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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRoutine Vegetation Management Permit rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 1 of 9 CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT SERVICES ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC CODE SECTION (S) RELATED TO THIS DOCUMENT RMC 4-9-195 Routine Vegetation Management Permit Process RMC 4-8 Permits—General and Appeals PURPOSE Routine Vegetation Management Permits ensure compliance with regulations for the clearing of land and the protection and preservation of trees and significant vegetation. 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 City 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 a routine vegetation management permit 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/ 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 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 2 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS 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 no 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); 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; rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 3 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS 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, march, 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. • The number and location of structures and/or residential units (existing and potential) which might have views obstructed as a result of proposed project; and m. The proposed number, size, and density of the new lots, for subdivision applications only.  5. Legal Description: Please provide a legal description which delineates the subject property where the work is being complete.  6. Construction Mitigation Description: A written narrative addressing each of the following: a. Proposed construction dates (begin and end dates); b. Hours and days of operation; c. Proposed hauling/transportation routes; d. Measures to be implemented to minimize dust, traffic and transportation impacts, erosion, mud, noise, and other noxious characteristics; e. Any special hours proposed for construction or hauling (i.e. weekends, late nights); and f. Preliminary traffic control plan. Note: If your project requires the use of cranes, please contact the City’s Airport Manager at 425- 430-7471 to determine whether Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notification will be required.  7. 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 scale used for the map, and City of Renton (not King County) street names for all streets shown. (Amd. Ord. 4963, 5 -13-2002)  8. Site Plan: A single fully dimensioned plan sheet drawn at a scale of one inch equals twenty feet (1”=20’) (or another scale approved by the Planning Division Director or designee) clearly indicating the following: a. Name of proposed project; b. Date, scale, and north arrow oriented to the top of the 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; rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 4 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS 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;  9. Topography Map: Please provide a map showing the existing land contours using verticals intervals of not more than five feet (5’). For any existing buildings the map shall show the finished floor elevations of each floor of the building.  10. Tree Retention/Land Clearing (Tree Inventory) Plan: A completed tree retention worksheet accompanied by a full dimensional plan, drawn by a certified arborist or a licensed landscape architect, based on finished grade, drawn at the same scale as the project site plan with the northern property line at the top of the sheet, clearly showing the following: a. All property boundaries and adjacent streets; b. Location of all areas proposed to be cleared; c. Species and sizes of vegetation to be removed, altered or retained and the boundaries and predominant species of stands of trees consisting of five (5) or more trees. This requirement applies only to trees 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; d. For trees proposed to be retained, a complete description of each tree’s health, condition, and viability; e. For trees proposed to be retained, a description of the method(s) used to determine the limits of disturbance (i.e., critical root zone, root plate diameter, or a case-by-case basis description for individual trees); f. For trees proposed to be preserved within a tree protection tract, any special instructions for maintenance (e.g., trimming, ground clearing, root pruning, monitoring, aftercare, etc.); g. For trees not viable for retention, the reason(s) for removal based on poor health, high risk of failure due to structure, defects, unavoidable isolation (i.e., high blow down potential), or unsuitability of species, etc., and for which no reasonable alternative action is possible (pruning, cabling, etc.); h. A description of the impact of necessary tree removal to the remaining trees, including those in a grove or on abutting properties; i. For development applications, a discussion of timing and installation of tree protection measures that must include fencing and be in accordance with the tree protection standards as outlined in RMC 4-4-130H9, Protection Measures During Construction; j. The suggested location and species of supplemental trees to be used when required. The report shall include planting and maintenance specifications; k. Future building sites and drip lines of any trees which will overhang/overlap a construction line; l. Location and dimensions of rights-of-way, utility lines, fire hydrants, street lighting, and easements; m. Where the drip line of a tree overlaps an area where construction activities will occur, this shall be indicated on the plan; rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 5 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS n. For allowed activities, including allowed exemptions, modifications, and variances, show all trees proposed to be removed in priority tree retention areas: slopes twenty five percent (25%) to thirty nine