HomeMy WebLinkAboutCritical Areas Exemption-City of Renton-4-28-2021-1DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Page 1 of 6 | Published: 4/13/2021
Planning Division | 1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor | Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-7200 | www.rentonwa.gov
EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Published : 4/13/2021
PURPOSE
To allow certain activities to intrude into a critical area or required buffer subject to the City providing a letter of
exemption of any listed conditions or requirements.
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 Handout 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 .
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/
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.
Specific Code Section(s) related to this document
RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations
RMC 4-8 Permits – General and Appeals
EXEMPTION FROM CRITIC AL AREAS REGULATIONS SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (CONT ’D )
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APPLICATION AGREEMENT STATEMENT (WIRELESS ONLY)
A signed notarized statement indicating that: a) The applicant agrees to allow for the potential collocation of additional
wireless communication facility equipment by other providers on the applicant’s structure or within the same site location;
and b) That the applicant agrees to remove the facility within six (6) months after that site’s use is discontinued or if the
facility falls into disrepair, and restore the site to its pre-existing condition. If there are two (2) or more users of a single
wireless communication facility (WCF), then this provision shall not become effective until all users cease using the WCF.
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..
EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (CONT ’D )
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All Application Materials Required Unless Waived by City Staff
4. Critical Areas Exemption Form (attached): If the project consists of one of the listed activities eligible
for SEPA exemption.
5. Neighborhood Detail Map: Please provide a map drawn at a scale of 1" = 100' or 1" = 200' (or other
scale approved by the Planning Division) to be used to identify the site location on public notices and
to review compatibility with surrounding land uses. The map shall identify the subject site with a
much darker perimeter line than surrounding properties and include at least two cross streets in all
directions showing the location of the subject site relative to property boundaries of surrounding
parcels. The map shall also show: the property's lot lines, lot lines of surrounding properties,
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. Please ensure all information fits on a single map sheet.
6. 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. 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:
i. Structures
ii. parking, off-street loading space, curb cuts and aisle ways
iii. fencing and retaining walls
iv. free-standing signs and lighting fixtures
v. refuse and recycling areas
vi. utility junction boxes and public utility transformers
vii. storage areas and job shacks/sales trailers/model homes
g. Setbacks of all proposed buildings from property lines
h. Location and dimensions of all easements referenced in the title report with the
recording number and type of easement (e.g. access, sewer, etc.) indicated
i. Location and dimensions of natural features such as streams, lakes, required buffer areas, open
spaces, and wetlands
j. Ordinary high water mark and distance to closest area of work for any project located within
200-feet from a lake or stream.
7. Topography Map: Please provide a plan showing the site’s existing contour lines at five-foot vertical
intervals and planimetric features extending ten feet beyond the property boundaries.
8. Tree Retention/Land Clearing (Tree Inventory) Plan: Please provide a fully dimensioned plan drawn
by a certified arborist or a licensed landscape architect if ANY trees or vegetation are to be removed
or altered. The plan shall be based on finished grade, drawn at the same scale as the project site plan
with the northern property line at the top of the paper, and clearly show the following: :
a. All property boundaries and adjacent streets, location and dimensions of rights- of-way, utility
lines, fire hydrants, street lighting, and easements;
b. Location of all areas proposed to be cleared;
c. Location, species, and sizes of trees on or immediately abutting the site. This requirement applies
only to trees with a caliper of at least six inches (6"), or an alder or cottonwood tree with a caliper
EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (CONT ’D )
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All Application Materials Required Unless Waived by City Staff
of at least eight inches (8"), when measured at fifty-four inches (54") above grade;
d. Clearly identify trees to be retained and to be removed;
e. Future building sites and drip lines of any trees which will overhang/ overlap a construction line.
Where the drip line of a tree overlaps an area where construction activities will occur, this shall
be indicated on the plan; and
f. Show critical areas and buffers.
9. Arborist Report: Please provide an arborist report by a certified Arborist or a licensed Landscape
Architect that correlates with the Tree Retention/ Land Clearing Plan and addresses the following:
a. Identification scheme used for each tree (e.g. tree number)
b. Species and size of each tree (caliper measured at 54 inches above grade)
Reason(s) for any tree removal (e.g. poor health, high risk of failure due to structure, defects,
unavoidable isolation (high blow down potential), unsuitability of species, etc.) and for which no
reasonable alternative action is possible (pruning, cabling, etc.)
c. For trees proposed to be retained, a complete description of each tree' s health,
condition, and viability
d. For trees proposed to be retained, a description of the method(s)used to determine the limits of
disturbance (e.g., critical root zone, root plate diameter, or a case- by- case basis description for
individual trees)
e. A description of the impact of necessary tree removal to the remaining trees, including those in
a grove or on abutting properties;
f. The suggested location and species of supplemental trees to be used when required. The report
shall include planting and maintenance specifications; and
g. An analysis of retained trees according to Priority of Tree Retention Requirements specified in
RMC 4-4-130H.1.b.
