HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Cedar_River_AptsDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Project Location Map
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: June 14, 2021
Project File Number: PR19-000306
Project Name: Cedar River Apartments
Land Use File Number: LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Project Manager: Matt Herrera, Current Planning Manager
Owner: Andy Loos, SRMRenton LLC, 720 6th Street S., Suite 100, Kirkland, WA 98033
Applicant/Contact: David Maul, Rutledge Maul Architects, 19940 Ballinger Way NE, Suite A-3,
Shoreline, WA 98155
Project Location: 1915 Maple Valley HWY, Renton, WA 98057
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental Review, Master Site Plan Review, Site
Plan Review for Phases 1 and 2, and a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit
for a phased mixed-use development that would include 481 multifamily dwelling
units, 4,852 square feet of commercial space, and a 25,000 square feet of medical
office building located at 1915 Maple Valley Highway. The southern boundary of
the subject property abuts the Cedar River. Vehicle access would be provided via
Cedar River Park Drive and from Maple Valley Highway. The site would
accommodate 761 vehicle parking spaces. The applicant proposes to fill a portion
of the river floodplain within a southern section of the proposed building footprint
and provide compensatory flood storage southwest of the fill site. Associated site
improvements related to drainage, street frontage improvements along Maple
Valley Highway and Cedar River Park Drive, restoration and public access along the
Cedar River shoreline, and general landscaping are also proposed.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
174,189 sq.ft.
719,550 sq. ft.
Site Area: 546,121 sq. ft.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance- Mitigated (DNS-M).
Site
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 2 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND
The subject property is located at 1915 Maple Valley Highway abutting the Cedar River (Exhibit 2). The site is
546,121 square feet (12.54 acres) and currently vacant. The previous use of the site was a cement sand and gravel
facility. The comprehensive plan and zoning designation of the site is Commercial Office Residential (COR) and it is
located in the Cedar River Community Planning Area. Overlay zones affecting the subject property include Urban
Design District ‘C’, Airport Influence Area – Traffic Pattern Zone, Shoreline High-Intensity and Cedar River Reach ‘C’.
The applicant is requesting Environmental Review, Master Site Plan Review, Site Plan Review for Phases 1 and 2, and
a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit for a phased mixed-use development that would include 481
multifamily dwelling units, 4,852 square feet of commercial space, and 25,000 square feet of medical office space
(Exhibit 3 and 4). The applicant proposes a three (3) phase project (Exhibit 5) with construction of Building ‘A’,
surface parking and vehicle circulation, shoreline restoration, and street frontage improvements in the initial phase,
construction of Building ‘B’ in the second phase, and construction of the medical office building in the final phase.
The proposed Buildings A and B would be five (5) stories in height (Exhibits 6 and 7) and setback a minimum of 100-
feet from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of the Cedar River. Ground floor commercial space would be
located along the north elevation of Building B. Within the middle of Buildings A and B, amenity and property office
space would be provided within a two-story step-down component of the structure. The remaining portions of the
exterior structure would be wrapped with dwelling units with the exception of areas needed for necessary
utility/mechanical/refuse rooms and bicycle storage along the ground floor (Exhibit 8). The proposed office building
(Exhibit 9) would contain a single-floor of medical office space with higher ceilings and the appearance of second
story glazing, however the building would contain only ground floor medical office tenant space with sub-grade
parking (Exhibit 10).
Vehicle access to the site would be from Cedar River Park Drive and right-in/right-out access located 350-feet south
of the signalized Cedar River Park Drive/Maple Valley Highway intersection (Exhibit 11). The fully developed site
would contain 761 vehicle parking spaces. Buildings A and B would provide 645 structured parking spaces and the
medical office building would provide 60 below grade structured parking spaces. A surface parking lot would provide
an additional 56 spaces. New planter strips with street trees, sidewalks, curb, gutter, and lighting would be provided
along the site’s Cedar River Park Drive and Maple Valley Highway frontages.
The site‘s southern boundary abuts the Cedar River. The City’s mapping system has identified a Flood Hazard and
Wellhead Protection Zone 1 on the site. King County has identified a Channel Migration Zone on the site. An existing
bulkhead is located along the southern boundary except for the far western portion of the property. The applicant
has proposed to fill a portion of the flood storage area (Exhibits 12 and 13) to accommodate a southern portion of
the building. To compensate for the loss of existing flood storage, the applicant proposes to grade additional areas
southwest of the building to provide additional flood storage. The applicant’s proposal would maintain a minimum
100-foot setback for Buildings A and B from the OHWM. Within the setback area, the applicant has proposed
shoreline habitat restoration and pedestrian access amenities (Exhibits 14-18).
PART TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project
impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations.
A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation
Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials:
Issue a DNS-M with a 14-day appeal period
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 3 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
B. Mitigation Measures
1. The project shall comply with the recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by Terracon
Consultants Inc., dated October 31, 2018 and any future addenda.
2. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building permit plans
to verify compliance with the geotechnical report(s). The geotechnical engineer shall submit a sealed
letter stating that he/she has reviewed the construction and building permit plans and in their opinion
the plans and specifications meet the intent of the report(s).
3. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall provide notes on the construction and building permit plans
identifying when onsite geotechnical engineer supervision of construction events is recommended.
4. The applicant shall submit a Final Technical Information Report (TIR) with the civil construction permit
application that includes qualitative and quantitative analysis demonstrating compliance with the Water
Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan. The analysis shall provide
justification for the currently proposed stormwater improvements, or if needed, an amended proposal
to comply with the conservation plan as it relates to salmon health, habitat, and effects from the
project’s stormwater discharge into the Cedar River. The analysis and any amendments to the proposed
stormwater improvements needed to comply with the conservation plan shall be reviewed and
approved by the Development Engineering Plan Reviewer prior to permit issuance.
5. The applicant shall submit an archeological survey prepared by a qualified professional with the civil
construction permit application. Consultation with Concerned Tribes shall occur prior to survey
activities. Based on the results and recommendations of the survey, an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan and
onsite monitoring during construction activities by a professional archeologist funded by the applicant
may be required.
