HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_ERC_Report_Watershed_Apartments_210819_v3_FINALDEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT
ERC Meeting Date: August 23, 2021
Project File Number: PR21-000258
Project Name: Watershed Apartments
Land Use File Number: LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Project Manager: Alex Morganroth, Senior Planner
Owner: GMD Renton LLLP, 520 Pike St, Suite 1010, Seattle, WA 98101
Applicant/Contact: Steve Dymoke, GMD Development, 520 Pike St, Suite 1010, Seattle, WA 98101
Project Location: 617 Williams Ave S (APN 1723059069; 1723059136; 1823059115; 1823059282)
Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review, Preliminary Planned
Urban Development approval, and Final Planned Urban Development approval to
construct (6) story, 66.5-foot tall standalone residential building. The subject site
is located across four parcels addressed as 615 and 617 Williams Ave S (APNs
1723059069, 1723059136, 1823059115, and 1823059282. The four (4) parcels
total 1.34 acres in area. The three (3) southern-most parcels are located in the
Center Downtown (CD) zoning district and Commercial Mixed Use (CMU)
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation. The northern-most parcel is located
in the Residential-14 (R-14) zone and Residential High Density (RHD)
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation. All four (4) parcels are located in the
City Center Sign Area overlay and Urban Design District A overlay districts. The
site is developed with an existing multi-family building located at 615 Williams S
and a standalone billboard at 617 Williams S. The ground floor of the proposed
building would consist of 57 stalls of structured parking, a lobby, and back of
house spaces. The five (5) floors above would include 145 affordable housing units
and various amenity spaces. Approximately 45 surface parking stalls would be
located along the north side of the site. Primary vehicle access to the site is
proposed via a driveway of Williams Ave S, with emergency access provided via a
secondary controlled-access driveway off of S Grady Way. A pedestrian
promenade is proposed along the east side of the site connecting S Grady Way to
the Burnett Linear Park west of the site. Frontage improvements including a
sidewalk, planter strip, and curb and gutter are proposed along S Grady Way and
Williams Ave S. The project site is within a High Seismic Hazard area and the
Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2. The applicant is proposing to remove all five (5)
trees on the site. The applicant has submitted a transportation impact analysis,
geotechnical report, arborist report, and technical information report with the
application.
Exist. Bldg. Area SF: 2,389 SF Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
24,538 SF
150,335 SF
Site Area: 58,090 SF Total Building Area GSF: 150,335 SF
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a
Determination of Non-Significance - Mitigated (DNS-M).
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 2 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
Project Location Map
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
B. Mitigation Measures
1. The project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted
Updated Geotechnical Study, prepared by Earth Solutions NW, LLC, dated June 10th, 2020, and
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 shall install pedestrian signalization and channelization elements for the crossing
between the SE corner of the project site and the SW corner of the S Grady Way/Williams Ave S
intersection. The elements may include, but are not limited to, a painted crosswalk, a pedestrian
signal, or an in-street crossing signs. The proposed elements shall be reviewed and approved by
the Current Planning Project Manager prior to civil construction permit issuance. Williams Ave S Smithers Ave S S 6th St
S 7th St
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 3 of 9
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Map
Exhibit 4: Boundary & Topographic Survey
Exhibit 5: Landscape Plan
Exhibit 6: Elevations
Exhibit 7: Color Rendering
Exhibit 8: Floor Plans
Exhibit 9: Grading Plan
Exhibit 10: Utilities Plan
Exhibit 11: Tree Retention and Land Clearing Plan
Exhibit 12: Technical Information Report, prepared by AHBL, dated November 2020 (revised May
2021)
Exhibit 13: Updated Geotechnical Engineering Study, prepared by Earth Solutions NW, LLC, dated
June 10, 2021
Exhibit 14: Arborist Report, prepared by Bartlett Urban Forestry Services, dated July 1, 2020
Exhibit 15: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by Transpogroup, dated May 2021
Exhibit 16: Shade and Shadow Analysis
Exhibit 17: Advisory Notes
Exhibit 18: William Ave S Two-Way Conversion Plan
C. 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: The 58,090 sf (1.33 ac) subject property is currently developed with a multi-family structure on
the northern portion of of the property and a standalone billboard abutting the S Grady Way ROW on the
southern end of the site (Exhibit 2). A gravel parking areas and a driveway is located near the multi-family
structure. The site topography is almost completely flat with only a one-foot elevation change across the
site (Exhibit 4). City of Renton (COR) maps has identified the site is within a High Seismic Hazard Area and
the within Wellhead Protection Area Zone 2.