10. Wetland Assessment: 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.
11. Standard Stream or Lake Study: 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 wate r-body or buffer is proposed a
supplemental stream or lake study and mitigation plan are also required.
12. Flood Hazard Data: Please provide a scaled plan showing the nature, location, dimensions, and
elevations of the area in question; existing or proposed structures, fill, storage of materials, and
drainage facilities. Also indicate the following:
a. Elevation in relation to mean sea level of the lowest floor (including basement) of all structures
b. Elevation in relation to mean sea level to which any structure has been flood-proofed;
c. Certification by a registered Professional Engineer or Architect the flood-proofing methods
criteria in RMC 4-3-050G.4.c have been met; and
d. Description of the extent to which a watercourse will be altered or relocated as a result of
proposed development.
13. Biological Assessment/Critical Areas Study: Please provide if the project is located in a designated
floodplain (RMC 4-8-120D.2).
14. Habitat Data Report: If the project site contains or abuts a critical habitat per RMC 4-3-050F.2.b,
please provide a report containing the information specified in RMC 4-8-120D.8.
15. Geotechnical Report: Please provide a study prepared and stamped by a State of Washington
licensed Professional Engineer including soils and slope stability analysis, boring and test pit logs, and
EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (CONT ’D )
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All Application Materials Required Unless Waived by City Staff
recommendations on slope setbacks, foundation design, retaining wall design, material selection, and
all other pertinent elements.
16. Letter of Understanding Geologic Risk: Please provide a letter from the applicant, or the owner of
the site, stating that he or she understands and accepts the risk of developing in an unstable area and
that he or she will advise, in writing, any prospective purchasers of the site, or any prospective
purchasers of structures or portions of structures on the site, of the unstable potential of the area.
17. Drainage Control Plan: Please provide a plan drawn to scale and stamped by a Washington State
licensed Professional Engineer and complying with the requirements of RMC 4-6-030 and the 2017
City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual (RSWDM).
18. Drainage Report: Please provide a report complying with the requirements of the City of Renton
Drafting Standards in RMC 4-6-030, and the 2017 King County Surface Water Design Manual as
adopted and amended by the City of Renton. The report (TIR) must be stamped and dated by a civil
engineer and shall contain the following:
• Table of Contents
• Technical Information Report (TIR) Worksheet
• Section 1: Project Overview
• Section 2: Conditions and Requirements Summary
• Section 3: Offsite Analysis
• Section 4: Flow Control and Water Quality Facility Analysis and Design
• Section 5: Conveyance System Analysis and Design
• Section 6: Special Reports and Studies
• Section 7: Other Permit
• Section 8: CSWPPP Analysis and Design
• Section 9: Bond Quantities, Facility Summaries, and Declaration of Covenant
• Section 10: Operations and Maintenance Manual.
19. Grading Plan, Detailed: Please provide a 22" x 34" plan drawn by a State of Washington licensed
Civil Engineer at a scale of 1" to 40' (horizontal feet) and 1" to 10' (vertical feet) (or other size plan
sheet or scale (approved by the Planning Division Plan Review Project Manager) clearly indicating
the following:
a. Graphic scale and north arrow
b. Dimensions of all property lines, easements, and abutting streets
c. Location and dimension of all on-site structures and the location of any structures within fifteen
feet (15’) of the subject property or which may be affected by the proposed work
d. Accurate existing and proposed contour lines drawn at five foot (5'), or less, intervals showing
existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage to include surrounding off-site contours
within one hundred feet (100') of the site;
e. Location of natural drainage systems, including perennial and intermittent streams and the
presence of bordering vegetation
f. Setback areas and any areas not to be disturbed, including the location, size and species of all
protected trees on site. Protected trees shall have the approximate drip line shown. The method
of tree protection during grading and construction shall be shown. If grade changes in the
vicinity of the protected trees are necessary, the method of reconciling the drip line with the
finished elevation shall be included (see RMC 4-4-130, Tree Retention and Land Clearing
Regulations)
g. Finished contours drawn at five foot (5') intervals as a result of grading;
h. Proposed drainage channels and related construction with associated underground storm lines
sized and connections shown; and
i. General notes addressing the following (may be listed on the cover sheet):
EXEMPTION FROM CRITICAL AREAS REGULATIONS SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS (CONT ’D )
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All Application Materials Required Unless Waived by City Staff
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.