6. The applicant shall reconfigure the northbound Cedar River Park Drive to provide dual left turn lanes
with a shared right turn lane (curb lane). To support this new channelization, the applicant shall install
signal detection, signal head modifications, and overhead signage on the east side mast-arm at the
intersection of Cedar River Park Drive and Maple Valley Highway. The applicant shall submit plans to
construct these off-site improvements with the civil construction permit application to be reviewed and
approved by Development Engineering and Transportation staff prior to permit issuance.
7. The applicant shall fully fund the installation and configuration of the Adaptive Traffic Control System
(ATCS) Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique (SCOOT) along intersections impacted by the proposal
including NE 3rd Street/Monterey Drive NE and those identified in the Cedar River Apartments
Independent Transportation and Mitigation Analysis (Exhibit 34) prepared by Transpo Group dated May
7, 2021. Installation, configuration, and operation of the SCOOT system shall occur prior to Temporary
Certificate of Occupancy of the first building.
8. The applicant shall identify and propose potential traffic calming measures to be located within the
Cedar River Park parking lot to discourage project related cut-through traffic. The traffic calming
proposal shall be coordinated and approved by the Community Services Department. Approved traffic
calming measures shall be installed prior to Temporary Certificate of Occupancy of the first building.
C. Exhibits
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Boundary and Topographic Survey
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Landscaping Plan
Exhibit 5: Phasing Plan
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 4 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Exhibit 6: Elevations and Renderings Building A
Exhibit 7: Elevations and Renderings Building B
Exhibit 8: Floor Plans Buildings A and B
Exhibit 9: Elevations and Renderings Medical Office
Exhibit 10: Floor Plans Medical Office
Exhibit 11: Civil Sheets (Grading, Storm Drainage, and Utility)
Exhibit 12: Flood Boundary Map
Exhibit 13: Compensatory Storage Plan
Exhibit 14: Shoreline Site Plan and Sections
Exhibit 15: Shoreline Landscaping Plan
Exhibit 16: Shoreline Grading and Trail Plan
Exhibit 17: Tree Retention Plan
Exhibit 18: Arborist Report, prepared by the Watershed Company dated October 2018
Exhibit 19: Geotechnical Report prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated October 31, 2018
Exhibit 20: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated June 10,
2019
Exhibit 21: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum No. 2 prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated May
21, 2020
Exhibit 22: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum No. 3 prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated July
24, 2020
Exhibit 23: Scour Analysis prepared by The Watershed Company, dated March 30, 2020 ( Revised
July 10, 2020)
Exhibit 24: Secondary Geotechnical Review Memoranda prepared by GeoEngineers, Inc., dated
October 28, 2019, July 8, 2020, and October 12, 2020
Exhibit 25: Channel Migration Risk Assessment Memorandum prepared by The Watershed
Company, dated April 8, 2020
Exhibit 26: Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F) Form
Exhibit 27: Critical Areas Report prepared by The Watershed Company, dated October 2018
Exhibit 28: Department of Ecology (DOE) No Further Action Letter, dated October 31, 2019 and
Environmental Covenant recorded on July 16, 2020
Exhibit 29: Drainage Report (Technical Information Report), prepared by KPFF Consulting Engineers,
dated January 11, 2019
Exhibit 30: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Comments dated August 29, 2019
Exhibit 31: Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) prepared by William Popp Associates, dated July 6, 2020
Exhibit 32: Secondary Transportation Review Memoranda prepared by Transpo Group, dated
December 2, 2019 and April 29, 2020
Exhibit 33: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Comments dated September
9, 2019
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 5 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Exhibit 34: Cedar River Apartment Independent Transportation and Mitigation Analysis prepared by
Transpo Group, dated May 7, 2021
Exhibit 35: Applicant Response to Transpo Group Analysis, dated June 7, 2021
Exhibit 36: Transportation Concurrency Test Memorandum, prepared by City of Renton
Development Engineering Manager, dated November 6, 2020
Exhibit 37: Duwamish Tribe Comments dated April 1, 2021
Exhibit 38: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 39: Advisory Notes
D. Environmental Impacts
The Proposal was circulated and reviewed by various City Departments and Divisions to determine whether the
applicant has adequately identified and addressed environmental impacts anticipated to occur in conjunction
with the proposed development. Staff reviewers have identified that the proposal is likely to have the following
probable impacts:
1. Earth
Impacts: As provided in the applicant’s geotechnical report prepared by Terracon Consultants, Inc,
(Terracon) dated October 31, 2018 (Exhibit 19) the surficial geology of site is shown as Qac –
Quaternary, Cedar River alluvium per the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the
observed onsite soils were consistent with the geologic mapped units and were predominantly alluvial
deposits overlain by fill. Subsurface conditions include a relatively shallow unit of loose to very dense
existing fill, loose to medium dense sand of variable silt and gravel content, and medium dense to very
dense sand and gravel alluvium. The initial stratum fill layer contained anthropogenic debris including
concrete, brick, wood, plastics, metal, and fabric. The western portion of the subject property contains
concrete-like soils that were likely hardened through the leaching of wet cement from the site’s
previous use. A total of seven (7) soil borings and 12 test pits were completed by the geotechnical
engineer.
The site’s previous industrial use resulted in soil contamination. Soil contaminants of concern that were
identified were gasoline-, diesel-, and oil-range petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH-G, TPH-D, and TPH-O),
and formaldehyde. The applicant participated in the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE)
Voluntary Cleanup Program and removed approximately 23,600 cubic yards of high pH, oil
contaminated, formaldehyde, and petroleum contaminated soils. Additionally, the applicant removed a
600-gallon heating oil underground storage tank. On October 31, 2019 the applicant received a No
Further Action opinion letter from DOE (Exhibit 28). The letter states, in part, that no further remedial
action is necessary to clean up contamination at the site and the opinion is dependent on the continued
performance and effectiveness of the post-cleanup controls and monitoring that are required by the
agency. See Groundwater section 3.b for controls, monitoring, and environmental covenant.
Restrictions, limitations, and monitoring standards of the environmental covenant are anticipated to
mitigate soil contamination impacts.
City of Renton (COR) mapping indicates the site may contain sensitive and protected slopes. The
geotechnical report states slope areas along the Cedar River are generally present due to natural stream
processes as the river has eroded and steepened the upland soils. Isolated sensitive slopes upland of the
river would be leveled during site grading to support the proposed development. A protected slope
along the southeastern portion of the property would not be impacted as most of the area is within the
100-foot OHWM buffer area. No proposed structure encroachments are proposed within the protected
slope or its 15-foot setback.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 6 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
COR mapping also indicates the site is within a High Seismic Hazard Area. The geotechnical report states
that based on the site’s geology and subsurface groundwater conditions, the hazard of liquefaction of
the site’s soils is moderate to high for the subject property during a design level earthquake and is most
likely to trigger between 18 and 32 feet below the ground surface. Liquefaction-induced settlements are
estimated to range from 2 to 6 inches. Horizontal movements from lateral spreading are estimated to
range from ½ to 3 feet.
Due to the above-referenced potential for seismic induced vertical and lateral movements and cost
effectiveness of deep foundations to mitigate movements, the geotechnical engineer has recommended
the use of mat foundations over aggregate piers. As the geotechnical report has confirmed the seismic
hazard indicated on the City’s Critical Areas Map and the potential for liquefaction was deemed
moderate to high based on geotechnical modeling conducted by the applicant’s consultant, staff
recommends mitigation measures related to following the recommendations of the geotechnical report,
review of the construction and building permit plans by the geotechnical engineer to ensure compliance
with intent and recommendations of the report, and onsite supervision by the geotechnical engineer
during identified stages of construction.
The applicant anticipates approximately 2,673 cubic yards of excavation and approximately 42,417 cubic
yards of fill to support the construction of the proposed development. As the site is located within the
Downtown Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1, a Fill Material Source Statement prepared by a
professional engineer or licensed geologist would be required prior to stockpiling or grading any
imported fill on the subject property pursuant to RMC 4-4-060N.4.e. Alternatively, the applicant could
obtain fill from a WSDOT approved source and thereby avoid the need for a source statement (RMC 4-4-
060N.4.i).
Mitigation Measures:
a. The project shall comply with the recommendations of the geotechnical report, prepared by
Terracon Consultants Inc., dated October 31, 2018 and any future addenda.
b. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall review the project’s construction and building
permit plans to verify compliance with the geotechnical report(s). The geotechnical engineer
shall submit a sealed letter stating that he/she has reviewed the construction and building
permit plans and in their opinion the plans and specifications meet the intent of the report(s).
c. The applicant’s geotechnical engineer shall provide notes on the construction and building
permit plans identifying when onsite geotechnical engineer supervision of construction events is
recommended.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy L-36; RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations; and RMC
4-4-060 Grading, Excavation, and Mining Regulations.
2. Air
Impacts: It is anticipated that some temporary air quality impacts could be associated with site work and
building construction required to develop this site. Project development impacts during construction
may include dust as a result of grading and exhaust from construction vehicles and equipment. Dust
control would be mitigated through the use of temporary erosion control measures, watering or other
measures to remediate impacts as needed (Exhibit 38).
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Wetland, Streams, Lakes
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 7 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Impacts: The subject property borders the Cedar River along its southern property line and 200-feet
landward of the OHWM and floodway is designated a shoreline jurisdiction under the State’s
Shoreline Management Act and City of Renton Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP
environmental designation assigned to the subject property is Shoreline High Intensity and it is
located in the Cedar River Reach C (CR-C). Additional portions of the property are mapped within
the Floodway, Special Flood Hazard Area – FEMA Zone AE, and the King County Department of
Natural Resources has mapped the property with a Channel Migration Zone – Severe Hazard Area.
The scope of the project requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, which the applicant
has requested as a component of the land use application.
The shoreline is armored from the far eastern boundary of the site forming the OHWM to the west
central portion of the shoreline where a constructed settling pond that functioned during the
previous concrete facility use. West of the settling pond, the shoreline armoring extends
approximately 170-feet and then the bank slopes gradually for the remaining shoreline area
between the armoring and the abutting Renton Community Center property. The applicant has
proposed to retain the existing shoreline armoring and incorporate a minimum building setback of
no less 100-feet from the OHWM as shown on the Site Plan (Exhibit 3). The applicant has submitted
geotechnical analysis specific to bulkhead stability (Exhibits 20-22) and scour study (Exhibit 23)
based on comments from the City’s secondary reviewer GeoEngineers (Exhibit 24).
As provided in the Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum and two revisions of the addendum prepared
by Terracon, dated June 10, 2019, May 21, 2020, and July 24, 2020, respectively (Exhibits 20-22), the
shoreline armoring along the subject property consists of a concrete bulkhead ranging in height
from 9 to 18 feet from the settling pond to the eastern extent of the subject property. The survey
(Exhibit 2) indicates the bulkhead west of the settling pond ranges from approximately 4 to 10 feet.
The toe of the wall consists of mass concrete along the base with concrete blocks stacked vertically
and embedded into the mass. Reconnaissance by Terracon found no evidence of wall distress and
the stability addendum suggests the bulkhead has not moved since its initial construction that
occurred approximately 1961-1962 per the scour analysis (Exhibit 23).
The applicant provided a scour analysis, prepared by The Watershed Company dated July 10, 2020,
(Exhibit 23) to identify any potential for scour to occur at the base of the bulkhead and undermine
the shoreline armoring along the subject property. The analysis identified a scour pool at the
easternmost section of the property’s shoreline with no other areas along the subject property
appearing to have adverse scour potential. The scour pool depth was estimated at 8.5 feet. The
analysis modeled the potential for further scouring in this pool that would result from 50-year and
100-year floods based on Army Corps of Engineers data and found a 100-year scour depth increase
of 0.55 feet. River geometry and reconnaissance by The Watershed Company indicates the 100-year
scour depth would likely be shallower at other sections along the subject property.