percent (39%), high or very high landslide hazard areas, and high erosion hazard areas; o. Show trees to be removed in protected critical areas: wetlands, Shorelines of the State, streams and lakes, floodways, floodplain slopes forty percent (40%) or greater, very high landslide hazard areas, and critical habitat if the activity is exempt or allowed by the critical areas regulations in RMC 4-3-050C3, Exemptions – Critical Areas and Buffers; p. Show all trees to be retained in critical area buffers; and q. In all other areas of the site, trees to be removed may be indicated generally with clearing limit lines except for protected trees. The location, size, and species of all protected trees on a site shall be shown. The plan shall also differentiate any approved replacement trees from the protected trees. Replacement trees may be authorized in accordance with RMC 4-4-130H1e, Replacement Requirements, and the number of replacement trees shall be determined pursuant to any planned replanting areas in accordance with RMC 4 -4-130H1c, Calculating Tree Retention.  11. Arborist Report: A report prepared by a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect that correlates with the Tree Retention/Land Clearing Plan and identifies size, species, health, and reason for any removal. The report shall identify the limits of disturbance for all retained trees.  12. 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 a report if ANY wetlands are located on the subject property or within 100 feet of the subject property. The wetland report/delineation must be prepared by a qualified professional and include the 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.  13. Habitat Data Report that includes: a. Site Plan: The site plan shall indicate: rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 6 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS • The vegetative cover types reflecting the general boundaries of the different plant communities on the site; • The exact locations and specifications for all activities associated with site development including the type, extent and method of operations; • Top view and typical cross-section views of critical habitat/wildlife habitat to scale; • The results of searches of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Non-Game Data System databases; • The results of searches of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Priority Habitat and Species database. b. Narrative Report: A narrative report shall be prepared to accompany the site plan which describes: • The layers, diversity and variety of habitat found on the site • The location of any migration or movement corridors; • The species typically associated with the cover types, including an identification of any critical wildlife species that might be expected to be found; • Identification of any areas that have been previously disturbed or degraded by human activity or natural processes; • A summary of existing habitat functions and values, utilizing a habitat evaluation procedure or methodology approved by the City; • A summary of proposed habitat alterations and impacts and proposed habitat management program. Potential impacts may include but are not limited to clearing of vegetation, fragmentation of wildlife habitat, expected decrease in species diversity or quantity, changes in water quality, increases in human intrusion, and impacts on wetlands or water resources. (Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000)  14. Flood Hazard Data: Flood hazard data includes: 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 or 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 watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of proposed development.  15. 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); rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 7 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS • 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); • 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 rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 8 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS • 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 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.  16. Biological Assessment/Critical Area 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; 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; rentonwa.gov/permitservices | planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7294 03/26/2024 Page 9 of 9 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS • 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. REVIEW PROCESS Once a complete application package has been accepted for initial review, it will be routed to other City departments and other jurisdictions or agencies that may have an interest in it. The reviewers typically have two (2) weeks to return their comments to the Planning Division. After consideration of all received comments, the Planning Division will issue a decision. The decision to approve, conditionally approve or deny the permit application will be mailed to all persons listed on the master application. APPEAL AND RECONSIDERATION PROCESS FOR DECISIONS Any person, including the applicant, aggrieved by the granting or denial of an application, may make a written application for reconsideration to the Planning Division Director within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of the decision. After review of the request, the Planning Division Director may take whatever action is deemed proper The written decision on the reconsideration request will be mailed to all parties of record within ten (10) days from the date the request was filed. If any party is still not satisfied after a reconsideration decision has been issued, an appeal may be submitted within 14 days to the Hearing Examiner. An appeal may be filed without first requesting reconsideration by the Reviewing Official; however, it must be filed within fourteen (14) days of the date when the original decision was issued. See RMC 4-8- 110 for further information on the appeal process and time frames. 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.