The applicant’s geotechnical engineer, Earth Solutions NW, completed an initial geotechnical investigation
on March 22, 2018 and an additional investigation on May 22, 2020. The initial investigation program
included the excavation of two test pits to assess soil conditions and one hollow stem auger boring to a
depth of 46.5 feet. The engineer completed three additional borings as part of the updated geotechnical
engineering study to depths of 46.5 feet. The soils encountered in the field included a relatively thick layer
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 4 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
of very loose to medium dense alluvial sediments consisting predominately of silt and sand layers.
According to the Report, a relatively deep topsoil layer was encountered extending up to two feet belo w
existing grades. Fill was not encountered but may be present in areas where former structures were
removed. Underlying the topsoil, the boring encountered very loose to medium dense alluvial and
floodplain deposits consisting of silty fine sand and sand were encountered extending to the maximum
exploration depth. A thin layer of peat was encountered at two boring locations (B-1 and B-101 from
about 21 to 21.5 feet below grade.
Groundwater was encountered approximately six feet (6’) to nine feet (9’) below existing site elevations
during the engineer’s investigation. The engineer anticipates that this represents the seasonal
groundwater table in the area and the groundwater likely fluctuates and may become shallower during
the wet winter months. In addition, two ground water wells were installed on the site to monitor water
levels during 2020 to 2021 winter rainy season. Due to the types of soils on the site, the engineer
anticipates the potential for liquefaction during a seismic event to be high. Based on the results of a
computer model (Liquefy5), total settlement in the range of five (5) to ten (10) inches may occur during
seismic event with strong shaking.
The geotechnical engineer anticipates that the structure would be six (6) stories in height with one level
of concrete and five (5) levels of wood frame supported by a post-tensioned slab. In addition, the
geotechnical engineer anticipates that building loads would be moderate and that site grading would
include cuts of one foot or less. A preload program is recommended in order to reduce settlement due to
the soil conditions encountered. The applicant anticipates approximately 3,400 cubic yards of fill and
limited to no excavation (Exhibit 9). If soils are found to be loose or softened in the footing subgrade, they
may be replaced with control density fill.
According to the geotechnical engineer, soil erosion potential at this project site can be reduced through
landscaping and surface water runoff control. Normal erosion control measures include such items as
fences, hay bales, mulching, control ditched and diversion trenches.
The applicant’s geotechnical engineer recommends supporting the building on a uniform subgrade and
foundation support using either piles or a ground improvement due to the presence of liquefiable soils to
variable depths below the property. Foundation options include the use rammed aggregate piers, stone
columns, or other vibro-installed elements sunk to depth of at least 40 feet. If ground improvement
methods are used, the building slab should be underlain with a minimum four-inch thick crushed rock
layer. Alternatively, the applicant may utilize 18-inch diameter augercast piles driven to a depth of at least
40 feet. The building slab should be structural supported by the pile foundation system if piles are used.
Additional recommendations related to retaining wall construction, drainage, and paving. Earth Solutions
NW, LLC recommends that their firm be retained during construction and final design phase of the project.
As such, staff recommends a mitigation measure that the applicant comply with the recommendations
found in the submitted Geotechnical Investigation, prepared by Earth Solutions NW, LLC, dated June 10,
2020, and future addenda. Additionally, as the geotechnical report was prepared prior to the final design
of the project, staff recommends as a mitigation measure, the applicant’s geotechnical engineer 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).