Per comments from the City’s secondary geotechnical reviewer GeoEngineers (Exhibit 24), the
applicant provided a final revision to the Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum prepared by Terracon
dated July 24, 2020 (Exhibit 22) that evaluated the stability using a scour depth of 9.1 feet based on
the above referenced scour depth of 8.5 feet and 100-year flood increase of 0.55-feet and to
consider potential cracks within the existing bulkhead. The factor of safety analysis found the
existing bulkhead does not appear to be at risk of failure from scour and for seismic events there is a
potential for some movement of the bulkhead wall near the settling pond in one of the models. The
analysis concluded that potential wall movements from a seismic event could be addressed via
maintenance. The City’s secondary geotechnical reviewer’s final review letter dated October 12,
2020 (Exhibit 24), concludes the level of stability is not appropriate for areas that would directly
impact inhabited structures, which is not proposed, but it is appropriate for the proposed riparian
buffer and appropriate for the proposed building setbacks from the OHWM.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 8 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
The Watershed Company also provided a Channel Migration Risk Assessment dated April 8, 2020
(Exhibit 25). The analysis found that the Cedar River upstream from I-405 for approximately two (2)
miles contains an incised reach with narrow, irregular meanders, and hardened banks. Most outside
bends contain levees and revetments. Additionally, the subject property contains concrete bulkhead
along most of the OHWM. Historical imagery of the subject property shows no side channel
development, channel avulsion or significant bank erosion that is indicative of channel migration.
The memo states that there are no geomorphic or photogrammatic indicators of a historical
migration area since the construction of the Seattle City Light Masonry Dam and that based on the
analysis there is no evidence to support a channel migration hazard on the subject property. The
memo concludes that the channel migration zone mapped by King County is based on unarmored
areas of the Cedar River and thereby would not apply to the subject property.
As shown on the Flood Boundary Map and Compensatory Storage Plan (Exhibits 12 and 13), the
applicant proposes to fill portions of the subject property’s floodplain to accommodate the location
of the proposed building and infrastructure. The applicant has also submitted a Conditional Letter of
Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F) form (Exhibit 26) that, if approved by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, would result in the building’s exclusion from the flood hazard area as
indicated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) map. The Compensatory Storage Plan (Exhibit 13)
proposes approximately 883 cubic yards of fill to be placed within the existing floodplain. The
applicant proposes to excavate approximately 1,374 cubic yards to provide compensatory flood
storage. Additionally, the river side wall of the settling pond is proposed to be reduced thereby
providing approximately 2,126 cubic yards of flood storage. The net increase in flood storage with
the floodplain excavation and settling pond storage results in 2,616 cubic yards. It is anticipated the
Critical Areas Regulations will adequately mitigate impacts to the Cedar River floodplain.
The Critical Areas Report, prepared by The Watershed Company dated October 2018 (Exhibit 27),
states vegetation is limited to few areas with much of the property consisting of compacted gravel.
As a component of Phase I of the Master Plan (Exhibit 5), the applicant proposes restoration of the
riparian buffer as identified in the Shoreline Landscaping Plan (Exhibit 15). Proposed vegetation
would include native species suitable for high visibility, view preservation, and forested conditions.
Bioswale and meadow planting would be located in stormwater and areas in and around the settling
ponds, respectively. The applicant would also regrade the riparian area and construct passive trails
and as shown on the Shoreline Grading and Trail Plan (Exhibit 16). The riparian restoration and trail
plan will be reviewed for compliance with the Shoreline Master Plan Regulations as a component of
Shoreline Substantial Development Permit.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: N/A
b. Ground Water
Impacts: The subject property is located in the Downtown Wellhead Protection Area Zone 1. The
site’s previous industrial use resulted in groundwater contamination. Groundwater contaminants of
concern that were identified were formaldehyde, arsenic, and highly alkaline pH. The applicant
participated in the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) Voluntary Cleanup Program and
removed approximately 23,600 cubic yards of high pH, oil contaminated, formaldehyde, and
petroleum contaminated soils and 3,000 gallons of groundwater. On October 31, 2019, the applicant
received a No Further Action opinion letter from DOE. The letter states, in part, that no further
remedial action is necessary to clean up contamination at the site and the opinion is dependent on
the continued performance and effectiveness of the post-cleanup controls and monitoring that are
required by the agency (Exhibit 28).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 9 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
The following post-cleanup controls have been deemed necessary by DOE: (1) Existing or future
buildings shall not be constructed or altered in any manner that would expose contaminated soil or
ground water, result in a release of contaminants, or create a new exposure pathway, without prior
written approval of DOE; (2) No groundwater extraction with the exception of investigation,
monitoring, or remediation performed in accordance with requirements imposed by DOE for the
site; and restrictions on future stormwater facility infiltration. Additionally, the site will be required
to undergo groundwater monitoring for a minimum of five (5) years beginning October 2019.
The applicant has entered into an environmental covenant with DOE that was recorded July 16,
2019 (Exhibit 28). The covenant specifies post cleanup control and monitoring requirements. The
covenant also requires the applicant to submit groundwater monitoring reports to the City’s Water
Utility. Restrictions, limitations, and monitoring standards of the environmental covenant are
anticipated to mitigate groundwater impacts.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
c. Storm Water
Impacts: The applicant’s preliminary Technical Information Report (TIR) prepared by KPFF
Consulting Engineers, dated January 11, 2019 (Exhibit 29) indicates drainage from the site discharges
to the Cedar River which then flows northwest to Lake Washington. Existing stormwater conveyance
near the site is limited to infrastructure in the Maple Valley Highway and Cedar River Park Drive
right-of-way, with no existing onsite stormwater improvements.
The proposal requires full drainage review under the 2017 Renton Surface Water Design Manual
(RSWDM). Based on the City of Renton’s flow control map, the site falls under Flow Control Duration
Standards (Forested Conditions) and is located within the Lower Cedar River drainage basin. The
subject property is located within a Wellhead Protection Zone 1, which precludes the use of Best
Management Practices (BMPs) that rely on stormwater infiltration, open stormwater facilities, and
connections to subsurface drains.
The subject property is located within an Enhanced Basic Water Quality treatment area per the
RSWDM. The applicant proposes to discharge the stormwater from the project via direct discharge
into the Cedar River. Targeted pollution generating impervious surfaces would be treated via three
(3) Filterra system units. Two of the water quality units would be located northwest of the traffic
roundabout and the third would be located between Building B and Maple Valley Highway near the
right-in right-out ingress/egress. Flows from the water quality units and non-pollution generating
surfaces are proposed to be piped with two (2) outfalls on the Cedar River, one (1) outfall located in
the former location of the washout basin and one (1) outfall approximately 385-feet to the west.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe submitted comments (Exhibit 30) concerning several aspects of the
project including the direct discharge proposal into the Cedar River and its effect on the health and
survival of juvenile salmon. Special Requirement #1 of the 2017 RSWDM requires that projects
located where a salmon conservation plan has been adopted comply with the drainage requirement
of the specific adopted plan. The Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Chinook Salmon
Conservation Plan was adopted by Resolution No. 3761 and provides a comprehensive action list for
the Cedar River. The applicant’s preliminary TIR (Exhibit 29) does not address compliance with the
WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan and does not address the Tribe’s concerns with increased
water velocities. Therefore, staff recommends as a mitigation measure the applicant demonstrate
compliance with the WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan prior civil construction permit
issuance.
A final TIR addressing items in the Advisory Notes (Exhibit 39) will be required to be prepared and
submitted with the civil construction permit. During site construction, the applicant would be
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 10 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
required to implement temporary erosion and sediment control measures. Such measures would
include but are not limited to silt fences, conveyance swales, check dams, a sediment pond with a
liner, catch basin inserts, mulching of exposed areas, and dust control.
Mitigation Measure: The applicant shall submit a Final Technical Information Report (TIR) with the
civil construction permit application that includes qualitative and quantitative analysis
demonstrating compliance with the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 Chinook Salmon
Conservation Plan. The analysis shall provide justification for the currently proposed stormwater
improvements, or if needed, an amended proposal to comply with the conservation plan as it
relates to salmon health, habitat, and effects from the project’s stormwater discharge into the
Cedar River. The analysis and any amendments to the proposed stormwater improvements needed
to comply with the conservation plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Development
Engineering Plan Reviewer prior to permit issuance.
Nexus: City of Renton Resolution No. 3761; WRIA 8 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan; and 2017
RSWDM
4. Vegetation
Impacts: Nearly all the subject property consists of impervious surfaces void of any vegetation with the
exception of areas along the shoreline. Per the City’s tree retention standards, the site contains no
existing significant trees as the 53 total trees are located within critical areas or their buffers. All 53 trees
are deciduous and are made up of Black Cottonwood, Red Alder, Bigleaf Maple, and one (1) unknown
species. The largest tree on-site is a two-stem 48-inch-diameter Black Cottonwood. Four (4) other
deciduous trees, all black cottonwood, measure over thirty caliper inches. These five (5) trees represent
the only landmark trees on the parcel. The largest stands of trees are located in the southwest and
southeast corners of the subject property. These areas will remain largely intact with removal limited to
reduce hazards or provide public access to the shoreline (Exhibits 17 and 18).
The applicant proposes to retain 34 trees along the shoreline. The 19 trees proposed for removal are
either located in the future boardwalk alignment (8 trees), have risk of failure (1 tree), are growing out
of an existing wall that is to be retained (5 trees), would be adversely impacted due to grading (4 trees),
or would block public access to future pedestrian path (1 tree). Of the 19 trees to be removed, one (1)
tree is in good condition with the remainder fair, poor, or dead/dying. Two (2) large Black Cottonwoods
on the southwest portion of the site slated for removal would be made into snags for habitat.
The applicant has proposed a Shoreline Landscaping Plan (Exhibit 15) within the 100-foot vegetation
conservation buffer that would provide native planting with areas designated for high visibility, view
preservation, forest, bioswale, and meadow. Landward of the 100-foot vegetation conservation buffer,
the applicant has proposed a variety of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers along the property’s perimeter,
parking lot, planter strips, and exterior amenity areas (Exhibit 4).
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
5. Wildlife
Impacts: Habitat on the subject property is limited due the previous industrial use. The Critical Areas
Report (Exhibit 27) indicates the abutting Cedar River is known or modeled to contain Salmonids that
include project area. Salmonid species known or modeled to occur in the Cedar River include cutthroat
trout, bull trout, steelhead, kokanee, sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon. The applicant
proposes to construct buildings and infrastructure landward of the 100-foot vegetation conservation
buffer along the river’s shoreline and proposed shoreline restoration (Exhibits 14 and 15) would
presumably increase habitat along the river. See SEPA Mitigation Measure #4 related to stormwater
discharge into the Cedar River.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 11 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
6. Environmental Health
Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from the clearing of the site, construction of the proposed
infrastructure improvements, and future construction of the multifamily and medical office buildings.
The construction noise would be regulated through the City’s adopted noise level regulations per Title 8
Chapter 7, RMC. The City’s construction standards limit haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm,
Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by the Development Services Division. As the site is
within 300-feet of a residential area, permitted work hours are limited to Monday through Friday
between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. Work on Saturdays is restricted to the
hours between nine o’clock (9:00) a.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. No work is permitted on Sundays.
Noise impacts would be temporary and associated with construction. The City’s construction standards
are anticipated to adequately mitigate these impacts.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
7. Aesthetics
Impacts: The proposed multifamily buildings (Buildings A and B) would be five (5) stories and
approximately 60-feet in height at their highest point (Exhibits 6 and 7). Each building would contain a
rectangle shape containing the internal multilevel parking structure that would be wrapped with
residential units, amenity space, and ground floor commercial. Buildings would extend out with linear
wings that add modulation and visual interest to the building while breaking down bulk and scale. The
proposed two (2) multifamily buildings would be attached in the middle with a two (2) story leasing
office and amenity space. Cladding for Buildings A and B include various colored fiber cement panel,
metal panel, vinyl windows, commercial glazing, and architectural concrete.
The medical office building would be one (1) story but contain high ceilings and upper level glazing
resulting in a two (2) story appearance (Exhibit 9). Exterior cladding and articulation materials include
brick, fiber cement panel, storefront glazing, parapet cap, and steel canopies.
Mitigation of Cedar River view impacts would be via public access along the shoreline constructed by the
applicant as a component of Phase 1 (Exhibit 16). Buildings would be subject Urban Design District ‘C’
Standards. Review of these standards would occur during each individual site specific site plan review
application. It is anticipated that the City’s Shoreline Master Program regulations and Urban Design
Standards would adequately mitigate aesthetic impacts of the proposal.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
8. Historic and Cultural Preservation
Impacts: The City received a comment letter from the Duwamish Tribe on April 1, 2021 (Exhibit 37). The
letter generally opposes the applicant’s proposal and indicates the subject property is located near a
Duwamish Village the Tribe considers culturally significant and further states the site contains a high
probability to have unknown archaeological deposits. The Washington State Department of
Archeological and Historic Preservation online mapping system (WISAARD) identifies the site as Very
High Risk for environmental factors with archaeological resources and highly advises a survey. In the
comment letter, the Duwamish Tribe has requested an archeological survey be conducted in
consultation with the Tribe. Therefore staff recommends as a mitigation measure the applicant submit
an archeological survey prepared by a qualified professional with the civil construction permit
application.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 12 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall submit an archeological survey prepared by a qualified
professional with the civil construction permit application. Consultation with Concerned Tribes shall
occur prior to survey activities. Based on the results of the survey, an Inadvertent Discoveries Plan and
onsite monitoring by a professional archeologist funded by the applicant may be required.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policies L-45 and L-46; RCW 27.53 Archaeological Sites and
Resources and RCW 27.44 Indian Graves and Records
9. Transportation
Impacts: The subject property contains street frontage along Maple Valley Highway (SR169) and Cedar
River Park Drive. Maple Valley Highway is owned and maintained by Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) and is classified as a principal arterial by the City. Cedar River Park Drive is a
typical City of Renton street and classified as a commercial access street. The applicant has proposed
vehicle access on both Maple Valley Highway (right-in, right-out) and Cedar River Park Dive (full access).
Initial Traffic Analysis
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), prepared by William Popp Associates dated July 6, 2020 (Exhibit 31), is
the applicant’s most recent iteration intended to respond to comments by the City’s secondary reviewer
Transpo Group (Exhibit 32) and WSDOT (Exhibit 33) on previous TIA drafts. The City’s Public Works
Transportation staff indicated the applicant’s TIA evaluate the proposal’s AM and PM peak hour impacts
on the following intersections:
1. SR 169/Sunset Way/Bronson Way/I-405 Southbound On-Ramp
2. SR 169/I-405 Northbound On-Ramp
3. SR 169/Shari’s Driveway
4. SR 169/Cedar River Park Drive
The existing Level of Service (LOS) for AM/PM peak hour trips for the four (4) intersections are identified
in the TIA as operating at LOS B or better with the exception of Intersection #1 that is operating at LOS E
during the AM peak hour and LOS D in the PM peak hour. As noted in the TIA, all four (4) intersections
are impacted by traffic on I-405 and ramp metering conditions for Intersections 1 and 2. Ramp
congestion and queuing due to ramp metering results in spillback congestion through the four (4)
intersections and these conditions are not able to be quantified in the typical Synchro software that was
used to calculate existing LOS. City staff determined LOS estimates following project build-out would
need to include the effects of I-405 metering. To quantify the metering effects, the applicant utilized a
micro-simulation (Sim Traffic) analysis for AM/PM peak hour conditions at full project buildout and an
additional six (6) year horizon as requested by WSDOT.
The project’s trip generation at the completion of Phase 3 is estimated at 3,464 average weekday daily
trips with 236 AM peak hour trips (97 in and 139 out) and 297 PM peak hour trips (152 in and 145 out).
Half of all trips would go to I-405 (25% northbound and 25% southbound) with remaining trips headed
to Downtown Renton (10%), North Renton (15%), Highlands (10%), and the remaining 15% dispersed
eastbound on Maple Valley Highway toward Fairwood, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and other easterly
communities.
Typical Synchro LOS analysis on the four (4) intersections resulted in limited impact with the applicant’s
proposal at full buildout. LOS grading remains the same with project and without project in 2023 with
the exception of Intersection #4 that falls from an LOS A and six (6) second delay to LOS B and 11 second
delay. All intersections are anticipated to function at LOS D or better during the AM and PM peak hours.
This analysis was based on WSDOT improvements to Intersection #1 that include a dual westbound left
turn lane on SR 169 at the Sunset/Bronson/I-405 SB ramp intersection and the conversion of Sunset Blvd
southbound to two general purpose lanes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 13 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Sim Traffic analysis identifies programmed WSDOT improvements at Intersection #1, improvements to
the northbound I-405 HOV meter, forthcoming I-405 Express Toll Lanes, and the recently completed
SR167 to I-405 Direct Connector are anticipated to improve operation in and around the subject
property. The TIA indicates with these WSDOT improvements, the four (4) intersections are estimated to
operate at LOS D or better in the AM and PM peak hour with the Project’s traffic at full buildout and at
least six (6) years past that horizon year (2029) for the AM peak hour. The PM peak hour with and
without the project in 2029 would operate at LOS C or better at Intersections 2-4. Intersection #1 would
operate at LOS E with and without the project with a five (5) second delay with the project. Westbound
AM peak hour through queue lengths on Maple Valley Highway measured from Intersection #4 are
anticipated to be reduced from the existing average of 3,990-feet and maximum of 9,030-feet without
applicant proposal and without programmed WSDOT improvements to 180-feet average and 520-feet
maximum with applicant proposal and with WSDOT improvements in the 2023 horizon year.
Potential queuing impacts were identified on northbound Cedar Park Drive with the Sim Traffic analysis.
While the intersection is anticipated at a LOS B, maximum queues may extend into and/or block the
subject property’s driveway. The TIA recommends a dual left turn lane, shared right turn lane, signage,
and signal modifications. Therefore staff recommends as a mitigation measure, the applicant
reconfigure the northbound Cedar River Park Drive to provide dual left turn lanes with a shared right
turn lane (curb lane). To support this new channelization the applicant shall install signal detection,
signal head modifications, and overhead signage on the east side mast-arm. The applicant shall submit
plans to construct these off-site improvements with the civil construction permit application to be
reviewed and approved by Development Engineering and Transportation staff prior to permit issuance.
Independent Transportation Analysis
Following review of the applicant’s TIA and Transpo Group’s secondary review of the analysis, the
Environmental Review Committee directed City staff to further work with Transpo Group on review of
the project’s transportation related impacts resulting in the Cedar River Apartment Independent
Transportation and Mitigation Analysis, dated May 7, 2021 (Exhibit 34). The independent analysis was
prepared using the applicant’s existing TIA with its associated data files and direction from Public Works
Transportation Division staff. The analysis added two additional study intersections (N 3rd St and Sunset
Blvd N and Bronson Way and Houser Way), removed the I-405 ETL project as it would not be completed
until 2025, which is one year after the anticipated completion of the project, and included additional
performance criteria such as intersection LOS and delay by intersection approach, vehicle hours of
delay, and potential cut-through scenarios impacting Cedar River Park.
Key findings from the independent analysis indicate all six (6) study intersections would operate a LOS D
or better during AM and PM peak hours with the exception of Bronson Way/Houser Way which would
operate a LOS F with and without the project and the N 3rd St/Sunset Blvd intersection would drop from
an LOS D without the project to LOS E with the addition of the project related traffic in the peak hour.
Additional impacts include the following:
• The added project traffic would result in noticeable increase in delays on the northbound approach
at the Maple Valley Highway / Cedar River Park Drive intersection. The delays would be particularly
high during the AM peak hour due to congestion and vehicle queuing on Maple Valley Highway,
thereby limiting available capacity for vehicles to exit the project site.
• The average westbound vehicle queue length on Maple Valley Highway at the Cedar River Park Drive
intersection during the AM peak hour is expected to increase by approximately 450 feet (35
percent) due to the addition of project related traffic and little available remaining capacity along
the corridor.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 14 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
• The total vehicle hours of delay along Maple Valley Highway in the vicinity of the site would increase
by approximately 20 percent with the addition of project traffic.
• There is the possibility that between 15 to 24 project generated vehicles may utilize the route
through Cedar River Park as alternative access due to travel time advantages of avoiding the I-405 /
SR 169 interchange.
The independent analysis has recommended mitigation focused on improving performance and
reliability of the signal system at the Cedar River Park Drive/Maple Valley Highway intersection and
along the Maple Valley Highway corridor in the immediate vicinity of the site utilizing an Adaptive Traffic
Control System (ATCS). The adaptive system known as Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique
(SCOOT) would mitigate the project’s impact to vehicle queuing, intersection operations, and vehicle
hours of delay along Maple Valley Highway. Therefore staff recommends as a mitigation measure the
installation of an Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) such as Split Cycle Offset Optimization
Technique (SCOOT) fully funded by the applicant along intersections impacted by the proposal and those
identified in the Cedar River Apartments Independent Transportation and Mitigation Analysis (Exhibit
34) prepared by Transpo Group dated May 7, 2021.
The independent analysis has also recommended traffic calming measures within the Cedar River Park
parking lot to discourage project related traffic from utilizing the Cedar River Park parking lot to bypass
congestion around the I-405 interchange. Therefore staff recommends as mitigation measure the
applicant identify and propose potential traffic calming measures to be located within the Cedar River
Park parking lot to discourage project related cut-through traffic.
Safety
Collision history at the four (4) intersections over a three (3) year span indicates 74 total collisions,
which results in less than one collision per million entering vehicles. The TIA states that recent Institute
of Transportation Engineers (ITE) literature recommends intersections with more than one (1) collision
per million vehicles may warrant additional analysis and the applicant’s proposal would unlikely create
safety hazards or have a negative effect in collision rates.
Parking
The applicant proposes to provide parking to accommodate approximately 761 parking spaces at the
completion of the project. Phase 1 would provide 306 structured parking spaces within Building A and
56 surface parking spaces. Phase 2 would provide 339 structured parking spaces within Building B. Phase
3 would provide 60 structured parking spaces within Building C (medical office building). RMC 4-4-
080F.10.d requires a minimum of one (1) parking space per attached dwelling unit and allows a
maximum of 1.75 per unit. Commercial space (4,852 gross square feet proposed) is typically based on
net square footage or dining room area for eating establishments and generally ranges from two (2)
spaces per 1,000 net square feet and 10 spaces per 1,000 square feet of dining area. Medical dental
offices (25,000 gross square feet proposed) require a minimum and maximum of five (5) spaces per
1,000 square feet of net floor area. The TIA anticipates a portion of the surface parking spaces to be
allocated for the Phase 3 medical/office building and a portion of space within Phase 2 to be allocated
for the commercial space. Compliance with parking requirements would be further analyzed with each
specific administrative site plan review.
Frontage Improvements and Concurrency
The applicant would be required to construct street frontage improvements along Maple Valley Highway
and Cedar River Park Drive. The applicant would be required to dedicate right-of-way in varying widths
along the Maple Valley Highway frontage to accommodate a one-half (0.5) foot wide curb, eight (8) foot
wide planter strip with street trees, eight (8) foot wide sidewalk, and two (2) foot wide clear zone
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 15 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
behind the sidewalk. The applicant would also be required to dedicate right-of-way in varying widths
along Cedar River Park Drive to accommodate a Transportation Division supported modification of the
commercial access street standard. The curb line would remain in its location with a reconstructed one-
half foot (0.5) wide curb, eight (8) foot wide planter strip with street trees, six (6) foot wide sidewalk,
and two (2) wide clear zone behind the sidewalk. New channelization along the vehicle paved section
per the above-referenced mitigation measure would also be required.
The proposal has passed the City’s Traffic Concurrency Test per RMC 4-6-070.D (Exhibit 36), which is
based upon a test of the citywide Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the
LOS-tested Transportation Plan, site specific improvements, and future payment of Transportation
Impact Fees.
Mitigation Measures:
a. The applicant shall reconfigure the northbound Cedar River Park Drive to provide dual left turn
lanes with a shared right turn lane (curb lane). To support this new channelization the applicant
shall install signal detection, signal head modifications, and overhead signage on the east side
mast-arm. The applicant shall submit plans to construct these off-site improvements with the
civil construction permit application to be reviewed and approved by Development Engineering
and Transportation staff prior to permit issuance.
b. The applicant shall fully fund the installation and configuration of the Adaptive Traffic Control
System (ATCS) Split Cycle Offset Optimization Technique (SCOOT) along intersections impacted
by the proposal including NE 3rd Street/Monterey Drive NE and those identified in the Cedar
River Apartments Independent Transportation and Mitigation Analysis (Exhibit 34) prepared by
Transpo Group dated May 7, 2021. Installation, configuration, and operation of the SCOOT
system shall occur prior to Temporary Certificate of Occupancy of the first building.
c. The applicant shall identify and propose potential traffic calming measures to be located within
the Cedar River Park parking lot to discourage project related cut-through traffic. The traffic
calming proposal shall be coordinated and approved by the Community Services Department.
Approved traffic calming measures shall be installed prior to Temporary Certificate of
Occupancy of the first building.
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Goal T-A and RMC 4-6-060 Street Standards
10. Fire & Police
Impacts: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to
the proposed development; subject to the condition that the applicant provides Code required
improvements and fees.
Mitigation Measures: None recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
E. Comments of Reviewing Departments
The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments
have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant” (Exhibit 39).
✓ Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report.
The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14-day
appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Cedar River Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Report of June 14, 2021 Page 16 of 16
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on July 1, 2021. Due to Governor Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 (“Stay Home,
Stay Healthy”), the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be submitted
electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is
submitted, will be collected at a future date. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and
additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office,
cityclerk@rentonwa.gov. If the situation changes such that the City Clerk’s Office is open when you file your
appeal, you have the option of filing the appeal in person.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Cedar River Apartments
Land Use File Number:
LUA19-000161, ECF, SA-M, SSDP
Date of Meeting
June 14, 2021
Staff Contact
Matt Herrera
Current Planning
Manager
Project Contact/Applicant
David Maul
Rutledge Maul Architects
19940 Ballinger Way NE, Suite A-3,
Shoreline, WA 98155
Project Location
1915 Maple Valley HWY,
Renton, WA 98057
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Boundary and Topographic Survey
Exhibit 3: Site Plan
Exhibit 4: Landscaping Plan
Exhibit 5: Phasing Plan
Exhibit 6: Elevations and Renderings Building A
Exhibit 7: Elevations and Renderings Building B
Exhibit 8: Floor Plans Buildings A and B
Exhibit 9: Elevations and Renderings Medical Office
Exhibit 10: Floor Plans Medical Office
Exhibit 11: Civil Sheets (Grading, Storm Drainage, and Utility)
Exhibit 12: Flood Boundary Map
Exhibit 13: Compensatory Storage Plan
Exhibit 14: Shoreline Site Plan and Sections
Exhibit 15: Shoreline Landscaping Plan
Exhibit 16: Shoreline Grading and Trail Plan
Exhibit 17: Tree Retention Plan
Exhibit 18: Arborist Report, prepared by the Watershed Company dated October 2018
Exhibit 19: Geotechnical Report prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated October 31, 2018
Exhibit 20: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated June 10, 2019
Exhibit 21: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum No. 2 prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated May 21, 2020
Exhibit 22: Bulkhead Wall Stability Addendum No. 3 prepared by Terracon Consultants, dated July 24, 2020
Exhibit 23: Scour Analysis prepared by The Watershed Company, dated March 30, 2020 ( Revised July 10,
2020)
Exhibit 24: Secondary Geotechnical Review Memoranda prepared by GeoEngineers, Inc., dated October 28,
2019, July 8, 2020, and October 12, 2020
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1
EXHIBITS CONT…
SR_ERC_Cedar_River_Apts
Exhibit 25: Channel Migration Risk Assessment Memorandum prepared by The Watershed Company,
dated April 8, 2020
Exhibit 26: Conditional Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (CLOMR-F) Form
Exhibit 27: Critical Areas Report prepared by The Watershed Company, dated October 2018
Exhibit 28: Department of Ecology (DOE) No Further Action Letter, dated October 31, 2019 and
Environmental Covenant recorded on July 16, 2020
Exhibit 29: Drainage Report (Technical Information Report), prepared by KPFF Consulting Engineers,
dated January 11, 2019
Exhibit 30: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Comments dated August 29, 2019
Exhibit 31: Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) prepared by William Popp Associates, dated July 6, 2020
Exhibit 32: Secondary Transportation Review Memoranda prepared by Transpo Group, dated December
2, 2019 and April 29, 2020
Exhibit 33: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Comments dated September 9,
2019
Exhibit 34: Cedar River Apartment Independent Transportation and Mitigation Analysis prepared by
Transpo Group, dated May 7, 2021
Exhibit 35: Applicant Response to Transpo Group Analysis, dated June 7, 2021
Exhibit 36: Transportation Concurrency Test Memorandum, prepared by City of Renton Development
Engineering Manager, dated November 6, 2020
Exhibit 37: Duwamish Tribe Comments dated April 1, 2021
Exhibit 38: Construction Mitigation Description
Exhibit 39: Advisory Notes
DocuSign Envelope ID: 99BA427F-FE67-49CC-B142-9BE0760232C1