banks, riparian area, and/or abutting
wetland areas, extending one hundred feet (100') upstream and downstream from the property line.
Include position, species, and size of all trees of at least six inch (6") caliper and larger, fifty four inches
(54") above grade, and the location, size and species of all protected trees on the site that are within one
hundred feet (100') of the OHWM, and the location of measures to protect trees on and abutting the
site;
• The location, width, depth, and length of all existing and proposed structures, roads, stormwater
management facilities, wastewater treatment and installations in relation to the stream/lake and its/
their buffer(s); and
• Location of site access, ingress and egress.
b. Grading Plan: A grading plan prepared in accordance with RMC 4-8-120D7, and showing contour intervals of
two feet (2') where slopes are less than ten percent (10%), and of five feet (5') where slopes are ten percent
(10%) or greater.
c. Stream or Lake Assessment Narrative: A narrative report, formatted to eight and one-half inches (8.5") by
eleven inches (11"), shall be prepared to accompany the site plan and describes:
• The stream or lake classification as recorded in the City of Renton’s COR Maps, the City’s online
interactive mapping application available through the City’s website, for the City of Renton Water Class
or RMC 4-3-090;
• The vegetative cover of the site, including the stream or lake, banks, riparian area, wetland areas, and
flood hazard areas extending one hundred feet (100') upstream and downstream from the property line,
including the impacts of the proposal on the identified vegetation;
• The ecological functions currently provided by the stream/lake and existing riparian area and the impacts
of the proposal on the identified ecological functions;
• Observed or reported fish and wildlife that make use of the area including, but not limited to, salmonids,
mammals, and bird nesting, breeding, and feeding/foraging areas, including the impacts of the proposal
on the identified fish and wildlife;
• Measures to protect trees, as defined in RMC 4-11-200, and vegetation; and
• For shorelines regulated under RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, the study shall
demonstrate if the proposal meets the criteria of no net loss of ecological functions as described in RMC
4-3-090D2. If the proposal requires mitigation for substantial impacts to the existing vegetation buffer
in order to demonstrate no net loss of ecological functions, a supplemental stream or lake study is
required.
Note: Please provide a report containing the information specified in RMC Section 4-8-120D.19. In addition,
if the project involves an unclassified stream, a supplemental stream or lake study is also required. If any
alteration to a water-body or buffer is proposed a supplemental stream or lake study and mitigation plan are
also required.
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15. Flood Hazard Data:
a. Plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the area in
question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, drainage facilities, and the location of the
foregoing;
b. Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures;
c. Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been floodproofed;
d. Certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing methods criteria in
RMC 4-3-050I3c; and for any nonresidential structure meet the floodproofing; and
e. Description of the extent to which a watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed
development.
RESOURCES
City of Renton Forms
Electronic File Standards
Note: This handout shall not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations. The Applicant is responsible for
compliance with all codes and regulations, whether or not described in this document.