Mitigation Measures:
1. The project construction shall comply with the recommendations found in the submitted
Updated Geotechnical Study, prepared by Earth Solutions NW, LLC, dated June 10th, 2020, and
future addenda.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 5 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
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).
Nexus: City of Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy L-36; State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
Environmental Review, RMC 4-3-050 Critical Areas Regulations and RMC 4-4-060 Grading, Excavation and
Mining Regulations.
2. Air
Impacts: The site is fronted by Williams Ave S to the east, S Grady Way to the south, and is bordered by a
multi-family apartment building to the north and a vacant commercial building to the west (Exhibit 3).
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. Long term emissions from vehicles owned by residents and delivery
companies would occur following project completion.
No further site specific mitigation for the identified impacts from typical vehicle and construction exhaust
is required.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
3. Water
a. Ground Water
Impacts: The COR mapping system has identified the property located within the Wellhead Protection
Zone 2 and therefore open facilities and open conveyance systems may require a liner in accordance
with the 2017 Renton Surface Water Design Manual. No open facilities or convenance systems are
proposed and therefore the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) for stormwater
control is available. Appropriate on-site BMPs will be required to help mitigate the new runoff created
by this development. The site’s proposed residential use does not typically represent a type of use
that would potentially harm the City’s groundwater. Further, site excavations are extremely limited
and likely would not encounter groundwater as it was found to be 6 to 10 feet below grade. However,
approximately 3,400 cubic yards of fill is anticipated to be brought on the site and therefore any offsite
fill materials shall be from a verifiable source in order to ensure it is clear of contaminants. The City’s
grading and excavation regulations require imported fill in excess of 50 cubic yards within a Wellhead
Protection Zone to provide a source statement certified by a qualified professional or confirm the fill
was obtained from a WDOT approved source.
No further site specific mitigation for the identified impacts is required if the project complies with
the grading and excavation regulations.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
b. Storm Water
Impacts: The applicant submitted a Technical Information Report, prepared by AHBL, dated
November 2020 (revised May 2021); Exhibit 12) with the application. The report analyzes existing
conditions and proposed surface water collection and distribution.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 6 of 9
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According to the TIR Report, the project site is located within the Peak Rate Flow Control Standard
Area matching existing conditions and is within the Black River Drainage Basin. The project proposes
more than 5,000 sf of new plus replaced impervious surfaces, and so enhanced basic water quality
treatment is required. Appropriate BMPs satisfying Core Requirement #9 in the 2017 Renton Surface
Water Design Manual are required to mitigate the new runoff to the extent feasible. The applicant
proposes to use a BioPod system to treat stormwater runoff for water quality. A direct connection to
the existing 24-inch storm main in S Grady Way is proposed via underground pipes and catch basins.
The development would be subject to a surface water system development charge (SDC) fees. It is
anticipated that the requirements set forth by the 2017 City of Renton Surface Water Design Manual
(2017 RSWDM) would be sufficient to mitigate stormwater impacts generated by the proposed
development.
A Construction Stormwater Permit from Department of Ecology is required due to clearing and
grading of the site exceeding one acre. The applicant must obtain the permit and provide proof prior
to Civil Permit issuance.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
4. Vegetation
Impacts: The subject property contains some existing paved and gravel surface parking, and existing
duplex, unmaintained ground cover including Himalayan blackberry and various grasses, as well as five (5)
trees. The applicant’s Arborist Report, prepared by Bartlett Urban Forestry Services, dated July 1, 2020
(Exhibit 5), indicated the site contains one significant tree (one 29.7-inch cottonwood tree) and four (4)
landmark trees (cottonwood trees ranging in size between 36.2-inches to 56.3-inches). The report
identified the three (3) of the cottonwood trees as in fair to good condition and two (2) of the cottonwood
trees in poor condition with a high likelihood of failure. The location of four (4) of the cottonwood trees
are located within the footprint of the proposed building and the location of the fifth tree, rated as in poor
condition, is immediately adjacent to the proposed building which could potentially create a danger to
the building and occupants. The landscape architect recommends that all five (5) trees on site be removed
and replaced. In addition to the on-site trees, the report identifies six (6) trees on the adjacent properties
to the north and west whose driplines extend onto the project site. The size of the trees ranges between
13-inches and 28-inches and the species include Alaska yellow cedar, black cottonwood, Deodar cedar,
and Hollywood juniper. The report concludes that all six (6) trees are viable and can be protected by
implementing the City’s tree protection standards during construction. The report also concludes that
removal of the on-site trees would not impact the viability of the offsite trees.
Pursuant to RMC 4-4-130.H, tree retention standards in commercial zones require a minimum of 10
percent (10%) of the site’s significant trees to be retained during and post development. Of the single
significant tree and four (4) landmark trees, the applicant is not proposing to retain any of the site’s trees.
New tree planting would occur as part of the proposal along the street frontage and around portions of
the new building. The landscape plan calls for trees in excess of the three (3) required replacement trees
and includes twelve (12) vine maple and nine (9) round-lobed sweet gum species. The proposed new trees
would serve as a visual buffer for the proposed structure.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
5. Aesthetics
Impacts: The proposed building would be 6-stories in height and with a maximum height of approximately
73’-6” to the top of the stair access roofline (Exhibits 6 and 7). The building includes a step down north
side of the building adjacent to the existing apartments on the abutting parcel. The step down would be
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 7 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
5-stories in height with a maximum height of 58’-6” at the parapet and integrated rooftop deck. Exterior
features include significant glazing on ground floor facades that face a public ROW and concrete with
board formed finish on the remaining façade area. Other features include fiber cement siding in both light
and dark colors on the upper levels (levels 2-6), a second floor interior courtyard area, painted metal
canopies, dark bronze metal used for the roof coping and individual residential decks. The building’s
pedestrian-oriented treatments include architectural design elements at the lower level for human scale
including decorative metal screens, first floor floor-to-ceiling windows, longboard metal soffit above the
cantilevered second story over the primary entries, and spandrel glazing with graphics. Design elements
on the upper levels include tall modulations that extend from the second floor to the roof, sloped roofs
with extended parapets, and the integration of multiple outdoor areas including a second floor landscaped
courtyard areas above the concrete podium and a fifth floor rooftop deck with programmed space. Units
on the south-east, south-west, and east facades include residential decks with dark bronze railings and
tempered glass for fall protection that add visual interest and articulation to the bays used for modulation.
Outside of the building, ground level planting areas abut the east and southwest facades of structure and
include a variety of trees and shrubs for visual interest as well as integrated bench seating for pedestrians.
A public promenade area consisting of scored concrete with integrated grass-crete sections would be
located adjacent to the south-west façade and includes bench seating for users and aa variety of trees
and shrubs (Exhibits 5).
The applicant would be required to meet Urban Design Regulations for overlay District ‘A’ as a component
of the land use application. For example, the site design requires that building location and orientation
include appropriate transitions between buildings, parking areas, and other land uses when siting
structures.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
6. Light and Glare
Impacts: The addition of new light sources on the subject property would increase the light and glare in
the area and could create localized light impacts if not properly designed. Onsite lighting would include
interior and exterior building lighting. According to the applicant, no glare from the project is anticipated
to be a public safety hazard or interfere with views. At a minimum, a photometric analysis would be
required with the civil construction permit application demonstrating compliance with the standards
listed in RMC 4-6-060.I. The installation of street lights may be required to comply with the illumination
standards for Principal (S Grady Way) and Minor Arterial (Williams Ave S) streets.
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
7. Environmental Health
Noise
Impacts: Noise impacts would primarily result from the construction of the proposed road improvements
and new structures. The construction noise would be regulated through the City’s adopted noise level
regulations per Chapter 8-7, RMC. The City’s noise regulations limit haul hours between 8:30 am to 3:30
pm, Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by the Development Services Division. Permitted
work hours in or near residential areas are restricted to the hours between seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and
eight o’clock (8:00) p.m. for multi-family construction activities from Monday through Friday. 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 (Exhibit 20).
Temporary noise impacts are anticipated that would be commonly associated with multi-family
development.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 8 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation is recommended.
Nexus: N/A
8. Transportation
Impacts: A Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by Transpogroup and dated May 2021, was submitted with
the project application (Exhibit 15). The submitted report concludes that the proposed development is
anticipated to generate 758 average daily trips (ADT) with 50 new AM peak-hour trips and 62 PM peak-
hour trips. Since the proposed project is anticipated to generate more than 20 AM or PM peak-hour trips,
a full Traffic Impact Analysis was required to be submitted. Increased traffic created by the development
would be mitigated by payment of transportation impact fees. The transportation impact fee that is
current at the time of building permit application will be levied. The impact fee in effect for 2021 is
$6,717.10 per attached dwelling unit.
Vehicular access to the site is proposed via Williams Ave S. Street Improvements are regulated by RMC 4-
6-060 – Street Standards. See below:
Williams Ave S – Williams Ave S is classified as a Minor Arterial street with an existing right-of-way (ROW)
width of approximately 60 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for Minor Arterial streets
with four (4) lanes a minimum ROW width of 91 feet is required. Williams Avenue S will be converted from
a one-way street to a two-way street as part of a City capital improvement project. The project is expected
to be completed by the end of 2021. Per RMC 4-6-060 half of street improvements as taken from the ROW
centerline shall be required and include a minimum 54-foot paved road (27 feet each side), a 0.5-foot
curb, a 12-foot sidewalk with street tree grates, and storm drainage improvements. The City’s
Transportation Department has determined a modified minor arterial street section is appropriate for this
portion of Williams Avenue S and would result in the curb line remaining in the existing location in order
to maintain the existing paved roadway width. The parcel falls just outside of the City’s downtown
planning area along Williams Ave S, however the City’s Downtown Streetscape Design Standards and
Guidelines will be applied and street improvements fronting this site would be required to include a new
12-foot sidewalk, street trees (4’ x 8’ grates) behind the curb, and street lighting meeting City’s arterial
street lighting levels.
A minimum 12-foot sidewalk behind the existing curb line with street trees in tree grates will be required.
The sidewalk will be approximately 18 feet in width near the intersection of S. Grady Way and Williams
Avenue S. Right of way dedication will be required to one foot clear from the back of sidewalk. Per COR
Maps approximate required right of way dedication along the Williams Avenue S. frontage will be five-
feet (5’).
S Grady Way – S Grady Way is classified as a Principal Arterial street with an existing right-of-way (ROW)
width of approximately 77 feet. To meet the City’s complete street standards for Principal Arterial streets
with five (5) lanes, a minimum ROW width of 103 feet is required. Per RMC 4-6-060 half street
improvements as taken from the ROW centerline shall be required and include a minimum 66-foot paved
road (33 feet each side), a 0.5 foot curb, a 12-foot sidewalk with street tree grates, and storm drainage
improvements. The City’s Transportation Department has determined a modified minor arterial street
section to reduce the sidewalk width and establish a landscape strip to buffer pedestrians from the travel
lanes is appropriate for this portion of S Grady Way. The modified section would result in the curb line
remaining in the existing location and an eight-foot (8’) planter strip and eight-foot (8’) sidewalk would be
required.
Pedestrian Improvements: As part of the proposed project, sidewalks would be constructed along the
frontage of the site and would connect to the existing sidewalk system. Williams Ave S is currently planned
to be converted from a one-way to a two-way street as part of a funded City of Renton capital
improvement project currently in the preliminary design phase (Exhibit 18). The conversion, combined
with the completion of the subject project, is expected to increase traffic volumes at the intersection and
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development
Watershed Apartments
Staff Report to the Environmental Review Committee
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Report of August 23, 2021 Page 9 of 9
SR_ERC_Report_Watershed Apartments_210819_v3_FINAL
increase the number of vehicular turning movements. Future residents of the apartments are highly likely
to cross the adjacent intersection in order to access services on the south side of S Grady Way such as
restaurants, retail, and a grocery store. In order to ensure that future residents are able to safely cross S
Grady Way, staff recommends as a mitigation measure that the applicant install pedestrian signalization
and channelization elements for the crossing between the SE corner of the project site and the SW corner
of the S Grady Way/Williams Ave S intersection. Elements may include, but are not limited to, a painted
crosswalk, a pedestrian signal, or an in-street crossing signs. The proposed elements shall be reviewed
and approved by the Current Planning Project Manager prior to civil construction permit issuance.
Concurrency – A concurrency recommendation will be provided in the staff report to Hearing Examiner
based upon the test of the citywide Transportation Plan, consideration of growth levels included in the
LOS‐tested Transportation Plan, payment of a Transportation Mitigation Fee, and an application of site
specific mitigation. The development will have to meet the City of Renton concurrency requirements.
Increased traffic created by the development would be mitigated by payment of transportation impact
fees. The transportation impact fee that is current at the time of building permit application will be levied.
Mitigation Measures: The applicant shall install pedestrian signalization and channelization elements for
the crossing between the SE corner of the project site and the SW corner of the S Grady Way/Williams
Ave S intersection. The elements may include, but are not limited to, a painted crosswalk, a pedestrian
signal, or an in-street crossing signs. The proposed elements shall be reviewed and approved by the
Current Planning Project Manager prior to civil construction permit issuance.
Nexus: Renton Comprehensive Plan Policy T-24; State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental
Review, RMC 4-6-060 Street Standards, William Ave S Two-Way Conversion Plan, Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition
9. Fire & Police
Impacts: Police and Fire Prevention staff indicated that sufficient resources exist to furnish services to the
proposed development; provided the applicant constructs Code required improvements and pays
associated impact fees (Exhibit 17).
Mitigation Measures: No further mitigation recommended.
Nexus: Not applicable.
D. 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 17).”
✓ 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).
✓ Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in
writing on or before 5:00 p.m. on September 7, 2021. Due to the ongoing state of emergency enacted by
Governor’s Proclamation 20-05, the City Clerk’s Office is working remotely. For that reason, appeals must be
submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub
only on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be
collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. 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.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4
CITY OF RENTON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
EXHIBITS
Project Name:
Watershed Apartments
Land Use File Number:
LUA21-000239, ECF, PPUD, FPUD
Date of Meeting
August 23, 2021
Staff Contact
Alex Morganroth
Senior Planner
Project Contact/Applicant
Steve Dymoke
GMD Development
520 Pike St, Suite 1010,
Seattle, WA 98101
Project Location
617 Williams Ave S (APN
1723059069; 1723059136;
1823059115; 1823059282)
The following exhibits are included with the ERC Report:
Exhibit 1: Environmental Review Committee (ERC) Report
Exhibit 2: Site Plan
Exhibit 3: Neighborhood Map
Exhibit 4: Boundary & Topographic Survey
Exhibit 5: Landscape Plan
Exhibit 6: Elevations
Exhibit 7: Color Rendering
Exhibit 8: Floor Plans
Exhibit 9: Grading Plan
Exhibit 10: Utilities Plan
Exhibit 11: Tree Retention and Land Clearing Plan
Exhibit 12: Technical Information Report, prepared by AHBL, dated November 2020 (revised May
2021)
Exhibit 13: Updated Geotechnical Engineering Study, prepared by Earth Solutions NW, LLC, dated
June 10, 2021
Exhibit 14: Arborist Report, prepared by Bartlett Urban Forestry Services, dated July 1, 2020
Exhibit 15: Traffic Impact Analysis, prepared by Transpogroup, dated May 2021
Exhibit 16: Shade and Shadow Analysis
Exhibit 17: Advisory Notes
Exhibit 18: William Ave S Two-Way Conversion Plan
DocuSign Envelope ID: 2E989192-1BB5-4C86-AEBE-F3D7DE4225C4