i. Area in square feet of the entire property.
ii. Area of work in square feet.
iii. Both the number of tons and cubic yards of soil to be added, removed, or relocated.
iv. Type and location of fill origin, and destination of any soil to be removed from site.
v. Finished floor elevation(s) of all structures, existing and proposed. (Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000;
Ord. 5304, 9-17-2007)
RESOURCES
City of Renton Forms
Electronic File Standards
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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H:\CED\Data\Forms-Templates\Self-Help Handouts\Planning\Critical Areas Exemption.doc Rev: 2/2017
CRITICAL AREAS EXEMPTION
(FOR SEPA EXEMPT ACTIVITIES)
Planning Division
1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 425-430-7294 | www.rentonwa.gov
Applicant Name Project Name Phone Number
Parcel Number Project Address
Brief Description of Project
Type of Critical Area Work Occurs in
Critical Area
Work Occurs in
Buffer
PURPOSE: Exempt activities provided with a letter of exemption from the Development Services
Administrator may intrude into a critical area or required buffer (subject to any conditions or
requirements provided by the Administrator).
APPLICABILITY OF EXEMPTIONS: The following is a general list of activities that may be exempt from
the critical areas regulations. More specific descriptions of the activities are contained in the Critical
Areas Regulations. Some of the listed activities may not be exempt in certain critical areas. The Planning
Division will evaluate your request according to the City of Renton Critical Areas Regulations in RMC 4-3-
050C, J, L, and N.
I AM REQUESTING A CRITICAL AREAS EXEMPTION FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
Conservation, Enhancement, and Related Activities:
Conservation or preservation of soil, water, vegetation, fish, and other wildlife
Enhancement activities as defined in RMC 4-11
Any critical area and/or buffer restoration, or other mitigation activities that have been
approved by the City
Research and Site Investigation:
Nondestructive education and research
Site investigative work necessary for land use application submittals such as surveys, soil
logs, etc.
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Agricultural, Harvesting, and Vegetation Management:
Harvesting wild foods
Existing/Ongoing agricultural activities
Removal of dead, terminally diseased, damaged, or dangerous ground cover or hazardous
trees which have been certified as such by a forester, registered landscape architect, o r
certified arborist
Surface Water Alteration:
New surface water discharges provided the discharge meets the requirements of the
Storm and Surface Water Drainage Regulations
New or modified regional storm water facilities
Flood hazard reduction
Roads, Parks, Public and Private Utilities:
Relocation of Existing Utilities out of Critical Area and Buffer
Maintenance, operation, and repair of existing parks, trails, roads, facilities, and utilities
Installation, construction, replacement, or operation of utilities, traffic control, and
walkways within existing improved right-if-way or easement
Modification of existing utilities and streets by 10% or less
Management and essential tree removal for public or private utilities, roads and public
parks
Wetland Disturbance, Modification, and Removal:
Any activity in small Category 3 wetlands
Temporary disturbances of a wetland due to construction activities that do not include
permanent filling
Maintenance and Construction for Existing Uses and Facilities:
Remodeling, replacing, or removing existing structures
Normal and routine maintenance and repair of any existing public or private uses and
facilities where no alteration of the critical area and required buffer or additional fill
materials will be placed
Construction activity connected with an existing single family residence or garage,
provided that no portion of the new work occurs closer to the critical area or required
buffers than the existing structure and/or the developed area of the site
Existing activities which have not been changed, expanded or altered provided they
comply with the applicable requirements of RMC 4-10
Emergency Activities:
Removal of trees or ground cover by a City department, agency, public, or private utility in
an emergency situation
Public interest emergency use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials by
governmental organizations in an Aquifer Protection Area
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 http://apps.oria.wa.gov/opas/.
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I, the undersigned, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington, that to
the best of my knowledge the above information is true and complete.
Applicant Signature: Date:
For City Use Only
Exemption Granted
Exemption Denied
Jennifer Henning, Planning Director
Department of Community & Economic Development
Date
Conditions of Approval: